October 23, 2014

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VOL. 9, NO. 3010 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

2015: Presidency, PDP confused about Tambuwal

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•Miliatry probes ‘abduction’ of 40 women

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OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s yet unclear political future has sent panic into the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP).

They are worried about how to handle Tambuwal, should he defect to the All Progressives Congress(APC) to vie for Sokoto State governor.

The Presidency and the PDP are believed to be planning to take control of the House once Tambuwal moves to APC. In line with the agenda of the Presidency and the PDP,

Continued on page 4

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Ceasefire announcement ‘hasty’

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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P65

•Tambuwal

ALKS were on yesterday in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital, between a Federal Government team and Boko Haram representatives.

But the shape of the talks, those in the teams and the venue were shrouded in secrecy.

Chadian President Idris Derby is believed to be involved but top diplomatic sources could only confirm that they

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

were talking. They had no knowledge of the extent.

The Chadian talks are a follow-up to the initial decision in Saudi Arabia last week after which hope was raised on the release of the abducted 219 Chibok schoolgirls.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh announced a ceasefire.

But attacks by suspected sect members followed last Friday’s announcement.

Further clashes initiated by the sect’s fighters also occurred.

Besides, the military is said to be probing the reported abduction of no fewer than 40 women in Madagali, Adamawa State.

“I sense Nigeria rushed to Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: LEGENDARY WASHINGTON POST EDITOR BENJAMIN BRADLEE DIES AT 93 P68

APC governors to confront Jonathan as cash crisis bites Consensus candidate ‘okay’

A

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

LL Progressives Congress (APC) governors demanded yesterday an emergency meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan over the cash crisis that is crippling the states.

Besides, the governors said at a meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, that they had not endorsed any aspirant as their presidential candidate.

They supported the emergence of “a consensus candidate or any other candidate in so far as it is in tandem with the party’s internal democracy”.

The meeting was attended by Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

The governors were worried that allocation from the Federal purse keeps crashing, even as the central government says the country is not broke. Many states, they said, may not be able to pay their workers.

“On consensus, our forum is in full support of consensus as one of the ways to produce our presidential candidate or any candidate in the party for as long as it is done with regards to respect for internal democracy. There will be no imposition of candidate in our party”, the chairman of the forum Owelle Okorocha, said, reading the communiqué.

He went on: “Our forum has not adopted any candidate, neither has our Governors’ Forum WHEN WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS adopted any candidate, KIDNAPPED ON but we shall encourage APRIL 15 BE

?

FREED?

Continued on page 4

•From right: Aregbesola, Shettima, Ajimobi and Ameachi at the meeting...yesterday

‘

We refuse to accept that this nation is broke... if the nation is not broke, what is due to states as revenue should be paid to the states. This idea of cutting down what should go to states does not in any way promote democracy...We do not know why our colleagues in the PDP are not talking of this matter... it is either they are not affected or somehow they are getting something from the back door.

’

•SPORTS P24 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P51 •N/HEALTH P55 •E-BUSINESS P57

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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NEWS

Ebola-free but battling to recover

•From left: Director, Marketing and Innovation, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Gavin Pike; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Sesan Sobowale; Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu during a courtesy visit and facility tour by the Director-General to Guinness Nigeria, Ogba Brewery, Ikeja, Lagos.

Nigeria has been declared Ebola-free. So is First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, Lagos Island where it all started in the country. But both are grappling with post-Ebola challenges

F

• From left: Chairman, Advisory Board, Gemstone Nation Builders Foundation, Andu Afolabi; Head, Youth Segment, Airtel, Segun Aderinokun and CEO, Gemstone Group, Fela Durotoye at the "deliver the future", leadership and national building project press briefing in Lagos.

•From left: Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, mr. Olumide Oyetan; Compliance Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd, Mrs. Idu Okwuosa; Head, Business Development Stanbic Asset Management Ltd, Mr. Babalola Obilana and Managing Director/CEO Legacy Pension, Misbau Umar Yola during the Stanbic IBTC Exchange Traded Fund 30 dinner in Abuja .

IRST Consultants Hospital in Obalende, Lagos Island was where the country’s battle against the Ebola Virus started. Over three months after, the country is officially Ebola-free, but the hospital is struggling to recover. Doctors believe it will take the facility years to recover.

The 40-bed private clinic paid a high price in the outbreak, after the first patient with the Ebola virus was admitted on July 20.

Not only has it taken a financial hit from having to replace every piece of potentially contaminated equipment but it also suffered the human loss of much-respected staff with decades of expertise.

“The most precious equipment in a hospital are the people. I lost four of my most important staff,” Medical Director Benjamin Ohiaeri told AFP. “In the midst of this celebration (about Nigeria’s Ebola-free status), people died... and it’s because of them that this place is a safer place today.”

Liberian finance ministry official Patrick Sawyer was brought to First Consultants on July 20 and died five days later, sparking fear about its spread through Africa’s most populous nation.

The haemorrhagic fever, which has killed more than 4,500 in west Africa so far this year, was not initially diagnosed for three days and in that time, Sawyer infected 11 staff members.

In the entire outbreak in Nigeria, 19 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus and seven died.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday hailed Nigeria’s response to Ebola as a “spectacular success story”, saying every country should take note of how it handled the crisis.

Effective leadership and co-ordination were key to defying naysayers

who feared the country, with its under-funded and ill-equipped public healthcare system, would struggle to cope.

For Ohiaeri, the most credit should go to Stella Adadevoh, his most senior doctor and the person he had expected to take charge after his planned retirement next year.

Adadevoh physically stopped Sawyer from leaving, despite pressure from Liberia, preventing potentially thousands of people in crowded Obalende and beyond from becoming infected.

“He didn’t want to be treated. He pulled off his drip, he made sure that blood was everywhere, he did all kinds of things that were unspeakable and that’s when people got infected,” Ohiaeri said.

Adadevoh contracted Ebola and later died.

“She had been working with us for 21 years, one of the most brilliant physicians you’d have ever met. Humble, diligent, brilliant, I had always trusted her,” said Ohiaeri.

“How do you replace someone like that?”

After Sawyer’s death, the entire hospital had to be decontaminated and every piece of equipment, from the emergency room and laboratory to washing machines in the laundry, had to be replaced.

The clinic, which the US-trained Ohiaeri founded in 1982, was shut for two months, running up losses into the millions of dollars.

First Consultants, though, also faces an uphill battle to regain the trust of patients, with the stigma of Ebola still present despite Nigeria’s official allclear.

The hospital may be open and immaculately clean but patient numbers are down 10-fold, while some of its

In search of power supply for all An exhibition of latest electricity generating and distribution products tagged Power Nigeria kicks off next Tuesday as part of efforts to help the country increase its power capacity to 135 GW by 2030, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

•Head, Investigation and Enforcement Directocrate, National Agency for Food and Drug Ademistration an Contrl (NAFDAC), Kingsley Ejiofor (middle) speaking at a news conference on the agency in Lagos... yesterday. With him are from left: Assistant Director, Medical Devices and Chemicals and Deputy Director Foods (NAFDAC) Mr. Sherth Olagunju.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

N

EXT Tuesday, major players in the electricity generation and distribution industry will be headed for one place: the Eko Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. Their attention will be there till Thursday when the Power Nigeria exhibition will end.

The exhibition takes place following the Federal Government’s announcement that the country requires consistent investment in the power sector to ensure generation capacity of 135,000 megawatts (mw) is met by 2030.

An increase in power generation

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

3

NEWS

•The ward where the late Sawyer was admitted

doctors and nurses who survived Ebola say they are still treated with mistrust.

The four children of one nurse who had worked for 31 years at First Consultants and died from the virus were evicted from their home and the hospital had to find them emergency accommodation.

Dennis Akhaga, whose wife was a nurse and also died from the virus, said he met rejection in his community, including being refused access to shops.

He even lost his job with a Nigerian oil firm when his employer found out that his wife had died from Ebola.

Now, just as they were on the frontline of fighting Ebola in Nigeria, the medics say they want to help lead an awareness campaign about the virus.

“There’s a need to let people know more about this,” said Akinniyi Fadipe, a 29-year-old medical officer, who caught Ebola from Sawyer, survived and is now back at work.

“The same thing happened for HIV, too. Now, if you see someone with HIV, you won’t be scared because you know you can’t catch HIV like that.”

The hospital is steadily trying to get back to normal, with Nigeria told to remain on high alert while the spread of the virus continues in the West African region.

Ohaieri said the time was now right for Nigeria and others to help them, particularly financially, with other hospitals watching their situation closely.

“It needs to be put out there that how we are treated is very important going forward,” he added.

Foreign Minister criticises discrimination against Nigerians Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Wali has asked countries to stop further discrimination and stigmatisation of Nigerians over Ebola will bolster the country’s vast economic potentials, and move it further in line with its economic Vision 2020, as well as attain the level of economic height and prosperity of the BRIC countries.

Power Nigeria, according to the organizers, will serve as a comprehensive platform for international exhibitors to showcase their latest technological developments in the power generation, transmission and distribution, lighting, renewable, nuclear and water sectors.

“Skipper, a leading name in the field of power generation, transmission and distribution will be showcasing its capabilities at Power Nigeria, and will display some of its smart products such as energy management solutions, package substation and energy efficient transformers,” said the organizers.

Joint Group President and Group Director, Skipper Transmission and Distribution, Mr. Pankaj Sachdeva, said: “Power Nigeria is sure to provide a healthy and professional plat-

•Dr. Ohiaeri

• Dr. Fadipe

PHOTOS: AFP

Ebola: NLC, Falana criticise U.S.’s support to Africa

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) have criticised the United States, China and other prosperous nations for not doing enough to support countries being ravaged by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

NLC’s Vice-President Isa Aremu and Falana noted that unlike Cuba, which has deployed men and materials in support of countries troubled by the disease, the U.S. and China were still hesitant in fully supporting the war against Ebola in poor West African countries.

Aremu and Falana spoke in Abuja yesterday during a visit to the Cuban Embassy. They said their visit was to commend Cuba for assisting Africa in the fight against Ebola by sending medical professionals to the affected countries.

Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria Hugo Nilanes, who received the visitors, said 83 Cuban medical professionals departed for Liberia and Guinea on October 21 to join 165 others, who left Cuba on October 1, for Sierra Leone to help in the effect to rid the West African nations of the Ebola disease.

Falana said of all the nations of the world, particularly the prosperous ones, “it is only Cuba that has shown leadership. While the United States of America send troops to kill people after the main UN health body certified the country free of the virus.

Wali, in a speech delivered on Tuesday in Berlin at the Nigeria-German BiNational Commission (BNC), praised the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan in the fight against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

A statement of his speech was emailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday.

WHO declared Nigeria free of Ebola after it underwent two incubation periods of 21 days each without the appearance of any new cases.

“This is a testament of the personal commitment of President Jonathan to

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

around the world, Cuba sends doctors round the world to save lives.”

He said Nigeria could not afford to celebrate its status as an Ebola-free nation, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as Ebola-free, when other African nations were still battling with how to contain the scourge.

“Without other Africa countries being free of Ebola, Nigeria cannot afford to celebrate that it is Ebola free,” Falana said.

Falana, who said the relationship between Africa and Cuba dates back to the 1970s, urged the Nigerian government to collaborate with Cuba to ensure the eradication of curable diseases, such as malaria, which he said, Cuba had successfully eradicate.

Aremu, who spoke for NLC, described Cuba as “the moral capital of the world” and “a true friend of Africa”.

He added: “We are proud of the support of Cuba.

We have not seen such practical demonstration of support from countries, such as China, which make a lot of profit from Africa. I don’t know of any Cuban construction company operating in Nigeria.

“I think Cuba has shown that it is a true friend of Africa.”

the eradication of the disease.’’

He praised the aggressive efforts of the Nigerian Government and Nigerians who complied with the WHO instructions on preventive measures that have succeeded in containing the spread of the disease.

“In recognition of the variant and successful efforts of the Nigerian government, there is therefore no basis for stigmatisation and discrimination against Nigerians travelling all over the world,” he said.

Wali expressed concern that the achievement recorded by Nigeria cannot be said to be the case in neighbouring West African countries still

•Amadi

•Mathews

form for us to interact with our end users and decision makers and to offer them differentiated solutions to improve their operational efficiencies.

“The products that we are planning to display at the show are state-of-theart, and are upgraded through our con-

tinuous research and development exercises, with the objective of making them more dependable, energy efficient and environment friendly.”

The conference will feature renowned experts from the West African power industry discussing the lat-

Falana and Aremu said they were in favour of the suggestion by a US-based newspaper - the New York Times - that the country restores diplomatic ties with Cuba.

The New York Times had, in a recent editorial, described Cuba’s role in the fight against Ebola in Africa as “impressive”.

Aremu said “It is hypocrisy for the US to continue to send aids to Africa and yet keeps isolating African friends.”

Nilanes, who recalled that Nigeria and his country had enjoyed about 40 years of diplomatic relationship, said the friendship between both countries dated back to over 200 years during the era of slave trade.

“At the moment, more than 4,000 Cuban healthcare collaborators are working in 32 African countries and as our Public Health Minister will explain, they are all joining in the preventive effort against Ebola.

“Last October 1, in response to a request from the Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Margaret Chan, and United Nation Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon, a specialised Cuban medical brigade (comprising165 professionals) travelled to Sierra Leone to take part in the struggle against the Ebola epidemic,” Nilanes said.

battling the disease.

He called on development partners to increase support to current efforts at controlling the spread of the virus, particularly in the West Africa Sub region.

“Nigeria has donated the sum of $3.5 million towards this effort and would be happy to have Germany and our EU partners come on board,” he said.

Vaccine trials begin in Africa in January, WHO says The WHO is pressing the search for an Ebola vaccine and hopes to begin testing two experimental versions as early as January on more than 20,000

front-line health care workers and others in West Africa’s hot zone — a bigger rollout than envisioned just a few months ago.

An effective vaccine would not in itself be enough to stop the outbreak — for one thing, there probably won’t be enough doses to go around — but it could give important protection to the medical workers who are central to the effort. More than 200 of them have died of the disease.

The WHO, which has come under fire for bungling its initial reaction to the Ebola crisis, is helping co-ordinate trials of two of the most promising experimental vaccines.

est developments in the energy sector.

Delivering the keynote address will be the Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi. He will speak about current regulations in the country’s energy sector, what should be expected and how these regulations will impact business moving forward.

A set of panel discussions will also take place during the two-day conference starting with ‘Boosting capacity & reliability: What needs to happen to attain 2020 goals?’. This question will be discussed by the Chairman of Infrastructure Committee, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), R. I. Odiah; CEO, Bennett Industries Ltd, Prince Raymone Okuo, COO, Devon Petrogas and a lecturer, Department of Electrical/ Electronics Engineering, University of Lagos, P.O. Oluseyi. The session will examine what are the realistic goals leading up to 2020, and are there energy consumers that should take precedence in the race to supply en-

ergy.

Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Power Nigeria, Anita Mathews, thinks the free-to-attend conference is a vital platform for the industry to deliberate, discuss and eventually achieve their goals moving in to the next half decade.

“The conference provides the perfect platform for visitors to hear firsthand not only what the industry has planned in coming years, but what possible obstacles could stand in the way, and talk about solutions to overcome them.

“The Nigerian power sector has a clear vision of where it wants to be by the year 2020, and investment plays a key factor in reaching these goals.

Power Nigeria provides the platform for stakeholders to take this forward,” said Mathews.

Power Nigeria is organised in partnership with the Energy Institute, Nigeria Branch and is supported by the NERC and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

APC governors to confront Jonathan as cash crisis bites

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Continued from page 1

consensus and dialogue within the leadership of the party and aspirants to see how we come up with a candidate but where that is not possible, like true pro-

gressives, we shall have free and fair primaries from the APC.” On the dwindling revenue allocation from the federation account, Owelle Okorocha described the situation as “awful”, adding that many of the states might not be able to pay salaries.

Said he: “We looked at the dwindling resources of the state coming from FAAC on our monthly allocation, which has •From left: Governors Kwankwaso, Amaechi, Okorocha and Ahmed...yesterday made it imperative that most states may not afford to pay salaries as a result of the dwindling resources.

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja T was an epic battle last night as the meeting of “This has become a very serithe Federation Accounts Allocation Committee ministry of finance, Abuja, venue to huddle ous concern to us as governors (FAAC) over what to share to the tiers of together and review the offer. and we felt that issues that affect The issues responsible for the disagreement the lives of our people must nev- government for September.

Last week’s meeting in Enugu ended in a stalemate. was the outstanding debt owed by the Nigeria er be politicised. We refuse to accept that this nation is broke. I The states rejected what was offerred to be shared. National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the The same scenario was almost playing out over the Federation Account and what to do with the thank God that the Federal Government is not broke, that if the refusal of the Federal Government to allow the proceeds of the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

A commissioner told The Nation when the nation is not broke, what is due sharing of the N2.7 billion which it wanted taken into meeting was deadlocked, that the amount to states as revenue should be the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

Midway into the negotiations, commissioners of (figure) brought to the table was bad paid to the states. This idea of cutContinued on page 67 ting down what should go to finance trooped out of the auditorium of the federal states does not in any way promote democracy and democratic ting something from the back need to continue to pray for Ni- that have conducted free and fair geria for the successful 2015 elec- elections. dividends and so we as progres- door, which we do not know.

“It is our firm belief that our “But if that is not the reason, I tion, which every Nigerian is sive governors do call on the Fedparty will provide for Nigeria eral Government to look into the think the Presidency or the Fed- looking forward to.”

On the 2015 general elections, the long-awaited purposeful, viissue of dwindling resources or eral Government should act convince us as to why the states quickly on the present ugly sit- Okorocha said: “We must disap- sionary leadership, come 2015. should not get what is due to uation which this terrible condi- point those who believe that Ni- So we the APC governors are in tion of dwindling revenue has geria can never have free, fair full support of the activity of our them.

“We do not know why our col- caused us by making sure that and credible election by making party and assure Nigerians that leagues in the PDP are not talk- the states get what is due to them sure that 2015 shall come to pass we shall provide them a crediing of this matter. If they are not at least to pay the basic salaries and Nigeria will raise its head ble presidential candidate that high among the comity of na- will steer the affairs of this natalking, it is either they are not of the workers.

We also deliberated on the tions and be one of the countries tion in 2015.” affected or somehow they are get-

I

States force sharing of N2.7b from ECA

Synagogue: Outrage in South Africa over bodies

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HERE is outrage in South Africa over the late release of bodies of the over 84 nationals who died in the Synagogue Church building collapse in Ikotun, on the Lagos outskirts on September 12.

In all, 116 people died in the disaster into which the Lagos State government has initiated an inquest.

There was still no news on when the bodies will be returned home, a South African government spokesperson was quoted as saying yesterday.

“We still don’t know. Even as we speak now the laboratory (in Lagos) has not given us an update,” Phumla Williams said.

“We reckon by end of the

By Wale Adepoju

week there will be some information. You see, they are not commissioned by us, they are commissioned by the Nigerian government. So they are reporting directly to the Nigerian government, not to us.”

The Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Olawale Oke, said DNA samples for identification of the 116 victims had been concluded.

He said the hospital sent the specimens to South Africa and was awaiting the results of the analyses.

Oke said: “You are aware that an inquest is on now; so, there is limit to what I can tell you about

this.

“I can tell you that the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has collected the samples of family members of victims of the collapsed building for DNA testing at a Pathology and Forensic Medicine.

“This is to ensure that all victims of the collapsed building are properly identified and delivered to their various families for burial rites.

“The DNA is being done free.

“Because 80 per cent of the victims were South Africans, for us to take a specimen from the relations, you have to bring at least two relatives from South Africa to Nigeria.

“So, the state decided to select a laboratory in South Africa that

is equally competent to do the DNA so that 80 per cent of the relations who are South Africans could have their specimens taken.

“The specimens of their Nigerian victims have been flown to South Africa.

“The post-mortem for all of them have been conducted, the dental recognition process done, X-rays have been done where necessary; so, we are just waiting for the results to be out.”

LASUTH Board Chairman Dr Francis Williams said the hospital had the capacity to effectively manage crises and emergencies within the state.

On October 12, South African newspaper City Press quoted a Continued on page 67

Insurgency: House approves $1bn loan for Jonathan

HE coast is clear for President Goodluck Jonathan to obtain $1 billion loan to buy arms to bolster the fight against insurgency.

The House of Representatives yesterday concurred with the Senate to approve the presidential request.

The report of the Adeyinka Ajayi- headed Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management and the Committee on Finance, headed by Abdulmumin Jibrin, was tabled before the House for consideration.

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

The report, which was laid on Tuesday and given accelerated hearing yesterday, urged the House to “approve the request of Mr. President on the need for his administration to borrow not more than $1 billion for the purpose of tackling the current national security challenge”.

Members approved the four clauses in the report on the external borrowing.

While approving the loan, the House requested Finance MinContinued on page 67

Ceasefire announcement ‘hasty’ Continued from page 1

announce the deal with electoral-political calculations in mind,” said Mark Schroeder, vice president of Africa Analysis at the Stratfor consultan-

cy.

“Getting a victory with the schoolgirls and a short-term truce with Boko Haram could be positive for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign,” he said.

The announcement of the truce came a day before a rally of the president’s supporters in Abuja, although he has yet to

announce his candidacy.

Some residents of Northeast, which has borne the brunt of the insurgency, also saw political calculations behind the announcement and doubted the talks in N’Djamena would lead to a lasting peace.

“The government just wants to (win) 2015 elections at all costs,” said Joel Peter, who runs a barber’s shop in Maiduguri, the city at the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Only the government is ready for ceasefire, not Boko Continued on page 67

2015: Jonathan, Sambo, Mark in crucial meeting with Muazu

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HERE was anxiety yesterday following the recession into a closed door meeting by President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and President of the Senate, David Mark with National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Adamu Mu’azu.

The Presidential delegation drove to Mu’azu’s residence in Asokoro District for the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

session.

The meeting might be connected with the 2015 presidential poll of which the President was yet to make an official declaration.

As at 8.36pm, all the leaders were still in Mu’azu’s residence for what a source described as a “crucial session.”

Soldiers took over all the roads leading to Mu’azu’s residence.

RETRACTION Our attention has been drawn to an advertisement placed and published on page 59 of Thursday, July 10 edition of this paper titled “Cross River 2015 reject the Lagos accord of these three musketeers” which was purportedly signed by Uchua Machenry Adah (PresidentGeneral Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo movement against third slavery (NFUMATS).

We have since discovered that the advert was not authored, signed and placed by Uchua Machenry Adah and did not emanate from Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, movement against third slavery (NFUMATS) We regret the inconveniences caused by the advert to Uchua Machenry Adah and Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, movement against third slavery (NFUMATS), the publication is hereby retracted Editor.

2015: Presidency, PDP confused about Tambuwal Continued from page 1

Majority Leader Mulikat Adeola-Akande has resuscitated her ambition to be the second woman Speaker of the House.

It was learnt that she is nursing the ambition to complete Tambuwal’s tenure and roll over in 2015 if she is re-elected into the House.

But most Representatives have rejected plans to force Tambuwal to step down.

They argued that no law or House Rule says Tambuwal must quit office, adding that it is just a global “parliamentary practice” for a ruling party to produce either the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

They are pushing for the retention of Tambuwal as the Speaker after defecting to the APC. Tambuwal is under pressure from the people of the state to

run on the platform of the APC, which is the ruling party in the state.

There were indications last night that the Speaker might bow to pressure to contest for governor.

Beyond Sokoto politics, the battle has shifted to the House of Representatives.

A source in the House, who pleaded not to be named, said of “the Speaker confided in his backers, strategists, friends and associates in the House that he might join the governorship race. It is obvious that his people are persuading him to be the next governor of Sokoto State,” the source said.

“The governorship slot is zoned to Sokoto South where Tambuwal hails from.

“Even if he attempts to seek the ticket on PDP platform, he will be denied the opportunity in view of the cat and mouse game between the House and the Presidency.

“The challenge before the House is the aftermath of his movement to the APC that we are trying to manage. You know the Presidency and the PDP may not want him to continue to lead the House as the Speaker.

A principal officer also gave an insight into how the House is trying to manage Tambuwal’s aspiration to keep the chamber intact.

The source said: “We are meeting on Wednesday (yesterday) night to look at all options available to us. The House has to choose between partisanship and merit. We want Tambuwal to continue in office.

“But the Presidency and the PDP are already planning against any attempt to retain Tambuwal by the House. They are saying that Tambuwal must step down once he has defected.

“Definitely, the battle line is drawn between those for and

against Tambuwal.”

Another principal officer said there was no section of the 1999 Constitution or any House Rule that says that the ruling party must produce the Speaker.

Section 50(1) (b) of the Constitution says: “There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House among themselves. Order 1 Rule 2 and Order 2 Rule 3(1) are also silent on whether or not a Speaker should be from the Majority or the Minority; or whether a Speaker should step down or not.”

“So, ordinarily, he is not expected to vacate his office as the Speaker to contest for any office in 2015. But since he is aspiring to another office under the platform of the APC, the ruling PDP will want to make an issue out of it,” the source said.

PDP is insisting that going by the House precedent, it should

produce the Speaker as the party with majority of members.

Besides, the PDP may cause a crisis in the House by trying to apply Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution to force Tambuwal to vacate his seat. Although there are pending suits against members who defected from PDP to APC, the Presidency and the ruling party have been looking for an opportunity to take a pound of flesh.

“We do not want the 7th House of Representatives to end its legislative year abruptly or in chaos. We are trying to get the best for the House,” a source closed to the Speaker said.

The Presidency and the PDP are being careful in their approach to “the Tambuwal matter” because the 2015 budget is yet to be presented and any chaos in either of the chambers in the National Assembly will adversely affect the system.

“Also, this is an election year

with the Presidency targeting more votes from the North. The way and manner Tambuwal’s case is handled may have some implications for Jonathan’s chances,” said another source, adding: “But a pronouncement by the court may be the way out but there are appellate courts where you have to queue for justice.”

Asked what the House will do if the Presidency and the PDP have their way, a House principal officer said: “We have our Plan B. We are trying to reach consensus on Hon. Adamu Bashir from Jigawa State because he is ‘amiable, amenable and accommodating’ as Tambuwal.

“This is just Plan B, we hope we will not get to this stage at all.”

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THE NATION OCTOBER, THURSDAY 23, 2014

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NEWS

•Senators from Lagos State - Ganiyu Solomon (sixth left), Oluremi Tinubu (middle) and Gbenga Ashafa (seventh right) - with executives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Lagos State University (LASU) on the students’ visit to the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Lagos senators host LASU students in Abuja Tinubu hails The Nation

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HE senators representing Lagos State- Ganiyu Solomon (Lagos West), Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu(Lagos Central) and Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) - hosted yesterday Lagos State University (LASU) students at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja The student leaders, led by their President, Nurudeen Yusuf Temilola, were at the National Assembly to observe legislative proceedings.

Temilola said they elected to visit the National Assembly to enable them appreciate the workings of the parliament.

He talked about how the trip was almost aborted when the vehicle they were travelling in developed a fault on the Lokoja-Abuja Road.

The students asked ques-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sani Onugu, Abuja

tions on how to increase women participation in politics, creating soft loans for rural dwellers, Solomon’s governorship ambition, lingering crisis in the health sector and many more.

Solomon, who is the Minority Whip, told the students that the plenary they witnessed was a typical life in the Senate.

On incessant strikes by health workers, he said it was all about group interest.

He added that in democracy, people are bound to agitate for their welfare.

Senator Tinubu welcomed the students and thanked God for bringing them safely to Abuja.

On how to increase participation of women in politics, she noted that Nigerian women still have a long way to go.

She said because of her concern for women development, she has initiated some programmes for the education and enlightenment of women.

The lawmaker said of the 109 senators, only eight are women.

She highlighted the fact that women should be encouraged and given opportunities to excel.

Though she agreed that policies and programmes should be put in place to encourage women in all fields of endeavour, the lawmaker asked women to always believe in themselves.

She noted that the election guidelines unfolded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) were examples of how to encourage women.

The APC, she said, has asked any woman who wants to contest to collect the form free of charge.

She urged the students to believe in themselves and plan ahead on how actualise their goals.

Ashafa disagreed that politicians are solely responsible for the country’s problems.

According to him politicking is normal in every clime.

He noted that as opposition lawmakers, their duty was to hold the government accountable by offering positive criticism.

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for CNN award

LL Progressives Congress (APC) national leader and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated The Nation for winning the CNN African Journalist Award (Health category) through its Assistant Editor Olatunji Ololade.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, the former governor noted that the award was in tune with the newspaper’s fast developing tradition of impactful, objective and development-oriented journalism.

Tinubu said with the CNN

Minister to tackle mass failure among pupils

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EWLY appointed Minister of State for Education, Prof Viola Onwuliri, assumed office yesterday with a promise to tackle increasing mass failure among pupils in public examinations.

Onwuliri, who was the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 1, was among the ministers appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to replace seven members of Federal Executive Council (FEC) who resigned to contest in the 2015 elections.

She spoke yesterday when she was received at the Federal Ministry of Education by the Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, after the weekly FEC meeting where the President announced the new ministers.

Onwuliri promised to work harmoniously with Shekarau.

The minister of state, who expressed the determination to confront mass failure among pupils in public examinations, urged parents to allow their children to exhibit their potentials.

She cautioned parents against assisting their wards

Six ministries get supervising ministers

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday appointed the Minister of State I for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Viola Onwuliri, as the substantive Minister of State for Education.

She takes over from Nyesom Wike, who resigned to contest governorship election in Rivers State.

Addressing State House correspondents at the end of Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Jonathan, the Minister of State II for Foreign Affairs, Nurudeen Mohammed, who now supervises the Ministry of Information, said the President approved the changes following the resignation of seven ministers from the cabinet.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

in passing examinations, adding that children would excel if they are allowed to exhibit their potentials.

According to her, Ministry of Education will not fail to provide direction and counselling to the necessary departments, agencies and corporations under it to ensure that each of them does what it should do.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

According to him, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau, will act as the Minister of State for Defence.

Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, who is the Minister of State for Health, is to take over the Health Ministry.

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, will oversee the portfolio of the Minister of State in the ministry.

The Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, is to supervise the Ministry of Labour while Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Dr Steven Oru, will oversee the portfolio of the Ministry of State of the ministry.

Onwuliri said: “We must change this trend of mass failure in our public examinations because we may create a group of people who are not serious; students who cannot take over and continue this transformation agenda. The Federal Government is ready and willing to help us and even fund what is going on.

“We thank Mr. President for what is going on in the university system’s renova-

tion and for trying to rebuild the entire system. The government is doing that at the various levels of education.

Education is the centre of everything we are talking about. That is why Mr. President takes education seriously in our march to transform this country.

Excellence in education is a major pillar of the Transformation Agenda of this administration and he has shown it

in different ways and at various fora that he means business in education.

“In this time and age where we have problems of young children passing their examinations struggling, it is a major challenge for all us. We have to correct the attitude of our young children. To begin to appreciate that, they must study.

“We have to let parents know that they must encourage their children to study because many a time, parents also discourage their children from studying. When you give the impression that you cannot pass your examinations; somebody must talk to somebody before you get anything, then the child relaxes.

“In some cases, you could talk, but if you allow a child to exhibit his abilities, many of our children would excel.”

Shekarau expressed optimism that he and the professor would have a harmonious working relationship.

The minister noted that Onwuliri was in a familiar terrain, since she joined the cabinet from the university.

Alleged N82.8m theft: AGF takes over prosecution of Okorodudu

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LAGOS High Court, Ikeja, yesterday heard that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to hands off the prosecution of Cross Country Transport Limited chief, Bube Okorodudu.

The frontline transporter is on trial before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, with his firms, Cross Country and

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Car Link Limited, for allegedly stealing N82.8 million by fraudulently selling 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Limited and Adeloye Olukemi.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, a lawyer from the office of the AGF, D. E. Kaswe, told the court that the AGF took over the matter from the EFCC on Septem-

ber 8, while the court was on vacation.

The lawyer added that the case was taken over because of a sister criminal case before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Praying the court for an adjournment to enable the AGF’s office collect the original file it requested from the EFCC, Kaswe said it would enable them examine the files and reach a conclusion.

But defence counsel Taiwo Taiwo said Okorodudu vol-

untarily turned himself in to the police, as directed by the court on July 1.

He said: “The first defendant (Okorodudu) was in their (EFCC) custody and came to court on July 14. But the court could not sit due to the strike by Judiciary workers.

“He was thereafter granted administrative bail by the police. The reason he is not here today is because I was not aware that the matter would come up today.”

After hearing the submissions of both counsel, Justice Lawal-Akapo averred that the practice directive by the National Judicial Council (NJC) was that judges should give priority to high profile criminal cases.

He said:”I am not in any way impressed by the explanation given by the prosecution counsel that the AGF Office is still trying to take over the original case file from the EFCC since September 8.

By Precious Igbonwelundu award, The Nation has once again validated its place as a leader in Nigeria’s media firmament.

The frontline politician urged the newspaper’s team to strive to be the best.

He said: “The recent CNN award, won by Assistant Editor Ololade in the Health and Medical category, is a further confirmation of the depth of the paper’s journalism.

“On this, please accept my hearty congratulations. It is an award not just for the winner but the entire Nation Newspaper family.

“The Nation’s commitment to the tradition of fine and comprehensive reporting has always won it recognition.

“The paper must continue on this path. This award must serve to inspire other reporters and editors in The Nation team to strive to be the best.”

Abuja to host cocoa summit

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TAKEHOLDERS in the non-oil sector are collaborating to hold the first summit on cocoa next Monday at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel.

In a statement, the chairman of the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), Mr. Dimeji Owofemi, said the association planned the summit because it observed that the government had begun to listen to the calls for the revival of the non-oil sector.

According to him, COPAN moved to revive the industry by organising the first summit with the theme: Cocoa Value-Addition in Nigeria, in collaboration with three other major cocoa associations in Nigeria – Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Cocoa Exporters Associations of Nigeria (CEAN) and Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The co-ordinating consultant for the conference Mr. Femi Boyede said it is a strategic design to position Nigeria to regain its lost glory in the non-oil export, starting with cocoa.

Boyede, who is Koinonia Ventures Managing Director, said: “With the cocoa summit, we can be sure that the issues confronting the cocoa business in Nigeria will be a thing of the past.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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NEWS IGP orders audit of police arsenal From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

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CTING Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba has ordered a nationwide audit of police armouries.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, the IGP said the audit would enable the police to review the state of arms and ammunition in stock at various police armouries.

The statement reads: “As part of measures to strengthen accountability of the stock of weaponry of the Nigeria Police Force, Acting InspectorGeneral of Police Suleiman Abba has ordered a thorough check and audit of police armouries nationwide.

“The exercise, which has already begun, will cover all police commands, formations, stations and units across the country. This measure will also enable the Force to review the state of arms and ammunition in stock at various police armouries.”

Senate moves to bridge HND, degree disparity T HE Senate took the first steps yesterday to stop the disparity between degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.

A Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit dichotomy and discrimination between degree and HND in the same profession/field and related matters scaled the second reading at the Senate.

Sponsored by Patrick Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central), the bill focuses on the controversy over wage disparity and discrimination against HND holders in the public and private sectors.

In his lead debate, Akinyelure noted that continuing injustice, disparity and discrimination meted out to polytechnics graduates was threatening to derail the nation’s core policy thrust of evolving a technological and scientific based self-sufficient and self-reliant society in the nearest future.

From Onyedi Ojiabor,

Assistant Editor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

The senator urged the Senate to intervene in the interest of industrial harmony and development.

He noted that there was sufficient evident that thousands of potential polytechnic and technology students were contemplating while some had decided to opt for university education because of the perceived and real discrimination against HND graduates in preference for university degree holders.

According to him, if those involved are allowed to opt out of polytechnic education, there will be a vacuum in the labour market.

Akinyelure said several entreaties were made to the Federal Civil Service to stop the glaring wage disparity and

discrimination against HND holders.

The entreaties, he regretted, were to no avail.

“And, as if to make matters worse, certain Federal corporations are known to openly discriminate against HND holders to the extent of limiting their progress within the hierarchy of such government bodies,” he added.

Akinyelure stressed that a government employment policy that places degree holders above HND holders without recourse to skill and ability of the HND holders does more harm than good.

Many senators contributed to the debate for and against the bill. But Senate President David Mark said the issue was difficult to legislate on.

Mark said: “I think it is more of attitude than what we can legislate on. For whatever it is

worth, it is an interesting bill.

“I believe that if it goes to public hearing, we will get many people who will be interested to give their views on whether or not the bill should be passed. But judging from the debate here (Senate), our attempt to equate HND to a degree is not likely to work.

What will come out of it is to find a way forward, which is where the problem is at the moment.

“But to spend four years, you have a lower entry point; you have to go and do two extra years to get a degree. Then, you suddenly say I don’t need the two extra years. Just equate me, then I move along.

“I think that is going to be a very difficult thing. Nobody, who has done a degree, went back to the polytechnic to do an HND. You can’t fault that logic.”

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Education for further legislative work.

Airtel promotes leadership development TELECOMMUNICATIONS services provider, Airtel Nigeria, in collaboration with Gemstone Group, has begun a tour of tertiary institutions to engage and motivate students for leadership development.

The tour, tagged: Deliver the Future (DTF), will cover eight tertiary institutions, from this month.

The eight schools to host the first season of DTF are: Benson Idahosa University, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Port Harcourt, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos.

The programme enables students to be inspired and mentored by motivational speakers, including multiaward winning author, Fela Durotoye.

Fed Govt sets up land resources committee From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

THE Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, has set up an inter-ministerial committee on national land policy to ensure effective use of land resources in the country.

At the inauguration yesterday in Abuja, the minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ezekiel Oyemoni, said the committee would focus on prudent use of land resources.

She urged members to identify the resources for evolvement into a national land policy.

Mrs Eyakenyi said: “The fact that land is a scarce resource and inelastic in supply underscores the need for prudent utilisation of its resources. This makes it necessary to establish a comprehensive regulatory policy, which ensures that land as a commodity is put to the highest and best use.”

CBN denies activists’ allegation THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied allegations that people are using the apex bank to fund the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

The apex bank’s denial was in a letter, dated October 16, to a rights group, the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

It was signed by O. A. Ogundana on behalf of the Director, Legal Services Department of the apex bank.

It reads: “We write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated September 15, 2014 on the subject: ‘Request to Provide Information About Alleged Money Laundering to Boko Haram Through the Bank’.

“In your letter you had requested from the CBN information about persons or office involved in alleged money laundering activities of the Boko Haram through the CBN; and information on the exact nature and duration of any such transactions.”

•Members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of SS Joachim/Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos, in a procession celebrating the life and times of former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the late Dame Oluremi Oyo, in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO:NAN

Ekweremadu to NOUN: don’t compromise standard

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EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday urged the leadership of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) not to compromise the quality of its courses.

Ekweremadu spoke when the NOUN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, led top management of the university to visit the senator in Abuja.

“We must also warn that you should not ever compromise quality as quality is very important,” he said.

The senator also hailed the university management for accepting to open a study centre in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, his immediate constituency.

He conveyed the approval, in principle, by the National Assembly, of the university’s plan to set up a study centre within the Na-

From Onyedi Ojiabor,

Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

tional Assembly complex in Abuja.

Ekweremadu praised NOUN for the opportunity it gave Nigerians to access tertiary education, adding that “an educated populace is critical to the development of our nation”.

The senator hoped that the Awgu Study Centre would bring tertiary education closer to his constituents and the surrounding rural communities.

He said: “I am happy that you have approved a study centre to be set up at Awgu in Enugu West Senatorial District. Enugu State is made up of three senatorial districts, like every other state, but Enugu West is the only senatorial district in that state without any higher institu-

tion. It has been my earnest desire to have a tertiary institution in the district.

“So, this is meant to fill this gap. With your help, our people’s yearning for higher education is now within reach.”

Ekweremadu, who also chairs the Governing Council of the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) in Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the NILS and NOUN to establish a NOUN study centre within the National Assembly complex.

He said: “A short while ago, we matriculated NILS’ students for postgraduate courses in Legislative Studies and Legislative Drafting.

These are two-year postgraduate programmes leading to the award of Master’s degrees.

“I also believe that our parliamentarians and workers,

who were unable to obtain a Bachelor’s degree before now can take advantage of this facility to advance their education, not only in legislative studies but also in other disciplines.

“Take it that on behalf of the National Assembly, we have given our consent so that as soon as possible we will need to have this study centre up and running. I want to assure you that we will provide the necessary space, infrastructure and the cooperation that will enable your study centre in the National Assembly complex to be one of the best in the country.”

Prof. Tenebe assured that the NILS and NOUN collaboration would bring education to the doorstep of the workers and members of the National Assembly and the parliament’s immediate community.

Boni Haruna hails Globacom Slok commiserates with Total

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INISTER of Youth Development Mr. Boni Haruna has described Globacom as a worthy indigenous telecommunications company adding value to the communication experience of Nigerians with its unique products and services.

The minister, who spoke in Lagos on Tuesday when he visited Globacom’s corporate headquarters, also welcomed the company’s proposal to supply 120,000 closed user group lines for easy communication among workers of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and corps members.

He noted that the development would make the ministry trendy and abreast of international best practices.

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LOK Group has commiserated with the management and workers of French oil major, Total, on the death of their Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie.

Margerie died on Monday when a private jet he was travelling in crashed near Moscow.

Slok Managing Director Firas Abboud, in a condolence message, acknowl-

edged the outstanding performance and contributions of de Margerie to the oil and gas industry globally.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart and pain that I write on behalf of the management and workers of Slok Group to express our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the Total family on the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie.”

First Lady urges women to run for offices

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From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

IRST Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has urged women to increase their participation in politics by coming out to seek elective offices in the 2015 elections.

The First Lady also advised Nigerian men to give women more positions to contest for in next year’s elections to enable the country achieve the 35 per cent national gender policy on affirmative action for women representation in governance.

Mrs Jonathan spoke in Jos, the Plateau State capital, at the inauguration of the state chapter of the Women for Change and Development Initiatives.

She was represented by the Minister of State for The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

Mrs Jonathan said: “As you are aware, Women for Change and Development Initiative is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which advocates improvement for women politically, socially and economically.

“Membership of the NGO is open to every woman, irrespective of her political affiliation, religious belief or ethnicity. That is why I am calling on all women across the country to come out and take our chance in the 2015 elections. The time is now. Politics is around the corner.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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NEWS Mark: no imposition in Oyo

Ambode to announce plan tomorrow

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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ENATE President David Mark has dismissed reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Integration Committee for the Southwest is plotting to impose a governorship candidate in Oyo State.

A group, under the auspices of Rescue Team 2015, alleged that the Mark-led committee planned to impose a candidate on the state.

Mark’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement in Abuja, quoted Mark to have said in his opening remarks at the Presidential Villa, where he met with Oyo PDP stakeholders that “we are not here to impose anybody or to choose a candidate for you.”

“You are to choose your candidate and ensure that PDP wins in Oyo State. That is the agenda handed over to us.

“The committee did not select the governorship aspirants who were invited for the meeting. Rather, every stakeholder was invited.

“I didn’t call governorship aspirants to my house.

The meeting here (Banquet Hall) was open and all inclusive,” the Senate President said.

He urged stakeholders to work together and return the party to power in the interest of all.

Ekiti APC forms on sale

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has announced the sale of nomination forms for the National Assembly and the House of Assembly.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said interested members would pay the required fees after which the nomination forms would be issued upon the presentation of the original copies of bank teller.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola presenting the state’s emblem to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police(AIG) Zone 11, Ambrose Aisabor, when Aisabor visited the Government House, Osogbo.

Fayose shuts Speaker’s filling station •Omirin: I won’t abandon APC

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KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose got cracking yesterdayafter days of castigating his predecessor.

His first major assignment was successful, but controversial.

He shut down a filling station owned by Speaker Adewale Omirin, alleging environmental reasons.

Four filling stations were sealed in Ado-Ekiti, including Omirin’s T. Five Integrated Service Filling Station.

A statement by Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary Idowu Adelusi said the step was taken to prevent a fire.

“The owners of the petrol stations are to report to the Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development with letters of approval,” the statement said.

The Speaker alleged that the governor ordered the closure to intimidate him.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Wole Olujobi, Omirin vowed not to “buckle under undue political pressure to abandon his party

Governor swears in judge From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose will today swear in Justice Emmanuel Bamidele Omotoso.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, said the ceremony would take place at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti at 10am.

The governor has appointed Samuel Adeyemi ( Shakila) as the chairman, State Petroleum Products Consumer Protection Agency (PPCPA). The appointment takes immediate effect.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for selfish and pecuniary motives.”

He claimed that he fulfilled all necessary environmental laws in the location of the filling station and got approval.

Omirin has said intimidation and coercion by the PDPled government would not force him to abandon the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said no level of harassment, financial inducement or persecution would make him betray the people and the APC. The Speaker said the governor has started victimising perceived political opponents.

He said: “I got all necessary approvals for the project. A lawmaker, Joseph Dele

Olugbemi, told me two days after the governor’s inauguration that he (the governor) had made up his mind to close my filling station over my refusal to join the PDP. “I had told the governor that in the interest of Ekiti people, the House of Assembly would work with him to serve the people.

“I called the governor to confirm what I was told. He denied it, swearing that he would not pursue any victimisation agenda against his opponents.

“But only yesterday the governor ordered the closure of the filling station, citing environmental factor.”

Omirin said he had a background of political fidelity anchored on progressive democratic practices and he would

not abandon these principles in pursuit of a selfish agenda.

He said the political atmosphere in the state did not call for high-handedness and persecution against perceived opponents, but a collective pursuit of common goals to deliver good governance.

The Speaker said such attacks on opponents, particularly lawmakers, would create only such conditions inimical to cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislature.

Adelusi said the Speaker was not truthful.

He said: “The essence of the closure was to ensure sanity within the state capital and Ekiti at large.

“When a filling station is sited within a residential area, everybody knows the dangers.

“Four filling stations were sealed but it is an ongoing thing. This will take place throughout the state. It is to sanitise the state and prevent a fire.

“He (Omirin) should behave as a good politician. As the speaker, he should cooperate with the new government..”

APC governors hail Fayemi’s achievements

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HERE was an outpouring of encomiums yesterday for former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, at a valedictory session in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, honoured one of their own.

They applauded his spirit of sportsmanship in the June 21 governorship election.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Rochas Okoracha, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said: “Let me, on behalf of all APC governors salute you for a commendable show of character and a successful tenure in office.

“Acknowledging that you had great vision for the state with the achievements you recorded, history cannot say you were without a purpose.

“Your humility and show of sportsmanship after the announcement of a result differ-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ent from what majority of Nigerians expected leaves us, your brothers and colleagues, in admiration of you.

“In a free and fair democratic system, the voice of the people is sacrosanct. It is the thrust on which the foundation of good governance, transparency and accountability are built.

“It is a voice that must be respected. But whether the voice that supposedly spoke on June 21 is really the voice of the people is another matter.

“The people of Ekiti, who you served so well and so honourably, will live to tell.

“Nevertheless, we must move on. We will not dwell on the past but join our voices to say that we know what you are capable of and we are only glad you are one of us.

“JKF, you have shown the world what it means to be progressive and your conduct, in and out of office, will always

be a point of reference so we join you to continue in your good stride, never forgetting your strength of humility, hard work and steadfastness.”

Fayemi said: “I am elated and grateful for the support, the solidarity that you extended to me as a member of this forum and as a former governor.

“It is a rare privilege to serve our people in any capacity. To have served as a governor is even a rarer privileged and to have served with those of us who are members of this forum has been one of the great blessings I have had as a Nigerian.

“This body I was privileged to have been present at its inception and in the course of its almost two years’ history now you have given the honour of first leading this group and contributing to its development.

“This is one group that has played such a critical role in our party. Many will recall

how this party started. It was our very first meeting in Lagos that gave this party its prominence and name – All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It was our third meeting that took all of us to Maiduguri in solidarity with our brothers in Borno and Yobe that succeeded in giving the party the direction on its logo and identity.

“And ultimately it was also this forum that played a critical role in brokering the eventual entry of our brothers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into this family.

“So, for me, I am going to miss this body greatly; I am going to miss the various jussive, debates, extensive intellectual discussions we had in taking our country into a much more robust democracy.

“I can assure you that, for me, I remain a progressive all my life because public service for any progressive is the highest form of duty one

•Dr Fayemi

can render to one’s society.

“And in anyway, shape or form that I will be required to continue to make my impact in our country, our forum and this party I will always present myself and make myself available.

“I want to thank you for the extraordinary support that members of the forum also gave on June 21. There is a lot of shenanigan that is going on now; again that is part of history; that is part of what we have to deal with; but on my part and on the part of our members from Ekiti State, we are grateful to this forum for the consistent role you have played as beacon of democracy.”

FORMER Accountant General of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, will tomorrow declare his intention to run for governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ambode was the first to pick an expression of interest nomination form for the November 15 primaries.

A statement by his campaign group said the declaration would take place at the Onikan Stadium, at 10am.

The declaration followed the endorsement he got from Islamic clerics on Tuesday at the Blue Roof, Lagos State Television complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The approval to use the stadium was granted by Governor Babatunde Fashola, who praised Ambode’s civil service career.

The statement said: “Tomorrow’s declaration, which is expected to be a carnivallike endorsement by stakeholders from the 57 councils in Lagos State, is an opportunity for the aspirant to thank party stalwarts and to sell his five-point agenda of continuity and consolidation.”

Christians urged to join politics

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N inter-denominational Christian group, Christian Conscience, has called on Christians to participate more in politics.

The group called for a Christian governor to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola.

The National Chairman, Enoch Ajiboso, told the gathering that the group was formed to erase the impression that politics was a dirty game and to sensitise Christians to participate in politics.

He said: “If we choose to stay aloof, charlatans will continue to have a field day.

The time has come for godfearing people to show interest in politics. The Christian Conscience is the answer to that quest.”

The guest lecturer, Rev. Femi Asiwaju, said the Christian leaders, who emerged after Independence, did very well.

“Chief Awolowo ran a viable economic system as premier of the Western Region while his region was at par with Korea and Singapore.”

He said these countries had attained the status of developed countries.

Asiwaju urged Christian leaders to search where “we got it wrong and subsequently make amends”.

He debunked the notion that Nigeria was poor, saying: “We should not make ourselves poor because God has given us enough resources to prosper with”.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Leke Pitan, called for a unity of purpose among Christians.

He urged the group to go about their desire in a peaceful and lawful manner.

The group’s National Coordinator, Sam Ogedengbe, urged Christians to register and collect their permanent voter cards.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

NEWS

More projects coming to in Ota, says Amosun

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said the Palm Mall would resuscitate the Gateway Hotel Ota and boost business in the area.

The mall, which is expected to serve Ota and its environs, will be replicated in other major cities, such as Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu.

Amosun spoke yesterday in Ota, when he visited AdoOdo/Ota Local Government Area as part of his assessment tour of the 20 local governments.

It was a wet day but the governor, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunmbi Ishola and the Council Chairman, Rotimi Rahaman, defied the rain to address the residents.

Amosun announced that the world’s biggest ceramic manufacturing company would inaugurate a state-ofthe-art factory in Ogun State next year. He described the state as the nation’s industrial hub.

•Amosun addressing the crowd...yesterday.

The governor expressed happiness that the development strides of the present administration get front page mention in the media.

“I am happy to note that the past three years have ushered in an era where the state is on the front pages of news-

papers for good reasons. “We have been adjudged the industrial hub of the nation and one of the best states to do business and in the nearest future, we hope to become the nation’s commercial capital.

“The world’s biggest ceramic manufacturing com-

Lagos launches state tenders journal

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola launched yesterday the State Tenders Journal.

Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Fashola said the launch was to improve efficiency in the conduct of government business.

He said the Procurement Agency Bill, signed into law in 2011, was part of a broad public sector reform process.

“The Lagos State Tenders Journal is a publication exclusively dedicated to the advertisement of Lagos State Government contracts within the competitive threshold.

“Therefore all publications for invitation for bid

By Olatunde Odebiyi

and expression of interest shall be published in the Tenders Journal.

“This is an opportunity for the business community to participate in government business; all prospective bidders and service providers will have equal access to information and opportunities to compete under the new procurement regime,” he said.

The General Manager/ CEO PPA, Akin Onimole, said the Public Procurement Agency is geared towards ensuring that all stakeholders are familiar and educated on the public procurement process.

Ogun APC chair loses wife

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Roqeeb Adeniji, has lost his wife, Rachael, in an accident.

Mrs. Adeniji(58) died on Tuesday at the Akihale - Wasinmi stretch of the Lagos - Abeokuta expressway.

It was gathered that her car lost control after it hit an object on her way from Ifo Local Government.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun has condoled with Adeniji, describing the deceased as a supportive wife and mother.

He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

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A

FORMER Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, has said he will prefer to be tried in Nigeria.

The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), had applied to a Federal High Court in Abuja for an order extraditing Okoyomon to the UK for trial.

This followed his alleged complicity in a bribery scandal involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NSPMC and Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008.

Okoyomon’s lawyer Alex Iziyon (SAN) said yesterday that his client should be tried in Nigeria rather than being shipped abroad, since some elements of the offence he allegedly committed purportedly took place here.

But the Federal Govern-

Otun Ota, noting that the state’s increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was a testament to what Ogun will become.

He said a new power plant that will serve Agbara Industrial Area would be built within the local government.

•Fed Govt prefers UK From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ment argued that Okoyomon could not be tried in the country because there was no pending indictment against him here.

The government urged the court to extradite him to the UK where there are pending charges against him on his alleged role in the bribery scandal.

It said Okoyomon was assured of a fair and prompt trial in the UK. Iziyon averred that the extradition of his client would amount to subordinating Nigeria’s sovereignty to that of the UK. He said: “We don’t want an extradition. Since part of the alleged crime was committed here (Nigeria), we are ready to face trial in Nigeria. In fact, extraditing him to the UK is subordination of our sovereignty to that of the United Kingdom.

“The issue of fair hearing in the UK does not arise. Are we saying there is no fair hearing in Nigeria?”

While arguing his preliminary objection and counteraffidavit to Federal Government’s extradition application, Iziyon said there was no extradition treaty between Nigeria and the UK. He noted that two statutes - the Extradition Treaty of 1931 and the London Scheme for Extradition - relied upon by the government were no longer applicable in Nigeria.

“The combination of these two instruments does not confer locus on the Attorney-General to make the application,” Iziyon said.

He contended that the Extradition Treaty of 1931 (Exhibit A) had been repealed in Nigeria by virtue of Section 21(3) of Schedule 4 of Decree 87 of 1966.

Iziyon equally contended that the London Scheme for

Extradition (marked as Exhibit B in the bundle of document filed by the govt in court) was an agreement between the United States of America and the UK, which was yet to be domesticated in Nigeria.

The respondent’s lawyer stressed that, having not been domesticated in accordance with its provisions in Article 22, the London Scheme for Extradition remains inapplicable in Nigeria.

Government’s lawyer, Muslim Hassan in a counterargument, insisted that the Extradition Treaty of 1931, which was made applicable in Nigeria in 1935 has not been repealed.

He added that the Treaty was not among the ones repealed by provisions of Decree 87 of 1966.

Justice Evoh Chukwu adjourned till December 1. He ordered that Okoyomon be remanded in EFCC custody.

‘Lagos APC not Ilaje- Lagos road contract gets boost stopping anyone’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure HREE roads contracts in

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

tablishment of the two centres would boost trading in Nigerian gemstones and gemstones export value and volume; attract foreign buyers and enhance the branding of Nigeria for an international ethical trade fair certification for Nigerian gemstones.

“For example, it was projected in 2010 that Nigeria will have to export one million tonnes of coal to earn $3million while it needs to export less than five tonnes within the same period of top quality gemstone to earn about $200million, if properly developed. Therefore, Nigeria’s gemstones are capable of earning more foreign exchange than agricultural products.”

eral monthly allocation.

He said he had been able to run the state, pay workers’ salary on time by thinking out of the box, without putting unnecessary stress on residents.

The governor inaugurated a health centre built in

Ex-MINT chief opts for trial in Nigeria

‘Ibadan, Jos now gemstones centres’

HE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has designated Ibadan and Jos as gemstone centres to harness the country’s raw gemstones.

Its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Awolowo, said this yesterday at a workshop for Gemstone Miners and investors with the theme “Prospects and Investment Opportunities in the Export Development and Marketing of Gemstones in Nigeria” in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Awolowo said gemstones earn more foreign exchange than agricultural products.

Represented by the Director, Product Development Department of NEPC, Williams Ezeagu, Awolowo said the es-

pany would inaugurate its factory in our state next year.

“It is no longer news that we are the nation’s industrial capital, even the President attested to it during the inauguration of a factory.

Amosun decried the delay and inconsistency in the fed-

•Ajomale

T

HE All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has denied the allegation that it is stopping some aspirants from seeking a fourth term.

In a statement by its Chairman, Henry Ajomale, the party said: “The reports making the round about the alleged decision by Lagos APC to stop aspirants from contesting after a third term is a fallacy.

“There is no iota of truth in the report as no such decision was reached. It is a total mis-representation of the decision

reached and such information must have emanated from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents. “The Governors’ Advisory Committee (GAC) never issued such a directive or reached such a decision. The APC believes in the inalienable rights of every eligible member to contest for any elective office for as many terms as possible as long as it is constitutional.

“The democratic rights of party members are recognised and respected. Every member is allowed to compete.

“The party urges members to collect forms if interested in any position. Both current members, no matter how many times they have run, and new aspirants are allowed to compete. At the end, the voters hold the ace and not the party leadership.”

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Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State have received a boost, following the intervention of the senator representing the district, Boluwaji Kunlere.

It was gathered that the contract for the design of the network road linking Ilaje to Lagos State has been awarded by the Federal Government.

The contract was awarded at N17,416,584 and listed on page 838 of the 2014 budget.

A statement by Kunlere’s media aide, Kudaisi Sunday, said the award of the contract was sequel to the senator ‘s intervention in the abandoned project.

The statement said the senator in a January 30 letter sent to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Ayogu Eze, reminded him of his earlier let-

ter and the importance of repairing abandoned roads in Ondo South District.

The network road is expected to link – Araromi seaside in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State through Ode in Ogun State and to Folu in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The road when completed would remove pressure from other high ways and give Ondo South access to Lagos through alternative road link.

Other roads network revisited by Senator Kunlere include the abandoned 26km road linking Igbotakothrough Ayila to Araromi Obu and the 60km Olowo to Irele through Ajagba to Agadagba Obun in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

NEWS ‘Abuja-Idu railway’ll be ready in December’

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HE Abuja –Idu (Kaduna) Standard Gauge Rail Line will be ready

by December, Minister of Transport Idris Umar has said.

Briefing reporters in Abuja on the programmes of the ministry and its agencies, Umar said the project was 85 per cent complete.

He said the ministry was determined to provide an alternative transport system through the railway, adding that 155km of the 187.5km rail

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

line was ready.

Umar said the rehabilitation of the Itakpe-AjaokutaWarri Standard Gauge Rail Line would be completed by the second quarter of next year. He said the contract for the construction of the LagosIbadan Standard Gauge (double track) 2 x 180km had been awarded and would begin as soon as funding arrangement is concluded.

Ex-perms sec picks Benue APC form

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From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

RETIRED Permanent Secretary, Akange Audu, has picked the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) governorship nomination form in Benue State.

After picking the form at the party’s secretariat, Audu and his supporters drove round major streets in Makurdi, the state capital, in a convoy.

APC’s State Organising Secretary Titus Zam said the party would provide a level-playing field for all aspirants.

Zam urged them to go about their campaign peacefully.

Ex-DSS chief vies for Kogi West seat

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FORMER National Director of the Department of State Security Service (SSS), Pastor Williams Toyin Akanle, has joined the race for the Kogi West senatorial seat.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, Akanle said he could change Kogi West from its “state of squalor”.

He did not say on which platform he hopes to contest the election, but urged politicians to always conduct themselves with decorum.

Akanle hailed members of the National Assembly on the proposed amendment of

From James Azania, Lokoja

the Constitution in allowing independent candidacy.

He dispelled alleged threats to his ambition by the “perceived strength” of Senator Smart Adeyemi, who presently represents the district in the National Assembly.

Akanle said: “Our influence arises from the people and when the chips are down, we go to the people. At this point, we need a change. I think the people are saying ‘if you’ve spent two terms you should go home’. There is an unwritten agreement to that effect.”

Borno deputy governor, lawmakers, others refuse to join PDP P EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were yesterday shocked by the refusal of a majority of House of Representatives’ members from Borno State and lawmakers in the Borno House of Assembly to defect to the party with ex-Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

The mood in the PDP was low, following the lawmakers’ insistence to remain in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sheriff promised to defect to the PDP with the “soul” of Borno APC, but that was not the case yesterday.

The development suggests that the APC and Governor Kashim Shettima may be enjoying large support in the state.

Only three of the eight House of Representatives’ members from Bornu defected from the APC to PDP. They are Isa Kangar (Guza-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

mala/ Nganzai/ Mobbar Federal Constituency); Peter Biye (Gwoza/ Chibok/ Damboa Federal Constituency) and Abdulrahman Terab (Bama Federal Constituency).

It was learnt that of the 28 House of Assembly members, only Idrissa Jidda (Ngala State Constituency) indicated interest to join the PDP. Deputy Governor Zannah Mustapha, five House of Representatives members, two of the three senators from the state, 27 House of Assembly members and the 27 local government chairmen refused to leave APC. A source said: “The mood was sombre on Wednesday at the PDP National Secretariat

in Abuja because the PDP leaders were expecting massive defections from the APC to the ruling party. Those expected to defect with Sheriff were Deputy Governor Mustapha; National Assembly members, except Senator Mohammed Ndume, who has been at loggerheads with him; Assembly members; serving and past chairmen of the 27 local governments, state and council executives of the APC and 312 ward executives. These people have not joined us.

“Definitely, with what we saw, Sheriff and other defectors have to do more homework to win Borno for PDP in 2015. We had higher expectations than we recorded. This was why the PDP National Chairman, Alhahi Adamu Mu’azu, categorically declared

that waiver for defectors seeking elective offices are not automatic.

“Mu’azu also said each defector has to apply for waiver and the party will treat every application on its merit and not as a group. This is the rule of the PDP and we have to abide by it.”

Another party source added: “It was obvious to all of us that we need to move faster to gain more mileage in Borno State.

The coming of Sheriff and others is just the beginning of a long journey to win the state for the PDP. We are hopeful that things will work out for the PDP because not everyone can defect at the same time.”

When asked why those scheduled to defect with Sheriff did not do so, a top aide to the ex-governor simply said: “What type of question is this?

How do I know that?”

Jonathan is easy to defeat, says Kwankwaso

K

ANO State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said President Goodluck Jonathan is “the easiest president in the world for any opposition party to defeat in an election”.

Kwankwaso, who is a presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), premised his argument on the “anger, general disillusionment and disenchantment against the Jonathan administration.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, he said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not last beyond 2015, having spent 16 years in pow-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

er.

The governor said Nigeria needs a leader who could instil discipline and effect needed changes, adding: “Jonathan is the easiest sitting president to defeat in an election because of the insecurity in the land.

The foremost responsibility of any government is the security of the people.

“You people are not in the front line and that is why you may not understand the gravity of the situation. As I speak with you, some people are on the hills, in the forest, under mountains taking refuge; they are internally displaced. Just

yesterday (Monday), we sent seven trucks of relief materials to our people in refugee camps in Niger Republic.

“Unfortunately, we have leaders in Nigeria who have divided the county along religious and ethnic lines. Other countries are making progress but here we are being fed with statistics that cannot be verified. I think Jonathan should be happy if we unseat him because it will help him to go and rest.

“Change is possible once you get the right agent of change. What has happened in Kano State, for instance, has never happened and what made it possible was that the people had a new governor in

•Kwankwaso

2011; it was that simple. We need people who are disciplined in Nigeria; people who mean what they say and stick to it.”

PDP supporters clash in Kogi From James Azania, Lokoja

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OYALISTS of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants in Kogi State yesterday turned the Lokoja party secretariat into a war zone.

It was learnt that “disenchanted” supporters of a former House of Assembly member, Danladi Bababudo, attacked supporters of an aspirant, Idris Idako, who was allegedly anointed by Bababudo.

Idako was at the party secretariat to collect the nomination form to vie for the Lokoja II House of Assembly seat.

Both parties threw stones at one other and vandalised vehicles parked on the road, including a Mercedes Benz 190 belonging to Mr. Sunday Adebija of Prime FM, Lokoja, and a Toyota KIA belonging to the Publisher of Kogiwatch, Mr. Amuda Suleiman.

While they were on the rampage, Senator Smart Adeyemi’s agents picked a nomination form on his behalf for the Kogi West senatorial seat.

It took the intervention of the police to restore normal-

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•One of the vandalised vehicles...yesterday.

cy to the area.

A patrol vehicle and some

policemen were stationed at the party secretariat.

Kano assists displaced persons

HE Kano State government has donated 17 truck-loads of food items and 6,000 blankets to displaced persons taking refuge in camps in Borno and Yobe states and the Republic of Niger.

Shortly before dispatching the donation, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso said: “We have heard about the challenges of our people who have left their homes, especially from the Northeast. That is why the state government decided to send some food and blankets to them.”

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Kwankwaso said seven trucks loaded with 3,000 bags of maize and 1,200 bags of rice would be taken to Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic, while three trucks of maize and two trucks of rice would go to each of the camps in Borno and Yobe.

Each of the camps would get 2,000 blankets.

He urged representatives of the camps to ensure that the items reach the displaced persons on time.

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

Fed Govt eyes 23,000 jobs from agro industrial town

Data drives low priced smartphones, says Wiko chief

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From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

By Lucas Ajanaku

RENCH firm, Wiko Mo bile said increased in vestment by telecos to provide data services and lower entry cost of purchasing devices have been identified as two factors driving the uptake of smartphone in Nigeria.

Speaking yesterday at the launch of Wiko range of smartphones in the country, its Director, International Business, Mr Marcel Van De Per, said these two major factors underscore the huge market for mobile phones in the country.

He said: ”We have identified Nigeria as an emerging telecoms market and one of the fast-growing in the world and as such, we are bringing our quality brand of smartphones into the Nigerian market, where data availability and lower cost of devices is driving smartphone adoption.”

He said as Europe’s fastest growing phone brand, Wiko is introducing an exciting range of phones into the market at affordable prices without compromising quality.

According to him, after establishing a strong market position in Europe in just three years, Wiko started its operation in West Africa by launching its portfolio of 10 phones in Nigeria.

He said: “Consumers in Nigeria are among the first in Africa to enjoy the French touch experience that has become a phenomenal success story across Europe. Known for its world-class technology, cutting-edge design and exceptional product quality, Wiko smartphones are now available at mobile phone outlets across the country.”

“Wiko has released seven exciting models from which smartphone users can choose. Whether a technology savvy user, a regular user or a beginner, Wiko has a smartphone for e v e ry o n e .

Wiko also launched a range of three stylish feature phones for first time phone users.

“We are delighted to bring the Wiko brand to Nigerian consumers. Wiko is confident that our combination of stylish design, technology, quality and pricing will be a huge success here.”

“For those who require the very latest technology, it doesn’t get any better than the flagship model, Highway. It is one of the first smartphones to use 2.0 GHz Octa-Core technology. The Highway’s exceptional features include a Gorilla Glass body, super bright 5" FHD screen, 16MP back camera and 8MP front camera. A smartphone that guarantees superior speed and performance, the Highway is one of the bestin-class smartphones available in Nigeria. “

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• Director Market Development, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Mathew Iranloye (speaking) during the council’s stakeholder’s forum at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Listening are MD/CEO, HAULTRAC Limited, Mr Segun Adeoye (left) and Zonal Controller, NEPC, Mrs Evelyn Obidike.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Reps investigate delay in N3.7tr refinery projects T

HE House of Repre sentatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to investigate delay in the commencement of the N3.7 trillion Green Field Refinery projects.

The project which was for the construction of refineries in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states, with a completion date of this year, is yet to commence four years after the agreement was signed.

The Committee headed by Dakuku Peterside is to report to the House within two weeks.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion brought by a member, Abbas Tajudeen.

The lawmaker, while pre-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

senting his motion, noted that the Federal Government signed an agreement on May 13, 2010 with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the construction of Greenfield Refineries project in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states at the cost $23 billion ( N3.7 trillion) with a completion period of five years.

“Based on the terms, 80 per cent of the cost is to be funded with a loan provided by China Export Credit Insurance Corporation and a consortium of Chinese banks led by the In-

dustrial Commercial Bank of China, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is to provide 20 per cent of the funding as equity contribution.”

He lamented that no tangible work has been done in any of the three project sites, with just a year to the end of the period projected for the completion of the refineries “even though the Minister of Petroleum Resources had assured the public of the commitment of the NNPC to pursue the projects as soon as the White Paper on the report of the 22-member Task Force headed by former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika

RMAFC supports creation of two AGs’ offices I

N a clear departure from its earlier disposition to the idea of having two Accountants General, one for the federation and another for the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) yesterday spoke in support of getting the two offices separated.

Addressing a delegation of Kenyan Parliamentarians led

by Chairman Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee of the Kenyan Parliament, Njoroge Baiya, RMAFC chair, Elias Mbam said its position is to split the two offices.

He said: “The position of the commission is that while the Fedeal Government should have its own Accountant General, the Federation Account should be independenlty managed by a separate Accountant General of the Federation to promote transparency, accountability, checks and balances.

“This will engender trust among the tiers of government and beneficiaries of the

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

Federation Accountant.”

He said the operation and management of the Federation Account had been an area of concern, arguing that the current development where “the account is managed by the Accountant General of the Federation who doubles as the Accountant General of the Federal Government” is not the best.

Mbam also decried the commission’s lack of powers to enforce its decisions and impose sanctions, lamenting that “the constitution and enabling laws of the commission do not bestow powers of sanctions and enforcement on the commission.This restricts the commission to only advisory role.”

The constitutional powers and function of the commission he said are so enormous and germane to effective fis-

cal practices in the country that it is regrettable that the commission lacks powers of enforcement and sanctions.

Mbam highlighted other challenges of RMAFC to include absence of financial autonomy, noting that the sensitive nature of its role in fiscal management of the economy requires a measure of independence including financial autonomy.

The commission “is not responsible to any other organ of government in the appointment, promotion and discipline of its staff; it is however still dependent on budgetory allocations which are in most times grossly inadequate to protect its independence and fund its operations.”

Another concern is the payment of statutory allocations to local government. According to him, while “statutory allocation from the Federation Account due to the Federal and state governments

Kalu was released.”

The lawmaker lamented that in spite of the fact that a favourable recommendation by the Task Force for the Lagos refinery had been released out of the three, there is no evidence of the plan to construct a refinery at the Lekki site by next year.

“The revelations by the Minister of Petroleum Resources raises issues that need clarification as to the reason for the delay in the commencement of the projects and subsequent reduction in their scope after the delay in releasing the report of the Task Force and the White Paper on it, “ he said.

The motion sailed through when the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided called for a vote on it.

• Mbam

are credited to them directly, that of local government are expected to be paid into respective State Joint Account, established by Section 162(6) of the 1999 constitution.”

He said these joint accounts “are often subjected to manipulation by the states supervisory authority, thus rendering the local government financially incapacitated.”

The commission’s disposition he disclosed “is that statutory allocations tolocal govetnments should be paid directly to them. Thus, requiring the amendment of relevant provisions of the constitution accordingly.”

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday said the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Town (AIT) in the country would create 23, 000 jobs.

The government also said the initiative will serve as a means to increase agricultural production.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote who spoke in Abuja while receiving a draft report of AIT in the Agribusiness Investment Region (ABIR) of Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone(SCPZ) in Kogi State, said the ministry has identified the concept of staple crop processing zones as a platform for the promotion of agro-processing investment.

Represented by an official of the Minsitry, Mr. Chudi Nwandu, she said SCPZs would stimulate production, increase national processing capacity.

She said: “Agro Industrial Town which will create about 23,000 jobs is aimed at establishing a new concept of agricultural village.

“It is primarily targeted at farming households with provision of land for agricultural production, housing, water supply and agro-support services.”

Glo mobile money network excites traders

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S the Glo Xchange train moves around the country, traders in Imo, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Kogi states have joined other Small and Medium, Scale Enterprise operators in other parts of the country to eulogise the benefits of the mobile money super agent network.

The turnout at the venues was very high and the participants were highlyý enthusiastic.

About 1,500 potential agents gathered in Owerri, Markurdi, Minna, Jos and Lokoja to receive orientation and information on the technical details of the Glo Xchange Network.

They included Glo trade partners, sub-dealers, retailers, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, supermarket operators, salon operators, photographers, fastfood operators, Commercial Telephone Operators and other Small and Medium Scale business operators. To deepen the penetration of Glo Xchange in the country, the company is partnering some key players in the financial institutions including First Monie, Ecobank, StanbicIBTC Bank and Zenith Bank. The company said that more banks would join the partnership in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria regulations. At the programme, Glo mobile money experts gave orientation to the attendees as they were eager to know more about mobile money and how to operate the Glo Xchange network business.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

MONEYLINK

PwC faults bill seeking compulsory listing on NSE

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BILL known as Private Companies Conversion and Listing Bill, 2013, is undergoing legislative proceedings at the National Assembly, Head of Tax at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, Taiwo Oyedele, has said.

In an emailed report, the tax expert, said the Bill seeks to compel private companies to convert to public companies by listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The thresholds for the mandatory conversion are shareholders fund in excess of N40 billion turnover, or total assets of N80 billion, he explained.

Stories by Collins Nweze

He said that compelling private companies to list their securities, contradicts extant laws, such as Section 25 of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act which states unequivocally, that “no person who owns, whether wholly or in part, the capital of any enterprise shall be compelled by law to surrender his interest in the capital to any other person.”

Oyedele said that on its face value, the Bill looks like a good initiative, but a careful analysis suggests otherwise. “Nigeria with a Gross Do-

mestic Product of $510 billion, is the largest economy in Africa, but the country’s capital market with a total capitalisation of about $80 billion is dwarfed by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with market capitalisation of over $1 trillion, as at the end of 2013.

South Africa did not achieve this by forcing private companies to list, but rather through impeccable regulatory enforcement. The country is ranked first in the world in terms of regulation of securities exchanges in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Survey for 2013 to 2014,” he said.

He said a private company that

S

together to enable customers to communicate, entertain, transfer and receive money; buy airtime, carry out interbank transfers as well as all financial needs.

According to him, the One Bank has provided a single phone that can replace the token given to customers as a level of authentication; saying that the once a customer logs in with his password, he can do his business seamlessly.

He said that irrespective of the customers’ network, the telecom, media content and finance work together, so it does not matter, customers can always access his bank.

The One Bank is targeted at traders, students of colleges of education, artisans and under 11 children as a means of being in touch with their parents at a cost effective rate.

The branded phone is affordable while customer who wants a highend phone can visit the bank to pre -install and firm up the arrangement.

Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2195 1.2842 0.8302 1.0889

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

A

•MD, Sterling Bank, Yemi Adeola “Suleiman said: “We have worked with an equipment manufacturer to do this and we are not selling it at a profit. The cost is lower than the market price and the customers are given the latitude to spread the payment of N3000 over a long period of time, by paying about N200 in a month.”

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 20/10/2014 15/10/2014 13/10/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

8.3%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

0.08

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

COSTAIN

0.88

0.96

178.00

192.90

NASCON

8.62

9.29

0.67

LEARNAFRCA

1.32

1.39

0.07

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

CUTIX

1.68

1.76

0.08

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

CAVERTON

4.05

4.24

0.19

18.15

19.00

0.85

NEIMETH

1.11

1.16

0.05

NEM

0.73

0.76

0.05

ROYALEX

0.51

0.53

0.02

ETI

14.90

LOSERS AS AT 22-10-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

UNILEVER

42.28

40.16

-2.12

3.25

3.09

-0.16

27.74

26.50

-1.24

0.86

0.83

-0.03

IKEJAHOTEL PZ RTBRISCOE

CHANGE

Specialist hospital and fourpoint Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, among others.

Okon, who attributed the increase in Recurrent Expenditure for next year to the employment of additional 5,000 teachers and more civil servants, lauded Akpabio for his vision in embarking on, and completing the key projects, hoping that the next administration would sustain the projects.

The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Budget, Governor’s Office, Uyo, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika, thanked the Governor for not deviating from the 80 per cent for Capital Expenditure and 20 per cent for Recurrent Expenditure for many years now.

He called on different ministries, agencies and parastatals in the state to be judicious in the implementation of the budget.

DATA BANK

Inflation: September

GAINERS AS AT 22-10-14

GUINNESS

KWA IBOM State has sent N492 billion draft budget for 2015 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The amount which is N3.5 billion higher than the 2014 figure, showed that Capital Expenditure has N268 billion, as against N336 billion for last year, while Recurrent Expenditure has N94.7 billion as against N74.2 billion for the preceding year.

The Commissioner for Finance, Akan Okon, who announced this on Tuesday at the Executive chambers of Governor’s Office, Uyo, said members of the state’s Executive Council presided over by the Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, approved the draft budget.

Okon, explained that the state government is committed to the completion of such flagship projects, as the Tropicana Entertainment Centre, roads, the

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2117 1.2842 0.8148 1.0889

financial year; and annual turnover is based on the gross revenue of the company arising from the sale and rendering of goods and services; and the use of the company’s assets in a manner that yields interest, royalties and dividends.

Also, the Bill extends the definition of private companies beyond the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) to cover any body corporate, firm or partnership or any other entity. A fine of 10 per cent of annual turnover and imprisonment of at least two years may be imposed for non-compliance.

Akwa Ibom proposes N492b budget

Sterling Bank launches One Bank, PETSS products TERLING Bank Plc has launched two branded phones, called - One Bank and Personal Education Technology for Secondary Schools (PETSS), which serve all financial needs of customers, spread value and strategically intervene in the nation’s education sector.

Speaking during the launch, the Executive Director, Strategy and Finance, of the Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, said that the primary objective of the One Bank is to deploy a brand acquisition and embellishment tool to encourage new account openings.

The One Bank, is also primed to improve mobile money application use and adoption as well as deepen brand and customer relationships, Suleiman said.

He explained that the thinking behind the Sterling One Bank was the need to bring telecommunication, entertainment and finances

meets any of the thresholds, must be converted to a public company and be listed on the NSE within 12 months. As stated in the Bill, the conversion is aimed at promoting growth for both the company and the Nigerian capital market.

But Oyedele said it is counterintuitive for the sponsors of the Bill to expect an increase in tax revenue by granting tax waivers that do not necessarily increase the country’s tax base.

He said the Bill indicates that asset value of a company is based on the gross value of the company’s assets as recorded in its balance sheet at the end of the last audited

Money Supply (M2)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 349.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES October 20, 2014

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.2b

US Dollar

154.76

155.76

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

249.6279

251.2409

Euro

197.6595

198.9367

Swiss Franc

163.8365

164.8952

Yen

1.4481

1.4575

CFA

0.2835

0.3035

230.5372

232.0268

Yuan/Renminbi

25.271

25.4352

N16.42 trillion.

N17.2 trillion 16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 350m 350m

15-10-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 17-10-14

WAUA

Overnight (O/N)

11.00

10.917

Riyal

41.255

41.5216

1M

12.464

12.393

SDR

230.9483

232.4406

3M

13.281

13.201

6M

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

UBCAP

2.11

2.05

-0.08

SKYEBANK

2.80

2.73

-0.07

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

ACCESS

8.65

8.46

-0.19

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

CONTINSURE

0.94

0.92

-0.02

PORTPAINT

5.08

5.01

-0.07

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

STERLNBANK

2.35

2.32

-0.03

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Oct. 21, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

13

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

14

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

Ahead of the January 2015 implementation of the 35 per cent levy on the importation of used cars, there is nothing to suggest that the new automotive policy will achieve its strategic objectives. Industry experts and stakeholders say the government put the wrong foot forward when it came out with the policy without first addressing the more fundamental challenge of lack of infrastructure, reports CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

I

T took threat of total withdrawal of ser vices by clearing agents to force down the hand of the Tin Can Island and Ports Terminal Multi Services Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over the alleged hurried implementation of the 35 per cent levy on the importation of fairly used cars. The clearing agents, under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), were peeved by the implementation of the levy, which was scheduled to take off in January 2015, but was allegedly hurriedly implemented by the Customs high command before its take-off date, and without consulting or informing them.

The prompt resistance by both unions starved off a labour crisis that would have paralysed economic activities at the nation’s ports and thrown the vehicle importation arm of the automobile industry into chaos. The National President of NAGAFF, Comrade Eugene Nweke, told The Nation that the matter has been resolved. He, however, blamed the sudden implementation of the new levy regime, which is a key component of the new automotive policy, on communication gap between the NCS and the Federal Ministry of Finance. But the matter, though resolved, may have confirmed fears earlier expressed by critics of the automotive policy that it would not achieve its strategic objective of encouraging the manufacture of vehicles locally.

Since the formal launch of the auto policy, it has been the booth of scathing criticisms by experts and stakeholders in both the maritime and automobile industry most of who argue that the policy, though good and commendable, is dead on arrival on account of faulty implementation. As Neke put it, “The auto policy is a good one, but the approach is wrong.” He pointed out, for instance, that the auto policy would only make Nigeria haven for all manner of foreign auto producing companies to come into Nigeria and assemble cars. According to him, all the necessary raw materials for auto assembly have been processed in the countries of origin of the foreign auto firms, leaving Nigeria producing none of the over 2, 500 car components.

As far as Nweke is concerned, “The auto policy is all about encouraging trading and nothing more.” “We want to see an auto policy that encourages sourcing of raw materials locally,” he added. He was referring to the need to fully revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State and other related raw material processing facilities in the country. His thinking and indeed, those of other industry experts and stakeholders is that components/raw materials that are used in the manufacture of vehicles should be carefully identified and broken down to ascertain opportunities for local sourcing/production. The belief is that the auto policy would fail to achieve its strategic objective if the steel used by auto companies are imported solely from their parent companies.

While also admitting that “The idea of the auto policy is a good one, but the implementation is faulty,” Dr. Odion Oscar Odiboh, a marketing communication expert, could not agree less on the need for local sourcing of raw materials.

“Ajeokuta has to be working,” he insisted.

Odiboh, who also consults for CFAO Motors has reason to so insist, considering recent disclosure by the Minister of Industry, Trade and

•Aganga

•NAGAFF-Nat-President-Chief Eugene-Nweke

•Odion Oscar Odiboh

Auto policy: Where govt got it wrong Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga that Nigeria spends $3.3 billion annually on the importation of steel and iron. The minister, who spoke last week in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the inauguration of the Cold Roll Mill Project of Kamwire Industries Limited, said this is despite the fact that Nigeria had the second largest iron ore deposit in Africa and the 12th largest in the world.

However, lack of locally sourced raw materials is not the only challenge raising fears that the auto policy is already off to a rough start and may not achieve set targets. “Power supply has to be stable. The enabling environment has to be there,” Odiboh said. As things stand today, he was emphatic that “The auto policy won’t work, its all a deceit. When you put the cart before the horse, it won’t work.” He accused the National Automotive Council (NAC) of forcing the local auto assembly firms to admit having the capacity to produce cars to meet local demand when indeed, “The local autos are currently under intense under-capacity.”

NAC is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Industry. It was established by Act No. 84 of august 25, 1993. The Council, with inputs from the Nigerian Automobile Manufacturers Association (NAMA), and other organisations involved in the industry drafted the automotive policy for Nigeria. The trust of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) was to ensure the survival and growth of the Nigerian automotive industry using local, human and material resources. This is with a view to enhancing the industry’s contribution to the national economy, especially in the areas of transportation of people and goods.

Unfortunately however, lack of critical infrastructure, particularly electricity supply, remains one of the greatest hurdles before the realisation of the objectives of the auto policy.

With electricity supply currently hovering between N3, 500 and N4, 000 megawatts, with no hope of a major improvement anytime, concerns are mounting over the success of the policy. The thinking is that the auto policy was premature, and that government put the wrong foot forward when it came out with the policy without first addressing the huge infrastructure gap in the industry.

According to experts, a steady electricity supply is critical to the operations of any manufacturing entity, including auto manufacturing. Independent generation of electricity by auto companies, it is believed, would adversely affect prices, the result of which

would be borne by end users and this would inadvertently erode part of the gains of setting up the auto plants. Besides, environmental experts argue that resorting to independent generation runs against the global policy on sustainable energy and reduction in green house gas emissions. Simply put, independent generation is not eco-friendly.

As Dr. Odiboh recalled, lack of infrastructure particularly power was partly responsible for the disappearance of over 10 auto assembly plants from Nigeria in the past. He noted that while there is nothing wrong with Nigeria aspiring to return to a viable and competitive auto industry, there is need to go back to the drawing board and address the issue of lack of enabling environment that saw the disappearance of some of the once vibrant auto plants from the nation’s industrial landscape.

Indeed, in the past, auto firms such as Peugeot in Kaduna, Steyr in Bauchi, Leyland in Ibadan, and ANNAMCO in Enugu dotted the landscape. Same for tyre manufacturing firms like Michelin and Dunlop. Today, most of these companies have either closed shop or relocated to neigbouring West African countries where the operating environment is considered investor-friendly. “Why did these companies fail?” Nweke asked, insisting that government should address its mind to providing answer to the question. According to him, there hasn’t been any change in the fortunes of the industry to guarantee the success of the auto policy.

Lack of necessary infrastructure is not the only factor that has cast a shadow of doubt on the workability of the policy. Government is yet to make good its promise to roll out a vehicle refinancing scheme to enable Nigerians buy cars and other locally manufactured vehicles at affordable rates. According to Aganga, the scheme would allow Nigerians buy vehicles of their choice and pay for them over a period of four years. He said government was in discussion with both local and international banks to set aside a vehicle refinancing fund that Nigerians can access at not more than 10 per cent interest per annum.

However, less than three months before the scheduled take-off of the implementation of the 35 per cent levy on the importation of fairly used, the vehicle refinancing scheme is yet to come on stream. And while prospective car owners await the take-off of the scheme, the cost of new vehicles in Nigeria, at present, remains astronomically over and above the sale in the countries of origin. For

of infrastructure particularly power ‘ wasLackpartly responsible for the disappearance of over 10 auto assembly plants from Nigeria in the past

‘

Steady electricity supply is critical to the operations of any manufacturing entity, including auto manufacturing. Independent generation of electricity by auto companies, it is believed, would adversely affect prices, the result of which would be borne by end users and this would inadvertently erode part of the gains of setting up the auto plants

‘

‘

instance, KIA and Hyundai brand of vehicles are generally considered suitable for Nigerian roads. The snag however, is that they are overpriced despite the fact that they are promoted and sold in most centres by the parent companies. This is partly because of the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar.

While majority of Nigerians are hoping to ride on the back of the yet-to-be-unveiled vehicle refinancing scheme to own their own dream cars, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is said to have called the attention of the government to the failure of the auto assembly plants that promised to roll out made-in-Nigeria vehicles to approach the agency for standardisation of their products.

The agency reportedly insisted that any vehicle coming out of the assembly plants must meet the Nigerian standard before the policy could be implemented.

But as far as government and operators in the local auto industry are concerned, those opposed to the auto policy are merely using scare tactics against a progressive policy designed to make cars cheaper in Nigeria, domesticate their production, create jobs and bring about transfer of technology.

According to them, those citing lack of infrastructure as reason why Nigeria should not venture into local production are missing the point. No nation, NAMA argued, for intance, has had to wait till all the necessary infrastructure is put in place before venturing into production. The association praised government for defending the policy and warned the public against being “swayed or fooled by laggards” who failed to move in response to the very strong stimulus provided by government. It also urged Nigerians to bear with the government, listing some countries that have gained from such policy as South Africa, Brazil, India, Egypt, and Thailand.

Can Nigeria ride on its auto policy to replicate the successes of the afore-mentioned countries? The answer, perhaps, lies in her ability to set her priorities right and address comprehensively the numerous challenges before the policy.

15

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

INDUSTRY

‘Why tourism sector is untapped’ D ESPITE the abundance of tourist centres in the six geo-political zones of the country, the nation’s huge tourism potential has remained untapped, largely because of lack of basic infrastructure for bringing them to acceptable international standards.

That was the position of some tourism experts, who spoke on the sideline of this year’s symposium/luncheon tagged: “The Needs of the Tourism Industry in Nigeria”.

The symposium/luncheon was organised by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

At the event, a tourism expert, who is also a director at the Transcorp Hotels and Tourism Services Limited, Ms. Okaima Ohizua, noted that there was the need for competitive infrastructure to attract tourists. She urged the government on proper documentation of preferred tourism destinations and ensure effective regulation.

On what needed to be done to attract investment into the sector, she said the government should advertise what Nigerian tourists sites offer, their location, safety and ease of movement for tourists, from one

By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

point to the other.

She harped on the need to have a functional transportation system, graded hotels to ensure standards in terms of services and quality of food to match international standards.

Mrs. Ohizua also canvassed the need for connectivity from one part of the country to the other by building competitive infrastructure and adequate health facilities.

According to her, there must be a deliberate policy to drive the sector and make it an international hub the same way the United Arab Emirate (UAE) use Dubai as a play ground and Abu Dhabi the cultural centre.

To another member and the Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, the tourism industry has the potential to mitigate the problem of rising youth unemployment in the country if well positioned.

“We call on the government to pay attention to the supporting services sectors, such as aviation, transport, and modern technology that

•From left: Operations Manager, Moor House Properties Limited, Mr. Bruce Prins, Mbanefo, Yusuf and Ohizua at the event.

powers electronic transactions, and security in our attempt to promote tourism in Nigeria. If we must promote tourism in Nigeria, these sectors must be fixed,” he said.

Similarly, the Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Dr. Sally Mbanefo, said tourism can help Nigeria achieve her dream of reversing her age-long over-dependence on oil for poverty alleviation and job creation.

She appealed to the private sector to adopt tourist sites and develop them as part of their contributions to the development of domestic tour-

ism in Nigeria.

“NTDC and government are aware that developing the local tourism industry for domestic consumption will not be an easy task, as it is no longer a secret that more and more Nigerians that can afford it travel abroad every day. Government can no longer fold its arms and continue to watch daily capital flight from our over 4,279 hotels and numerous restaurants,” Dr. Mbanefo said.

She disclosed that the corporation was coming up with a recommendation to the government on how domestic tourism could be improved.

She also called for the implementa-

tion of the National Tourism Policy to ensure the development of a sustainable tourism by capitalising on heritage diversity as the basis for promoting domestic and international tourism.

The NTDC boss also canvassed the review of the Land Use Act to enable private sector access land for development of tourist sites, and resolve multiple taxation for tourism operators.

The establishment of a tourism development fund, tourism visa on arrival, and tourism departure levy, she said, would encourage domestic tourism.

SON to promote made-in-Nigeria goods

T

•From left: BoI Executive Director, SMEs, Waheed Olagunju, Olaoluwa and Executive Director, Mohammed Alkhali.

SME’s laud capacity, funding support by BoI

S

MALL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have attributed their growth to the assistance of the Bank of Industry (BOI) through capacity building and long-term loan.

Speaking while receiving an award of integrity, Executive Chairman, Innoson Group, Chief lnnocent Chukwuma, recalled how the bank gave him a boost, which grew his tottering business from employing 25 workers to 7,200 employees.

He confirmed enjoying the bank’s facilities for three different times for the production of household plastics ranging from plates, chairs, tables and tanks to pipes and plumbing parts. The facilities, he said, have placed the company as the biggest manufacturer of plastics in the country.

He said: “In 2010, the company accessed a fourth facility for its diversification into automobile assembling plant with the plastic arm producing almost all plastic components of vehicles. To date, the company has enjoyed four facilities from BOI, and has been able to maintain good debt service record on all the facilities, making

By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

us to employ over 700 direct staff and 2,000 indirect workers.”

The lnnoson boss said though he initially asked for a facility of N100 million and was denied, he was, however, given N80 million in machinery and equipment.

The assistance, he said, has given his business the boost needed to grow to being a leader in the local manufacturing of vehicles.

To the Managing Director of Nigeria Aluminium Limited, Mr. Iyiola Ishola, the long standing relationship his firm has with BOI since 2005, paid off with the growth in earnings per share of the company ‘s customers.

Chairman, Rumbu Sacks Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Salisu Buhari commended the single digit interest rate given to manufacturers, noting that it is not only convenient, but easy to repay. He said the company grew from the scratch 15 years ago to become the biggest producer of woven sacks and mats.

Salisu Buhari said: “BOI improved our operations to the extent that we have been able to achieve an evolution of our pro-

duction process from manual to advanced automation. Similarly, our company has been able to increase its workers from 231 in 2001 to 1,163 to date in direct and indirect employees.”

Earlier, BOI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, said the bank has established a hall of fame for 10 companies, who repaid their loans on schedule. The 10 companies, he said, demonstrated a high level of integrity in their dealings with the bank and fully repaid loans granted them by the bank as and when due.

“These companies obtained longterm credit facilities from BOI at least twice and they fully repaid the loans as and when due. They have proven that integrity is not a function of size or of the business environment. They have shown considerable honour and character that we commend and applaud,” Olaoluwa said.

The BOI boss added that the bank is poised to support genuine businesses to succeed through business support, capacity building and funding.

On bad loans, he said the bank usually adopts prudent steps as soon as loans show signs of non performance.

HE Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is set to promote competitiveness of made in Nigeria products through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) particularly for cottage, small and medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who was represented by Director of Operation, Mr. Nelson Oyebiyi, disclosed this during the flag off of the ‘Walk for Standard’ in Abuja to mark this year’s World Standard Day with the theme: ‘Standard Level the Playing Field’.

He said: “The full implementation of this programme commenced through SON offices in all states of the federation, as I use this medium to urge all local manufacturers and assemblers to cooperate in getting their products certified. The process is designed to assist them implement the requirement of relevant standards from raw materials to the finish product with a view to offering quality products that offer value for money to consumers.

“The certification to MANCAP

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

will also ensure that locally manufactured products are subjected to similar conformity processes like the imported products undergo with SONCAP thus, creating a level playing field as stated in the theme of the 2014 World Standard Day. “The walk for standard, in addition to providing opportunities for interaction among stakeholders, is also aimed at propagating the ideals of quality through strict adherence to standard by manufacturers, as well as the protection of consumers through the zero tolerance to substandard products initiative of the SON. It also provides an opportunity for participants to exercise for sound health.”

Odumodu said the World Standard Day celebration on October 14 of every year is coordinated by three international standardisation bodies which are; the International Organisations for Standardisation (IOS), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and International Electro technical Commission (IEC).

Financial institutions, OPS members to hold raw materials expo

T

O actualise its mandate of promoting resource-based manufacturing, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in collaboration with some financial institutions and the Organised Private Sector (OPS), are to hold a Raw Materials Exposition, tagged: “2nd NIRAM Expo 2014.”

Some of the institutions are: Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Bank of Agriculture and National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND).

Members of the OPS are Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

The NIRAM Expo 2014 is designed to direct national attention to critical challenges of manufacturing industries, which border on

securing a standard framework for achieving improvement in sourcing of raw materials on sustainable basis by Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) manufacturers and other potential users in the country. The expo will also create efficient linkages and synergies among the real sector of the economy.

The event themed: “Achieving Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan Through Raw Materials Sourcing” promises to be the largest assembly of producers and users of raw materials in Nigeria, and is scheduled to hold at De Blue Roof, LTV Event Centre from October 28 to 30.

The set objectives of NIRAM Expo, according to its organisers, are to provide conducive platform for exhibiting industrial raw materials and create enabling environment for effective synergy among stakeholders in raw materials value chain on sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

16

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Plan to make INTELS national terminal angers workers

M

ARITIME Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has advised the Federal Government against designating the INTELS Terminal, Onne Free Trade Zone, Port Harcourt, a national terminal for the clearance of heavy cargoes and deep draught vessels.

The union warned that such a move would have grave implications on job creation and security of its members, noting that this would not be tolerated under any guise.

The Seaport Terminal Operators Association (STOA) had in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, dated October 14, 2014, drew the attention of the Presidency to excerpts from various addresses delivered at the recent commissioning of phase 4 projects embarked upon by INTELS at Onne Port, which it said suggested

By Chikodi Okereocha

a grand and deliberate design to designate the INTELS Terminal a National Terminal for the clearance of heavy lift cargoes and deep draught vessels.

The letter was published in a national newspaper on October 17, 2014. Bbased on the publication, MWUN held its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Monday, October 20 at the end of which it issued a communique.

The communique said: “We are alarmed by STOA’s publication in the media on October 17, on the developments arising from the recent commissioning of phase 4 Intels Project at Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone Ports, which has to do with, among others, the references made in the various addresses to the new operational capacity developed in

the phase 4 project and the attendant attainment of 15 meters chart datum in the Berth and insinuations about a plot to designate the INTELS Terminal a National Terminal for the clearance of heavy lift cargos and deep draught vessels.

The Union said that while it is not going to talk about the implications of these insinuations or developments to other terminal operators, because they are in a better position to talk about how it will affect them, it is much concerned about the job implications and job security of its members.

The Union noted that many of its members are working with stevedoring companies in the midstream or offshore operations with vessels.

“We do not want to imagine or

contemplate what will happen to the pool of Dockworkers in these locations, who are our members, if this policy is implemented. We do not want to believe that this is part of a grand design to weaken union’s solidarity and strength because if it is, government should better prepare for the consequences because we will resist it with the last drop of blood,” MWUN. In the communiqué signed by MWUN Secretary General, Mr. Aham Ubani, the union reminded those whom it accused of pushing for this policy that the reasons for the appointment of stevedoring companies to midstream and offshore terminals, like STOA clearly started in its publication, was to create jobs and address youth restiveness as part of programme to sustain the amnesty offered insurgents during Niger Delta militancy era.

The Union advised that such a

.

policy should not be contemplated because it will not fold its hands and allow those with ulterior motives drive its members out of employment to join the saturated labour market. It said government should jettison such plan in the interest of industrial peace in the ports. The nation’s ports formations, the Union noted, have been peaceful, unless the government and those pushing for this policy do not want peace.

“Needless to say that part of the reasons why there are security challenges and insurgency in the North, especially in the North East where the Boko Haram sect is because of the army of idle able bodied hands whose minds have now become the devil’s workshops. If we discover that government or those behind this illadvised policy is going ahead with it, we will shut down ports to protect the jobs of our members. It is not a threat,” Ubani said.

Association seeks sack of perm sec Senior civil servants suspend strike

T

• From left: President General ,National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, General Secretary, Comrade Babatunde Liadi and Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Ibrahim Walana, during a press briefing in Lagos.

NECA urges speedy refineries’privatisation

N

IGERIA’S Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has reiterated its call on the Federal Government to begin the process of privatising the four refineries, insisting that the private sector must be empowered to create jobs to check unemployment rate.

NECA’s Director General Segun Oshinowo, who stated this during an interactive session with newsmen, said the Federal Government should extend its privitisation to other sectors of the economy for a free enterprise. He also said the government should resume the national debate that would involve all stakeholders in the economy on the removal oil subsidy in the face of shrinking prices in the international market.

Oshinowo said NECA’s call for the privatisation of the refineries was because the refineries, which are under-performing, could be turned around if privatised, thereby creating jobs.

He said NECA believed in privitisation because it is the direction to go as could be seen in the outcomes in other sectors, such as telecommunications and the port reforms, which informed its call for other sectors to be privatised. Isisting that the airports should also be privatised, he said privitisation is the best way to get a better outcome from the economy.

In a related development, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), a platform es-

Stories by Toba Agboola

tablished by the association, will hold its maiden annual summit on October 30 and 31. The summit is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth.

NNEW President Mrs. Lola Okanlawon, who spoke at a briefing recently in Lagos, said the objective of the summit was to re-orientate and inspire female entrepreneurs on business strategies, techniques and values necessary for successful and sustainable enterprises.

She said the summit tagged: “The Catalyst 2014”, will also showcase the contributions of women to nation’s development.

She said the need to equip women became necessary in view of the fact that women entrepreneurs constitute a greater percentage of micro, small and medium enterprises. According to her, the contributions of women entrepreneurs in nation building have had immense positive impact on the economy and the society so much that the government allocated 60 per cent of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N220 billion Fund to finance businesses of women entrepreneurs.

Mrs. Okanlawon said the conference, which would include plenary sessions, syndicate session and panel discussion, would also provide opportunities for mentorship, sales, exhibition and networking.

Oshinowo commended NNEW for its contributions towards national development, particularly in

addressing the challenges of unemployment among youths.

According to him, NNEW is doing a lot in the area of promoting entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths, which account for 70 per cent of the country’s population.

He emphasised the need for government and employers to give priority to job creation, stressing that it is only when a population is financially empowered that businesses can thrive.

“The strength of the US economy is in its consumer base, as consumption accounts for 70 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate. That is why the US President, Barack Obama, is always talking about job creation. It is time Nigerian government understood this and support youths in entrepreneurship development and employment creation,” Oshinowo said.

Some of the speakers expected at the event include Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ruff ‘N’ Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; Principal Consultant, Toki Mabogunje and Co., Mrs. Toki Mabogunje. Others are Chief Catalyst, OLMed, Mr. Lanre Olusola, Chief Executive Office, Mindplus Facilitation Company Limited, Mr. Noruwa Edokpolor and Principal Consultant, Experiential Consult Limited, Mrs. Aderoju Odunsi.

HE Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has suspended the four weeks old strike in the Federal Ministry of Education, calling for the removal of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. MacJohn Nwaobiala.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, the union ssaid the suspension of the industrial action followed the release of N527,643,444.00 by the Federal Government, to pay the first batch of the promotion arrears to the workers of the ministry.

“Besides, there have been appeals by well-meaning Nigerians, including the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters, who met with the union and the management of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. They emphasised the need for the ministry to pay its staff all outstanding entitlements,” the statement added.

On the call for the removal of Nwaobiala, Lawal pointed out that the negative attitude of the Permanent Secretary towards the welfare of workers and the ignoble role he played by treating welfare issues with levity provided the in-

gredients that fuelled the industrial action.

He said had the Permanent Secretary done the needful, all the allowances, many of which had been outstanding since 2007, would have been paid.

He said persistent strikes in the education sector have more than confirmed that the Permanent Secretary has lost his bearing and as such, the best option for the Government is to post him out of the Federal Ministry of Education before he completely destroys the sector.

According to Lawal, a task force made up of representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Education has been set up to ensure that the N1.7 billion needed to complete the payment of promotion arrears and other allowances are released by the Budget Office of the Federation. outstanding salaries for newly employed and re-instatement allowance, will be paid immediately the sum of N1.7 billion is released to the Federal Ministry of Education by the Budget Office of the Federation”.

‘Politics has been commercialised’

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EPUTY President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has said elections have been commercialised in the country and it was becoming a no-go-area for the working class. He said this is the major factor hindering workers from partaking in politics.

He said any worker that wants to go into politics may have the best ideas, but if he doesn’t have enough money, there is no way he can be successful in politics.

“If you work for 35 years, and you have four kids and dependent relatives, no matter your salary, it will be difficult for you to save enough to buy a ticket or a nomination form of any party. You may have the best ideas, but when it comes to that, you discover that you can’t make it.

Comrade Ajaero said unless probably while working, one was fortunate to have made money either by combining his work with other things, but the end product is that he needs to still go to godfathers. And if he is somebody

that runs a policy that is based on principle and yhe don’t want to be controlled by godfathers, it will equally be difficult for him to go and succumb to godfathers.

Ajaero said solution might not be in sight because there is so much poverty and there is nothing anybody can do about it. According to him, most people feel that even if it is N1000, it is their share without knowing that they are mortgaging their future. He said the value system in Nigeria has been bastardised. As he pointed out, if one is a graduate in Nigeria for four, five years and he doesn’t have a job, people look down on him.

He said the crave for money is becoming the in thing. In those days, people were afraid to steal so as not to dent their family reputation, but these days, people steal so much and they give you chieftaincy title. Until we remove this attachment on money, we are going to find it difficult. It is a societal problem. To correct this, we have to go back to our schools, from when children are getting into primary school; it has to be a gradual process.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIALS

Steel conundrum

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•The sector is too important to be neglected

TEEL development is recognised worldwide as the bedrock of economic development; and understandably so. This is why many countries that are blessed with the raw material for steel make sure that they sustain the industry even as those which are not so blessed import to keep their steel industries going.

Of course, countries place so much emphasis on steel because virtually everything we use today, from aero planes to ships and cars, even wristwatches, etc. all have steel components.

Nigeria seemed to have realised the importance of the sector at a time in its history and established four steel rolling mills - Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill in Osogbo, Osun State; Jos Steel Rolling Mill in Jos, Plateau State, Katsina Steel Rolling Mill in Katsina, Katsina State, Delta Steel Company in, Ovwian-Aladja, Delta State, as well as the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Ajaokuta, Kogi State. We also have the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) Limited, Itakpe, Kogi State.

Sadly, as with most other things Nigerian, the steel sector was neglected after the country had invested heavily in it.

The lack of commitment, corruption and politicisation of the sector, were responsible for its ruin and has led to the present situation where the country is importing steel products on the scale that it is today.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, revealed at a one-day stakeholders’ forum with the theme, ‘Transformation of Minerals, Iron and Steel Sub-Sector for Indus-

trial Revolution in Nigeria” that the country spends a whopping $3billion annually on steel importation. The bill is this high because annual steel production in Nigeria is estimated at about 3.5million tonnes while the country imports about 17 million tonnes of steel and allied products annually.

This, surely, is one of the perplexing absurdities of governance in Nigeria. Other things being equal, the country should have no business importing steel, given the investments it had made in the sector.

Ajaokuta alone had gulped about $7 billion while only about $1billion was needed to complete it before it was abandoned.

However, government eventually privatised the four steel rolling mills after discovering that it could not run them efficiently. Interestingly, as of today, only about one or two of them are producing.

This situation cannot continue. The steel sector is too important to us as to any other country, to be left in a comatose state. It has great potential in terms of employment generation. Ajaokuta alone is said to be capable of generating about 140,000 direct jobs with between one to two million ancillary jobs. Moreover, the government is talking about reviving the automotive industry; this cannot work well without a vibrant steel sector.

So, rather than carpet the private steel firms in the country for wholesale importation of steel products as Aganga did at the forum, he should ensure that the problems being faced by the steel firms are addressed by the government. These in-

clude infrastructure challenges, electricity, security, inconsistent government policies and unbridled importation of cheap steel products competing with the ones produced locally at outrageous costs.

When the problems are addressed, the steel manufacturers would stop coming to Abuja to look for waivers which Minister Aganga frowned at. The point is that we have made many mistakes in the past on the steel industry and it is only by the government coming out with the right policies that those can be redressed.

Many other oil-producing countries like Nigeria with excellent reserves have viable steel industries. But Nigeria has refused to diversify its economy, relying solely on oil revenue with its attendant volatilities. The government must retrace its steps because the country is losing a lot by not having a viable steel industry.

‘The steel sector is too important to us as to any other country, to be left in a comatose state. It has great potential in terms of employment generation. Ajaokuta alone is said to be capable of generating about 140,000 direct jobs with between one to two million ancillary jobs. Moreover, the government is talking about reviving the automotive industry; this cannot work well without a vibrant steel sector’

NGOs deserve to pay •We need to bring more people and organisations not exempted by law into the tax net

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The decision by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) must pay tax came like a bang, but it should be seen as one whose time is long overdue.

The NGOs, hiding under the cloak of being non-profit making organisations have over time evaded payment of taxes.

But the reality of the situation is that most NGOs coast home with profits far beyond the imagination of the nation’s revenue authorities.

Now, the FIRS is set to wield the big stick. Its Acting Executive Chairman, Kabiru Marshi, declared through Ossy Chuke, Coordinating Director, Modernisation Group of the service at a sensitisation interaction with members of different NGOs in Abuja that: “Nigerian tax laws do not necessarily exempt NGOs from paying taxes. As an emerging economy, Nigeria is moving away from resource dependence and focusing more

‘The decision by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) must pay tax came like a bang, but it should be seen as one whose time is long overdue. The NGOs, hiding under the cloak of being non-profit making organisations have over time evaded payment of taxes. But the reality of the situation is that most NGOs coast home with profits far beyond the imagination of the nation’s revenue authorities’

on sustainable sources of revenue, especially taxation. We cannot, therefore, afford to leave behind any taxpayer segment, neither can any group of taxpayers seek to exempt themselves from contributing to the development of Nigeria through paying taxes, except as permitted by law.” The revenue tax laws exclude only non-profit making ventures from tax payment.

The FIRS insistence in this regard that any NGO that engages in activities from which it derives profit must pay tax on it is absolutely right. Such NGO, in our view, should freely discharge its tax obligations on such profits like any other profit-making entity. For instance, the NGOs, under the law are not exempted from paying taxes such as Value Added Tax on goods and services. Also, they are obligated to deduct and pay personal income tax from salaries and allowances paid to their employees. The on-going drive to collect taxes from the NGOs should not be seen as a witch-hunt by the FIRS but a good move aimed at stemming the tide of abuse of tax privilege accorded truly genuine non-profit making organisations in the country.

We remain nostalgic of the golden days of Nigerian NGOs. That was the period under despotic military rule which obviously belonged to the past. We recollect that era of selfless toil against military tyranny and affront against democratic enthronement by most existing NGOs of that time. Foreign donor agencies were the ones financing the activities of the then NGOs. That period witnessed minimal abuse of tax privilege but this could not be the situation under the contemporary period because the NGO sector has become bastardised and denigrated by all sorts of characters

seeking undeserved praise and unearned rewards.

We consider as disgraceful a situation where societal dregs, dishonest people, mischief makers and other cheap fortune seekers take to NGO business without really giving back to the system from the huge profits being made. There is no doubt that the sector once produced great Nigerians but the reality of today is that the henchmen of NGOs, mostly oneman business, are blatantly collaborating with corrupt politicians in government to pursue parochial interests that are detrimental to national development.

They publicly protest against what they act in secret. They give a semblance of populism to interests injurious to the public through paid-for protest marches and other pressure group-induced measures and eventually spending unearned accruals from such without any consideration for payment of taxes.

Moreover, as the FIRS boss noted, the government has to seek other sources of income, with dwindling revenue from crude oil. So, people and organisations that had hitherto not been paying taxes but who are not exempted by law should be captured. An advantage of this is that it would make more people to develop interest in how public funds are spent.

The present situation where there is apathy in this regard is due to the fact that oil money that is being stolen is regarded as no one’s money in particular.

We agree with the FIRS that the NGOs must pay taxes to government out of the profits made from proceeds of their activities. That is the right thing to do and the federal revenue service must be encouraged to achieve this without any inhibition.

The unfortunate arm of government

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IR: The three arms of every democratic government are the executive, legislature and the judiciary. While the executive is vested

with the responsibility of policy making and implementation, the legislature makes laws or amends or changes existing laws as the case may be, while the judiciary interprets these laws and punishes offenders.

In the hierarchy of power in Nigeria, the executive comes first, then the legislature before the judiciary but fair enough, the excesses of each arm could be checked by the others. The judiciary enviably plays the biggest role of checks and balances since it is constitutionally vested with the power of determination and execution of the validity or nullity of the actions of other arms of government and indeed other components of the society. It is quite glaring that the judiciary is an indispensable tier of any fair system of government and without it, even with a fair existence of other arms of government, the society would turn violent and lawless.

Conventionally and for equity’s sake, it is expected of one to describe the last in a group of equals as “last but not the least”. Unfortunately however, away from the patronizing idiom, the judiciary in Nigeria is the “last and the least” infrastructurewise. The state of the structures that house our judiciary is nothing to write home about. Save the structures in the capital and major cities, where the affluent executive and legislature seek their own justice, our courts of law are ramshackle, grossly dilapidated and tumbledown, urgently in dire need of repair if not complete reconstruction. I have a specimen to dissect!

This piece was inspired by my visit to a magistrate court in Urualla, the headquarters of Ideato North Local Government Area in Imo State. The court is located behind Mainstreet Bank, Urualla, few metres away from the council’s headquarters complex and opposite a ‘state-of –the-art’ police officers’ quarters.

The situation at the Urualla Magistrate Court led me to further investigate the state of other neighboring courts. They weren’t any better! The courtroom is a mere shed of rusted corrugated roofing sheets, boarded by dwarf walls with a nodoor entrance at the south. Insecurity! The building is surrounded by giant spear grasses as tall as the dwarf walls so that a harboured reptile feeling uncomfortable one hot afternoon could conveniently run into the courtroom for shelter. It is even worse inside - the room has no power supply and there is no sign of any source of water. I wondered how documents are produced in the court, maybe an old typewriter is located somewhere.

Furniture in the room, right from the old rustic and dusty benches for the jury to the magistrate’s bench; it is the same- ramshackle! Old and negatively attractive. The witness box has one side collapsed and the remnant standing feebly, ready to fall. The holy books for oath-taking are worn out and possibly some pages out. One wonders the efficacy of oaths taken with them. The ceiling roof is so low and with the raised platform for the magistrate, a tall magistrate would find it hard to stand comfortably without bending.

Such judicial environment could actually encourage the flouting of court orders and judgment. Is cleanliness and orderliness not said to be next to godliness?

The judiciary should be given its rightful place in the country. A society without justice does not deserve to exist.

• Uzoaganobi Ebuka, Imo State.

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The so-called concept of the stomach infrastructure has gradually crept into the Nigerian political lexicon, especially after the shock victory of PDP’s Ayodele Peter Fayose over the then-incumbent APC’s Kayode Fayemi in the 2014 Ekiti state gubernatorial elections. He was accused of utilizing the “stomach infrastructure” to entice the electorate. This, to me, is highly misplaced.

The concept of the stomach infrastructure might be new in Nigeria’s political lexicon, but it’s not an entirely new phenomenon. It has always been there with us, dating back to the days of the pre-independence regional elections across the country. Politicians who appealed to the conscience of the masses via their stomach always had the upper hand against those who tried to use other measures.

From then till now, almost all the elections that have been conducted in the country irrespective of the level have been won and lost cour-

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In support of stomach infrastructure tesy of the stomach infrastructure.

Nutrition is a priority. It is indubitably sine qua non. It is the fundamental responsibility of the government of a country to ensure that the physiological and safety needs of its citizens are met. Food, as part of the physiological needs, is the most basic in man’s hierarchy of needs, according to psychologist Abraham Maslow. It is only a wellfed man that makes use of the physical and social infrastructures that are built for him. Before one is able to work, he must first of all eat. A hungry farmer cannot muster the strength to till the ground.

A hungry father cannot send his wards and children to school – except when the education is free, which is not the case in most parts of Nigeria. Only a well-fed voter will be able to withstand the torture of queuing up under the scorching African sun for several hours at a polling unit in a bid to exercise his constitutional right. A hungry voter will either collapse or go home to eat.

All over the world, food is deemed more important than everything else. It is a precursor to good health. You’ll recall that when giving prescriptions, the doctor al-

Asiabaka and FUTO’s transformation

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IR: Since the creation of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), apart from the tenure of its first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U.D. Gomwalk, I have closely monitored activities of the institution and my verdict is that the current vice chancellor of the university, Professor Chigozie Cyril Asiabaka, is not only in a hurry to redevelop and recapitalize the school but also determinedly leaving no stone unturned in the process of upgrading the educational and infrastructural standards.

As an indigene and one of the leaders of the host community, I am concerned mostly with the promotion and sustenance of peaceful coexistence as much as I am particular about the development of the environment such that the lives of the neighbouring communities could be positively and effectively affected.

I am mostly endeared by his enactment of a culture of due process without which no institution can survive. The method of engagements with the host communities by the administration of Professor Asiabaka has given me the courage

to write this piece because in as much as he is inhibited by the previous terms of land acquisition, he has resorted to peaceful resolution of inherent problems emanating from existing agreements in the process of land acquisition, by demonstrating a genuine sense of mutual engagement on both sides bearing in mind that as a citizen of Imo State, he will be happier if peace is achieved.

I am particularly attracted by his sense of equity and fairness in conflict resolution and willingness to convince every listener that he is on a mission to revolutionalise the standard of education and to engender growth in the economy and infrastructure of the neighbouring communities. Today the institution is a sight to behold as he has embarked on a wholesome environmental sanitization by exposing the allure of natural endowments in the vicinity of the university.

The repair and re-asphalting of the major road into the institution from the front gate is a major testimony of his sincerity of purpose; it speaks volumes of his roadmap for development. I am also aware that

there is an imminent plan to equally repair and re-asphalt the institution’s back gate road which links the school with the immediate communities. I have no doubt in my mind that the misgivings between the university and the neighbouring communities will be resolved amicably because what he is doing is to reawaken the consciousness of the communities by re-establishing the existing borderlines and as such re-engaging the communities in dialogue for a permanent and enduring settlement.

It is heart warming that since the inception of his administration, the students and staff have co-habited with the host communities in a peaceful manner, which he has engendered through his amiable disposition and poverty alleviation schemes as well as his medical and health outreaches to communities.

Therefore I am optimistic that if he builds on the foundation he has already laid, there will be mutual growth of standards that will benefit both the institution and the neighbouring community.

• Ben Onyechere, Owerri, Imo State

ways tells you to “take this drug three times a day after food” or something similar. Food is good and so is investment into the stomach infrastructure. Anyone that thinks or says otherwise should go hungry for sometime and pass through what millions of poor Nigerians go through on a daily basis. The reality remains that many Nigerians are hungry with little or nothing to eat and any politician that looks after their nutritional well-being is an astute statesman, a humanitarian and a shrewd politi-

cian.

However, in the midst of it all, we should not be carried away and turn a blind eye to other things that really matter. Investment in stomach infrastructure, however good, must be a short-term measure and not a long term policy. It should be in pari passu with strategic investments in physical and social infrastructures. Food only meets an immediate, basic and pressing need, while adequate physical and social infrastructures as well as stable institutions increase the possibility that those pressing needs will always be met in the future. Neither of these measures should be neglected, ridiculed, castigated or cast aside. One way or the other, they contribute to the sustained improved well-being and upliftment of the masses.

• Oscar Chinedu George, oscargeorgechinedu@gmail.com

Pay public office holders like civil servants

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IR: Many Nigerians, if asked, about their view on the current cost of governance in their country, will quickly, without batting an eye, lampoon political office holders for taking home “jumbo pay” in the name of salaries and allowances at the end of the month while millions of Nigerians over the month, couldn’t avoid sleeping on empty stomach, at least for a day.

This jumbo pay of political office holders is the big reason for dichotomy between the fatness of public office holders’ bank accounts before and after getting to office. This issue naturally, irate the average Nigerians and understandably makes them result to generalisations about public office holders being selfcentered and corrupt.

The cost of governance in Nigeria wouldn’t have been much debated had governments in the federation expended more on capital than on recurrent. But alas, a survey recently carried out by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics showed that like the federal government, nearly all the 776 local governments and a few states are expending more on recurrent than on capital. When recurrent expenditure is more or less seen as a negative or stagnating expenditure, the frustrations of average Nigeri-

ans on these issues are, therefore, conceivable.

The solution to this is simple but demands an unabated will. Let’s extend the civil service salary scale to political offices. Let the political office holders, appointed or elected be paid like civil servants.

If a permanent secretary, who is a just a level less in grade to a commissioner and recognised by the civil service law to be in level 17 or thereabout takes salaries and allowances of a level 17 civil servant, let a commissioner be placed on a level 18 civil servant salary scale. And let this be applicable to every political office holders. Most ministers or commissioners cannot beat their chest, that they are more experienced on the job than most senior civil servants in their respective ministries, so why do they take home pays that are geometrically higher than those of the civil servants?

Once this salary scale is effected, across all political offices from federal to local government levels, sanity would be restored to political offices. And then, just then would the circus of distrusts and aspersions of political office holders by average Nigerians be put to a final rest.

• Olaifa Waliu O. Alagbado, Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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COMMENTS

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The guns of August

WAS in London, England during the centenary celebration of the outbreak of the First World War. The occasion for the outbreak of the First World War was the murder of Arch Duke Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, by a young Serb nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, in Sarajevo in what is today Croatia. This assassination set in motion a train of events which led to general conflagration in which the entire world was involved. This is why the war is called the Great War. After the assassination of the Arch Duke, Austria-Hungary prodded by imperial Germany issued a stiff ultimatum to Serbia which even the Hapsburg Empire did not believe they would accept. But this was accepted, but inspite of that, Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia. This led to general mobilisation in Romanov Russia which saw itself as the defender of all Slavic people. The general mobilisation of Russia triggered mobilisation in imperial Germany and a declaration of war by France which had been wounded in 1870, by the German seizure of Alsace and Lorraine and the fear of Germany fighting wars on two fronts led Germany to invade France through Belgium in order to knock France out before shifting emphasis on Russia.

The violation of Belgian neutrality guaranteed in 1830 by Britain and France led Great Britain to declare war on Germany. The only major power in Europe that had no particular grievance against others was Italy, which however had ambitions in Africa and had joined the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey against the Entente Powers of Great Britain, Russia and France. Italy was compelled to enter the war at a later stage on the side of the Entente Powers. The outbreak of the Great War was in August and this outbreak has been critically discussed in Barbara Tuchman’s famous book, The Guns of August, in which it is claimed that this was a war that was avoidable, and that Europe stumbled into a tragic war in which the entire world willy-nilly was involved.

This war also affected the African continent because of the German empire in Africa in such places like Togo, the Cameroons, the then Tanganyika, now Tanzania, and SouthWest Africa, now Namibia. In fact, fighting ended in Europe at 11am, November 11, 1918. What military people generally refer to as H-hour and D-day but continued in East Africa where the indomitable German General Paul Von Vorbeck continued fighting until it made no sense to those who were pursuing him and his band of Askaris. Nigerian troops just like the famous Senegalese Tirailleurs were involved in the conquest of the German empire in Africa and French black troops also saw action in Western Europe and some of the tragedies that befell them included being frozen to death and smoking constantly while the glowing amber of their cigarettes provided targets for German sharp shooters who blew up their faces repeatedly. Nigerian troops and other

I

am pleased to share my thoughts on the legacy of a foremost statesman and hero of One Nigeria, His Excellency Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in tribute to him as he turned 80 on Sunday.

As a historian, I appreciate the place of documenting the roles of key national figures in our history and making same available to as many people, particularly of the younger generation, as possible. This is particularly so in view of the dearth of heroes and role models for our younger generation, predominantly within the Public Service space in our country.

We often think of public servants as omnipotent figures that can make and remake history according to their whims and caprices. In reality leaders are shaped by their times as much, if not more, than they shape it. Assessing the records of political leaders therefore necessarily calls for understanding the temporal context in which they exercised power.

The mantle of national leadership fell on Yakubu Cinwa Gowon in very trying circumstances. The First Republic had fallen after politicians’ antagonisms had escalated into deadly rivalries. Serial mutinies heavily tinged by ethno-regional antipathies had undermined the solidarity of the armed forces and the nation at large. This coupled with the mass killings of easterners in Northern Nigeria had pushed the country to the brink of destruction.

Under these onerous circumstances, Gowon came to power as the unintended beneficiary of the chaos and immediately faced

troops from British Africa were spared deployment in Western Europe, but some of them saw action in Mesopotamia against the Turks. At the end of the war, there was a massive celebration of the victory of the allies over their enemies, particularly, over imperial Germany and their Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II who incidentally was a grandson of Queen Victoria of England.

To this grand victory celebration and parade, the African troops, especially members of the West African Frontier Force were excluded on the grounds that it was inconceivable for black troops to be seen parading on the streets of London.

Yet, this unfortunate soldiers displayed valour, and courage under fire in the Togo campaign, in Cameroons and particularly also in German East Africa. Yet, because of penny-pinching racism, they were thought unfit for celebratory parade in London. A century later, the same thing was repeated this last August, there was no mention of African participation in the war or their sacrifices in human and material terms remained unrecognised. Not only did Africans fight on the side of the Allies, in any case they had no choice, they also supplied vegetable raw materials especially palm oil and palm kernel oil for oiling the guns and munitions factories as well as for production of margarine which became substitute for butter for the soldiers. Representatives of the United States, Russia and the European powers and that of India and Pakistan were invited, but none of the representatives of African governments was invited.

This was a painful personal story for me because my grandfather, Ojo Sapoloso, (Sapoloso was his nickname because he was regarded as possessing power derivable from his “Apo” meaning “the small gourd for carrying African medicine” which he cared for) and his younger brother, Agbaje (whose nick name was “Agbaje gori ite ekun suwon roro” meaning “somebody who carries wealth to the throne, a man as handsome and dangerous as a tiger”) were recruited into the British army along with other Nigerians as part of the war effort. My great grandfather and his brother must have voluntarily offered themselves because they were children of Dada who was one of the Generalissimos of the Ekiti army during the Ekiti Parapo war between 1876 and 1896 against the Oyo/Ibadan people. After the British succeeded in bringing the Ekiti Parapo war to an end and disbanded the two huge armies in Imesi-Ile and Igbajo, my great-grand father came back to Imesi and when Ishola Fabunmi, the Balogun of Imesi tried to seize the throne as a war leader, my great grand-father supported him and when this attempted coup d’état failed, he had to leave the town and for several years was living in places like Imesi-Ile, Ibokun and Igbajo where he had maternal relations. After my grandfather and his brother returned from the Cameroons campaign, they brought their father from exile back home

to die in old age. As soldiers, nobody could challenge them; and I suppose this may have been the main reason why they joined the army at that time.

When the war ended, many of the Nigerian soldiers who died in the war front, either in Togo, the Cameroons or Jide East Africa could not Osuntokun be easily identified, because in those days, people only had first names and hardly any surnames. So they could not be easily identified and recognition of their efforts and personages bore such names as Ojo Ibadan, Aminu Bauchi, Ojo Ekiti, and so on and so forth; and the dilemma this presented to the British authorities was finally resolved by building Cenotaphs in regional capitals from where they were recruited.

The war itself even though led to the death of 23 million people worldwide either directly or as a result of collateral damage or the outbreak of influenza, had some positive consequences. The tanks that were used in the front, provided the basis for modern ploughs, the Zeppelins German planes provided the basis of modern aviation. The use of chlorine gas, brought home to statesmen of the time the need to begin the ban of chemical and gas warfare. There were of course several medical innovations made as a result of the war, the war also ushered in the age of democratisation and the granting of the vote to women as a result of their war effort and service and also led to the embrace of the principle of self determination, which even in our own country became a rallying point for early Nigerian nationalists eventuating in the legislative election in Lagos in 1922 under the Hugh Clifford administration.

Not much has been written about the war outside Europe to the extent that many people erroneously assume that the war was fought only in Europe and by Europeans alone.

Yet, there were theatres of war, in Africa, in Europe and in the Middle East in particular. Scholarship on the First World War is heavily concentrated in Europe to the extent that the Americans who came to the side of the Allies in 1917, and who tilted the balance in their favour also complain that their role in the war has been rather marginalised by historical scholarship. The role of Africa is generally regarded as happening in the side shows of this global conflict. But in my book, Nigeria during the First World War, I have tried to place our role in global context and perspective.

Celebrating Gen Gowon at 80

By Kayode Fayemi the task of preventing the giant of Africa from disintegrating.

Events at the time made civil war somewhat inevitable and the challenge became that of prosecuting a war of national unity in such a way as to prevent lasting hatred from taking root. At the young age of 34, Gowon had to bear the burden of shepherding a young country through the severest test of its nationhood to date. As the legacy of intergenerational strife across Africa makes clear, this is a burden that has broken so many African leaders and their nations.

The material and human cost of the war was undeniably immense. By most accounts, it could have been far worse had Gowon not prosecuted it with remarkable magnanimity and generosity of spirit. Federal forces were issued a code of conduct that was unprecedented in the annals of warfare on the continent. There were, of course, notable and grievous violations of the code, but these were scandalous precisely because of the tone that Gowon had set for the prosecution of the war.

No Nigerian soldier was awarded a medal for valour because it was deemed unseemly to celebrate valour in a quarrel between brothers. From the onset and throughout the duration of the war, Gowon maintained that the objective was not the military humiliation of the secessionists or their annihilation but reconciliation and a restoration of the union.

True to his word, the surrender of the secessionists was not followed by the genocidal slaughter predicted by many or by merciless occupation, but by a programme of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

It is no exaggeration to say that Gowon is to Nigeria what Abraham Lincoln is to the United States, a political leader charged with the terrible duty of prosecuting a war in order to forge national peace and unity. Just as Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation ended slavery and strengthened the American union, Gowon’s famous declaration that there would be no victor, no vanquished ensured that there would be no bloody recriminatory aftermath to the civil war. It set the tone for post civil war relations and aided reintegration and rehabilitation. To say that our union has its challenges is to state the obvious. But it should not stop us from acknowledging those statesmen whose exemplary labours have pushed us a little further on our quest for a national cohesion.

Of all of Nigeria’s military heads of state, none has exemplified the model of the officer and a gentleman as much as Gowon.

When he was removed in a 1975 putsch, he turned his interests to further study, obtaining degrees in political science from Warwick University in the UK. His rather austere finances after his overthrow burnished his reputation for personal integrity and honesty, a reputation that would elude many of his successors in

office. His remarkable humility and unfailing courtesy also set him apart from those who have walked the rarefied heights of power. Very much in keeping with his character, Gowon’s relationship even with those who effected his removal is characterized by a lack of bile and bitterness.

In retirement, Gowon has continued to be a voice of peace and reconciliation. He provides sagely counsel to current political leaders. He founded ‘Nigeria Prays’, a faith-based organization dedicated to peace building by mobilizing religious leaders and faith communities. I am immensely proud to have hosted him and benefited from his wise counsel during one of the organisation’s campaigns that brought him to the Land of Honour, Ekiti State. He has remained a messenger of moderation and tolerance in a country where the polity is charged with petty histrionics and polarizing acrimonies. Consequently, it is not surprising that he possesses a genuine national stature which transcends sectarian divides and yet commands the respect of Nigerians across the lines of faith and ethnicity.

It is fair to say that he has set

the standard for a productive post-presidential life. Even in retirement, he continues to serve the country in both official and unofficial capacities, often as a special envoy sent to mediate in conflict areas by bringing his conciliatory spirit to bear upon the adversaries.

Few leaders can lay claim to the consistency of temperament and ethical conduct over such a long period spanning their time in office and in retirement. Gowon can do so and stands out as one of the great statesmen in our pantheon of national heroes. Some argue that the term ‘statesman’ has been bastardized on our shores through its frequent and reckless application to undeserving figures. This is true. However, when we contemplate the life and service of Yakubu Gowon, we are in the presence of a rare Nigerian political figure who is fully deserving of that accolade.

At 80, I join all believers in a great Nigeria to wish General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) many more years in good health.

• Dr. Fayemi is immediate past Governor of Ekiti State

‘Few leaders can lay claim to the consistency of temperament and ethical conduct over such a long period spanning their time in office and in retirement. Gowon can do so and stands out as one of the great statesmen in our pantheon of national heroes’

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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COMMENTS

T is not only Wole Soyinka, our own Nobel laureate and a citizen of the world that has found Kayode Fayemi’s defeat and Ayo Fayose’s political resurrection in Ekiti after eight years in the wilderness inexplicable. Ekiti intellectuals, including a professor of nuclear chemistry from the University of Ife who after listening to Fayose’s inaugural speech was shouting hysterically, “Can you now see what your people have done”, swearing to take a sabbatical from home for the next four years, are still dazed. But I reassured my friend that with okada riders and motor park touts now given rooms in Government House by Fayose who has said industrialization is not his priority and has gone ahead to appoint Sunday Anifowose as Personal Assistant on Special Duties and Stomach Infrastructure, a professor of nuclear chemistry would not be missed.

Fayose’s unexpected victory no doubt defied logic. Here was a man whose first term was marked by violence which found expression in the unresolved assassination of some of his close PDP rivals such as Ayo Daramola and Tosin Omojola among others; here was a leader who disbanded a University College of Medicine in order to fund an ‘integrated poultry projects’ with rented chicks which partly accounted for his impeachment by the state House of Assembly on October 16, 2006; here was a man who admitted he fled the state shortly afterwards abandoning all his properties in Government House. “During the seven and half years of my political wilderness”, he told his crowd of supporters during his inauguration, “I was taken to court over what I knew nothing about 59 times, aside the 45 days I spent in Ikoyi Prisons during my trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)”. He did not forget to add “My security and political aides, such as Dayo Okondo, were incarcerated for three and half years without committing any offence”. He was silent on the status of the cases which have dragged on for years like most cases involving PDP men. Here was Ayo Fayose who because of the feeling of ‘self worth’ moved to Labour Party to contest the 2011 Ekiti North Central senatorial seat but was roundly trounced by Senator Babafemi Ojudu. Then the serial carpet crosser moved back to PDP, a party that has claimed what it does best is winning elections and inexplicably trounced a highly rated sitting governor, Fayemi in all the 16 local council areas of the state.

Fayose himself was dazed by his victory.

Finding no rational explanation, he went spiritual: “The total glory of these unusual dynamics of history, which are too precise to be taken away from divinity, goes to the Almighty God, the Alpha and the Omega”. To Feyisetan,

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OT too long ago, Nigeria was bedevilled by the Ebola Virus Disease. Patrick Sawyer, a LiberianAmerican, flew into Lagos with the disease and refused to inform airport officials of his health status. The virus caught both Nigerians and the Nigerian government unawares. As of the time of Sawyer’s visit, the average Nigerian knew little or nothing about this deadly fast-killing virus. On the part of the government, none of the government health care facilities could boast of the equipment required to effectively fight and contain the virus that was already ravaging some countries in the West African sub-region such as Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Immediately the index case of Sawyer was detected in Lagos, Nigerians and the Nigerian government put all their differences aside and united to fight the disease that sneaked into our country. There was no buck-passing among politicians and the political parties. The Peoples Democratic Party did not blame the All Progressives Congress neither did the latter accuse the former of inviting the Liberian to the country. What we observed was that the PDP-led Federal Government worked effectively and in synergy with the APC-led governments in Lagos and Rivers states to contain the virus. There was a unity of purpose between these two political parties.

We saw our leaders for the first time practising what they preach. Not only were

Fayose’s liberal democracy his wife, “God told me that our return would be done in such a way that will beat people’s imagination… God told me that I should leave him there because he has committed a lot to politics and has yet to reap the dividends”; and to his mother, Prophetess Oluwayose, “The Lord, who brought him this far, is also the one who would bring to fulfillment the good work He has started in him.”

They may all be right. But the issue is that the battle between the church and the state had long been settled on the side of the latter long before liberal democracy became tool for managing society in the western world in the 18th century.

Similarly, Fayose’s inaugural address, like his victory which defied logic was equally a celebration of the absurd. On empowerment, he says he is set to create “an egalitarian society for all Ekitis at home and in the Diaspora”; on education, which he destroyed during his first outing, he says his PDP government is set “to pursue the restoration of the past glory in education”. On security, his “Government shall ensure the take-off of the military formation in Ekiti State”, perhaps to continue with the pacification of Ekiti from where the 12,000 military personnel deployed during his reelection stopped.

On public service, his “government shall review all public service personnel issues including appointment, promotion, and disciplines which were hurriedly effected after the governorship elections”.

Like a military dictator, he directed with immediate effect from the inaugural ground that “the Head of Service is hereby directed to return all officers to their substantive positions as at June 21, 2014”. And finally, his government is “to usher in another era of restoration – of meals to the tables, of smiles to faces, of money to pockets, of soundness of body and mind and

of unique infrastructural development – as we resume the steady journey to plenty and prosperity.” He did not say how.

PDP and Fayose by fielding and winning the Ekiti election seemed to have re-defined liberal democracy as an irrational and absurd concept.

But liberal democracy is not only rational, it is a scientific endeavour which became the basis of western civilization centuries back. Long before it became a god worshipped by more than half of the world, Plato had criticized it on the basis that most people are ill-equipped educationally to make informed selection of their leaders. Aristotle had questioned its false assumption of equality of men (okada riders, road transport workers touts with professors).

For him, without first educating the people, democracy can only end up producing mediocre like Fayose who proudly asserted in an interview that the people knew he was not a professor before electing him. Liberal democracy has undergone many reforms and today, it thrives more on representation rather than equal participation. Thus Americans elect their leaders through Electoral College and not by equality of voters. There, democracy is known as a tool of ‘gentle men of property’ and in not too distant past, women, slaves and other underprivileged members of society had no voting right. Closer home, in Great Britain, up to 1954, a university graduate vote carries four times the weight of a non-graduate vote.

But alas! Here in Nigeria, we always put the cart before the horse. We manufacture cars without an iron and steel industry and without first acquiring the capacity to manufacture car tyres and car batteries. By 1955, we already had universal adult suffrage ahead of many parts of Europe and Asia including China. When Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, one of the more far-sighted members of our founding

fathers cautioned about the rush for adult suffrage especially as it related to his own people, he was pilloried by the eastern and western regions. If those who claimed to be ready for adult suffrage in 1953 were sincere, they would have teamed up to do what Kenneth Kaunda did with the Northern Rhodesia in East Africa. But then as it is today, our different nationalities have their different agenda.

Besides, liberal democracy is not a tool for scoundrels; it is a tool by which the capitalist class, the barons who owned society manages their society. They decide who governs because they owned the political parties. They ensure good governance in order to protect their investments. They are ready to die for their society. But here, what we have are political parasites sucking and surviving on the blood of the poor. As Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister recently observed, most Nigerian billionaires made their money through the state. Perhaps this also explains why the followers flood the churches looking for miracles or trying to reap from where they have not sowed.

While there are no free meals in the homes of those who introduced liberal democracy to the world, our own leaders bribe ill-informed voters with our money in the name of stomach infrastructure. Prime Minister Cameron of Great Britain has no official private aircraft because the barons would not pay for such extravagance. He lives in a three bedroom house. Our president on the other hand controls a fleet of about 10 aircrafts while some governors hop around in leased aircrafts or helicopters as Fayose did in a state as compact as Ekiti during his first coming.

Our own vice president’s 20 billion mansion is probably still under construction. The rape of our society in the name of liberal democracy does not end there; unlike the western societies, where national assets are kept in trust for future generations, here our leaders who impose themselves on us either as military dictators or as PDP electoral fraudsters, appropriate our national patrimony.

Fayose’s aberration is symptomatic of PDP and its leaders’ exploitation of the concept of liberal democracy to perpetuate evil against our people because they know they can always get away with it by appealing to our religious, ethnic and cultural differences. Deployment of soldiers and police to intimidate political opponents during election and surreptitiously undermining the judiciary by using ill-informed ‘okada’ riders and touts to unleash terror on judges is a betrayal of the ideals of liberal democracy such as check of abuse of power, accountability and impeachment for those who abuse their positions, ideals that are not totally alien to some of our cultures.

Weep not for Ekiti; but weep for the nation.

Let’s treat corruption the Ebola way

By Dennis Ofurum we told to avoid hand shakes, to wash our hands regularly, use sanitiser among other things, but we also saw our leaders doing exactly the same things they asked the common man to do. It was not a case of the government official telling the people to go cashless while they carry millions of dollars in aircraft across the continent.

Considering the numerous challenges facing the country, ranging from insecurity to corruption and others, a number of lessons can be learnt from the Ebola experience.

Suffice to say that if the same can be replicated in the fight against corruption, for instance, it will go a long way to curb this common enemy of our great nation. Both the leaders and the led should realise that the fight against corruption can never be won if we leave it to either the PDP or the APC. This fight should not be left for government agencies alone. Records have shown that neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor the Independent Corrupt Practices And other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alone can win this fight against corruption.

It was reported that some people who had contact with those infested with the Ebola

‘Corruption should be seen as our common enemy that is fighting so hard to destroy our dear country. We have to stop seeing corruption as a PDP’s or APC’s problem.

The negative effects of corruption are no respecter of any individual irrespective of how highly or lowly placed the individual is. Accidents for instance, resulting from bad roads do not care whether the victim is Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba’

virus and were quarantined were stigmatised after they were certified Ebolafree. In some cases, many were sacked from their jobs. In another instance, it was reported that neighbours ran away from one of the quarantined persons when he returned to his home. Banks, hospitals, hotels and other corporate organisations started screening their customers to determine those they could allow into their premises. Secondary and primary schools’ resumption date for the 2014/2015 academic session was postponed across the country. People started washing their hands regularly at will. Husbands, wives, brothers, sisters consciously advised their loved ones who were suspected to have the virus to go for treatment at the government quarantined centres. Those who refused to present themselves for medical observations and treatment were reported even by their close relatives and loved ones.

What an unusual scenario?

This is obviously in sharp contrast with the ways Nigerians celebrate suspected and convicted corrupt individuals. It is on record that Nigeria is the only place where people can throw parties because a thief who stole public money and was sentenced to prison by a court of competent jurisdiction is returning from prison. We have had cases of a former governor of a state obtaining a ridiculous perpetual injunction from the court against the institution of the state empowered to fight corruption, not to prosecute him for the financial improprieties he committed when he was in the office. It is on record that both the government and the people have done absolutely nothing to vacate this kangaroo injunction. Regrettably this is fast becoming a culture in Nigeria.

Petroleum Minister, Diezani AlisonMadueke would later follow the same path.

She went to court and obtained an injunction stopping the House of Representatives from probing her after being accused of spending

about N10 billion on aircraft charter.

An Igbo proverb says, when evil reigns in a land for a year, it becomes a culture.

Our religious leaders are not helping matters in the fight against corruption. Public officers who have helped themselves with our commonwealth are often given undeserved recognition and awards in our churches and mosques. These types of recognition have consciously or unconsciously gone a long way in affirming that there is nothing wrong with stealing public funds, thereby encouraging corruption in the country.

For Nigeria to win the fight against corruption, it is my humble submission that the same methods applied to Ebola should be extended to corruption. All individuals that have been convicted of corruption should not only be stigmatised but also isolated.

Every corrupt practice should be reported to relevant agencies no matter who is involved.

Corruption should be seen as our common enemy that is fighting so hard to destroy our dear country. We have to stop seeing corruption as a PDP’s or APC’s problem. The negative effects of corruption are no respecter of any individual irrespective of how highly or lowly placed the individual is. Accidents for instance, resulting from bad roads do not care whether the victim is Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba. It is not only the poor masses that are suffering from the insecurity situation in the country; many of those who have lost their lives include highly placed individuals such as current and former political office holders, first class traditional rulers, religious leaders; and lowly placed individuals.

Let us therefore stand up and unite and make corruption a thing of the past in our country by fighting it the Ebola way, and Nigeria would be better for all of us.

• Ofurum, a geologist writes from Port Harcourt.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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N the history of the world, there must be very few countries that have been frequently and persistently warned about their impending collapse as Nigeria is being warned. At home and abroad, very many persons, including statesmen, intellectuals, journalists, ordinary citizens of Nigeria at home and abroad, etc, some of them people of good will who are interested in Nigeria’s well-being and success, are warning that Nigeria could soon disintegrate.

For many years, the warnings have been coming in various shapes and sizes. But we can only pick and choose a few here. Almost from the day of independence, some valiant youths of the Ijaw people of the oil-producing Delta territories served notice that they rejected the situation whereby their homeland produced all the oil wealth upon which Nigeria depended, and suffered all the environmental degradation of oil production, but was neglected by Nigeria and left to suffer in poverty. Their protest was treated as an affront to Nigeria and, again and again, they were punished as criminal insurrectionists.

As a result, a strong tradition of revolt was bred in the Delta – a tradition that continues today with powerful secessionist strains, even though the current president of Nigeria is a child of the Delta.

The people of the Western Region were Nigeria’s frontline achievers, and were phenomenally industrious and confident, until 1962 when the controllers of the federal government decided that the Western Region was too self-sufficient and needed to be disrupted and stopped. The plot disrupted the

‘Unhappily, and very unfortunately for Nigeria, the men and women who guide the Nigerian ship of state choose to ignore all the warnings – determined to continue to manage the affairs of their country in their accustomed, destructive, ways’

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Nigeria refuses to take heed Western Region, initiated the decline of Nigeria, produced stubborn revolts and a very destructive civil war, and led Nigeria onto the path that now seems to lead to possible disintegration and dissolution. But Nigeria has sustained the tradition whereby every controller of the federal government views the South-west as, in various ways, a land of rebellion. The root of it all this is that the Yoruba people are tenacious holders to their traditional cultural values – of freedom and respect of the individual, the servant-hood of governments, the inalienable right of the people to choose their own rulers, the right of each person to hold and practice the religion of their choice, the duty of a community to accept and respectfully include foreigners, etc.

Yoruba voices are forever warning and urging Nigeria to respect the Yoruba nation’s cultural sensitivities and allow the Yoruba to manage their own affairs according to their own cultural values in the context of Nigeria.

And they never forget to add that all other Nigerian nationalities have the same rights – for which reason they persistently urge that Nigeria be structured as a proper federation based sensibly on the nationalities. But Nigeria ignores these entreaties and warnings, tries to subdue the Yoruba by marginalizing them in the policies of, and shares in, the Nigerian federal government and, if possible, reduce them into a poor and helpless nation in Nigeria. More and more, therefore, the Yoruba are being left with little choice other than to wish and seek for a separate country of their own out of Nigeria.

More than the Yoruba, the Igbo nation has been more able to compromise with the controllers of the Nigeria federal government.

Even so, their experiences have been very close to those of the Yoruba in the history of independent Nigeria. Their desires are to develop, like the Yoruba, their homeland, and, with all other Nigerians of all nationalities, to be free, as Nigerian citizens, to reside and prosper in all parts of Nigeria. At some point, their response to the excessive presumptions and pressures of the controllers of the federal

S the world continue its battle to contain the deadly disease called Ebola, the largest and most devastating in parts of West Africa including Guinea, SierraLeone and Liberia, reports of limited transmission or isolated outbreaks have also been obtained from Nigeria, Senegal, Spain and the United States of America. As at October 14, 9,216 confirmed, probable and suspected cases have been identified, with 4,555 deaths. On December 28, 2013, a two-year-old boy died of an haemorrhagic fever confirmed to be Ebola in Meliandou, Guéckédou Prefecture of Guinea. This began a cycle of epidemics in which his mother, sister, and grandmother all subsequently became ill with similar symptoms and eventually, died.

Subsequent deaths were reported in Guinea until March 2014, when the virus made an incursion into Liberia and in April, in Sierra-Leone through a tribal healer. She had treated infected people before her death and the burial rites including the washing of her corpse for burial led to widespread dissemination of infections in women from neighbouring towns.

Ebola, also known as the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever (EHF), is a disease that infects humans and other animals, which is caused by an Ebola virus.

Signs and symptoms of this disease are usually characterised by fatigue, fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.

The less common symptoms include skin rash, sore throat, chest pain, hiccups, shortness of breath and painful swallowing. The average time between coming in contact with infection and the start of symptoms (incubation period) is eight to 10 days, but it can vary between two and 21 days. In approximately half of the cases, bleeding from the mucous membranes and body orifices (mouth, nose, anus and vagina) as well as vomiting of blood may be reported within five to seven days after the first symptoms. Death may occur as there may be dysfunction of the body systems within seven to 16 days. A number of infected persons may survive the attack. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with blood or body fluids (saliva, mucus, vomit, faeces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine, and semen) of an infected person or by contact with objects contaminated by the virus, particularly, needles and syringes. The virus is transmitted through the nose, mouth, eyes, open wounds, cuts and body abrasions. It is suspected that transmission may occur through other animals such as a fruit bat, ape, gorilla and chimpanzee.

The first case of Ebola in Nigeria was through a LiberianAmerican development consultant, who flew from Liberia to Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos on July 20. He became severely ill upon arriving at the airport and died five days later at a private hospital in Lagos. Staff members at the hospital restrained the patient from infecting the community but 11 workers (out of which four died) were infected with Ebola some of which came in contact with their family members. In addition, a contact with the Liberian-American

government led to an Igbo attempt to separate themselves from Nigeria – resulting in a civil war that generated much destruction and loss of lives in the Igbo homeland. Because the northern political leadership that has controlled the federal government for most of the time since independence seem to be convinced that that civil war has subdued the Igbo, Nigeria is disinclined to pay serious attention to the voices and aspirations of the Igbo nation in the affairs of Nigeria. Like the Yoruba, the Igbo are being left with no respectable option than to seek for a separate country of their own. The dream of Biafra therefore remains a very virile dream for most Igbo people – a very potent warning which Nigeria is ignoring at Nigeria’s peril.

Warnings that should never have been ignored have also frequently come from Nigerians of note. Until his last days, the veteran Nigerian nationalist, Chief Tony Enahoro, never ceased urging Nigerian leaders and rulers to restructure the Nigerian federation appropriately and thereby terminate Nigeria’s decline. I am looking in particular at one of his last public lectures in which he said “if we desire to create a viable federal structure and warm relationships among our nationalities, we have to design a formula under which we can live equitably together and the formula must provide for the recognition of the existence and corporate integrity of the nationalities”. He added that Nigeria was no longer being kept together by love or desire, but by force and coercion.

The Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, has repeatedly urged for changes in the way that Nigeria’s affairs are being managed. Once he added, “if nothing happens…I don’t rule out Nigeria breaking up. That is what happens to a failed state”.

From foreign dignitaries and important international agencies, the warnings are legion. In 2005, an agency of the United States government warned that Nigeria was heading towards breaking up in 15 years. In 2013, a research group for an arm of the U.S. government repeated the same. Journalists

Gbogun gboro from all corners of the world who happen to visit Nigeria are saying the same over and over. Only last week, the World Bank, the highest monitoring agency of the world’s economy, announced that Nigeria is one of the leading contributors to global poverty, and that, as things stand in Nigeria now, Nigeria will still be one of the leading contributors to global poverty in as far in the future as 2030. In any other country, that kind of warning would be sufficient to move the rulers and managers of society to begin to hurry to change a whole lot of things. Not so Nigeria.

Unhappily, and very unfortunately for Nigeria, the men and women who guide the Nigerian ship of state choose to ignore all the warnings – determined to continue to manage the affairs of their country in their accustomed, destructive, ways. Quite often, indeed, they choose to bristle at the warnings, and to accuse the people doing the warnings as enemies who are trying to destroy the image of Nigeria and even of Africa. It is as if a huge and malevolent force has grabbed Nigeria in its grip and is pushing or pulling Nigeria through an evil whirlwind towards some sort of predetermined cataclysm. For most of us Nigerians, there is almost nothing more to do than to surrender to the inevitable – and wait in trepidation. In the 1950s, a song in a popular movie had the words “Que sera sera – what will be will be.” What will be will be!

Ebola and the plight of women

By Bukola Adenubi

transmitted infection to Rivers State and infected other persons. A total of 898 persons were followed up as potential contacts and approximately 26,000 households were visited with health information in Lagos and Rivers states. To date, Nigeria has been declared free of Ebola and no more infection exists, going by the latest report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, the after effect of Ebola and the analyses of the outbreaks need to be put in perspective.

Unconfirmed reports have it that more women were infected in the different African countries infected than men.

Specifically, the Liberian government has announced that 75 per cent of the deaths due to Ebola in Liberia have been women, as of August 22. Similarly, between 55 and 60 per cent of the deaths due to Ebola in West Africa have been women. The question remains: why are more women succumbing to the deadly virus?

It will appear that the biggest driving force behind the gender difference in the death rate comes mainly from cultural aspects within the affected communities. In West Africa, symptoms of fever are often treated at home first for malaria and typhoid and only when such treatment fail do such patient gets to seek medical help at a health facility. In this circumstance, women are the primary caregivers who nurse, cater for, feed and manage the patient. Since Ebola spreads through blood and other body fluids, the risk of contracting infection is increased amongst these Ebola care-givers. An evaluation of the case histories of the current outbreaks confirms the role of women as primary care-givers. Earlier reports have indicated that the differences in exposure between males and females have been shown to be important factors in transmission of Ebola.

Therefore, understanding the gender roles and responsibilities that affect exposure in the local settings become mandatory for the control of infections.

In addition, the global perspective of the nursing profession has confirmed it as a female-dominated profession, where women account for about 95 per cent of the total global population of nurses. These professionals are primarily responsible for care-giving in the hospital and are the main line of contact with health-care facilities, oftentimes, dealing with infectious diseases. Previous reports have indicated that more women than men were infected with HIV/AIDS in past outbreaks of Ebola and Influenza (A) H1N1. In the present situation, the cases of Ebola and deaths in women come with huge tolls like widower-hood, motherless-ness, and the loss of primary source of family income in certain instances.

On a good note, the responses of the Nigerian government and healthcare workers involved in the case management

and contact tracing of the situation in Nigeria was heartwarming. The rapidity of implementation of actions, the observation of all primary and secondary contacts for signs of infection, the level of management and escalation of surveillance at all entry points to the country and the logistics involved were huge but well-coordinated. As at October 2, all contacts of the Ebola cases in Nigeria have exited followups successfully. A total of 20 persons were infected and eight deaths occurred. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention through its director, Dr. Tom Frieden, had praised Nigeria’s response. As we celebrate our “freedom” from this “out of control” disease, it is indeed time for sober reflection. One step forward recommended by the WHO is the education of the general public of the risk factors for Ebola infection and of the protective measures individuals can take. These include avoiding direct contact with infected people and regular hand-washing, using soap and water. Bush meat, an important source of protein in the diet of some Africans, should be handled with appropriate protective clothing and thoroughly cooked before consumption. Other than increased surveillance at the country’s borders, the Nigerian government states that they have also made attempts to control the spread of disease through an improvement in tracking, provision of appropriate health education to avert myths and misinformation, and the teaching of appropriate hygiene measures. This is encouraging.

Since the cardinal role of women have been emphasised in past epidemics, adequate preparation of women and the girl-child for the future needs to focus on the following. Firstly, focused group education sessions that target women and the girl-child should be developed in parallel with potential treatment options. Secondly, health education sessions should focus on early recognition of malaria, and other febrile conditions and all cases of fever should be taken as potentially fatal until proven otherwise. As such, early hospitalization should be sought for all such conditions. Thirdly, current cultural practices elsewhere - like the drinking of water used to bath a corpse as a means of proving innocence- should be done away with as this predisposes individuals to risk of infection with a pathogen like Ebola virus. Such cultural practices must be reformed in line with the current realities. Lastly, all deaths must be certified by a pathologist and any form of direct contact with a corpse until proven to be safe should be avoided. Educate the woman and save a household!

• Dr. Adenubi is of Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa,

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

NYSC e-registration: Two sides of a coin The dust raised by the NYSC online registration platform is yet to settle. While some love the idea, others are questioning the cost attached to it. Yet, some others are complaining about the difficulties in completing the procedure. Are these teething problems? Will protests kill the idea? Stakeholders discuss the pros and cons.

W

ITH the introduction of its online registration platform last month, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) extended its deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) beyond just providing corps members with their call up information. Now, corps members can access the NYSC website for their callup information, download the letter, and register online.

The process eliminates the need for fresh graduates to travel to their respective schools to get their callup letters before heading (perhaps in another direction) to the NYSC orientation camp in the state of their posting. It is also expected to eliminate registration queues at the orientation camps to fill multiple paper forms, queues at monthly clearance and collection of certificates at the end of the service year.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, said the initiative, which is being powered by Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited - the same firm that handles the online platforms of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) - was introduced because of pressure from parents and the challenges of insecurity in some parts of the country.

"Prospective corps members should not have to spend thousands

• Corps members salute during a parade

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Clarice Azuatalam (Port Harcourt), Damisi Ojo (Akure), Bukola Amusan (Abuja), Sunny Nwankwo (Aba), Nicholas Kalu (Calabar), and Olawale Oluwatosin.

to travel hundreds of miles to collect call-up letters, or queue for hours at the orientation camps to get registered, in this Internet age," he said.

Sounds so good but for the N4,000 price tag attached to the scratch card that potential corps member must purchase to gain access to the NYSC registration portal, and a host of other technical and ethical concerns.

Defending the cost, Gen. Olawumi said it should be weighed against the risks involved in individual candidates travelling hundreds of miles.

He said: "Paying to process callup letters online is totally optional.

It is not compulsory. NYSC made it optional because of the realisation that not every corps member will need or can afford it. The costs and risks involved in going to schools to pick call-up letters are clearly different for candidates. NYSC thinks it will be unfair to ask (all) of them to pay or force them to embrace the initiative. In the same light, they shouldn't have to pay N4000, or any

INSIDE

Lawyer alleges discrimination in Ondo teachers’ recruitment -Page 28

Delta youths blast JAMB over stoppage of online registration agents -Page 47

•Wike

amount, to do these things online.

But the reality is that we cannot wait on the Federal Government to fund this process, and the cost of putting this structure in place, in the meantime, by the leadership of the NYSC, has to be borne by the end users. In the end, it is a choice between safety and convenience at a cost, and risks, stress and danger at even greater costs."

The Batch C corps members to be mobilised for orientation in November would be the first to use the new platform. Already, the scratch card has gone on sale - with the potential corps members relating various experiences - good and bad.

Online Registration good idea, worth the cost Despite the flak being thrown at the NYSC call-up online registration, some of the corps members have said "the thing is good o!"

Abigail Young- Harry, a final year English Education student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, said: "I like the arrangement because once you

CAMPUS LIFE

PROPONENTS • Saves trouble of travelling (cost, insecurity, risk, etc) • Faster • Eases tedious manual registration process • Good business for cyber café are able to register, you are given your call-up number immediately.

You don't have to begin to queue at the university registrar's office or your department to collect your callup letter."

Pere Lakemfa, who is rounding off his Political Science studies at the University of Port Harcourt said:"I have no reasons to complain because the arrangement is very reliable and saves us stress.

"The registration fee though is

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

Controversy trails Bar exam -Page 29

OPPONENTS • Too costly • Technical hiccups • Fraud much for a student, but when you consider the stress it will save you, then one will not have reasons to complain."

A parent, Mrs Ngozi Eze, thinks the amount is not an issue considering that it saves the students so much stress.

Mrs Eze, who has a potential corps member, said: "If I have succeeded in paying my son's school fees from year one to the final year, is it N4000 that I cannot afford? " She said in 2010, her daughter who graduated from Imo State University, Owerri, spent almost one week waiting to collect her call-up letter from the school.

"My daughter nearly missed the orientation because she was waiting to collect her call-up letter. By the time she secured it, after a one-week repeated and stressful visits to her • Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

26

EDUCATION

NYSC eregistration: Two sides of the coin • Continued from Page 25

school, she had only 24 hours left to enter the orientation camp. I had to squeeze out money for her to fly to Abuja and then make the rest of the journey by road to Katsina where she was posted. So, you can see that the online registration is a better option," she said.

A student of Abia State Polytechnic, simply called Ogechi, praised the NYSC for taking steps to reduce the stress students face moving from one location to another in the name of checking their names or postings.

She said the same way the introduction of e-registration and online tests by the examining bodies has eased the burden of candidates, so would the NYSC registration do for corps members.

"Before now, after writing WAEC, SSCE, NECO and even JAMB, candidates travel as far as Lagos to check their results. But, today, the story has changed. People now write exams including post-UTME tests and check their results online.

"I heard about a particular case where a student travelling from Abuja to check her posting died in a road mishap. That would not have happened if NYSC had introduced this online registration (earlier). She would have done that in Abuja as long as she has access to the internet. Tell me, what is N4,000 to losing one's life or even risking it just to check for posting or call-up? I am sure that the parents to the lady will even be angry with NYSC that this action is coming after losing their daughter.

"We must learn to accept change and move along. Agreed that the economy is not telling well on the citizenry, but we must always adjust. Nigerians will later appreciate NYSC's decision on the process. Remember that it is still optional, but I tell you that it will reduce exploitations of students by some staff that use the opportunity to drain their purse.

"I am sure you are a university graduate and you know what the crowd used to be? People during one of my sister's set, though at Owerri, even fainted while struggling for all these things. But this is something you can do in the comfort of your zone with internet-aided devices, especially now that almost everybody has devices that are in one way or the other connected to the global village (internet). So, it is a welcome development by me."

Victor Effiom, a prospective Batch C corps member and graduate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), also thinks the initiative is better for students who live far from school.

"I think it is a very good development, especially for students who don't live where they school is, and there are many of them. Think of even those who are abroad or who schooled outside the country and want to do their service. I think the merits of this online process outweigh any other disadvantage. They would not need to travel to NYSC office. All they need is access to a computer with internet; they can sort themselves out. For me, I am not doing the online process because I live here in Calabar and my school, UNICAL, is just at my doorstep. But if I were outside I would just do the online thing," he said.

For Mr Paul Chimodo who runs an Internet Café in Port Harcourt, the initiative is a blessing.

"The thing is bringing business to us," Chimodo said, adding: "Even though NYSC charges N4,000, we end up paying the organisation N4,050. From the N1,000 we charge the applicants for the process. At the end of the day, we take home only N950 per applicant. The response of the applicants to the online registration is helping us because, on the average, we get four applicants per day which means you will be collecting about N3,800 every day from the NYSC registration."

Good, but not worth the cost While the initiative has been lauded, many have complained that the price is too high.

Some also fear that they would be compelled to register online. Despite the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development backing the policy, they are

• NYSC Website

expecting that the N4,000 would be reduced.

A graduate of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Badmus Olaleye, said they were relieved when they were told by the management that N4,000 was no longer compulsory because only a few could afford it.

"We have decided to follow the instruction of the management since majority of us will be collecting our call-up letters from our institution. Though when we were earlier told that we should pay N4,000, we were disturbed because we had paid huge amounts of money as students before we graduated. So, how can we pay another N4,000? Thank God, Nigerians came to our rescue and we are happy that it is no more compulsory" Olaleye said.

A final year student of Abia State Polytechnic is not enamoured by the thought of paying N4,000 for the service. He said it is unaffordable.

He said: "Some of us who come from poor families will find such decision or policy of NYSC obnoxious. They have passed through tertiary institution education and they know how hard it is for students to feed, buy textbooks and do other things in school, God will only save you when you happen to have lecturers that you must sort before you pass their courses.

"A report by one of the international agencies said that majority of Nigerian families live on less than a Dollar daily. You can imagine what it means for a family like mine that has about two other siblings in this school. So, asking students from such a family pay N4,000, my brother, is an additional burden.

"For me, it is not acceptable. It is high time government started thinking of how best to assist students and the unemployed than making things more difficult for them."

Mr Bassey Udo (not real name), who works in the Students Affairs Division of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), thinks the scratch card would be just right at N1,500.

"I feel the N4,000 fee is too high for the service. For me N1,500 would have been a good price for the service," he said Eribo Anino-Orise, final year student of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), referred to the cost as a tax and urged others to reject it.

"It makes me think twice about serving my own country. I believe doing so should come with a reward and not you paying to serve. Is this money a tax levied on the students to serve their country? We students and future leaders hereby say no to the payment of N4,000

‘It makes me think twice about serving my own country. I believe doing so should come with a reward and not you paying to serve. Is this money a tax levied on the students to serve their country?’

• Gen. Olawunmi

for the NYSC call-up letter," she said.

Hitches, fears need to be addressed While the initiative has been praised for being useful, candidates are not finding the registration easy. Many have complained about the website not being user-friendly, and the delays in getting a response after registration.

Okey Okocha, a final year student of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), said registration on the site is like being on a queue.

"Sometimes, we spend up to three hours to access the site and this makes it very frustrating. But, once you are able to register, then you are good to go because you will immediately get your call-up number, and with that you can access your posting," Okey said.

Chimodo, the café operator, complained about the slowness of the site during the day, when there is likely to be heavy traffic. However, to get around this challenge, he said they work at night.

"What we do is to collect the money and details of the applicants and then stay up the night to do the registration when the traffic to the site is less," he said.

Victor Effiom expressed concerns about the practice, as there is the risk of the person entering the wrong data and the owner is not

‘We must learn to accept change and move along.

Agreed that the economy is not telling well on the citizenry, but we must always adjust. Nigerians will later appreciate NYSC's decision’

there to verify.

"My only fear is I hope the IT experts would be meticulous so that the new process which is supposed to be a blessing does not turn out to be a problem. Inasmuchas the benefits are much, one can only imagine the problems this would generate if there are hitches in the process. Also, I urge the NYSC to carry out intense sensitisation on how to go about the online process, so people don't do the wrong thing on their own. Those doing the registration should also be careful to avoid mistakes," he said.

Some prospective corps members have taken their complaints online. Reacting to a story published by a paper online (not The Nation), Nwokoma Ihuoma complained she was yet to get her number after paying.

"I paid N4,000 but have not got my mobilisation number. NYSC, how do you explain this?" she asked.

Another, Salako Ololade Baleeqes, complained that there was a problem with the email he used for the registration and wondered how he could inform the NYSC to send his details to a new email address.

To address the many technical issues corps members may have, a parent, Mr Frank Nkemakolam, advised the NYSC to create a 24-hour help desk, similar to the one run by telecoms operators, to reach them.

"The NYSC should establish a channel so that people with different issues, which might occur in the process of computing students' data, would be resolved to avoid being exploited by anybody (NYSC staff or agent)," he said.

The fear of discrimination against those that do not register seems real. Another candidate, also reacting to a story online, accused the NYSC of releasing call-up details ahead of the schedule, a move he claimed would encourage fraud and lead to discrimination against those corps members who do not pay the N4,000.

"I can confirm that those who have paid the said N4,000 are now receiving their callup number in form of messages, which is completely against the scheduled timetable on NYSC website. Are they to be mobilised for the next batch while non payers are not?" he asked.

Though the NYSC has said the online registration is voluntary, some people claim that some schools are compelling their graduates to register online.

A candidate who reacted online wrote that some graduates of a certain university are being threatened to go and pay the N4,000, saying the Dean of Student Affairs of the school expressly told the students that “no one will go to Abuja because of any student. It is better you go and pay and don't expect any number or letter from the school'".

But on the news section of the university's website a story titled: NYSC introduces online registration for Batch C informs graduates of the school that they are expected to register online.

It reads in part: "Effective from the 2014 Batch 'C' mobilisation exercise, every prospec• Continued on page 27

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

EDUCATION

SSANU honours FUTO pioneer pro-chancellor T

HE pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and the traditional ruler of Ogbaland in Rivers State, Oba (EzeOgba), Dr. Chukumela Nnam Obi 11, has been honoured by the FUTO Chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) for his impactful leadership between 1980 and 1984.

The presentation of the distinguished award was the first in the series of activities planned to recognise the monarch.

Speaking at the event, SSANU Chairman, Mrs. Loveth Chisaa Ekwemalor, said the occasion provided an opportunity for SSANU members to celebrate an icon of inestimable quality who has changed the destinies of many for better.

She described the monarch as a legend who has made a mark in the annals of FUTO, Ogbaland, Rivers State and Nigeria.

She said: "As a mark of the union's respect and appreciation of his Eminence, the union has decided to name the SSANU Secretariat after him. FUTO Chapter of SSANU can-

NYSC e-registration: Two sides of the coin • Continued from Page 26

- Names secretariat after him From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

not forget in a hurry the contributions the Royal father made in making FUTO what it is today.

"As products of your vision, we had thought of ways of immortalizing your name and God Almighty has given us the vision to start a befitting secretariat and to the eternal glory of God, we have after exhaustive consultations among different strata of our Union, decided to name the Secretariat after you as a sign of respect and appreciation for all you did while in FUTO. "To others, it was a tough decision to make but to us who were very

close to you, it was a simple decision because we cannot forget in a hurry what you contributed in making FUTO what it is today".

Responding in an emotion-laden voice, the elated monarch, said that considering the humble beginning at FUTO, no amount of money could have paid him back as much as what the Union has done, noting that, "remembering of yesterday is the essence of community".

He explained that what he cherished most in FUTO is the human capital development.

The traditional ruler commended members of SSANU for remember-

‘I thank God for FUTO for having you. People who have the sense of history are still around. Those who do not know or appreciate history are always making mistakes. Every moment of your stay reminds me that all is not lost, there is tomorrow’

• Dr Chukumela

ing him, adding that he was happy that people who have the sense of history are still in FUTO. "I thank God for FUTO for having you. People who have the sense of history are still around. Those who do not know or appreciate history are always making mistakes.

Every moment of your stay reminds me that all is not lost, there is tomorrow. Every family, community or nation has its own saviours.

If only they could recognise them and honour them they will progress. But when the savior is rubbished or maligned, God will remove such savior from them and transfer them to another place", he stated.

tive corps member, irrespective of the mode of study, is expected to register online to be able to participate in the National Youth Service Corps Scheme.

"A release from the NYSC management indicated that all prospective corps members are required to register online at the NYSC portal via the webpage www.nysc.org.ng or portal.nysc.gov.ng or nysc.gov.ng.

While emphasising that information on accreditated registration centres nationwide was available on the homepage (www.nysc.org.ng), the NYSC management stated that all graduates from Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics/Monotechnics and those affiliated to them were expected to carry out their biometricenabled online registration using their matriculation numbers and JAMB registration numbers including those for re-validation."

The NYSC has reiterated that the process is optional and those who choose not to go through with it would not be discriminated against. However only time will tell if this will be the case when camp opens in November.

Journalists count gains of AWARES programme HE curtains were drawn on the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) certificate programme of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos last Thursday with the participants, mostly journalists, counting the gains of the 20-day training.

The training, which spanned 10 weeks, featured courses like Writing Skills, Developing Story Angles, News Releases/House Journals, Critical Writing, Creative Writing, Business writing, Prose, Imagery and Symbolism, Storyline Development, Political Economy/Macro-economic Reporting, Ethics etc, and made a significant impression on many of the participants.

The programme ended last week with a critique of magazines designed by the participants who were referred to as the AWARES 14 set.

Despite the difficulties the journalists faced imbibing PAU's stringent punctuality policy and 80 per cent attendance scores, many of the participants left with pleasant memories of the interactive sessions with various facilitators; the mostly unsuccessful efforts to avoid being caught by the class coordinator, Nse-Abasi Ndiokho trying to dodge attendance; and the delicious tea and sumptuous lunches served by the in-house restaurant.

Prof Emevwo Biakolo set the tone early in the programme with his analysis of the '12 'O' Clock Man' [representing workers who neglect family for work]; Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya's Writing Skills classes addressed grammar, paragraphing, essay writing, business writing and other areas of the English Language that many in the class previously had challenges with; Mr Tomi Vincent's Ethics sessions were always charged as the class discussed various case studies; Prof James Tsaaior and Ita Hozaife's classes tasked the writers' imagination to write creatively; Mr Michael Esere's Digital Media classes were so practical and interesting that the participants hardly knew when it was time for lunch; Dr Henry Oripeloye's classes underscored the importance of outline, critical thinking and logic in writing; Dr Austin Nweze brought to life the variables that affect economic reporting, while Dr Issa Momoh enlightened participants about the business side of journalism. The various classes also featured many practical exercises.

The 10-week programme was not

T

• A cross section of AWARES 14 set during a class.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

solely spent studying as the participants embarked on a-day field trip courtesy of Chevron Nigeria Limited, the major sponsor of the course. They visited the Molecular Biology Laboratory donated by the company to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); the Lekki Conservation Centre, which also enjoys the company's support; and the Chevron Headquarters, where they were received by Mr Clay Neff, Chairman/Managing Director, CNL. Neff said the company decided to sponsor 30 of the 34 participants for the programme to boost human capital development in Nigeria. He said the company values partnerships in society it operates and seeks to make sustainable investments in them.

He said: "As you may already know, our vision is…to be the energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance. One of our core values as a company is partnership. It is our practice to partner with relevant stakeholders everywhere we operate, in our efforts to achieve common business and development goals. In Nigeria, we have established endur-

ing partnerships with different stakeholders, among whom are governments, non - governmental organizations (NGOs), business organizations, communities and of course the media.

"In over five decades of operating in Nigeria, CNL has excelled in its core business of petroleum exploration and production; and has become a leading player in the country's oil and gas industry. Through the provision of energy resources, we continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

And through programmes such as AWARES, we build professional capacity and lasting partnerships with stakeholders."

Speaking on the benefits of the programme, many participants praised the interactivity of the class discussions, and the discipline, organisation and professionalism of the university and its workers.

Mr Adekunle Yusuf of The Nation said he gained value from the programme that he did not expect to get from a Nigerian institution.

"I reluctantly joined this class. The day I graduated from the University of Lagos, I said never again will I step into any school in Nigeria. But when I came here, I was impressed by the

way you do things here. I couldn't believe that there is such a school in Nigeria where everybody is at their duty post," he said.

Describing the programme as rewarding, Sam Otti of The Sun said: "I value what we have done here.

When I came, I thought it would be just normal classes but it has gone beyond my expectation. I like the interactive sessions. If we have more writing classes, I think it would also help."

Mrs Joy Unegbu of the Nigerian Heart Foundation said she was forced to learn to be disciplined with time because of AWARES. "I used to struggle with time management. Before now, I must go late for any programme. However, any time, I prepare ahead. Also, the teachers did not relate with us as teachers to students but as treated like equals. The teachers here are intelligent and know what is happening around them. They are able to relate with our experience," she said.

Another participant, Mr Olufemi Oribamise, who teaches at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), said the programme made him to change his ways of teaching.

"I thought I had been doing my job

well before, but now I am even better. I now give my students five minutes of grace to get to class and after that they don't come in. They have been abiding with the new rule. The discipline of time, phone calls, and proper dressing have been impactful during this training," he said.

On his part, Professional Education Development Manager, PAU, Mr Isaac Ezechukwu said the facilitators also commended the AWARES 14 set for being very active. He said the aim of the course is to equip journalists with skills to help society develop.

"The aim of the programme is to empower and train journalists who are those that help us articulate who we are and strengthen our democracy. We are grateful to Chevron for sponsoring the programme," he said.

The AWARES 14 class will graduate with other streams of programmes at the 2014 convocation of the university on November 23.

In the course of the programme, the class elected four executives, namely: Nneka Ijeoma of CNL (President); Emeka Ugwanyi of The Nation (Vice President); Adeola Yusuf of New Telegraph (General Secretary); and Slyvester Okereke of The Champion (Social Secretary).

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

EDUCATION JABU FILE M.sc in Architecture approved THE National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the Masters in Architecture programme of the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).

The approval programmes which is to start in the 2014/2015 session, was contained in a letter from the office of the Executive Secretary of NUC dated September 19, 2014 and signed by Dr. G. B. Kumo, the Director of Academic Standard.

Subsequently, a three-man resource verification team visited the university to assess its manpower and facilities for the programme.

The team, led by Mr Christopher Orji, praised the institution’s preparedness to run the programme, but counselled the university to enhance its profile in those two areas.

“JABU has put in place sufficient facilities to commence the programme.

I wish to advice the management to invest more in staff development so as to be able to meet the expectations of the technological age and to remain relevant in the education world,” he said.

The JABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sola Fajana, said the university seeks to become distinguished for quality programmes and research.

He assured the team that the Management would not relent in providing qualitative education to existing and prospective students.

Other members of the NUC team were Prof Olatunde Arayala and Mrs Sarah Suleiman.

Courses approved for take-off by the NUC were Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Architecture and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture.

Lawyer alleges discrimination in Ondo teachers’ recruitment - Threatens lawsuit

A

LAWYER, Femi Emodamori, has threatened to sue Ondo State government over alleged discrimination against nonindigenes in the on-going teachers’ recruitment exercise.

He alleged that most of the applications submitted by non-indigenes were not treated.

He has already sent a protest letter

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

to the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, to register his displeasure.

However, the Chairman, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Dr Bakitta Bello, has denied the allegation, saying that it was far from the truth.

Emodamori noted that the constitution of the country does not al-

low discrimination against non indigenes in any state, noting that such action violates Section 42 sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution.

He argued that since the applicant’s parents pay taxes into the coffers of the state, they should be given equal rights as indigenes.

He threatened to institute legal action against the state if necessary quotas are not given to non

Study centre for FRSC at NOUN From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

T

NIPR plans study centre JABU has concluded plans to partner the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as it establishes a study centre for the Mass Communication students of the university.

NIPR Ondo State chapter Chairman, Mr. Dayo Awude, said at a meeting with the university management that the centre would enhance the quality of Mass Communication students as they would graduate as certified and chartered professionals in Public Relations in addition to their B.Sc. in Mass Communication.

A member of the institute, Mr. Kolawole Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the National President, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, said with the centre, students could register for the institute’s examinations, which is written twice a year (May/June) and (November/December).

“For the smooth running of the programme, the Institute would be in constant talk with the Department of Mass Communication to facilitate the commencement of the programme and initiate the November/December diet for interested students,” he said.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sola Fajana, said the university would ensure that the programme runs smoothly when it takes off.

indigenes who applied for the job.

However, Dr Bello said there was no iota of truth in the allegation, saying the exercise was thrown open to residents in the state irrespective of their state of origin. He assured that qualified applicants would be employed, adding that the results of the exercise would soon be released and those qualified would be offered employment.

•From left: Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo; Director of Education, Zonal Office, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abiola Abiodun Omole; Director, Human Resources, NBC, Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai and Education Secretary, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Adewale Adeogun, at the presentation of Back to School Kits to 1,200 pupils of Christ Assembly Nursery/Primary School, Ajegunle, Olodi Apapa, Lagos by NBC.

Poor turnout at Lagos placement test

T

HE turnout at the last Saturday’s re-sit for Placement Test into JSS1 classes in Lagos State public schools was poor.

Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu, attributed it to lack of appreciation for valuable things that come free.

Mrs Daodu, who monitored the resit examination that took place in 24 centres across the state, said the examination was conducted for about four per cent of pupils who failed the earlier examination which held on July 5.

Blaming parents for the low turnout and lateness of some pupils, she said there was adequate publicity about the examination since the result of the first placement test was re-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

leased.

She said: “It is really disappointing what we are witnessing here today, especially in this particular school, Immaculate Heart Junior Secondary School. We are expected to have at least 300 pupils, but as at the last count they are not up to 150 and some of them came late.

“I wouldn’t know what could be the reason for this, but for the past months we have been on air announcing. We have done all the needful to inform the concern parents.

“This poor turnout is definitely because they are having it free; because if they had paid for this examination, a lot of them would have been here by now. A lot of

money and effort had gone into the examination. If they have actually paid, there is no reason why their children would not be here except that those children might have gained admission into private schools.”

To redeem the situation, Mrs Daodu said the government needs to focus more on adult education for parents to be more alert to their responsibilities.

“What this means essentially, is that we need to focus more on adult education. There are some of us that have seen the four walls of the university, but we are not really educated. We take things with levity. We don’t want to follow rules and regulations, and we want to buy our ways of doing things. Reasons for the poor outing are unexplainable,” she added.

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has secured approval for a study centre from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for training its officers.

The centre was approved when the FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Boboye Oyeyemi visited NOUN’s national headquarters in Abuja.

NOUN’s Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Vincent Tenebe said creating a study centre for the Corps as a value-adding move would positively impact on its service delivery, especially coming at a time that the university has established a department of Transportation.

The university, he said, enjoys similar partnerships with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) among others.

On his part, Oyeyemi said the partnership would open a new vista of opportunities for FRSC personnel to improve on their academic profile in the course of duty, and provide the corps with additional platforms for capacity building aside from its Academy and Training School in Enugu and Mubi.

This arrangement, according to him, would enable the Corps extend its personnel’s capacity building in specialised areas such as Transport Management, traffic engineering and policing.

Oyeyemi also praised Prof Tenebe for rendering selfless service to the country as the chairman, National Committee on States' rating on road crashes.

Mothers may hold secret to maths success, says don

T

EACHING Mathematics from home at an early stage may just be the secret to ending the phobia for the subject, a Professor of Mathematics, Olabisi Ugbebor, has said.

Delivering an Inaugural lecture titled: “The Role and Interplay of Measure Theory, Mentoring and MultiDimensional Research in the Making of a Mathematician” at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof Ugbebor said the low enrolment of students for Mathematics programme could be addressed by encouraging parents to start teaching elementary mathematics to young children at home.

She said through that the subject would not be viewed as it is needed to classify, number, measure and count items.

“A mother apportions time by classifying chores, measuring quantities for cooking, estimating her budget,

- Seeks introduction of remedial programme From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

choosing a number to regulate temperature in cooking and baking, and numbering her daily activities in chronological order, in order not to miss out any, or do the right thing at the wrong time. She also measures proportions in making baby feeds, animal feeds, and in cooking,” she said.

Mrs Ugbebor, who has Ph.D in Mathematics and the National President, Nigerian Women in Mathematics, also called on the government and other stakeholders in education to integrate remedial mathematics courses into the national curriculum for students, who are not properly taught the subject at the foundation stage.

She said the call became imperative in view of the poor performances of students in internal and external

examinations in mathematics and related subjects across the states of the federation.

Professor Ugbebor, who holds Pastor Enoch Adeboye Professorial Chair in Mathematics at the University of Ibadan (UI), said Mathematics is wrongly viewed as a tough subject only for men.

“Mathematics is one of the “hard sciences” that has been stereotyped masculine. However, a number of women have made inroad into the field and have excelled,” she said.

To encourage women, the don said some positions should be dedicated to professor emeriti so that they may be highly visible to younger women as role models and mentors.

Speaking on some of her research outputs, Prof Ugbebor said she has

worked out how to lessen the burden of voters during election. She said the solution is contained in a paper she submitted to the Senate Committee on Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), which she believed has been passed to INEC Chairman, Prof Atahiru Jega for implementation during the 2015 General Election.

Using a Queuing simulationoptimisation methodology, she said, the waiting time of voters could be reduced at the polls.

“In many places, insufficient ballot papers and poll officials, in combination with lengthy voting time high voters’ traffic have caused long lines and disenfranchised voters who left without casting their votes. Although the underling simulation model employs a blend of queueing theory, discrete-event simulation, and optimisation, the procedure offers a

• Prof Ugbebor

simplistic methodology to be used by the typically non-technical electoral officers without getting him involved in the intricacies and complexities involved in the modeling process,” she said.

She also recommended that childhood marriage be stamped out so that more female professors can be produced in the country.

A memorable day for part-time students

Varsity’s first valedictorians Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 42

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Widespread dissatisfaction has continued to trail the Bar Part II results released last week by the Council of Legal Education, the body overseeing the programme of the Nigerian Law School (NLS). The candidates’ performance is believed to be the worst in the annals of the Law School. More than 4,000 of the over 5,840 students that took the Bar exam reportedly got poor grades. The unsuccessful students are requesting for a review of the results, reports WALE AJETUNMOBI.

•Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School

T

HE Council of Legal Education last week released the results of the Bar Part II examination for the 2013/2014 academic session. But the law students who sat for the exam held in August are not happy with the results.

Of the over 5,840 graduates of law from various universities that sat for the examination in four campuses of the Nigerian Law School (NLS), less than 2,000 reportedly passed. The results appear to be the worst since the council was created in 1962.

The council, under the Legal Education Act, has the statutory responsibility of training law students before they are called to the Bar. Before the results were released, majority of the law students were optimistic. In preparation for the Bar ceremony in November, a good number of them have purchased wigs and gowns. A host of others have booked for return flights to Abuja ahead of the Call to Bar. However, many were disappointed when the results were released. The students’ optimism was punctured, after many of them came out with poor grades. It was alleged that more than 70 per cent of the candidates failed.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that, of the 5,840 candidates, only four students graduated from the NLS with First Class. It was also gathered that 96 made Second Class (Upper Division). The rest made Second Class (Lower Division), Pass,

Controversy trails Bar exam •Law graduates: we’re marked down •Official: majority passed the exam Conditional Pass while others failed outrightly.

Given the mass failure, it is expected that the unsuccessful candidates will re-take the examination with thousands of fresh law graduates that will enrol for the Bar programme next month. The affected candidates are dissatisfied with the unfavourable outcome, with many of them urging the council to review the results.

Some of the NLS officials, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, attributed the woeful performance to candidates’ negligence. They said most of the candidates did not take their studies seriously as many of them travelled frequently, abandoning their studies.

A 2010 graduate of the Law School, Jim Opaleke, disagreed with the notion that the candidates were ill-prepared for the examination.

He said: “I am not convinced that such a mass failure should be attributed to the level of preparation by students. I am fortified in the belief that when an examiner sets an examination,

where over 50 per cent of his students fail, it clearly shows that such an examiner has done a very poor job. It is an indictment on the entire system. Until we realise that the reputation of an institution is not improved by how difficult it is to graduate from it, we will continue to miss the point of the essence of quality examination.”

Contrary to the claim of mass failure, the Secretary to the council, Mrs E.O. Max-Uba, said 57.01 per cent of the graduates passed the examination. She spoke to the PM News on Monday.

The unsuccessful candidates and some, who are dissatisfied with their grades, are lamenting the outcome, requesting the NLS Director-General, Mr Olarenwaju Onadeko, to review the result. Some of them spoke to this reporter on telephone, pleading anonymity for fear of being profiled.

One of them, who simply identified him-

self as Justus, said: “I finished from the Lagos Campus and I remember the day that Onadeko came to the school on an official visit, where he made a statement that there would be strict examination rule to overhaul the system and to restore the standard of the Law School. If he wanted to do this, he should have concentrated on improving the crumbling infrastructure on the campuses, especially in Lagos that is battling accommodation challenges.”

A female student said the council graded the candidates according to their scores in the subject offered. “If one has grade A in four courses and grade D in one subject, he will be automatically graded to a pass grade. This system of grading is unjust and needs to be reviewed.”

The system is corrupt, says another unsuccessful student. He said: “When you consider the years of study, the resources and the effort put in, one cannot but weep. Some of us have not failed any exam in our lives before. This is evidence that the system is corrupt. The ideal thing is to review the results.”

A candidate at the Enugu Campus, who passed •Continued on page 30

• Judgment on hijab against the Constitution, says MSSN- P30 •Students disagree with NYSC on online fee -P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

30

CAMPUS LIFE Revisiting the literacy question

“L

ITERACY is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a basic tool for daily life in modern society. It is a wall against poverty, and a building block of development. Literacy is a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity.”

Dr. Kofi Anan, former Secretary General, United Nations.

The 1985 Christian classic movie, the “Fourth Wise Man” is quite instructive. The movie is an adaptation of the “Other Wise Man,” a short novel written by Henry van Dyke in 1895. The story is an expansion and adaptation of the account of the Biblical Magi in the Gospel of Matthew chapter two in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Biblical narrative we were familiar with the three wise men or magi, but the movie tells of a “fourth” wise man.

It tells the story of a Magi named Artaban, who like the others saw the signs in the heavens proclaiming that a King had been born among the Jews. Carrying three precious jewels to give to the baby Messiah, Artaban and his reluctant servant Orontes set off to join the caravan of the three other wise men. They miss the caravan, but Artaban continues the search for his King, always one step behind.

He later spent much of his remaining wealth and all of his energy helping the poor and unfortunate people he meets.

Since he missed the caravan, and he couldn’t cross the desert with only a horse, he is forced to sell one of his treasures in order to buy the camels and supplies necessary for the trip. He then commences his journey but arrives in Bethlehem too late to see the child, whose parents have fled to Egypt. As the movie progresses, he saves the life of a child at the price of another of his treasures. He then travels to Egypt and to many other countries, searching for Jesus for many years and performing acts of charity along the way. After thirty-three years, Artaban is still a pilgrim and a seeker after light. He arrives in Jerusalem in time for the crucifixion of Jesus. He spends his last treasure, the pearl, to ransom a young woman from being sold into slavery.

At a point in the movie, he ended up in a leper colony assisting the outcasts. He was so frustrated by the fact that they could not

Pushing Out

lift their fingers to help themselves and vented his frustration on the spokesperson of the colony. “Can’t you people do anything,” he blurted.

“Who will teach us?” was the reply he got. He ended up teaching the with lepers how to farm in order to be selfsufficient, which they later became.

The moral of that aspect of the 08116759750 movie is that we need dedicated and (SMS only) committed teachers in Nigeria. A recently released report put the popu•aagboa@gmail.com lation of illiterate adults at over 64 million! It tells a sad and frightening story of a country that places little or no pre- know that an illiterate is a danger not only to mium on education. It is a depressing story of himself (or herself), but to the society at a potentially great country, a country with a large.” She said. blurred vision, and leadership who fail to see Let’s get down to the basics; what is literacy? the immediate/long term implications of so UNESCO describes it as “one of the key elelarge a number of illiterates. It is a classic ments needed to promote sustainable develstory of ineptitude, self-centeredness and lead- opment, as it empowers people so that they ership failure. can make the right decisions in the areas of This figure is slightly different from that economic growth, social development and released by the National Bureau of Statistics environmental integration.” Literacy, the (NBS) which put adult illiteracy rate in Ni- United Nations agency continues, is “a basis geria at 56.9%. The implication of this is that for lifelong learning and plays a crucial role about 70% of Nigerians are illiterates. The in the creation of sustainable, prosperous and global illiteracy rate is approximately 20%. peaceful societies.”

Is it that our policy makers cannot see that Sounds very simple right? No; there’s more education has a big role to play in today’s than meets the eye because it is doubtful if continually changing and competitive world? the government – especially at the state and The current scenario can only portend one local levels – whose duty it is to promote bathing: a very bleak future. sic education, share this view. Billions of naira I struggle to understand how a country with of the various States Universal Basic Educaan estimated population of 170 million peo- tion Board (SUBEB) funds is locked up someple could be at ease with itself with 64 mil- where because some states deliberately refuse lion uneducated adults; to me, this is not only to fulfill their part of counterpart funding aralarming and disastrous, but downright em- rangement with the board which is expected barrassing. It is even more embarrassing that to unlock the vaults and improve education little is being done to change the status quo. If in their states. anything, the situation is getting worse, esIt is disheartening to note that despite the pecially in parts of the country where Boko numerous programmes and existing laws Haram has been working tirelessly to ensure geared towards promoting basic education, that people - whose attitude towards formal very little is being done to actualise it. I’ll education is, at best, lukewarm - abandon it like to point out the Universal Basic Educaaltogether. tion, launched by the Olusegun Obasanjo AdAbout three weeks ago, Esther Uduehi, the ministration in 1999. The programme makes Chairman, Governing Board of the National access to formal education free and compulMass Education Commission who spoke at sory for the first nine years of a child’s educaan event marking this year’s International tion. Besides, the Child’s Rights Act also takes Literacy Day in Awka, Anambra State, de- care of this, while prohibiting the unwholescribed the situation as shameful. “We all some practice of forcing teenage girls out of

Agbo Agbo

school for early marriage.

But rather than take advantage of these programmes, many states only pay lip service to them. In a nutshell, many of our states lack the discipline needed to fulfil the requirements for accessing available funds. This makes it difficult to bridge the huge funding gap in education, while the funds that should have taken care of that keep piling up. In some instances, they even refuse to domesticate the law.

So how did we get to this inglorious place?

The answer is not farfetched. Years of negligence and apathy has seen the near total collapse of public education system in Nigeria.

Yes, we’ve had a proliferation of private varsities and schools, but these don’t come cheap and only a privileged few can assess them. This leaves a vast number of the poor making do with a comatose public education system.

While other countries are striving to reverse their educational challenges, Nigeria seems to be wallowing more in the “comfort zone” of illiteracy. China, for instance, with a population of over 1.3 billion people, was able to more than halve its number of illiterate population from 142 million to 67 million between 2000 and 2010. Even India, which has the global record of 287 million illiterate adults, was also able to reduce the number of adult illiterates by 15 per cent between 1991 and 2006.

Not only has Nigeria failed her citizens in this area, the country, according to UNESCO’s figures, also has the largest number of out-ofschool children in the world. This number, put at 10.5 million, only portends danger ahead.

With this number, the foundation has already been laid for a future of adult illiterates to “take over” from the present generation.

As a development scholar, I’m aware that this high number of illiterates is the fundamental reason the country’s development has remained stunted and the reason we always rank low in human development indices.

This gloomy picture does not mean we should just lift our hands in defeat and give up. No, we shouldn’t. If China could reduce its huge population of illiterates by 75 million in 10 years, there is no reason why Nigeria cannot wipe out the 64 million within the next decade. All that is needed is a reordering of priorities. There is the need for serious mobilization and awareness on the importance of education; we have no other option.

Controversy trails Bar exam •Continued on page 30

in the Bar exam, said: “I am not happy with my grade. They gave me a pass and God knows that I studied hard.

There was no day that I missed lectures. But Onadeko came with the intention to fail students. They allotted 50 minutes for multi-choice question model, which should normally be answered in one hour. Besides, the questions were not difficult ones.

All had been taught in class. That 4,000 students failed raises a lot of questions.”

A candidate at the Abuja Campus, who simply identified herself as Ronke, said: “In every exam, there are always people who do not prepare. Is it not ridiculous that, despite paying N300,000 for the Bar programme, the mental and psychological stress in the last one year, a whop-

ping 4,000 candidates were said to have ill-prepared for the examination? This cannot be true. There is something wrong somewhere, and if justice must be done, the results have to be reviewed.”

CAMPUSLIFE could not reach the NLS Director-General at the time of this report.

Meanwhile, the NLS has fixed November 25 for the successful students to be called to the Bar. In an online statement, the NLS said the event, which is normally held for two or three days, will only be held for one day.

While the successful candidates are preparing to take the Bar oath, their unsuccessful colleagues are keeping their arms crossed, hoping that, one way or the other, the result will be reviewed.

A management staff at Lagos Cam-

pus, who pleaded anonymity, blamed the students for their woeful performance. He said the students were looking for cheap mark after reading unapproved materials for the exam.

He said: “Nobody can mark down the students. Whatever they got is what they deserve. The marking process is not individual but a conference method that ensures every candidate’s script is seen by all examiners. Computer does the final grading. We have mass failure because students are no longer reading the recommended textbooks.

Most of them prefer to buy law materials being sold at gate and tutorial centres.

“Many of them did not even know we are operating a new curriculum.

They read irrelevant materials for the exam and they failed. How many of

•Graduates of law them have come forward to call for the review of their scripts? They are interested in cheap results. Law School won't give bazaar marks to

students, because we don’t want to compromise quality. If anyone feels he was unjustly graded, let him come forward to state his case.”

Judgment on hijab against the Constitution, says MSSN

T

HE Lagos area unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has described the decision of the Ikeja High Court to uphold the ban of hijabs in primary and secondary schools in the state as a rape on the constitution.

Justice Grace Onyeabo last Friday ruled against the MSSN suit against the Lagos State government, saying such practice would affect the secular nature of state.

The MSSN rejected the judgment, saying it would deny Muslim students their rights to observe a practise of their religion.

The Amir (president), Kaamil Kalejaiye, accused the judge of neglecting facts and misinterpreting the law, stressing that the Constitution and international charters guaranteed the freedom of religion of everyone.

Kalejaiye said: “It is shameful that the judge denied the students a right that is not only godly but also supported by the Constitution. Do we call that a misinterpretation of the constitution or rape on the law? We want to believe that the judge’s wisdom is not

By Tajudeen Adebanjo above the provision of the constitution. While we remain undaunted and won’t relent on our resolve to get female pupils dress according to Islam tenets, we reject in totality the judgment and urge every Muslims to do so.”

The MSSN said it was only demanding enforcement of the right of Muslim student and not a favour from the government. Kalejaiye said the Society had started consultation with members and sympathisers, including parents to prepare for the next line of action.

Kalejaiye insisted that the judgment was not fairly served, noting that the action of the government to allow the use of hijab during Islamic Religion Knowledge classes and Jumaat prayer showed that it was permissible.

He added: “There is contradiction in the judgment and the provisions of the Constitution. While the judge claims that Nigeria is a secular state, the Constitution recognises two major religions, which are Islam and

Christianity. It must be noted that the government finances the schools with tax paid by our parents and indirect tax by us. So, we have rights to demand for what is lawful under the Constitution.”

The MSSN Amirah (female leader), Hafsah Badru, said hijab could not distort the secularity of the state. She said there had not been punishment for harassment of Muslim pupils for using hijab.

“Some states in the Southwest, such as Ekiti have granted the use of Hijab in schools and they don’t have problem with maintaining their secularity as claimed by the judge. Why should Lagos be different? Wearing hijab is constitutional and must be seen as such,” Hajia Badru said.

The counsel to the MSSN, Chief Gani Adetola-Kassim (SAN), said the Society would appeal the judgment.

Adetola-Kassim said: “The court has spoken, but there are many issues to be considered, which means that we will appeal the judgment. We are simply not satisfied with

•Kalejaiye the court decision. The angle through which the court looked at the issue was at variance with the provisions of the constitution. We will definitely appeal.”

31

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Resumption blues at UNICAL Students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) are yet to return after the management announced the beginning of the second semester. The students are asking the authorities to extend their holiday to enable them prepare for lectures.

STANLEY UCHEGBU (Accounting) reports.

T

HE University of Calabar (UNICAL) resumed for second semester last Monday.

But students are not willing to return to school. They said the break given by the management after their first semester examination was short.

While the management did not give any reason for the “short break”, students believe that it could be a way of re-adjusting the school calendar disrupted by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which shut down universities for almost 11 months.

According to the new calendar,

•The UNICAL Faculty of Education...last Monday academic activities are to begin on October 10, but the campus is in doldrums. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the campus last Monday, there were a few students around; many were yet to return to school.

Visits to faculty offices showed course outlines and timetables were yet to be released.

Some of the few students around, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, complained about the short semester break.

“It is not up to one week we finished our first semester examination,” Sylvester Agande, 300-Level Economics student, said. A semester break should last, at least, three weeks for students to refresh and prepare for another, he added.

Nelson Imeh, 300-Level Pure Applied Chemistry, said he was not happy with the management’s decision, saying the first semester was hectic for students.

“I planned to go home and relax after exam, but management released the resumption date for second semester when students were

yet to finish their exams. With this, we are expected to stay back on campus for the next three months,” he said. Nelson urged the management to extend the resumption date to enable students relax.

The previous semester was stressful, said Jeremiah Eteng, a 100-Level Physics student, noting that students were hastily taken through the course outlines to make up for the lost months. “Now, we have resumed to be rushed again? When are we going to rest?” she queried.

Emmanuel Effiong, a Biochemistry student, said there would be pressure on students, given the management’s effort at making up for the lost period in the school calendar. He said: “With the way things are going, we would be put under pressure as they did last semester. The management should consider our plight and adjust the resumption date for to refresh our brains.”

But an official of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), who craved for anonymity, said the man-

agement did the right thing in asking students to resume. He said: “We wasted time because of disruptions and strike. To me, the resumption is in order. When students are back, we will elect and inaugurate the parliament so that SUG can start work immediately.”

Cynthia Ubong, 200-Level Agricultural Economics, said: “I am not interested whether the school resumes or not. I have to spend one month at home before returning to campus. I have to assist my parents, who are doing petty trading in Uyo. More so, I have to get prepared for the new semester.”

Medical Radiography students complained about the resumption date, which they said was a deliberate attempt by the management to deny them their clinical posting that is normally done during the semester break.

A 400-Level Radiography student, who identified himself as John Franklin, said: “If students are to resume on October 10, as ordered by the management, it simply

means that we have been deprived of the mandatory clinical posting.

We will return the log book given to us blank. This is not good for us because the requirement to be inducted as a radiographer is to have filled the 1000 cases of patients in the log book.”

The management should consider extending the break for Radiography students, said Michael Essien, a 300-Level Medical Radiography student, adding: “I do not know why we are running the same calendar with other department. We are supposed to have a separate calendar like the Faculty of Law.” Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, has reiterated that the management would not change the resumption date. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE after inauguration of the SUG, the VC said: “The campus has been re-opened for second semester activities and this is why we are here to inaugurate the new SUG executive members. I advise students to disregard rumour of resumption date extension.”

Two girls are the best graduating students at the maiden convocation of the Paul University, established by the Anglican Church, in Awka, Anambra State. The students finished with a First Class, becoming the first valedictorians produced by the faith-based school. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400-Level Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) reports.

M

ISS Iruoma Ejianya and Miss Chiemela Okeke were the cynosure of eyes at the maiden convocation of the Paul University in Awka, Anambra State last Friday. Reason: of the 57 graduands, both students topped their classes with First Class degrees. They made history as the first valedictorians of the school.

For their colleagues, it was a moment of joy and time to praise God for getting degree certificates.

The institution was a beehive as guests from various parts of the country trooped into the campus to witness the event held amid fanfare.

It was graced by the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Vice President and chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees Dr Alex Ekwueme; former Anambra Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba and the proprietor of the institution, Most Reverend Ignatius Kattey.

Others were the Pro-chancellor, Sir Nnamdi Udensi; the Archbishop of Niger Province, Bishop Christian Efobi; Bishop of Awka Diocese Alex Ibezim and traditional ruler of Awka Igwe Gibson Nwosu, amomg others.

The event started with the installation of Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh as the chancellor of the university. He was represented by Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province Right Revd Caleb Mmaduoma.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gaius Igboeli, praised the vision of the institution’s founding fathers, saying the faith-based knowledge being taught in the school stands it

•From left: Bishop Kattey, Bishop Mmaduoma, Prof Igboeli and Dr Ekwueme at the event

Varsity’s first valedictorians out among its peers.

He congratulated the graduands and their parents for choosing the institution to get “life-long training”, which he said would help the graduate to be exceptional in their careers.

“These parents took an early chance with Paul University at a time when we had little facilities on the ground except the goodwill and reputation of the Anglican church as a foremost body that promotes quality education. We assured the graduands and their parents that they would never regret their investment and we are proud that we did not disappoint you,” he said.

On the successes recorded by the institution, Igboeli said the en-

gagement of quality teaching and non-teaching staff by the management enhanced students’ performance in academics. He said the management’s resolve to motivate teachers and fund research placed the school on the path of development.

On students’ enrolment, the VC said the institution is one of the first choice private universities, stressing that students’ enrolment had grown from 107 in 2010 to 289 in 2013. According to him, the university explored media advertisement to improve its popularity.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduating students, charging them to be worthy ambassadors of the school.

Praising the university for teaching its students morals, Ekwueme said the graduating students were found worthy in character and learning. He said the institution had projected the values of the Anglican Church through its faithbased practices.

Prof. A.I Essien, who represented the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, hailed the management for the success recorded, urging the graduands to make their lecturers proud.

He cautioned against the interference in private universities administration by proprietors, stressing that the NUC would not hesitate to use the extant laws to whip such institutions into line.

•Miss Iruoma The highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students and award of honorary doctorate degree in Civil Laws (D.CL) to Chief Anyaoku.

The former envoy described the award as “incomparable international honour” because it came from an institution based in his home state and from his religious denomination.

On behalf of the graduands, Miss Iruoma, best graduating student of Department of Economics, described the journey as uneasy, attributing the feat to support from God and her parents. She praised and appreciated their lecturers for “working day and night” to give them the best.

The other valedictorian, Miss Chiemela, graduated from the Department of History and International Relations.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

32

CAMPUS LIFE UDUS students seek improved ICT From Sarat Alabidun UDUS

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TUDENTS of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) have taken to social media and other online platforms to decry the poor state of information technology in the institution. The students believe that, the university, unlike its counterparts in the region, is reluctant to embrace the ICT , which they said could slow down progress of the institution.

The students want the management to take advantage of the Internet to improve service delivery. They praised the authorities on the introduction of online registration for accommodation, stressing that the management could do more.

Abdulbasit Adewole, a 300-Level Law student, said the university’s technological rating was not encouraging. He suggests that the school could take up the challenge to bring succor to the situation.

Ibrahim Sodiq, a student of Physics Education, believes the school lags behind in technology. He wrote: “Most of our activities are still being done manually. Processing of results in takes time and this is because we are lagging behind in the use of technology. Only a few lecturers give online assignments.”

Abdulhafeez Adebayo, a 400-Level Computer Science student, disagreed that the university does not make use of technology. He said the institution was making efforts to build on its technological strength and make its working smooth.

“The management has demonstrated its readiness to build on its ICT facilities, which would enable her students and staff to register for biometric security system and e-learning system,” he stated.

He said the biometric system was part of the recommendations proposed at the last National Association of Computer Science Students (NACOS) conference held in the university auditorium.

On the introduction of the computer-based tests, Adebayo said the institution had everything needed for its implementation but said students needed to be trained on the use of the facility before use.

The former Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Magawata, said that the construction of a standard ICT centre had been sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria, adding that work was in progress towards its completion.

Orientation for students From Mark Orgu YABATECH

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THE Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) chapter of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students has held an orientation for its members.

The guest speaker and the former Dean of the School of Environmental Studies, Mr Inyang Udoh, charged the students to adapt to the process of learning, with valuable skills, competence and discipline. He stressed the need for them to be focused and more proactive in the learning process.

The College’s Deputy Security Officer, Mr. Eku Richard, told the students to be security conscious, and avoid treading dark areas at night. He maintained that the college is doing everything in its capacity to curb security threat, and other vices. He also encouraged them to be of good conduct and worthy ambassadors of the state and institution.

In a related development, the National Association of Delta State Students, (NADESSTU) of the College also held an orientation for its members. The event brought in some of the backbones of the association, which are; Mr. Austin Okon, former Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, YABATECH chapter, Mr. Edwin Nwamife, Mr. Joe Ejiofor among others.

They all made the case for focus, hard-work, and study as pathways to academic excellence.

•Alao adrressing students during the orientation

Students disagree with NYSC on online fee

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HERE is no basis for charging N4,000 to register for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) online, graduating students of the University of Ibadan (UI) told the Oyo State NYSC coordinator, Pastor Olanipekun Alao, during the sensitisation programme held at Trenchard Hall of the university.

The students, who are being mobilised for the Batch “A” 2015, disagreed with the NYSC on the fee, describing it as extortion.

The students, in their unanimous decision, urged the Alao to liaise with the Director-General of the scheme to stop the online fee.

From Hammed Hamzat UI While sensitising the students on things they must know before their mobilisation, Alao said all information regarding the registration and accredited registration centers nationwide were available on the NYSC website. He warned the prospective corps members not to patronise unaccredited centers.

Alao said the online registration had put a stop to loss of call-up letters, noting that corps members could go online to print many copies of the letter. He added that the innovation would accelerate regis-

tration in orientation camps.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Akinola Alada, urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the institution during and after their service year.

Tobiloba Ogunbanjo, a 400-Level Sociology student, said the N4,000 online registration fee would hurt the poor among them, urging the NYSC Board to stop the payment.

Present at the event were the Deputy Registrar, Dr I.F. Etador, UI Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo and officials of NYSC in the state.

Church holds seminar for students From Sampson Malachy AKPOLY

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HE youth wing of Insight Bible Church, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State has held a seminar with the theme: Youthful and useful.

The event, which was held at the church premises, had in attendance students from different institutions, including University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (AKPOLY), University of Calabar (UNICAl) and Abia State Polytechnic (ABPOLY).

Mrs. Justina Iheji, Chief Executive Officer of Sweet Flavours Confectionary and a resource person, advised the students to be innovative and useful to the country. She said: “My company is a product of N5,000 I borrowed from a friend nine years ago. It is not enough to have an idea; you need to have passion, determination, creativity, dedication and flexibility, in order to move your brand to a greater height.”

Iheji told the students that successful entrepreneurs never stopped thinking about innovation and how they could start new businesses.

She urged the students to start small.

Another speaker, Pastor Emem Mark-Davies, spoke on how the students could achieve education excellence. She said: “God’s standard for His children is excellence not average. If you need to be useful, you need to be educationally sound to become a pacesetter that will impact and change the world for God.” One of the participants, Victor Udofia, said: “This seminar has changed my mindset. I am going to change the world with what I have learnt here today.”

The highpoint was the presentation of trophy to Eti-inyene Ndarake, who won in the Bible challenge.

•The chief priest (middle) leading the inductees to the ‘shrine’

Theatre Arts initiates freshers

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HE chief priest and his assistants led the procession. The inductees trailed them. All clad in white attires with palm fronds held across their mouths.

They all headed to the shrine to perform initiation rite on the inductees.

This was the scene at the Faculty of Arts of the Lagos State University (LASU) when Association of Theatre Arts Students (ATAS) held its sessional induction ceremony to welcome freshers. The induction started with performances by the freshers to entertain students, who gathered to witness the ceremony.

The ‘shrine’ was stationed beside the School Theatre Arts auditorium.

As the procession approached the shrine, the chief priest, Emmanuel Adejumo, chanted incantations to ap-

From Everistus Onwuzurike LASU pease the ‘gods’ to accept the sacrifice.

Busola Balogun, the ATAS Vice President, who bore an ash-coated calabash, rendered poetical composition to sing the praises of the ’ancestors’.

At the shrine, the inductees were asked to squat to receive the blessings from the ‘gods’. The priest touched all of them with the palm fronds to initiate them into the fold. Afterwards, they were led into the auditorium, where the faculty staff and students were waiting to receive them.

The association leaders took turns to orientate the freshers on the rules and regulation of the faculty. The General Secretary, Victor Odoche, said 35 students were present for the

induction, stressing that any student who did not show up for the ceremony would be penalised by the thespian community.

The Sports Director, Charles Ayodeji, said the ritual was a formal way of welcoming freshers, saying the ceremony would prepare the students for the task ahead.

The Treasurer, Edward Mbodi, said there was no spiritual connotation in the rite, noting that many believe Arts students are fetish. “Most people view the initiation ritual as spiritual undertaking because of the manner with which performed.

There is nothing spiritual about it.

We deliberately chose to perform the rite in that way because it is a process of initiating a newcomer into a group in Yoruba tradition,” he said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

‘God has restored my joy as a woman’ •PAGE 35

Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

PAGE 33

Senator provides infrastructure for constituents

•PAGE 36

•PAGE 40

•The 94-year-old Canice Egbunanne being led out of the prison by officials

Freedom for 94-year-old prisoner ‘ I

N just six years, Pa Canice Egbunanne would have marked his 100th birthday in prison if he lived that long. Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s prerogative of mercy saved the nonagenarian from making such negative history.

He walked out of his cell aged 94 accompanied by prison staff.

Still, Pa Egbunanne remained a newsmaker. His age and grey beard kept tongues wagging.

What was offence? Why was he not set free before now?

How long he served his term was not disclosed, but he and 15 other inmates of the Owerri Prison were pardoned by the governor during his visit to the facility on the anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence Day. Frail and bent over, with a distant hollow look that betrays his inner thought, Pa Egbunanne, probably the oldest prisoner in Nigeria, cut the figure of a man that had resigned to fate.

A prison official who didn’t want his name in print, said Egbunanne was respected as a father by fellow inmates and prison officials alike.

Prodded further on the circumstances that brought the nonagenarian to prison, the official declined further information, claiming that it was against the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

code of the service to disclose ‘certified’ information about inmates.

Speaking barely above whispers, Egbunanne, who was looked indifferent to his new found freedom, thanked the state governor and the prison officials for their kindness, adding that he never dreamt of coming out alive.

Although he was not allowed to disclose the crime that brought him to prison by the prison officials, he said his incarceration has transformed him into a better citizen, assuring that henceforth, he would keep away from trouble and all forms of criminality.

Meanwhile, the journey to freedom began for Egbunanne and 15 other inmates, including two on death row, with the Independence Day announcement by Governor Okorocha, which granted them instant pardon in line with his prerogative of mercy.

This was the first time in 10 years that serving prisoners were granted pardon in the state. The governor had acted on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which he had earlier set up with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Chukwuma–Machukwu Umeh

Always avoid conflict with the law and things that will bring you back into the prison. Don’t say the prison is full and can’t admit you...I was shocked when I was told that I had been pardoned by the governor. It was not my own making, but I am convinced that God saved me from the jaws of death for a greater assignment. My confinement has proved to be a blessing because it has brought me closer to God and I will serve Him all the days of my life

‘

(SAN) as chairman.

Eleven out of the 15 pardoned prisoners were imprisoned for non-capital offences and had almost served out their terms, and have less than six months left to regain freedom.

Walking out of the prison after perfecting their paper works, two weeks later, the 16 pardoned in-

mates praised Governor Okorocha for his compassion.

While signing their Bond of Good Conduct, they expressed joy that they were given an opportunity to re-unite with their families and pledged to be of good conduct in the society.

Addressing the beneficiaries, chairman of the Committee on

Prerogative of Mercy and Attorney-General of the State, Chief Umeh who was represented by the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Jude Nwokonkwo said the exercise was to properly document the process of their release and ensure that appropriate records were kept.

He said the governor’s decision to free the prisoners was borne out of his desire to extend generosity of spirit to them as was recommended by the committee, even as he warned the beneficiaries to stay away from all forms of criminal tendencies as they are integrated back into the society.

The Attorney-General assured them that the state government had concluded plans to assist in their rehabilitation.

The Controller, Imo State Prison Command, Mr. Ifeanyi Amaliri said the occasion was to formalise the release of the 16 inmates who were pardoned.

He commended the Imo State government for its magnanimity, even as he enjoined the freed inmates to refrain from crime.

Mr Amaliri said: “Always avoid conflict with the law and things that will bring you back into the prison. Don’t say the prison is •Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

House 13-yr-old built ‘

T 13, he knows exactly what he wants to be in life: an architect. Before he earns a certificate, though, Master Chidera Nwamili is happy to dream, design and build dummy structures. A storey-building he constructed with hard paper is drawing all sorts of attention, and from the highest places in Anambra State.

The work of his creative hands and mind has stunned many in the state, chief of whom wife of the governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano.

Chidera visualised the house he wanted to build, designed it on paper and gathered his materials, which included thick paper, wires and whatever else he thought necessary.

He set to work. When he finished, a beautiful one-storey building stood before him, complete with all the features and fittings.

The young builder hails from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State but lives and schools in Anambra, at Ojoto Boys Secondary School in Idemili South Local Government Area.

Ojoto, is the home town of one of the top politicians in the state, Senator Annie Okonkwo.

The 13-year-old boy lives with his foster mother Mrs. Augustina Azie in the same community and he is in junior secondary school (JSS 3).

He probably never knew that one day luck would so shine on him, but that was just what happened. The governor’s wife has taken note of the child prodigy.

Chidera dazzled everyone, including Mrs Obiano, when he also electrified the house.

The governor’s wife has promised to keep an eye on the young boy, while directing that information about his progress be made available to her all the time.

It was during her thank you visit to all the local government areas in the state that equally took her and her entourage to the local government that the young

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When our teacher is teaching and flips through our (JSS 3) General Mathematics book, I feel the pictures of the houses in the book and I say to myself that I can construct it. I gathered cartons, wires and broken glass and at the end of my trial project, I came to this, and people started shouting and praising me From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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boy was discovered.

Following his creativity, the son of the peasant farmers who left Ebonyi to Anambra is likely to be the cynosure of all eyes any moment from now.

The governor’s wife in appreciation of the boy’s creativity also, doled out some cash to the JSS 3 pupils.

Speaking with the Nation, Master Nwamili, who wants to be an architect when he grows up, said he was motivated by the drawings he saw in his general mathematics book.

According to him, “when our teacher is teaching and flips through our (JSS 3) general mathematics book, I feel the pictures of the houses in the book

•The boy and his house

and I said to myself that I can construct it” ”I gathered cartons, wires and broken glasses and at the end of my trial project, I came to this, and

people started shouting and praising me”.

“So, my foster mother said, this is good, let’s go and show it to the chairperson for art work to

present on the day the governor’s wife will visit. So, she came and she really liked it.”

•Continued on page 35

Imo communities send SOS to state, Fed Govt

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•Pa Egbunanne with other pardoned prisoners

Freedom for 94-year-old prisoner •Continued from page 33 full and can’t admit you.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Austin Chukwuemeka who was serving life imprisonment out of which he had spent 17 years, wrote a book while in prison. The book was entitled Stay Afloat in Righteousness while in Prison.

He said the news of his pardon

came to him as a shock.

“I was shocked when I was told that I have been pardoned by the governor. It was not my own making, but I am convinced that God saved me from the jaws of death for a greater assignment.

“My confinement has proved to be a blessing because it has brought me closer to God and I will serve Him all the days of my life.”

Another beneficiary, Mr. Chinedu Ogbonnaya also serving life imprisonment but had spent 16 years said his vision is to carry out enlightenment campaign to educate youths on the consequences of crime.

He advocated the teaching of Nigerian Constitution in all institutions of learning to keep the youth abreast of the dangers of crime.

HAT tops this community’s list of needs? Is it food, shelter or security?

Whatever comes first, the people of Umukabia in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State know that roads are among their priorities. The residents want help from the state and federal governments.

Umukabia does not only need good roads; they also require healthy water and electricity.

Umukabia community, made up of 14 villages, is divided into two: Umukabia Ancient Kingdom, governed by HRH Eze Levi Anyaogu (Abia II of Umukabia) and Eze Virginus Onuoha (Imo 1 of Amaimo-Umukabia). These agrarian villages are known for their yam cultivation. They produce cassava, palm oil and livestock, among others.

The Nation gathered that traders from all parts of the state and neighbouring Abia used to patronise the two most popular market days (Ekeala and Eke Umuodu) in the two communities to buy their farm produce.

The community has produced great men such as the former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Dr. Maurice Iwu and his younger brother Sir

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Cosmos who was once the Secretary to the Imo State Government (SSG), Sir Desmond Agu, (Bayelsa State Civil Defence Commandant), Chief Johnson Ekpunobi (Ehime Mbano PDP Chairman) among others. But what they need urgently now is state and federal government’s help to breathe life into it and restore the years of the locust and cankerworm.

They say they will be happy if Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina who is promoting food security through farming will assist Umukabia farmers.

The Nation reliably gathered that the agrarian Umukabia communities are gradually losing their dominance as one of the food baskets of Imo State due to bad road especially during these rainy days.

Spokesman of the communities, Mr. Celestine Ike told our reporter that Umukabia Road, a major link to several other communities, has remained in a sorry state, full of pot-holes and dangerous gullies.

Many call it a death trap.

Said Ike, “Our people have suffered neglect since the defunct East •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

35

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

‘God has restored my joy as a woman’ •Mother relives experience as six-year childlessness ends Married on November 28, 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Chukwuemeka Iruke lived happily. The only worry was that six years after the wedding they were without a child. The birth of their baby girl has ended the pain, prompting celebration with friends and well-wishers at Saint Thomas Anglican Church Avonipupe, Ubakala, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State. In this interview with SUNNY NWANKWO, the couple relived their experience. Excerpts:

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RS. Iruke, what was your experience being childless after many years of mar-

riage?

As a woman, it wasn’t funny. Every blessed day, you kept on asking God whether you were really a woman. At times, one would cry, at times, you would go into prayers.

At times you visited prayer houses seeking where God would answer you. It wasn’t easy, but thank God that at last, He has not only put a smile on my face, but has restored my joy as a woman.

Sometimes, you would hear people asking if she is sure she is a woman.

Why doesn’t the husband remarry?

What is she even doing there? She should be abandoned. At times you’d greet people outside and they would pretend not to hear you It was a bitter experience.

How were you able to handle the pressure from in-laws and other relatives?

When my father and mother in-law were alive, their attitude was that God determines all things and that one day, God will do it. Where I got pressure was on the part of my sisters-inlaw. But now they are all giving thanks to almighty God. It was not easy then. Thank God that everything has come and gone and today, we are all happy.

Did you at any time doubt your-

self?

At a time people suggested I should visit doctors and hear from them. I took a step like that and was told to come with my husband. We went and after several tests and scans, the result was positive. The doctors said that was no problem.

Did you consider quitting your marriage as a result of the pressure you mentioned?

I thought of that, but I never did it.

I didn’t do it because I depended on God. I recall that while I was trying to marry, there were three suitors that came. I asked them to wait because I had to pray before marrying.

At the end, God told me that the man I am marrying was my husband. So, in everything, I always reminded God that He gave me the man I married.

Did you seek alternative solutions?

No, God forbid! I didn’t try that. It was just a particular prayer house (Assemblies of God Church) that I normally visited.

How supportive was your husband when the baby wasn’t forthcoming?

He had no problems. He is a man to marry any time, any day. There was never a problem.

But I want to thank my mother and parents in-law for their supports.

They are all dead, but I will forever remain grateful for what God used them to do in my life. They were

‘

•The Irukes with their daughter, Onyinyechi

I thought of quitting marriage, but I never did it. I didn’t do it because I depended on God. I recall that while I was trying to marry, there were three suitors that came. I asked them to wait because I had to pray before marrying.

At the end, God told me that the man I am marrying was my husband. So, in everything, I always reminded God that He gave me the man I married

‘

wonderful and tried on their own part as mothers and father.

Some of the things I learnt from them is being patient and content

with what I have and to share things with those around me.

Why did you choose the names you named her?

In fact, when I put to bed and saw that it was a baby girl, I said, really this is a gift from God because all those years, nobody has ever said, okay, take this let me compensate or console you with this but the ultimate God did it and that took after the names; Onyinyechi and Treasure Chukwuemeka because she is treasure from God that I can’t even buy

with money.

Do you have any advice for other childless couples?

God is always the ultimate. Let them believe in God and remain prayerful because sometimes, some of these things can just be challenges of life which, if you show God that you know Him, God at a time could say, “I was only trying to pull your legs.”

They should go to hospital and back it up with prayers. They should also imbibe the spirit of almsgiving.

Mr. Iruke, what was your experience in those trying years?

Well, in the first place, I am Christian and you know that the Bible teaches every believer to be patient and that aspect of teaching is what by nature that I imbibed so much. I decided to remain with her because on the altar, on the day of our wedding, I promised to live with her for better or for worst.

Where you under pressure at this time?

So much, the pressure was at a time becoming overwhelming but I was patient, as my parents, precisely, my father, taught me. I imbibed and inculcated it and then also considering the fact that there •Continued on page 40

Broadcaster’s mum for burial

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•Mrs Obiano with her entourage •Continued from page 34

“I thank God for giving me the brain and the good health to sit, think and construct something like this and I will not stop until I get to my destination,” Chidera said.

For his foster mother, Mrs. Augustina Azie, she met with

House 13-yr-old built the parents of the boy in Ojoto when they came all the way from Abakaliki in Ebonyi to farm in Anambra” ”When I saw the boy, I demanded from the parents if I could live with him because I saw

something special in him.”

“Because I saw a great future in him and he was not schooling and I needed to aid the family, so, for three years now, I am living with him without any form of trouble from him” Azie said.

LL is set for the burial of a community leader, Mrs. Oyidia Orji, mother of renowned broadcaster Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, now Director, Communications, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) at the Presidency, Abuja.

She will be buried on November 1 in Ugwuavor, Arochukwu in Abia State. Mrs Orji died at the age of 87.

Until her death, Ma Oyidia was the Eze Nwanyi (women leader) of Ugwuavor and Mother-General of Christ Ascension Church, Arochukwu.

An agent of community mobilisation and social worker, Madam Orji, led the women in her community Ugwuavor, Arochukwu to embrace self- development initiatives and economic empowerment programmes through entrepreneurship. As a social worker, she was also involved in conflict prevention, management and resolution infamilies in the community. In recognition of her services, she was honoured as “Nne-oha Arochukwu” in 2005 by Nzuko

•The late Mrs Orji From Chris Oji, Enugu

Arochukwu women’s wing.

Ma Oyidia Orji held the position of Mother-General of the Christ Ascension Church Arochukwu and contributed immensely to Christian evangelism. She is survived by six children, grand and great grand children.

A statement by the family explained that Madam Oyidia Orji’s funeral begins with a Christian wake in her family compound, Eziukwu, Ugwuavor, Arochukwu on October 31.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Some driers, sewing machines, rice to the needy

•The items Maduagwu gave out

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•Hon. Maduagwu in a handshake with one of the beneficiaries

Lawmaker remembers Anambra communities

HERE is joy in four communities in Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Why? A good road network now runs through the communities. The roads were built by the Anambra State government at the instance of the lawmaker representing the areas, Hon. Rita Maduagwu.

The communities are Ukpor, Akwa-Ihedi, Ezinifite and Ebenator, all in Nnewi South II State Constituency.

Apart from the roads, the lawmaker has also brought succour to the less-privileged, including widows, giving hope to the hopeless.

It was a huge relief for the communities after years of pain on the road.

“This is what we call quality representation and bringing dividends of democracy to the people who made you what you are and not becoming a monster to the people because you are in power,” former Commissioner for Lands, Chief John Okoli Akirika told our correspondent.

Virtually all the dilapidated roads in the sleepy communities which had been abandoned for many years are now in good condition.

Businesses have started booming in the areas, while the communities have been flooded by non-na-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tives, even as foreigners are now buying lands in those communities for development purposes.

In addition, over 20 schools have been renovated by the government in conjunction with the lawmaker.

During one of Maduagwu’s empowerment programmes held at the Central School Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, over 80 people, including youths and widows were empowered.

Many dignitaries, including lawmakers, attended the event. Some of the lawmakers at the event were Ikem Uzoezie, Kingsley Iruba and Obinna Emenaka. They represent Aguata 1, Nnewi South 1 and Anambra East State Constituencies respectively. They described the lawmaker as a selfless leader who takes the affairs of her constituency very seriously.

The items distributed to the beneficiaries were hair driers, power generating sets, sewing machines, grinding machines and trailer loads of rice and beans, among others.

Some members of her constituency told our correspondent that Maduagwu had renovated many dilapidated schools, sunk over 10 boreholes and renovated hospitals in the areas.

Furthermore, she assured the people that more roads would be constructed in other communities by the Governor Willie Obiano.

In a chat with our correspondent, Hon. Maduagwu who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) revealed that the urge

‘

to render selfless service to humanity motivated her joining politics; having seen how the people in the area had suffered for years.

She said: “I am happy that I have made an indelible impact in all these communities within my short stay in politics. It is not for me to blow

This is what we call quality representation and bringing dividends of democracy to the people who made you what you are and not becoming a monster to the people because you are in power…I am happy that I have made an indelible impact in all these communities within my short stay in politics. It is not for me to blow my trumpet.

I leave such to my people

my trumpet. I leave such to my people.”

However, she urged the beneficiaries to put the empowerment items to good use for their benefit and those of their immediate families.

Some of the beneficiaries praised Hon. Maduagwu for remembering the needy in the society.

A 29-year-old Miss Chinyere Nwosu, who received a hair drier, described the lawmaker as Godsend to bring about development

in all the communities.

Mrs. Justina Onyema, a widow, who received one of the sewing machines, praised Hon. Maduagwu, adding that it had never been so good for the people of Nnewi South.

Apart from the items of empowerment which some beneficiaries received, the sum of N10, 000 was given to some of the constituents to boost their businesses. They included Ifeanyi Ebo and Chioma Okoye, among others.

Mr. Hyacinth Maduagwu, husband of the lawmaker told our correspondent that he was not disappointed by allowing his wife to go into politics.

He said men should encourage their wives to join politics as such women with capability and focus do achieve sustainable developments in their callings.

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From Chris Oji, Enugu

God answered their prayers as the Federal Government, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo became aware of the community’s agroeconomic potential and decided to build a dam there. The dam was eventually inaugurated in 2006.

Contract for the construction of the dam christened Mgbowo Earth Dam and Water Scheme was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with the Anambra/Imo River Basin and Rural Development Authority as the executing agency.

The contract was awarded to ANBEEZ Services Limited, an indigenous contractor.

•The renovated Central School, Ukpor

Imo communities send SOS to state, Fed Govt •Continued from page 34

•The impassable road

Central State till the present administration; nothing has been done to alleviate the sufferings of our people. Most of us don’t go to the village except in the dry season.

“Some of us including some of the prominent men that we have in the country don’t even try going to the village with our cars now that we are witnessing rainy season. If you do, you have to pack your car in a nearby village where you think that the vehicle can be safe until you want to go back to the township.

“For me, I don’t stay beyond two or three days and when I know that I am going to stay longer, I go with public transport. It is indeed a ter-

rible situation and how I wish you can come and see things for yourself. ”The last time government showed its presence in our area was during the Ohakim administration when the state government through NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) tried grading and rehabilitating the road but the situation grew from bad to worse after the contractors abandoned the road project; nothing has been done to address the situation we are facing here. ”The situation has degenerated so badly that we ended up eating our farm produce ourselves or dumping them on the farms to rot.

That was not the situation in the past. People came to our markets to buy goods and give the farmers the opportunity to make more

money from what they planted and harvested. They need to buy crop yields for the next planting season and as well, buy other things for themselves and their families. The situation is not the same today as many farmers are getting impoverished and I don’t know what the situation will look like in the future if our roads continue to be in this ugly state? “ The traditional ruler of Umukabia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Highness Eze Levi Anyaogu, in a telephone interview, described the state of federal and state roads that transverse his community and other adjourning villages as deplorable and lamented that their farm produce after being harvested from the farms ended up being dumped in various waste bins. ”If you can visit my community,

in fact, you will cry for us. You will see what people are passing through because of bad roads. We are one of the communities that produce crops in a larger quantity.

There is no road to send out some of the agricultural produce that we produce in my community. ”We will labour to plant seedlings and harvest them, but there is no way we can go out to sell them or for people to come in and buy what we harvested in the farm such that we ended up eating what we have harvested. Most of the things we produce are either eaten by ourselves or they will end up decaying in the farm. ”We produce palm oil, cassava and other things in large commercial quantity but no road to ferry them to the town for sales in the urban areas. We are eating them as

well because we don’t see a way to send them out. ”The situation got from bad to worse after the Ohakim led administration graded and abandoned the road. We cannot drive our cars or even okada on the road in our communities because it is very bad and some of us because the road is bad trek to other villages. ”Motorcycles cannot pass through the roads in my community. My two cars are lying in my compound; there is no road to bring them out. I am appealing to the federal and state government to come to our rescue. The situation is so bad that we cannot do it ourselves and that is why we want government to please come to our rescue,” the traditional ruler of Umukabia Ancient Kingdom pleaded.

lawmaker.

The chairman of Nnewi South Local Government Area, Mr. Ossy Iyiegbu, praised the efforts of the lawmaker in making the council and communities in the area to enjoy benefits of democracy.

The Principal of Zikson Secondary School, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Mrs. Victoria Igwe, told our correspondent that the lawmaker had transformed schools in the state since her tenure as Chairman, House Committee on Education and Sporting, adding that sporting activities had come alive once again.

Community bemoans neglect of dam project GBOWO, a semi-urban community, is known for its agricultural activities.

Besides its natural endowments, the town boasts intellectuals. Any wonder the community is ahead of others which make up Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The community has sufficient agrobased economic potential that are yet to be tapped. Successive administrations seemed to lack interest in exploring them. The people cried, shouted and even petitioned all the tiers of government, accusing them of neglect and inability to explore the economic potential of the community.

In 2003, fortune smiled on them.

‘

Mr. Maduagwu added that his wife was complementing his developmental efforts during his tenure as the President-General of his community.

One of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Albert Okpalaugo described Hon. Maduagwu has been a pillar of hope to the hopeless since she joined politics.

He said if others elected by their communities are giving the people quality representation as Hon. Maduagwu does, most communities in the country would experience rapid development. He urged other lawmakers to emulate the

•Parts of water reservoirs abandoned at the dam

Before work began at the site, there was a memorandum of understanding signed by the community and the technical partners on technical cooperation in small hydropower development.

Under the agreement, the host community was to be responsible for the construction of civil works while the United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO) would provide the electro-mechanical component turbine for the scheme.

Also the community was requested to establish a community development centre where small agro-processing activities such as rice milling •Continued on page 39

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

38

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Ojukwu (middle) with the doctors

•Patients in one of the hospitals

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HE member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ndukwe Ojukwu has assured his constituents that their health will remain his priority.

Hon. Ojukwu spoke at Apuanu Item during a four-day free medical treatment organised by Owani Professional Foundation (OPF), in collaboration with Ojukwu Foundation and the Methodist Church.

He said health is the foundation of a every society.

Ojukwu regretted the high mortality rate of infants and expectant mothers experienced in the rural areas in the past which he attrib-

Lawmaker’s free medicare for constituents From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

uted to ignorance on the part of parents, even as he urged a change towards reducing the mortality rate.

He praised the efforts of the team of doctors numbering 20 for their dedication to duty during the fourday free medical treatment and their excellent service which has helped in improving the health of members of his constituents.

The lawmaker said healthy people make a wealthy nation, add-

ing that there would be no meaningful development in a society when the health of the people is in serious jeopardy.

Ojukwu further said the free medical treatment exercise was a yearly programme which aims at complementing the efforts of Governor Theodore Orji, whom he said has done much in the health sector.

The lawmaker recalled that Ndukwe Ojukwu Foundation has, since 2011, settled hospital bills of all mothers who were delivered of their babies in any government hospital and maternity homes in

the area.

He noted that the emphasis on government hospitals and maternity homes aimed at discouraging expectant mothers from patronising quarks which may result in serious complications and possible deaths which his foundation aims to reduce.

Hon. Ojukwu praised the efforts of the OPF and their boss Prof. Mba Okoronkwo who is the Dean of School of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for his resilience in piloting the affairs of the body and bringing doctors to Item.

Neglected Enugu community appeals to Chime

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MUALOR community in IsiUzo Local Government Area of Enugu State has petitioned Governor Sullivan Chime over what it described as its prolonged neglect.

The community wants him to intervene and reverse the situation.

In a statement signed by the coordinator, Umualor United For Change (UUC), Comrade Ogbuzuru Ejike, the community said it suffered a litany of economic and political neglect that arose from age-long non-compliance with the power

From Chris Oji, Enugu

sharing formula in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area by other communities that make up the local government.

Ejike said even though it was a well-known fact that Umualor remained the oldest town in the local government area, none of its indigenes has been given an opportunity to occupy any elective political position.

The development, he noted, has

tended to shut out his people from the vast dividends of democracy and good governance which successive regimes and even the current Chime administration have provided.

“The setbacks of this neglect began with and are further heightened by the fact that out of the eleven political wards allocated to the local government, Umualor barely has one where five communities exist in the local government. Ehamufu has four wards, Ikem has two, Mbu has two and Neke has two as well. The

imbalance has existed given the fact that all the other communities at the forefront of political power all these while though it wise that we were merely a hamlet that needed no political attention and thus had no use of the ward during the delineation process.

“It is not pellucid and crystal clear that we have been cheated all these while from the above your excellency, even when all the communities in the local government have agreed and officially accented to a zoning system that would ordinarily make Umualor Development Area the next community to produce a candidate for elective political position?. We want to crave your indulgence and wealth of political wisdom as our great political leader therefore to assist us in securing the ticket for the state house of assembly come 2014 as a way of enhancing our political chance and future in the state.

“Your Excellency, it is unfathomable that where eleven wards exist, a community with just one ward can scarcely produce a political office holder even on the grounds of strict adherence to rotational formula let alone when it has been jettisoned for political advantages.

“Your Excellency, we have rea-

‘

•Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha in a recent public function with Hon. Chris Asoluka (Okwuruoha).

He said their efforts have helped in reducing the high rate of infant and maternal mortality in his constituency, adding that members of his constituency will never forget them in a hurry.

Speaking with our correspondent on their experiences, Mrs. Ijeoma Anyaele, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu and Madam Ejije Igwe who benefitted from the free medical exercise expressed their happiness over the lawmaker’s gesture, even as they prayed God to reward the organisers for their wonderful concern for the needy. soned with this ancient Igbo philosophy which asserts that when taken for granted, gold in one’s hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper and have seen that if the current happenings continue, the Umualor community might never test the opportunity of steering the political wheel of the local government nor any other political position deemed rightful for Isi-Uzo Local Government and this we say God forbid,” he stated.

The coordinator of UCC further added that the chronology of events has shown that Umualor has been relegated to the background in spheres of access to political power, adding that as a result, they wished to know if they were mere commodity or a community sharing equal rights with their neighbors.

He expressed dismay that Umualor in this modern age has no passable roads, no access to electricity, no telecommunication network, stating that the community suffers patiently deplorable state of poor medical facilities.

“We know that you have been reputable to have a listening ear to the marginalised. Awgu, Nsukka, Oji River among others would all bear witness to this. We believe that if you delve into this matter as one of your last developmental strides as the governor we would not and never remain the same again, it is well with you sir,” Ejike pleaded.

Umualor in this modern age has no passable roads, no access to electricity, no telecommunication network, stating that the community suffers patiently deplorable state of poor medical facilities

‘

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

39

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Free maternal/ child care in Enugu

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NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has said he is determined to make the Free Maternal and Child Health (FMCH) programme initiated by his administration the best of its kind in the country.

He spoke while inaugurating 13 vehicles donated by the state government to the Ministry of Health for use in ensuring effective supervision and implementation of the programme in all local government areas.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, Chime revealed that the programme was introduced in 2007 to enable it to achieve the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the state.

Chime noted that presentation of eleven Hilux vans and two Toyota buses would complement the recent employment of new personnel for the seven health districts in the state comprising 20 medical doctors, 150 nurses, five pharmacists and five medical laboratory scientists.

Others, he said, included 10 radiographers, five medical record officers, 30 security and clerical officers, 15 drivers and five messengers.

He recalled that approval has recently been given for payment of consolidated salary structures (CONMESS) to medical doctors in the system, adding that the rest would follow soon.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr George Eze praised the vision of the Governor in paying prompt attention to the needs of

‘

•Mrs. Nwobodo and officials at the inauguration of the Enugu State Free Maternal Child Health Care From Chris Oji, Enugu

FMCH, noting that Enugu State was the first to embrace the programme, a feat which has earned the state high ratings as far as health care delivery in the country is concerned.

Dr. Eze further said the vehicles would ensure that services were extended to people in the rural areas, emphasising that ”no woman would lose her life because of inadequate treatment or attention during child bearing in the health districts of Enugu State.”

He also urged the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the districts

to reciprocate the government’s gesture by living up to their responsibilities in their areas.

He commended the Department for International Development (DFID) and other agencies for their supportive roles to the FMCH programmes.

Speaking on behalf of other partnering agencies, a representative of DFID, Prof. Eddy Nwobodo praised Governor Chime for placing high premium on the health sector.

He revealed that the state government has spent the sum of N7 billion on the FMCH programme since its inception. He called for concerted effort to ensure the suc-

Enugu State was the first to embrace the programme, a feat which has earned the state high ratings as far as health care delivery in the country is concerned…The vehicles would ensure that services were extended to people in the rural areas…

No woman would lose her life because of inadequate treatment or attention during child bearing in the health districts of Enugu State cess of the programme at all levels.

Top government functionaries and politicians, including Chairman of Health Management Board,

Community bemoans neglect of dam project •Continued from page 37 and hauling, garri processing and grinding mills for maize and beans shall be carried out by the community.

The host community was also required to provide within the development centre a space for information technology training and development within six months. Leaders of the community swung into action immediately after. In less than the stipulated time, they were able put the requirements in place.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the structures are all in place and intact.

But after construction work on the site commenced, the project was abandoned midway. The people of Mgbowo community are regretting ever accepting that project.

According to the traditional Prime Minister of the community, Prof. Joseph Okoro Akpa, before the coming of the project, “the lake used to be the only source of water for the community. The project has become a curse as the water has been polluted as a result of earth excavation at a nearby hill by construction companies.”

Akpa further said the aquatic ac-

•One of the buildings completed by the community tivities in the lake have been completely grounded as there was no longer source of life in the lake.

“Our people no longer go there for fishing or to fetch water. It has become a death trap. Four boys were drowned in the lake recently. As a result of blockages and abandonment, the lake overflows its banks whenever there is a downpour.”

Our correspondent observed that the lake is currently stagnant and malodorous, even as it breeds dangerous reptiles. The colour of the water is no longer crystal clear but brownish.

Prof. Akpa said: “We fear it may expose members of the community to an epidemic in a no distant future.”

While blaming the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and, to an extent, the contractors for the abandonment, the traditional Prime Minister appealed to the Federal Government, especially Minister of Water Resources, the Anambra/Imo River Basin Authority and the contractors to resume work at the site in order to save the people from indescribable hardship.

He said: “The community provided all that was required of them. We

donated the land, taxed our people, received donations from our people living abroad and put in place all the structures required of us. Eight years after, the project remains unattended to and our people are being subjected to extreme difficulties.”

Akpa opined that the project, if completed, would provide massive employment not only for the people of the community but also the entire Enugu State. It would as well increase and encourage small-scale industries such as rice milling, garri processing and ICT training.

Again, apart from the tap water it

‘ ‘

Dr Arthur Chinedu Idoko and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Moses Otiji, among others.

The lake used to be the only source of water for the community. The project has become a curse as the water has been polluted as a result of earth excavation at a nearby hill by construction companies…Aquatic activities in the lake have been completely grounded as there was no longer source of life in the lake…Our people no longer go there for fishing or to fetch water. It has become a death trap.

Four boys were drowned in the lake recently. The lake overflows its banks whenever there is a downpour

‘

would provide for the community and neighbouring ones, the dam, Akpa said, would ensure irrigation for all-year-round farming.

“In the name of God and for the sake of humanity, we are fervently appealing to all those concerned to look into the project which is gradually turning into a curse and complete it for the benefit of humanity,” Prof. Akpa pleaded.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

40

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

MASSOB honours Ojukwu From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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•A 35-room guest house at Ebunwana

Senator provides infrastructure for constituents ‘

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S the 2015 general elections draw closer, a major factor which would ensure the return of most politicians in elective positions is how much of development they had brought to their respective communities.

The people of Ebonyi South Senatorial District have every cause to be grateful to God and Senator Sonni Ogbuoji for his quality representation of his people at the National Assembly.

Investigation revealed that the Senator’s provision of democratic dividends for his people had exceeded their expectations.

He embarked on construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the zone and provided other infrastructural facilities such as the 35-room guest house, established plastic industry at Ebunwana and built the Assemblies of God Church Jerusalem Assembly, among others.

Among the roads which the Senator facilitated their construction is the Ebunwana Erei federal road linking Ebonyi and Cross River states, Ohafia-Nguzu Oso Edda federal road linking Ebonyi and Abia states and other roads within the zone which include Okpoghoro Road Ebunwana, Igbara Ebunwana Road and Ndi Agwu Road Igbara.

The Ohafia-Nguzu-Oso Edda federal road is significant because until recently, it was a 20km stretch of dilapidated asphalt road at the Abia State axis and a jagged earth road at the Edda axis, which had never

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

witnessed any form of construction activity.

From the First Republic when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Michael Okpara (all late) visited Edda and promised that government would consider its construction, the road had remained an object of political campaigns, one of the examples of failed promises and a proof of government’s insensitivity to people at the grassroots.

Successive administrations had awarded contract for the construction of the road for several times after which it would be abandoned.

This was the situation till 2012 when Senator Ogbuoji brought the gullyridden road to the attention of the Federal Government. Convinced that the road is vital for effective inter and intra-state commercial activities, Senator Ogbuoji was committed to the construction of the road so much so that budgetary provision was made for it.

The contract, which was in category B, lot 11 of the Federal Government official Gazette was awarded to Uniglobe Construction Company Limited at the sum of 2,293,965,030, with 18 months completion period.

The member representing Afikpo South West State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima said the Senator had effectively utilised his presence at the

We are happy with our Senator; we wish other Senators could emulate his leadership style. Going to the Senate is not for you to enrich yourself and forget about the people that gave you their mandate. He did not discriminate among all the local government areas that make up the zone. We are happy with him and satisfied with his representation at the National Assembly Senate to bring benefits of democracy to the people of the zone, adding that the roads he (Senator) constructed had made it possible for the people to interrelate with their neighbouring communities in both Abia and Cross River states.

Communities such as Nguzu Edda, Ekoli Edda, Ebunwana Edda, Itim Edda, Ogbu Edda, Owutu Edda, Amangwu Edda and Oso Edda, among others had expressed their gratitude to Senator Ogbuoji for his commitment

‘

to infrastructural development and empowerment schemes.

“We are happy with our Senator; we wish other Senators could emulate his leadership style. Going to the Senate is not for you to enrich yourself and forget about the people that gave you their mandate. He did not discriminate among all the local government areas that make up the zone. We are happy with him and satisfied with his representation at the National Assembly,” they said.

‘God has restored my joy’ •Continued from page 35 are some other people out there who had similar experiences and God answered their prayers. So,

•Governor Rochas Okorocha and wife, Hon. Matthew Omegara, Senator Chris Ngige, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Bishop of Okigwe Catholic Diocese during the commissioning of a church building built by Hon. Matthew Omegara at st Anthony Catholic Parish, Umuokpara Okigwe.

that encouraged me.

How were you able to manage this pressure?

I knew it wasn’t necessary to look for an alternative. I had made up my mind because I knew that things had not gone to the worst. I believed God and that with Him, all things are possible and I knew that nobody should count my wife out from conceiving a baby because she wasn’t that old.

Did you consider remarrying?

I didn’t because I know women’s reproductive system and I can tell you that my wife is not infertile.

We consulted experts in the field and the results we got were all positive and with that, one wasn’t that perturbed.

Did you seek spiritual help?

There was an academic colleague at school who at a time heard that we were still waiting for the fruit of the womb; he gave me his own experience that was spiritual, but I didn’t do anything about that. He asked that I consult him so that we begin a process of praying and fasting to torpedo the devices of the wicked.

How did you feel when the bundle of joy finally came?

Excited, of course, giving glory to God. The business is between me and God. I have been showing God gratitude by His very grace. I feel elated, happy, giving testimonies to people when they ask me and always returning glory to God for His mercies.

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sover-

eign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has honoured the late Biafra leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, declaring November 6 as Ojukwu Day. MASSOB also directed that flags in public and corporate offices be flown at half-mast in all Biafran territories on that day.

The movement’s acting director of Informat, Sunny Okereafor speaking to journalists in Aba, said that the actions were meant to commemorate the third anniversary of the demise of the Igbo leader.

Okereafor said that MASSOB has lined up series of events for the third anniversary celebration of late Ojukwu, the Eze Igbo Gburugburu, which he stated would be held at the Ojukwu Library at New Owerri, Imo State.

He said MASSOB was doing these things to show the world that Ndigbo would never forget Ojukwu who he said used his father’s wealth to fight for the interest and in defence of the Igbo man.

“We are doing these things to immortalise Ojukwu’s name because we see him as the Moses of Biafra who led his people out of the wilderness before he handed over power to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike who is the Joshua of our time.

“In line with the high esteem which we hold Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu even in death, November 26 every year will be known as Ojukwu’s Day in remembrance of his contributions to the welfare of Ndigbo.”

The MASSOB spokesman informed that the day would be declared public holidays immediately the state of Biafra was achieved and urged Ndigbo to keep faith with the Movement and attend the Owerri event enmasse.

He hinted that highlights of this year’s Ojukwu Day celebration would include Igbo traditional dances, talk shops and cultural displays as well as key note address to be delivered by MASSOB leader, Chief Uwazuruike.

•Late Ojukwu

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

41

CAMPUS LIFE

‘Students’ freedom lower education standard’

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NRESTRICTED freedom enjoyed by students is one of the causes of decline in standard of education, Acting Rector of Kings Polytechnic in Edo State, Dr Fidelia Ojemhen, has said.

The Rector said students are left to learn many things without monitoring. She said such laxity was having a negative effect on the standards of education. She added that the polytechnic had introduced attendance register to monitor activities of its students.

While encouraging management of other tertiary institutions to adopt the habit of monitoring to get the best out of students, she said the school had introduced a code of

From Ruka Jimoh BENIN moral conduct for its students.

Ojemhen said: “We have inculcated moral values and principles in our curriculum because we believe in preparing our students for leadership positions and to give them sound education that would make them independent and selfreliant.”

The Rector said good certificate without sound moral values worthless. Ojemhen advised school managements to emulate the polytechnic’s method of rectifying the ills in tertiary institutions.

Why standard is falling,

by Okebukola

P •9ice (left) being supported by the union Vice President, Nike Oyewole (middle) to present a prize to the debate winner, Emitomo Olanimisire

9ice’s presence on campus excites students S TUDENTS’ Union Government (SUG) of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State have organised the SUG Week, which started with health awareness on the campus.

The presence of Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, excited the students, who led a campaign arround the host community to enlighten residents on how they could prevent deadly diseases such as Ebola, HIV and AIDS from their

From Israel Fawole LAUTECH

community.

This was followed by feminine empowerment programme tagged: Ladies stand out: A reflection of decency where female students learnt how they could be professional in different careers.

On Thursday, the union held an inter-faculty debate on the topic:

Wisdom and education: Which is indispensable. The contested had twelve contestants presenting arguments in favour and against the two values.

The event ended on Friday with entertainment to thrill students.

Popular artistes such as LKT, Jaywon, YQ and Lord of Ajasa, among others performed live on campus. Students described the event as a load of inspiration and fun.

Reminisce, others thrill students at Coke Studio T

HE Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State was agog last weekend.

Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited stormed the campus with artistes to thrill students in a show tagged “Coke Studio”, which was held at the car park of the institution’s Sport Complex.

The show, which started at noon and ended at 11pm, featured Dammy Krane, Orezi, Reminisce and some upcoming campus artistes.

The artistes doled out hit songs to entertain the students. The show got to its peak when Chinko, a 300-

From Afees Lasisi OAU Level Law student and campus artiste, was called to sing along Reminisce. His performance got the audience excited.

Occupants of Awolowo Hall, in a comic displayed, mounted the podium in their numbers to dazzle their colleagues. This display is known on the campus as “Aro”.

This changed the mood of the audi-

Fellowships prepare students for after school

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O prepare students to be self-reliant and well-sustained after school, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapters of the Christ Apostolic Church Youths Fellowship (CACYOF) and Education Students Campus Fellowship (ESCF) have organised an empowerment programme tagged: Life After Campus Empowerment (LACE) 2014.

The event was held at Glass Hall of the Faculty of Education and had in attendance industry captains and human resource personnel, among which are Segun Zack, Joke Aderibigbe and Tonia Smart, among others.

Zack, who is a manager at KPMG, spoke on the pros and cons of starting a business as a fresh graduate.

He said entrepreneurship remained the solution to unemployment, urging the students to dream big. He said: “You must

ence as the students laughed at their funny song, which can be literally translated: “Students read extensively to have a pass grade and girls cannot use their body to get good grade.”

A student, Ayobami Peter, said: “The show was entertaining because most of the artists that Coca-Cola brought were among the highlyrated in the country.”

Another student, Ayeni Arowolo, said: “Though we expected CocaCola to come with artistes such as Olamide and D’Banj like they did at the University of Lagos, but the show was fun.”

From Adeyemi Olalemi UNILAG challenge the status quo and develop new ideas that will change the world.”

Ms Aderibigbe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Beamaz Consulting, told the participants to identify their passion before dabbling into any career. She stressed the need for students to acquire experience through internship programmes to have an edge over their peers in the job market.

Ms Smart, a former Managing Director of Lagos State Pension Commission, charged the youngsters to be ICT-compliant and endowed with administrative skills.

Olamide Babalola, a participant, described the event as inspiring, saying it would prepare and assist students to discover their purpose beyond the university walls.

•Participants at the seminar

ROF Peter Okebukola has identified impediment to quality education in the country. The former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the fifth international conference on the Collaboration of Education Faculties in West Africa (CEFWA) held at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in Osogbo.

Okebukola, a professor of Science Education, mentioned eight threats to quality education to include policy incoherence, poor implementation, teacher inadequacies, inadequate funding, declining infrastructure, obsolete curriculum, declining reading culture and social vices.

Okebukola said the eight challenges were interconnected and failure to solve one led to the other in a chain reaction. He said if the chain reaction was allowed to continue, the nation would face unprecedented crisis in education sector.

Okebukola, who is also the Prochancellor and chairman of Governing Council of Crawford University in Igbesa, Ogun State, said the nation needed to break the cycles. He stated “redemption plan”

From Abideen Olasupo UNIOSUN the stakeholder could use to get the education sector out of the quagmire.

He said the nation needed to review its curriculum to respond to the reality of the future and enforce the teaching of entrepreneurial education at all levels.

He advised the government to ensure all colleges of education and polytechnics aspiring to degreeawarding status should adopt the doctorate standard as minimum requirement for lecturers. He said NUC must continue to enforce standards in the system.

The conference was attended by lecturers from various universities, including Prof Solomon Olaniyonu, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, Prof Modupe Omoegun, Prof A. Olorundare, Prof A.A. Adegoke, Prof O.O. Obiyemi, and Prof Kayode Alao, among others.

The UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.B. Okesina, urged the organisers to ensure that more lecturers of education in Nigeria and West Africa participate in future conferences.

Poly resumes session

T

HE Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARAPOLY) in Ilorin has announced the resumption date for both fresh and returning students for the 2014/2015 academic session. In a statement issued on the institution’s website, returning students were expected back in school last Monday, while freshers are enjoined to be on campus next

From Adekunle Isiaka KWARA POLY Monday.

The school’s Deputy Rector, Mr. Afolabi Ajibola disclosed that the institution would not admit more than its quota, adding that registration process would be hastened up.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

42

CAMPUS LIFE The part-time members of the National Association of Computer Science Student (NACOSS), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter have marked their annual day of activities. It featured a seminar, a marathon and the election of a new executive. OMOLARA OGUNWALE (ND II Journalism, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos) reports.

•The medical team attending an athlete, who collapsed during the marathon

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NLIKE full-time undergraduates, part-time students rarely have time for social events on campus. But this was not the case last Friday when part-time students of Computer Science Department of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) held their day.

It was an event that featured several activities. All part-time members of the National Association of Computer Science Student (NACOSS) moved round the Ikorodu campus of the institution to announce the event. They were clad in purple polo Tshirts with their names and logo of the department boldly inscribed on the materials.

The event also featured the swearing in of a new executive elected a week earlier. Staff and students gathered at the department to witness the inauguration.

The outgoing president, Robert Uwemedimo, in his opening remark, praised his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve them, saying the office gave him a

•Part-time students at the event

A memorable day for part-time students chance to acquire attributes of leadership. He described his fellow executive members as devoted and honest students.

Listing his achievements, Robert said his administration improved on students’ welfare and academic pursuit through organisation of seminars and tutorials for freshers, free training in Oracle database administration, web designing and networking, and increased access to the Computer Science laboratory.

He said he achieved this because of students’ contribution.

He advised his successor to improve on his administration’s achievements, saying the essence of leadership is to service the followers.

During the lecture organised to mark the day, the guest speaker, Mr Abiola Oshodi, a partner at Hezedge Consulting, spoke about

the opportunities in the world of Information Technology (IT).

He told the audience to acquire trendy IT skills to remain relevant.

He urged the students to explore Digital Marketing, which he described as a lucrative vocation. “Always go on the Internet to learn new skills and devote your time to read things that will help your career, then, put it into practice,” he said.

The association also held a marathon on the school field. However, a drama played out when a female student collapsed during the race.

The standby medical team immediately took her off the track and gave her first aid.

Bamidele Akinola, an HND II student, won the marathon, while Abiodun Bamidele, an ND 1 student, came second. They were rewarded with 4GB Flash Drive and notebooks.

Students with the highest Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) in the last session were called out for honour. They were presented with award and prizes such as Nokia 105 phones and notebooks.

The highpoint was the swearing in of the incoming executive members led by Joseph Omijie.

Others are Ufoma Emiaka, Vice President; Peter Elegah, General Secretary; Ijeoma Isika, Social Director; Alli Yahaya, Public Relations Officer; Olusegun Ogunbowale, Welfare Director; Riliwan Lawal, Financial Secretary; Folahan Olaleye, Treasurer; Thomas Adejoh, Auditor and Sodiq Awodero, Sport Director.

The outgoing Vice President, Goodnews Ofoegbu, gave the scorecard of the outgoing executive and urged the incoming members to sustain the growth of the

association.

Omijie, in his acceptance speech, said he was ready to take the association to a greater height and promote its vision. He hinted that he would embark on constitution amendment to give all members the opportunity to contribute to the development of the department and association.

He said: “I feel excited after being declared the president. The outgoing members of the executive did a lot to improve the visibility of the association. I am lucky that I was involved, so I know what we need to achieve to further develop the association. I am ready to work in line with the vision and mission of the association. We will embark on constitution amendment that will make every member of NACOSS to work for change.”

There was jubilation at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA) over the repair of buses which take students from the Offa Campus to the permanent site in Ojoku by the management. AFEEZ ADEYEMO (ND II Mass Communication) reports.

Buses’ repair excites students

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NITIALLY, students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State, saw the institution’s shuttle service as a luxury. The transport scheme was introduced almost four years ago by the management to ease students’ movement from the Offa Campus to the permanent site in Ojoku town.

Two weeks ago, however, students knew the value of the service they had been enjoying when the two buses used for the scheme broke down. It was no more a smooth journey to the permanent site. The vehicles developed engine faults from lack of maintenances.

Ojoku is about six kilometres from Offa. Students pay N20 per trip to the permanent site, compared to the higher fare charged by commercial vehicle drivers.

The development resulted in hardship for the students, who receive lectures at the permanent site. Some, who attempted to stay with their colleagues in hostels at the permanent site, were not allowed by school security personnel, who reportedly told the squatters that management frowned at such act.

The alternative for students to meet morning lecture was to ride on commercial motorcycles known

•One of the buses as Okada, whose riders, students said, carried three passengers, thereby endangering their lives.

The development made the Students’ Union Government (SUG), led by Festus Adedeji, to plead with the management to repair the buses to reduce students’ stress.

There was jubilation on the campus when the buses started operation last week. It was gathered that the management ordered that the buses be repaired. A source told our correspondent that the management chided the buses’ drivers for lack of maintenance and failure to attend to the mechanical fault observed in the vehicle.

Students praised the management and the union for responding to their plight. They described the Rector, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo, as a caring father.

An official at the Works and Transport Department, who refused to give his name, said the management had ordered periodic maintenance work on the buses.

Festus cautioned students against misusing the buses, urging them to always be orderly whenever they want to use the vehicles.

He said: “The management will not hesitate to deal with any student that violates the rules or attempts to vandalise the school property.”

Opeyemi Amao, an ND II Marketing student, hailed the management and the union for responding quickly. He said no student valued the service until the buses broke down. “We realised the importance of the buses. If the management had not provided the buses, no one would have been able to predict what could happen to students receiving lecture at the permanent site. We cannot afford to be paying N200 per day as fare in commercial buses,” he said.

Francis Akinjo, an ND II Business and Administration student, urged the management to release more

buses to complement the existing ones. He said it was improper for students to queue for hours, waiting for the buses to return from the permanent site.

In his opinion, Olawale Kareem, ND 1 Accountancy student, believe the management and not the SUG deserved praises for bringing back the buses. He said: “Students’ Union cannot be the one that discussed with the management to repair the buses.

All they know is to speak highsounding grammar. Management did what was right.”

He urged the SUG leaders to always think about students’ welfare.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

43

CAMPUS LIFE

Dirty deal of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria

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HERE is nothing more interesting to a Nigerian politician than establishing a legacy with their name on it. This is the hallmark of the country’s politics and it is worrisome.

It is either Seven-point Agenda for Umaru Yar’dua or Transformation Agenda for Goodluck Jonathan. So, the term “transformation” is used to christen any pro-Jonathan agenda.

Wherever we see or hear it, either in a newspaper or radio station, we believe it is Jonathan’s handiwork.

In fact, any movement which wants to have the ears and eyes of the presidency either uses the president’s picture as a logo or uses his regime’s catch-phrase, ‘transformation agenda’ to complement whatever name they wish to have.

It is not a new thing in Nigeria.

We all know that any agenda codenamed ‘transformation’ belongs to the president, his aides or one of his town criers. They venerate his name, not because of what he has achieved, but for his money.

The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has become the lousiest cockerels ever. No doubt, it is a pro-Jonathan movement, christened after his image, his mind, motives and, of course, agenda.

TAN disguises itself as a group which is mobilising Nigerian youths to champion the cause of peace and one-Nigeria agenda.

The TAN group and or groups

hiding under them, sucking from the same breast are heavily sponsored by the presidency. They have the right thumb of His Excellency and, of course, the ruling PDP. What TAN’s agents do is to hawk the name of President Jonathan around, his agenda and that of his party. TAN has little or nothing to do with the much-touted One Nigeria Agenda. The agents go around on social networks, establishing contacts with youths who they know are social media freaks, promising them scholarships, recharge cards, clothings, jobs, cars, connections, and frivolous trips to foreign countries. All that is needed of the beneficiary is to be a Nigerian citizen and a registered voter, possessing a valid voters’ card.

To join TAN, one has to start by liking their Facebook page and later register as one-star ambassador, one of its many ranks. When you create an online account, you will be asked to invite others to like the page and also register. The more people you deceive into joining the trend, the higher your rank and the more dividends you get.

The TAN coordinators and executives are a set of opportunists who nose around for support for Jonathan come 2015. They hire other youths who work under them, charged with the duty of mobilising votes for the president ahead of 2015. Every mobiliser or

coordinator or whatever they are called has a mandate. When they come in contact with youths, they dangle some carrots at their face and cajole them to join the team for selfish benefits.

Like the ancient serfs who serve their pot-bellied masters, TAN and their secret agents are sent into the Nigerian wilderness to scout for votes for the ruling PDP. From the web page to the bill boards, TAN has made its campaign appear like the handiwork of desperados. TAN displays strong support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid, hiding under the cloak of youth development, promotion of peace and all what not.

If presidency wants to provide such privileges for Nigerian youths, it should do that through the federal ministries, parastatals and state institutions. What is the stake of TAN in Nigeria?

Nigeria has outlived this stage of politics and political scams. A performing politician, president or governor does not have to go fishing for votes. A governor or president who is convinced of his achievements should not be hanging his hooks all round for votes. His works should speak for him. Nigeria has achieved some feats in the global community, thus we should possess a more-informed political culture than what TAN tries to preach.

As far as Nigeria is concerned, TAN

is winding back our collective experience, sense of nationhood and solidarity. TAN is resurging with a mushroom approach to politics this time and age. The idea of making the youths to register and lend support for President Jonathan in 2015 is clearly a defeatist approach to Nigerian development. Could that be an indication of the fact that the current administration has nothing else to show to pull political support?

TAN is destroying the future of the youths of this generation. Instead of engaging them in competitive human development activities or equipping them with skills in preparation to face the challenges of the 21st century, TAN is not only busy singing praises of the Otuoke son, they are also doingfishing votes in the most shameful way.

We are all observers and activists in this political phenomenon called Nigeria. We have a good knowledge of the fact that previous governments have tried this and it never worked for them, at least to their expectation. They set up support groups which went around deceiving youths with empty promises, to gather votes for their patriarchs and matriarchs. But they ended up not achieving anything after getting hold of power.

If President Goodluck Jonathan wants to retain power, it is not

By Emmanuel Shebbs bad. It is his constitutional right and nobody can deny him of that.

He should lay claim to his achievements these four years or so that he has served as head of state. If Nigerians see his achievements and want him to come back, they will vote for him. He should avoid working with militants and street urchins and choose people who are driven by the genuine passion for a better Nigeria.

Emmanuel just graduated from Political Science, UNICAL

UNILORIN as best university: An insider’s assessment

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HE first on the list in Nigeria in terms of everything” were the apt words used in the description of the University of Ilorin by a former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Prince Bola Ajibola, at a public lecture hosted by the university’s Law Students’ Society.

That, perhaps, was his own way of joining forces with the growing endorsements of the university by other intellectuals from various walks of life. So, it came as no surprise when 4ICU, an international higher education search engine and directory that reviews accredited universities and colleges across the world, announced the University of Ilorin as the best in Nigeria on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

I wish to use this opportunity to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali and his team, students and their parents , the government and people of Kwara State as well as other stakeholders in the university.

This piece is aimed at highlighting some of the factors that in my view propelled the university to the top, with a view to not only making it hold the grips at the national level but also move forward at the international level.

Students are no doubt at the receiving end of the fortune or oth-

P

OLITICS has often been described as a game of numbers, one in which the majority decides the future of a people. That theory is becoming more and more obvious each day in the Nigerian political theatre. As expected, leaderships of various parties in Nigeria are aware of the virility of this proposition.

The governorship elections in Ekiti and the Osun states have raised questions regarding the integrity of the opposition party in Nigeria. If politics is, indeed, a number game, recent statistics point to the fact that PDP still boasts of the highest followership than any other party in Nigeria. For years, the ruling

By Hawau Abikan erwise of a university. It is therefore imperative that an insider bares the magic wand of a university that has managed to stand tall in a sector that has, in recent time, been receiving undesirable remarks.

The University of Ilorin was one of the seven institutions of higher learning established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in August, 1975. It began as a university college affiliated to the University of Ibadan, the oldest university in Nigeria, with three faculties -Arts, Science and Education. It gained full autonomy in October 1977 with the appointment of Prof O.O Akinkugbe as Vice Chancellor. From three faculties in 1976, the university currently has 15 faculties and over 60 academic departments, over 20,000 students and a staff strength of about 4,000.

The reasons the university has risen to great heights from humble beginnings are not far-fetched.

Perhaps one of the most glaring factors is its refusal to join in the industrial action usually embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities which usually cripples the students’ academic year.

This was the policy initiated by Prof S. Oba Abdulraheem who

maintained that the students do not deserve to suffer as a result of rifts between the lecturers and the federal government. Even after the completion of the tenure of the initiator, the principle has continued to remain as one of the reasons for the uniqueness of the university.

This perhaps explains why it is the most sought after university in Nigeria. Statistics released recently by the National Universities Commission and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board after the last Universities Matriculation Examinations showed that the University of Ilorin was the most subscribed university by admission seekers in the country with over 105,000 candidates seeking admission for the university in 2014/2015 academic session.

Another particularly important reason is its strong hold on discipline. The laws and rules of engagement have been explicitly stated and their enforcement are duly carried our without fear or favour.

Examination malpractices, truancy, cultism and indecent dressing have been effectively reduced to the barest minimum among the students. This has created an atmosphere of discipline and has guaranteed that in an otherwise free and liberal environment, moral and legal restrictions exist. Students therefore comport themselves well

because everyone is afraid of getting expelled or rusticated.

Furthermore, the University of Ilorin pioneered the utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to facilitate learning and research. It took the first steps towards conducting computer based exams and many higher institutions have followed suit. This has put it at par with other institutions of the world in which the ICT has almost replaced books and the pen.

To further foster the use of ICT, the university gave all the new students of 2013/2014 session PC tablets for faster internet access.

In its quest to provide competitive environment for academic excellence, the university also awards students with outstanding academic performances. The students are decorated as the scholars of the university and are given among others free hostels, stipend as well as honours of participating in the major university activities in academic gowns along with the lecturers.

The university is blessed with highly dedicated members of staff who relate with students not only as teachers but also as trusted guardians. Efforts are ever ongoing on infrastructural development including class rooms, libraries, laboratories and most es-

A task for opposition in Nigeria

By Ayodeji Adeyemi, party in the country has monopolised the presidential seat through their sheer weight, number and tact in the game of politics.

Following the merger of three political parties to form a formidable opponent to the PDP, All Progressive Congress (APC), powers were divided in the country as some major states in the six geo-political zones were snatched from the PDP. This brought in a wave of alternative to PDP as it became obvious

then that people were tired of the power-plays of the ruling PDP. However, it is becoming obvious that APC is just another PDP about to be birthed. And with the merger of the defunct New-PDP that broke out of the main PDP, the APC has accepted all the perceived bad eggs in governance, thereby making it a new political party with the same people of the old order. Who will blame them? They also know that politics being a game of numbers makes it imperative for them to get in their fold, as many as possible, the

political bigwigs in the country if they are to seize power from the PDP. This has brought them popularity in some states and contempt in others.

A major obstacle they will face is eradicating the PDP sympathy in the hearts of many Nigerians. It is beginning to look like Nigerians feel safer with a devil known than an angel unknown. That is a task for its leaders.

At the last elections in Osun State, a mathematical calculation of the votes revealed that PDP candidate,

pecially student’s hostels all of which have made the campus environment conducive for learning.

This is however not to say that there are no rooms for improvement. In order to rise in its world ranking which currently holds as 1,842nd, a lot has to be done. The academic calendar in terms of teaching, examination, and result publication should be timely.

Entrepreneurship which has begun its elementary stages in the school should be aggressively continued with involvement of students to create industries within the school to enable it have the facilities of a functional state, which is a key characteristic of top universities of the world.

The culture of impunity which has become a norm in the larger society should not be given a chance within the university premises. Every student should be treated equally so as to maintain equity and justice.

Opportunity for exchange programme with universities that are among the first ten in the world should be established for lecturers and students in such a manner that academic contents, teachers and even transfer to attend lectures for some semesters will be practiced.

Hawau, 200-Level Law, UNILORIN Sen Omisore, lost to the ruling party in the state, APC, with over 100,000 votes of the almost 700,000 votes.

According to INEC through its Returning Officer, Prof Bamitale Omole, APC amassed 398,684 votes while PDP got only 292, 750 votes showing a gap of 105, 934 votes. This gap between the two parties seems a little low considering that the APC candidate was contesting for a second term in office and Omisore was perceived as an outsider in the Osun scheme of things after losing the seat to APC at the Court of Appeal in 2011.

This shows that PDP still has a •Continued on page 44

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

44

CAMPUS LIFE

Students, Staff hail VC on national award

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TUDENTS and staff of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State have rejoiced with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdul-ganiyu Ambali, who was conferred with an award of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ambali was honoured for his professional achievement and contribution to academic excellence and national development.

The students also hailed Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the immediate past VC, who also bagged the

From Toyin Ali UNILORIN award. Oloyede, who is the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, was honoured with Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Commenting on the achievement, chairman of the varsity’s chapter of the Academic of Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Abdulrasheed Adeoye, described Ambali’s and Oloyede’s awards as products of hardwork, resilience and dedication to service.

According to him, the two honourees served humanity with passion, noting that their vision for the university was anchored on commitment and fear of God. “They deserve the honour,” he said.

Mr Mansur Alfanla, chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), UNILORIN branch, described the honorees as “hardworking, capable, selfless and reliable people”, who deserved more honours.

He said: “Both Oloyede and Ambali deserve the honour. And

Varsity gets license to teach engineering

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HE Nigeria University Commission (NUC) has approved engineering programmes for Adeleke University, a private university, located in Ede, Osun State.

When the school resumes academic session, the management said the engineering programme

From Femi Akinpelu ADELEKE would start.

The faith-based institution got the NUC license to operate in 2011, but started with courses in Business, Social Sciences, Arts and Sciences. The approval of engi-

NIJ begins session

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HE Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos has resumed academic session on Monday.

The institute was re-opened after a four-month holiday.

But Ordinary Diploma students are yet to return to the campus, when CAMPUSLIFE visited on Monday. Our correspondent saw a few Higher National Diploma students in classes, waiting in the common room.

But the institute held an orientation for freshers last week, where the officials intimate the students on the

From Samson Uwala NIJ LAGOS

neering programme would boost the institution’s admission quota.

Confirming the development, Director of Admissions, Mr Dipo Aliu, said: “The NUC has approved engineering courses and these include Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Agricultural Engineering.

These four courses will be started immediately another session begins.”

their award should remind people in positions of leadership to act with the fear of God. They must equally allow their conscience to guide them because history is always there to record whatever they do.

“Anyone in position of authority must always have it at the back of his mind that it is not only human beings you will be accountable to; you will also be accountable to God Almighty. So, a leader should be transparent, sincere, principled, open, and accommodating”.

Mr J.J. Bello, chairman of NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU) Chairman, said the awards were bundle of joy to the institution.

Prof Ambali dedicated the award to all members of the university community for their contribution to his administration’s achievment.

Students also praised the VC, who they described as a model of excellence.

Opeyemi Saadu, a Comparative Religion Study student, described the award as a right step in the right direction.

•Prof Ambali He said: “Prof Ambali is a man with sterling leadership qualities.

His contributions to national development must not go unrecognised.”

Adewale Adebayo, a 300-Level student, described the honourees as beacons of hope for the present generation, saying their impacts would remain good examples in the academic firmament.

rules and regulation of the school.

Sandra Nwokocha, a HND II student, said many returning students may have enjoyed their in industrial training, which may have been the reason the school was empty.

Joseph Uwana, another student, said it was normal to see the campus deserted after resumption, but added that activities would pick up naturally.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

• Prof Ajibefun (middle) with the students and faculty officials

Students donate materials to poly

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HE Association of Applied Sciences Students (AASS), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State chapter, has to the polytechnic’s Faculty of Science. The donated materials include millennium signpost, laboratory wears and computer accessories.

While receiving the materials, the Rector, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, praised the students’ thoughtfulness, saying the donated materials

From Dayo Ojerinde OWO would aid learning. He hailed the efforts of the Dean of the faculty, Mr G.A. Ogundahunsi, the association Adviser, Mr I.O. Ajigbo and Faculty Officer Mr Akintan Akinyemi, who supervised the affairs of the students’ group.

The Rector promised the students that the equipment would be used judiciously.

The president of the association, Joel Tafa, said the donation was the group’s capital project for the year, saying the materials were students’ contributions to management’s efforts to improve state of infrastructure on the campus. “This donation would not be possible without the support of members of the ýexecutive,” he said.

At the presentation of the materials were heads of departments in the faculty

A task for opposition in Nigeria •Continued from page 43 considerably large number of sympathisers and supporters in the state. Furthermore, the amassed votes of PDP reveals to be more than the number of votes that secured the governorship seat for Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti state in the June 21 gubernatorial elections and much more than what brought governor Rauf Aregbesola to office as established by the Appeal Court judgement in November, 2011.

This may be due to more involvement of the citizens of the state in the business of governance or as a result of political awareness and the dire need for change. What’s inter-

esting is that the polls have revealed to the PDP hierarchy that all hope is not lost. Senator Omisore might have lost at the Osun polls, but PDP definitely did not lose. The 49.5 per cent sympathy level achieved by the party in the state shows that the opposition party has not done enough to oust PDP come 2015. This is a huge success for PDP struggling for power in an APC controlled state. The power base of APC, Lagos will determine the final onslaught in the battle of dominance.

Should this level of sympathy go unchecked by the opposition party in the country? Those players at the top echelon of the PDP might be thinking.

Obviously, the number game is presently in favour of PDP. When viewed from the side of Nigerians, this might look untrue but when the political powers that be are put into consideration, the proposition seems to be valid. APC knows this, and that’s why they have turned a refuse camp for PDP to dump all their misfits and political over-bearing cargoes. APC, on the other hand, has continued to accept them knowing fully when that soon, it won’t matter who or what they are or were. The only thing that will matter is the sheer number of political big-wigs and supporters each party garners within and outside the country.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

45

EDUCATION

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OUSE of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has been conferred with a Fellowship Award of the Sokoto State Polytechnic along with Governor Aliyu Wamakko, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and three others.

The conferment of the awards was performed at the institution’s maiden convocation where 21,062 students from 10 sets graduated.

Other recipients are Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr Mas’udu Kazaure, Rector, Cape Coast Polytechnic, Ghana, Prof Lawrence Atepor and Chairman, Sokoto State Task Force on Water Supply, Alhaji Namadina Abdulrahman.

Wamakko, who spoke at the event, said the polytechnic has recorded tremendous progress since Prof. Bashir Garba was appointed Rector in 2012. ‘’Garba is full of wisdom, energy, honesty and respect for the people of Sokoto State and Nigerians generally. The institution is also one of the most peaceful Polytechnics in the country due to the diligence and dedication of the management, students and members of the academic board,” he said, promising to provide more funds for the Polytechnic to enable it record more successes.

On the fellowship award, the governor pledged to be a good ambassador of the school even after leaving office next year.

Prof Atepor, who spoke on behalf of other awardees, assured the institution of their support.

“We promise to be there for the polytechnic; and we will always be at its service,” said Atepor, who delivered the convocation lecture titled: Entrepreneurship Education in Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) Institutions for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects, prior to the convocation.

Wamakko, Tambuwal, Sultan, others bag Sokoto Poly awards From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

The chairman, governing board of the institution, Ambassador Muhammad Sani, praised the government for its support to the polytechnic. He also hailed the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund

(TETFUND) for helping to develop the institution.

The Special Adviser on Higher Education, Prof. Gajam Ardo, also said the state government recently donated buses, computers and other facilities to the Polytechnic.

“This is why the polytechnic has grown very rapidly and it has 16

National Diploma (ND) and 13 Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes,” he added.

The Rector, Prof. Garba, urged the government to provide more accommodation, personnel and facilities for the institution.

Prizes were awarded to the best graduating students for the 10 academic sessions.

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A group of researchers from the university, led by Prof. Albert Olayemi, former Deputy ViceChancellor (Management Services), has won a grant of $100,000 from the CITA Petroleum Limited to carry out a study on the Microbial Contamination of Aviation Fuels and Fuels Handling Systems at CITA Petroleum Tank Farms.

Other members of the team are Dr. O.M. Kolawole, Dr. O.O. Adebisi and Mr. D.O. Adetitun, all of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences.

In a congratulatory letter to the members of the team, the ViceChancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), urged the researchers to use the award to further raise the university’s profile both locally and internationally.

• A cross-section of the graduands

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Bank has indicated interest to partner with us through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Secondly, all Humanities and Management Colleges will go there.

There is a plan to establish a School of Mass Communication. There will be a modern library and a mini administrative block because here (present location) remains the main campus.

“There will be sporting facilities so that students can recreate. Then as time goes on, we may begin to think of agricultural programmes because the land is big enough to accommodate an agricultural department and students.”

Orji expressed confidence in the ability of the institution’s graduates to compete favourably with others.

“The equipments we have in surveying, not to talk of environmental science cost millions of naira and I tell you that there are a very few states in the country that has the equipment that we have here.

In fact, old polytechnics don’t even have the kind of equipment that we have. Come to our hospitality and tourism department, we have 28 chalets that can stand any level of competition with five star hotels.

“Our Food Science and Technology graduates can work in the most modern food establishment unlike their contemporaries that need to be retrained before working in a modern food processing factory.

We have facilities that can bake 1,000 loaves of bread in 30 minutes.

“Institutions now ask us to fabricate dredging machines for them which other polytechnics that are

‘There will be sporting facilities so that students can recreate. Then as time goes on, we may begin to think of agricultural programmes because the land is big enough to accommodate an agricultural department and students’

DVC welcomes foreign students

•Onukaogu

even up to 40 years cannot do.

“So, when they say, there was a polytechnic before that was teaching Accountancy, Public Administration, what do you need to teach those programmes? You need classroom and manpower, but if you are teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Electronic, you do not only need staff, you need equipment and we have these equipments not only in quantity, but the latest versions of the equipment,” he said.

Kogi Governor honours six corps members

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OVERNOR Idris Wada of kogi State has conferred state awards on six Batch C corps members who distinguished themselves during their National Youth Corp Service (NYSC) programme.

They are: Dr Ohaeto Osita Cosmas, Kolawole Ayodeji Amos, Gana Jemina Stella, Dr Opara Emmanuel Chinedu, Ndubisi Stella and Ozor Ifoma Celestina.

The Kogi State NYSC Co-

THE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has reiterated the university’s commitment to going beyond upholding standards set by National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure quality education delivery.

Ambali said this last Monday when he received members of the NUC accreditation team for postgraduate programmes. The accreditation team, led by Prof. A. C. Awujor, visited the university to assess the Masters in Labour Relations, Accounting, Finance and Public Administration programmes – all in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university is open and friendly, adding that it recorded 100 per cent during the last accreditation exercise.

Awujor, in his remarks, said that the team was in the university – not on a witch- hunting mission but to assess whether the university is conforming with NUC requirements or not.

Research team wins $100,000 grant

Abia Poly to get second campus HE Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Sir Allwell Abalogu Onukaogu, has said construction work would begin on the second campus of the institution in Osisioma, on the outskirts of the commercial city soon .

The campus, when completed, will accommodate new programmes and students’ hostels among other facilities.

Onukaogu, who disclosed this to reporters, said the foundation laying ceremony of the campus would be performed by Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

“The campus when completed will solve students’ accommodation problems, provide space for the establishment of more departments, mass communication among other humanities courses and would be equipped with modern sports’ facilities for students’ recreation “This place was never supposed to be a temporary site because the idea of the polytechnic in Aba was to promote the industrial potentials that Aba have, so there was no need taking the campus out of Aba. “We intend building hostels for our students over there. Zenith

UNILORIN FILE We’ll beat NUC benchmark’

From James Azania, Lokoja

ordinator, Mr Sam Udolisah said the awardees made sacrifices and contributions of “monumental dimensions in their host communities and places of primary assignments” and were identified by the NYSC Honours Awards and Screening Committee based on prescribed criteria.

The governor presented the awards at the Government House

Lokoja ahead of the nationwide Passing out Parade (POP) of the Batch C corps members.

He described the recipients as worthy ambassadors of the youth and great citizens of the nation.

Wada, who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, praised the corps members for their patriotism and perseverance, and counseled them to make use of the entrepreneurial skills acquired during

the orientation programme of the scheme so they can be employers rather than job seekers.

The corps members were presented with cash awards and promised more largesse when the governor returns.

Over 1,749 corps members served in the batch C in Kogi State.

Udolisah said the NYSC decided to decentralize the POP due to the security situation in the country.

THE UNILORIN Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. N. Y. S. Ijaiya, has urged four students of Kenyatta University, Kenya to feel at home during their one-semester exchange programme at the university The Deputy Vice-Chancellor said this last Tuesday when the Director, Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Olugbenga Mokuolu, brought the students to her office.

Prof. Ijaiya assured the students of UNILORIN’s hospitality, while urging them to make friends and interact with their Nigerian counterparts. She added that the University would be looking forward to their contributions.

“Make this place your home because Africa is one. We are very hospitable and you will certainly enjoy your stay in Nigeria. I welcome you to the number one university in Nigeria,” she said.

Prof Mokuolu, noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNILORIN and Kenyatta University is one of the most active in the university. He solicited necessary support from the various departments to make the international students’ sojourn in the institution successful.

Assistant Director of CIE, Dr. Fawole, added that two UNILORIN students were already in Kenyatta University on a student exchange programme, while others who recently returned from Kenya on an earlier exchange programme all had excellent results.

The four students are: Nwaniki Gakii Juliet (Art/Education and History, 300L); Acheing Eunice (Accounting, 400L); Atito George Bruce (Environmental Sciences, 400L) and Simiyu Wanjala Oscar (Economics and Statistics, 400L).

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

46

CAMPUS LIFE AAUA FILE ‘We Need Rapid Industrialisation’ The 47th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture Abaokuta (FUNNAB), Prof Carolyn Afolami, has called on the government to focus its attention on rapid industrialisation for sustainable national development. This could be achieved by according agriculture its pride of place by engendering good policies, particularly, those that would make agriculture attractive to the teeming unemployed youths in the country.

Delivering her lecture titled: ‘Multidimensional poverty alleviation in Nigeria and national development: The inseparable siamese twins;, Afolami, lamented that despite the efforts made at the national and international levels to eradicate poverty and hunger in line with the Millennium Development Goals, about 1.2 billion people, which constitute about one-eighth of the world population, still live in extreme poverty around the world.

Afolami said: “The drudgery in agriculture had also led to unnecessary risks and uncertainties of production, weak value chain and the large disparity between the income derivable from agricultural enterprises and those of workers in telecommunications, petroleum, politics and banking.”

She noted that the interrelationship of poverty and development was that of cause and effect, in the sense that poverty was one of the various determinants of economic development of any country. The 47th Inaugural Lecturer identified some underlying factors of encouraging economic growth without development to include: inequitable distribution of wealth, mono-economy and overdependence on oil, corruption, traffic congestion, environmental problems, insecurity, unnecessary military spending and political instability, among others.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, and Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB Prof Olusola Oyewole, said: “one of the ‘barricades’ that we need to clear as a nation towards our national development is corruption.

We need to remove corruption from our national identity. Our country needs to promote the values of honesty, integrity and truth for us to promote our national development”.

U.S. firm, Novus, partners FUNAAB OFFICIALS of Novus International, a U.S.-based firm, and their representatives in the country, Norgem (Nigeria) Limited, have visited FUNAAB to explore the possibility of establishing technical cooperation with the university.

The Director of Novus International for Latin American and Africa, Dr. Luis Azevedo, said the firm is a leading provider of Animal Nutrition and Health and is interested in exploring the possibility of coming to FUNAAB. He said: “We see ourselves more as a company that is interested in innovation and technology in the field of Animal Nutrition and Health and plans to be a key player in the growth of animal production in Africa; with Nigeria being the key market needed to broaden the establishment”.

Azevedo pointed out that it is very important to have a close relationship with universities, not only in terms of validating the technologies that were developed, but also in developing the people by adapting these technologies to market needs.

He stressed that Novus International is looking forward to reforming its relationship with the academia.

Responding, the VC, Prof Oyewole assured the delegates of the university’s willingness to partner with them, adding that researches in FUNAAB were usually tailored towards addressing industrial needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE

Apply For SNEPCo National Merit University Scholarship OND/NCE Results as applicable HE management of SNEPCo Award Scheme 2014 •JAMB Result on behalf of itself and its co-

A

venturers is launching the SNEPCo National Merit University Scholarship Scheme. The programme aims to promote academic excellence and improve the skills of young Nigerians.

The merit-based scholarship is open to FULL TIME Nigerian undergraduates studying any of the under listed courses in Universities within Nigeria; •Chemical / Process Engineering •Chemistry •Civil Engineering •Electrical Engineering •Geophysics •Geoscience / Geology •Instrumentation Engineering •Materials / Corrosion Engineering •Mathematics / Applied Mathematics

•Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering •Mining Engineering •Petroleum Engineering •Physics / Applied Physics •Process Control Engineering Eligible Applicants must: • •Have successfully completed a secondary education, with a minimum of seven credits.

•Have gained admission during the 2013/2014 academic session in an accredited and approved university in Nigeria.

•Be enrolled full time, in a university in Nigeria at the undergraduate level with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 at the time of application (attach transcripts or official records) •Submit online application at

www.scholastica.ng/schemes/ SNEPCo Note: •SNEPCo will not accept emailed applications. It is important to visit the official website for detailed information and also access the online application portal •Applications should be submitted online before Friday 31 October, 2014.

Ensure you have clear scanned copies of the following documents •Passport photograph with white background not more than 3 months old (450px by 450px not more than 200kb) •School ID card •University or JAMB (UTME or D/ E) Admission letter •Birth certificate •O’ Level result and A’ Levels/

•Letter of Identification from State (Showing Local Government of Origin) 2. Ensure the documents are named according to what they represent to avoid mixing up documents during upload 3. Ensure you attach the appropriate documents when asked to upload To apply, follow the steps below: 1. Click on “Apply Now” tab.

2. Click on “Register Now” to create an account.

3. Proceed to your email box to activate your account 4. Click on www.scholastica.ng/ schemes/SNEPCo to return to Scholarship site 5. Enter your registered email and password to upload your information.

Fill others appropriately.

Past-Valedictorian ‘inspired’ Crescent Varsity’s best F OUR years ago Ibrahim Ayoola Olatunde, was in the crowd when Fatimot Titilope Ajagbe was celebrated as the best graduand of Crescent University, Abeokuta. It was on that day - as a 100-Level student - that he decided he too would win the prize.

That desire was fulfilled last week when Olatunde led 247 others as the best graduating student for the 2013/2014 academic session.

The 23-year old graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.76 from the Computer Science Department, College of Information and Communication Sciences (CICOT) of the university.

“I became determined to take the prize when I witnessed the 2010 Best Graduating Student, Fatimot Titilope Ajagbe. I told myself that if a female student could bag the award, then I could also develop myself to achieve the same feat,” he said while explaining his success.

Olatunde added that getting permission to leave the campus only three times in a month helped him to manage his resources and afforded him more time to study.

In making his good grades, Olatunde said he never read at night as he preferred reading in a well-ventilated place during the day.

Despite devoting a lot of time to his studies, Olatunde said it did not stop him from serving God and helping others.

“My relationship with other people was so good that I think I consider other people before myself once it’s not going to cost me anything. I abided by Allah’s injunctions and performed my prayers five times daily,” he said.

- Abiola-Dosunmu, others honoured

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

In terms of character education, Olatunde said the Proprietor of the university, Prince Bola Ajibola, has designed a template that stands the school apart from others.

He said: “Although we may be comparing Crescent University with others in terms of education, we can never do such when it comes to character.”

He appealed to the Federal Government to recognise the role that private universities play in human capital development and allow them benefit from the Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFUND), especially as contributions to the fund come from the private sector.

At the event, the university honoured the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Erelu Abiola-Dosunmu, and the Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Business Administration; and Dr Haci Kutlu from Turkey with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Political Science and International Relations.

In his speech, Judge Ajibola underscored the importance of character education In complementing academic qualifications.

“Students in our institution may repeat a level not only because of academic failure but because they fail in their moral and spiritual disposition,” he said, adding that the

•Erelu Abiola Dosunmu (Right) receiving her award from Prof. Okeleye while the Chancellor, Oba Sikiru Adetona (Left), and the Proprietor, Prince Ajibola watch.

•Olatunde

university has built character education into a compulsory course titled: Global Citizenship.

He continued: “Part of the team of the National Universities Commission (NUC) that visited us for the second time commended the good behaviour of our students.

The accreditation panel members acknowledged the coolheadedness and polite greetings from our students wherever the NUC officials met them on campus,” he said.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hassan Okeleye, said the university has a virile entrepreneurial centre where all students get trained in different vocations, in line with NUC directive that students gain entrepreneurial training in addition to their certificates.

Okeleye also announced that the university plans to start a College Medical and Health Sciences to address the dearth of Muslims in the medical and health professions.

At the event, the Proprietor’s prize for the best behaved male and female went to Mudathir Akintunde Akinsanya and Baydau Yetunde Musbaudeen, while the vice-chancellor’s prize for the Overall Best Graduating Student went to Olatunde.

UNILAG holds research conference, fair

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HE University of Lagos (UNILAG), has held its ninth annual research conference and fair themed: ‘Health, infrastructure and development’.

The three-day event which opened at the school’s Main Auditorium, was attended by scholars, and researchers both within and outside Nigeria.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello, stressed the management is committed in supporting and encouraging scholarly research.

Rahamon said the school recently set up a research and innovation unit to intensify research activities and

By Ibrahim Yusuff

facilitate access to research grants. He urged the researchers and organisations to visit the unit.

He said: “Let me inform you that the University of Lagos is committed to supporting all members of the academic staff and others that take research and scholarly publications as a major calling. As you are already aware, one of the strategies we adopted to achieve this is the institution of this research conference and fair and other related workshops, seminars and conferences at faculty and departmental levels.

“In pursuit of excellence in research,

and in order to take the research efforts and all its components to the desired level, the University of Lagos recently set up a research and innovation unit to intensify research activities, coordinate multi-disciplinary research projects and facilitate access to research grants from international and local sources. We encourage all organisations to visit this research and innovation unit to see for themselves, the great work going on.

It could open up further collaboration between town and gown,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Minister for Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, noted that Federal

Government has adopted different strategies to improve the health of Nigerians. He therefore stressed the importance of collaborative effort in fighting diseases.

His words: “One of the strategies for improving the health of Nigerians has been the deliberate policy of this administration to improve national infrastructure through a mix of mechanisms including direct government investment and public private partnerships. Improved health will impact on economic growth and development as has been in England between 1780 and 1990 and Southeast Asia in recent times among other regions of the world”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

47

EDUCATION

Delta youths blast JAMB over stoppage of online registration agents A GROUP, Delta State League of Online Registration Agents, stormed the Delta State office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) last week, protesting the ‘arbitrary withdrawal of online registration agents’.

They said the new JAMB registration procedure would be difficult for prospective applicants for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The protesters who barricaded the premises of the exam body later marched on to the Delta State House of Assembly and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Spokesman for the group, Frederick Omene, said over 30 registration centres in the state were blacklisted as a result of the

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

recent pronouncement by JAMB. Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had a hectic time forcing the protesters out of the JAMB premises, urging them to channel their grievances through the Federal Ministry of Education.

Mr Omene, said the agents were duly registered with N10, 000 and authorised by JAMB before they were given access code to operate as online registration agents of JAMB. Said Omene: “JAMB gave us conditions to register students for the exam, we were told to buy some machines which we bought for N30,000. Later, they came again that we should pay N10, 000 for accreditation for them to give access code as authorised agents.

Then JAMB sent email to all the centres as authorisation to register the students.

He added: “We have regularly complied with their decisions over the years. We’ve been in this business for long. Some of us are graduates, we have families which we take care of from the business.

Now JAMB is trying to take food from our mouth. Besides that, it will pose serious challenge to students in rural and riverine communities to travel from villages to queue up in only two centres in the state to wait for JAMB registration. This is absurd and unacceptable to us”.

He said JAMB has approved only two centres in the entire Delta State which will only be operated

by JAMB officials in the state.

Omene said the decision would

subject students living in rural communities to travel from villages to the two Computer-Based Centres (CBC) in the state to register for the examination Continuing he said: “It’s not possible. When we got to one of the two centres, out of four students we met there, only one was able to register because many of them do not know how to operate the system and download the form.

Having failed to register, they were sent home.

“We want JAMB to go back to what it was before. It was people who are registered agents that paid the N10, 000 that have been doing the registration but now they are trying to cut us out of the business. They are saying we are no more recognised.

“We paid accreditation money before we were authorised. We

•Ojerinde

followed necessary procedure.

Now they are saying they want to do it themselves. By this decision, they are making us jobless.

“If they do not listen to us we will go to Abuja. That is why we are here and they don’t want to attend to us. You see the gate is locked. They don’t want to address us. This policy is rubbish. They are taking us back to poverty because that is the job many of us are into, and from there we take care of our families”.

‘Younger generations need e-learning’

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• Associate Director, Global Government Relations, P & G, Iluyemi Temitope (left), Dr Afolabi Akinwole and Dr Opeyemi Odedere of Save the Children International watch as Ibrahim Kaba of Ansarudeen Primary School (2nd Left), demonstrates hand washing techniques during a workshop organised by P&G to mark this year’s Global Hand Washing Day in Lagos.

‘We have started implementing UBE curriculum’ A S AOCOED Staff School, Otto/Ijanikin rolled out drums for its 22nd anniversary on Wednesday, the Head Teacher Mr Adetayo Sunday Oguntade, has said the school deserved such celebrations as a way of showing appreciation to God for its numerous achievements one of which is the implementation of the new UBE curriculum.

“Do not be surprised that AOCOED Staff School has started implementing the New UBE curriculum,” Ogunmade told The Nation at the school premises on Monday. So far we have held two separate seminars for our teachers on how to apply the new curriculum to pupils. We did both theoretical and practical aspects and the outcome was quite impressive. Remember, we are a school which is an offshoot of a teacher education institution; therefore we cannot afford to lag behind when it comes to delivering qualitative education for which we were set up,” he said.

Besides, Ogunmade said the school management has also consolidated on teaching methodology which according to him, is now more child-centered; and decorated the classroom environment so that they now appear more appealing to the children. The school, he added, also came atop in local and international competitions, including the David Shepherd Wild Life Foundation in Cultural-Creative Arts competition where the AOCOED School contingent that won travelled down to the United Kingdom to receive their award.

The school also won the Children’s Day quiz contest orga-

• Ogunmade

By Adegunle Olugbamila

nized by the Lagos State Chapter of ACEP in October 2013, and may this year respectively,” Ogunmade added. This is in addition to brilliant performance of pupils in the last Common Entrance examination, as well as the school’s products being offered admissions in high flying school where they (students) are making their alma mater proud.

However, despite thanking the college management for their financial assistance, Ogunmade pleaded that more still need to be done as the schools need to relocate to a permanent site within the college where it can expand and have a more befitting structure.

“We are appealing to the management to give us our own permanent site to be able to contain our growing population.

“Every year, our population soars, increasing the burden on our facilities. I’m afraid that in less that five years, our facilities many not take care of our pupils. We also need to consolidtate on our manpower; this is why we are appealing to the management to find for us a permanent site where we will have more befitting structures.”

Mrs Ikem Tessie, HOD Upper Primary also highlighted the problem of transportation. “We have parents who send their children here from Agbara, Okoko, and even Igando.

Lots of parents also want to send their children here but for distance.

If we have enough school bus, I am sure it would address some of these problems. The last school bus we had was presented to us by the Parents Teachers Association, but that is not enough.”

With the school’s growing populatio, she also spoke of the need for another school hall. “We would be glad if AOCOED alumni can give us a befitting hall,” she said.

Mrs Tessie solicited the support of philathropists to meet the school’s need.“Overall, we are opening our door for philanthropist and other private donors to partner with us. We can assure them that it is going to be a win-win situation.

As we are in the spirit of celebration, we are also thinking ahead of how we can contain challenges that will arise in the near future as a result of our rapid growth.”

VETERAN educationist and Director, Inter World Management and Services, the Nigeria partner of World Book International, Mrs Omotayo Morgan has harped on the need to motivate children through e-learning which to her, can improve their academic performances because children of nowadays are more digitally-inclined.

Mrs Morgan spoke at a briefing to announce the presentation of World Book Digital Products by her company which will be held on Tuesday October 28 through to Thursday at Corona School, Gbagada, and the school arm located at Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Victoria Island respectively.

Morgan who implored schools to come with their computer teacher and librarians, stressed that children of the younger generation spend more time indoors with their phones and mobile games.

According to her, the World Book Digital Products have packages for kids, teens and adults, adding that that all bits of information therein are accurate, objective and reliable reference materials that are essential for library and classrooms because they come from the World Book Inc. “Today through the creative use of educational technology, world book continues to craft content that helps educators meet the challenges of changing standards, evolving expectations and engaging and inspiring students and patrons. World Book digital products span a range of subjects, age ranges and formats with content that will enrich and enlighten your student.

By Medinat Kanabe “World Book International is one of the world’s leading publishers of reference and instructional materials for all ages and has been doing so consistently for almost 100 years.

The company is now partnering with schools to give an enhanced learning and teaching experience to students and teachers at various levels,” she said.

Listing the benefits of the tool, she said children gets engrossed when engaging in instructional materials.

“It is also inspiring to pupils and teachers alike, it is crafted with the needs of the pupil in mind to ensure their commitment to literacy is rewarded with easily understandable text that is informative and eminently readable. It encourages critical thinking and the development of an analytical mind needed to make pupils think outside the box, and suitable for all ages-there is a digital product for every level of learning,” she added.

Calling on public schools to embrace the technology too, she lamented on how schools usually turn down their request on ground of financial constraint.

“I personally went to them at the ministry of education. When I was trying to explain the man I met refused to listen. I was even going to give them free trials but I couldn’t sit him down and get him to understand,” she noted.

She said they have already started out with private schools, which, according to her, gave them a listening ear, adding that they are optimistic that once the public schools see the benefits of the tools they would embrace the initiative.

ZODML partners Lagos to boost literacy

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HE Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML) is to partner with the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education to promote literacy and reading in public primary schools.

The move, which is part of efforts aimed at ensuring that primary schools pupils have unfettered access to well-equipped libraries in over 20 schools before 2016, is coming in commemoration of the World Literacy Day. Speaking on the proposed partnership, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri, CEO of ZODML, said that in Nigeria every day should be World Literacy Day as the country could not afford to

think about and focus on literacy on only one day in the year. The four new school libraries will give pupils access to over 4,000 books.

Mrs Esiri further disclosed that ZODML, with support from the International Book Bank, USA, would be donating over 50,000 books to government agencies, schools and NGOs for the execution of literacy programmes. The donation would be part of a one-day literacy development event for which ZODML would be seeking the collaboration of the Lagos State Government.

ZODML opened its sixth school library at Araromi Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island on the 29th of May this year.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

48

EDUCATION EDUTALK

Group laments decline Yero’s in French Studies good T advice HE Northern French Conference (NORFCON) has lamented the decline in the teaching and learning of French Language in some parts of the north.

The group is also worried that the percentage of French language teachers in the north that attend conferences is poor.

These concerns were expressed at the 6th International Conference of NORFCON hosted by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) last week.

The group noted the trend was particularly worrying especially as the northern states are surrounded

by French-speaking countries and in light of the huge government investment in French studies.

In a communiqué signed by Dr Umar Dogon-Daji, Head, French Unit, UDUS, and Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, at the end of the two-day conference, NORFCON recommended that government embarked on a sensitization programme to encourage more students to study French.

- Northern governors’ support hailed

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

‘’Today, only a few people are studying the language, despite the enormous resources the various state governments are expending to promote its teaching and learning.

Hence, the need for parents and the society at large to be sensitized and encouraged to send their wards for French courses since we are surrounded by French-speaking countries,’’ the communique reads.

To address the low attendance of northern French Teachers at local and international conferences, the group urged institutions to sponsor their teachers.

“The conference therefore advise vice chancellors in particular, to sponsor staff members to the forthcoming University French Teachers Association of Nigeria ( UFTAN)) 2014 conference at the Nigeria French Language Village, BadagryLagos, from Nov. 9 to Nov.13, 2014.”

Also, the group commended the efforts of the northern governors, particularly the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko for encouraging the teaching and learning of French at various levels of education.

The Sokoto State government gave scholarships to 17 indigenes of the state to study French at UDUS, Abdulmumini University, Niamey, Niger Republic and the University of Ougadouguo, Burkina Faso.

“We commend Wamakko’s government for sponsoring indigenes of the state to study various programmes within and outside Nigeria,” they said.

NORFCON also praised the management of UDUS for sponsoring the conference and implementing the new National Universities Commission ( NUC) minimum standard for General Studies (GST) courses that specifically include the teaching of French at the first level of University education.

•From left: Ailuelohia Oseghale, Dawodu Moyosoreoluwa, Adigun Bolu Anjola, Olawore Mercy, Akinsola Oluwa Damilola and Quadri Feranmi after they were presented with six-year scholarships at Mind Builders High School, Ikeja.

College cautions new students on rules

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HE Acting Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in Ondo State, Dr Abayomi Olajuyigbe, has said that it is obligatory for new students to maintain law and order and shun vices that may jeopardise their future.

Olajuyigbe, who said this at the opening of the 2014/2015 orientation programme for fresh students, said though the institution seeks to groom future leaders, the same environment that produces champions can also make criminals. He said it

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

was left for them to choose their path.

He said: “You can learn through instruction and also through destruction. But when it happens through the latter, others will learn from you. We put this orientation programme together so that the new students will learn through instruction. At this event, students are expected to be informed about the rules and regulations of the institution.

“There is freedom to do what you like but not against the regulations

of the institution. There is zero-tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices among others. The same college made people like JAMB Registrar, Dibu Ojerinde, Senator Remi Tinubu and I believe the same college can still make more people who will be well known than these great people”.

The Dean, Student Affairs, Nathaniel Olarinoye, urged the new students to see the exercise as an opportunity to make their future better because many are still searching for admission.

Interactive teaching key to large class management

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ORMER Ogun State Commissioner for Education and a professor of English Segun Awonusi, has said teachers should ensure student-centered and interactive teaching in large classes.

Awonusi, who teaches at the University of Lagos, said interactive communication aids good teaching and learning.

Awonusi spoke at the 11th conference of the National Association of Teachers and Researchers in English as Second Language (NATRESL).

The conference, which held at Kinmowo Hotels, Ijanikin had as theme: ‘Managing large English Language Teaching (ELT) classes: Approaches, Technologies and Pedagogies.’

The don, quoting Abioye (2010), said a large class has between 30 to 35 students. He encouraged the teachers to make use of Information and Communication Technology

with

By Adegunle Olugbamila

(ICT) to enhance their teaching.

“We, who are practitioners of English Language Studies as well as teachers of English, should acquire ICT skills needed to enhance teaching in large class setting. We must, as part of our academic enquiry, examine these issues so as to enhance the quality of our service delivery in the education sector,” said the lecturer, who has authored a book titled: “Coping with English Pronunciation.”

Also speaking, a Lecturer at the Department of English Language, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Ijanikin, Dr Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the interactive and student centered methodology is necessary particularly in Lagos State where there are large ELT classes.

“Teachers in the public sector are

well paid, but the problem we teachers have is looking for how to get more from the system rather than what we can give to the system.

Teachers should see teaching as a calling and put their very best into it to ensure that their students speak and write English effectively,” she said.

Chairman of the occasion and former provost of the college, Prof Bashorun Babatunde Oderinde, charged the teachers to address the declining quality of graduates of English Language teachers.

“Spoken form of English is dead.

Quality of English Language teachers is also going down. English Language teachers’ ability to impart knowledge is also going down due to large classes. Therefore, the right teaching methodology is necessary if teachers are to contain the challenges posed by large classrooms,” he said.

NY news item read in Pidgin English on radio is always interesting to listen to. The presenters have a Kofoworola way of embellishing the stories Belo-Osagie in a most delicious manner that makes the listener feels as if he is Kofosagie@yahoo.com eating a meal. You almost al08054503077 (SMS only) ways laugh. Laugh I did when I listened to Wazobia FM's delivery of a visit by the House of Representative Committee on Education to Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State on Monday. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the exact expressions well enough to share it with you. Next time, I will take care to be more attentive.

What caught my attention, however, was what Yero told the lawmakers to do to sanitise the public education system in Nigeria. He called for a law that would bar public servants from sending their wards to private schools within the country and abroad. Many others have called for a similar legislation so it is not novel. Perhaps I was surprised such statement could come from a governor in the present dispensation. Chief Obafemi Awolowo's daughter, Mrs Tokunbo Dosunmu, attended one of the non-fee paying primary schools her father started as the Premier of the Western Region. That era seems so far removed that it is like we cannot return to it.

Some may argue that back then there were few private schools.

They are right. However, such a Law may benefit the education sector if enforced. If public servants are compelled to send their wards to the same schools as the commoners, they would be concerned about the state of facilities in the schools, the quality of manpower and their commitment to education service delivery, as well as the academic performance of the learners. Just as everyone was concerned about checking the spread of Ebola because the disease is no respecter of persons, highly-placed public officers in the civil service, parastatals as well as the judiciary, executive, legislative arms of government would be concerned about the state of public schools if their wards have to go there.

Then, we can hope there would no longer be schools without fences, roofs, windows and doors. Classroom and teachers’ furniture would not only be available but adequate, sporting facilities would be top notch, laboratories, well equipped, and school buses would not be a luxury. Also, schools that boast of influential people as parents should expectedly gain a number of benefits. For instance, they would fall over themselves to donate to the schools, endow prizes or introduce laudable programmes. But such a Law may never be introduced in Nigeria. Its workability would be an issue because presently, there are more private than public schools. So, on the excuse that there are not enough public schools, the public officers will just take their wards to private schools.

On a lighter note, Let us imagine that indeed the law is included in the Nigerian constitution and public servants are compelled to send their wards to public primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. I am sure quite a lot of interesting things would begin to happen. First, there would be worse traffic on the roads leading to schools as siren blaring state-of-the-art cars convey little 'excellencies' to school during rush hour. There would be competition for parking spaces for these cars in the schools as the chauffeur and the bodyguards have to wait until the school closes. Maybe these people would form a professional association (of chaffeurs and bodyguards) that would compare notes on their masters' level of influence in the society.

Everything would become a competition - even to the brand of school bags, shoes, socks and even pencils and pens used by the pupils.

We should also expect to have teachers be at their best in the presence of these big government men and women or favour their wards above others of lowly birth. I once heard that a school in Abuja passed over the overall best pupil for a prize in favour of the daughter of the PTA chairman, who had donated a lot of money to the school. Such things may be the order of the day when public officers enroll their wards in private schools - after all, this is Nigeria. But do not take this picture I have painted seriously. Tear it up and forget I wrote it. It is just a figment of my imagination. Governor Yero has suggested a good thing. However, this is Nigeria.

A

‘I once heard that a school in Abuja passed over the overall best pupil for a prize in favour of the daughter of the PTA chairman, who had donated a lot of money to the school. Such things may be the order of the day when public officers enroll their wards in private schools - after all, this is Nigeria’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

51

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• From left: Gen. Buhari, Prof. Tam David-West, Hon. Haruna Yerima, Senator Amanu Abudullahi, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice and Prince Tony Momoh at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has joined the presidential race, ahead of next year’s general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the qualities that distinguish him from other aspirants.

Buhari: Challenges of a presidential aspirant

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ORMER Military Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari has declared his intention to contest next year’s presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before a mammoth crowd in Abuja. The massive turnout and the presence of notable politicians across the six geopolitical zones underscore the popularity of the former military ruler.

Buhari is one of the founding fathers of the APC. His former party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), was one of the three major opposition parties that came together to form the APC. The two others are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP).

Before the APC was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Buhari had made his intention to contest election known. He also promised to step down, if the party finds a more qualified and acceptable candidate. His declaration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, is seen as a fulfilment of that personal ambition.

Buhari is not a new entrant in the presidential race. He was the presidential candidate of the defunct ANPP in 2003 and 2007 and that of the CPC in 2011. His ambition constitutes a threat to the interest of the ruling party because of his popularity and acceptability, particularly in the Northwest and the Northeast and lately, the Southwest. The reason is that both the Northwest and Southwest constitute 51 per cent of the registered voters.

His opponents came up with speculations recently that the former military ruler has dropped his ambition to contest on the grounds that he is too old and had agreed to step down for the younger aspirants like Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

But, his associates have responded, denying that the former Head of State never made such statements. For instance, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, dismissed the idea that he is too old, saying those canvassing those ideas were only trying to be mischievous. He said: “To those who say Buhari is too old, I will only quote the words of the former President of America, the late President Ronald Regan who said; “we are not going to make age an issue in this campaign because we do not want to be accused of taking advantage of the inexperience of our opponent.”

Sylva added: “Buhari is not in this race for him-

self. He is in the race because of us, the younger people. Gen. Buhari brings experience to this campaign. He brings integrity to this campaign.

We are very happy that he has decided to come out of retirement to help us stabilise this country, so that the younger ones can carry on the development of this great nation.

Another associate of Buhari, Mr Rotimi Fashakin, said Nelson Mandela was over 70 when he was elected President of South Africa.

According to him, Mandela laid a solid foundation of good governance on which his successors have been consolidating. He said Nigerians should throw away the notion that age is not on the side of Buhari. “He will be 71 in December and age is not against him. The people using age as variable for competence for good governance are out to confuse people,” he said.

On whether Buhari is a religious bigot as being depicted by his political rivals, the APC chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said Buhari have friends and political associates who are Christians.

Ogbeh said, if Buhari is a bigot, people like him, Chief John Odige-Oyegun, Prince Tony Momoh and George Akume will not be in the same party with him. He described those making such insinuation as enemies of Nigeria who did not mind dividing Nigeria along religious lines.

But, given the revelation about how he raised the money for his nomination form, a lot of people are already asking whether Buhari can come up with the financial resources to undertake electioneering campaign. This question is pertinent because electioneering campaign in Nigeria, especially the presidential elections costs a fortune. Buhari, unlike most of his colleagues who retired from military, never used public office to enrich himself. Apart from being the Head of State, he was also at different times the military governor of the defunct North Eastern State, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Chairman, Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Resources (NNPC) and the Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He came out of these positions unscathed. He declared recently at a public function that “as a retired military officer, I live on pension.”

That explains why he had to take loan from his bank to pay for the APC nomination form. One of his confidants said Buhari is the only former Head of State or President that has not corruptly enriched himself while in office. “Apart from his house in Kaduna and Daura, his home town, he has no other buildings. All he used to tell us is that, whatever wealth you acquired on this earth, you would account for its source on the Day of Judgment,” the confidant said.

According to the source, the presidential aspirant is not a money-bag politician, who can afford to bankroll his campaign expenses. He relies on the support and contribution of party members and associates who believe in what he stands for. A case in point, he said, was the six million naira raised by the APC members in Bauchi at a rally to assist him in paying for the nomination form. He said that was how previous elections were financed.

He said: “Buhari is obviously the most popular of all the Northern aspirants. He is the only person that can win the whole Northwest, Northeast and a great deal of North central. In 2011, he ran for the Presidency on the platform of a party (CPC) that came into being only 10 months to the election and still got 12 million votes. You can imagine what his performance will look like on a bigger platform like the APC. Buhari has no money to share or bribe the electorate, but he has the charisma and integrity that endear him to the people”.

In military circles, Buhari is admired for his uprightness and self-discipline. He was selected to lead the country by middle and high ranking military officers after the military coup that overthrew the civilian administration of former President Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983.

He justified the military’s seizure of power by castigating the civilian government as hopelessly corrupt. His government was revered for its ability to keep the country afloat by making progress through sheer economic ingenuity, even when it rejected the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan because he felt the conditions were not favourable, particularly the idea of devaluing the naira. His government was

‘He justified the military’s seizure of power by castigating the civilian government as hopelessly corrupt. His government was revered for its ability to keep the country afloat by making progress through sheer economic ingenuity, even when it rejected the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan because he felt the conditions were not favourable, particularly the idea of devaluing the naira’

praised for its gain in reducing inflation by refusing to devalue the nation’s currency, curbing imports of needless goods, curtailing oil theft and using counter trade policy to barter seized illegally bunkered crude oil for needful goods.

As an elder statesman, Buhari makes his views known on national issues and offer suggestions to government, despite being in opposition. For instance, he warned President Jonathan against the gale of impeachment of opposition governors which, he said, would not augur well for the survival of a fragile nation like Nigeria or the survival of its young democracy.

He said: “Whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is behind the gale of impeachment or the utilisation of desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state, what cannot be denied is that they are happening under his watch, and he cannot pretend not to know, since that will be akin to hiding behind one finger.

“In my capacity as an elder statesman, rather than a politician, I have spoken to President Jonathan in private over these issues, but indications are that the strategy has not yielded positive results. I cannot, just because I am an opposition politician, fail to do what is expected of me as an elder statesman to rescue our nation in times of great trouble and palpable uncertainty.

“History will not be kind to me if I sit back while things turn bad, just so that no one will accuse me of partisanship. Yes, I am a politician.

Yes, I am in the opposition. Yes, there is the tendency for my statement to be misconstrued as that of a politician rather than a statesman. But, I owe it as matter of duty and honour, and in the interest of our nation, to speak out on the dangerous trajectory that our nation is heading.

“I can say, in all sincerity, that I have seen it all, as an ordinary citizen, a military officer, a Head of State, a man who has occupied many other sensitive posts and a politician. I have been a close participant and witness to Nigeria’s political history.

“Our country has gone through several rough patches, but never before have I seen a Nigerian President declare war on his own country as we are seeing now. Never before have I seen a Nigerian President deploy federal institutions in the service of partisanship as we are witnessing now.

Never before have I seen a Nigerian President utilise the common wealth to subvert the system and punish the opposition, all in the name of politics.

52

THE NATION THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

POLITICS Hon. Isa Ashiru is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. He spoke with ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE on his mission in politics and chances of the party at the polls.

Ashiru: I’m out to salvage Kaduna W

HY do you want to govern Kaduna State?

The quest to occupy Sir Kashim Ibrahim House come May, 2015, was consummated by some of us that have concern for the state. Things have been deteriorating badly since I relocated to Abuja to serve at the National Assembly in 2007. Kaduna, our home state, the former headquarters of Northern Nigeria, has become a shadow of itself. There is no commitment to develop the state for our people. Today, the state has been balkanized into two and this is giving some of us sleepless nights. So, the group decided to come together and take a bold decision. Not everybody can take this decision; it is a hard decision, but we had no choice. That was why I left the PDP and join the APC. After due consultation with my constituents, I was given the go ahead. This is because whatever we are doing, we should remember that one day we are going to meet our Creator. Meeting our Creator is not something that is new; on daily basis you find people embarking on that journey and one day it will be our turn. For me, I’m one of the fortunate ones that have reaped the benefits of being in government in the last 16 years and I feel even if it means declaring my seat vacant, for the sake of saving my state, I can do that. I thank God for the opportunity He has given me and I will continue to pursue this project this project to its logical conclusion.

As the name of my group, ‘Save Kaduna Group’, suggests, the truth of the matter is that we are committed to salvaging the current situation in Kaduna State. I’m assuring everyone that by the special grace of God, we would get there. It is not about us, but about the people of Kaduna State. There are a lot of things that are wrong. You have been in Kaduna for quite some time; you knew what Kaduna was when we were in government from 1999 to 2007. From 2007 to date, the situation has changed. It is catastrophic, the balkanization is beyond reasoning and we would not fold our arms and watch. It is not in our character and we would not do it.

So, we would pursue this project to a logical conclusion, to better the lives of our people.

We would try to reunite the state as it was before. Some of us that were in secondary schools during the good old days, we used to visit the southern part of the state for

Christmas, those in the southern parts used to visit the Northern part for Sallah celebration and other festivities. But, this is no longer the case. So, we are out to take Kaduna back to its lost glory and we cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of all; that is why we are moving from one corner to another, trying to solicit the support of our people. We are getting there, that is the assurance I am giving you. We visited the southern part of the state and what we saw was overwhelming. We thank God and I’m assuring you that we would get there.

What is your reaction to the agitation in Southern Kaduna for power shift?

It is true that they have been agitating to complete their term, but I told you I’m not of the PDP. The clamour for zoning is PDP affair. In the APC, we are yet to have somebody from Southern Kaduna that has declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Kaduna State. For me, I will limit myself to my immediate environment.

Maybe you should make inquiries from the other side, PDP. I still have friends, committed and reliable hands in the PDP that want to contest. We have competent and committed members of the PDP from the Southern part of Kaduna State that are interested in contesting for the governorship. If the PDP will avail them the opportunity, I’m sure we would produce capable hands that can do even better because they are experienced and know the nooks and crannies of Kaduna State. For anybody to govern this state, he should understand the terrain. It is unfortunate that the people in power do not understand the terrain. In the APC, we are yet to have somebody from the south who wishes to contest. If we have that, we can sit down and talk. Politics is about negotiations. We can sit to discuss, see areas where we can carry everybody along. That is politics for you.

What were your achievements as a federal legislator for eight years?

On the issue of sponsoring bills, yes, I have

had the opportunity of sponsoring about five bills and I co-sponsored many. I did not know this question will come up; otherwise I would have come with the copies of those bills. The issue of appropriation bill is an annual ritual, you know it. As deputy chairman appropriation, I don’t want to blow my trumpet, but the National Assembly is there for you. I know I am the engine room of that committee and what we do annually is something that will better be answered when you visit the department.

How do you intend to run the state, given the alleged huge debt?

Fortunately, I was a revenue staff when I served for 19 years in Kaduna State civil service. Let me seize this opportunity and tell you what I have done so far in terms of my roadmap. A committee was set up by our team under the leadership of a Professor.

The 13-member committee came up with details of what we intend to do in government. This is all encompassing; they gave me the interim report. The final report will be ready by the end of this month. We have opportunities to generate revenue in Kaduna State in almost every sector of human endeavour. It depends on how you strategize. We have a lot of untapped sources that need to be tapped. With the exposure that I have now at the national level, we would come up with appropriate strategies.

For instance, I know of donor agencies that are active in the Northern part of the country. With the opportunity I have had in the debt management committee, I know of agencies where money can be sourced from development partners and donor agencies to fund projects for the betterment of our people. I know about nine states in the Southern part of the country that have been benefiting from it. In the North, I think it is only Kano, with the coming of Kwankwaso that has exploited one of these opportunities, by drawing aids from one international agency under the United Nations.

With this and the restructuring of the rev-

‘We have opportunities to generate revenue in Kaduna State in almost every sector of human endeavour. It depends on how you strategize. We have a lot of untapped sources that need to be tapped.

With the exposure that I have now at the national level, we would come up with appropriate strategies

• Ashiru

enue board itself, and with total commitment and blockage of leakages, you can turn around a lot of things in the state. We have that opportunity, but there is lack of commitment and lack seriousness on the part of the government to tap these resources. May be it is because of the fear of stepping on the toes of big ones. But, we have a lot of opportunities in Kaduna State in terms of revenue generation. These donor agencies would assist us in funding our projects. We won’t have much problem, so long as we are committed. Once you put in place the right person at the right place, by the special grace of God we will get there. I know it is just a matter of time.

Are you not threatened by the power of incumbency of Governor Yero?

In the past, people have always been afraid of the power incumbency. But, we would definitely get there my brother. We were in the PDP for 15 years. With God on our side, we will overcome. That is the fear they subject people to. Well... “this is government”… “you can’t challenge them”. But, it’s not true.

There was a government in Zamfara State when Abdulaziz Yari took over from Mamuda Shinkafi. There was a government on the platform of another party in Kano when Kwankwaso took over from Malam Shekarau. Same thing also happened in Bauchi when Isa Yuguda took over from Adamu Mu’azu. You cannot always have your way. If you don’t deliver, God will not even assist you. So, I’m assuring you, crushing them will not be a problem to us.

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye is the Senior Special Assistant to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Community Forum. He spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on Osun politics, the activities of the administration and preparations for next year’s elections.

‘Aregbesola ‘ll achieve more in second term’

• Oyintiloye

C

OULD you give an insight into your background?

I hail from Ibokun in Obokun Local Government of Osun State. My academic and professional background is in Finance. I have a degree in Finance and two Masters in Financial Management, as well as Public Administration. I have worked in several places, including an academic setting, the hospitality industry and the financial services sector. In particular, I have worked in the foremost capacity development institution in the financial sector, the Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC), which is owned by the Bankers’ Committee.

My encounter with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was a turning point. It was from Aregbesola that I learnt how to relate with the media, in addition to

obtaining other political skills, particularly when it comes to engagement with the people, mobilization and service delivery.

What actually inspired you to abandon your career in finance and embrace politics?

Actually, I was doing fine in my career. But, at a point, I felt I was not complete. Somehow, I had this inward feeling that I was destined to serve people in a better way than I was doing. Through prayers and the grace of God, I found a responsible leader who provided the platform and the needed catalyst for the development of my potentials. The man is Aregbesola. He served as the moral booster to my destiny. I must submit here that it was sheer providence that connected me with Ogbeni Aregbesola and that was through one of the articles I wrote in The Punch newspaper. Ever since, I have not regretted it. It has been edifying, inspiring and purposeful.

So, are you saying your fraternity with Ogbeni Aregbesola has rubbed off on you to...?

I put it this way: my tutelage under him has made me 10 times better than my peers. What most people don’t know is that Aregbesola is a good teacher, a good manager, a visionary leader, a dogged fighter, a resilient person and a go-getter. Take a dullard

to Aregbesola, he would reshape the person. You must take into cognizance that finance and the media are two parallel vocations. So, it takes a good teacher, an engineer, to re-engineer an accountant and re-shape him to function efficiently in media engagement. That’s Ogbeni for you.

One of the first lessons I learnt from him was the stimulation of my intellect to process information in terms of data capturing and storage. Ogbeni also imbued me with the ability to face any challenge in life. He taught me to have a sense of engagement, personal discipline and the ability to focus on the challenges before me.

My engagement today with Osun people and especially my constituency in identifying with their needs and rendering of selfless service are direct products of lessons learnt from Ogbeni Aregbesola.

So, I can safely describe him as humane, a good teacher, manager of men and resources Will you say these attributes have impacted in the governance of Osun?

Absolutely! You will recollect that when he came into power the state was in financial mess. The situation we met on ground, when we came in, was one of borrowing a huge amount of money monthly to pay workers’ salaries. Aregbesola’s administrative sagacity made financial

re-engineering of the state a possibility. Today, the result is evident for all to see.

We are talking of a man who is deep, thoughtful and has strong perception of what he wanted to do with power; I mean for development and emancipation of the people from the shackles of underdevelopment. He pursued power not for the sake of it. Just take a look at the six-point action plan that formed the driving force of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s government. The action plan was well thought out and has been meticulously implemented. State of Osun today can best be described as ‘development in motion’ The initiatives as captured in the green book, My Pact with Osun People, cannot be faulted. Is it the engagement and empowerment of youths that became a reference point in the country? Is it the magical turn around in education sector with state of the art infrastructure, digital revolution encapsulated in Opon Imo, the tablet of knowledge?

When he mooted the idea of “ona baba ona”, some people taught it was a mere political pep talk. Today, the road infrastructure in the state is massive.

Can anybody fault thousands of kilometers of quality road networks, which crisscrossed the nooks and crannies of the state, the momentous development that is unparalleled in the

history of the state since it was created over 20 years ago?

This milestone development can only come to reality when good people in leadership make them happen.

That is the leader we are talking about.

As the Senior Special Adviser on Community Forum, how has Osun Community fared in the scheme of things?

To answer your question, I want to say with every sense of responsibility that communities in Osun are better off. From whatever angle you may want to look at it, the impact of development is not hidden. Ogbeni Aregbesola’s policies and programmes are fundamentally peoplecentered, the ‘O’ initiatives philosophy is well rounded, touching all social stratifications. For me, with the portfolio of Community Forum, I have learnt more about how to interact with people from all backgrounds.

It has horned my skill in interpersonal and community relations. Let me cite the example of Obokun Local Government Area where I come from. I have been able to galvanize and mobilize people for development. I have raised their political consciousness.

Today, with many thanks to other stakeholders in Obokun, the constituency remains vibrant and committed to the APC as a party and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s Administration.

THE NATION THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

53

POLITICS Dr. Omboyi Harry was a member of the Kayode Eso-led Truth and Reconciliation Committee. He is the Chairman of the Rivers State Health Management Board. In this interview, he speaks on the agitation of Kalabari people for the governorship.

TONY AKOWE met him in Abuja.

Why I’m against zoning in Bayelsa, by Amange From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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‘Why power must shift in Rivers’

W

HAT is your position on the agitation for power shift in Rivers State?

In the history of Rivers State, even before the creation of the state, there has been purposeful activism for self determination. Even before now, we all knew that there was somebody called Adaka Boro who led the fight for self determination. Taking us back, in the drafting of the 1959 Constitution, before of this agitation and the peculiar plight of our people, there was a certain section inserted in the constitution that the people of the area should be looked at in view, if their ecological disadvantage, educational disadvantage and economic disadvantage and that special provision should be made within the budgetary provisions to look after these people. You must have been aware of the way things are in Rivers State and you must have been to Ijaw communities to see what the ecological situation is and what oil has brought to us in that place. Most of our people have not seen the benefit of the oil and some of our people have termed it a curse.

Why are we talking about this power shift thing now?

In everything in life, there has got to be equity and moral justification for the way things are handled. I also recognise the place of merit in everything we do. If you are a genuine Nigerian and you want the country to move forward, you will not dispute the fact that we should start looking at the angle of merit in sustaining the polity. But, you must also give cognizance to the fact that our politics is still rudimentary and the fact that various sentiments must be looked at.

Sentiments such as ethnicity, religion and economic value must come into play. It is only when we have reached a certain modicum of achievement in those things that we can now say that every other thing should be subjugated to merit. In Rivers State, we always have the politics of Upland and River line areas in whatever we do.

Be it in politics, appointment or in economics. If you look at the elections we have had in Rivers State, if the governor comes from one side, the deputy must come from the other side. It is just like the case of Nigeria where, if you have a Southern leader, the deputy must come from the North. In recent time, there has been a talk about who will succeed Governor Amaechi and there is a clamour by some people that power should remain in the Ikwerre side, which is Upland. But, we are saying that, if we have had Upland people for two dispensations, we think it is time power come to the Riverrine. I don’t think that is an unjust demand. I also do not think that it is not time for that kind of demand because you must assuage all parties involved in the building process of our democracy. We have had Dr. Peter Odili who comes from the Upland and we have Amaechi, who is also from upland. We feel that after 16 years of Upland rulership, power should rotate to the Riverrine communities.

If for any reason, the Upland gets the governorship again, it is assumed that whoever gets it may win a second term and that would mean that for 24 years, power would have remained in power and that would mean that nobody from the Riverrine area has been governor since the creation of River state. I must however point out that the Riverline area has had the governorship for only 18 months when Rufus Ada-George who is an Okrika man became governor.

But, his rule was truncated by the Abacha regime. So, we have had it for only 18 months under NRC. The APC is in power now and we are a traditionally a PDP state and the APC would want to do everything possible to retain the state. There has been some rumour making the round that the only way they can do that is by the candidature of one person who happened to be an Upland person and who has been in the forefront of the battle for the image of the President in Rivers State. We don’t think that should be the position.

So, you don’t support the governorship ambition of Nyensom Wike?

The honourable minister is a good person. I believe that every person has the constitutional right to aspire for office at the same time. I also believe that you must take sentiments into consideration when aspiring for an office. His aspirations are genuine because he believes, despite the fact that an Ikwerre man is on the seat now, to get the government back for the PDP, he might be the right person.

These are the issues which we are facing now. But, we are feeling that on equity basis, we should play on the sentiments and if we decide to play if that way, there might be a gang up against an upland person.

How committed is the governor to power shift?

You must remember that the governor has publicly stated that he does not think it is morally right for an Ikwere person to succeed him because he is Upland. Because he has said that, it is morally wrong for an Ikwerre person to succeed him, you might want to look at the equation from another view. The major tribes that are agitating for power in a Rivers today are the Ogonis and the Kalabaris. The Ogonis are Upland, but comes from a different senatorial district from the governor presently. If the governor has said that he does not want an Ikwerre person, I cannot say categorically that he does not want an Upland person. I cannot speak for him. But his argument is on the same moral reason that power must move. As you know, he has differences with Nelson Wike and so, it might be that he is against Wike being the governor of Rivers state. But, I genuinely believe that’s his belief is that an Ikwerre person should succeed an Ikwerre person in the public in the politics of Rivers state and that it is only equitable that it moves to another tribe.

Wike has insisted that he will contest...

Wike is the leader of the PDP in Rivers State now and that is why I am putting this thing forward so that they will know that it is not morally right.

However, it is not about opposing or not opposing Wike. I have nothing against Wike. I understand and I believe that he might want to run for election. The signs are there. But, he has not declared yet. I might want to run for election too, but I have not declared. I might also jettison the Upland, Riverline thing if the arguments

‘I am not opposed to Wike contesting the election. What I am opposed to is that an Upland man should not succeed another Upland man’

• Harry

are more persuasive. So, I am not opposed to Wike contesting the election.

What I am opposed to is that an Upland man should not succeed another Upland man.

What is the voting population of the Upland and the Riverrine areas?

In Rivers state, the Ikwerre people has the highest number of voters registered. We have about 2.1 million registered voters in Rivers state, out of which about 1.2 million are in the Upland area. You might say that if the Ikwerre people have the highest number of registered voters, how do you now start asking them not to contest. I have said that the governor who is an Ikwerre person has said that it is morally wrong for an Ikwerre person to succeed him. So, obviously, within the Ikwerre block, there is a division.

Even without saying that, you should know that since there are two parties that control the Ikwerre block, there is a division. But I cannot tell you who has the upper hand. This is politics and anything can happen, but you cannot rule out the strength of a governor that is in power. I am a very honest person and so cannot tell you now that most Ikwerre people will not be happier that an Ikwerre person is governor. But, we are appealing to the moral nature of what is on ground. As we speak, there are some champion person in Ikwerre land shouting that it must go to the Riverline area because the Ikwerres has had its turn. But, I cannot give you fixed number about that. The beauty of the Riverline region now is such that the mere fact that if appear that an Ikwerre person wants to succeed an Ikwerre person is causing some unity among the Rivrline communities in a Rivers state.

I say without being God that if there is an Ikwerre man on the ballot, the party that does not have an Ikwerre person on the ballot is more likely to cause a cohesion among the voting strength of the Riverline population. I am not saying that everybody will vote for the Riverline person. Even as we speak, there might be one or two people in Bayelsa who will vote against Jonathan tomorrow. But, that does not mean that Jonathan will not win the state. But, the way it is now. If there is an Ikwerreman on the ballot, there is the tendency for the Riverline people to say, we feel this time, it should be our turn. What will makes it worse is when it is the same tribe with the man who has done eight years. I donut think it should be based on absolute number. Yes, the upland people has the number.

The Ogoni people are also agitating for power shift. What is your view?

The Kalabaris have never been governor too. It is a fact that the Ogonis have never been governor or deputy governor and that is the same thing with the Kalabaris. The Ogonis have some degree of emancipation because what they described as the deprivation they have had in their land and the fact that oil exploration has decimated their land to a certain degree.

Even in Kalabari land, we have the same problem they have in Ogoni land. We have not been governor, they have not been governor.

ENATOR Nimi Barigha-Amange has kicked against zoning in Bayelsa State, urging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to organise primaries for aspirants. s The chapter has zoned the Bayelsa East Senatorial District ticket to Brass Local Government Area.

Sources said that Amange was among party stalwarts who signed the communique after the decision on zoning was made by the stakeholders.

The district, which elected Senator Clever Ikisikpo in 2011, comprises of Brass, Ogbia and Nembe local government areas. Apart from zoning it to Brass, the stakeholders also clarified that the ticket should go nto Akassa speakingpeople of Brass.

But, Amange, who hails from Nembe, has opposed the zoning, saying that it smacks of the politics of exclusion.

President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be backing the Chairman of Silverbird Television, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, who hails from Akassa, for the slot.

However, Amange, who declared his intention to return to the Senate, said he was not part of zoning.

Speaking in Yenagoa, he said the principle of zoning should not be applied at the expense of merit and experience.

He said: “From 1999 till date, Bayelsa East has always been represented by new senators in each session. In the National Assembly, there is advantage in having a ranking senator instead of a new one.

“New legislators are welcome, but experience shows that second term legislators have strategic advantage. The principle of zoning and power shift is useful in our political system; however, the principle should not be applied at the expense of merit and experience.”

He said his declaration came after extensive consultations with leaders and various stakeholders of the PDP. He insisted that the decision was based on the need to consolidate the achievements of the PDP in the promotion of democracy and the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Amange said: “Bayelsa East Senatorial District is the economic heart-beat of our state. It hosts many multinational oil companies. The Brass LNG and other maritime facilities boost economic activities, create jobs, and spread prosperity.

“The Nembe-Brass highway should be taken over by the FG to open up the senatorial district for investment, peace and progress. Effective legislation at the level of the Senate is required to consolidate the great strides of the state government.”

Amange, who was one of the Bayelsa State representatives at the recent National Dialogue Conference and current Chairman, Governing Board of University of Petroleum Institute, Effurun, said his experience is an asset to the party.

He said: “My national and international networks have been expanded by being a delegate at the confab. The recommendations of the confab call for focused and patriotic legislative work at the Senate.

“I offer myself to be a part of the National Assembly that will usher in a new era of justice and equity in Nigeria.”

Delta 2015: Aspirants kick against zoning From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

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ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants have kicked against zoning, saying that it is undemocratic.

The aspirants, including Chief Ovie Omo-Agege and Dr. Andrew Warri, said they preferred primaries where the flag bearer will be democratically elected by delegates.

The aspirants, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, after picking their expression of interest and nomination forms at the PDP National Secratariat, said aspirants should be given equal opportunity to contest.

Omo-Agege, who is the former Secretary to Government under former Governor James Ibori, said there was never a time where Deltans agreed on zoning.

He said: “There was never anytime where it was agreed that there should be zoning in Delta state or stopping aspirants from all the three Senatorial Districts from contesting. Aspirants have always contested for the governorship position irrespective of district.

“The contest for governor is essentially the exercise of executive powers and I can tell you today that there is no part of Delta state in what is today Delta state that has not at one time or the other exercised executive powers.

“Chief Denis Osadebe, who was a Premier of Mid-West/Bendel State, was from Asaba in today’s Delta State and he exercised Executive powers over what is today’s Delta State and even beyond. So, all the three senatorial districts in what is today’s Delta State have, at one time or the other, exercised executive power which is the essence of the governorship contest.”

He urged the party not to exclude anybody who wishes to contest.

“Everyone who is running should run, I do not seek exclusion for anybody, everybody should be allowed to run, there should be a level playing field, we all should be allowed to go into the field and we hope that the best person will emerge.

Dr. Warri said the zoning introduced by the PDP will not work, adding that politicians are adopting zoning because it is politically convenient for them.

He noted that zoning system was not adopted for the gubernatorial race in 2011.

He added: “Anybody from Delta North.

Delta Central and Delta South can become governor because there is no articulated zoning system in Delta now. They are singing the song of zoning now just for political convenience.

Omo-Agege said if elected in 2015, he would tackle the issue of incessant kidnapping by setting up Community Security Marshalls , create jobs, and provide portable water.

Dr. Warri also said, if elected as the governor, medical tourism will be a thing of the past because he will make Delta state a reference point in terms of healthcare delivery.

• Omo-Agege

54

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

55

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Constipation can be a serious problem to a healthy lifestyle. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on tips to prevent it.

Y

‘Constipation canCLINIC be DAY prevented, treated’

OU are what you eat, goes the popular cliché. And when you eat more than you can conveniently accommodate, what follows is better imagined than experienced. What sets in is discomfiture of the stomach as a result of constipation. Constipation is an irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, which usually is a symptom of intestinal obstruction.

Unfortunately, most people have failed to understand what causes constipation, not knowing that not paying much attention to what they eat and the need to exercise are imperative.

However, there are helpful tips in preventingconstipation. According to a trado-medicine practitioner, Dr Segun Fahuwa every one experiences constipation at some point in life due largely to poor diet.

He said: “Irregular bowel movements or constipation can be a very irritating complaint to deal with and is one of the most common conditions associated with the digestive system.”

Constipation, Dr Fahunwa said, is defined as having bowel movements less than three times a week, often painful and accompanied with straining, bloating and the sensation of a full bowel. “If you feel the same way when you don’t have a bowel movement ev-

W

HEN talking about benefits of fruits, many are wont to think that all fruits are the same and that they benefit the body the same way.

Nutritionists say this is not so. To them, it depends on your health status. There are fruits that doctors may warn a patient against. For instance, while pineapples may be good for someone with sound health, it’s a different ball game for a diabetic, who would be counseled against eating it or drinking the juice made from it.

According to a nutritionist, Dr. Remi Omotunde, there are fruits that give more health benefits than one, because of their rich nutritional contents that tend to nurture the body, which in the process detoxify the entire body system.

“One of such fruits is the prune.

Though this fruit is not native to Nigeria, it is available in upscale supermarkets, while its juice alternative is also available on demand.

Prune juice aids digestion. The digestive system is very important when it comes to meeting one’s nutritional needs, but many factors, including age and unwise dietary choices, affect the way our digestive system works, hence the need to aid its function by eating fruit such as prune or, better still, taking the juice as a regular part of our daily diet,” Omotunde said.

He continued: “The digestion process slows down as we age, and that is why many old people become malnourished at certain point because their foods are not broken down the way they used to be when they were younger. To save the day, they need digestive support in the form of digestive enzymes, which the prune juice can readily pro-

•Dr Fahuwa

eryday; you could be suffering from constipation,” he said, adding: “People should be aware that there is no ‘right’ number of bowel movements. Normal passing of stools can occur three times a day or three times a week, depending on their system. It all depends on contributing factors that include the food that is eaten and how much you exercise.”

He continued: “Every one experiences being constipated at some point in life due largely to a poor diet. Though it is usually tempo-

•Normal and constipated bowels

rary and not serious, understanding what causes constipation can help you take steps to prevent it.”

Causes According to Dr Fahuwa, constipation occurs when too much water is absorbed by the colon or when your colon’s muscle contractions are slow, causing the stool to move slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. “The main

causes of constipation can be attributed to a variety of factors such as low amount of fibre in the diet; low intake of water; lack of physical activity; some types of medication; changes in routine such as pregnancy, aging or travel; abuse of laxatives or ignoring the urge to use the toilet,” he added.

Prevention To prevent constipation, Fahunwa said dietary and lifestyle changes, such as what

‘Detoxification made easy’ Stories by Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

vide.”

Prune juice is made from pulverised prunes steeped in hot water. Omotunde noted that the prune, as a fruit, provides easy-todigest carbohydrates, soluble fibre, potassium, iron and antioxidant compounds – all of which benefit the body significantly. And even as juice, prune retains significantly higher amounts of the dried fruit’s nutrients, benefitting the body immensely in return, especially as a remedy for constipation.”

According to Mr. Hyman Ilonze, the Business Development Director of MA and J Vitalife Products, Sole Representative of Prune Juice Processing Company, the potassium content of prune juice helps in normalising blood pressure, while it also helps in reducing the risk of hypertension when taken regularly.

Ilonze, a nutritionist, said: “A little cup of the juice per day is enough to guarantee nonheme iron – the type of iron that is exclusive to plants and is easily absorbed in the presence of vitamin C, which is also found in prune juice.

As rich as this juice is, it can prevent the development of osteoporosis. “This is because it contains the trace mineral, boron, which is very essential to bone health. Daily use of prune juice can prevent disease because as a plant-based food, it is an essential part of a healthy diet, and it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

A General Physician, Dr Kemi

‘The digestive system is very important when it comes to meeting one’s nutritional needs, but many factors, including age and unwise dietary choices, affect the way our digestive system works’ Ilori-Gbadebo also said phenols – a type of antioxidant – found in prune juice protects the cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.

“When your body is rid of free radicals, you are unlikely to develop certain chronic diseases such as cancer and heart issues,” she said.

A religious intake of prune juice according to Ilonze has made living worthwhile for him. He said he was introduced to it by a registered nurse while he was in the United Kingdom (UK). He said he suffered from haemorrhoids for years and had become despondent having used all medications, which did not help.

“This nurse introduced me to the prune juice; and the very first time I took it, my symptoms were relieved almost instantly. Before then, I had great difficulties whenever I wanted to relieve myself, as I had to labour to push out the waste.

“By the time I started taking the prune juice, my digestive system improved, my haemorrhoids was healed and I have been taking it more than 15 years,” he said.

Cardiologists warn that uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to

cerebrovascular accident, otherwise known as stroke. Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, warned that in order to reduce the risk of stroke, the blood pressure levels must be brought down to healthy and manageable levels, while the individual must imbibe foods that are high in potassium levels and reduced sodium (salt) intake.

Omotunde, however, noted that regular consumption of fruit juice such as prune, which contains high

one eats, drinks and how much exercise done will help relieve and prevent it.

“It is good to also eat more fibre as it helps form soft, bulky stools. It can be found in many vegetables, fruits, whole grains (whole-wheat bread and oaths and legumes, such as beans, peas and nuts. But make sure you add fibre to your diet a little at a time, to get your body used to it gradually.

“It is advisable to drink plenty of water and other fluids. Drinking plenty of water and other liquid, including pepper soups, fruit and vegetable juices, will help prevent constipation. Liquid adds fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass,” he said.

“Also getting enough exercise helps the digestive system stay active and healthy. You don’t need to become a great sprinter.

Simply taking a 20 or 30-minute walk everyday will help a lot.

Give yourself time to relax and recreate, as our hectic schedules keep us feeling in a hurry all the time. This hectic life style doesn’t help us pay attention to our body’s needs, especially to the urge to have a bowel movement.

Allowing yourself enough time in the toilet will ensure that you ease your constipation troubles too,” Fahuwa said. dose of potassium, in addition to conscious healthy dietary habits, may work wonders in lowering the blood levels significantly and save one from the risk of developing stroke.

He added that soluble fibres found in prune juice help in slowing down the rate at which the body uses sugars, thereby helping the body to normalise its sugar level.

“This fibre content inherently helps the body to stimulate insulin production, thereby reducing an individual’s risk of developing Type-2 diabetes,” Omotunde counseled.

Researchers have said prune juice’s antioxidant capacity is higher than that of any food in its category.

“Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by unstable molecules (free radicals) that result from normal cell metabolism, smoking, pollution and ultraviolet irradiation. Regularly intake the prune juice will prevent premature ageing, wrinkling of the skin, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer,” they said.

Slim with ease comes to town

To help individuals lose weight and live healthier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Slim with Ease, Mrs Nina Ndubuisi, will share her inspiring weight loss story with the hope of inspiring others to join her on the slim fit journey. The program has as theme: “If I can do it, so can you”.

The event which holds on eight of November on Victoria Island (V.I), Lagos, would witness the launch of Slim with Ease; a healthy weight loss programme based on her weight loss experience. The programme, she said, has enabled her lose over 54kg in less than two years.

The objective of the event is to bring the secret of her weight loss to Nigeria (Africa), proving that one can lose weight by eating not just western foods, but by eating Nigerian stable dishes. The event would reveal among others, that we do not have to be on a “diet” to lose weight and while dieting, one can eat healthily.

56

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH

Some causes and treatment of male, female infertility (3)

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EING the third part in the serialisation of the paper presented by Femi Kusa at the training seminar of the National Integrative Medine Association (NIMPA) held on October 8, 2014 at the Water Parks Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

I spoke with a group of health seeking women sometimes last week. For me, it was a re-enactment of the tribute which this column paid to women, especially mothers, for all the health challenges their bodies undergo in the process of bringing us human beings to this earth.

That was a MOTHERS’ DAY tribute, which examined some female reproductive system failings or challenges which may cause anguish of soul or physical impairment or damage to the sufferer. Many readers of that column were surprised to learn that some women could become pregnant without menstruating. I had read of such cases in Susannah and Leslie Kenton’s RAW ENERGY in the late 1970s, but it was in the mid 1980s I learned of a Nigerian case somewhere in northern Nigeria.

It came up at a Gothe Institute Alternative Medicine seminar in Lagos. Of course, the young mother of three was banished from her village. But as the Kenton sisters explained in their book, such women have more beta carotene, an antioxidant Vitamin A precursor, than the average women who, probably, on account of a deficiency, must menstruate. The book mentions research work on animals which found some female animals do not menstruate but are, nevertheless, fertile, like these human females. The researchers concluded, says the book, that menstruation may actually be a disease caused by Beta Carotene deficiency, and this ailment has probably been accepted as normal simply because a majority of women have been menstruating for as long as anyone can remember. Indeed, it should be serious food for thought if some female animals with “abnormally” high levels of Beta carotene do not menstruate on the basis of this “abnormality” but are fertile and have babies and human females with “abnormally” high levels of beta carotene in their blood exhibit the same phenomenon.

Susannah and Leslie underscore this point as follows in their Raw energy: “Uncooked food have enormous potential for improving the quality of a woman’s life. They are one of the reasons why the world’s exclusive and expensive health farms stay in business. Two weeks on a raw diet makes a woman 10 years younger – flesh is firmer, lines are softer and skin, eyes and hair glow with health. And two years on a high raw diet can completely transform the shape and texture and functioning of a woman’s body. Even typically female problems such as stubborn cellulite, excessive menstrual flow, premenstrual tension and menopausal hot flashes can be eliminated on a raw diet.

“Many studies carried out in Britain and the United States point to the fact that an astonishing number of women suffer from nutritional deficiencies. One threeyear research project i.e in America referred to in connection with mesohealth in Chapter one found that calcium and iron deficiency were widespread in women; one in two women lacked calcium and nine out of 10 were deficient in iron. And that is probably a very conservative estimate since the levels of these and other nutrients used to define health in that study were nowhere near those that a good nutritionist would recommend to anyone wanting to look and feel their best.

“Many women eating the standard Western diet also suffer from Zinc deficiency, particularly if they are on the pill; Zinc helps to prevent stretch marks after pregnancy or weight loss, and prevents skin from ugly wrinkling. Vitamin deficiencies are also common”.

What I think would be of interest to women who do not menstruate but, long to, is a section of this book titled: “A shorter time of the month”. It says “Women on all raw or high-raw diet often report that menstrual problems such as bloating, premenstrual tension and fatigue improve greatly after two or three months. For some of them, the improvement is so dramatic that they are not aware of their periods until they arrive. This is something we discovered ourselves and at first we thought we were unique. Then we spoke to numerous other women who said they had had a similar experience. Every period becomes lighter…. A period that ordinarily lasts for six or seven days can be reduced to as few as one or two. In some women, particularly those who do not eat meat, dairy products or large quantities of nuts, periods can even cease altogether. What, we wondered, does this mean?

“British gyneacologist C. Allam B. Clemetson, now practising in the United States, first became interested in the possibility of regulating menstrual flow with substances that occur in foods when a young Italian patient told him that she could easily cure her excessive menstrual bleeding by sucking lemons. It was the standard remedy in her home village, she said. Surprised and disbelieving, Clemetson could not quite squelch his curiosity”.

Dr. Clemetson was to study the relationship between citrus bioflavonoid, found in orange, lime, lemon etc, in a woman’s body, and menorrhagia, very heavy and sometimes painful periods. As the Kentons report: “His research established three things. First, the capillaries in a woman’s body weaken briefly just after ovulation every month and again, and again, more markedly, for a few days before menstruation. Second, women who have heavy periods have weaker capillaries than women whose flow is normal. Third, doses of citrus bioflavonoid and vitamin C over a period of three or four months significantly reduced excessive bleeding in the majority of

women he tested. After his study was completed, he suggested to his patients that they eat three oranges a day, with plenty of pith, because it is the pith which contains the bioflavonoids. Many of them found this was enough to maintain their lighter period.

H

EAVY bleeders are luckier today. Three oranges a day will give no more than 100mg of Vitamin C., but today, they can take alkaline Vitamin C supplement at 1,000mg per capsule dosage daily. Such Vitamin C usually comes with a bioflavonoid complex and buffered with alkalinising minerals such as calcium, magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Zinc and probably potassium. In addition to these, I suggest Yarrow, a healer of many female troubles, Grape Seed Extract, Bragg’s Organic and unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (rich in potassium and bioflavonoids) Nettle (for its silica) at Horsetail, one of the richest plant sources of silica, or my newfound love Diatomaceous, also called Edible earth, which is 96 percent silica. I will return to Diatomaceous when I come to cleansing of the body before pregnancy. Its silica content is fascinating. Silica is a hardener of bones, teeth and nails. It makes skin supple and hair to grow and glow.

It helps digestion, kill parasites in the intestine, and strengthen the collagen matrix. Since a weakness of the collagen matrix leads to easy brusing and bleeding, a silica hardening of this matrix stops bleeding, in much the same way as Shepherd’s Purse does.

The Kenton’s add: “It seems that several of the bioflavonoids are estrogenic, that is, they mimick some of the effects of the female sex hormone- estrogen, including estrogen’s ability to strengthen fragile capillary wall. When estrogens levels are highest, as they are at ovulation (approximately 10 days after bleeding ceases) and again seven days later, estrogen appears to replace the bioflavonoids in the capillary walls of uterus. When estrogen levels drop markedly, as they do in the three days after ovulation and again just before and during menstruation, the bioflavonoids re-enter the capillary walls giving them some of the protection withdrawn by dropping estrogen levels. It is because the bioflavonoids partly compensate for the fall in estrogen that they help to reduce menstrual flow. If estrogen levels never vary, but are always high or always low, menstruation would not occur. It is only a sustained fall in estrogen that brings on breakdown of the uterine wall and bleeding.

“Vitamin C powerfully complements the action of the bioflavonoids, but just in case you are tempted to rush to your nearest health food store for supplements instead of increasing your intake of fresh raw foods, you should know that several studies show that pure ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is not as effective in treating capillary fragility and permeability as are fruits and vegetables containing the Vitamin C. These bioflavonoids in food greatly strengthen many of the health protecting qualities of Vitamin C. Their presence also improves the storage of Vitamin C in the system.”

Finally, what do the Kenton’s say about beta Carotene and the cessation of periods? “Amenorrhea (absence of periods) in women who follow unusual dietary habits has often been attributed to high levels of carotene in the diet. Carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A; it turns into the vitamin during the digestive process. Carrots, spinach and other green vegetables contain large quantities of carotene.

“Medicine has long remarked that people who take in exceptionally large quantities of carotene exhibit a change in skin tone, a golden tinge rather like a gentle tan. This phenomenon, known as carotenemia, was first recorded in the British Medical Journal in 1904. It appears to have no consequences for health, apart from a general strengthening of the body’s immune system. Indeed so innocuous is carotenemia that, in some countries, canteen tablets are sold over the counter as artificial tanners.

“Recently, a team of researchers from the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Rutgers University in new Jersey studied a group of women who exhibited both carotenemia and amenorrhoea. They wanted to find out if there was a direct casual relationship between carotene intake and the cessation of periods. The normal diet of these women consisted mainly of raw vegetable, including lots

of carrots. None of them ate red meat although a few ate fish and chicken. The researchers were careful to emphasise the fact that all of these women were in excellent health; amenorrhoea did not appear to affect them adversely in any way. What happened when carotene was excluded from their diet? Those women who did manage to exclude carotene-rich foods and substitute foods with little or no carotene in them resumed menstrual bleeding. Those who choose to revert to their high-carotene diet became amenorrhoeic again.

“The casual relationship between high-carotene intake and amenorrhoer is fairly clear, then. But what is one to make of it? Does carotene counteract the effect of estrogen? We know that when estrogen levels are always low or always high, menstruation ceases whatever the mechanism by which carotene exerts its amenorrhoic effect, the lessening and eventual disappearance of menstrual flow in some women who eat a high-raw diet appears to have no adverse consequences as far as fetility and conception are concerned, the picture that emerges, then, is that new food generally, and some foods in particular, namely those high in the bioflavonoids, Vitamin C and carotene, reduce menstrual flow and other discomforts connected with the menstrual cycle.”

The Kentons, whose best-selling Raw energy and the new raw energy I recommend for the library of every health seeker who believes food will heal disease(s) when injections and drugs fail, put an “evolutionary footnote” on these observations.

“One of the quite extraordinary claims made by women who live on an entirely raw diet... and it probably earns them the reputation of crank faster than anything else... is that menstruation is not the natural phenonenom we take it to be. Primate researchers have pointed out that the old world monkeys do not menstruate, but that their higher relatives, the baboons do; nevertheless, when fed with a vegetable-only diet, female baboons cease to menstruate. Does that mean that in homo sapiens¸ the highest primate of all, menstruation is one of the consequences of omnivorous rather than vegetarian eating habit? It is an intriguing question. If it ever proved that menstruation is consequence of diet, many women liberationists who regard menstruation as one of the many obstacles to women’s freedom would rejoice. It would also turn an entire view of the female sexual-reproductive cycle on its head.

“In the meantime, the relief that a high raw diet can offer women who suffer from any of the typical female agonies seems too important not to investigate further.”

Many thanks Sussanah and Leslie. I hope many of my female friends now know where I come from when I advise them against eating the standard Nigerian diet, all week, month or year round. Again, I say no bread, milk, no sugar, margarine, poultry egg etc. for breakfast. No fast foods. Very little carbohydrate. Plenty of vegetable and fruits. Plenty of salads. Lots of proprietary green drinks such as Spectragreen, Wheatgrass, Spirulina, Chorella, Barleygrass, Alfalfa etc.

DETOXIFICATION

B

EFORE I proceed to the second part of some causes of female infertility and some natural solutions of these problem, I would like to return to the subject of detoxification. The suggestions about detoxification made earlier as a solution of male infertility apply to women as well. Men, too, should profit immensely from the following suggestions for women.

All too often, men and women jump thoughtlessly into baby making. I say they jump thoughtlessly because hardly does anyone imagine that, like farming or any other project, some preparations must be made in respect of the work of bodies are going to be asked to perform, “the man, to produce healthy, well-delivered sperm in sufficient quantum”, the woman, to receive the ‘guest’, offer the prospect of one of them fertilising her eggs(s) and healthy nurturing of the offspring to term.

Incidentally, the bodies of many women are toxic. The average woman suffers intermittently from vaginal infections especially candidiasis. The tongues of many are coated with oral thrush an indication that candida may have overgrown its bounds in the bowels. The breath is nauseating. Even what oozes from the skin is appauling. Sometimes, I wonder which men will ever wish to touch them. When I think like this, I tend to forget the place of The law of attraction of Homogenous species in our lives. By this Natural Law, birds of a feather flock together. A couple asked me for advice recently on their conception problems. The man had genital herpes.

The woman itched in the vagina and had discharges. One of her tubes was blocked. In this condition, they desired to have a baby, thinking less of their infections.

Well, some couples scale over the fence. But what will be the quality of the body of such a child. I ask this question because some researchers now link autism, for example, to candida manifestation in the brain of an autistic child. No fewer than two women I advised on healthy diet for their autistic children told me that before they became pregnant, they tried to rid themselves of stubborn candida. In retrospect, they must be wishing they became pregnant on a clean slate, because the problem of an autistic child may be a lifelong experience for a parent.

So, we should see getting pregnant as cultivating or preparing land for farming. No farmer jumps into a land starts planting without prior preparations. He clears the land, applies manure where necessary and makes heaps or ridges to loosen the soil.

Similarly, we must clean up all the organs involved with reproductive work before copulation.

57

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: lukajanaku02@gmail.com

Solving Nigeria’s data wahala Nigeria has grown subscriber figures to about 131 million over the last one decade. In spite of hiccups here and there, the voice segment has done well to boost operators’ revenue. The data segment holds hope for carriers to shore up declining revenues. To help internet protocol (IP) data reduce costs and deliver cheaper services, the intervention of the government and the regulator is inevitable, LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

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ITH the pace of the transition going on in the information communication technology industry across the world, sooner than later, everything will be data. The ubiquity of data will be such that it will subsume the voice segment, which will no longer exist as a segment requiring the application of a different technology. This is the era of convergence.

According to an online platform, Balancing Act, the transition in developed countries has been relatively slow. However, at the international level, large amounts of calls now move through internet protocol (IP) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based networks.

Every year, consumer software are used by a large number of people. Increasingly in Nigeria and other parts of the continent, it is not uncommon to see people use social media platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, to send messages they used to send through short message service (SMS).

In Nigeria, the transition is slow because the telecoms industry that is supposed to be at the vanguard of the ‘revolution’ cannot still divorce itself from the ‘business as usual’ approach.

They see the internet and data as capital-intensive business for which they don’t really have the networks. The returns on data are not anything near those for voice. This has been a sort of nightmare for those that have experienced the money spinner called voice. But things are increasingly changing.

Data is essentially about content. Subscribers have demonstrated acceptance of this by voting massively for social media platforms, such as Facebook. This is not the same with the content produced by mobile network operators (MNOs) through value added service (VAS) providers. The content deal offered to VAS producers is still nothing to write home about. Content providers have never hidden their disgust over the ‘monkey dey work baboon dey chop arrangement. They have urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene.

The Federal Government has set before it, ambitious targets in its National Broadband Plan launched amid pomp and celebration last year in Lagos. The Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson followed it up this year with the launch of a campaign to create awareness.

The regulator of the telecoms sector, the NCC said it auctioned the 2.3gigahertz (GHz) spectrum to provide wholesale broadband services while it is planning another spectrum auction in the 2.6 GHz to provide wireless services.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Eugene Juwah said its open access broadband model will be used to accelerate the penetration of broadband services across the country.

The efforts of the government and the regulator are not for nothing. Ubiquitous, affordable, reliable and fast internet will open new opportunities in every facet of human endeavours ranging from education, health, government, agriculture to politics.

Spectrum availability/cost

Operators see the current regime of spectrum cost as being punitive. For effective coverage, spectrum is needed because it is the vessel through which signals are received and sent either via radio or wireless.

The Federal Government, through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should also expedite action on meeting the deadline set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for all its member countries to complete the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. It is believed that spectrum currently in the custody of the broadcast industry would be freed up for telecoms as digital dividends.

Juwah said spectrum in the country costs

stone to work of this kind. The newer generation of low cost base stations and the TV White Spaces pilots offer interesting ways to reduce delivery costs,” it argued.

Encouraging competition

Even in the more competitive countries, mobile operators with large fibre wholesale networks are said to be hanging on to cut throat wholesale pricing. In Nigeria, discussion about this kind of market blockage came to the fore last year when the regulator adjudged two operators ‘dominant’.

There’s need to open up competition to utilities fibre assets and allow them to make their capacity available competitively in the market. They need to encourage ‘carriers’ carriers’ to roll out and offer competitive wholesale fibre networks from the private sector.

The regulator needs to ensure that there is fair and open access for those wanting to roll out local access networks so that they can use wholesale capacity to deliver competitive prices. Insurgent challengers offering household fibre to the home and LTE should be actively encouraged through the licensing process. This is the essence of the open access model of the NCC. Mobile vooice network operators (MVNOs) should be encouraged that operate voice services over data.

Lowering prices

Analysts believe another important step regulators should take is getting access costs for end-users reduced. The efforts of the Alliance for Affordable Internet in this respect are commendable. The explosion in the number of internet users over the last five years has been possible because of decreasing access cost.

Analysts at Balancing Act say information is a powerful tool in this battle. They lament that only a handful of regulators publish internet subscriber numbers and rates charged by operators. They suggest that regulators need not only to collect internet user numbers from operators but publish them quarterly so that subscribers could cross-compare and allow them to make appropriate choice.

Insisting on quality

•Base transceiver station (BTS)

much less than it is in any part of the world, adding that in a country such as India, it is a major revenue source. Analysts say the view that spectrum auction should be seen as a revenue generation exercise should be revisited.

“The cost of the new LTE (long term evolution or 4G) spectrum must not be sold in such a way that it limits use of these new services only to high-end business users in the central business district (CBD) and at the airport. Licence conditions can be used that place a premium on wider roll-out and lower prices: a simple conditional, if you do this on price and roll-out, we will cut your spectrum prices.

“For rural areas, LTE is significantly more efficient for delivering spectrum over distance and the regulator could reserve certain geographic areas where they would offer those willing to invest, free LTE spectrum beyond a nominal administrative charge,” Balancing Act added.

Both the regulator and government could fast-track data ubiquity through:

Deepening coverage

In Nigeria, access to the internet is still an urban exclusive preserve. It is scarcely available in the mass rural areas where a huge number of people reside. The telcos have tried by providing mobile internet to their customers.

Balancing Act believes the mobile operators have more or less reached the edge of what

•Mrs Johnson

they consider are addressable markets and on this basis, they should not be allowed to stand in the way of progress. The regulator needs to tell them to either get in there and develop services or clear off the way and let others get on with task. They need to be made to offer fair and transparent interconnection rates for those who tackle geographic areas they won’t move into.

“Technical innovation needs to be a corner-

Though the NCC has done well by providing a level-playing field for operators, much still needs to be done in the area of allowing customers get value for their money. The dearth of infrastructure, especially power remains a daunting challenge.

While there is a key performance indicators (KPIs) in the voice segment of the industry, it is hardly present in data.

The NCC should start to carry out Quality of Service (QoS) tests on data services and issue fines against operators failing to keep the promises they make to their customers. The regulator should also listen to the industry and tackle network blockages that are slowing everyone’s service delivery down.

Vandalism remains a huge problem: it comes both from over-enthusiastic employees (the cuts are too strategic to be otherwise) and thieves looking for copper.

Corporate Service Executive at MTN, Akinwale Goodluck lamented that people vandalise fibre optic cables because they think they could get copper to sell.

Analysts have suggested education and awareness about the issue because it is apparent that those who willfully vandalise cables do it ignorantly.

NCC should help the operators to push for the classification of telecoms infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. It is curious that over the last 12 years that the industry has been liberalised, vandalism has been its challenge, while the National Assembly has not taken any concrete step to criminalise act.

All that is heard from the political gladiators in Abuja are empty promises to do something.

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e-Business Zinox urges innovation to reduce cost

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•From left: Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; three of the ten winners of the

maiden edition of the Etisalat Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt, Oluyomi Ojo, Adesuwa Ojumola and Idongesit Umoh during a courtesy visit by the winners to Etisalat Head Office, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.

NIPOST’s facilities to drive mobile money

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BOUT four years after the Central Bank o f Nigeria (CBN) licensed 18 mobile money operators in the country, only approximately one million of the over 130 million mobile subscribers in the country have taken advantage of the platform for transaction.

The Ministry of Communications Technology said the ubiquitous network of the postal outlets of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) would be deployed to boost digital transaction across the country.

Its minister, Dr Omobola Johnson said the development, after being in operation for one year, is expected to reduce the number of the unbanked in the country by 10 per cent (3.5 million).

Omobola who spoke on Connect Nigerians: The role of Nigerian postal agency, NIPOST, in our Financial Inclusion Model said: “The network of postal outlets operated by the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST constitutes the most widespread retail network in the country “The postal service network is more widely spread than the combined bank branch networks; nationwide spread of physical network with a constitutional mandate to maintain location in every

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•Govt eyes 10% reduction in unbanked Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

local government area (774 LGAs); recgnised and trusted brand, particularly in rural areas; most experienced public entity in the recruitment and support of agents; potential to be an effective, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual workforce; postal financial services to be delivered in partnership with banks, telcos, IT companies.”

According to her, the transaction advisor for this programme would be selected this quarter while partners would be selected the second quarter of next year while the partnership is also expected to begin by the second quarter of 2016.

“After being in operation for one year, this service should be able to reduce number of unbanked Nigerians by 10 per cent (3.5 Million),” she said of the anticipated effects of the initiative.

According to her, about 67,000 mobile money agents have so far been registered, lamenting that analysis has shown that a significant proportion of payments in the country are still cash-based.

The minister said total payments are estimated at $695billion per annum out of which cash accounts for

over 90 per cent of transactions in terms of volume and about 60 per cent in total value Dr. Omobola said: “Bank transfers and cheque payments combined make up less than 0.5 per cent in terms of volume and approximately 38 per cent in terms of value “Other digital forms of payment are increasing in volume. They however currently make up only about two per cent in value. Most payments (in terms of value) are between businesses and persons (B2B, B2P, P2P) business to business (B2B), business to person (B2P) and person to person (P2P)”.

She said government payments however have high potential to change the payment landscape of the country, adding that cash transactions are expensive, risky and promote insecurity in the financial system and country “Government is therefore implementing policies to increase the adoption of digital forms of payments. ICTs are at the heart of the success of such policies. Infrastructure for the delivery of services, applications for management, security and adoption of services (would be provided),” she said.

Open access model is way to go, says Broadbased Communications

ONTRARY to insinuations that the open access broadband network model of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would breed corruption and inefficiency in the system, the Managing Director, Broadbased Communications, Prince Henry Ise-Okojie, has said the model would promote the goal of deepening broadband access across the country.

Speaking on the sideline during the official launch of its range of equipment in Lagos, the CEO said the NCC’s model aligns with Broadbased Communication’s strategy to take fibre optics infrastructure to the last mile. He said all the 20 banks in the country presently are either directly or indirectly using the company’s fiber optics open access non-compete strategy, adding that the firm would play a key role in the initial rollout of the infrastructure companies (Infracos) strategy.

He said: “In the next 12 to 18 months, we will continue to expand our reach and hopefully add 1500 to 2000 kilometers to our existing infrastructure. Again this is to make our platform available to all exist-

By Alvin Afadama

ing telecom operators and new players including InfraCos seeking to lease fibre optic links from an open access, non-compete metropolitan fibre optic network operator.”

The ‘Open Access Next Generation Fibre Optics Broadband Network’ paper, which is based on input from industry stakeholders, also outlines wholesale wireless last mile access through the auctioned 2.3gigahertz (GHz) spectrum to complement existing solutions.

The NCC said it is committed to establishing a new broadband deployment environment in line with the National Broadband Plan, adding that the open access model for fibre-optic network deployment is best suited to bridge the digital divide and deliver fast and reliable broadband services to households and businesses.

Under the model, a national broadband network will be provided by licensed InfraCos on a non-discriminatory, open access and price regulated basis to all

service providers. The regulator said the objective of this initiative is to ‘stimulate a new national broadband network that is not only more widespread but also faster and more secure than what is available today, thereby stimulating other sectors of the economy and leading to higher economic spinoffs for Nigeria. In addition, it will offer efficient connectivity as well as ultra highspeed broadband services that are available, affordable and sustainable.

Its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Mr. Chidi Ibisi, said the company is a purely open access fibre optic network infrastructure company which does not compete against its clients by aspiring to provide last mile services to consumers of services. He said the firm provides the infrastructure that makes it possible to reach the last mile, adding that as the need for broadband connectivity expands, the firm will be a major enabler to telecom operators and other industry players that are interested in providing services to the last mile.

HE Chairman, Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, has urged Nigerians in the technology sector to increase the hunger to lead the continent by coming up with innovative products that would lower operating cost (opex) for both small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and large conglomerate.

Speaking when the Services and Solutions arm of Zinox Technologies Group unveiled a range Zinox iPower Plus Solutions in Lagos, Ekeh said it is only the power of technology that could define “a new man of the 21st century while creating exciting lifestyle for the whole generation.”

He said these unique digital smart power solutions which range from 1KVA – 20KVA is targeted as cost effective power solution to homes, offices and critical national, state and individual infrastructures.

He said: “Zinox is targeting a minimum of 1,000,000 facilities in Nigeria in the next 10 years. The iPower Plus Solutions is immediately available nationwide through Technology Distributions and Resellers nationwide,” he said.

An official of the firm, Lekan Faola, said the solution has already been installed in 1761 institutions nationwide including one of the largest and most stylish residential homes in Ikoyi and are presently deploying more.

“Though we have deployed a lot but in the last 18 months, we have worked

strategically with leading power solutions partners in Germany and Asia to perfect these products that provide enough power to run homes and offices 24hours a day with comprehensive one year warranty. The iPowerplus is a compact solution that powers a home independently with its solar panels or interfaces with utility electricity and seamlessly resolves the common power interruptions in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the days of oil boom is fast disappearing and Nigerians must start watching the cost of living. “Our power solution cuts the cost of energy consumption in our homes and offices by at least 35 per cent per month. With electricity in the hands of the private sector, it is speculated that Nigerians shall experience a minimum of 50 per cent increase with their monthly bills from next year. This will be a disaster for most homes and SMES. Our solutions put efficient and cost effective power in your hands with little or no challenges and there are no bills to pay just because we live in the tropics,” he said.

Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Ibidapo Obe also launched the firm’s 24hour Zinox Integrated Call Centre (ZICC) and Enhanced Network Operating Centre (ENOC) which has video, voice and data facilities and described as the first of its kind in Africa.

Smile Communications expands to Abuja

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HE city of Abuja is still agog days after the memorable launch of first true 4G LTE (4th Generation Long-Term Evolution) broadband internet service by Smile Communications Nigeria Limited.

In a statement, the Abuja roll-out, coming barely one year after Smile’s 2013 commercial launch of its network in Ibadan, and months after Lagos; follows more than three years of extensive testing and development. Abuja residents are expected to hugely benefit from the Ibadan and Lagos experience of which users have adjudged a great success.

4G LTE is the most recent and advanced technological standard for wireless data communications, and represents a major shift when compared to older technologies such as 3G. Its Chief Operating Officer, Tom Allen said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is very strategic in the company’s growth, and Smile has taken its time to ensure the service is at its best in the capital city.

“Our vision of becoming the broadband internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to developing relevant products and services. We are confident and excited, and we are ready to share the promise of dig-

ital citizenship with Abuja residents and millions of Nigerians.”

According to him, customers are already experiencing global standard speed and quality: “Our customers will experience average speeds in excess of 6Mbps, and some customers are already running at average speeds in excess of 20Mbps, which is substantially faster than the speed that can be achieved in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom,” he said.

He said Abuja residents are expected to benefit from several new innovations in its offerings from day one, adding that key to its vision is creating a memorable experience for the customer. Some of these innovations include a customer’s ability to select the speed of his preferred Smile service from his MySmile portal. A strange thing no doubt for a company that sells data, but Smile’s approach is to help customers use the internet efficiently and effectively.

Smile has also introduced SmileON. With SmileON, if your data bundle runs out before the end of its validity period, you can still enjoy restricted access to the Smile service. All in all, Allen stated that some of these fantastic new innovations are unprecedented as they are not available from any other operator in the world.

Firm partners Ericsson on service quality

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RANGE Botswana has entered into a multi-year managed services agreement with Ericsson. Through this agreement, Ericsson will manage network operations for Orange Botswana. This is an effort by Orange to optimise its network and IT operations with the aim to further improve quality of service and customer experience, the firm said in a statement.

Under the terms of the contract, Ericsson will assume responsibility of the operational management and field maintenance of Orange Botswana’s network infrastructure.

This agreement therefore allows Orange Botswana to leverage on Ericsson’s technical expertise and experience to maintain and further improve its network performance.

This will then give Orange the edge to focus on its core business of delivering superior products and services that cater for the needs of its customers. As a result, 27 employees from Orange Botswana joined.

Chief Executive Officer, Orange Botswana, Philippe Baudin, said: “This agreement with Ericsson reflects our long-standing partnership, and our ongoing commitment to deliver on a simple promise: to be first for service, value, and innovation.”

Vice President, Managed Services, Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, Karl Johan-Nybell, said: “As Africa’s leading provider of managed services, we are committed to bringing our global expertise and experience in this field to bear on this engagement, with the aim of affording Orange’s customers quality services and superior network performance.”

The agreement extends Ericsson’s managed services leadership and footprint across sub-Saharan Africa. So far, Ericsson has signed more than 300 managed services contracts in more than 100 countries and provided managed services for networks that serve over one billion subscribers worldwide.

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SHOWBIZ Why Nigeria can’t make next Oscars

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•Ik, Lilian and Esther at the eviction party

BBA: Nigeria’s Lilian, two others evicted

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T was end of the show on Sunday for three more female contestants in the ongoing Big Brother Africa reality show tagged ‘Hotshots Edition’, as the dreams of Nigerian model, Lilian, alongside Uganda’s Esther and Kenya’s Sabina were dashed irredeemably .

The three, who were among the nine put up for eviction penultimate week, were said to have scored the lowest votes from participating countries.

The Sunday’s live show brings to five the number of contestants evicted so far from the show, as Zambia’s Resa and Mozambique’s Mira had been previously evicted.

However, it was an exciting moment for Tayo, the Nigerian male contestant, as he escaped eviction from the show. While Tayo got votes from three countries, JJ (Zimbabwe) received votes from five countries and Permithias got votes from two countries. Also, four housemates received one country vote

•Tayo gets immunity

By Victor Akande each and two housemates received no country votes.

Consequently, the tie-breaker rule was evoked in order to separate the four housemates who received one country vote each.

IK, who went into the house for the first time, teased Permithias and Idris about their closeness to some ladies in the house, before asking the Head of House, Samantha, to stand and reveal her ‘add’ decision. Samantha revealed that she had based her decision on the strongest member of the winning Extravaganza group, with Ellah as her choice. Then, IK announced that Lilian and Esther, who were the closest to Tayo, would be heading home. It was obvious that Tayo was greatly shocked by Lilian’s eviction, as he rushed to hug her, saying: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Ghanaian housemate, Kacey Moore gets loud

•Moore

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F Idris, the ‘lover boy’ from Tanzania had not upset Ghanaian housemate, Kacey Moore, many could have gone away with the impression that West African contestant is an introvert.

He went on and on, talking about how Idris misrepresented his closeness to Ellah, while boasting of his ‘morals’ as a married man, using the ‘F’ word repeatedly.

For more than three hours, Kacey spoke from housemate to housemate and finally to Idris about the whole saga.

Trouble started when Idris went over to Ellah to question her about what was brewing between her and Kacey since people had been talking. This interrogation shocked Ellah who went straight to Kacey, telling him that Idris advised her to keep away from him as his intentions were skewed.

Kacey got very upset and ordered Ellah off his bed. Ellah left Kacey in a hot mess as the Ghanaian cursed over and over about how people could not just make such allegations without knowing who he really was.

He reiterated how he loved his wife and child and how he would never do anything to jeopardise his relationship with his wife. He said that she was probably watching the show, laughing at how the housemates had no clue of who he was.

He continued saying that in his career he had a lot of women who threw themselves at him and that if he wanted to ‘get with’ a beauty queen he could achieve that outside of Biggie’s house. He said that his wife understood his nature – that having grown up with only women he was able to click with them, particularly as a ‘big brother’.

Kacey Moore spoke non-stop and one wonders if he wasn’t hiding something? Poor Idris was confronted by four men (Alusa, Kacey Moore, JJ and Macky2) but notably handled the situation maturely, even though Kacey Moore hardly allowed him a word in.

IK also revealed the StarMeter results for the week, a measure of the popularity of the housemates based on social media buzz.

Tayo topped the viewers’ poll this week. But hardly had the remaining housemates heaved a sigh of relief than IK took viewers back into the house, saying there would be another eviction. He then revealed Sabina, the comedian from Kenya, as the third housemate to be evicted on the night.

With composure, Samantha said she had connected with Permithias because of his music and his background. She told IK that she was still living in hope that there was a second house for evicted Hotshots, but he confirmed that this eviction was the end of the road for her.

IK later revealed that Team B( where Tayo belongs), had won this week’s Extravaganza task with their traditional Bollywood performance, suggesting that they are immune from nomination this week.

The show featured Kenyan Urban Afro-Pop group Elani, who performed Jana Usiku & Koo Koo before returning later with Zuzu.

HEN in February, a local Oscars selection committee was announced for Nigeria, many rolled out the drums for what they consider as an opportunity for Nollywood to compete at the level of the revered Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Hollywood, but it appears Nigeria will have to wait a little more.

According to the Nigeria Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC), none of the entries submitted by Nigerian filmmakers meets the basic requirement for the awards.

Entries from Africa and other countries outside the United States are categorised under foreign language films, requiring that eligible movies, which must be feature-length, are predominantly non-English dialogue productions with accurate English subtitles.

Chairman of NOSC, Chineze Anyaene, disclosed that most of the entries received were “either in English, while some of those that were not in English were not properly subtitled and quite a number of them were lacking in some technical details.”

By Victor Akande But according to Anyaene, what matters to the committee is the selection and submission of a work that best represents the country and not just to be counted among the countries with entries at the Oscars.

She said: “We don’t have to submit a film if we don’t have one worthy of an entry. That explains why we are not among the 83 countries. But it is not a bad situation. We are only a few months old as a committee of the academy and it means that we need to prepare against next year and subsequently. We are working on hosting a series of workshops in collaboration with the regulatory agencies and relevant guilds and associations as well as stakeholders so we can enlighten them on the expectation as far as this category is concerned. But I am optimistic we will have an entry next year.”

83 countries, including new entrants like Mauritania, Kosovo, Panama and Malta have reportedly submitted films for consideration in the 87th edition of the Oscars, scheduled to take place on February 22, 2015.

It has been revealed that African countries like South Africa, Morocco and Ethiopia feature prominently on the list of the 83 countries that have submitted entries.

However, only five nominations will be announced by the academy on January 15, 2015. They will be announced along with contenders in the other categories. But this will be after a short list of nine foreign language semi-finalists will have been unveiled.

•Chineze Anyaene

Tina Mba to celebrities: if you can’t stay married, don’t go into it

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OTABLE Nollywood actress, Tina Mba, has advised celebrities who are not prepared to stay married not to venture into it.

Speaking as a celebrity guest on Jara recently, the Delta State-born actress and single mother, who has been involved in stage productions and films for over two decades, said: “I have two lovely children. But what I know about marriage is that it is an institution laid down by God, so it is sacred. What I tell people is that if you can’t stay married, please, do not go into it.

“Marriage is a burden; it is

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

a huge responsibility. If you are not ready for it, don’t go there. Marriage is not about having a lavish ceremony. But it is about you and what you truly feel and how you tend to make it work. What I am saying is that if you can’t keep it together, don’t venture into it. People marry for different reasons. If you are an actress, a wife and a mother, you should know your responsibility is more. Because you are married, you cannot go on a movie set and start giving excuses. You know you will be losing your jobs little by little. The directors under-

stand, so they will be giving you slacks. You do not have to kiss and hug all the time.”

•Mba

Another baby boy for Laide Bakare

N •Bakare

OLLYWOOD actress Laide Bakare has been delivered of a baby boy.

The Yoruba language thespian, who broke the news via her Black Berry Messenger (BBM) said the child arrived last Tuesday, at 4:30pm, New York time.

“Yes… yes it’s a boy! My

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

boy arrived at exactly 4:30pm American time in New York on Tuesday, nice weather. I am the happiest person in the world. Araye ebami dupe. Ire akari Insha Allahu. Kisses to you all,” she wrote.

Although the actress had

a child from her previous marriage, this is the second child she is having with her current husband, Alhaji Orilowo.

The actress had been in America for a while in preparation for the ‘big day’, with a baby shower and birthday celebrations which held at Festac Grill Lounge, Brooklyn, on October 10.

Zuriel Oduwole shines at Nollywood Movies Awards night

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HOUGH the 2014 Nollywood Movies Awards night described as the centenary celebration has come and gone, not a few who witnessed the colourful event will easily forget the face of 12-year-old Zuriel Oduwole whose presence elicited interesting comments by the guests.

From the moment she walked into the expansive Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the show, Oduwole, who was a special guest, was

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

bombarded by cameramen.

The honour was done her following her award-winning documentary in 2013 and her current documentary.

The youngster was invited by some TV networks to speak to their audiences and inspire the children who watch it.

The host, Denrele, stated that he is a big fan of Oduwole, having listened to her, a couple of days earlier, on

the TITI radio show, where she talked about her current work with children on basic hand hygiene.

Half way into the show, she was invited to the stage to give her version of the event and introduce the anchor of the night in her own words.

Oduwole is currently putting finishing touches to her third documentary due for release before the end of the year. It focuses on a brighter Africa, starting with Nigeria as part of her

•Oduwole

“Rebranding Africa” initiative.

In attendance at the glamorous event were actors, producers, directors and movie buffs, among other eminent personalities.

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NEWS 7th LIRS school essay begins

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HE 7th edition of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service Secondary School Essay Competition has begun. The competition kicked off with the delivery of letters to schools between 9 and 10 October, 2014. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service Secondary School Essay Competition was conceived to acquaint the youth, the leaders of tomorrow, with tax administration as a way of ensuring that they become responsible citizens when they gain employment after leaving school and also to motivate them for academic excellence.

Participants have between 13 October and 7 November 2014 to complete their essays.

Completed essays are to be submitted between 10 and 12 November, while the evaluation of received essays will take place between 13 and 22 November.

This will be followed by the defence of assessed essays on 6 December. The competition will climax at a prize giving ceremony scheduled for 15 January, 2015.

As with the previous editions, the essay topics are taxrelated. Participants are required to choose one of the following topics: Discuss The Various Sources Of Revenue Available To African Countries, Highlighting Which One Guarantees Sustainable Development; What Role Should Oil Revenue Play (In Relation To Tax Revenue) In The Development Of Nigeria Over The Next 10 Years?; or What Is The Relationship Between Tax Revenue And Employment Within A State?

Essays should not exceed 500 words.

Successful participants will be rewarded with prizes that include scholarships, computers and an array of consolation prizes.

Imo lifts embargo on employment

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has announced the lifting of embargo on employment in the civil service.

He congratulated workers on the Civil Service Week.

Okorocha spoke when addressing permanent secretaries, who visited him at the Government House, Owerri.

He said the recruitment would be for workers involved in the Youth Must Work Programme and in accordance with the civil service guidelines.

The governor said buses would be provided to convey civil servants to and from their offices, free, thereby easing transport burden.

The Head of Service, Mr. Calistus Ekenze, said they came to present birthday gifts to Okorocha and thank him for approving the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week.

Enugu commissioner resigns

•Joins senatorial race

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NUGU State Commissioner for Transport Chukwuka Utazi has resigned to contest for the Enugu North seat.

The position is occupied by

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Senator Ayogu Eze, who is aspiring to be governor.

Utazi, who briefed reporters in Enugu after he resigned, said the odds favour him as he is experienced.

Conference on cement holds Friday

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HE Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE) will hold a “cement conference” tomorrow and Friday at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The institute said the conference, with the theme: Effects of Cement Strength on Concrete Performance, will create awareness on the importance of cement to the construction industry.

NIStructE National President Samuel Ilugbekhai said more attention should be given to concrete structures in the built environment, especially within the low/ medium rise zone of the built environment, where building collapse had been prevalent.

This, he explained, is because

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By Muyiwa Lucas

concrete structures outweigh other structural types in number, shape, size and application in their use.

The NIStructE President noted that for structural concrete to deliver effectively on its integrity and efficiency, its components should be combined in the right proportion.

Ilugbekhai added that there should be the right atmosphere and the right supervision by the right personnel.

He said cement, being the binding agent in concrete, is a good starting point for awareness in the institute’s series on “Safety of Structures in Nigeria” advocacy.

Fidau for community leader

HE eighth day Fidau for Alhaji Abass Olarewaju Osikoya will hold today at De Prime Place, Molipa, ljebu-Ode. Born in ljebu-Ode on August 19, 1924, the late Osikoya was a devout Muslim, a community leader and a businessman.

He died on October 15. He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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Ashafa to re-present Bill

HE Senate last week deliberated on the second reading of the Bill to amend the treaties (Making Procedure, etc) to enable him consult with the National Assembly as a mandatory treaty-making procedure to treaties entered into between the country and any other country or body.

The Bill was delivered by Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East.

It was stood down, following the contribution of Ita Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North East.

The senator there was still more work to be done on the Bill before its amendment could scale the second reading.

But Ashafa explained that the intention of the Bill was to ensure the active participation of the Whole or a committee of the Senate in the initiation and treaty-making.

The Bill, if passed into law, will facilitate the easy and quick comprehension of such treaties. It will also accelerate their approval by the National Assembly.

Ashafa said: “The central aim of this bill is to ensure that treatymaking is a concurrent function as it is the case in other countries. The measure also puts a check on presidential power as well as to have representatives of the states and of the people, make inputs at the negotiation and ratification stages of treaty making.”

•Managing Director/CEO, Edo State ICT Agency, Ms. Yemi Keri (left), displaying her ‘Most Outstanding Public Sector CIO’ award plaque at the yearly award organised by Information Technology Media Initiative in Abuja. With her are President, ISPON, Dr. Chris Uwaye; Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Chris Onyemenam; former Executive Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, with her Premier ICT Officer for the Federation plaque.

APGA pegs governorship forms at N12m

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HEAD of the 2015 general elections, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has released guidelines for its primaries.

According to a schedule of activities released after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and signed by the National Secretary, Dr. Abdulahi Sani Shinkafi, the purchase and return of the expression of interest and nomination forms will begin on October 27 and end on November 4.

The party has pegged its governorship form at N12 million, with the expression of interest form going for N2million, while the nomination form is N10million.

For the House of Assembly, the expression of interest form is N200, 000, while the nomination form is N1million. The expression of interest form for the House of Representatives is N500, 000 and the nomination form is N2million. Expression of interest form for the Senate costs N500, 000, while the nomina-

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From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

tion form is N3million.

Shinkafi said women aspirants would pay only 50 per cent of the fees for the nomination forms. The Assembly and National Assembly expression of interest forms and nomination forms are obtainable at the state secretariats of the party.

While the governorship expression of interest forms and nomination forms are obtainable at the national secretariat in Abuja.

The statement said: “Forms are obtainable through the certified bank drafts (non-refundable) payable to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, national headquarters, Abuja. Upon completion, the expression of interest and nomination forms shall be returned to the points of purchase, accompanied by the relevant documents.

“The party reserves the right and discretion to issue expres-

sion of interest and nomination forms at any time before the scheduled primaries.

“The screening of prospective aspirants and the determination of appeals arising from the exercise for the House of Assembly is fixed for November 7 and 8 and appeals arising from the screening, November 10, at the state secretariats.

“For the House of Representatives, the screening is scheduled for the state secretariats on November 11 and 12, while appeal arising there from is fixed for November 13 at the state secretariats.

“The Senate screening will hold at the state secretariats on November 14 and the appeals arising there from on November 15.

“The Governorship screening is scheduled for the national secretariat from November 20 to 21. While the appeals arising there from will hold on November 22 at the national secretariat.

“The primaries to nominate candidates for the ward congresses are scheduled as follows: Ward congresses for the election of three ad hoc delegates – November 12.

House of Assembly primaries- November 18.

House of Representatives primaries - November 24.

Senate primaries -November 28.

Governorship primariesDecember 4.

“The resolution of appeals and disputes arising from the primaries are fixed as follows: House of Assembly – November 20.

House of Representatives - November 26.

Senate -December 1.

Governorship - December 6.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party will meet on November 3 to approve the guidelines for the conduct of the primaries.”

20 injured as farmers scramble for seedlings

WENTY peasant farmers were injured on Tuesday in Owerri at the launch of the distribution of improved seedlings to farmers in Imo State.

It was sponsored by the former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The farmers engaged in a free

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•Releases guidelines for primaries

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

for all at the Shell Camp of the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri before the seedlings could be distributed to them, prompting the organisers to postpone the exercise.

The Nation learnt that trouble started after the minister left the venue.

The farmers, about 1,000, were said to have pounced on the dis-

tributors because of the fear that the seedlings might not be sufficient.

Efforts by the Imo State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Clement Iwunze and other officials, including security officials, to control the farmers were unsuccessful.

Iwunze, who condemned the action, attributed it to the inadequate security provided.

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who was represented by the Southeast Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Uche Nwafor, said the oil palm value chain was among the agricultural commodity value chains being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

PDP BoT takes reconciliation to Kaduna

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) yesterday visited Kaduna State to unite members ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders of the party at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, the BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, said: “We have visited many states for the zonal rallies, singing one song of unity, understanding and performance. We are happy that this is the first time the party is having a sole candidate for the presidential race.

This is because of the understanding of you and your colleagues in other states.

“We have come to Kaduna to make peace among ourselves and accommodate even

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

those that are sitting on the fence, so that at the end of the day, our load will be very light. Even when you are chewing your tongue, the teeth and tongue remain together.

“I am pleased with what I saw on arrival this morning and from the conduct of the meeting. I am satisfied that all is well in Kaduna State as I return to Abuja.

“During the Centenary celebration, a President from an African country said when Nigeria sneezes, the rest of Africa catches cold; when Kaduna sneezes, Nigeria catches cold; that is the importance of your state to Nigeria and beyond. We can only maintain that status if Kaduna is united.

There should be a spirit of giveand-take and forgiveness.”

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Ramalan Yero said: “This visit is important to unite and end complaints within the party. It will surely help the success of the party.

“We are known for respect for party leadership as has been shown by all leaders and this is an indication that we shall remain united in facing the next general elections.”

Senator Ahmed Makarfi said: “We are one family and will continue to be one family. We can solve our problems as a family and work together to return the PDP to power at all levels.

“We have to be our brother’s keeper. Unity is important and we shall remain united.

We discussed important inter-

nal party issues and we are not fighting each other. The meeting is for us to forge greater unity and ensure the victory of our party in 2015.”

The meeting was attended by top Kaduna PDP members, including Senator Esther Usman; House of Assembly Speaker Shehu Tahir; Senator Caleb Zagi; Alhaji Lawal Yakawada; Mr. Bala Sani; Mr. Abokie Galadima; Mr. Yakubu Barde; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director-General Sani Sidi; former General Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yakubu; Mrs. Charity Shekari; former PDP State Chairman Yau Jama’a and other stakeholders at the state and local government levels.

THE NATION THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

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NEWS 1,118 candidates for Delta’s councils’ polls

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HAIRMAN of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Mr. Moses Ogbe revealed yesterday that 1,118 candidates are scheduled to contest for the 466 wards and 25 chairmanship positions in the state’s councils’ polls holding on Saturday.

Ogbe, who spoke with reporters in Asaba, said the candidates are drawn from 10 registered political parties, adding that they are made up of 70 chairmanship and 1,048 councillorship candidates.

He said of the 10 parties, seven are fielding candidates for chairmanship positions while the remaining three are contesting for councillorship seats.

As part of measures put in place to ensure that the election is free and fair, he noted that non-sensitive materials have been dispatched to all the local councils while sensitive materials have been received and deposited in the vault of the

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Central Bank in Asaba.

Ogbe said accreditation for election would start at 8am and end by 12 noon, adding that the commission’s officials have been instructed to give priority attention to the aged, pregnant women, nursing mothers and persons with disability.

His words: “In order to ensure transparency, results will be collated and figures announced at polling units and moved to the next point of collation at both ward and local government levels, where returning officers would announce results and declare winners.”

He explained that the ballot boxes for the election have been customised for each of the 25 councils while each of the 3,624 pooling units in the 466 wards will have two ballot boxes one for the chairmanship and the other for councillorship.

Falae, Oritsejafor counsel politicians on humility, charity

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From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

ORMER presidential candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP) Chief Olu Falae has urged politicians to emulate Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan by imbibing the virtue of humility.

Falae’s spoke just as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, also counselled public office-holders to use their wealth to help the needy in the society.

They spoke at the reception and thanksgiving service in Warri to mark the 60th birthday of Uduaghan.

The former minister, at a reception at the private residence of the governor, noted that politicians have turned opportunities to serve in elective capacities into achieving self-aggrandisement.

“Nigerian politicians should emulate Uduaghan in humility.

You shouldn’t see an elective office as a means to self-aggrandisement or a thing for which you should see yourself as a superior being. For instance, when you come in contact with some councillors, you will be amazed at the kind of noise around them,” he said.

Oritsejafor, in his message at the thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, Off Okere Road, asked the political class to desist from wickedness and take to charity.

The CAN president also urged Nigerians to love one another, calling on those in positions of authority to empower those, who are less-fortunate.

“There are people in this country today enjoying what they didn’t work for. The scriptures say the wickedness of the wicked will come to an end. They think there’s no God, but they will know there is God. “They do things without considering the God factor; they have made a major mistake. They will suffer somehow, somewhere.

Wickedness is a killer of expectations. If you do wickedness, it will wait for you in the future. If you do wickedness, it will catch up with you and when tomorrow comes, you are left with nothing,” said Oritsejafor.

Uduaghan, in his brief remarks, said the reason he had always prevailed over his enemies was because of his attitude of giving thanks in all situations.

“When the judges decided to remove me as governor in 2010, I was in this same church to give thanks and when I was reinstated, I also came to give thanks. So, in any situation, learn to give thanks,” the governor advised.

The ceremony, which drew eminent dignitaries, was also attended by the state’s three senators, members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly as well as traditional rulers.

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FEC okays N188.94b for East-West road, others

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HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N188.94 billion, following requests made by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, including construction projects for the East-West road.

Supervising Minister of Information Nurudeen Mohammed broke the news yesterday while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was accompanied to the briefing by Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, Minister of Niger Delta Steve Oru and Supervising Minister of Health Khaliru Alhassan.

According to him, of the sum, N165.25 billion was approved for the construction of Phase 1, Section V of the East-West road.

He added that N23.48 billion was also approved as Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) 2 for the East-West Road Project, Sections I and II (Sub-Sections II-I and II-II).

He said: “The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs brought a memorandum to seek council’s ratification of Mr. President’s anticipatory approval for the award of contract for the construction of phase 1, section V of the East West road, beginning from Uyo/ Oron roundabout in Akwa Ibom State to Calabar-Odukpani road in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.”

He explained that the extension of the road would reduce travel time from Oron to Calabar from three hours to 30 minutes.

“It will also reduce vehicle operating costs, opening up access to various riverine communities and the proposed Ibaga Seaport. In addition, there will be increase in economic activities that will be generated as well as creating employment

•Uduaghan

Wike to support PDP’s candidate in Rivers

FORMER Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State to succeed Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has promised to support whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.

He, however, hoped he would emerge as the party’s standard-bearer at the primaries to be contested by over 10

• Left to right: Managing Director, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Limited Dr. Ufomo Okolele; Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Centre Region Apollo Hospitals, Dr. K. Hari Prasad; Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission, Mr. Vyas Deo Choudhary; Vice President (Commancial), Airtel Mr. Ajay Bakshi and its Director, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mr. Emeka Opara, at the Apollo Hospital-Airtel’s news conference in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

aspirants.

Wike, an ex-Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt and the DirectorGeneral of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011, spoke yesterday in a live telephone interview monitored on a local radio station in Port Harcourt.

He vowed that the PDP would produce the state’s next governor.

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•Council approves N3.5b for Jet flight simulator

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

opportunities for over 1,500 skilled and unskilled workers, including engineers, technicians and artisans,” the minister said.

He added: “Council ratified Mr. President’s anticipatory approval for the award of contract for the construction of Phase I, Section V of the EastWest road, beginning from Uyo/Oron roundabout in Akwa Ibom State to CalabarOdukpani road in Calabar, Cross Rivers State in favour of Messrs China Civil Engineering and Construction Company(CCECC) at N165,249,125,989.16, with a completion period of five years.

“Approval for the award of contract for the supervision of construction of Calabar-ObaNsan-Okoroba-Ajasor road (Section 1) in Cross River State and construction of road/ drainage at Mbaise Ring Road intersecting Owerri-Umuahia road in Imo State.

“After the adoption of the previous conclusion, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs presented a memorandum to seek council’s approval for the award of contract for the supervision of the construction of Calabar-Oban-NsanOkoroba-Ajasor road (Section1) in Cross River State and the construction of Mbaise Ring Road intersecting Owerri-Owerri road in Imo State.

“The projects upon completion will enhance the spread of infrastructure development across the entire Niger Delta region. After deliberations,

Council approved the award of the two contracts for the supervision of the projects in favour of the two companies as indicated below: “Messrs. Siraj (Nig) Limited, supervision of the construction of Calabar-Oban-Nsan-Ajasor road (section) in Cross River in the sum of N106,407,242.51 with a completion period of 24 months.

“Messrs. Reset Consult, supervision of the construction of the Mbaise Ring Road intersecting Owerri-Umahia Road in Imo State for N106,407,242.51 with a completion period of 24 months”.

He added that the minister also tabled a letter before council seeking its approval for the Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) of various contracts as a result of rising costs of critical construction materials, plants, localised taxes, spiral effect of inflation etc, which has reached an unbearable level over the years such that the subsisting unit rates could no longer sustain.

He said: “Council approved the Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) 2 for the East-West Road Project, Sections I and II (Sub-Sections II-I and II-II) at N23, 484,369,831.99 inclusive of all taxes in favour of Messers Sectraco (Nigeria) Limited with a completion period of 7 months.”

“There is a budgetary provision of N52.7 billion for East West road (sections I & II ) in 2014, which is made up of N18.5 billion from the main line budget, N21 billion SURE-P budget and N13.3 billion AFDB loan.”

For the aviation sector, he said $21.459 million (N3.5 bil-

lion) was approved for the supply and installation of a full JetFlight Simulator (5000 Series B737).

According to him, the simulator with complete accessories is for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, but will be located at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

The minister also explained that the Minister of Power presented a memorandum, seeking FEC’s approval for the purchase of a building situated at Plot 187, Housing Area B, new Owerri, Imo State as Zonal Office for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Mohammed said: “Provision of office accommodation will enable NERC to effectively perform its regulatory function in the zone as there are provisions of N565,127,793.08 in the NERC’s 2014 appropriation.”

He said the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment brought another memorandum seeking the council’s approval for the award of contract for the appointment of a Transaction Adviser for the Rehabilitation of the Independence Building for the National Trade and International Business Centre (NITBC) project in Lagos.

“It is expected that upon successful completion of the project, the centre will generate revenue and provide a none-stop international centre for the development of trade and enhancement of foreign investment in Nigeria. Also, it will serve as an engine room for commerce, which will further propel Nigeria towards the vision of becoming one of the world’s 20 largest economies by 2020,” the minister disclosed.

Family, police fight over ex-militant’s body

HE controversy surrounding the missing body of an ex-militant leader, Ken Nweigha, is now a subject of dispute between his family and the police in Bayelsa State.

The ex-militant leader, popularly known in the creeks as Daddy Ken, died in controversial circumstances in police custody in 2011.

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Agnes Nweigha, had dragged the police to the Federal High Court, demanding, among others, for the release of her son’s body for a befit-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ting burial.

The court granted her prayers and mandated the police to unconditionally release the corpse to the family.

Following the delay by the police to obey the order, the family members, through their lawyer, Osom Mackbere, filed a contempt proceeding against the police.

It was gathered that the police, out of fear of the contempt suit, wrote a letter to the family requesting it to attend the

exhumation and handing over of the body.

The letter, which was dated October 15, was signed by ACP Assayomo Emienbo.

The police said the exhumation of the corpse had been fixed for yesterday after due consultation with the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area.

But it was learnt that the family gave the police conditions to partake in the process.

The family, in a letter by Mackbere which was dated October 20, demanded an “au-

topsy, forensic analysis or pathological report on the certainty of the remains before the consequent hand over to avert wrong identity”.

It urged the police to employ utmost caution in complying with the court’s order, especially as it relates to the remains of the deceased.

Following the family’s position, the police called off the exhumation.

The police were said to have told the family that a new date for the exhumation would be communicated to them.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

NEWS ‘Outrage in South Africa over bodies’ Continued from page 4

Nigerian medical examiner as saying the bodies would be taken from Lagos by month end.

“We are looking at three weeks,” Prof John Obafunwa, was quoted as saying.

“I would be surprised if we had to wait till November... I expect all bodies to be out by that time. The inquest could drag on for weeks and months. But we’re not going to delay the release of bodies to family members because of that.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party yesterday criticised the Nigerian government for the delay.

“This is disheartening and this

clearly shows a lack of ubuntu.

One can imagine the agony of the families who have been waiting for several weeks for their loved ones to be brought back home,” the party’s national chairperson Blessed Gwala said.

“The Nigerian government must respond in the spirit of ubuntu by speeding up the process of the DNA testing and the bodies must be sent back home without any further delay.”

Gwala said families in South Africa had to postpone funerals because they did not have the bodies.

“Whenever there is death there are rituals and cultural

norms that need to be observed, but these families are being denied this.”

A group of pastors called the Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship called on Nigerian authorities to expedite the repatriation of the bodies.

“We are concerned that until the (families) have mourned and buried their loved ones in dignity, families... will not find closure to carry on with their lives,” the group’s chairman, Zandisile Mpame, said in a statement.

He said it was unacceptable that the identification and repatriation of the bodies had still not been completed after 40 days.

troops.

The source said troops had been placed on “Red Alert” in Konduga, Maiduguri, Damboa, Biu, Shaffa, Madagali, Michika, Mubi, Benisheik axis and some parts of Yobe, including Damaturu.

“Troops will not attack the insurgents but they will also not be flippant or gullible to allow the insurgents to overrun them.

“The military authorities ordered the troops not to be vulnerable. The insurgents have adopted the same strategy as they are still holding on to Gwoza, Bama, Madagali, Abadam, and some occupied towns and villages.

“We hope the ceasefire will be able to address disengagement from these seized towns and villages.”

There were unconfirmed reports last night of the abduction of 40 women in Madagali.

A military source said: “We have not got any signal on the abduction; we are trying to verify the claim.

“What is being circulated came from those whose villages were attacked. We have to find out the truth or otherwise.”

A Presidency source said: “We have not heard any hints from the two parties in Chad but we are positive.

“Since the talks had been restrictive, it is difficult to say categorically the mileage President Deby of Chad had gained.”

The Deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, Marie Harf, said at a briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday on whether or not US military advisers in Nigeria have any role in the negotiations: “They have not. They have not. I don’t have a prediction going forward, but they have not up until this

point.”

The women were said to have been abducted at Waga Mongoro District of Madagali Local Government Area.

The insurgents reportedly invaded the area, forcing residents to flee to safe places in the bush and mountain tops. Many trekked to nearby local government headquarters.

Reports said that the insurgents invaded the district which borders Gwoza in Borno State, burning down houses.

The insurgents were also said to have used the abducted women as shields during attacks by troops.

Fleeing residents said the insurgents razed some villages and carted away food items, animals and household utensils.

Two residents who escaped the attack to Yola told reporters that they passed through the bush to avoid being killed.

A man who gave his name as Titus said the insurgents stormed the town in the wee hours of Tuesday through the road leading to Sambisa forest and escaped through the same route.

He said when they came into the town, they rounded up the girls, put them in trucks along with food stuff, house hold items and domestic animals.

He said: “When they struck, we heard them chanting antigovernment slogans to the effect that they were not party to any ceasefire agreement, adding that the government was on a mission to deceive the people.”

But the chairman of Madagali Local Government, James Abawu Watharda, could neither confirm nor deny the report. He said he had lost contact with the people while staying in Yola.

Ceasefire announcement ‘hasty’

Continued from page 4

Haram. Government is tired of insurgency and it hasn’t been winning the war ... but Boko Haram aren’t tired,” he said, adding: “For the Chibok girls, let’s wait and see.”

A senior Chadian diplomatic source who requested for anonymity said Jonathan made the announcement to show he had obtained a result but a deal had not yet been finalised.

“Our feeling is that they acted precipitously. They should have waited until they at least had some of the girls. I don’t know anyone in the country who actually knows where they are,” the diplomat said.

The fact that the announced ceasefire has been broken does not mean that there was no deal in the works, he said, because it may take time to get the message down Boko Haram’s fragmented chain of command.

It is still not clear which faction of this decentralised insurgent movement was involved in the talks, nor whether it is the one holding the girls, but the Chadian diplomat said the Nigerian government has accepted it as representing Boko Haram.

As the nation awaits the outcome of the negotiation, troops were placed on red alert in some flashpoints in the Northeast.

It was also learnt that the military was still trying to verify alleged abduction of yet another batch of 40 girls in Madagali, Adamawa State.

The United States (U.S.) government has said that its military advisers were not yet involved in the negotiation for the release of the Chibok girls.

A source said the ceasefire does not mean withdrawal of

Oshoala brace sets up Nigeria/Cameroon final

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FIRST half brace from Asisat Oshoala gave Nigeria a final ticket for the African Women championship.

The Falcons beat South Africa 2-1 in their semis clash yesterday in Windhoek.

Oshoala opened the scores on 38 minutes and completed her brace just before half time as the Super Falcons endured to a slim

win after Jane Refiloe reduced the deficit for the South Africans in the second half.

The Nigerians survived several attacks from the Banyana Banyana in closing stages to confirm their place at next year’s women’s version of the Mundial.

Captain Christine Manie led by example scoring the winner in 118th minute to aid Cameroon to

a 2-1 win over a resilient Cote d’Ivoire side at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek in the second semi final The Cameroonians will also face old foes Nigeria, in the final on Saturday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium whilst South Africa battles Cote d’Ivoire in the final slot for next year’s World Cup in Canada.

Continued from page 4

ECA on the grounds that state governments needed more funds to execute projects and programmes as well as pay civil servants. The states had their way.

Following this development, the sum of $4.1 billion is now left in the ECA. The state governments also insisted on full disclosure of the activities of the NNPC especially how much had been transferred to the Federation Account.

The minister of state for finance told reporters what was

shared for September at the end of the meeting. Yuguda said a total of N603.529 billion was shared, which was lower than the N611.767 billion shared in August.

N463.779 billion was shared among the three tiers of government as statutory fund, N65.102 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), N30 billion as additional distribution from NNPC, N35.549 billion from SURE-P and N6.330 billion as NNPC refund to the Federal Account.

States force sharing of N2.7b from ECA

(inadequate and unacceptable to the states) and that the states were prepared to reject the figure from the federal government.

The Minister of State for Finance Ambassador Bashir Yuguda canvassed the “nosharing option based on the view that the country’s savings should be beefed up to mitigate any likely shocks on the economy.”

However, the states opposed moving the amount into the

Insurgency: House approves $1bn loan for Jonathan Continued from page 4

ister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to provide information on the source of funds, terms and conditions of the loan, details of the

tenure and interest repayment.

It also “requested the National Security Adviser (NSA) to provide the breakdown of allocations apportioned to the Ni-

gerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Police and Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA).”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

68

FOREIGN NEWS

Legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee dies at 93

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ENJAMIN C. Bradlee, who presided over The Washington Post newsroom for 26 years and guided The Post’s transformation into one of the world’s leading newspapers, died October 21 at his home in Washington of natural causes. He was 93.

From the moment he took over The Post newsroom in 1965, Mr. Bradlee sought to create an important newspaper that would go far beyond the traditional model of a metropolitan daily. He achieved that goal by combining compelling news stories based on aggressive reporting with engaging feature pieces of a kind previously associated with the best magazines. His charm and gift for leadership helped him hire and inspire a talented staff and eventually made him the most celebrated newspaper editor of his era.

The most compelling story of Mr. Bradlee’s tenure, almost certainly the one of greatest consequence, was Watergate, a political scandal touched off by The Post’s reporting that ended in the only resignation of a president in U.S. history.

But Mr. Bradlee’s most important decision, made with Katharine Graham, The Post’s publisher, may have been to print stories based on the Pentagon Papers, a secret Penta-

gon history of the Vietnam War. The Nixon administration went to court to try to quash those stories, but the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision of the New York Times and The Post to publish them.

President Obama recalled Mr. Bradlee’s legacy on Tuesday night in a statement that said: “For Benjamin Bradlee, journalism was more than a profession — it was a public good vital to our democracy.

A true newspaperman, he transformed the Washington Post into one of the country’s finest newspapers, and with him at the helm, a growing army of reporters published the Pentagon Papers, exposed Watergate, and told stories that needed to be told — stories that helped us understand our world and one another a little bit better. The standard he set — a standard for honest, objective, meticulous reporting — encouraged so many others to enter the profession. And that standard is why, last year, I was proud to honor Ben with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Today, we offer our thoughts and prayers to Ben’s family, and all who were fortunate to share in what truly was a good life.”

The Post’s circulation nearly doubled while Mr. Bradlee was in charge of the newsroom — first as

managing editor and then as executive editor — as did the size of its newsroom staff. And he gave the paper ambition.

Mr. Bradlee stationed correspondents around the globe, opened bureaus across the Washington region and from coast to coast in the United States, and he created features and sections — most notably Style, one of his proudest inventions — that were widely copied by others.

During his tenure, a paper that had previously won just four Pulitzer Prizes, only one of which was for reporting, won 17 more, including the Public Service award for the Watergate coverage.

“Ben Bradlee was the best American newspaper editor of his time and had the greatest impact on his newspaper of any modern editor,” said Donald E. Graham, who succeeded his mother as publisher of The Post and Mr. Bradlee’s boss.

“So much of The Post is Ben,” Mrs. Graham said in 1994, three years after Mr. Bradlee retired as editor.

“He created it as we know it today.”

Leonard Downie Jr., who succeeded Mr. Bradlee as The Post’s executive editor in 1991, said: “Ben’s influence remained very much alive at The Washington Post long after he retired, distinguishing the newspaper and our newsroom as

Hong Kong protests continue

P

RO-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong have marched to the residence of the territory’s leader, criticising his stance on democratic reform.

The protesters were also angered by CY Leung’s recent comments, where he argued that poorer residents should not be given too much political influence.

Pro-democracy protesters have been on Hong Kong’s

streets for three weeks, paralysing some key roads.

Activists and government officials held talks for the first time on Tuesday.

However, the first round of talks showed little signs of ending the impasse Correspondents say about 200 protesters marched to Mr Leung’s official residence, Government House, on Wednesday.

Many were angered by Mr

Leung’s comments in an interview on Monday, where he said fully democratic elections would lead to populist policies, as poorer residents would have a dominant voice in politics.

“If it’s entirely a numbers game and numeric representation, then obviously you would be talking to half of the people in Hong Kong who earn less than $1,800 (£1,110) a month,” he said.

T

•The late Bradlee

unique in journalism.”

Mr. Bradlee’s patrician good looks, gravelly voice, profane vocabulary and zest for journalism and for life all contributed to the charismatic personality that dominated and shaped The Post. Modern American newspaper editors rarely achieve much fame, but Mr. Bradlee

HE World Health Organization’s emergency committee is holding talks to discuss the Ebola epidemic.

The meeting in Geneva will examine screening measures at borders and consider whether stricter travel regulations should be put in place.

New rules in the US require travellers from the worst affected countries to arrive at one of five airports.

Meanwhile, first batches of an experimental vaccine

became a celebrity and loved the status. Jason Robards played him in the movie “All the President’s Men,” based on Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s book about Watergate. Two books Mr. Bradlee wrote — “Conversations With Kennedy” and his memoir, “A Good Life” — were bestsellers.

WHO meets on Ebola

against Ebola are due to arrive to Switzerland.

The vaccine, developed by Canada’s public health agency, combines fragments of Ebola with a non-fatal virus and could trigger the immune system to produce the necessary antibodies.

However, the BBC’s Imogen Foulkes in Geneva says a fully tested and approved vaccine is not expected to become available for months or possibly years.

The current outbreak of the virus has already killed more than 4,500 people mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The WHO has faced criticism that it reacted too slowly to the spread of the disease.

Its emergency committee is meeting to discuss Ebola for the third time with the aim of assessing the efforts so far to contain and control the virus.

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

THE NATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

HE two main political parties in Nigeria, the APC (the opposition party) and the PDP (the ruling party at the federal level) are preparing feverishly for the presidential election due in March next year. Baring any unforeseen developments, the PDP will again present President Jonathan as its candidate for re-election. Despite some opposition to his candidacy from some disparate PDP groups in the North, the probability is that he will emerge as a consensus candidate in the party. But in the case of the APC, the main opposition party, the situation regarding who will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate is not so clear. Three candidates, General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler, Abubakar Atiku, a former vice-president in Obasanjo’s PDP federal government, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the governor of Kano State, are clearly in the lead for the party’s nomination as candidates for election as the president. All three APC candidates have public records by which they can be judged. But General Buhari, despite his perceived faults, appears to be in the lead.

Last week, he declared his interest in the contest with a powerful speech outlining his vision for Nigeria. In the case of President Jonathan, his “Transformation Agenda” offers a basis for determining his effectiveness, or not, in office.

However, regardless of who emerges from both parties as presidential candidates, it is desirable that the main issues of this critical election be well defined and understood by the electorate, which should be guided in its choice by the challenges now facing the nation, and who they think by his record in office is best qualified among the candidates to effectively tackle these enormous challenges. Despite several divisions in the nation, the focus of the electorate should be on which of the candidates has the vision and the leadership qualities to resolve some of our deep seated problems that cut across the ethnic, religious, and social divide in our nation.

The question of national security.

By far the biggest and most pressing challenge now facing our country is the destructive Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast of Nigeria that has claimed hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. Over 200 school girls abducted in April in Chibok, Borno State, by the insurgents have not yet been released. Regrettably, this grave and disturbing threat to the national security is being increasingly politicised, with both parties blaming each other for the situation. This menace should, instead, be treated on a bipartisan basis with a full consensus on the strategy to be adopted to end the insurgency. Evidently, despite its best efforts, the PDP federal government has failed to deal adequately with the insurgency. There have recently been some false hopes raised on this security issue, and the FG is currently involved in delicate negotiations with the insurgents to free the girls. As I write this, there is a glimmer of hope that the girls will be released, even if only

RIPPLES

KESHI’S SACK NOT SOLUTION – Ekeji

So what’s the solution? Retain him and KILL our FOOTBALL...ehn?

VOL. 9, NO. 3,010

‘PDP and Fayose by fielding and winning the Ekiti election seemed to have redefined liberal democracy as an irrational and absurd concept’ JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Defining real issues in the 2015 presidential election itary background and experience to deal effectively with the insurgency and other growing challenges to our national security. As far as the issue of national security is concerned he will certainly do much better than President Jonathan who, on the whole, has tended to deal with the insurgency in Borno State with kid gloves.

The economic challenges: Job creation and poverty reduction.

in batches. Let us hope that the FG will succeed in pulling this off. Otherwise, the credibility of the FG on the handling of this traumatic problem will be badly dented.

But it is not only the rampaging insurgency that Nigeria has to cope with. In addition, we have political assassinations, kidnappings, vastly increased armed robberies and other violent crimes to grapple with. Then there are the various armed militias all over the country operating with virtual impunity. The current state of internal insecurity is the worst our nation has ever had to face. Some observers even doubt that, in the light of this appalling state of internal insecurity, next year’s elections can be held, or that it can be free and fair. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to hold elections in Borno State in present circumstances. All this undermines our economic growth as a nation. We would expect to hear in details from the contenders for the presidency how they intend to tackle this long and festering sore in the nation.

It has to be said that of the contenders, General Buhari is better placed to take a tough and uncompromising stand on the issue of national security.

As a former military officer and ruler, he acquired a reputation as a fine soldier who is willing to take risks if necessary, as he did in Chad, to protect Nigeria’s security. He is the only military candidate and, despite some reservations about his regard for caution and prudence, he certainly has the mil-

Nigeria has been touted as the largest economy in Africa. Its annual economic growth rate of nearly seven per cent in recent years is certainly impressive. But this high economic growth has been fuelled largely by surging oil revenues and high foreign direct investment.

The economy remains basically fragile and highly vulnerable to a decline in either the oil revenue or foreign direct investment. For instance, South Africa’s economy, the second largest in Africa, is more balanced and mature than Nigeria’s economy. It does not have any oil income to depend on for growth. South Africa is better placed to withstand the looming global oil shocks. Unlike Nigeria, its economy is export led. The current projection is that Nigeria’s oil revenues will continue to fall in the coming years as the U.S. has virtually ceased importing oil from Nigeria. China and India, Nigeria’s two major oil importers, are also cutting back on oil imports from Nigeria because of the slow down in the global economy that is also affecting their own economies negatively. The slow down in global manufacturing, particularly in the European Community, will have a negative impact on global oil supplies.

In fact, Nigeria is already feeling the negative effect of the decline in oil revenues.

For months now, there has been very little money in the federation account to share among the states and the federal government. The excess crude oil fund has been virtually depleted. The foreign reserves are falling steadily due to CBN’s efforts to shore up the naira. Virtually all the governments of the federation now have to contend with fall-

HARDBALL

O

N the claims and counter-claims on the Ebola success, President Goodluck Jonathan has provided Hardball a delicious piece of un-Solomon-ic wisdom!

Remember that famous case the Biblical King Solomon adjudicated: the case of the two prostitutes disputing over two babies, one dead, the other alive?

King Solomon, after listening to the adamant claim of the two, suggested that, since both claims were convincing, the palace guards should halve both live and dead baby, and the disputing women should take each of the two!

The mother of the dead child jumped at the offer, hailing the King’s decision. But the mother of the live child demurred, pleading with the king to spare the live baby, saying that perhaps when it grew up, the baby would somewhat trace its mother! Solomon promptly handed the woman the baby, saying that her compassion had proved that she, indeed, was the mother of the child.

Hardball would crave your indulgence, dear reader, to apply this feat of Solomon to President Jonathan’s take on the Ebola success claim and counter-claim.

Speaking at the Aso Villa, Abuja, at the launch of the Tony Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund, the president declared: “No president

ing revenues, and this will slow down Nigeria’s economic growth. Already, the World Bank and the IMF have offered Nigeria much needed advice that, on account of these negative developments in the global economy, it should increase the tempo of its efforts to diversify the structure of the economy. It is nearly 30 years since the IMF- inspired Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was introduced

by Nigeria with very high socio-economic costs, but very little diversification of the economy has been achieved, particularly under this PDP federal government. Implementation of the budget of the federal government has been generally tardy. Thirty years after the Structural Adjustment Programme, the rate of poverty in our country has not been significantly reduced. The programme on job creation has not really made any impact on the millions of the unemployed at every level of the society. This is driving the unemployed but well educated youths to commit violent crimes.

The electorate will need to know in greater details how the parties, particularly the opposition APC, intend to tackle these severe economic crises in the coming years. Detailed analyses of public finance and the party’s strategies to cope with these economic challenges at the national level are necessary. The APC has issued its manifesto and much of what is in the manifesto is sensible. But with the danger of falling national revenue looming, the party needs to revisit its manifesto to take account of the new economic and financial realities.

Public corruption, decaying infrastructure and the rule of law.

These three items together present our country with enormous challenges. Under the current political dispensation, public corruption has become more pervasive in our country than ever before. Almost on a daily basis, the media is awash with news about the high level of corruption in our country, the latest been the arms sale scandal in which South Africa seized some $15 million of Nigeria’s money. President Jonathan has not been forthcoming on this issue despite its extensive damage to Nigeria’s image abroad and bilateral relations with South Africa. A World Bank report some years ago on corruption in Nigeria, estimated that nearly 20 per cent of all public expenditure in Nigeria goes towards corruption.

Today, the figure is definitely higher with obvious consequences for our economic development. This high level of corruption is directly responsible for the inability of the FG to make the necessary investment in the development of our woeful infrastructure. It is also the source of the negation of the rule of law in our country. The electorate needs to know how the contending parties and candidates intend to meet these challenges in future. These are the issues that should determine the outcome of the elections next year.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Ebola: un-Solomon-ic wisdom

(meaning himself) or governor (meaning the duo of Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, the arrowhead of the battle against Ebola; and Rivers Governor Rotimi Ameachi, who rubbished his perceived Jonathan government’s sloppy response to the threat, both on the other side of the partisan aisle) should claim any credit. The credit,” he insisted, “should go to the ordinary Nigerians for their cooperation and buy-in.”

Inasmuch as Nigerians deserved every praise for “their cooperation and buy-in”, the question is who provided the plan and offered the leadership they were buying into?

Certainly, not President Jonathan!

So, the president hardly deserves any praise in the matter, for he wasn’t recorded as part of the painful chore when the battle bitterly raged. Besides, nothing “just happens”, as the president seemed to suggest, in his alltoo-familiar boyish faith. Someone has to take the initiative. That person was Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola.

So, you can see where Solomon’s adjudication of the dead baby dispute fits in?

Like the woman that jumped at killing another baby, simply to “equalise” the tragedy, the president is advocating denying the Lagos governor his due, if the president cannot share the glory with him! Disingenuous, isn’t it?

But perhaps it didn’t strike His Excellency that way!

Besides, the claims and counter-claims would not have arisen, had the president’s men not started their bogus claims; filing the Ebola breakthrough as a presidential achievement and another “proof” of Jonathan’s electability in 2015. The president was not reported to have cautioned them to put the records straight. In any case, not until Governor Fashola spoke on the matter, in his October 1 putdown.

But even as late as October 15 when departing Information Minister, Labaran Maku, was serenading the president and claiming he was responsible for the Ebola check, the president did not still cut him short, blissfully drinking in the undeserved praise.

Mr. President, give honour to whom it is due. That, in itself, is a form of greatness.

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