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Woman’s death takes Ebola virus toll to seven •Fed Govt to review schools’ resumption From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

T

HE woman patient who caught the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from the late Dr. Ike Enemuo in Port Harcourt has died, it was announced yesterday.

She was on admission in the same hospital as the Port Harcourt doctor from whom she contracted the virus.

Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu said: “Total number of deaths from Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria is now seven (7). One (1), the index case, occurred in a private hospital in Lagos, four (4) in the Lagos isolation ward, one (1) in the Port Harcourt isolation ward (the female patient who was on admission in the same hospital where the late Port Harcourt doctor was also admitted), while another one (1) was the doctor who was infected by the ECOWAS Commission official in Port Harcourt and who did not come under the care and management of the Incident Management Committee.”

He added that another patient was discharged following full recovery, bringing to eight the number of patients discharged so far.

The last case to be discharged, the minister said, “is the first secondary contact to be diagnosed and a spouse of a primary contact of the index case”.

She went home from the isolation ward in Lagos on Tuesday. The ninth survivor is the Continued on page 4

EBOLA IN FIGURES

18 320 08

•Number of cases so far

07 02 296

•Those out of observation

•Discharged from hospital

•Deaths from the virus’ infection •Undergoing treatment •Number of people under surveillance

•IN MEMOR Y OF A GREA T MAN: Members of civil society groups at a rally to mark the fifth anniversary of frontline Lagos lawyer-activist Chief MEMORY GREAT Gani Fawehinmi’s death in Lagos…yesterday.

Adamawa: Anxiety as Jonathan, PDP NWC meet aspirants

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) will today meet with the 14 aspirants struggling for the party’s Adamawa State governorship election ticket.

The Presidency is to prevail on the aspirants to pick a consensus candidate.

The state secretariat of the party was told that any aspirant who

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Barnabas Manyam, Yola

refuses to attend the meeting will lose the right to participate in the primary election.

Most of the aspirants have resisted the pressure to step down for Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri.

Besides, some of them suspect that the invitation to Abuja is a plot to hold all the aspirants hostage in the capital city till Friday

afternoon.

This, they suspect, is to allow delegates vote for their preferred candidate.

The suspicion was fuelled by the uncovering of what a source described as a plot to shut down the Yola International Airport ahead of the primary election on Saturday.

The aspirants are: Acting Governor Fintiri; Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo; Nuhu Ribadu;

Markus Gundiri; Auwal Tukur; Aliyu Idi Hong; Sen. Abubakar H. Girei; Jerry Kumdisi; Andrawus Sawa; James Barka; Gen. Aliyu Kama; Gen. Buba Marwa; Ahmed Gulak, Dr. Umar Ardo; Jerry Kumdisi and James Barka.

A text message was sent to all the aspirants to be “at the compulsory meeting”.

A party source said: “ All the aspirants have been summoned by Continued on page 4

Troops battle Boko Haram to regain captured Bama

?

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

Sect takes Banki, Bara towns Hopeful Shettima returns

T

HE final push to reclaim Bama from Boko Haram insurgents was set to begin last night.

Troops were said to have gained access yesterday to “push in” against the insurgents.

More fighter jets and sophisticated

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

equipment were deployed in the town, Borno State’s second largest and 67 kilometres to Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Brigade Commander of Mohammed Kur Barracks, the Police

Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Commandant of MOPOL 53 in Bama have relocated to Maiduguri to re-strategise.

Telephone services have gone dead in Bama and its environs following massive destruction of GSM masts in

the area and surrounding villages by the insurgents.

A source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “From the reports available to us, the troops have recorded what strategically we Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P51 •N/HEALTH P51 •E-BUSINESS P58 •FOREIGN P66

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

2

NEWS

It’s better to until proven •From left: Senior New Business Consultant, Investis Limited, Michael Walsh; Chief Executive Officer, Caritas Communications & Caritas PR, Adedayo Ojo, Director, Investis Limited, Adam Malik and Chief Operating Officer, Designate, Caritas Digital, Oluwaseun Adesida after a strategic partnership working session to mark commencement of operations on the Caritas/Investis alliance at Investis Head Office in London...yesterday.

The Director of the United State’s disease control agency, Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Tom Frieden, toured Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the three countries worst affected by the Ebola outbreak.

Here are some of his takeaways:

T •From left: Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S. Prof. Ade Adefuye, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock And U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle discussing at the ministerial meeting on Security in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

•From left: Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegeshin; State Coordinator, World Health Organisation, Mrs Ada Erinmme and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr Olayemi Iyiola at a workshop on Ebola Virus in Ibadan...yesterday .PHOTO: NAN

HE impact of Ebola on shortage of food, other supplies as borders close and supplies can’t get in

This is a big problem. So, we have, for example, the African union willing to send doctors, nurses, health administrators and during the time I was there, they were stuck in another country because their flight had been canceled and couldn’t get in. I was going to leave on one day, I ended up leaving a day earlier, rushing to the airport because the flight I was going to be on was canceled. When I tried to get from Sierra Leone to Guinea, my flight was canceled. I had to hop on a U.N. charter plane to get from one country to the next. Getting supplies in, getting people to respond in, that’s a big challenge. I paradoxically, the more the world isolates and stops contact with these countries, the harder it will be for them to control the outbreaks. The more cases there will be. The less safe countries elsewhere will be.

Like it or not, we’re connected. It’s in all of our interests to help these countries stop their outbreaks. The U.S. government is leaning forward to do that. The U.S. agency for international development has made nearly $20 million available since the start of the outbreak or reported start of the outbreak in March. That includes everything from personal protective equipment to contracts for helping with safe health care and safe burials to stop the outbreak. At CDC, we have more than 70 people on the ground today in the four countries dealing with Ebola. We’re also sending teams to Senegal and the Ivory Coast to respond as well. They’re doing everything from tracking the outbreak, to helping improve infection control to ensuring that people leaving the country are screened to see if they have fever.

What needs to be done?

•From left: Press and Public Relations Officer, Lagbus, Miss Yemi Junaid; Head of Enforcement, Mr. Kolawole Silva-Ope; Head of Maintenance, Ms. Shola Oni; and General Manager, Head Operation, Mr. Seyi Osiyemi during the handing-over of refurbished buses at Toll Gate Yard in Lagos.

There’s been a lot of global collaboration. The European Union is

•Guests being screened for Ebola Virus at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja...yesterday.

sending laboratories. We met a Chinese delegation sending a laboratory. The South Africans have opened a laboratory. The Canadians have a laboratory have a lab up and running. MSF has been doing a phenomenal job. The challenge is that the number of cases is so large that the outbreak, the epidemic is so overwhelming what it requires is an overwhelming response. Rapidly, effectively deploying resources to tamp it down where it’s spreading wildly.

Better count of how many people have this virus Well, we know there are many undiagnosed cases. We know many patients are having disease in places where they may not see a doctor, or they may not have a specimen drawn for Ebola. And one thing that our staff has been doing it improving the tracking and reporting of cases so we can get a better handle on what’s happening. I can’t say exactly how long the window is. I can say for every single day we don’t increase our response further, it will get more difficult to control.

The peak will be higher. It will last longer. And we’re really addressing every government, every part of society within these three countries, individuals, religious leaders, political leaders, business leaders, among — throughout Africa, those who can help. And for every government and every organisation to think about what you can do.

Too little, too late I think the challenge is pace. The Doctors Without Borders — Doctors Without Borders director in one of the countries said to me everything we do is too little too late. He was referring MSF specifically. This is not for lack of trying. The virus is moving faster than anyone anticipated. That’s why we need to move fast.

Getting worse over the next few weeks I am not going to predict number.

I will just say that we should everything we can to keep that number as low as possible. I do think there’s a risk to people travelling to coun-

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

3

NEWS

assume ‘sick’ people have Ebola n otherwise, says U.S. agency

•FRSC Lagos Zonal Sector Commander, Mr Godwin Ogagaoghene and others washing their hands during Ebola Awareness Campaign in Lagos ...yesterday.

PHOTOS: NAN

tries when they get ill or becoming ill in other countries. The incubation period is 8 to 10 days average, and can be as long as 21 days. So, it is certainly possible we will see cases elsewhere. That’s why we are alerting clinicians throughout the U.S. to think of Ebola and people who have been travelling to countries that have been affected and to rapidly test for it. We have helped laboratories around the U.S. become able to test for Ebola safely and accurately. That’s in place now so that testing can be done quickly. We don’t think Ebola would spread widely within the U.S. Routine health care infection control would probably prevent most transmission. We had five cases of other bleeding viruses in the U.S. over the past decade. Four of a virus called Lassa, one of Marburg, very much like Ebola. Even though they were not identified in the hospital before they were diagnosed, even though people did not take special precautions there was not a single secondary spread from that. That doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a family member or health care worker who didn’t think Ebola, but we don’t think we will see a widespread transmission in the U.S. as it is being spread now.

Help from other places We certainly hope to get support with in-kind contributions from companies that can be making things to be used now, if those can be brought over and they are appropriate. In terms of new medicines, new vaccines, we can certainly hope that they will be available, but we can’t count on it. In terms of the medicines, the supply of the first experimental medicine, ZMapp has been completely exhausted, and my understanding is making more of it is very difficult. First off, we don’t know whether or not it works. Second, if it does, we don’t have it. We can’t rely on it. Vaccines have begun clinical trials. I think that’s very exciting. We hope they’ll work out and ensure they’re safe. We don’t have large quantities of them. If they are safe, we’ll have to figure out if they’re effective and figure out how to use them to help address the

‘

What we have emphasised is what’s called triage. Put anyone who might have Ebola in this group and people who don’t in this group. Use universal precautions for both. For those who might have Ebola, assume that they do until proven otherwise

‘

spread of Ebola. So we’re a long way from having these. But any new tool we have would be most welcomed.

We shouldn’t forget, though, that things that we have today: standard medical care of hydration, monitoring of patients, of helping patients remain in good fluid balance that saves lives. That needs to happen as quickly as possible for as many patients as possible, not just for their sake, but because the more care they can receive in centers, the quicker they’ll go there, the less spread there will be in communities, the more likely they are to survive.

Human trials for a vaccine We can hope that a vaccine works out and that medicines are proven safe, effective and available, but we can’t count on it. What we can count on is that the quicker we apply the proven means of finding patients, making sure that they stop spreading disease, providing care to them, finding their contacts, making health

care safe and burial if necessary safe, the sooner we do that, the sooner cases will begin coming down.

Holding a child and later acquiring Ebola Nothing that we’ve seen so far suggests that Ebola is spreading differently in this outbreak. But it is in a very different circumstance.

In this case, the young woman was holding her niece. The niece had nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

She had a lot of body fluids, the sicker someone is, the more of the virus they have. When someone is not sick, they can’t spread it. The sicker they get, the higher the viral load and the more infectious they are. If you have a little bit on your hands, then you wipe your eye or touch your mouth, you can get infected. That’s presumably what happened in this case. The health education messaging for the countries that are affected is really pretty

simple — don’t touch people who are sick or their body fluids and don’t touch people who have died or their body fluids. Those two key messages need to be gotten out throughout the communities. It’s not easy to do. I spoke with the minister of health in one of the countries who had just gone to a remote rural area. They don’t have radio, they don’t have television or telephone coverage. There are a lot of misconceptions in the rural area that need to be addressed.

Has the world has sort of underestimated this outbreak?

I’m focused on the future. I think what we need is a no-regrets policy.

We need to do whatever we can now so we don’t look back a few months from now and say, gosh, we wish we had done more then.

That’s what we have to focus on.

What do we know about whether or not this virus has mutated in a way that makes it easier, more transmissible?

This is one of the things we’re looking into. In general, the Ebola virus has not changed a lot over the 40 plus years that we’ve known it.

So that’s somewhat reassuring.

And that it’s not one of those viruses that changes frequently. But that doesn’t guarantee it won’t in the future. So one of the things our laboratory specialists will be doing with the advanced molecular detection initiative is to sequence viruses overtime from individual patients and over time in the outbreak to see if there are changes. That will take some time to do and we’ll have to track it to see if there are changes.

But right now we don’t see any evidence that there is a change that would make it more transmissible.

Challenges of doctor/ population ratio To turn this around is going to require lots of effort. It will require highly specialised people to work in the areas of Ebola treatment. The need is not just for doctors, but doctors, nurses, health administrators,

•Frieden

emergency managers, people who can stay for long periods of time, three months or more who are used to working in very difficult environments. But the bulk of the response will be from the people in these countries themselves. They’re willing, they need the resources to get the materials they need, they need the training to do what they need to do. The exact numbers are hard to pin down, but fundamentally working with groups like Doctors Without Borders, MSF and the World Health Organization, we can help. It makes a huge difference to have international assistance to help train people from within each of the countries to do what they need to do to stop Ebola there.

High rates of Ebola infection in health care workers For the Ebola treatment units, scrupulous infection control makes them quite safe. When I was inside the Ebola treatment unit run by MSF, I felt completely safe. You’re basically swaddled in protective gear. If you’re not risking a needle stick, the risk is essentially nil. The challenge is things like removing those — that equipment if it’s soiled and doing that very, very carefully.

Doctors Without Borders and MSF is extraordinarily careful in doing that. As I came out of the treatment unit, the person who was a local person, trained by MSF, was basically screaming at me, you know, hold your hand this way, do this, move this way and spraying me down with bleach at every step of the way to make sure I was safe. The biggest risk to health care workers has not been in the Ebola treatment units. It’s been in the general health care system because Ebola in these countries doesn’t look very different from a disease like malaria or typhoid or gastroenteritis. When it starts, it has very similar symptoms.

So what we have emphasised is what’s called triage. Put anyone who might have Ebola in this group and people who don’t in this group.

Use universal precautions for both.

For those who might have Ebola, assume that they do until proven otherwise.

4

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

‘Track Boko Haram funds, sponsors’

D

•French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labriole (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi and others at the ministerial meeting on security in Abuja …yesterday.

Federal Govt to review schools’ resumption

S

CHOOLS may reopen as from middle of this month, with the anti-Ebola battle going well, it was learnt yesterday.

Health Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

At the briefing were the Ministers of Information, Labaran Maku, Transport, Umar Idris, National Planning, Abubakar Suleiman and Power (State), Mohammed Wakil.

The Federal Government last month announced October 13 resumption date for all schools.

Chukwu said the expert opinion now, with the strong containment efforts of the government, is that schools can open earlier than October 13.

The new resumption date, he said, will be announced by the Minister of Education, after meeting with Commissioners for Education and other stakeholders, who were involved in fixing the October 13 date.

The Health Minister, who give

B

Woman’s death takes Ebola virus toll to seven Continued from page 1

ECOWAS Commission official who jumped surveillance in Lagos and travelled to Port Harcourt where he infected the doctor who attended to him.

Also, confirmed cases are now 18, according to the minister’s update.

The 18th confirmed case is the sister of the late Port Harcourt doctor.

The number of cases successfully managed and discharged is now eight. The total number of EVD patients under treatment is two (2) - one in the Lagos isolation ward and another one (1) in the Port Harcourt isolation ward.

There are 40 contacts under surveillance in From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

a weekly report to the Council on the Ebola disease brought to Nigeria by the Late LiberianAmerican Patrick Sawyer in July, said 296 contacts were under surveillance.

The 296, he said, include 255 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and 41 in Lagos State.

After three weeks of surveillance in Lagos State, Chukwu

Lagos. Port Harcourt has 255. In Lagos, 320 contacts have been discharged after they were observed for 21 days.

The minister also debunked rumours of EVD cases outside Lagos and Port Harcourt.

These include the three (3) reported cases in the Federal Capital Territory and the one in Calabar. The minister also debunked the story that the body of the late Port Harcourt doctor was transported to Edo or Delta State, saying the body had been decontaminated and would be interred in Port Harcourt.

On the rumoured case in Zaria, the minister said the blood sample had been sent for Ebola testing.

said, 320 persons have been removed from the surveillance list.

Enugu, he said, is completely free from the disease. The nurse who left surveillance in Lagos and went to meet her husband in Enugu is free from the disease.

According to Chukwu, as at yesterday morning, the number of confirmed cases is 18, including the index case, the late Sawyer. Of the cases, 14 were recorded in Lagos and four in Port Harcourt.

Those who have been managed and discharged are eight.

Seven deaths have been recorded.

Till date, only two persons are under treatment - one in Lagos and the other in Port Harcourt.

Chukwu refuted media reports stating that 60 Ebola contacts were missing in Port Harcourt.

Speaking on the ECOWAS ofContinued on page 69

ELEGATES at an International Security meeting in Abuja yesterday canvassed tracking of both local and external sources of funding for Boko Haram as a way to curbing the activities of the group.

The delegates pushed for the cutting of logistics, arms and ammunition to the terrorist group.

In Abuja yesterday were foreign ministers and officials of Nigeria, Cameroun, France, the

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

United States (US), Canada, China, United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) who met to assess the level of implementation of decisions and commitments made in the security summit in Paris and the follow-up meetings in London and Washington DC. Continued on page 69

Adamawa: Anxiety as Jonathan, PDP NWC meet aspirants Continued from page 1

the President and the NWC because the situation has shown that the PDP might go to the October 11 governorship poll as a divided group.

“Some aspirants are already threatening protest vote if the primary election is hijacked by forces in the presidency and some NWC members.

“The tension is building up already and the presidency and the PDP are deeply worried.”

Some aspirants yesterday said they would not go by consensus option.

One of the aspirants said: “We want a level-playing field, we do not like consensus formula. This is why we have refused to step down for each other.”

Another aspirant added:”We are already on the field canvassing for votes from delegates, let them leave us alone. We do not need consensus.”

Some of the aspirants have uncovered a plot that the invitation was part of a move to tamper with the list of delegates in favour of a preferred candidate.

One of the aspirants said: “We were asked to come for the meeting by 9pm on Thursday. But we got wind of a plot by some forces in the presidency to hold all the aspirants hostage in Abuja till Friday afternoon when the meeting will hold.

“As the meeting holds on Friday, Yola Airport will be closed.

Continued on page 69

Troops have reclaimed Bama, says Borno Governor Shettima

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OLLOWING attacks on Bama by Boko Haram, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima yesterday cut short his trips to Sudan and the United Kingdom.

He said he decided to return home to provide leadership at the trying moment for the people of the state.

He also said security sources hinted yesterday that the military had reclaimed Bama.

The governor spoke in a statement through his Special Adviser on Communication, Mallam Isa Gusau.

The statement said: “Following Monday’s renewed attacks

by Boko Haram insurgents in some parts of Borno State, Gov-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ernor Kashim Shettima has abruptly returned to Nigeria on Wednesday, cutting short his official trips to Sudan and the United Kingdom where he was scheduled on assessment meetings with school authorities and over 70 students recently sponsored by the State Government for medicine and Petroleum Geo-Sciences.

“Shettima returned and held crucial meetings in Abuja in connection with happenings in Bama and the rest of the State. He had also approved the formation and release of funds to a committee set up to coordinate distribution of relief and management of vicContinued on page 69

Boko Haram takes over Borno, Yobe towns Troops battle Boko Haram to regain captured Bama

OKO Haram fighters have seized two more towns in the Northeast, as the battle to reclaim Bama, Borno State’s second largest town, raged yesterday.

Another Borno town Banki, on the border with Camroon, has been taken by the sect, whose men also “strolled” into neighbouring Yobe State town of Bara, capital of Gulani Local Government Area.

The capture of Bara makes it the second local government capital to be taken by the sect in Yobe, following last month’s capture of Gujba.

Gwoza, another Borno town, had earlier been taken by the sect, whose fighters sacked the Police Academy near the hilly town, where sect leader Abubakar Shekau declared as “Islamic Caliphate”.

Residents who fled Bara, the Gulani Council headquarters, said the insurgents took over the council secretariat and the local Government Lodge.

“The boys entered the town yesterday in the afternoon with Hilux vans and motorcycles, preaching in different places.

“They went to the Government Lodge and the Local Government Secretariat complex which they are now occupying.

People were afraid but they kept on announcing that they only came to do the work of Allah(God) but not to kill any-

Continued from page 1

call a ‘push in’ to reclaim the town.

“This means that the military has gained access on land and confronting the insurgents. Very soon, the game will change.

“The priority now is to regain the control of the army formation in Bama because these insurgents invaded the barracks and targeted the armoury.

“They also attacked the police units and sacked these places leaving officers and men to beat a ‘tactical retreat’ to regroup for counter-attacks.

Another source said: “We have been engaging the insurgents in air and land encounters since Tuesday. The troops have succeeded in killing many insurgents who are still resilient but they will From Duku Joel, Damaturu

body.

“They were preaching that people should leave their government work and join them in working for Allah,” Ibrahim, who fled Bara last night, said.

Member representing Gulani in the House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Kukuwa, confirmed the takeover of his local government by the insurgents.

“As I speak with you now, my local government has been taken over by these boys. They are doing what they want. It is very unfortunate that government is

soon fall.

“The Brigade Commander, Police Area Commander, DPO and Commandant of MOPOL 53 in Bama have moved to Maiduguri to coordinate the counter-attacks, which are yielding results.

“Until we have fully regained Bama, the military has decided not to talk. It will want to present all evidence of the heroic feats of the troops to Nigerians.

More fighter jets and sophisticated equipment were yesterday deployed in Bama.

The aerial bombardments has been intense in the last 24 hours with more fighter jets, it was learnt.

Troops are said to have got “new and sophisticated” weapons for the battle.

“They only need commitment to use the weapons appropriately,” a source said.

not taking drastic action over this matter,” Kukuwa said.

Residents said the sect members were preaching across towns and villages in the two local government areas without hindrance from security operatives who have long vacated the areas.

Reports indicate that the insurgents freely gathered locals of Goneri, Ambiya, Buni-Yadi, Gujba and Buni-Gari under Gujba Council Area as well as Kukuwa Gari, Bularafa, Bumsa and Bara of Gulani Local Government Area, preaching their

The telephone service in Bama has been completely cut off because the insurgents destroyed most GSM masts in all the villages and points leading to Bama.

Another source added: “The whole situation in Bama is confusing because there is no more telephone service. The insurgents destroyed all GSM masts as part of the ongoing blockade of the area.

“Those in Maiduguri were able to communicate with few military officers, troops and security agents at the “battle front” through the Cameroonian MTN network which miraculously has assisted.

“So, we have to divert our call through Cameroon through a special link. So, you can imagine the terrible condition the people and residents of Bama are facing.”

ideology and soliciting for followers.

“The boys (Boko Haram insurgents) often move from town to town and gather the people for open preaching asking for the support of the people in joining the group, which is aimed at instituting Shariah legal system in the region,” a resident added.

He said though the insurgents allow people to ask questions, people were always careful not to ask “provoking questions” in order not to attract death sentence.

“They give time for questions

but nobody asks why they are killing or kidnapping people because everyone is afraid to die as such a question may provoke them,” he said.

On the attack on Gulani, Abubakar(not real name) explained: “When they realised that people were panicky, they went to the Ward Head’s house and registered their arrival, telling him that their coming was just to preach and not to harm anyone. The insurgents called the early morning prayers, led the prayers and preached for over an hour before going back

•Borno Governor Shettima

to the Government Lodge where they camp.”

Speaking on their mode of dressing, the residents said the sect members are usually dressed in half military uniforms, armed with guns on their shoulders, driving freely in Hilux vans and motorcycles.

Gulani and Gujba have been cut off from state capital Damaturu following the blowing off of the Katarko Bridge by the insurgents last month.

The BBC yesterday reported the capture of Banki, which borders Cameroon, after government troops left, quoting resiContinued on page 69

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THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

5

NEWS Unity schools admission list okayed

2015: CBN, INEC discuss printing F of electoral materials T HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have agreed to work together towards the 2015 elections.

The collaboration is expected to come in the area of printing electoral materials for the poll.

It is a follow up to the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan that the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) be given the first choice of refusa to handle security printing materials either for election or security documents.

The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele visited INEC’s Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, yesterday to actualise the President’s directive.

The visit is the first since the commission was established 15 years ago.

Jega said the CBN was a

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

strategic partner of INEC in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

He assured the CBN boss that “INEC is willing to discuss the proposal and will continue to explore more ways to collaborate with CBN and look at global picture in terms of what is best for the country.”

Jega said the CBN played a vital role in the last general elections, especially in the area of securing sensitive election materials, adding that “INEC and CBN will continue to partner and I hope that the interest of the larger society is important.

“We in INEC are willing to discuss the business proposals you have come with.

We will keep expanding ways and means to the ben-

‘We in INEC are willing to discuss the business proposals you have come with. We will keep expanding ways and means to the benefit of our society’ efit of our society.”

He assured that they would put the larger interest of the country first and discuss things honestly and sincerely so that decisions would be in the interest of the country.

Emefiele said the visit followed the directive of President Jonathan that NSPMC be given the first choice of refusa

to handle security printing materials either for election or security documents.

He said NSPMC was seeking a way through which it could work with INEC, particularly in the area of security documents printing and as it affected the printing of documents for the coming elections.

The CBN governor described the visit as “basically a business visit”, adding: “I will crave your indulgence that we don’t stretch it just beyond this business visit.

“We have come to collaborate with INEC to ensure that the objectives of ensuring that the printing of materials as well as transportation of materials from the printing press to the voting centres are discussed to seek harmonious ways of handling it.”

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

EDERAL Government approved yesterday the release of admission list of Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs).

The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who gave the approval in Abuja, directed candidates to check their admission status online through the portal address: www.fmeinterviewtest.com.

Federal Government this year reintroduced aptitude tests for admission into Federal Unity Colleges, which it said was aimed at ensuring that only qualified candidates were admitted into the colleges.

This new directive saw the candidates writing two examinations.

Wike said during the aptitude tests merit would be used in placing pupils in the 104 Federal Unity Colleges.

He said it would be placed above other criteria, such as catchment areas, environmental factors and state quota because of the need to inculcate the right values in future generations.

The minister said the re-introduction of aptitude tests was to ensure that only qualified candidates were admitted into Federal Unity Colleges.

Journalists decry Sotloff’s murder HE World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Journalists decried yesterday the murder of Steven Sotloff. They said his killers must be brought to justice.

“We are appalled by the gruesome murder of Sotloff, following the similar murder last month of James Foley,” said Larry Kilman, Secretary General of WAN-IFRA, the global association, which represents 18,000 newspapers and news publishers worldwide.

“Despite the statements made by their executioners, the murders are not an attack on

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the United States alone, but also on citizens around the world, who rely on independent journalists to provide critical news from war zones and shed light on atrocities.

They are the eyes and ears of us all.

“Even among the growing number of attacks on journalists globally, the killings of Foley and Sotloff are chilling.

The international community must do its utmost to ensure that journalism and journalists are respected and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. Courageous men and women should not be attacked and killed for doing their jobs.”

The Nation reporter is Business Writer of the Year •President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign banner at the Unity Fountain, Abuja

PHOTO: GBENGA OMOKHUNU

Dangote cement expands capacity •Firm to inaugurate new production lines next month

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EMENT giant Dangote has ramped up its production capacity with an additional nine million metric tons per annum.

Dangote Cement Plc, Group Managing Director (GMD), Mr. Devakumar Edwin said in Lagos that two new production lines in the company’s Ibese Plant in Ogun State has three million tonnes installed capacity each. Another new line in Obajana, Kogi State, has added another three million tonnes to take the total capacity of the three new production lines to nine million tonnes.

“We have inaugurated two new cement plants in Ibese, one in Obajana,” Edwin said.

The new plants have started production, although they will be officially inaugurated next month.

Edwin said the increased output from the new lines would bring down cement prices.

The launch of the additional nine million tonnes brings Dangote Cement’s total capacity from its operations in 14 African countries to about 29.25 million metric tonnes annually. With this, the company inches closer to achieving its goal of becoming the world leader in cement production.

In Nigeria, Dangote Cement has three plants in

By Chikodi Okereocha

Obajana, Gboko, Benue State; and Ibese.

Edwin also announced Dangote Cement’s 100 per cent compliance with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON’s) new regulation on cement. He said in line with the new standardisation, which classified the 32.5 grade cement for plastering only, Dangote Cement has started producing 32.5 grade cement. “We are going back to 32.5 grade cement because SON has come out with a regulation classifying 32.5 for plastering while the 42.5 grade cement is for casting of beams, slabs, and block moulding,” he said, noting that the company still produces 42.5 grade cement. He said although it is cheaper to produce 32.5 than 42.5, Dangote Cement still sells 42.5 grade at the same price as the 32.5 grade.

Edwin said the 32.5 grade, which has the lowest strength among the various cement products, will be priced lower than the others and will be selling at N200 lower than the price of the higher strength 42.5 grade.

“This, in addition, offers our numerous customers and end users the prerogative of choice and its appropriate application, he said.”

The GMD noted that the new cement policy eliminates opportunity for prod-

uct misuse.

This, according to him, is because SON’s new regime on cement standard gives cement manufacturers 60day window to ensure that cement bags carry proper product information such as batch number, expiry date, and colour code.

The company is also pushing out the 52.5 grade for specialized construction of high strength structures such as bridges, flyovers among others.

Edwin also informed that it will continue with its nationwide campaign and capacity building which it initiated and has sustained for the past 3 years, to ensure that the different grades of cement are easily identified by users and used only for their prescribed purposes.

Dangote Cement chief said: “We have significantly increased the supply of cement to the market and as it is expected the enhancement in supply of the product to the market has also resulted to a reasonable reduction in the price of the product,” In all, the Pan-African cement company has presence in 16 African countries.

The Dangote Cement factories in Cameroon, Senegal and Ethiopia are all expected to commence production this year.

He said unlike in the past when there were no means of identification, the recent

review mandates manufacturers to clearly label the grade on the cement bags and their applications. Besides, SON, he said, had indicated its readiness to monitor and enforce the new standard.

Asked whether Dangote cement’s decision to produce 32.5 grade cement after pioneering the production of the higher 42.5 grade does not amount to reversing itself, the Executive Director, Stakeholders Management & Corporate Communication, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Ahmed Mansur, said: “We are not going back; we are actually going forward to ensure that customers’ needs are met.”

He added that the company is engaging with its customers, particularly block moulders, to ensure the right mix of cement.

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senior correspondent with The Nation, Mr. Collins Nweze, has been declared the winner of the eighth edition of the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award in Lagos at the weekend.

Nweze won in the ‘Business Writer of The Year’ category.

He beat Stanley Opara, Punch; Chukwu Onaeke, The Guardian; Kehinde Ibrahim, Nigeria Pilot and Maduka Nweke, The Sun to clinch the award.

Mercy Michael, Leke Salaudeen and Kunle Akinrinade, all of The Nation, were also nominated in the Entertainment Writer of The Year, Political Writer of The Year and Crime Writer of The Year categories.

Winners in other categories include Samson Folarin of Puch who won the Crime Writer of The Year; Segun Koiki from National Mirror won in the Brand Writer of The Year category while Ajibade Alabi of Daily Newswatch was won in the Entertainment Writer of The Year category.

The Media Nite-Out Award is given to journalists in recognition of their

contributions to the media industry and economic advancement of the nation.

The guest speaker, Omoba Segun Adewale, who is a senatorial aspirant Ogun West Senatorial District, spoke on the theme: The Role of Journalism in the Promotion of Democracy, Individual Rights and Civil Liberty in Nigeria.

Nweze is the winner of the 2012 Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA), UBA Money Market Reporter of the Year category. He was also the first runner up in the Citi Journalistic Excellence Award 2013 organised by Citi International Bank.

•Nweze

Publishers seek removal of 50 per cent tariff on books

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HE Nigerian Publishers Association urged yesterday the Federal Government to remove the 50 per cent tariff on importation of books.

At a Special Chief Executives’ meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the body said the policy was detrimental to literacy and creativity in the country.

According to the publishers, it is against the UNESCO Convention, which encourages free flow of educational, cultural and scientific materials into member nations for the development of mankind.

The association said by imposing the tariff, Nigeria, which is a signatory to the treaty, would force up prices of books and

make them unaffordable to students.

It could further contribute to the level of illiteracy and Nigerians’ inability to compete academically worldwide, the publishers said.

“The policy is against President Goodluck Jonathan’s Bring-Back-the-Book campaign.

“We, therefore, urge well meaning Nigerians to rise up to this challenge and appeal to the Federal Government, who had been misled by a section of people with selfish interest, to remove any embargo on knowledge acquisition in Nigeria and make the country a centre of affordable learning,” the association added.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

NEWS

Boko Haram: I’m ready to face panel, says Sheriff ORMER Governor of Borno State Senator Modu Ali Sheriff, said yesterday that he is ready to face any panel looking into allegations linking him with Boko Haram, to clear his name.

He also said he would sue the Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis, who accused him of being one of the sponsors of Boko Haram.

Sheriff said he had never associated with any terrorist group, including Boko Haram.

He spoke at a news briefing in Abuja against the backdrop of the call for his trial by the International Crimes Commission (ICC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday demanded the trial of Sheriff; a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and other sponsors of Boko Haram.

The ex-governor, who downed two cups of water before addressing reporters, said his invitation by the Department of State Security (DSS) last year had nothing to do with Boko Haram.

He said: “I am prepared to face any panel. I stand to be corrected “I have not associated myself with any terrorist group all over the world. I did not even meet the leader of the sect, the late Mohammed Yusuf, until he was arrested by the military under the command of Gen. Sales Maina. I have never met Yusuf, I did not know him and I could not have sponsored somebody I never met.

“If Gen. Jerry Useni has said he needs to avail the evidence to Nigerians, let him give his evidence. I am prepared to face any panel in the world. If people are deliberately writing for their personal reasons, they are at liberty, there is freedom of speech. So they can write.

“Therefore I will not join issues with anybody. I stand to be corrected, Yusuf was never brought to my office. He was captured by the military, And I was asked to come because I was somebody who was in a position to speak because I was the governor then.”

Sheriff vowed to take legal action against the Australian negotiator, who accused him of being behind Boko Haram.

“I have already asked my lawyers to sue the faceless Australian. We have written to track him everywhere. I will sue the Australian if he ever existed. The right thing is to sue the Australian.

“I will sue the Australian since it was his report he (Odigie-Oyegun) quoted from. I will sue him wherever he may be. Listen to his press interview. First, he said he was hired by the Federal Government. Secondly he said my government was corrupt and I should be prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and thirdly he said APC is not Boko Haram.

“I am curious because when you say you were hired by the Federal Government, as he claimed, the first place to give your report is to the Federal Government or the press in Nigeria. But just for him to go to a third rated media “Arise” and make frivolous claims.”

Asked about his interrogation by the DSS,

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From Yusuf Alli, Yomi Odunuga and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the ex-governor said: “I want to tell you that my visit to the DSS has nothing to do with Boko Haram. The DSS office is the security office for Nigerians. You are free to go there whether you are invited or not. I went there on my own volition. I want to tell you that I was there on my own.

“First and foremost I don’t have an ECOMOG. Every politician is supposed to have a youth wing, you can call them whatever name you want. Even all the states, and so where does it become the political wing of Ali Modu Sheriff? Does Ali Sheriff own all the political parties in Nigeria?”

On APC leadership accusation, he said: “You know, I am very disappointed in Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. This was a man who was in my house begging me not to leave APC. Now he goes to the press to say that I was never wanted by the party. You can see what kind of leaders we have in this country.”

Sheriff said he was one of the greatest victims of Boko Haram, having lost his brother and relations.

He added: “It is instructive to point out that I had been one of the greatest victims of the atrocities of the Boko Haram sect. As the executive governor of the state at that time, I did not abdicate my responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the people and did not give them any breathing space to operate outside the law of the land.

“Because of this, they were driven by a desire for vengeance against me, my family and my political associates. From the number of casualties among my relations and political associates, it is evident that I suffered personal losses from the crisis.

“Among those killed in cold blood were my younger brother, the late Alhaji Goni Mustapha Sheriff, the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) state chairman and my brother in-law, the late Alhaji Awana Ngala, the governorship candidate of our party in the 2011 general elections, the late Modu Fannami Gubio, my friends- Alhaji Mustapha Fulawama, Bukar Goni Kol and a host of other close political associates. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

“Available records show that the Boko Haram sect predates my governance. As for the events of June 2009, I must state that there was a collaboration between the federal and the state governments in trying to contain the situation.”

Sheriff revisited the encounters between the military and Boko Haram, which led to the insurgency in the Northeast.

He said: “For record purposes, on June 11, 2009 there was a report of shooting of 17 members of the sect by members of the “Operation Flush” (a combined security outfit against crime). They were reported to have attempted to forcefully seize the weapon of a soldier at a check point in the Maiduguri metropolis, while on a procession to bury some of their members, who died in an

FRSC: Ebola can’t stop us from attending to accident victims

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HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has assured the public that the fear of the dreaded Ebola virus would not stop its officials from rescuing accident victims.

The assurance is coming against the backdrop of a reported case of a hit-and-run victim, who was abandoned by health officials for fear of Ebola in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Monday. She died 21 hours later.

The Public Education Officer of the FRSC, Mrs. Stella Uchegbu, who spoke with reporters in Abuja yesterday, affirmed the corps’ non-discriminatory policy in the handling of victims.

She said: “Our officers on

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

the highways and other roads across the country have been trained to handle accident victims, even those suspected of having communicable diseases, such as the Ebola virus.

“Hundreds of our paramedics are undergoing training at medial facilities on how to rescue high risk accident victims without putting themselves at risk.

“We have taken proactive measures by procuring protective equipment, such as face masks, hand gloves, sanitisers and other necessities. We cannot abandon accident victims just because of Ebola.

“We assure the public, par-

‘We assure the public, particularly road users that our officers will rescue accident victims, whether they are carrying communicable diseases or not’ ticularly road users that our officers will rescue accident victims, whether they are carrying communicable diseases or not.”

Mrs. Uchegbu warned commercial drivers and commuters against overloading, saying Ebola and other communicable diseases could be contracted in overcrowded places.

•Sheriff, at the news briefing in Abuja...yesterday

accident.

“The injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the authorities of the hospital requested protection because of the influx of unwanted visitors, which did not go down well with members of the sect.

“The following day, the late Mohammed Yusuf held an open sermon, which he tagged: “An open letter”. In that sermon, he called the names of the former President, the late Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua (May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace), the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. A. Dambazzau, the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Onovo, the former Director-General of the State Security Services (SSS), Mr. Afakriya Gadzama and my humble self and threatened to deal with us and those, who refused to share their doctrine. He called the leaders unprintable names and vowed to revenge what happened to their members. The recordings of the sermon were widely circulated in the state and parts of the country.

“There were also reports that the group was stockpiling arms and ammunition, which was discussed at the Security Council and appropriate decisions were taken on the issue.

The former Presidents and Commanders-inChief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Yar’Adua were briefed on the activities of the Boko Haram sect at various times and the threat posed by the group to national security.

“On July 23, 2009 there was a report of arrest of nine members of the sect with bomb making devices and chemicals in Biu. There was also a report of bomb explosion in the house of one of the members of the sect, who later died from the explosion. Unbelievably, on the same July 23, 2009, the group planned and attacked the home of a Deputy Commandant of the Mobile Police (Mopol) in the GRA, killed his guards and burnt his house.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

“The group also went to the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri and indiscriminately and gruesomely killed police officers and personnel and members of their families.”

“There is no doubt that the almost one week period (Sunday 26th July - Friday 31st July, 2009) during which the Boko Haram sect unleashed terror on Maiduguri and its environs would forever remain the traumatic and darkest part of the history’ of the state. In the five days during which the Boko Haram war climaxed, no fewer than a thousand innocent people, including policemen were brutally killed. An even higher number of their relatives were brutally killed by the sect when they attacked the Police College in Maiduguri, Bauchi, Yobe and Taraba states.

Five police stations in Maiduguri were set ablaze and several vehicles used by the force were burnt; arms and ammunition were carted away; and so on. Details of the casualties are available with the relevant authorities.

“Within one week, the atrocities of the sect escalated beyond proportion. The state government immediately drew the attention of the then President when the situation was getting out of hand and beyond the capacity of the police. Following that, the President and Commander- in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, accordingly gave the military directives for action to be taken against the sect. On his way to Brazil on an official engagement, the late President Yar’Adua addressed the Press, promising that the “ Talibans “ as he called them “would be fished out, and dealt with decisively and promptly.

“It was at this point that the General Officer Commanding Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Maj.- Gen. Saleh Maina, now retired, led the operation and successfully dislodged the sect after about five days of fierce battle, which rocked the state.”

Oyakhilome denies adultery allegation

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HE founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has denied the allegation of adultery in the divorce suit between him and his wife, Anita.

His counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), described the allegation as “wicked and malicious”, saying it was intended to bring his person and the church “to public opprobrium and ridicule.”

Pinheiro, in a statement yesterday said the adultery allegation “currently circulating in the media is nothing but a complete distortion of facts in the pending proceedings in the United Kingdom.”

The statement advised media establishments to verify the authenticity of their stories before publication, saying unless they desist from making such further publications, they would take appro-

By Adebisi Onanuga priate legal actions against them to protect Oyakhilome’s reputation and that of the church.

The statement titled: “In the matter of malicious falsehood against Rev. Chris Oyakhilome and the Christ Embassy Church” said: “The attention of our client, Rev. Chris Oyakhilome and the church, the Christ Embassy, has been drawn to the wave of false, malicious and fabricated stories being published in the print and electronic media about his person, the church and a matrimonial cause between him and his wife.

“Our client is seriously concerned that under the guise of reporting a divorce proceeding involving him, publishers resorted to an unjustified and

malicious attack on his reputation for reasons not unconnected with the respective publishers’ selfish motives of prospect of materials and financial advantage attendant to the wide circulation their distorted and fabricated stories would enjoy.

“The publishers decided to fabricate facts including (but not limited) to allegation of adultery against our client, with the wicked and malicious intention of bringing his person and the church to public opprobrium and ridicule.

“It is our client’s instructions to inform the public and particularly warn the concerned media houses that the news or story circulating in the media is nothing but a complete distortion of the facts in the pending proceedings in the United Kingdom, to the knowledge of the publishers.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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NEWS Party urges members to embrace peace From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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GGRIEVED members of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) have been urged to sheathe their swords as the party was expecting more people in its fold.

The State Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, gave the advice while addressing a group of protesting members from Ilaje Local Government Area.

The protesters, in a letter addressed to the chairman, expressed their dissatisfaction with the imposition of Mr. Olumide Ikuepenikan as the chairman, Ilaje APC chapter.

They said: “The corporate interest of our mega party is very important to us. Many potential and heavy weight politicians from PDP and LP are itching to join our party as the fallout of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s defection to PDP. “We need to have an acceptable, transparent and God-fearing chairman of the party at Ilaje Local Government.”

Reacting on behalf of the state chairman, the APC Central Senatorial Chairman, Prince Adegboyega Adedipe, said the issue would be resolved amicably.

Southwest PDP chairman removed

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HE Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has removed its chairman, Chief Isola Filani.

The party leadership disclosed this in a communique at the end of an extra-ordinary meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The meeting, which was attended by13 members of the zonal committee, passed a vote of no confidence in the embattled chairman.

The meeting, which was presided over by an ex-officio, Ayotunde Olowofoyeku, appointed the former treasurer, Lanre Orimoloye, as acting chairman.

The zonal executive accused Filani of “running a oneman” administration, adding that he refused to call meetings, contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

But when contacted, Filani said he did not know how the

•Filani: I don’t know decision was taken

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

committee came to the conclusion.

“I was not at the meeting.

I don’t know how they came to that conclusion,” he said.

The communiqué issued by committee reads: “The meeting is being held in accordance with Section 27: 3 & 4 of our party’s constitution, which authorises the twothird majority of our members to convene a meeting.

“The Zonal Executive Committee hereby urges Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to declare his intention to contest the 2015 Presidential elections, stating that the SW (Southwest) Zone will give him all necessary support.

“The Zonal Executive Committee congratulates the good people of Ekiti State, our party and the Governorelect, Dr. Ayo Fayose, on the

victory of our party in the June 21st, 2014 gubernatorial election.

“In the same vein, the Zonal Executive Committee hereby congratulates our party and the gubernatorial candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore on the significant success recorded in the August 9th, 2014 gubernatorial elections in Osun State. The zone equally gives support to the party’s efforts to reclaim our mandate at the tribunal.

“The meeting also reviewed the activities of the zone since the emergence of the caretaker committee. It noted that Mr. Chairman, Chief Ishola Filani, has been running a one-man show and has not carried the members along in the running, finance and other statutory issues of the zone.

“In the light of the above, the meeting hereby passes a vote of no confidence on the

chairman, Chief Ishola Filani.

“Finally, for the smooth running of the zone, the meeting hereby appoints Lanre Orimoloye - the Zonal Treasurer - to act in his place and Ayo Olowofoyeku, the Zonal Ex-Officio from Osun State to Act as the Zonal Treasurer.”

The communique was signed by the 13 members present at the meeting.

They include the Secretary, Chief Adepegba Otemolu; the Women Leader, Chief Wunmi Osinroluke-Euba; the Financial Secretary, Otunba Banji Obasanmi and the Publicity Secretary, Waheed Lawal, a lawyer.

Lawal said, by the development, Filani would now attend meetings as an ordinary member.

The committee was inaugurated in February last year.

Fire renders police families homeless

By Jude Isiguzo

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BOUT 24 families were rendered homeless yesterday, after an early morning fire at the Ijeh Police Barrack at Obalende, Lagos State.

Though no life was lost in the incident, which destroyed a block of building, 24 rooms were badly affected by the fire.

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, who confirmed the incident, said: “An outbreak of fire occurred at Ijeh Police Barraks, Obalende.

Twenty-four rooms were consumed by fire.

“The fire was finally doused by two fire trucks from the Onikan and Sari Iganmu Fire Station. No life was lost.”

The Spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire started at about 4.55 a.m and was put out by 7a.m.

He said although it was yet unclear what caused the fire, it took a combination of firemen from both the Federal and State Fire Services to contain it.

Funeral for Ojo

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HE Ojo family of Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, Osun State, has announced the death of Mrs. Joanah Oyeleye Ojo. The deceased, 90, until her death on Friday August 22, was the Otun Ajinhinrere of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Esa-Oke. She is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren among whom is the Ondo State Correspondent of The Nation, Mr. Damisi Ojo, A Christian wake holds tomorrow while interment comes up on Saturday at her residence after a commendation service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Esa-Oke.

•L-R: Ekiti State delegate at the National Conference, Bishop Felix Ajakaye; Speaker, State House of Assembly Dr. Adewale Omirin; Confab delegate, Prof. Bisi Aina; Governor Kayode Fayemi; Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; and Leader of the delegation, Dr. Kunle Olajide, during a visit by the delegation to the Governor, in Ado-Ekiti ...yesterday.

‘Ondo APC ready to accept LP, PDP members’

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HE Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to accept progressives from Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the planned defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

APC said as Mimiko prepares to join the PDP from LP, serving commissioners, House of Assembly and National Assembly members have opened talks with it.

With the development, the party Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said the “long time confusion” over the identity of true progressive politicians has now ended.

The party chieftain, who spoke in Akure, the state capital, at a meeting with party leaders, described the move as

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

a welcome development.

He stressed that the party members should be ready to harvest politicians from LP and PDP. “Before now, there was confusion among the people as to who is a true progressive as LP usually laid claim to being a progressive political party,” Kekemeke said.

The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) said the future of APC, which was bleak as a result of the confusion between LP and APC, has brighten with the planned move by Mimiko to the “conservative and reactionary’s fold.”

He said: “By that singular

act, which is divinely orchestrated, the confusion created in the minds of the people has been removed. The battle line is clearly drawn, with the progressive on one hand and the pseudo-progressive, pretenders and reactionaries on the other hand.

“The line is drawn between those who want the Southwest and the Yorubaland to suffer marginalisation and those who insist that the Southwest cannot play the second fiddle in the politics of Nigeria.

“It is drawn between those who said that the present unacceptable affairs of this country are the best that ever happened and therefore, should be continued, and those who insist there should be change for the better.”

Lawyer Kekemeke said

since the dividing line has become clear, all true progressives, both in PDP and LP, have indicated their intention to take side with the state’s “only truly progressive platform.”

The legal practitioner said: “A number of them have vowed that they will refuse to be infected by the political Ebola. I think the people of this state are wiser and can no longer be deceived by this survivalist action.

“We are ready and prepared as a party to welcome all true progressives into our party with an assurance that our party is all inclusive and will provide equal and fair access to its platform by all for the realisation of their political aspirations.”

Path to justice dispensation, by ex-NBA chief From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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UDGES and members of the Election Petitions Tribunals have been enjoined to exhibit moral courage and other qualities necessary for the incorruptible dispensation of justice.

The immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Oyo Branch, Mr. Adewale Omoloye, gave the admonition yesterday in a lecture at an advocacy forum on democracy, justice and good governance in Oyo town.

He said the present judiciary could not be compared with the old, adding that “quite a number of the judges are not really committed to integrity.

“It is indeed disheartening to note how some judges allowed their reputation to be soiled, due to materialistic desire. What is more? Some judges work only twice a week before terminal review. Why should that happen?

It is a great disservice to the rule of law.”

On unnecessary prolongation of cases in courts, he noted: “It is disturbing to hear of cases pending in courts for as long as six months or one year or more, while the Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP) too find it difficult to analyse the facts and evidences with applicable laws, thereby denying the accused persons or suspects the much-needed justice. It is really unfortunate.”

Omoloye blamed the Ministries of Justice for long delaying of case files of those awaiting trials.

He suggested that retired judges, chief magistrates and elderly lawyers should be contracted for writing legal advice on pending cases.

Omoleye said: “In all honesty, can you say our members of the state Houses of Assembly are equal to task in their oversight functions? Of course, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. There is no alternative to democracy because it is not mere political system, as it encompasses economic and social dimensions, which usually determines its success or failure.”

He suggested that to nurture genuine democratic governance, governments at all levels should fight hunger, poverty and ignorance.

Omoloye urged the political class to close ranks and resist being motivated by selfishness and greed, but by a shared concern for the common good.

Vehicle owners warned

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HE Ogun State Police Command have warned owners of abandoned and accident vehicles parked at Agbado Division to come and remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are: Mitsubishi Bus XS 732 MUS, Nissan Sunny car DH 834 LSR, Mazda car SNK 814CD, Nissan Blue Bird AV 175 AA, Honda Accord car SMK 102 BR and nineteen (19) motorcycles.

Lagos to intensify road repairs

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AGOS State plans to take advantage of the subsided rainfall to repair its roads.

The Executive Chairman of the Public Works Corporation, Mr. Gbenga Akintola spoke yesterday.

He reiterated the commitment of the agency to maintenance of roads in the metropolis.

Akintola explained that

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

1,400 roads had been earmarked for repairs, saying work has been carried out on580 roads between January and August.

Akintola said work at the Badagry asphalt plant had made tremendous progress, adding that the Imota plant has produced asphalt, which has been utilised for the

maintenance of over 40 roads in Epe and Ikorodu Local Government Areas.

Of the projects awarded by the Ministry of Works to the corporation, 10 have been completed.

Seven of the completed roads are in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, two in AmuwoOdofin and one LAMATA project.

Other projects under construction include Adewunmi

Adebiyi and Oba Adegboyega Street, Ketu; Soluyi Street, Gbagada Phase 1; Moshood Street, Ketu; Abel Oreniyi and Gafari Balogun Salvation, Opebi; Ladipo Kuku Street, Ikeja and Alhaja Abass Street, Ogudu.

Akintola said 808,850 paving stone blocks and 4,810 kerbs had been produced since inception of the paving stone production section of the corporation,

which in terms of usage covers 16,177sqm.

Some of the areas where the paving stone have been used include Ebute-Ero underpass, Lagos Island, Imam Street, Amukoko, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Walter Siffre Street, Ifako, Gbagada Phase 1, Badagry New Asphalt PlantYard, Agric Road, Oko-Oba, Ifako-Ijaiye and Mobolaji Johnson among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

8

NEWS Ondo PDM to provide alternative platform

O

NDO State Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has promised to provide alternative platform for the people.

Its Chairman, Oluwole Fagboro, said this during the inauguration of new executives of the party.

He said the Ondo people had experienced the performance of administrations of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) as well as the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governments in other states.

Fagboro said the people were yet to “taste the newly registered PDM,” which, he said, would serve as an alternative platform for them.

He urged other executive members, including the Secretary, Prince Pius Egbukuyemi; the Organising Secretary, Festus Elusiyan; the Publicity Secretary, Shadrach Adedipe and Mrs. Abigail Daramola, to mobilise people into the party.

An Akure-based lawyer,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Morakinyo Ogele, who was at the event, said the party was ready to provide alternative governance to the people, saying “it remains the undiluted platform.”

The rights activist urged members to go to their political units, wards and local governments and canvassed for party membership.

The party’s Southwest leader, Mrs. Kikelomo Egbudofo, said the prospect of the PDM was bright as politicians from APC and PDP have started wooing it for tickets.

The party’s strict adherence to internal democracy, she said, “makes it stand out among other political parties.”

Her words: “We will have a good showing in next year election. But by 2016, when governorship election will be held, the PDM would have grown in numerical strength that it would be capable of winning governorship election in Ondo State.”

Party cautions Alao-Akala

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YO State All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any plan to disrupt the governorship declaration of former Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala billed for Ibadan tomorrow, describing the allegation as baseless and unfounded.

The party debunked a statement by a group, Southern Nigerian Youth Forum (SNYF), in which it was alleged that Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the APC had perfected plans to storm the venue of Alao-Akala declaration with some political thugs and disrupt the event.

The APC’s Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, described the allegation as “a false alarm coming from the camp of some noise-makers who had been rejected by the people.

INEC clears APC over Osun electoral officers’ sack T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State has denied the claim that two of its officers were suspended for colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the state’s August 9 governorship election.

Its Chief Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Adenike Tadese, in a statement yesterday, said it was imperative to comment and correct the erroneous impression created by media reports, concerning the suspension of the two officers.

The statement reads: “It is pertinent to clarify and also set the record straight that the two electoral officers, Mr. Funsho Tope Fabunmi (Osogbo Local Government) and Mr. Anthony Olusegun Esinoye (Obokun Local Govern-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ment), were not suspended based on allegedly collusion with the APC to manipulate electoral process in favour of the party in Osogbo and Obokun Local Government Councils.

“They were neither culpable of selling ballot papers to the APC nor manipulation of Form EC8C to favour the APC and voiding of PDP votes counted in favour of the APC. Mr. Fabunmi was suspended based on administrative lapses occasioned in the course of discharging his duties.

“Mr. Esinoye, Electoral Officer, Obokun Local Government, on August 7th, 2014

was alleged by the people of Obokun Local Government Area of diverting sensitive election materials and was arrested by the police in the area.

“A press release was immediately issued to correct the spurious allegation that non-sensitive materials, which were supposed to be deployed alongside with the sensitive materials were erroneously taken to the Registration Area Centre along with materials meant for the setting up of the centre by the Assistant Executive Officer of the Local Government while the Electoral Officer was at the State Office of the Commission in Osogbo for the collection of the sensitive election

materials in the presence o f s e c u rity and political party agents.

“It was at the point of retrieval of the non-sensitive materials that the residents of the area accosted him and raised alarm that drew the attention of the police. It is important at this point to emphasis that INEC Headquarters did not find the Electoral Officers culpable of working for the APC to rig the election as purported by the PDP. “We strongly believe that the stories in the dailies are part of grand design to cast aspersion on the integrity of INEC. It is our wish to state unequivocally that INEC will always be forthright, transparent and alive to her responsibilities and have zero tolerance for indiscipline and will bring erring officer to book.”

‘Commission must explain about suspended workers’

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SUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clear the air on two of its officers suspended for alleged electoral malpractices during the August 9 governorship election.

Its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, in a statement yesterday, said the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the suspended INEC’s workers attempted to manipulate election results from two local government councils in its favour was false.

The party faulted the claim by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Jelili Adesiyan, in which his Chief Press Secretary, Wale Akinola, in a statement, said that the INEC officers suspended attempted to rig election in favour of the APC before they were arrested.

Describing the claim as unfortunate, the party said that Adesiyan and his party

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

went “to the town to manipulate facts and placing their offences on their intended victim” – the APC. The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately clear the air on information given to the public by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that two of its staff have been suspended and are under investigation for manipulating the election result from two local governments to favour the APC. “It is unfortunate that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handlers have gone to town manipulating facts and placing their offences on their intended victim, the APC. “It is on record that on 8 August, 2014, APC youths arrested a truck-full of ballot papers to be used for the gubernatorial election to be held on 9 August, 2014 and this was widely reported.

“The two persons in charge

of the vehicle, who were arrested, were the Electoral Officer of Obokun Local Government in Osun State, Segun Eshilokun and one Ismaila Taofik, who were in possession of the electoral materials before INEC started the distribution of materials.

“The two culprits were handed over to the police and were taken to the State CID in Osogbo. Later, the two of them were released to one Oladipo Oladapo, a PDP chieftain from Ile-Ife without any charge brought against them. The order to release them was simply said to have come from above.

“It was pursuant to this that we wrote a petition to INEC for the matter to be duly investigated and the culprits brought to book.

“Furthermore, the second INEC official who has just been suspended was the Electoral Officer for Osogbo Local Government, a card-carrying member of the PDP. The suspension was pursuant to our petition complaining of several malpractices against this individual who connived to manipulate the election in favour of PDP on the 9th of August, 2014 when he released only 64 identification tags to APC polling agents out of a total of 227 that was due to be given to our agents.

“The implication was that APC agents were denied access to their polling units until the accreditation process was over and, if not for prompt intervention by Ambassador Wali, the INEC National Commissioner in charge, APC agents would have been completely excluded from most polling units in Osogbo Local Government.

“Later in the day, after the conclusion of the election, the same electoral officer for Osogbo Local Government refused to produce the Form EC8C customised for Osogbo Local Government and in which the collated results of the various Wards in Osogbo were to be recorded.

“Upon our complaint, INEC issued this corrupt official another query and was given a one-hour ultimatum to produce the form. It was pursuant to this that he grudgingly produced the form and the results were recorded and announced.

“It is rather disconcerting to read in the dailies that a source close to Senator Iyiola Omisore rather turned the facts round that the said official was said to have colluded with APC in manipulating the election which PDP woefully lost.

This is just a shoddy job to corrupt public opinion and augment their unfortunate election petition which is doomed to fail. It is certain that Segun Eshinlokun was working for PDP when he was nabbed by the evervigilant APC members who knew the fraudulent intention of the PDP ahead of the election.

“It was also certain that the Electoral Officer for Osogbo Local Government knew that the people of Osogbo and its environs were going to give the largest votes to APC and hence his devilish determination to assist Iyiola Omisore to subvert popular democracy.

“We wish to place on record that it is most irresponsible journalism for certain elements in the Fourth Realm of the Estate to gleefully give fillip to falsehood without proper investigation. The stories above were well known ahead of the unfortunate publications of 3 September, 2014 where the Tribune and some online media joyously committed perfidy by making the victim the accused rather than joining hands to condemn an electoral evil which is destroying the society.

“We call on the relevant authorities in INEC to note that the acts perpetrated by the Electoral Officers of Obokun and Osogbo Local Governments are criminal in nature. The steps to be taken should not be limited to administrative discipline but the two culprits must be prosecuted. They were out to give INEC a bad name in order to satisfy their gusto for filthy lucre.

“The stakes here are very high and INEC should not allow a party to take over its responsibility of truthfully informing the public as to what is really going on in the INEC over the last gubernatorial election, which was won convincingly by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the APC.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

9

NEWS

APC, PDP disagree on Niger East by-election

28 killed in Nasarawa

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BOUT 28 persons have been killed in a clash between herdsmen and the people of Eggon in Nasarawa State.

But Police spokesman Numan Ismaila confirmed only six deaths. Many people were injured and over 10 houses razed in Gidan Mai-Akuya.

It was learnt that gunmen stormed the village around 5am, shooting indiscriminately.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed on the inconclusive Niger East Senatorial by-election.

A supplementary election is scheduled for Saturday in 21 polling units.

In a statement yesterday, APC’s Publicity Secretary Jonathan Vatsa accused the

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

PDP of scheming to subvert the people’s will.

Vatsa urged the government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP to allow the people’s will to prevail.

He said the PDP had lost its “political bearing” and the APC was the alternative for a

change.

Vatsa said: “We urge the people of Niger State to come out and vote for the APC. The electorates have seen the truth and are looking for a change.

No amount of blackmail or intimidation will deter the APC from winning the supplementary election, not even the huge amount of public funds distributed at polling units by

the PDP can stop the people’s goodwill for Mr. David Umaru, our party’s candidate.”

PDP Deputy Chairman Tanko Beji, in a statement, told the APC to focus on the supplementary election, instead of engaging in “cheap blackmail”.

Beji said: “The cancellation of the election and the order

for a re-run by INEC was based on the use of thugs in some areas where the PDP would have swept the polls. Therefore, the cancellation reflects INEC’s towards deepening democracy and allowing the will of the people to prevail.”

INEC’s Head of Information Mohammed Waze said 13,534 registered voters are expected to vote on Saturday.

Senator loses mum

‘Zone APC’s ticket to Kwara Central’

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

H

AJIYA Fatima Attahiru, mother of Senator Umaru Dahiru Tambawal (Sokoto South), is dead. She died yesterday at her Sokoto home after a protracted illness.

She was 97.

Hajiya Attahiru has been buried according to Islamic rites.

Her funeral was attended

by House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Governor Aliyu Wamakko and traditional rulers, among others.

Hajiya Attahiru is survived by three children, grand children and many great grand children.

Ex-Kogi commissioner dies in road crash From James Azania, Lokoja

K

OGI State former Commissioner for Education Mrs. Grace Elebiyo died yesterday in an accident on the Kabba-Okene road.

The late commissioner, who was part of a delegation that accompanied Governor Idris Wada on a tour of some local governments, died on her way home.

Her son, Olu, who was driving her car, is receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.

It was gathered that Wada’s convoy ran into the scene and rushed the victims to the hospital, but Mrs Elebiyo died on the way.

In a statement by his media aide, Jacob Edi, the governor commiserated with the Elebiyo people and residents on the former commissioner’s death.

He recalled her “selfless contributions” to the state’s growth and prayed for the repose of her soul.

Sokoto pays students’ N40.75m fees From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

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HE Sokoto State government has paid N40.75 million as registration fees for indigenes freshly admitted at the Usman Danfodio University.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Tureta, students who paid their registration fees earlier were refunded.

Tureta said: “The gesture is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the students, who are largely indigent.”

He urged the students to reciprocate the gesture by studying diligently.

A

A

•Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido (right) inspecting Dutse International Airport...yesterday.

Kogi council workers protest non-payment of arrears

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EMBERS of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in KabbaBunu Local Government Area of Kogi State protested yesterday the non-payment of their 10-month salary arrears by the council Chairman, Emmanuel Funsho.

From James Azania, Lokoja

They said they were tired of receiving a percentage of their salary at the end of every month.

NULGE Chairman Comrade Durojaiye Daniel said the protest was to draw the atten-

tion of Governor Idris Wada, who was in the area, to their plight.

Urging the governor to intervene, Daniel said: “Workers at Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area are being owed 10-month salary, leave bonus and promotion arrears since 2012.

‘Unite to end Boko Haram’

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HE Boko Haram insurgency is a national headache and the collaboration of everyone is required to tackle it, Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) has said.

Citing an example of the united campaign to halt the spread of the Ebola virus and its “increasing success”, Belgore urged the Federal Government and states to unite in the fight against Boko Haram.

The governorship aspirant spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Jonathan Actualisation Movement.

In his keynote address, titled: “Security Challenges, Peace and Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, Belgore said: “When there is collaboration, problems are better addressed and solved. A good example is the struggle against the Ebola virus that has

unfortunately been dumped on us. The collaboration between Lagos State and the Federal Government has helped tremendously to curb what would have been a major national calamity. There have been no finger pointing, personal insults or abuses of any kind. The two parties have worked closely together and are now winning the battle.

“There is a big lesson for us all in this as we combat the Boko Haram menace. It is that if we work together, we can overcome our security challenges. Boko Haram cannot be solved by the President or the Federal Government alone.”

He urged governments to address the causes of insecurity, such as “unemployment, lack of hope for a better tomorrow, religious fanaticism, desperation, ignorance, exploitation, misguidance, indiscipline, poor leadership and societal influence”.

Belgore said: “We have to

Taraba South to Danjuma: Don’t endorse minister for governorship From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

S •Belgore

provide our youths with gainful employment that will keep them away from all antisocial activities. There needs to be massive job creation to employ millions of people.

“The Federal Government and states need to work together on the creation of our own equivalent of the ‘Marshal Plan’ that was established in Europe after the Second World War to put millions of people back to work.”

Shun rancour, Kwara PDP chair urges members

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WARA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Iyiola Oyedepo has urged members to be united.

The advice may not be unconnected with the polarisation of the party in Ilorin West Local Government Area among Senator Gbemisola Saraki; Federal Character Commission (FCC) Chairman

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Prof Shuaib Oba-AbdulRaheem; and Hajia Muina Shagaya.

Speaking yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, at the inauguration of the party’s new executive in the council, Oyedepo described peace and unity as the cornerstone of any development.

“Each time the union met the chairman, he deceived us with his sugar-coated mouth.

In the past one year, we have been getting 20, 30, 40 per cent of our salary.”

He said members could no longer pay their house rents, their children’s school fees and meet their personal needs.

GROUP in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Coalition of Kwara Youths (CKY), has urged the party to zone its 2015 governorship ticket to Kwara Central Senatorial District.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, CKY Chairman Sunday Okanlawon, flanked by the Secretary, Kola Ibrahim, and Women Leader Hadiza Umar, said: “The need for the party’s victory in the 2015 general elections spurred our demand, as the party stands a better chance if the candidate emerges from the central district.

“In the spirit of continuity and consolidation, especially on the good foundation set by our leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, there is the need to return the governorship to the Central Zone.

“This zone represents over 55 per cent of the state’s population. We strongly believe that loyalty, commitment and service delivery that would impact positively on the people should be the priority of our leaders as recorded in education, agriculture, environment, among other sectors, during our leader’s tenure as the governor.

He said the executive had been endorsed by the PDP national headquarters, urging members to eschew bitterness as they prepare for the 2015 polls.

Oyedepo urged the executive to unite the factions in the council, adding: “Unite members without being factional and ensure that the party is vibrant.”

STAKEHOLDERS from Southern Taraba have urged former Defense Minister Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) not to endorse Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs Darius Dickson Ishaku as their governorship candidate.

This was contained in an open letter to Gen. Danjuma by the Southern Taraba Stakeholders Forum (STSF), signed by its spokesman, James Abe Nwunuji.

The group said it made the letter open so that the public and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could see it.

Giving reasons for rejecting Ishaku, the group said the minister was not in touch with his people and does not have the required political structure to contest the governorship poll.

It said Ishaku could not deliver “a piece” of his local government – Takum - during the House of Assembly by-election to fill the vacuum left by the late Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa.

The Nation gathered that Southern Taraba is searching for a credible candidate that will wrestle the PDP’s ticket with Acting Governor Garba Umar, and General Danjuma is to endorse a consensus candidate for the zone.

The group said Northern and Central Taraba have ruled the state for 18 years and it was the turn of Sourthern Taraba to produce the next governor.

It said Southern Taraba may lose the PDP ticket if Danjuma endorses Ishaku, adding: “Umar, now a holder of the purse, string and infrastructure of power, will not fear an army of lions led by a sheep.

“A candidate Umar sponsored, Daniel Tsokwa, won the Takum I House of Assembly by-election. Ishaku failed this litmus test – a PDP primary for a constituency that is not up to a local government area.

“Sir, this was against your wish. And we are still mourning the result of that election. Ishaku was in Takum days to the election to drum up support for Yakubu against Umar’s candidate. He lost. Umar did not go to Takum to garner the votes of delegates but he carried the day.

“So, how can Ishaku face an Umar or a candidate sponsored

by Umar in the governorship battle, when he cannot deliver only a piece of Takum -his local government area?

The group urged Danjuma to pick one of Senator Joel Ikenya, Chief David Kente and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, saying they are “more visionary, popular and committed”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Father sues St Nicholas, other for N1.1b over son’s death

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MAN, Mr Mustapha Hanga, has launched a legal battle against two hospitals over the death of his son Nabil.

Hanga is seeking N1.1billion damages from Royal Cross Medical Centre Ltd and St. Nicholas Hospital for alleged negligence which led to Nabil’s death.

He and the Estate of Nabil Hanga joined De Flight Medics Nigeria Limited and its co-owners and directors – Olamide Orekunrin, Oyedele Jibayo and Olukunle Orekunrin – as third to sixth defendants in the suit filed at the Lagos High Court.

The claimants, through their lawyer, Mr Bruce Ighalo, sued the defendants

By Joseph Jibueze

“jointly and severally” for allegedly failing to provide the medical treatments that the late Nabil sought.

They alleged that St. Nicholas failed to treat the late Nabil from 10am when he arrived at their hospital till 5pm on May 11, 2012 but “watched him cry in pain throughout his stay at their facility.”

According to them, the hospital failed to “intubate” (insert a breathing tube into) the late Nabil which delayed attempts by the third to sixth defendants to transport him to a medical facility abroad for treatment.

They added that the hospital “was negligent and reck-

less to rule out Lassa fever because the victim did not travel to known Lassa states.”

The claimants alleged that St. Nicholas recommended De Flight Medics to them to provide air ambulance from Nigeria to the United Kingdom (UK) when the company is allegedly not registered by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for such operations.

They claimed the third to sixth defendants “conspired and extorted US$135,000 (about N21,060,000)” from them in alleged violation of Sections 516 and 518 (6) of the Criminal Code Act. The claimants said the firm “does not have or own an ambulance and is not authorised to operate air ambulance in and

out of Nigeria,” but to “lease private passenger planes not designed as air ambulance”.

Besides, the claimants said the defendants have refused to release the late Nabil’s medical records despite various request letters by their lawyer.

“The defendants deviated from acceptable standards of practice when they failed to carry out the necessary tests, obtain the necessary medical investigations and reports, (and) engage the services of a proper air medical ambulance to transport Nabil…”

According to them, the defendants’ failure “is directly responsible for the death of Nabil Hanga and the damages suffered by the claimants.”

Don lists ways to fight terrorism

H

OW can the Boko Haram insurgency be ended? It is by the acquisition of weapons superior to those of Boko Haram, says a don, Dr Gbenga Akingbehin.

Akingbehin, who teaches law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was delivering a lecture titled: Terrorism: A threat to world peace: Nigeria in perspective at the installation of Rotarian Kamal Ola Opoola as the 28th president of the Rotary Club of Okota, Lagos.

“One way to fight the terrorist group and ensure

By Medinat Kanabe

total peace is to make sure the military and other security agencies eschew corruption.

Any budgetary allocation for security should be disbursed accordingly and not diverted or shared,” he said.

He called for the provision of jobs and other infrastructure for the empowerment of youths in the society.

“We should imbibe the spirit of true democracy as there is bound to be revulsion of a regime that subverts democratic tenets through

revolution,” he added.

Rotarian Opoola thanked God for His mercies and blessings on him and for preserving his life to witness the installation ceremony.

Opoola said every year, the baton of leadership passes to new leaders, adding: “we have the responsibility as Rotarians to do justice to our office and the confidence reposed in us.

“Rotary itself is a unique opportunity to appreciate what our Creator has endowed us with and in a way to give thanks to Him all the time. One of the main

objectives of Rotary is to remind us of our personal responsibility to Rotary and its ideals as exemplified by our theme: Light up Rotary, and to work within the areas of focus’’.

The outgoing president, Edward Kanayo, said one of his greatest projects was the building of a central library and civic centre for the Okota community.

Awards were given to the Osolo of Osolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, Mr Ademola Shabi, Mr Abdulrasak Kolawole Sanni and Mr Richard Adedeji for supporting the club.

The bereaved father said he borrowed money to travel to the UK expecting to meet his son and accompany him to a hospital only to learn that Nabil had been taken to Kano instead.

The claimants are urging the court to compel the defendants to pay them N500million as general damages for the loss of income and costs incurred in the late Nabil’s treatment; N300million for emotional distress and social distability; N200million as aggravated damages; N100million as cost of initiating and prosecuting the action; a refund of the air ambulance and medical fees paid to the defendants; and 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum until final liquidation of the sum.

Royal Cross Medical Centre has filed its defence. The others have 42 days to file theirs, but the days may not count because the court is still on vacation.

In its statement of defence, Royal Cross denied all allegation in the statement of claim, asking that the suit be dismissed because it discloses no cause of action against it.

“The first defendant shall contend that the pleadings of the claimants do not disclose any untoward act of negligence on its part hence no cause of action arises against it,” it said, adding that no allusions of medical malfeasance were made against it.

Royal Cross urged the court to dismiss the claimants’ claim with substantial cost.

It also filed a motion on notice, praying the court to dismiss the suit and strike out its name as a party because it “does not disclose any cognisable or justiceable cause of action against the first defendant.”

Lagos Assembly cautions VIOs

By Oziegbe Okoeki

C

HAIRMAN, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Commerce and industry, Hon. Bisi Yusuf has urged officials of the State Vehicle Inspection Office, V.I.O to be more civil and friendly in discharging their duty.

Yusuf made the plea during an interactive section with Zonal Heads of VIO Units at Alausa.

The lawmaker said there is need for officials of the unit to change their attitude towards motorists when checking their documents.

He also urged officials to be more proactive and stop harassing motorists unnecessarily, adding that “the way V.I.O stop moving vehicles for checks on the road is dangerous.

“We are not pleased with complaints and reports from the public, that is why we invited all the Heads of the Unit so that they can pass the message across to their subordinates. The committee is not here to intimidate you or to witch-hunt anyone but to correct your wrong doing.

I want to warn all the officials of V.I.O not to be agents of any insurance company, any vehicle owner is entitled to collect insurance document from any recognized insurance company they like”, Yusuf said.

Warehouse guards held for robbery

•The suspects

T

WO security guards have been arrested for being the brains behind a robbery at their work place.

Adamu Umoru (56) and Jidda Mohammed (45) were hired to protect the warehouse where they work.

Two other suspects; Obinna Nwodo (31) and Igwe Ndubusi (33) are the gang’s leader and receiver of the stolen goods.

Ndubusi is a businessman in Enugu. The police said he specialises in buying stolen goods.

Sources said the gang robbed a truck loaded with water pumping machines at Ijesha, Lagos some months ago.

It was gathered that the goods were loaded at the company’s warehouse in AmuwoOdofin Industrial Estate in Lagos with the aid of the security guards.

“They brought in the robbers, loaded the pumping machines in a truck and one of the security guards drove the truck out of the premises to avoid any suspicion”, a source said.

The security guards, the police said have been involved in such shady deals for over five years in all the companies they have worked.

“Mohammed was the person that drove the truck, while the other security man Umoru arranged for the first buyer who is on the run now. Nwodo is one of the prime suspects who participated in the operation”.

Police said Ndubusi came from Enugu to

By Jude Isiguzo

buy the goods, adding that he was arrested by detectives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

It was gathered that Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone II Umar Manko directed SARS Commander, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent (SP) to investigate the case.

Kyari, it was learnt, raised a team that cracked the case.

“We got information that Ndubusi was coming to Lagos from Enugu to buy the water pumping machines, hence we staged an operation and arrested him. We then used him to arrest Nwodo and the other members of the gang who are security guards in the company that was attacked. They confessed they have been robbing companies for over five years. They specialised in robbing companies and trucks loaded with goods.

“We arrested them two weeks ago. The security men confessed that it was greed that led them into robbery, adding that the other suspects convinced them that they would become rich if they can mastermind the robbery but after its success, they gave them peanuts.

“Most of the stolen pumping machines have been recovered by SARS operatives while efforts are on to arrest the fleeing gang members and recover the remaining goods. All suspects confessed to the crime and would be charged to court tomorrow”, a source said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘The June deadline is by the corner; Mr. President’s word is a bond. We must generate more power; we are prepared to assist all our agencies in making sure that the ball keeps rolling. We can’t afford to fail in our duties.’

•Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

Fed Govt targets 1.1m metric tonnes of milk

Govt to ban concrete poles import

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday said it would increase milk production from 469,000metric tonnes (MT) to 1.1 million.

The Director, Department of Animal Production and Husbandry Services in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ademola Raji, said in a statement in Abuja by its Director of Information, Tony Ohaeri.

Dr. Raji, who was represented by Deputy Director in the department, Alhaji Adeola, said Nigeria milk production which per lactation cow falls below 500 litres per day will be increased to 2000 litres per day.

According to him, this could be achieved by upgrading the milk production level of indigenous cows through artificial insemination with high productivity semen and feed supplement.

He maintained that the aim of the workshop was to equip the officers of the eleven states as well as the Value Chain Team (VCT) with the training on artificial insemination techniques and assessment at farm level, Bovine reproduction and health in dairy animals and techniques for assessment of animal health and production parameters.

On his part, the Desk Officer, Dairy Value Chain Mr. Ezenwa Nwakonobi while giving the over view of the dairy value chain said the objective of the value chain is the creation of structural shift in the dairy industry.

He reiterated the commitment of government to turn the country into a major player in local milk and milk products supply, create wealth for dairy farmers and to create jobs along the value chain.

Nwakonobi added that the government hopes to link private sector processors to domestic milk supplies in the country by organising small holder milk producers cooperatives clustered around milk processors.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb RATES Inflation -8.2% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $38.4b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

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• From left: Mr. Olamide Jolaoso of Retail Products, Sterling Bank Plc; Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Head, Retail Products, Mr. Gbenga Adegoke, during the launch of The Gunner's Promo, organised by the bank in Lagos…yesterday.

Nigeria drops to 127th position in global competitiveness

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ESPITE being Africa's largest economy, Ni geria's global competitiveness has dropped seven places to 127th position.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015, Infrastructure (human and physical) continue to be Nigeria’s toughest challenges.

The report attributed the decline in global competitiveness "to weakness in public finances (as a result of lower oil exports), continuing institutional frailty and deterioration in national security."

The results the report said "are similarly mixed for other middle-income countries in the region. Lesotho (107th) and Cape Verde (114th) register the largest improvements, while Botswana (74th), Namibia (88th), Zambia (96th), Ghana (111th), Senegal (112th) and Swaziland (123rd) remain relatively stable.”

Among the oil-exporting

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

economies, Gabon remains the highest-ranked economy (106th) followed by Cameroon (116th), with Nigeria, Angola (140th) and Chad (143rd).

Among Africa’s low-income economies, the report noted that Ethiopia made the biggest leap, rising nine places to 118th.

According to Global Competitiveness Index, only three sub-Saharan countries (Mauritius, 39th; South Africa, 56th; and Rwanda, 62nd) scored in the top half of the world’s most competitive economies.

Of these, "Mauritius continues its strong upward trajectory of recent years, climbing six places. South Africa declined three places; it is now the third most competitive BRICS economy after China (28th) and the Russian Federation (53rd). Rwanda climbs four places."

The report finds that "despite years of bold monetary policy, global economic growth remains at risk, as several countries struggle to implement growth-boosting structural reforms."

In its annual assessment of the factors driving countries’ productivity and prosperity, the report stated that "the biggest obstacle to sustainable global growth is uneven implementation of structural reforms across different regions and levels of development."

It also highlighted talent and innovation as two areas which leaders of both public and private sectors needed to collaborate more effectively in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic development.

According to the report, the United States improved its competitiveness position for the second consecutive year, climbing two places to third, on the back of gains to its institutional framework and in-

novation scores. Elsewhere in the top five, Switzerland led the ranking for the sixth consecutive year, Singapore remained second and Finland (4th) and Germany (5th) both drop one place.

They are followed by Japan (6th), which climbs three places, and Hong Kong SAR (7th), which remains stable. Europe’s open, service-based economies follow, with the Netherlands (8th) also stable and the United Kingdom (9th) going up one place. Sweden (10th) rounds up the top 10 of the most competitive economies in the world.

The report said: "Leading economies in the index all possess track records in developing, accessing and utilising available talent, as well as in making investments that boost innovation. “These smart and targeted investments have been possible thanks to a coordinated approach based on strong collaboration between the public and private sectors."

Govt blacklists power contractor, directors for abandoning project T

HE Federal Government yesterday blacklisted a firm, Messrs Techno Electric and Engineering Company and its directors from executing any government project in the country.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, said the company abandoned electricity project in Ebonyi State for the Engineeering Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Testing and inauguration of 2X60MVA, 132/33KV at Amasiri and 2X132KV Line Bays Extension at Abakaliki after collecting 15 per cent mobilisation fee on December 1, 2010.

He said FEC has approved the re-award of the contract to Messrs North China

•FEC okays $3.05 trillion National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Power Engineering limited and NCEP (Nig) Limited.

The new contract sum, he said, is $5,835,368.47 payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment plus N505,788,083.58 inclusive of N67,211,298.58 for five per cent contingency.

The project, which has 24month completion period, the minister said, was designed to boost power supply to Ebonyi and parts of Cross River states and aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of the states.

According to him, the funding for the project would be sourced from Eurobond loan, the budget and the unutilised letter of credit earlier established for the terminated project.

Speaking during the briefing, the Minister of Transport, also said FEC approved the award of contract for the design and construction of four 60 Ton Bollard Pull Marine Tug Boats in favour of Messrs Depasa Marine International (Nigeria) Limited.

The contract sum, he said, is Euro 42,968,864.70 equivalent of N8,778,423,042.28 inclusive of all taxes and within 24 months.

He said the project is expected to generate 97 job opportunities for both professionals and non professionals during its execution and about 112 direct and indirect job opportunities when in full operation.

The Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Suleiman said the Council also approved the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which is expected to be executed with $3.05 trillion (N485 trillion) between this year and 2043.

He said the master plan will be implemented in three phases while the first phase will between 2014 and 2018 will require $166.1billion for implementation.

The plan, which will cover all the key sectors of the economy, would address infrastructural gaps being experienced in the various sectors.

HE Managing Director, Electricity Manage ment Service Limited (EMSL), Peter Ewesor, has said the Federal Government would ban the importation of some electric equipment, such as concrete poles that can be manufactured locally.

Speaking with The Nation in Abuja, he said the agency was already monitoring and giving proper guidance to the companies to ensure the production of quality poles for the power sector.

He said the need to improve the quality of electric concrete poles in the industry was informed by the determination of the EMSL to reduce the down time which is always the consequence of damaged poles.

He said: “There are equipment that can be manufactured locally. The raw materials are there and we are trying to make it mandatory that those kinds of materials are done locally.

“For example, electric concrete poles. I do not expect anybody to go and bring electric concrete poles into the country.

But before now, people got electric poles manufactured and bring into the the country. It is not reasonable to say at this time of our development that somebody is manufacturing electric concrete poles outside the country.

“But what we are doing is that we are giving electric poles manufacturers proper monitoring proper guidance to make sure they are able to produce the right type and the right quality of electric concrete poles that would actually stand the test of time.”

He said in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria ( SON), the EMSL would soon publish the National Electric Concrete Pole Manufacturers Directory.

According to him, the directory would be a list of the firms that are qualified to produce electric poles.

He said: “In collaboration with SON, we at EMSL, are going to publish very soon National Electric Concrete Pole Manufacturer Directory. “This will give the list of people who are qualified to produce poles. You are qualified as long as you maintain the standard that was approved for you.”

Ewesor said EMSL was also saddled with issuing workmen in the industryelectricians, technicians, technologists, electric contractors certificate of competence for them to operate.

Explaining that the operation of the EMSL can save the government a lot of losses, Ewesor recalled that there was a particular supplier, who was asked to supply a 500KV transformer that supplied a 300KV transformer.

Had the agency not detected the fraud, he said, the supplier would have shortchanged the consumers and government since the transformer can only carry 300KV load.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

‘Regulatory agencies’ infractions hurting economy’ Business operators, particularly operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are crying over the multiplicity of agencies with over-lapping regulatory and supervisory functions. They grumble that it is strangulating their business, reducing their productivity and competiveness.

Assist. Editors CHIKODI OKEREOCHA and OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE write that if operators’ recommendations are implemented, respite may be on the way for industrialists.

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S the leading voice of private sector operators in Nigeria, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) understands why the industrial sector is encumbered despite the avalanche of programmes to fast-track industrialisation, accelerate inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and transform the business environment.

The LCCI said beyond the nation’s huge infrastructure gap, regulatory challenges and its attendant costs are factors stifling the growth of businesses.

Specifically, the LCCI said the multiplicity of agencies with over-lapping regulatory and supervisory functions at both the federal and state levels is hampering the smooth operation of many businesses. Noting however, that the effects of regulatory infractions on private sector operators are more profound for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) because of their inherent vulnerability, the LCCI raised the alarm that this has forced many businesses to close shop, relocate to other countries or move into the informal sector.

The LCCI’s findings were contained in a study aimed at examining and reporting the lingering regulatory challenges in the industrial sector and provide viable engagement platforms for solutions. In carrying out the study titled: ‘Regulatory infractions on Nigeria’s industrial sector,’ the LCCI, according to its Director-General, Muda Yusuf, believes that without an enabling business environment with clear, consistent laws, regulations, and enforcement, Nigeria’s private sector and democratic development will be inhibited.

The body noted that a vibrant private sector, especially the SMEs is crucial to any economy in providing job opportunities, developing innovations, and meaningful participation of the citizens in the democratic process.

The study, supported by the Centre of International Private Enterprise (CIPE), said most of the regulatory anomalies were evident in the high rate of human interface, arbitrary charges, fees and fines, overlap of functions and fight for supremacy among the agencies as well as high frequency of factory visits and collection of excessive product samples, among others. To most private sector operators, for instance, the high frequency of factory visits by various agencies, as the study found out, is an overkill.

“There is no defined number of inspection visits to companies by the agencies in a year.

The number of inspection visits range from four to 10 times a year, depending on the company’s production capacity and other factors. The disturbing aspect of the repeat/ regular visits is that the same quantity of product samples is collected by the agencies during each visit. The companies are com-

• Yusuf

•Aganga

•Bello

pelled to pay inspection fee for each visit, take care of transportation etc of the agency officials on each factory visit,” the study said.

As if the repeat/regular factory visits are not enough to raise the bile of business operators, such visits are accompanied by collection of excessive product samples. The Nation learnt that officials of the agencies collect samples of all the products they meet in the production line or store on each occasion they visit the companies. Stocks of products are collected excessively under the guise of ‘test sample’ in cartons, rolls, and dozens. ‘’Edibles, home use and ‘easy sale products’ suffer most from regular collection of huge amount of samples,” the LCCI study revealed.

The frustration does not stop there. The LCCI said even after samples were collected, there were delays in approvals because of absence of national standards. The group said registration/certification of products took six months to one year, noting that in most cases, the companies never get to receive the test results from the agencies after due payments and regular follow ups with the relevant departments in the agencies.

“This slows down business activities and leads to loss of opportunities especially the ones that are time bound,” the study said, adding that there is no standard for most chemicals and industrial products, yet the firms are compelled to pay levies for the products standards.

The study further said some firms which do not want to pass through the rigour of processing documents, induce the agency officials. “This is mostly fuelled by the need for quick approval of papers/permits to meet certain commercial deadlines or to circumvent inherent/artificial bottlenecks in the system. Sometimes, companies’ representatives go out of their way to tip the officials in order to save their jobs because if a major regulatory query is issued against the company, the manager in charge will be blamed or fired by the management for mishandling relationship with the regulator,” it said.

The LCCI said the study also found that some importers may bring in many products, but would lobby regulatory officials to

pay inspection fee for only few of the products. Those that import contraband goods also do the same thing by ‘cutting their ways’ with the officials. In all of these, the LCCI study found an overlap of functions and fight for supremacy among the agencies. For instance, it cited pronounced overlapping regulatory activities of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in sectors like cosmetics, food, drinks, beverages, health and confectionary to mention a few.

“It is frustrating to businesses that a product inspection report produced by SON will be rejected by NAFDAC and vice versa. Each of the agencies prefers to carry out an independent analysis for the same product. This leads to waste of management time, unnecessary fees, fine, charges and high operational cost,” the study said. However, the result of the study only confirmed observations earlier made by LCCI and other industry associations on the issue.

Earlier, during a visit to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, in Abuja to table some requests aimed at ensuring seamless business operations, LCCI’s President, Mr. Remi Bello, noted the overlapping functions of the regulators. He said apart from compliance with SON guidelines, industrialists were worried by the demand for compulsory product listing by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). He said this was in addition to the yearly charges on each product, which is an additional burden.

This was why the latest report by LCCI projected that industrial activities will grow by about 25 per cent over two years if a more service-oriented and accommodative regulatory and monitoring environment is put in place. LCCI said: “This will impact directly on the number of new jobs, emergence of small scale agricultural processing ventures, higher tax revenue for government at all levels, and ultimately douse the growing insecurity conditions fuelled by youth unemployment.”

LCCI said frameworks that will enhance the collaboration between SON and

NAFDAC’s regulatory and monitoring functions will be helpful to build trust and respect among the two agencies. The operators argued that more enhanced collaborations between the two agencies would certainly reduce unnecessary pressure on businesses suffering from the age long silent battle for supremacy between the two agencies.

They also noted that continuous streamlining of processes aimed at reducing internal bottlenecks and bureaucracy was essential for the growth of the sector. “There is need for steady communication and enlightenment of businesses on trends of regulatory provisions. Also, the management of the agencies must now take the enforcement of rules against human interface by their officials very seriously. High degree of human interface for registration and obtaining permits remains even after the leadership of SON and NAFDAC has instituted reliable processes that eliminate/reduce human interface in their operations,” the operators advised.

That is not all. LCCI members said they wanted to see a clear pronouncement specifying the number of times and for what purposes SON and NAFDAC were expected to visit the companies in a year. They argued that the frequency of the visits to firms was still high, even after the leadership of the agencies assured at vrious forums on the measures being put in place to rework the system.

Operators also said to move forward, the standard for granting waivers and concessions to firms by the agencies should be defined and institutionalised. This, they noted, should be communicated to stakeholders. In addition, SON and NAFDAC should define the maximum quantity/size of product sample that should be collected by their field officers from the companies, he said. “This will assist the companies to comply and also guide them in cases of over collection of samples by the agency officials,” the study added.

LCCI called on the Federal Government to develop a framework for oversight and control of regulatory institutions to curb probable excesses. According to the group, the measure is in line with best practices in many emerging markets. On the immediate, the government, the group said, should adequately fund the agencies and provide them with the necessary working facilities. The poor funding of agencies create room for extortion.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is also seeking the harmonisation of regulatory functions of agencies. Since last year, its members said the agencies have made it difficult for stakeholders to address challenges relating to standardisation and quality control of made-in-Nigeria products as well as imported items.

‘

There is no defined number of inspection visits to companies by the agencies in a year. The number of inspection visits range from four to 10 times a year, depending on the company’s production capacity and other factors. The disturbing aspect of the repeat/ regular visits is that the same quantity of product samples is collected by the agencies during each visit. The companies are compelled to pay inspection fee for each visit, take care of transportation etc of the agency officials on each factory visit

‘

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

INDUSTRY

‘Fed Govt to reassess EPA, CET deals’

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LTHOUGH it was dead on arrival when it was first proposed, the trade liberalisation agreement being pushed by the European Union (EU) under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) might get the Federal Government’s nod.

The Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the deal, which the government and stakeholders considered not to be in the interest of manufacturers and the economy might be endorsed by the Federal Government.

Under the EPA, the EU will offer the 15-member ECOWAS and nonmember states access to its markets.

In return, ECOWAS will open up 75 per cent of its markets, with its 300 million consumers, to Europe over a 20-year period.

Nigeria did no sign the deal. According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, this was because of the high level premium the Federal Government placed on the economy.

Aganga, whose ministry played a major role in the EPA negotiations, said certain provisions of the agreement, which Nigeria was expected to sign, were not in the interest of the economy.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also opposed the EPA, which is a scheme to create free trade area (FTA) between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, arguing that it does not offer the required protection instruments in its current state. MAN raised concerns that the agreement could only lead to deindustrialisation

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

in West Africa, with economic and employment consequences for Nigeria because of her 60 per cent share of the regional market and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). MAN said its opposition is premised on the fact that from all parameters, West African states, including Nigeria are not at the same level of economic development with any European country to warrant the conclusion of a reciprocal trade relationship espoused in the trade agreement with EU. But Ambassador Yuguda said “The government is actively encouraging the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS to reconsider endorsing the EPA in its state. The government is critically assessing options that will improve competiveness and ensure that local manufacturers are adequately protected.”

As guest lecturer at an event organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, the minister said in reassessing the EPA, the government would continue to push for a favourable deal to ensure that Nigeria does not go into an arrangement that would affect the growth of the manufacturing sector.

He stressed that the government would only adopt economic measures that would promote the growth of the economy in line with Vision 20:2020. He said: “Government is negotiating a strong CET agreement with its ECOWAS partners, which will enable us to protect our strategic industries where necessary, so that optimal tariff lines are reflected in the deviation instrument.”

Similarly, the Minister said the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), an incentive introduced to encourage the export of Nigerian products, is being reviewed to make it more efficient.

He stressed that MAN would be carried along in the review. The Minister explained that the aim was to “ensure that the grant returns economic value that is equal to the large amounts being conceded to exporters in the scheme.”

Yuguda said the government had initiated many policies and programmes aimed at stimulating growth in the manufacturing sector and boosting its competitiveness, including the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), National Automotive Policy, National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), a special funding arrangement for manufacturers as well as massive road construction and rehabilitation.

Encouraging manufacturers to make the Transformation Agenda of the administration a success, he said: “There is still work to be done, but it is evident to all that this administration has pioneered a transformation that has set the pace and planted the building blocks for a prosperous future. The task before us all now is to increase platforms and strategies for collaborating with the private sector, with a greater emphasis on accelerating the productive capacity of the manufacturing industry.

“We will continue to dialogue with the private sector and vigorously pursue measures to reduce the binding constraints faced by the private sector in their efforts to sustain and grow their business.”

•From left: Group Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Dangote Group, Mr Knut Ulvmoen; President, Aliko Dangote and MD, Nasreen Ventures Limited, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, at Dangote Cement Customers’ Forum, North Zone, Kano.

LCCI laments drop in Business Confidence Index in Q3

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IGERIA’S Business Confidence Index (BCI) dropped from 19.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year to 14.3 per cent at the end of the third quarter, a report by the LCCI, has said.

In the report made available to The Nation, the body said the drop in aggregate BCI represents 5.1 per cent slack of the confidence level among business operators in the last three months. The index had fluctuated over the last two quarters (10.5 per cent in Q1 and 19.4 per cent in Q2, 2014), the group said.

BCI is a leading economic indicator designed to measure the degree of optimism on the state of the economy that business leaders are expressing through their activities of investing and spending.

LCCI lamented that the drop of the BCI scores suggested that business leaders were largely pessimistic about expanding their investments over the next few months. The group said Nigeria’s BCI scores over the years continue to trail below the 50 per cent global business confidence.

“Investors and business leaders remain wary about the state of the economy and the challenging business environment,” LCCI said.

LCCI listed the key factors that mostly depressed the confidence level of business leaders as security challenges, political transition/electioneering and associated risks; cargo clearing issues and access to and from the nation’s foremost ports – Apapa and Tin Can; policy uncertainties and regulatory concerns; and worsening public power supply.

The group noted that all sectors reported positive business confidence levels in third quarter. It said the manufacturing sector posted a positive confidence level of four per cent for the second time over the last seven quarters. “This sector has consistently remained at the bottom of BCI league table by steadily recording negative confidence levels. Medium and small manufacturing enterprises are the most hit by the lingering challenges constraining productive activi-

Enugu to export pineapple to Europe

Dubai Chamber’s study highlights Nigeria’s investment opportunities

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HE Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), have unveiled a study, which indicated that Nigeria is a strong destination for investments in telecoms and retail.

It attributed this mainly to Nigeria’s large population estimated at 20 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population. This is in addition to being a key market to multinationals.

The study said Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has exceeded US$6billion mainly in the energy sector owing to the investment in oil and gas.

The study noted that the economy will remain robust, led by the oil and gas industry where growth is expected to continue until 2017. It also said non-oil growth would be robust, led by telecoms, trade and infrastructure.

It, however, said it would not be sufficient for a sizeable improvement in living standard.

The report, signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Chamber, Mr. Hamad Buamim, highlighted that the increase in economic reforms, rising fiscal spending and ties with fast growing economies in Asia were the main factors supporting the economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report shed more light on the economic and investment realities in Africa that will give business leaders and decision-makers from Africa an ideal platform to discuss business partnerships and opportunities.

It emphasised that with the emergence of middle class in Sub-Saharan Africa, formal retail is starting to develop, offering “value” products aimed at lower income customers

while infrastructure needs are enormous, with an estimated $100 billion a year required by the power sector alone.

The study further informs that Africa holds 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, but remains a net importer of several food products as well as processed foods. The study said encouraging growth in domestic production and reducing reliance on imports is a key goal to governments and investors.

Buamim stressed that the study was aimed at introducing businesses in Dubai to investment opportunities available in the continent.

Non-oil trade between Dubai and Nigeria accounted for almost $5.6billion last year. Imports accounted for around $1billion and exports and reexports about $4.6billion.

Nigeria ranks 47th on the list of Dubai trade partners.

ties in the country,” LCCI said.

The Chamber said the most disturbing factors for manufacturers include power supply, logistics, influx of imported and substandard products, preference for imported goods by Nigerians, low access to credit, high cost of doing business, inadequate infrastructure and inhibitive activities of government regulatory/ monitoring agencies.

It, however, said the financial sector (banks, e-payment operators, finance houses and Bureau De Change, BDCs) continue to top the league table of business optimism with 32 per cent BCI score in the third quarter.

It noted that impressive corporate reported for the period, which ended on June 30, this year and the recovery of the nationalised banks contributed to the sustenance of optimism among the financial sector operators.

The impact of the recapitalisation of the BDCs and finance firms would be seen over the subsequent quarters, it said.

LCCI noted that the optimism among players in the agricultural sector, which was relatively strong in first and second quarter, is beginning to moderate.

“This is a pointer that operators expectation in the agricultural sector is beginning to wane. The BCI third quarter 2014 survey confirmed an increasing level of uncertainty among the private sector players due to rising electioneering activities and the build up to the 2015 general elections,” the survey said.

LCCI also said the operators in the oil and gas sector are mostly disturbed by the uncertainty surrounding delayed passage of the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) coupled with the emerging developments in the global oil and gas market. Also, long delay in releasing the 2014 budget, influx and rising patronage of offshore advisers and business consultants in the country were attributed mostly as the concern of players in the professional business services sector.

In Information Communication and Telecommunication (ICT) sector, LCCI said insecurity, double taxation, regulation and monitoring issues were on the top of concerns for operators.

• Enugu Governor Chime

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HE Enugu State Government would start the commercial shipment of pineapple to Europe this year, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke has said.

He explained that the commodity would be harvested from the 150-hectare EnuguSan Carlos Pineapple Farm The government has approved the introduction of

banana and livestock, particularly cattle, in the farm, jointly owned by the government and San Carlos, a United States-based farming conglomerate.

The council also approved N880.8 million as the state’s equity contribution to new investments in the farm.

He added that about N48.8 million was approved for the implementation of the health commodity supply component of the 2013 Millennium Development Goals.

Similarly, Ugwoke said the council has directed that a bill to upgrade the state College of Agriculture and AgroEntrepreneurship in Iwollo Oghe to a polytechnic be forwarded to the House of Assembly for passage into law.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

16

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, has attributed the increasing unemployment rate and insecurity in the country to inequality in the working class. He has, therefore, called on the government to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, reports JOHN OFIKHENUA

Nigeria’s stability under threat, says NLC T HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) last week warned that Nigeria could collapse if the spate of security challenges arrayed against her are not addressed.

NLC President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar, who painted the gloomy picture, in a speech at its 12th Rain School at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said Nigeria is in the grip of various monumental destructive forces that are emerging to give it the status of a failed-state.

He said the current insecurity in the country is a manifestation of deep-rooted and structurally entrenched crisis of development that creates an environment for thriving conditions of poverty unemployment, and inequality.

He maintained that the consequences of these unsettling developments could result in frustration, alienation, and social discontent that spark violence and insecurity.

Omar stressed that the enabling environment, which the structural decay provided, creates loopholes that politicians hijack to experiment and play with the lives of Nigerians.

The NLC boss held that “without the enabling environment, these conditions could translate into serious national security problems threatening to tear the country apart.”

He urged the government to find immediate solution to the security challenges confronting the nation by providing the enabling social conditions that would alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities to bridge the inequality gap between the rich and the poor.

The Special Adviser, Bureau of Labour, Productivity and Public Service Matters, Hon. Godwin Udom, who spoke at the event, admitted that the working class needs food in their stomachs and clothes to cover.

He said they need roads on which to drive their cars and transport their goods. The adviser stressed that the working class people need houses to live in and bring up their children.

He added that: “They need an education system that delivers

graduates capable of adding value to a burgeoning economy and a health system that protects then when they are sick.

These are the challenges of the working class. He said workers should muster the courage to tell our politicians to eschew the politics of ethnicity, religion and regionalism so as to avoid socio-political instability and inequality.

Udom charged the working class to promote pluralism and tolerance, saying they should be their brothers’ keepers, and not their brothers’ oppressors.

He explained to the union leaders that if the working class is not fully committed to nation-building, no country can overcome inequality and progress to achieve peace and prosperity.

In his solidarity message, the West African Programme Director, American Centre for International Labour Solidarity, Mr. Christopher Johnson, said that Nigeria faces a lot of challenges that impact directly on the working people and those challenges can be viewed from the lens of inequality that is prevalent not only in the workplace, but in the general society.

•From left: Representative of the Chairman, Araromi Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Ipadeola, Ex-officio, Mr Adegboye Adeyemi and Ojokoro LCDA Chairman Benjamin Olabinjo during the presentation of a transformer to the Araromi LCDA by Ojokoro LCDA.

NURTW advocates peaceful election in 2015

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HE National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has called for a peaceful, free and fair election in 2015.

The group warned its members not to get deeply involved in partisan politics under the umbrella of the union.

This was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of its Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC), signed by the National President, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, and its Director, Information Services, Kefas Dogonyaro.

The union said: “The leadership of the union is set to educate members and prevent them from indulging in acts of violence no matter whom they support. In view of the forth coming 2015 general elections the union bluntly warned members not to get deeply involved in partisan politics in using the name of the union.”

Alhaji Yasin emphasised the need for team work to build the country to enable it assert its position as the giant

•Warns members against partisanship Stories by Toba Agboola

of Africa. He enjoined the leadership of the union to educate its members and prevent them from indulging in acts of violence no matter whom they support.

He stressed that government has a duty to vigorously encourage, pursue and implement programmes that target job creation so as to tame jobless youths in the country who easily fall prey to politicians or opportunity to partake in looting during politically motivated demonstrations or riots.

“It is of course against the backdrop of the forthcoming 2015 general elections coupled with the natural tendencies of the Nigerian factor associated with them, which compelled the union to say ‘NO’ to electoral violence and ‘YES’ to electoral peace and modesty,” Yasin said.

He said the union, with the support of the Federal Government agenda on Millennium Development Goal

(MDG), has partnered with National Primary Healthcare Developmental Agency (NPHCDA) to implement Emergency Transport Scheme (ETS) aimed at reducing the trend of the inaccessible rural communities.

“So far, a total of 320 drivers have been trained in Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara states on how to assist pregnant women with maternal complications and transport them to the nearest health facilities within their communities. Plans are being made to expand the ETS to other states of the federation,” Yasin said.

He said the union has so far procured more than 20 vehicles worth over N100 million to be used as official vehicles for serving national officers, adding that plans are underway to provide befitting vehicles to the only two remaining National Administrative Council (NAC) members and two heads of departments yet to benefit.

Elimination of child labour’ll benefit economy, says TUC

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RADE -Union Congress (TUC) has pointed out that eliminating child labour in transition and developing economies could generate economic benefits nearly seven times greater than the costs.

Speaking with The Nation, Secretary General of TUC, Comrade Musa Lawal said child labour is a violation of fundamental human rights and has been shown to hinder children’s development, potentially leading to lifelong physical or psychological damage.

“Evidence in Nigeria, for instance, points to a strong link between household poverty and child labour, and child labour perpetuates poverty across generations by keeping children of the poor out of school and limiting their prospects for upward social mobility.

“The TUC has made it clear to the government that policy to combat child labour is necessary because the lowering of human capital in the economy through child labour

has been linked to slow economic growth and social development.

“In the 2014 labour conference, discussions on International Labour Organisation (ILO) study on child labour has shown that eliminating child labour in transition and developing economies could generate economic benefits nearly seven times greater than the costs,” he said.

He said for many governments around the world the elimination of forced labour remains an important challenge for the 21st century as it would curb insecurity challenges. Lawal said political leadership at all levels in Nigeria need to redouble their efforts in curbing corruption.

His words: “We appeal to our political leadership at all levels in the country to redouble their efforts in curbing corruption. We are of the view that unless there are prompts deterrent sanctions against those brought to book; the problem will continue to fester.

‘Address abuse of expatriate quota’

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ORRIED by the high rate of unemployment in the country, the Organised Labour has urged the Federal Government to protect Nigerian youths through the re-appraisal of the existing law guiding expatriate quota.

The workers under the aegis of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) lamented the flagrant abuse of expatriate quota by foreign firms operating in the country.

The union, in a communique jointly signed by the President General, Comrade Amechi Asugwuni and the General Secretary, Comrade Babatunde Liadi, noted that many foreigners, especially Asians and Chinese are in Nigeria on the excuse of being experts on the jobs that can be performed by Nigerians. They argued that this is against the Nigerian Content Development (NCD) Act. “Therefore the National Executive Council (NEC-in-session) call on the necessary organ of government to review the process of granting expatriate permit through proper synchronization as well as ensuring that expatriate quota are not abused”, the statement read.

The union’s NEC demanded for a properly reconstituted inter-min-

isterial department and agency committee that will co-opt labour unions in recommending and approving expatriate registration.

The Union re-affirmed workers inalienable rights to belong to the union of their choice in accordance with the laws of the land and ILO Conventions, which had already been domesticated in Nigeria. As such it charged the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity not to allow employers to scuttle processes and ensure prompt implementation of award against the employers.

The statement commended the alertness of the Union in monitoring of employers’ compliance with best industrial relations practices in the industry, noting that it has helped to reduce friction between the union and employers, put management on their toes, facilitate alertness and make both the Government and employers to appreciate the need to be proactive in nipping issues in the bud.

The Union, which condemned the state of casualisation and contract staffing in the country, also resolved that any employment model or policy that is found to be deceptively exploitative with the tendency to degrade jobs or weaken the union will be strongly resisted.

TUC urges new IG on pipelines vandalism

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HE Organised Labour has charged the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, to call to order officers found to be aiding vandalisation of the nation’s pipelines.

Expressing worry over the increasing incidence of fissures among officers and men of state security agencies, the Congress in a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and the Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, noted that the latest incident involving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) was condemnable.

The statement said the incident reported to have happened at Owutu area of Ikorodu involved a committee that included the Commandant General of the Corps, Mr. Ade Abolurin, and his men, along with officers of the Nigerian Army, the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Office of Attorney General of the Federation, and some other persons. They were said to have been on an inspection-andassessment tour of disposable forfeited items, only to find themselves being threatened at gunpoint by a police inspector and his men who claimed the territory was theirs.

Maintaining the need for the new IG to call the erring officers to order and ensure that they act in conformity with the government’s agenda on security and economic transformation, the TUC leadership, said the presence of security operatives at such a trouble-spot, irrespective of the agencies they represent, should boost efforts to secure the nation’s pipelines from vandals.

“Unfortunately the contrary appears to be the case, and one wonders if security operatives are meant to shield the vandals”, the Congress stated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 2014

17

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

In the cooler •Is the Presidency seeking to wish away the revised revenue formula?

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HY has the Presidency hedged so blatantly in receiving the report of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on the proposed revised national revenue formula? For a report which has been ready since the beginning of the year, it is either that President Goodluck Jonathan has no interest in it or that he does not understand the import of activating such a crucial national document.

According to media reports, after two years of gruelling work which included touring all the zones of the federation and parleying with stakeholders across the country, the RMAFC had concluded work on the revised national revenue allocation since last December and has since conveyed the report to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

However, the commission has not been able to formally present it to the president even though it is an agency under the Presidency. Unlike the just concluded National Conference which was able to hand in its report to the president almost immediately, RMAFC has been unable to be scheduled for a presentation. A formal presentation is necessary in this part of the world because, without it, a report is practically non-existent.

This has set observers worrying that something must be amiss. The reason is that it is a well known fact that at the heart of Nigeria’s structural and fiscal imbalance is the subsisting lopsided and inequitable federal revenue sharing formula.

Though Nigeria supposedly practises federalism in which the federating units are deemed to be equal partners, over the years, the reality has been an aberration

in which the centre has become a much too dominant member.

Though the constitution stipulates at least a five-yearly review of the revenue formula, the last exercise was 22 years ago, while two modifications were effected in 2002 and 2004 to align relevant sections of the Federation Account Act to the 1999 constitution. But the constitution, having envisaged the need for justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of the resources accruing from the federation, entrenched the need for periodic review in order to capture any emerging economic and socio-political dynamics that may be thrown up from time to time.

However, it is only understandable that since RMAFC is under the ambit of the Federal Government and the current formula seems quite favourable to it, it would be convenient to keep it so. This must explain why for more than two decades, what ought to be a routine constitutional obligation enshrined to keep the system fit and healthy was jettisoned by successive administrations. The Federal Government being the first tier and wielding some administrative influence over the commission had ensured that this unsavoury status-quo remained.

There is no doubt that the current sharing formula is not sustainable. It allows 52.68 per cent of revenue for the Federal Government; 26.72 per cent to be shared by the 36 states and 20.60 for the 774 local government areas. The Federal Government, with more than half of national revenue – a hefty chunk by all standards – must have grown used to spending big and living large, thus would naturally loath to be pruned down. But the obvious result of this current state of affairs is

stunted growth and warped development. One example is the fact that the Federal Government has in the last decade, consistently devoted three quarters of its annual budget to recurrent expenditure whereas the reverse is the case for most states which spend at least 60 per cent of their budget on capital expenditure.

Though we acknowledge that the states control the local governments and this third tier has gotten the short end of the stick, all these only lend credence to the call for urgent review of the current formula. We urge the president to hasten to receive the report of the review of the revenue sharing formula and set all necessary machinery in motion for its speedy implementation in the national interest.

‘However, it is only understandable that since RMAFC is under the ambit of the Federal Government and the current formula seems quite favourable to it, it would be convenient to keep it so. This must explain why for more than two decades, what ought to be a routine constitutional obligation enshrined to keep the system fit and healthy was jettisoned by successive administrations’

2015 Card readers

•INEC should deploy the device to make crooked elections straight

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HE blight of credible elections has been quite traumatic for the country. For years, the voter’s wish had always been submerged in the context of rigging that has made nonsense of elections in the country. And Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saddled with election planning and management sometime ago gave a hint of his determination to prove that the commission will do everything possible to conduct reliable, free and fair general elections in 2015.

His bright spark is the proposed deployment of card readers on the day of elections by the commission. Jega unfurled this in a paper titled: “Stakeholders and the Electoral Process in Nigeria” that he delivered at a lecture

‘INEC must endeavour to make this initiative work.

The commission needs to realise that the card reader machines will be useless without the commission’s speedy and efficient issuance of the PVC to qualified voters. The two are crucial to the success of the new initiative by the commission’

at the Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, in which he reportedly declared: “If you buy voter cards, you can’t use them on voting day because the mechanism we are putting in place in every polling unit will detect fraud and whoever that was involved will be arrested on the spot for electoral fraud and prosecution.” The goal of this scheme, according to him, is to ensure that those card readers detect voter’s impersonation at polling units through their fingerprints.

We are aware of the efficacy of a card reader being data input device that reads data from a card-shaped storage medium. These electronic devices can read plastic cards embedded with either a barcode, magnetic strip, computer chip like the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) that is just being distributed to Nigerians of registered voting age. The PVC is a chipbased card and contains a chip that carries all details and information about each registered voter, including his photograph and fingerprints, amongst others. If properly managed and made available in polling units across the country, the card reader machines will effortlessly ensure authentication of legitimate holder of voters’ cards; thereby mitigating incidents of voting irregularities that Nigeria has become legendary for on issues of election and abuse of voters’ cards.

The question to ask is whether INEC will not bungle the otherwise lofty scheme. We recollect that during the 2011 general elections, the Data Capturing

Machines (DCM) deployed by the commission became nightmares and most actually got jettisoned in most voting centres across the country due to the notorious but avoidable ‘Nigerian factor’. Perhaps, the electoral umpire must invest in human capital by ensuring that its staff are properly trained and accorded the right orientation to prevent unscrupulous ones amongst them from derailing the electoral process through criminal compromise of the machines and by extension, the electoral process.

The election management prowess of INEC has largely been doubted and mostly ridiculed in the past because its staff often fall for the alluring inducement offers of desperate politicians.

Equally, by Jega’s admission, using the January/February 2011 voters’ registration exercise, Nigeria has about 73.5 million voters. It is not cheering news to note that the commission plans to give PVCs to only about 40 million registered voters out of the 73.5million by December, while it intends to distribute the balance early next year. This, uncomfortably, is less than two months to the general election.

Beyond this, INEC must endeavour to make this initiative work. The commission needs to realise that the card reader machines will be useless without the commission’s speedy and efficient issuance of the PVC to qualified voters. The two are crucial to the success of the new initiative by the commission.

What manner of democracy is this?

“Each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions” – Barack Obama

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EMOCRACY must be the most sought-after bride in the world. Everyone lays claim to her. Everyone trumpets an undying love for this highly desired bride. Even the meanest form of dictatorship never shies away from showcasing to the world, elements in its mode of governance, in which it sees any semblance to the tenets of democracy.

Bernard Crick best captures it. Democracy, he says, is “perhaps the most promiscuous word in the world of public affairs. She is everybody’s mistress and yet somehow retains her magic, even when a lover sees that her favours are being, in his light, illicitly shared by many another.”

A few months to the Presidential elections, the results are virtually decided. According to INEC guidelines, the period for campaign is not upon us yet. Political parties cannot even conduct primary elections to decide on their candidates until the final quarter of the year. Yet, the sitting President, who already enjoys a massive advantage by virtue of his office, and most likely to run in the elections, is way ahead of everyone else, with a media campaign that has been in our face for almost a year now. Indeed, those behind the campaign are quick to tell us they have not jumped the gun, teasing us that what they have running is not a campaign. Wonder what it would be like when the campaign really starts.

The advertising campaign by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria and her co-travellers, obviously welloiled from an abundance of unexplained resources, has been running for over six months now. The government has nothing to do with it, we are told, yet the Secretary to the Government of the Federation always finds time to be at these rallies to receive a pile of signatures. The President has nothing to do with it, yet his ministers, from time to time, abandon their duty posts to partake in this ritual. Even Ministers Adesina and Okonjo-Iweala could not help but leave their busy desks to partake in rallies at Ibadan and Port-Harcourt.

At whose expense are they making these trips?

The rally in Port-Harcourt was so urgent that public health risks from the Ebola Virus Disease could not make the Transformation Ambassadors quarantine their desperation over 2015 and shelve it. Not even the advisory from the President for Nigerians to restrain themselves from large gatherings counted for anything with the Transformation Ambassadors.

They will rather defy the President’s directive and put lives at risk, in order to convince him to run. To them, all that matters is winning the 2015 elections.

But do you blame the transformation ambassadors? You will think with rules in place, the umpire will be up and doing with enforcement. INEC will rather pretend that it has not noticed what is going on. When it comes to standing its ground against infractions by the party that has promised to be in power for 60 years, INEC suddenly catches cold.

But when it comes to bullying other political parties, withholding recognition of one, in clear defiance of valid court pronouncement, INEC finds its voice. It is bad enough that the field is not level for all players within the political space. To make an open show of it, as the case is now, is simply obscene.

It is like a case of putting two boxers in the ring, with the hands of one of them, tied behind him.

To bring impunity to an end, Nigerians will have to take a stand to demand for change. It is not enough to simply desire freedom and true democracy; citizens are expected to possess what Heater calls an ‘educated sense of political responsibility’.

This, “entails a positive interest in public affairs, a sense of responsibility to use one’s political rights for the public good, a certain minimum of education in order to be capable of making a responsible and independent political judgement, and finally, the existence of political debate to stimulate thought”.

It is time to take the country back from those whose only obsession is winning elections and attaining power for purposes not in tandem with a meaningful developmental agenda for the country. You cannot simply appropriate Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King as your pals, hoping to fool the people. You cannot keep harassing us with disjointed lies, patched together to con the gullible, and sell that to us, because you have the resources to beat the gun, and expect us to believe you have some altruistic objectives for the country.

A democracy practised with rigged dice cannot give birth to national transformation.

• Simbo Olorunfemi, Lagos

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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Girl Child Rights have hitherto been ignored across the country. Rapid population growth characterized by poverty and food insecurity has resulted in demand continuous for child labour to enhance agricultural productivity and fortify domestic services.

The Rights of most Nigeria Children are far from being respected despite the country’s signing to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child since 1999 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child that Nigeria signed in 2001.

As confirmed by UNICEF, trafficking of girl children for the purpose of domestic service, prostitution and other forms of exploitative labour remains widespread in Nigeria. In Nigeria, hapless young women and girls in the age bracket of 10-21 years have fallen victims of human trafficking as they are deceptively procured by some barons through their Nigerian agents who traffic them to different countries abroad where they suffer sexual exploitation, emotional distress, disorientation, depression and sometimes death.

Despite the fact that the Child Rights Acts was specific on rape and other forms of abuses directed at girl children, cases of sexual har-

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Plight of house-helps in Nigeria assment against girls as domestic servants remain rampant in Nigeria.

Instead of moral support, proper up-binging, good education and respect for Child Rights, thousands of girl children are enslaved by parents or guardians to engage as domestic workers or forced to early marriage across the country, prima-

rily to mitigate socio-economic challenges facing their families as against AU Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which promotes right to live and personal integrity.

Section 33 and 35 of 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria promotes rights to live and personal liberty respectively; same with 2003 International Labour Or-

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bestrode the nation as a colossus that he was. We celebrate his life and times because of his unflinching love for the oppressed, the cheated, the persecuted and the vulnerable who he virtually donated his entire life to serve at very high risk. For Gani’s loyalty to the cause of the poor and the struggle for a better, corruption-free Nigeria where no one is oppressed, successive government and the hated political class in Nigeria violently abridged his right through several illegal detentions, imprisonment, physical attacks, abductions and assassination attempts.

Yet Gani remained absolutely undaunted till death in his peaceful and selfless course for the defence of human rights, freedom, democracy and good governance.

As a radical legal luminary, and an acknowledged Senior Advocate of the Masses, Gani used law as a weapon to fight for social justice, equal rights, democracy and good governance. He would always be remembered for his decades of free legal services to the poor, through which many oppressed Nigerians including students, workers, peasants and artisans had unfettered

IR: Tomorrow September 5, it will be exactly five years ago that Chief Gani Fawehinmi, popularly called Gani by all, died as a result of complications from Lung Cancer. He died at the age of 71 on September 5, 2009.

We remember with sweet memory five years after the exit of an uncommon Nigerian who

That extortion by Aero Contractors

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IR: I wish to draw the attention of the Consumer Protection Agency to the continuous rip-off of customers being perpetrated by Aero Contractors airline.

Aero Contractors has this obnoxious charge of N160 per booking if the passenger is to receive notification of cancelled or rescheduled flights. Is this fair?

From what we all know, flights have both fixed departure date and time and if an airline like Aero Contractors decides on their own to either reschedule or cancel the flight under whatever guise, must

the passenger pay for this?

The issue of the N160 for text message not being compulsory does not arise as without paying this, the passenger will never get to be informed of the flight change whereas flight cancellations or rescheduling comes at great inconvenience to the passenger.

I expect the Consumer Protection Agency to not only get Aero Contractors to stop the practice, but to refund to all passengers the money so illegally extorted.

• Donas Ofoka, Lagos

ganisation (ILO) Conventions on Child Rights.

Poverty, high level of illiteracy, existing socio-cultural resistance, inadequate awareness, have threatened efforts to address challenges facing girl child in the country. Consequently, girls are paid maximum of N10, 000 monthly for domestic services. This is not isolated from

Gani: Five years after access to justice.

Perhaps Gani’s most remarkable among his countless remarkable feats in using the instrument of law for social change was the legal victory he secured at the Supreme Court for the registration of the National Conscience Party after a legendary legal battle with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That singular judgment obtained from the highest court in Nigeria has helped to widen the vista of democracy, freedom of association, popular participation and legally simplified the formation of political parties in Nigeria as against the previous illegal hard rules and impediments set by INEC. On this occasion of the fifth anniversary of his death, the best way to remember Gani, the social crusader and man of the masses, is for all his ideological soul-mates to redouble our commitment to the struggle for social justice, human rights, democracy and good governance in Nigeria, the course that Gani Faweninmi lived and died for fearlessly.

• Adeola Soetan Ijaye, Lagos

unwarranted utilisation and abuses through frequent beating and raping by their employers.

Experiences have revealed that many households in Nigeria are incapable of caring for another man’s child; they employ the services of house-helps who they (employers) subject to horrible experiences.

There have several reported cases of dehumanisation, abuse, rapping and violation launched by employers against their house-helps across the country. These include infliction of injurious scars in their body; over-utilisation through restless and long working hours; regular panicking arising from frantic state of mind; and sometimes, death.

It is time to demand for full implementation by all levels of governments, various regulations/ laws backing child rights including access to education, to encourage and re-install personal liberty and dignity of girl child. There is need for concerted efforts by all level of governments, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), civil society, Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations to effectively combat human trafficking scourge and abuses against girl child.

Strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system to checkmate abuses and violation against girl child has become imperative. Creation of massive employment opportunities and workable poverty alleviation structures across the country will help to avert girl child labour and early marriage for a living.

All level of governments should improve access to education and eliminating gender gaps in education, proper individual orientation, mass public awareness and sensitization on the provisions of the Child Right Act. Also it is important to institute effective rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration programmes through medical, psychological and legal services for the victims of child labour, sexual abuse and human trafficking.

• Tola Ojo Wuye, Abuja.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

19

COMMENTS

Unequal wars in Ukraine and Palestine

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ARS are terrible things to happen in the lives of anybody. Human beings right from the time Homo sapiens evolved from ape men have been in a struggle of survival of the fittest. Stone Age men fought with stones and sticks but from the Iron Age onwards, wars have become destructive to the point of the nuclear age when wars between nuclear powers would lead to the total annihilation of life as we know it. Albert Einstein, the father of the atomic age famously said he did not know what would be used to fight the Third World War but that he knew that the fourth would be fought with stones and sticks, indirectly affirming the fact that nuclear holocaust would end human life as we know it. Some scientists have argued that rats could survive a nuclear holocaust and they will inherit the earth after man must have willingly or unwillingly selfdestruct. During the 19th century, the century full of wars in Europe, there began an argument about “just” or “unjust” wars. This was in reaction to certain ideas of some philosophers who argued that wars were a cleansing process for national resurgence and that triumph of a victorious country over another constituted an advance of civilisation and that this was the march of God on earth. Of course, it can be argued that wars of defence were just wars whereas wars of aggression were unjust wars but then military strategists would argue that offence is the best form of defence in which case the margin of difference between wars of aggression and wars of defence is very thin. But at the same time, there are wars that are unequal between bullies and weaker countries. American invasion of Panama, Grenada or even Vietnam was unequal war between the combatant nations.

Whereas, wars between the British Empire and the German empire in the early 20th century between 1914 and 1918 were wars between equals. In fact it used to be said that a war between the British Empire and the German empire was like a struggle between a hippopotamus and an elephant.

The British were supreme on the sea and the German on land. When the forces of the third Reich invaded Russia in 1941, the two powers were equally matched.The Germans had an edge over communist Russia and Germany seemed to have bitten more than it could chew by fighting wars on two fronts- the eastern and the western fronts.

The nuclear age has led to proxy wars in which surrogates backed by rival powers fight each other without the nuclear powers being directly involved. In spite of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1994, the spirit of the cold war is still much alive. The Russian federation always appears to take a position opposed to whatever position the western powers take on any given issue and conflict. In Syria and in Libya, these antagonistic positions are manifestly clear. Russia

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OLDIERS bear heavy load.

Those of us who know nothing about soldiering see them as super human. We expect them to perform gigantic feats just because they are soldiers. Yes, as soldiers they know that much is expected of them because, as a nation, we have given them much to be able to defend our territorial integrity when the need arises.

This is precisely the point. Have we given our soldiers much to demand that they put down their lives for our country? In the last five years that Boko Haram has been killing, maiming, looting and burning, our soldiers have been in the news, all for the wrong reasons. It is either that they are fleeing from battle or that they do not have enough arms and ammunition. In some cases, it may be that their bush allowance has not been paid. Yet, allocation would have been made for payment.

On some occasions, we have heard of our soldiers’ refusal to fight over the non-payment of their allowances. Whenever they take such action, they are accused of mutiny and court-martialled. In the army, it seems it is a cardinal sin to fight for your right even when your superiors deliberately deprive you of your entitlement. What these superior officers forget is that only a well catered for soldier will do justice to his calling in times of war.

So, when we see our soldiers in rubber slippers instead of boots and in tattered iniforms we know those to hold responsible.

supports the Bashir al-Assad’s regime in Syria while the west is opposed to that regime. In Libya, Russia was slow to make its position clear thus allowing the west to walk over the Colonel Muhammad Gaddafi regime. The ideological differences in today’s global conflicts are not as sharp as before. The Russian federation is no longer a communist state. It is practising some form of guided democracy in which Vladimir Putin is acting like a Romanov Czar wanting to recover all the so-called lost territories of Russia. This is the only way one can understand why Russia annexed Crimea and it is prepared to dismantle what is left of Ukraine. Russia is arming the rebels of Ukraine with lethal weapons one of which has been used to bring down the civilian Malaysian plane killing almost 300 souls most of who are from Holland and a substantial number of these are children. This terrible disaster has happened to the Malaysian airline, the second such disaster within six months. The search for the disappeared Malaysian airline in the Indian Ocean is still on-going. The tragedy that has befallen the Malaysian airline would definitely lead to the bankruptcy of the airline, because it is inconceivable that anyone would board that airline again. While it is understandable that Russia may want to protect the rights and lives of ethnic Russians in Ukraine, it is dangerous for Russia to make the protection of Russians in all former Soviet bloc countries a state policy. A policy of this sort will lead to wars in almost all the 15 republics into which the Soviet Union dissolved. A full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine will be a tragedy because it will be an unequal war and the result will be so horrendous and there will be nothing anybody can do about it because western intervention will spark a nuclear war. The wars in Iraq and northern Syria with so-called Islamic caliphate of Iraq and the Levant for now can be seen as an internal war with possible serious consequences for peace and security in the entire Middle East.

But the war between Israel and Hamas calls for sober reflection. This is a human tragedy of immense proportion.

The war is totally unequal and by the time this war is brought to an end, hundreds of Palestinians would have been murdered while a few Israelis would have died. The Israelis have total control of the sea and the air.They are shelling from the sea and bombing from the air and lobbing artillery shells into a piece of territory in which human beings are packed like sardines. Palestine for almost a decade has been totally hedged in by Israeli blockade on one side and surprisingly by Egyptian blockade on the other because Hamas and the dreaded Muslim brotherhood are allies. Israel claims it is fighting a just war because since its creation in

1947, the Arabs were committed to its destruction. Most of the Arabs have backed away from this position but the Palestinians particularly Hamas have refused to recognise the right of Israel to exist in old Palestine. While their position is understandable, it is not realistic. Israel has come to stay and any force on earth that is determined to Jide bring Israel down Osuntokun would go down with Israel in a nuclear incineration. But at the same time, should humanity just watch Israel using mostly American weapons and political support from the USA to slaughter hapless and helpless Palestinians who driven to the wall have been sending to Israel, ineffective crude missiles from the Gaza strip. For every Israeli citizen killed, the Jewish state is not only able and willing to inflict retribution based not only on an eye for an eye, but the life of an Israeli for hundreds of lives of Palestinians. Ideally, a two-state solution which the superpowers say they are committed to would be the best way out but the fear in Israel is that if a viable Palestinian state were to be created with full right of sovereignty over its waters and airspace, it will perpetually arm itself for a future showdown with Israel. On the other hand, a totally disarmed independent Palestine would be an easy target for Israeli aggression whenever there is a problem between the two countries.Yet a way must be found out for these two ancient suffering peoples to live together. Some have suggested a secular state of Palestine bringing back old Palestine in which Jews and Arabs live together which would be an ideal situation. This kind of proposition is not based on political realism yet Israel and Palestine is home to the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam with the holy sites of the three religions in the two countries. The eternal city of Jerusalem is also claimed by the two communities. The international community must step in and find a way for future peace between Israel and Palestine and if the problem is left to fester, the wound being inflicted on the Palestinians may again lead to a major confrontation between Israel, the Arabs, the Persians and other Muslim powers one of which is now a nuclear power thus cancelling out the nuclear advantage of Israel

Our soldiers’ burden To get the best out of our soldiers, we must give them the best in terms of kitting and equipping them for battle. We have heard stories about our soldiers in recent times that are not palatable. If these stories are true, it means that we are in trouble as a nation because we cannot say that we have an army in the real sense of the word. The army of a nation should be its pride. It should be a standing force that can be called upon at anytime to defend the nation and it should be able to rise to the occasion.

Our soldiers' exploits in the ongoing battle with Boko Haram does not seem to show that we have such a force. If our soldiers have been finding it difficult to cut Boko Haram to size all these years, then we are in trouble; serious trouble.

To say that they are not trained to fight an ‘enemy’ like Boko Haram, as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Kenneth Minimah, said some weeks ago, will be begging the issue. To a layman, a soldier is a soldier and he should be able to live up to that name, anywhere and anytime and against any opponent, whether a militia or soldier.

Nigerians who have been looking forward to our soldiers finishing off Boko Haram never imagined that they were putting too much faith in their soldiers. To them, it was a matter of national pride to have had such expectation

‘There is need to overhaul our armed forces to meet the exigencies of the time. If it takes our experience with Boko Haram to reinvent our armed forces, the nation will be the happier for it...Boko Haram has made its choice, so it should be ready to live with it’

of their soldiers, a fighting force which they could hide under in times of trouble. So far, Nigerians have been disappointed by their soldiers. This disappointment is fast giving way to fear in case of attack by an external aggressor.

Many are asking can these soldiers save us from an external army when they cannot fight Boko Haram?

I share their apprehension because Boko Haram seems to be having the upper hand in its encounters with our soldiers. Whether we like it or not, Boko Haram is determined in its bid to reduce our troops to nothing. So, the sect seizes every opportunity to paint our soldiers as sissies before the world. How does it do this? By deliberately attacking our soldiers and pushing them out of their strongholds as we have witnessed in Damboa, Gwoza and Bama, all in Borno State, which is supposed to be under emergency.

As at today, Boko Haram is exercising suzerainty over Gwoza, where it has declared a caliphate, meaning an Islamic republic right under the nose of our soldiers. With its flag flying in Gwoza, Boko Haram is inching towards capturing more towns in that troubled state. On Tuesday, it succeeded in its bid when it overran Bama, the second largest town in the state, which became famous in 1991 when former Petroleum Minister Prof Tam David-West was jailed there.

The battle for Bama was fierce, with the sect losing no fewer than 40 militants on Monday.

Their loss did not deter them as they returned on Tuesday to resume fighting. Their targets were said to be the Mohammed Kur Barracks and the police station in Bama, a town said to be strategic to the sect because most of its leaders have their base there. If our soldiers could repel Boko Haram on Monday, how

did the tide turn overnight? Is it that we do not have what it takes to sustain such advantage? How was the sect able to rout out our soldiers?

Were they better equipped than our soldiers? Do they have more men than us? If our soldiers cannot keep a territory seized from Boko Haram elements, a band of loose fighters, I am afraid of what may happen if we fight a trained army.

The prayer of many Nigerians today is that Nigeria may not have cause to go to war with another country. The Boko Haram insurgency has exposed so many things about not only the army, but our military in general. There is need to overhaul our armed forces to meet the exigencies of the time. If it takes our experience with Boko Haram to reinvent our armed forces, the nation will be the happier for it But first, we must reverse the Gwoza and Bama losses before Boko Haram becomes so emboldened as to attempt an attack on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which is said to be about 64 kilometres to Bama. What we are witnessing today is highly disturbing.

It is a shame that Boko Haram is running rings around our soldiers.

I do not know why our soldiers, who are known for their outstanding performance in peace operations abroad, can allow themselves to be so treated by Boko Haram? t is no longer tactical for them to hold their peace against Boko Haram, which does not deserve to be treated with kid gloves. If a loose band of soldiers feels that it has what it takes to confront trained soldiers it should be prepared to pay the price for its action. Boko Haram has made its choice, so it should be ready to live with it. We can no longer watch while the sect treats our soldiers like a bunch of fighters, who do not

I

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

know why they are donning their uniform. It is time to make Boko Haram stew in its own juice.

If Cameroon can mount an assault against Boko Haram, why are we shy of doing the same? Boko Haram cannot take on the Nigerian Army; no never. So, our soldiers must wake up from their slumber and redeem their image that has been sullied by Boko Haram. As the mirror image of our nation, they cannot afford to fail us. Enough of running away from these insurgents. They should take the fight to the sect and flush its members out of Gwoza, Bama and of course, Sambisa Forest and bring back our girls.

143 DAYS AFTER

?

WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega does nothing by half measures. He has established a reputation for approaching all engagements with passion. For this reason, it is difficult to doubt his commitment to his current assignment. His valiant efforts, last week, to disabuse the minds of cynics during the lecture titled “Stakeholders and the electoral process in Nigeria”, organized by the Department of Sociology, University of Lagos is in character. He used the occasion to celebrate some of his achievements, let us into his plans to tackle identified challenges and douse the doubts of cynics who believe ‘he who pays the piper dictates the tune’. For him, INEC”s last Osun outing was a success, a verdict which many may disagree with. He also celebrated INEC efforts to reduce the $8 current cost of funding per voter which he said compares favourably with international standard by $1. Here also, many believe such a drain cannot be justified especially if there are other cheaper means in a nation where 75% of the people live below a dollar a day.

He also seized the opportunity to announce INEC’s decision to use card reader for the 2015 election. According to him, “If you buy voter cards, you can’t use them on voting day because the INEC mechanism put in place in every polling unit will detect fraud and whoever that is involved will be arrested on the spot for electoral fraud and prosecuted.”

He also told his audience that “the consolidation and-duplication of the biometric register of voters has been completed, as a result of which the register of voters now has the tremendous integrity – much better than the one with which the 2011 election “ was conducted.

But amidst these efforts aimed at assuaging people’s fears, his discussion about the difficulty his body is having about defining what constitutes party expenditure and what constitutes electioneering campaign by the political parties (the electoral law provides only three months for the political parties and their candidates to sell their wares to the electorate) clearly show INEC is haunted by the dictum of ‘he who pays the piper dictate the tune’. And of course added to this was his strident defence of militarization of the electoral process, undertaken by one party to a contest over which he serves as an arbiter.

But before advancing self-evident reasons to support the above thesis, we must observe first that those who operate under the

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EMOCRACY is a game of consensus in which competing elite groups offer differing ideas of how best to organise society. Their primary theatre of competition is election. Though conflict is embedded in politics, the players have at the back of their mind the best of their people at heart.

After elections have been won and lost, the losers take it calmly and retreat to prepare for the next one. This is the fabled ‘spirit of sportsmanship’ that has become the hallmark of developed society and which makes democracy to serve the best interest of the people ultimately.

However, looking at the events leading to, during and immediately after the August 9, governorship election in Osun State, the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has left much to be desired. It is like they are at war with the people of the state. They have given the impression that they must win at all cost or heaven will fall.

One of their assault on the people is unconscionable fabrication and abuse of media access. It is a seriously perturbing development to find a syndicated story in many of our national dailies on Wednesday September 3, to the effect that two staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been suspended because they, according to

‘The electoral body would lose nothing by coming out to announce which party is involved in the attempt to manipulate the election for which the two EOs were suspended pending the completion of the investigation it is conducting’

Jega: Dousing cynics’ doubts philosophy of ‘there are other means to kill a hen other than slitting the throat’, who sought out Jega for his current assignment merely wanted to exploit his integrity and naiveté. It was not out of a desire for free and fair election. If that were their objectives, Jega’s appointment by an interested party to a dispute as an arbiter defeated that. The Uwais report which was whimsically jettisoned by PDP and President Jonathan would have provided a more credible response to electoral fraud.

Jega’s answer to what he described as “several security threats that now characterize the electoral process such as physical attacks on INEC staff and facilities, attacks on security personnel on election duty, misuse of security orderlies by politicians, attacks on political opponents” is the deployment of about 75,000 heavily armed security personnel, with a number of them hooded under the control of rabidly partisan minister of defence and his counterpart in police affairs moving around freely with Chris Ubah, a self-confessed election master rigger of Okija/Anambra fame on election day after opposition members had been driven out of town or to seek refuge in their mother’s room as was the case of Isiaka Adeleke, former governor of the state.

It cannot be any less depressing that the security men are not under the control of INEC chairman but under the control of those with questionable past who as we have now discovered, went around supervising the arrest of their political opponents in their homes on the eve of election. Jega’s optimism could only have been justified if he were in control of the security men in his capacity as the chairman of INEC whose responsibility it

is to conduct a free, fair credible election. Not many are persuaded that those who had used power of state to rig in 2003, 2007 and 2011 will not do the same in 2015 when they seem to have been officially licensed to do so. Their outings in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun have not shown otherwise.

Jega who like his employers share common sentiments that the militarization of the electoral process is dictated by today’s reality has not told us why the 1993 election considered as the most credible and least expensive in our nation’s history was without violence or why the 1999 election was relatively devoid of violence. The federal government has similarly not bothered to ask because a mirror cannot see itself. We couldn’t have suddenly forgotten that it was PDP under Obasanjo that institutionalized massive rigging or what he called ‘do or die election’ in 2003 to retain his threatened presidency. The 2003 electoral fraud was to become a preamble to the massive rigging of the 2007 election. Thoroughly embarrassed and scandalized by the massive electoral fraud, the late president Yar’Adua promptly set up the Uwais commission. The President and his party that suppressed the report now want us to accept as an alternative, massive deployment of security forces under their

control.

Sadly for Jega, many believe he bought into that crooked logic because he cannot confront those who appointed him. It was for the same reason, Jega will pretend not to know that when President Jonathan, his vice president and the senate president and other PDP stalwarts flew three jets, bought and fuelled by taxpayers to entertain decamping politicians in Kwara, Sokoto and Kano; they had breached the electoral law by embarking on an illegal campaign as well as fraudulent deployment of the nation’s resources to advance their own electoral fortune. For the same reason, Jega and his INEC pretend not to know billions expended on prime-time television slots and in buying space in newspaper by TAN and other shadowy organisations reminiscent of Babangida and Abacha era constitute a breach of the electoral act. We are all waiting for Jega to tell us what to call the on-going rallies across the nation

by TAN on behalf of the president.

This is not to doubt Jega’s commitment and sincerity in a nation where even elected leader see themselves as doing the people a favour, where when a president is challenged to act his office as commander-in-chief, he threatened a governor; where admirers of some high-achieving governors like Oshiomhole of Edo, Uduaghan of Delta and Godswill Akpabio of Bayelsa think they should be canonised as saints for routine implementation of their party programmes especially when compared with some of their predecessors who stole their states blind, Jega has done exceedingly well when compared to Prof Maurice Iwu’s disgraceful outing in 2007. But for the military and PDP that have tried to drag the nation down to their level, we should be comparing Attahiru Jega with his counterparts in other commonwealth countries such as Britain, Canada and Australia. That was the standard by which our nation was rated before the locust years, a golden period of our nation when UCH Ibadan was rated as one of the best three teaching hospitals in Commonwealth.

‘But for the military and PDP that have tried to drag the nation down to their level, we should be comparing Attahiru Jega with his counterparts in other commonwealth countries such as Britain, Canada and Australia’

Who actually attempted rigging in Osun?

By Mike Ogundele the quite reprehensible story, allegedly colluded with the All Progressives Party (APC) to rig the August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun.

It is reprehensible on the one hand, because the apparently un-investigated story projects our newspapers in very bad light as thoroughly shoddy and quite careless in their reportorial duties. On the other hand, the utter falsehood of such story gives away the unconscionable character of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and invariably that of the politicians with which it is peopled.

That the party will have the effrontery to turn the truth on its head and flip facts over in the service of its failed political bid to foist a candidate of irreparably damaged reputation on the people of Osun during the August 9 election remains an incomprehensible mystery.

Unfortunately for the party, facts, given their nature, are not easily amenable to the kind of senseless revisionism as the PDP is trying to engage in. For the record; the fact of the matter is this: the two Electoral Officers (EOs) in question were in fact working in cahoots with and for the PDP to subvert the will of the people of Osun State before and during the governorship election.

One of the two culprits, Segun Eshilokun, was the Electoral Officer (EO) for Obokun Local Government who, along with one Ismaila Taofik, was apprehended with a truck full of election materials a day prior to the Election Day, before INEC officially began to distribute such materials. Eshilokun and his partner were handed over to the police by the youths, only to be subsequently released to a PDP top functionary from Ile-Ife, Professor Oladipo Oladapo. The excuse given for their

release was simply and barefacedly, ‘Order from Above’.

The second suspended staff of INEC was the EO for Osogbo Local Government during the election. Being the largest voter base in the state, and given the already widely known support for the APC in Osogbo, this EO made spirited attempts to manipulate the electoral process in favour of the PDP. It was the vigilance and persistent complaint by the APC that prevented his brazen attempts from succeeding.

In fact, his suspension was consequent upon petition to INEC by the APC about his numerous attempts to twist the voting process in Osogbo in favour of the PDP of which he is a card-carrying member. For instance, it is on record that on Election Day, he released only 64 out of the 227 identification tags he was supposed to release to APC polling agents.

The intent was to deprive the APC polling agents of access to their polling units to monitor the accreditation process. The APC had to call INEC Commissioner for this zone, Ambassador Wali, to intervene. But he was not done yet. When voting came to an end, the same EO withheld the customised Form EC8C meant for recording collated results for Osogbo Local Government. Again, the APC had to call in Ambassador Wali, who issued him a second query in one day for the form to be released.

If we put these and other shameless incidents of attempted rigging by the PDP alongside the militarisation of the state, the cases of widespread bullying by gun-wielding agents of the PDP-led federal government, the unlawful arrests of APC bigwigs, including members of the governor’s cabinet among many other such horrifying acts, would it not be clear to all which party actually attempted to rig?

That the PDP can now turn around to enrol

the media in its reprehensible propaganda to change the facts is quite inconceivable. But it is even more unfortunate that our media practitioners will allow themselves to be co-opted into this kind of disgraceful agenda to turn the victim into perpetrator over-night.

The cases of attempted electoral manipulation against the two suspended INEC staff are in the public domain and were given good coverage in the media. It is the least any media practitioner should do in satisfying the requirement of professional ethics to do a proper check of the accuracy of a story before rushing to press.

The blatant falsehood of this story gives the impression of media collusion with the PDP to convert lie into truth. Against this background, INEC also owes it a duty to Nigerians, the people of Osun, and to morality to come out clearly and say which party the suspended EOs were actually colluding with.

Associating the name of INEC with this mendacious story can only drag its name in the mud and give it a taint of partisanship.

The electoral body would lose nothing by coming out to announce which party is involved in the attempt to manipulate the election for which the two EOs were suspended pending the completion of the investigation it is conducting. After all, it is still in the process of investigation. But to keep quiet in the face of this morally damaging story in which INEC’s name has been mentioned in the authentication of plain falsehood cannot bode well for the integrity of the electoral body.

It is not only a matter of moral obligation for INEC, but the electoral body would also be making a strong statement that no political party or partisan group has a right to use its name as a stamp of authority for falsehood.

• Ogundele writes from Osogbo, Osun State

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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HAVE fond memories about Barcelona, the leading city of the Catalans of northeastern Spain. Without knowing anybody in the whole of Spain, and without having any friends or acquaintances on board the plane on which I was flying, I landed in Barcelona in July 1957. I was young (a young UCI student) and I was eager to use my first trip to Europe to know as much as possible of Europe. I had been attending a student conference in Switzerland and, instead of simply flying back home to Lagos, I managed to amend my flight ticket to fly to London, Amsterdam and Barcelona – and then Lagos.

I landed in Barcelona having almost no money. I spent all day seeing the lovely city, bought inexpensive snacks and soft drinks along the streets, and, when night came, managed to get a room in an inexpensive motel.

Next morning, I continued my sight-seeing.

By the time I headed for the airport in the afternoon, I was starving, but I knew they would serve some food on the flight home. I had achieved my purpose.

I have visited or passed through Barcelona a couple of times since then, but it is that first visit – as a poor and starving student who was determined to see and learn – that I remember most about Barcelona and the homeland of the Catalans. Since then, I have followed avidly the story of Catalonia. And, in recent times, I have particularly found it very interesting that the story of Catalonia and the Catalans as part of the country of Spain is uncannily similar to the story of my own Yorubaland and Yoruba people as part of the country of Nigeria.

Catalonia, the homeland of the Catalans, occupies the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain. It is one of the most beautiful provinces of Spain. Their experiences in Spain, and the experiences of the Yoruba in Nigeria, are very similar. Just as the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria have an old tradition of hospitality to strangers and foreigners, the Catalans have an old tradition of hospitality towards non-Catalans. As a result, considerable parts of Catalan population can trace their ancestry to non-Catalan origins. In most of modern times, Catalonia has been one of the most industrially developed, one of the economically most prosperous, parts of Spain.

Throughout the existence of Nigeria since 1914, the homeland of the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria has been the most economically developed , the most industrialized, and the most prosperous part of Nigeria.

These Catalans are admirable!

But the similarities even go further. Politically, Catalonia has experienced much repression from the central government of Spain.

When Spain was ruled by a dictator in the 1930s and early 1940s, Catalonia came under particularly serious repression. Their provincial autonomy was taken away, and their indigenous language was even banned. The Yoruba have generally experienced much the same kinds of repression in Nigeria, especially since independence. Only two years after Nigeria’s independence, Nigeria’s federal government launched an attack on the predominantly Yoruba Western Region, suspended its regional constitution, imposed a federally appointed dictator over the region, and proceeded in various ways to destabilize the region and slow down its development. Since then, especially under the military regimes that ruled Nigeria for nearly four decades, Yorubaland has been steadily, though mostly subtly, marginalized and repressed, and most of its pre-independence achievements have been brutalized or even destroyed.

However, the responses of the Catalans and the Yoruba to these repressive experiences have been widely different. On the whole, beyond the immediate reactions of Yoruba youths against the painful experiences of 19625, and their periodic revolts against electoral fraud by federal agencies in the Yoruba homeland, the Yoruba elite have proved surprisingly inept in responding to the experiences of their nation in Nigeria. In the political, economic and business life of Nigeria, the Yoruba elite prefer to be generally submissive and docile, apparently operating on the philosophy that it is better to submit, adapt, and survive than to stand up for their integrity and just entitlements. Even when the situation has clearly demanded Yoruba national unity and solidarity, the Yoruba elite have preferred to emphasize freedom to differ and to oppose one another – often claiming that the freedom of choice characteristic of Yoruba political and societal life is the most important thing in all situations. As a result, most of the fire in Yoruba politics in Nigeria is usually directed by Yoruba against Yoruba – with the

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HE essence of this piece is to offer my thoughts on a topic that continues to be debated. In the event that Nigeria is said to have two dominant parties, the ruling PDP and the opposition APC, it only makes sense to presuppose that the two entities will essentially be different.

Different in the sense that even in a situation where you have two parties with exact same ideology, they cannot be said to be the same which is why they have different identities to start with. Or perhaps would it be correct to say that the Anglican church is the same as the Catholic church because the membership of both is composed essentially of Christians, some good some bad? In the event that the PDP has found itself in a reputational dirt-pit, it finds it convenient to proclaim that the APC is no different from it and often the fact that many members of APC are former (and perhaps future) members of PDP is cited as proof.

Nuhu Ribadu, erstwhile APC chieftain and now PDP governorship wannabe, in the resulting confusion of his suicide plunge into character immolation and reputational lights out, defended his obviously opportunistic defection on the grounds that the two parties are the same. So what was the motivation if he believed this to be true? Anyway this piece is not about Ribadu.

I argued in a piece many years ago, that Nigerians do not really believe that political leadership impacts with any meaningfulness on their well-being. This attitude manifests in the general lack of the deserved seriousness attended to the choice process in our democracy. It would appear that the generality of Nigerians after several years of disappointment have developed the attitude that dependence on government is futile and so place their well-being on overcoming mis-governance and being self-sufficient or perhaps we can say that Nigerians prefer to ‘government-proof’ their lives. This is however a very unhelpful attitude and is responsible for successive governments at all levels not living up to their responsibilities and taking the people for granted, if not for a ride. Governments exist to put order in our collective wellbeing and provide the requisite environment and infrastructure for us to enjoy a meaningful existence generally. Allow-

‘Thank God that in the week after the Ebola outbreak, APC governors of the South-west convened a meeting to rub minds and plan for containing the disease.

The same day PDP governors and elders from the South-south were also meeting to declare their support for President Jonathan’s 2015 presidential bid’

result that Yoruba politicians have been known to hurt one another quite seriously in Nigerian politics. And even though the Yoruba, from the sophistication of their traditional political system, often have ideas and proposals that can greatly benefit Nigeria, they never unite to push such, and they are usually ready to surrender and accept compromises –claiming that such compromises are “in the interest of Nigeria”. Among them, working for different Nigerian political parties tends to be regarded as more important than working for the good of their Yoruba nation. Leading Yoruba persons in high governmental positions (elective and non-elective), and in successful business, fear to be associated with nationalist aspirations among their people – as a result of which a recognizable and open Yoruba nationalist expression does not exist in Nigeria.

The Catalans are different. The Catalan elite do belong to different Spanish political parties too. But, even against the most fearsome dictatorships in Spain’s history, they have capably stood up and fought back. Therefore, in recent decades, they have demanded and won more and more autonomy for their region in Spain. Today, the Catalan regional government commands great autonomy over the affairs of its region.

In recent times, the Catalans have been demanding separation from Spain – that is, demanding a separate country of Catalonia.

Virtually all Catalans in leading positions in the Spanish political parties openly support Catalan nationalism and independence. Over a year ago, Catalan nationalist leaders decided to hold a referendum to assess popular support for independence. The Spanish government opposed the move, and got the Spanish Constitutional Court to declare that such a referendum was illegal and must not be held.

The Catalan leaders responded that their referendum was to be a “non-binding” referendum – that is an affair only of the Catalan people which the Spanish government would not be asked to accept or act upon. And so, they went on and held their “non-binding” referendum. Over 95% of those who voted

Gbogun gboro supported independence for Catalonia. Even among the people whose origins were from other parts of Spain, the vast majority voted for independence for Catalonia. Such a strong showing at the “non-binding” referendum immediately became a mighty tool in the hands of the Catalan nationalists; it made it possible for them to claim categorically almost all their people want independence.

Now, they have scheduled a final, “binding”, independence referendum for November 2014. Again, the Spanish government opposes. But all parties are united for it, and the regional president is calling on all Catalans to fight democratically and peacefully for it.

The Catalan President says, “If you fight, you can win and you can lose, but if you do not fight, you have already lost”. These Catalans are admirable!

‘Beyond the immediate reactions of Yoruba youths against the painful experiences of 1962-5, and their periodic revolts against electoral fraud by federal agencies in the Yoruba homeland, the Yoruba elite have proved surprisingly inept in responding to the experiences of their nation in Nigeria’

Tale of two parties

By Edo Ukpong ing governments to get away with not satisfying our basic needs is tantamount to throwing away our sovereign rights.

We throw away our sovereign rights when we do not care sufficiently about who or which party manages our affairs.

We do not care about who or which party manages our affairs when we fall for ‘they are all the same’ propaganda. So if ‘they are all the same’ and we are getting rubbish, can we not use our sovereign rights as ‘the people’ through our votes to send a clear message that whether you are all the same or not, these are the kind of people or parties that we need?

Nigerians are taking this ‘I don’t care’ attitude to a ridiculous and suicidal level and it is not restricted to political governance. Using the church as an example, the fact that an owner/pastor is exposed to be in breach of his pastoral vows and setting a bad example by engaging in sinful conduct, will not necessarily result in a depletion in the numbers of the worshippers in that church. If you ask any of the worshippers why they still attend a church where the pastor is the lead sinner, instead of moving to a different church, typical responses will be ‘who is perfect? ‘Are they not all human beings? “Will I change my church every time a pastor is exposed as a fake?”

This attitude of condonation is counter-productive and in my view the approach should rather be geared towards constructive reprimand. Leaving for another church will send an unmistakable message not only to the offending pastor but to all others that certain acts will not be tolerated. The pastor, who is conscious of your reason for defecting to a new church, will be kept on his toes because of the exhibited ‘no time for nonsense’ posture.

On the contrary, if you stay put, it is likely that things will only get worse given that human beings typically respond to only coercion by whatever form. And also we all typically will keep pushing our luck until we are stopped. Young people starting out in the art of seducing the opposite sex, will typically if on a stroll, hold the waist. If there is no resistance, the hand is bound to go lower! That is just the way we are!

The whole church system is also affected by this attitude because there is no stricture for bad behaviour, so general malaise envelopes the church and standards fall to the detriment of the generality. In a nutshell, by moving over to another church you clearly lay down your standards. Even the church you are leaving will endeavour to lure you back but only by striving to meet your standards – so you create a win-win situation for the membership of the church community.

We are not going to have any party with only saints, never!

Given the fact that the parties have a profound bearing on our well-being, it is left to us to shape them. If a party disappoints it must be rejected for another so as to engender positive competition for our support. Let me discuss the PDP and APC briefly and in conclusion. Tom Ikimi has perhaps unwittingly drawn a major difference between both parties. In his confused diatribe for re-defecting back to the PDP, he said he was denied the APC chairmanship because he, during the Abacha years was a prominent supporter of that brutal military dictatorship as opposed to a majority of the APC leadership who were part of the democratic coalition (NADECO) against the dictatorship. For me personally the Abacha years were the most soul-wrenching of my life and the pervading air of helplessness will forever remain in me.

I was thoroughly disgusted by the actions and pronouncements of the regime collaborators and heartened by my brave countrymen who stood with me at that time. Thank God we overcame. Thank God for memory because some of us will never forget. Thank God many of the operators on both sides are still active today and thank God Ikimi has pointed out that they are indeed in two separate parties. Thank God, Ikimi has declared that he is going back ‘home’. Thank God that other notable Abacha supporters have remained at ‘home’ and those like Sheriff who wandered into APC have opened their eyes and redirected their steps towards ‘home’. Thank God indeed because until they left, I for one would not have been able in good conscience to support a party with these elements. Thank God that in the week after the Ebola outbreak, APC governors of the South-west convened a meeting to rub minds and plan for containing the disease. The same day PDP governors and elders from the South-south were also meeting - to declare their support for President Jonathan’s 2015 presidential bid. Thank God I know that both tendencies are not the same and nobody’s confusion will shut my eyes and ears from the reality. Finally, I thank God for the commonsense to know that in a contest between two parties, even if both score below the pass mark I will not leave the party with 30% and support the one with 20% simply because both are failures and hence ‘the same’. That will make me the same as a man who must climb into one of two sinking ships. One ship has sunk lower than the other and the man decides that since they are both going to sink anyway he may as well climb into the one that will sink first. I will rather climb unto the one that that has more showing form because it has a better chance of survival, more so if it is evident which crew is showing better focus to salvaging the sinking vessel. Thank God that Nigeria my country will not sink!

•Ukpong is a legal practitioner

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

22

L AGOS ST ATE GOVERNMENT STA LAGOS STATE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD (SUBEB)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN LAGOS STATE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IFB NO:LSUBEB/UBEC/INFRAST.DEV/NCB/09/2014 IFB NO:LSUBEB/TETFUND/INFRAST.DEV/NCB/09/2014 1. Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) in pursuance of its mandate and in compliance with the requirement of the Lagos State Procurement Law 2011,has received Y2013 UBEC/LSUBEB AND Y2009 & 2010 (MERGED) TETFUND INTERVENTION FUND and intends to apply part of it for procurement of works and goods.

2. Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Construction/ Rehabilitation for Public Schools and Procurement of Furniture as indicated below:

(A)

TETFUND Y2009/2010 PROJECTS: CONSTRUCTION/ REHABILITATION OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOMS

S/N LOT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1

LOT A1

2

LOT A2

3

LOT A3

4

LOT A4

Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at L.A. Primary School Aguda Surulere, Lagos.

(Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Amikanle Primary School, Alimosho, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at L.G. Primary School, Baiyeku Ikorodu, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 6 Classrooms at L.A. Primary School, Ibeshe Sea Beach Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 6 Classrooms at L.A Primary School, Obada Epe, Lagos.

(Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Ijedodo Secondary School, Ijedodo, Ojo, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Lafiaji Junior Secondary School, Okesuna, Lagos- Island, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Isiu Junior Grammar School, Ikorodu, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Rehabilitation of 1No. Block of 17+1 Classroom with Toilets at Ogudu GRA Primary School, Ogudu Kosofe, Lagos.

Rehabilitation & Re-strengthening of 1No. Block of 12 Classrooms at Kosy Bethel Primary School, Ilupeju Mushin, Lagos.

Rehabilitation of Schools' Libraries in 16 LGEAs

5

LOT A5

6

LOT A6

7

LOT A7

8

LOT A8

9

LOT A9

10

LOT A10

11

LOT A11

Contract Package No. LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-01/W-CONST/ 9/14

BID SECU- DELIVERY PERIOD RITY (N) 2% of the 6 months bid price

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-02/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-03/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-04/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14

LOT B4

5

LOT B5

6

LOT B6

7

LOT B7

8

LOT B8

9

LOT B9

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-07/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14

12 LOT B12

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-08/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14

13 LOT B13

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 3 months NCB-01/W-REHAB/ bid price 9/14

14 LOT B14

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 3 months NCB-02/W-REHAB/ bid price 9/14

15 LOT B15

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 3 months NCB-03/W-REHAB/ bid price 9/14

Lot A1

2

Lot A2

3

Lot A3

4

Lot A4

5

Lot A5

Procurement of 400 sets of ECCDE Furniture Procurement of 1,800 pairs of Desk & Chairs for Primary Schools Procurement of 1,300 pairs of Desk & Chairs for JSS Procurement of 157 Teachers' Tables and Chairs Library Furniture for 16 Schools at 16 LGEAs

(B)

LSUBEB/UBEC INTERVENTION PROJECTS Y2013 (1ST 4TH QUARTER): CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION OF BLOCKS OF CLASSROOMS Construction of a block of 13 classrooms at Adeife N/P School, Shomolu, Bariga, Lagos.

4

11 LOT B11

1

LOT B1

LOT B3

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-06/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1

3

10 LOT B10

TETFUND Y2009/2010 PROJECTS: GOODS (FURNITURE)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

LOT B2

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ 2% of the 6 months NCB-05/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14

S/N LOT

S/N LOT

2

Contract Package No. LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-01/G/9/14 LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-02/G/9/14

BID SECURITY (N) 2% of the bid price 2% of the bid price

LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-03/G/9/14 LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-04/G/9/14 LSUBEB/TETFUND/ NCB-05/G/9/14

2% bid 2% bid 2% bid

LSUBEB/UBEC/

DELIVERY PERIOD 3 Months

16 LOT B16

17 LOT B17

18 LOT B18

3 Months

of the 3 Months price of the 3 Months price of the 3 Months price

BID SECU- DELIVERY RITY (N) PERIOD NCB-01/W-CONST/ 2% of the 6 Months 9/14 bid price

19 LOT B19

20 LOT B20

21 LOT B21

22 LOT B22

23 LOT B23

(Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at LG Primary School I & II Egan, Alimosho. Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Hope Primary School, Ejigbo, Oshodi/Isolo, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Ansarudeen Primary School, Araromi-Ale, Badagry, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at Anglican Primary School, Aradagun, Badagry , Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 6 Classrooms at Pobo community Primary School, Poka, Epe, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at Agbado Ijaiye Public Primary school I&II, IfakoIjaiye, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Fred Williams Primary School, Iju, Ifako- Ijaiye, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 11 Classrooms at Abina Omololu Primary School, Akerele, Surulere.

Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Idera Primary School, Ikosi- Isheri, Kosofe, Lagos.(Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Isolo Road Primary School, Mushin, Lagos.

(Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at Elepe Junior Secondary School, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 6 Classrooms at Special Children Approved School, Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 Classrooms at Baptist Academy Primary School, Obanikoro, Somolu, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at Reservation Junior Secondary School, Tolu complex, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of a block of 13 classrooms at Ajebo Junior High School, Epe, Lagos (Pad Foundation) Construction of a block of 20 Classrooms at Aiyedere Junior Secondary School, Kosofe, Lagos.

(Pad Foundation) Construction of 160m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Abina Omololu Primary School, Surulere, Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of 415m Fence, Gate and Gate House at L.G Primary School I& II Egan School, Ikosi, Kosofe, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Construction of 474m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Aiyedere Primary School, Ikosi, Kosofe, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Construction of 235m Fence, Gate and Gate House at L.A Primary School, Ilogbo Elegba, Ojo, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of 560m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Pobo Community Primary School, Poka, Epe, Lagos. (Pad Foundation) Construction of 550m Fence,

LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-02/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-03/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-04/W-CONST/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-05/W-CONST/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-06/W-CONST/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-07/W-CONST/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-08/W-CONST/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-09/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-010/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-011/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-012/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-013/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-014/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-015/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-016/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-017/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-018/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-019/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-020/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-021/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 2% of the 6 Months LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-022/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/

2% of the 6 Months

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

24

LOT B24

25

LOT B25

26

LOT B26

27

LOT B27

28

LOT B28

29

LOT B29

30

LOT B31

31

LOT B32

Gate and Gate House at Bariga Primary School, Somolu, Bariga, Lagos. (Raft Foundation) Construction of 450m Fence, Gate and Gate House at CMS Primary School, Somolu, Bariga, Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of 435m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Anglican Primary School, Ojo, Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of 386m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Methodist Primary School, Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos (Raft Foundation) Construction of 82m Fence, Gate and Gate House at Marywood Primary School, Mainland, Lagos (Raft Foundation) Rehabilitation of 8 Blocks of Classrooms at Anglican Primary School, Ibidun, Surulere, Lagos.

Rehabilitation of 8 Classrooms (Block A and B) at Marywood Nursery & Primary School, Mainland, Lagos.

Rehabilitation and Restrengthening of a block of 10 Classroom at Ijomu Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Rehabilitation of a block of 16 Classrooms, Idowu Primary School, CMS compound, Somolu, Lagos.

23

NCB-023/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-024/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-025/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-026/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-027/W-CONST/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ 2% of the 6 Months NCB-01/W-REHAB/ bid price 9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-02/W-REHAB/ 2% of the 6 Months 9/14 bid price LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-04/W-REHAB/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-05/W-REHAB/ 9/14

2% of the 6 Months bid price

LSUBEB/UBEC INTERVENTION PROJECTS Y2013 (1ST - 4TH QUARTER): GOODS (FURNITURE) S/N LOT 1

LOT B1

2

LOT B2

3

LOT B3

4

LOT B4

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Procurement of 500 sets of ECCDE furniture Procurement of 3835 Desks and Chairs for Primary Schools in Lagos City Procurement of 3,138 Desks and Chairs for Junior Secondary Schools in Lagos City Procurement of 1,125 Teachers' Tables and Chairs

Contract Package No. LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-01/G/9/14 LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-02/G/9/14

BID SECURITY (N) 2% of the bid price 2% of the bid price

DELIVERY PERIOD 3 Months

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-03/G/9/14

2% of the bid price

3 Months

LSUBEB/UBEC/ NCB-04/G/9/14

2% of the bid price

3 Months

3 Months

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB); a procedure specified in the Lagos State Procurement Guidelines for Procurement of Works and Goods and is open to all bidders from eligible source as defined in the Guidelines.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from and inspect the Bidding Documents at the Procurement Unit from 9:00am-4:00pm; Monday to Friday.

5. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Qualification Requirements: Evidence of Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission.

Evidence of Current and Valid Registration with Lagos State Tenders Board.

Current Tax Clearance Certification of the Company and two Directors for the last three (3) years.

Company profile and organizational structure.

Availability (own/lease/hire) of the essential equipment as listed in the Bidding Data Sheet Experience as prime Contractor in carrying out at least three (3) projects of similar nature and complexity equivalent to the works over the last five (5) years (to comply with this requirement, the work cited should be at least 70% complete) including the following details: " Name of Project " Brief description " Clients " Scope of work " Contract Value " Nature of Contract " Name and address of a referee in client's company " Documentary evidence of technical equipment and key personnel to execute the job.

vii) Evidence of the Company's financial capability (Submission of audited Balance sheet or other financial statements for the last 3 years) and Bank support. viii) A sworn affidavit that all documents submitted is genuine and verifiable.

Ix) Any additional information that may enhance your bid.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English Language may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of non-refundable fee of N25,000 (Twenty-five Thousand naira) only for Construction and Rehabilitation and N10,000 (Ten thousand naira) only for Furniture, Library Books/Fittings in favour of Lagos State Government through Bank Draft or Cash to Wema Bank PLC, Maryland Branch Account No: 0121285270; Branch Code: 069, Revenue Code: 4020023, Ministry Code: 4620000.

7. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 12:00 Noon, Thursday, 2nd October, 2014.

Electronic bidding will not be permitted and late bid will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder or bidder's representative that choose to attend in person at the address below at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, 2nd October, 2014. All bids must be accompanied by Bid Security of 2% of Bid Price.

8. Submission of Bids: Interested bidders are expected to put the TECHNCAL BID in a separate sealed envelope and FINANCIAL BID in another sealed envelope, with each envelope distinctively labeled, while the 2envelopes will be put in a bigger sealed envelope.

9.

Bidders may bid for one or more lots as award will be based on lot by lot basis.

The outer envelopes must be marked: The Lot Number and the Contract Package No. should be indicated clearly Between the hours of 9am to 4pm (Monday - Friday) daily into a Bid Box located in the SUBEB Reception Area.

The Bid should be addressed to: THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, LAGOS STATE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD MARYLAND, SCHOOL COMPLEX, MARYLAND, IKEJA, LAGOS

Signed: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN (LSUBEB) E-mail: basiceducation.subeb@gmail.com

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

The Federal Government’s postponement of primary and secondary schools’ resumption from September 14 to October 13 over the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), caught many private schools offguard. What is the cost of this action on their operations? ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, MEDINAT KANABE, OLUWATOSIN OLAWALE, SEUN AKINOLA and IBRAHIM ADAM report.

•One of the private schools in Lagos on Monday now empty following govt’s directive .

PHOTO: MEDINAT KANABE

Unease as Ebola forces schools to F defer resumption OR many private schools, the Federal Government’s extension of resumption for the 2014/2015 session till October 13 came as a shock. They were getting set to resume on September 14 when the government extended the resumption by one month because of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). What does this mean for them? Teachers, especially, are affraid that they may not be paid for this month because of the change of resumption date.

Extending the resumption of primary and secondary schools last Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said the measure was to mobilise the education sector against Ebola outbreak in schools. According to him, all academic activities with an international bias in tertiary institutions were also suspended forthwith. He said every primary and secondary school would be given blood pressure monitors, adding that the schools are expected to nominate at least two members of their staff for training on EVD. “All the above measures shall also apply in all Federal Government Colleges. All summer classes currently being conducted by some private schools should be suspended with immediate effect until October 13, 2014. All private primary and secondary schools must comply with the directive given under these preventive measures. All tertiary institutions are advised to suspend exchange of staff and students programmes, visits and major inter-

properly sensitised and proper awareness is carried out, we will know what to do and not what to do.”

School administrators/teachers react

national seminars and workshops until further notice,’’ Shekarau said.

The pronouncement shocked the National Association of Private Schools Proprietors (NAPPS) which feels the government is not fair to them. Private schools collect fees for the new session in September. Some offer discounts to parents, who could pay their children fees in lump sum during summer classes. With the money, proprietors are able to settle their bills and workers’ salaries.

With the shift in resumption date, this is no longer possible. But public schools seem not to have anything to fear.

A teacher at Baptist Academy in Obanikoro, Lagos, who pleaded anonymity, said private

‘It is actually going to have effect on us, but it is better for us to be cautious than for the school to experience EVD. I do not pray for it because we are hearing that it does not have a cure presently. But if the system is properly sensitised and proper awareness is carried out, we will know what to do and not what to do’

INSIDE

Bayelsa Federal Poly abandoned -Page 28

schools would bear the brunt of government’s action. He said: “No, we are only here to collect our salaries. We had summer coaching before, but immediately the government announced that all schools should stop the coaching we stopped too.” It (resumption) will not affect my salary, but it will affect private schools. I have taught in a private school before so I know they will pay teachers’ salary last month. Some may not even pay this September, mark my word.”

Another teacher, who also asked not to be mentioned, said: “It is actually going to have effect on us, but it is better for us to be cautious than for the school to experience EVD. I do not pray for it because we are hearing that it does not have a cure presently. But if the system is

Families of 43 UTME candidates in fatal accident seek justice -Page 45

CAMPUS LIFE

A private school teacher in Ojo, Lagos State said: “I am hungry here. The government’s decision came to us as a shock. Now, I am desperately looking for anything to do before resumption. Should you have anything for me, kindly get in touch with me. You know I can’t just sit down at home doing nothing when I have a family to feed,” he said.

On economic implication of the postponement, an Assistant Director of a private school, Dawah Nursery and Primary School in Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, Mrs Lola Afolabi, said it has affected her school. “Some pupils started the summer lesson with us, but after the Ebola outbreak, their parents withdrew them,” Mrs Afolabi said.

She added: “We usually have about 200 pupils before (for the summer lesson) and they included other pupils from the community who have come to spend their holidays with relatives around here. Pupils were scared of the disease and when we called their parents, some told us that they would not be bringing their children until the problem was solved.”

She described the extension, saying: “Keep-

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

The world of campus couples -Page 29

• Continued on Page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

26

EDUCATION

Schools count cost of deferred resumption •Continued from Page 25

ing pupils out of school until the disease is totally curbed will affect school calendar and don’t forget that there is going to be an election next year.

What we should do is put necessary things in place. Postponing resumption is not the best,” she said.

But a teacher in the same school, Mrs Abdulrazaq Nafisatu, said the postponement was good, saying teaching tasks both physical and intellectual energies of teachers.

“It is a way for us to rest because there is no time for rest during the holidays. It was from vacation to summer school. On health grounds, we also need time to check ourselves and rest well. Right now, I have the time to search for other things to do.

I am also a blogger so I blog and spend time with my family,” she said.

A crèche owner, Mrs Rita Biose, corroborated her. “As a matter of fact, there was a child whose mother brought and registered with us, she came and said her husband mandated her to withdraw the child immediately because of the Ebola outbreak. Some parents took away their children, but others advised us on what to do,” she sid.

On what the school does to stay atop EVD, she added: “We don’t accept sick children no matter the nature of the sickness. We also provided hand sanitisers for parents coming to pick their children to sanitise their hands before carrying the children. We also don’t allow parents into the crèche. We will do whatever the government say because it is for our good.”

At Summerain College, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, its Vice-Principal, Mr Shittu Saheed, said summer lessons continue because they have the cooperation of the parents. “We have a good turn-out of pupils and parents have not said anything or suggested anything that would make us believe they are scared of the disease. We also have pupils from other schools and places who have enrolled for the summer lesson and no complaints from their parents. We expect the government to do something about the EVD before we resume and go back to classes, but if the government insists that we remain shut, we will stay shut because we are under the government,” he said.

Parents’ voices Parents’ opinions are divided on

•Another empty school in Lagos... on Monday

PHOTO: MEDINAT KANABE

‘Apart from that, I don’t think that the decision makes sense. Aren’t university and polytechnic students in school? Can’t Ebola affect them too?

• Moreover it is not all states of the federation that are affected by Ebola, so why shut schools all over the country? If the government must shut schools over Ebola, why not do so in states where people have been infected?’ the postponement. Mrs Nwachukwu Clara, who works in a second generation bank in Lagos, supports her children attending summer coaching.

“Ebola cannot get to my children or anybody close to me,” she said, adding: “They (children) must go for summer coaching so I allow them. They are not staying at home and moreover it is just summer coaching. Pupils are not usually as many as they use to be in a normal school session. When schools fully resume, and government says we should not, I won’t allow my children go to school.”

Mrs Zaynab Akanni, a business woman, towed her line. “My children are going for summer coaching and I will allow them to continue as long as their schools are holding the session. I have read about the disease and I know that it doesn’t transmit easily from person to person. The affected person has to be in a critical condition before it can be transmitted.

That means the person won’t be able to walk to attend school or move around. Their school is very close to the house. They usually trek to school so there is no way they can get in contact with an infected person. I also believe in God and I pray for my children before they leave home everyday so God is with them. I am not scared of the disease,” she said.

Mrs Chibuzor Amaedi, a shop owner, however, had a different view. “My children are at home because of the Ebola outbreak and because government said we should not

allow gatherings. I don’t want them to get the disease so prevention is better than cure. A disease that can spread like bush-fire should not be joked with. If school resumes and the government says they should stay at home, they will stay. I cannot joke with my children,” she said.

Making up for postponement A school owner, who does not want his name or his school’s name in print said: “Sitting down at home, yawning and sleeping? Resumption has been postponed by a month. It means no revenue for us all until October. We can’t even do summer coaching again. So our teachers are going to miss September pay because we can’t pay money that we didn’t make. I am not going to borrow money from banks at a cut throat rate to pay salaries and then put myself at the mercy of the banks.”

He continued: “Apart from that, I don’t think that the decision makes sense. Aren’t university and polytechnic students in school? Can’t Ebola affect them too? Moreover, it is not all states of the federation that are affected by Ebola, so why shut schools all over the country? If the government must shut schools over Ebola, why not do so in states where people have been infected?”

For Mrs Oluwaseyi Adebola, a teacher in Hill Quest College, a pri-

vate school in Ilasa, Lagos, the fear of no salary is the beginning of wisdom.

“I feel it is good because of the reason for it-not wanting EVD to affect pupils, but I also don’t like the idea because it will make pupils forget what they have learnt. Pupils tend to forget when there is no continuation in teaching and become very playful.

For me it will not be easy forgoing September salary because as a private school teacher, it is no work no pay for us until when school resumes. I want the government to bring the date back to end of September so that we will have hope for October salary,” she pleaded.

School proprietors, however, are leaving no stone unturned in checking the spread of the dreaded disease. They took steps to improve sensitisation on EVD among their workers.

The Nation visited some schools in Lagos and discovered that some have installed water basins at the entrance of their schools for pupils, teachers and visitors to wash their hands.

Some have gone a step further by introducing thermometers to detect individuals with high temperature.

Last Friday, the Lagos State chapter of NAPPS held an enlightenment campaign on EVD for both teaching and non teaching staff. Participants at the event were encouraged to use chlorine to clean their school’s environment and maintain general hygiene.

Tagged: “Spread the fact, not the fear” the well attended event had in attendance the Special Adviser to

Governor Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, NAPPS Lagos State Chairman, Mr Yomi Otubela, and many school owners and teachers.

Adeshina, who gave a talk on EVD, said its awareness would make people know what to do rather than mere nursing of fear. “Aside the soap and water method, every school should make use of chlorine. Ebola is not an automatic death sentence, but make sure you add chlorine to the water and use it to clean every surface you believe can be contaminated.

Also, parents should make sure the basic use of soap and water is adhered to at home,” she said.

She added that teachers should not change baby’s diapers without hand gloves and should not re-use gloves.

These precautions, she said, would prevent the students from being infected.

Adeshina stressed that contracting Ebola Virus Disease after cooking bush meat (eran igbe) is impossible, adding that EVD can only be contracted through the slaughtering of bush meat.

To Otubela, the exercise was not only for the members of the association, but for everyone. He said: “We are here to sensitise not only our member schools on the Ebola Virus Disease, especially the preventive measures to be put in place so that by the time our pupils are finally returning, the school will be ready and fully prepared to manage the spread of the deadly virus. Not only that, we also want to also sensitise our members’ environment and people living on our streets. That is why we have made flyers, which contain information about this virus for distribution. “This has being a good programme so far because the turnout was so massive” he said.

Oando Foundation launches Ebola Education Support Fund

O

ANDO Foundation has launched its Ebola Education Support Fund. The fund will support the education of children who have lost their parents to the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and require financial support to continue their education.

Ebola is a contagious and highly infectious haemorrhagic fever sweeping through West Africa.

A statement by the Director, Oando Foundation Tokunboh Durosaro, said the Fund was instituted to support the financial strain that may be experienced by many families because of loss of their breadwinners. This could have a huge impact on the ability of children to continue schooling thereby invariably affecting the future of our country.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

The UNESCO Education for All Report 2013/14 statistics reveals that there are 10.5 million out of school Nigerian children. The Foundation has a mandate to ensure that the devastation caused by the EVD does not increase the number of Out-of-School Children in Nigeria.

Durosaro said: “We appreciate that the loss of a parent or both parents to EVD can be very daunting and seriously affect the future of a child.

The importance of education cannot be underscored and this is why Oando Foundation has launched the Ebola Education Support Fund to mitigate the effect of this tragedy.

The fund, according to Durosaro,

would ensure that all affected children complete their education up to university level, notwithstanding their loss.”

The fund will provide grants to cover school fees and other education costs of all affected children from now until graduation, the statement added.

Further, Durosaro added that Oando Foundation is also supporting the Ebola Containment Trust Fund to prevent further spread of the disease by donating over 5,000 protective suits, gloves, protective glasses and boot covers. These items will be distributed to health workers and medical institutions in Lagos and Rivers states.

Oando Foundation, established in 2011, is an independent charity launched by Oando PLC, one of

Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions providers. The Foundation aims to support the Nigerian Government to meet the Millennium Development Goals to achieve universal primary education. Its mission is to radically improve the quality of teaching and learning in Nigerian schools and communities by ensuring access to world class basic education systems.

The Foundation has adopted 48 schools across 20 states, and plans to adopt more 100 schools by 2015.

The foundation has directly affected over 200,000 lives by ensuring over 100,000 pupils have access to quality primary education; broaden the capacity of over 4,000 teachers, award scholarships to over 2,560 pupils to reduce direct and indirect costs of education to students.

•Durosaro

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

EDUCATION

•From left: Mr. Ajose-Harrison; Mrs. Titi Ashiru, Head, Learning & Development, CIPM; Mr. Rotimi Olaniyan, CEO, Proximity Communications; Mr. Ola Azeez; Mr. Bode Shogo - Chairman, Learning & Development Committee, CIPM; Mr. Victor Famuyibo, President/Chairman of Council, CIPM; Mrs. Modupe Oguntuase, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions Lagos State; Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, Registrar /CEO, CIPM; Mrs. Gloria Ita-Ikpeme; Mr. Olanrewaju Jaiyeola - CEO/MD, Honeywell Flourmills Plc

Scholar seeks extensive research on environmental sustainability

T

HE former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Akin Mabogunje, has called on stakeholders in the geographical field to engage in environmental sustainability research in a bid to enhance sustainable environment in the country.

He noted that research into environmental sustainability is fraught with considerable uncertainties but with very challenging prospects of rewarding efforts.

Mabogunje, who is presently the Chairman, Foundation for Development and Environmental Initiatives (FDI), Ibadan made this call

T

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

at a National Colloquium organised by the Department of Geography (UI) with the theme:” Frontiers in Environmental Research and Sustainable Environment in the 21st Century”.

The colloquium was held at Conference centre, UI, to honour two erudite scholars, Emeritus Prof Adetoye Faniran and Prof Olusegun Areola.

“To be valuable in the context of sustainable environment, it has to go beyond simply understanding the physical processes involved to identifying and evaluating the role

of various actors and drivers of the particular process. Clearly, the research frontier will need to be populated by scholars from other disciplines, hopefully in a multidisciplinary or inter-disciplinary alliance, offering their special insight into the underlying causes impairing environmental sustainability in particular areas or regions of the country” he said The don affirmed that? with the emerging prospects of Nigeria becoming host to many transnational and national corporations whose activities are bound to impact significantly on the environment, he said:” the frontier must be such that

it can capture and be explicit about the impact of various actors on environmental process.

“It is, of course true that in recent years these corporations all claim to subscribe to a social movement known as Corporate Social Responsibility. This requires that they embrace responsibility for their actions and encourage a positive impact through their activities on their environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and the public in general” According to him, apart from the Nigerians environment providing considerable challenges on its own, the frontiers of research it-

self remains challenging, increasingly involving other disciplinary perspectives especially if the goal is to enhance sustainable environment in the country.

Earlier in his speech, the ViceChancellor of UI, Prf Isaac Adewole said the effects of climate change, depletion of ozone layer, acid rain and trans-boundary air pollution have all increasingly been felt on a more global scale.

Adewole said the nation is in danger if we all fail to do what we must do for the survivability of human life? and it’s sustainability.

scholarship awards promised by some partners also from the USA. “However, we have initiated discussions with some leadership of the Chibok community and at the same point we will meet with them and their parents for consent.”

She said the offer of admission and scholarship depended on the willingness of the girls to be ‘separated’ from their parents again after their abduction by the

dreaded Islamic sect Boko Haram.

Sokomba praised the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency, while also praying for a quick solution to various insurgencies in the country.

She pleaded for the safe return of the abducted Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram in April, as well as women and children in the sect’s enclave.

‘We’ve secured admission for 57 escaped Chibok girls in U.S.’

HE Centre for Promotion of Ethics, Values, and National Integration (CENPEVNI), a Non Governmental Organisation, says it has secured admission for the 57 escaped Chibok schoolgirls in the United States.

The admission was secured through collaboration with other groups.

The Executive Director of the group and Project Coordinator,

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Rehabilitation and Reintegration Outreach Mission (RROM), Dr. Mercy Sokomba, made this known in Abuja at a stakeholders’ interactive session on effective victim support strategies in Nigeria.

She said offers for the completion of the girls’ education inclusive of scholarship have been made to RROM through Stephanos Foun-

dation and international support groups of RROM. Sokomba said: “Some of our national and international partners are already participating in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration of the escaped girls and their 219 parents.

“Through one of them, we have secured admission for the 57 escaped Chibok School girls from a school in the USA. We are now ready to take up some of the

Plateau begins construction of 188 classrooms From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

T

•The blocks of classrooms and borehole

L

IKE a father longing for the protection of his son who lives faraway, telecoms giant, Airtel Nigeria, has revisited St John’s Primary School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

The visit was to know the school has mainatained some of the facilities Airtel provided two years ago, while looking at ways for further improvement.

St John’s Primary School came under Airtel’s Adopt-A-School initiative four years ago, in the wake of many challenges that have been the lot of the school prior to its adoption. The school then had had to battle with lack of drinkable water, poor facilities, and poor learning environment and writing materials, among others.

Airtel promptly intervened and provided the school with a block of four classroom and two offices along with pieces of furniture.

PHOTO: MEDINAT KANABE

Airtel revisits school, two years after

By Medinat Kanabe

On Thursday last week, workers in the school and members of the community were in a happy mood to reunite with their benefactor.

The school’s Assistant Head teacher, Mrs Olayemisi Tayo Oseni told recalled to our reporter the sorry state of the school few years ago. She recalled how their condition degenerated to the extent that owing to scarcity of water, both workers and pupils used to take sachet water with them to the ramshackle toilet anytime they were pressed.

“Pupils were in charge of getting water to clean the toilet whenever it is messy; but it wasn’t the best for them

because it was the same time they ought to have spent in class that they wasted while searching for water.

“I will never forget the day we came to the school and found out that the ‘area boys’ (social miscreants) had messed up the school. This is possible because the school is not fenced round,” she recalled.

For the Education Secretary, Ijebu North local government education authority (LGEA), Mrs Balogun Misturat, academic performance of the pupils has increased upon Airtel’s intervention.

She said five classrooms were jumbled into one hall before Airtel assisted the school in partitioning the class, complementing the gesture with

dual desks and chairs, fans and electricity.

The community leader, Olu Azeez told The Nation, that the population of the school now keeps bulging as schoolchildren from other communities now want to be enrolled at St John’s.

On his part, the head teacher of the school, Mr Adewale Azeez Oladela, also corroborated the community leader.

“We used to force parents of these children to give them the necessary materials to school. Most of the parents are peasant farmers who barely live from hand to mouth. With Airtel’s provision, most of the children are always in school.”

HE Plateau State government has expressed its commitment to the provision of accessible and qualitative basic education for citizens of the state.

This, the state is demonstrating with the construction of additional 188 classrooms.

The State chairman, Universal Basic Education Board Mrs. Lyop Gloria Mang, made this known while declaring open the bid for the award of contracts for the construction of new classrooms and renovation of existing ones across the state.

Mang said: “There are 94 contracts to be awarded across the three senatorial districts of Plateau State, which includes nine nine renovation work and 85 construction of a block of two class rooms office and store. The board is going to be working within a budget of N872 million in the first phase of constructions.

She added: “Undaunted by the seeming decay this administration inherited in the education sector, which was characterised by infrastructural deficits and dilapidation, amongst other challenges, an emergency was clamped down on education in order to turn around the situation.

“Two hundred and seventy bids were submitted as at the time of the bidding and these contractors were selected through a very transparent process.”

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

EDUCATION

Bayelsa Federal Poly abandoned F ACTS emerged on Tuesday that the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, has been abandoned and allowed by its management to become a forest.

The institution, six years after its establishment, is on the verge of going moribund.

The polytechnic was established in 2009 when President Goodluck Jonathan was the Vice-President to specialise in oil and gas studies and other related fields.

But investigations revealed that administrative and academic activities were grounded at the school.

It was also learnt that vegetation, long shrubs and grass had overgrown many buildings and facilities in the school.

Some of the buildings were in disuse and were left under lock and key.

It was learnt that academic, nonacademic, senior and junior staff were

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

no longer reporting for duty at the polytechnic.

“The ugly situation has left the students in a very terrible condition in the campus”, a source, who pleaded for anonymity said.

“The school clinic is locked up due to the fact that all the drugs have expired. No lectures are going on, there’s no medicare and what have you”, he added.

He lamented lack of security in the institution adding that the development had exposed the school environment to attacks by hoodlums.

He said the school was suffering from lack of infrastructure and social amenities.

He said the administrative changes carried out in the school during the one-year nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics

T

HE Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has expressed dissatisfaction with the decline in performance recorded at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

President of the students-based society, Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye, noted that the decline was an indication that the nation is losing its pride of place in education.

(ASUP) had made matters worse.

He said the acting Rector, Emilia Bribena, who was appointed in January this year, sacked security personnel and cleaners without replacement.

He said: “Few days after her ap-

pointment, she dropped almost all junior staff in the school such as security, cleaners and labourers that were taking care of the campus.

“The school campus was abandoned for several months to the extent that it was like a hunting ground filled with

grasses. All the generators were vandalized with some parts stolen.

“The worst of it all is that the school authority has not shown any care or concern about the lives and the condition of students despite the danger surrounding the students”.

WASSCE: Society seeks policy against ‘special centres’

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

•Kalejaiye

•One of the abandoned buildings

Kalejaiye said the Head of National Office, WAEC, Mr Charles Eguridu, as saying only 529,425 candidates representing 31.28 per cent, obtained credit passes in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

He reasoned that when compared to the 2012 and 2013 May/June WASSCE results; there was marginal decline in the performance of candidates, saying 38.81 per cent was recorded in 2012 and 36.57 per cent last year.

He suggested that adequate infrastructure, proper remuneration and teachers’ training, review of curriculum and promotion of academic activities among others as means of reducing failure in the examination.

He said: “If only 31.28 of the 1,692,435 candidates that sat for the examination are those that passed with necessary subjects (Mathematics and English), we should know that if care is not taken, we will completely lose our pride of place in education among the West African countries.

“It is also not encouraging that 86,822 candidates representing 5.13

per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors.

“We have come to a point where government at all levels must realise that without quality education, the nation will hardly grow except with the help of God”.

The government, Kalejaiye said, must not only invest in education, but ensure proper implementation and usage of the funds.

“It is only in this part of the world that we spend much and still have poor output. Government should begin to place its appointment in the education sector based on merit. Good budgeting and policies require good and dedicated manager for efficiency,” he said.

The group challenged government and stakeholders in the educational sector to initiate a rewarding system that would surpass that of athletes and entertainers for outstanding students.

“It is worrisome to us, Kalejaiye said, “that students are not doing well in mathematics and English Language, which are the core subjects. What this means is that the left brain that is responsible for analytical thoughts,

logic, language reasoning, written and number skills has not been properly trained. This is to show that the recorded decline in performance must be attended to with utmost urgency; it must be treated as an emergence situation for the benefit of the country’s development.

“We must also say that social activities promoted by government and private individuals/organisations also contribute to the challenges being faced in primary education. It still remain a wonder to us why top government officials including President Goodluck Jonathan and states governors give grand welcoming and host parties for athletes/ celebrities who emerge victorious and sometimes defeated while outstanding students are less celebrated. I am not saying we should not celebrate outstanding performances but importance and priority should be placed on education.

“We challenge and await the day a governor or the president will announce millions of naira for students who emerge top in different states.”

To reduce failure in WASSCE, the

youth leader said the Lagos State chapter of MSSN usually organise a pre-WAEC/GCE examination for students to measure their level of preparedness.

He urged parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children, warning them not to engage in illicit acts or bribery.

He said: “As an organisation with the mission of building young generations to be outstanding, we usually hold a preparatory examination for candidates and prospective candidate of WASSCE, which helps to prepare and monitor their level of performance.

Our experience in the last preparatory exam shows that more attention needs to be put in tutoring students in Mathematics and English Language”.

“But instead of taking corrective measures by tutoring, what we see today is that parents and schools go as far as bribing examinations officials.

In some instances, they patronise the so called ‘special centers’. Government should initiate a policy to battle and stop illegal activities during WAEC. This will help to encourage students to read and get better result,” he added.”

Rotary donates furniture to school

T

HE Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metropolitan District 9110 has donated chairs, benches and tables worth millions of naira to the Lambo Lasunwo Primary School, Ikorodu Lagos.

The gesture, according to the District Governor of the club Dele Balogun, is meant to compliment government’s efforts in the improvement of education in the state.

He said the state government cannot do it all alone, noting that it needs the support of voluntary and corporate organisations to improve standard of education in the state.

“The donation of the items would go a long way to improving pupils’ learning and help teachers; the government is doing a lot but cannot do it alone. It needs the support of organisations like ours and that is why we have taken it upon ourselves,” he said.

He said that the club has also commenced plans to build library, toilet and provide the school with pipe borne water.

“We will build toilets and furnish library for the school and give them functional stable water,” Balogun added.

By Amidu Arije

President of the Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metropolitan, Akin Ogunsolu, said Rotary discovered through its needs assessment project it conducted on public schools showed that they lack that they lack. Therefore, he said Rotary had to start small with provision of infrastructure the provision of chair, table and benches to make the students learning comfortably well.

“Through our needs assessment project we found out that the school is in need of infrastructure facilities so we decided to start for them with the provision of tables and benches instead of them siting down on the floor to learn,” he said.

The school’s head teacher, Mr Adelekan Akande thanked the entourage for the donation. He expressed hope that the donation would turn round the school for better, saying pupils of the school

•Balogun cutting the tape to unveil the plaque for the presentation. With him are (from right) past president, Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metropolitan, Kamaldeen Adedeji, Bale of Lambo Lasunwon community, Mudashiru Abudu, Ogunsolu and Akande (left) and others.

were without chairs and tables before the donation by the Rotary.

“It is a great joy for both teachers and pupils because the community have been trying their

‘Through our needs assessment project we found out that the school is in need of infrastructure facilities so we decided to start for them with the provision of tables and benches instead of them siting down on the floor to learn’

best both individually and collectively to better the lots of the school; but it has not been achieved. We thank Rotary for making it a reality may, God bless them. This will go a long way to improving the morale of the teachers and pupils of the school, thereby helping to improve the standard of education in the community,” he said.

29

Our dream constitution,

by UNILAG students

*CAMPUSES

Resolving Africa’s food crisis

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS

Page 31

*GRANTS

Page 42

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Campus couples are many. They are unmarried students who live as couples. While those involved believe that the act will lead to marriage, in most cases, it ends up in heartbreaks.

EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine and Surgery, University of Benin) writes.

•An off-campus hostel in Ekosodin on the outskirts of Benin City, Edo State where male and female students live as couples

The world of campus couples

PHOTO: EDDY UWOGHIREN

T

HEY eat, play and sleep together. They live like husband and wife, but they are not married. The woman cooks for the man, at times washes his clothes and when he is short of cash comes to his rescue.

They are nowhere to be found during the early morning rush for lectures. They come to class when it suits them. Welcome to the world of campus couples.

It is not uncommon to see male and female students living under one roof as couples without the consent of their parents, who do not know what they are up to. The ‘couples’ live as husband and wife, performing conjugal rites.

A male student rents an off-campus apartment and invites a female fresher to stay with him in what is termed “cohabita-

•Continued on page 31

•How to prevent Ebola, by doctor -P32

•Scholarship for best post-UTME candidates-P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

30

CAMPUS LIFE

‘I regret being a medical doctor’ I

T was fashionable while I was growing up to see parents choose the career path of their children and wards. You’re not going to “amount to anything” if you’re seen reading a single honours course in the university. Parents boast about their children reading medicine, engineering and law; you’ll be forgiven as a young student if you think the university is all about these courses.

But over time, things started changing when business administration and related courses started taking the front burner buoyed by the emergence of “wonder banks” and other fast means of making money. Suddenly values that we hold dear started eroding as “making money” became the norm. Nobody cares anymore how the money was made, all that matters is that you are rich.

That was the beginning of the ‘demystification’ of medicine, engineering and law. Why bother spending years in the university when you’re not sure of what the future hold became pronounced. People started questioning whether reading these courses was worth all the troubles after all.

Last week I met a young medical doctor who expressed regrets for studying medicine and qualifying as a doctor. “If I had a singing talent like Dr. Sid I would have jettisoned my stethoscope for the music scene,” he said to my surprise. For the records, Sidney Onoriode Esiri, who goes by the stage name, Dr. Sid is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and dentist.

We discussed at length for more than an hour because this came as a shock to me especially as I have always held doctors in very high regard and would have loved to be one had I been a science student. This is because my lifestyle, comportment, deep reading culture and discipline correlate with what makes a good doctor.

As I struggled to encourage this young doctor that he has nothing to regret, my mind went back almost fifteen years ago to a discussion I had with a doctor friend while I was still in the university. This doctor also

Pushing Out with

expressed regrets at the poor human resources planning and structures, unsatisfactory working conditions, 08116759750 poor remuneration, and few profes(SMS only) sional development opportunities back then. I am made to understand •aagboa@gmail.com that this is even worse today.

When he saw the “progress” his colleagues who read Economics and Business Administration were makeven bother if an individual is an illiterate ing during the banking “boom” of the moneybag, corrupt public official or a perAbacha era, he told me he was in “the wrong son of dubious character. It is no longer a profession.” In my young mind then, I re- secret that this has been taken notches furmembered telling him that all that was hap- ther when such individuals are awarded honpening was a bubble that will burst some- orary doctorate degrees by our universities. day. And true to my prediction, the bubble These are the “doctors” our society did burst and my older friend said I should recognises and adore!

One stark reality about contemporary Niconsider calling myself a prophet!

During that period, 19 banks collapsed lead- geria is the dearth of reliable statistics for ing to the Failed Banks Decree promulgated research and planning; this reality permeby late General Sani Abacha which was de- ates almost every facet of our national life. creed into law to teach Nigerian bankers who Take the doctor patient ratio for instance. mess with depositors fund a lesson. Unfortu- Nigeria, according to the World Health nately, there were other bank failures later Organisation (WHO) currently posts a poor before the sanity we are now witnessing. doctor-patient ratio of 1:3500 as against the When I related all these, the young man felt standard of 1:600. It also said the entire media bit relieved, especially as I pointed out that cal schools graduate between 3,500 and 4,000 even the present day society does not see the new doctors annually. Another statistics has doctor as “relevant” as they were up to the 1:6500 doctor-patient ratios.

One would expect a call to action irrespec90s.

After much probing, I discovered that he tive of which ratio is used because we have a truly love the profession even though the dare situation in our hands, but that does not stress associated with it is not commensu- seem to be an issue here like in other things. rate with the financial rewards. “As a medi- It is the Ebola issue that seems to shake us cal doctor, it’s an endless journey of reading out of our lethargy. The doctors showed their and personal development. There are new magnanimity by suspending their strike. I discoveries almost on a daily basis and if think this period should provide the opporyou do not keep track you’ll be left behind. tunity for the government and the society to Keeping track means you have to prepare seriously look into some of the issues the and pass your professional examinations oth- doctors tabled before their strike action.

Delivering a lecture titled “Medical Educaerwise there’ll be no room for advancement,” he told me, “but one of my major problems tion in Nigeria: The Quest for World Standards and Local relevance,” held at Lagos is the way the society treats doctors.”

I agreed with him. If you doubt that take a University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in 2012, look around and see how the society is now the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi obsessed with “celebrities” of various hues Chukwu said only 5 percent of applicants and shapes; some are even instant celebrities gained admission to read medicine. Of these, because they participate in a show or event 2,701 trained in Nigeria left the country to or feature in a movie. The society doesn’t other countries to work in the last four years

Agbo Agbo

prior to 2012.

It is amazing that with this exodus of our doctors we don’t seem to get it. Dr. Amayo Adadavoh and other doctors who have remained and have now died as a result of Ebola are professionals who have spent years in training. The late Dr. Adadavoh was a consultant, and do we really know what it takes for a doctor to become a consultant?

We have lost, and may still lose some of our finest professionals because of the way we treat them.

It is not rocket science to understand why some of them are leaving as the working conditions is getting worse, thereby making other countries more attractive. Some of our doctors are presently working in the US, Britain, South Africa, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Trinidad and Tobago and other neigbouring African countries that treat their medical personnel better.

Whenever I encounter medical practitioners and I see the evident lack of rewards for people who save lives, I always feel pained. To compound issues, whenever they demand what should ordinarily be their entitlement after spending years in medical school and a longer period preparing for other professional examinations, society is quick to condemn and remind them of their obligation to the same society that has scant regards for their own plights.

Recollect that prior to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) suspending its strike, there appears to be nothing, either from the people in government or those of us outside, to show that we appreciate the fact that lives of ordinary Nigerians are already hanging in the balance as a result of the strike by doctors working in public health institutions across the country. But does it matter in a system so perverted that public officials now make it a culture that they are travelling abroad for simple medical checkup that can be done in Nigeria?

My advice to young Nigerian students who have the love of the profession at heart is this: Go ahead and read medicine in the university because it will always remain a noble and dignified profession. You should not look up to society or the government for your fulfillment; just follow the conviction of your heart. Everything about life cannot be viewed from the narrow prism of money. There are still things money can never buy, and being a qualified medical doctor is one of such.

The world of campus couples •Continued from page 29 tion” or “campus coupling”. This is one of the reasons some students prefer to reside off-campus. As it is time-consuming, campus couples cannot focus on why they are in school. Their studies suffer because they tend to spend more time together at ‘home’ instead of the classroom.

Investigations by CAMPUSLIFE showed that students engage in the practice for reasons ranging from poor sanitary conditions of Halls of Residence to inability to secure accommodation on campus and overcrowding. Some do it for economic reasons.

David Odia, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY), Edo State, sees nothing wrong in campus coupling. It is the best way to choose a life partner, he said, adding: “It also prepares one for family life.”

Is this true?

Amaka Okoro (not real name) had a terrible experience cohabitating with a male student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Narrating her experience to CAMPUSLIFE, Amaka said she took the decision because of her inability to secure accommodation on campus. She met her ‘partner’ during Departmental Week.

“Since I was admitted into the university, I have been living as a house

wife. I do all the domestic chores, including cooking and laundry. I have achieved little or nothing in academic pursuit because I found it hard to study and engage in my primary objective for being in school,” she said.

Entangled in campus coupling, Amaka could not find an easy way out of the life. Her ‘partner’ molests her whenever they have a disagreement. Now, she is developing psychological and health challenges.

She is not alone. Amaka said some of her friends, who are into campus coupling, have been lured into stealing and cybercrimes to sustain the lifestyle. “Many cannot graduate; others have been asked to withdraw from school because they have exceeded the period allowed for their academic programmes,” she added.

The mention of campus coupling in Ekosodin and Osasogie, close to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), elicited mockery by students when our correspondent visited those places.

A 300-Level Medical Physiology student, who did not give his name, said: “What is new about campus coupling? In Ekosodin, girls freely stay with guys and we see that as no big deal.”

CAMPUSLIFE learnt about a 200Level female law student, who almost drained her father’s resources to sustain her lifestyle with a ‘student-pastor’ in Ekosodin. She demanded money from her father to

•Another off-campus hostel where campus couples live

satisfy her partner. Her parents became worried and asked a relative to check up on her. Her parents were disappointed to learn that she had been staying in a man’s house since she was admitted.

A social worker and counsellor, Mrs Rachael Omoregie, decried the practice and called for measures to check it. According to her, the practice can only increase the abortion rate rather than help the students to build a long-lasting relationship as they may have thought.

She said: “They engage in high level immorality. The practice is responsible for the rise in the rate of school dropouts. Besides, abortion in tertiary institutions can be attributed to cohabitation. The students are not ready for parenting and they

can do everything to abort pregnancies when they happen. In the end, the practice endangers students’ lives.”

A parent, Mrs Grace Iyenoma, who lives in Ekosodin, wondered why undergraduates engage in campus coupling.

She said: “The practice is disastrous and it is morally and culturally wrong. It is destroying our values. The students are living together for nothing except to engage in immoral acts. Who will marry the girls when their so-called partners abandon them? If my son brings such lady home, I would chase her out with the last drop of my blood.”

Ese Akpovete, a graduating Physics student at the Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka said such

practice could lead to suicide if actions were not taken to stop it. “The depression from heartbreak after graduation can result in suicide for the young girls,” she said.

Joy Musa, a HND II Mass Communication student of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic (NUBA POLY) in Kaduna State, said parents, more than school authorities, have a lot to do in curbing the practice.

She said: “Schools have little or no authority to exert on students’ lifestyle because they are considered to be adults. Parents who toil day and night to see their children through school should create time to pay unscheduled visits to schools to find out what their children are doing.”

In a research conducted by Bello M.O and Ogunsanwo B.A, of the Department of Health Education and Human Kinetics of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State, titled: The psychological effect of cohabitation among students of TASUED, of the 300 students drawn from four colleges of the university, 210 students, representing 70 per cent of the respondents, believe the practice leads to hatred among the partners; 250, 83 per cent, say it brings about depressions and 157, 52 per cent, argued that it makes students lose focus.

To curb the practice, Bello and Ogunsanwo recommended that government at all levels should work in collaboration with private developers to build more hostels on campus.

Only a few campus couples marry after school. For many, the relationship ends the way they started. But this does not stop students from engaging in it.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

31

CAMPUS LIFE Controversies have been trailing the drafting of a new constitution for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG), which the management is planning to restore. To students, the document must reflect their wishes. Occupants of Saburi Biobaku Hall have held a meeting to debate some of its likely provisions. MODIU OLAGURO (400-Level Education and Mathematics) reports.

Our dream constitution, by UNILAG students T HE management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has unveiled plans for restoring students’ unionism. It has inaugurated a committee to draft a new constitution and midwife election into the offices of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

This means it will be the first time in about 10 years that students will be electing their SUG leaders. For many, it is cheery news because a constituted students’ union would give them a platform to channel their views about their welfare.

To ensure the proposed constitution truly reflects the yearnings of students, residents of Saburi Oladeni Biobaku Hall last Thursday’s evening held a meeting to make their input and suggestions to the proposed constitution.

The meeting was anchored by the hall chairman, Moyosore Adebanjo, and attended by class representatives and hall executives. Each room in the hall was represented.

Moyosore said the meeting was necessary to make students have inputs in the union constitution.

“The draft is very fundamental as it goes a long way in defining our stay on campus. It is a reference point to address a way forward in the university,” he said.

Briefing the students on the controversy and suspicion that greeted the proposed name of the union, a member of the drafting committee, Tobi Adeyoyin, a student, informed the gathering that it would be an aberration to have two legitimate students’ union governments on a

•Occupants of the hall meeting on the draft constitution

campus, noting that the proposed union name, University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU) was acceptable to the management.

Students want their union to be UNILAG Students’ Union Government (ULSUG).

Tobi said previous students’ union leaders adopted “government” to be part of the union’s name because they wanted to differentiate it from military government.

Several issues were argued dur-

ing the meeting. One was consensus or voting method of selecting their leaders. The students also deliberated on whether Halls of Residence should be considered as constituencies, high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as eligibility requirement for elections, candidates’ year of study, justification for the non-inclusion of the judicial council in the drafting of the constitution and non-involvement of campus journalists to cover the electoral

process.

A room representative, Adesola Oyetomi, faulted the draft constitution, noting it would not reflect students’ wishes because it did not provide for Students’ Judicial Council (SJC). “A government without a judiciary lacks basis. I urge the people drafting the constitution to incorporate a judicial system that should be headed by a student in the Faculty of Law,” he said.

Tobi gave reasons for the exclu-

sion of a judicial council in the drafted document, saying: “ULSU Judicial Council was scrapped because of the lack of substantial responsibility; we strongly feel the congress can wade in into any legal case and if it remains unsolved, the Faculty of Law can be brought in.”

For Michael Adeyemi, the press club should be engaged in the drafting of the constitution. Besides, the draft must restrict students with carry overs from aspiring for offices, he said.

Temitope Nelson, a student, made a case for students’ congress to be held in hostels. He said: “The faculty is the students’ workplace while their hostels are home. The students’ congress should be brought to the hall for everyone to participate.”

At the end of the session, Moyosore submitted a summary of the occupants’ contributions to the constitution, saying the union should comprise four arms, namely the executive, legislature, congress and judiciary.

The students also wanted the membership of the judicial council to be open to all students irrespective of course of study. In a unanimous decision, the meeting agreed that Halls of Residence be made constituencies and have representatives in the congress. They wanted press club to be part of the constitution drafting committee.

On the basic academic requirement for eligibility to contest for offices, the students recommended a CGPA of 2.5 as against the 3.0 proposed in the draft document.

Driven to help the poor Mike Egila has been touching the lives of his colleagues through scholarship and donation of foodstuff. The action, the 300Level Psychology student of the Benue State University said, was borne out of his contact with poverty. MSONTER ANZAA (300-Level Medicine) writes.

F

OR Mike Egila, 30, nobody should be allowed to suffer because of poverty. Having experienced poverty while growing up, the 300-Level Psychology student at the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi feels the urge to always help his colleagues. This he does from his meagre resources.

A few years ago, Mike became the personal assistant to the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dave Iorhemba.

This gave him the opportunity to establish a foundation to improve the wellbeing of students.

After he left secondary school in 2007, he contested for councillorship to represent North-Bank Ward II on the platform of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent. He was not deterred. He became a legislative aide to the then minority leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dr Tsetim Ayargwer.

Iorhemba could not hide his feeling towards the hard-working Mike, whom he appointed his personal assistant when Ayargwer failed to return to the Assembly for a second time.

What motivates him? Mike said: “My mother was a petty trader who hawked rice and beans in North-

Bank for 25 years. The little she earned could only be used to pay school fees and domestic bills. Life was not easy for my family. We lived in abject poverty. I remember when our house got burnt in 2003 and I had to wear a pair of trouser for seven days until someone came to my rescue. This was the situation until my elder brother got a job with Zenith Bank and another sibling was employed by Globacom while I was appointed by the former Assembly Speaker.”

His father, a Kogi indigene, worked as a porter at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria but his remuneration could not cater for his family. Despite attending government-owned secondary school, school fee was not always available to Mike and his siblings.

Whenever his mother could not immediately afford to pay the fees, there would be no alternative.

“In SSS 3, my classmates began to ask me whether my father was not alive. I could not pay my school fees or register for Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). It was the school principal that paid for my exam and I refunded the money later.”

The desire to impact the lives of fellow students did not start when he began to earn money. Even

•Mike (right) donating bathroom materials to his colleagues

when his family struggled with the payment of school fees, Mike had begun to reach out to his mates in cash and kind. He gathered his friends to found a group called “Reach-out Crew” when he was in JSS 2.

While finance was a restraint, the friends managed to help their colleagues to offset some bills. They bought football and exercise books for students. They painted black boards and made voluntary contributions to help fellow students who were in need.

“I have a vision about life and I believe the next person should be able to feel my impact,” he said.

The Mike Egila Foundation has organised functions and erected billboards to advise students against vices. The foundation is also complementing efforts of the management to provide some services

in the hostels. It supports sports and musical shows.

In spite of this selfless undertaking, some alleged that Mike was using his foundation to propel his political ambition. For those who believe he is serving a political interest, Mike said: “The foundation is funded from my salary. I save 20 per cent to of my salary and money I make from my printing work. But people should criticise with facts.

They say the foundation is just about making me the president of the Students’ Union, but there is nothing like that.”

He said his determination to help fellow students was inspired by God. He said: “Basically, I draw my inspiration from God. I do not forget that everything that has happened to me is courtesy of God; the people I have met and the relationships I enjoy even though my fa-

ther is not from Benue State.”

While Mike may have a political ambition, he said his activities should not be viewed through the prism of politics. He said he believed the youth could bring the desired change to the country. To him, politics is not a dirty game.

“I have been in politics for a while and I will never do anything that will separate me from God. It is God that gives leadership. It is when your people say they don’t want you but you insist on contesting and begin to do dirty things, which make politics becomes a dirty game.”

His wishes: he wants students to dress properly. “When people say we are leaders of tomorrow, I say no because I believe our leadership starts today. I think we need to review the way we dress and make it responsible.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

32

CAMPUS LIFE

How to prevent Ebola, by doctor

T

HE Nasarawa State University (NSU) has embarked on sensitisation of staff and students on how to prevent the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The director of Health Services Department, Dr. S.A. Asaniyan, said measures adopted include the basic ways to prevent the disease.

One of the measures, he said, was the notice on “Things to know about Ebola Virus Disease”, which he issued.

Asaniyan advised the university community not to have physical contacts with suspected patients, adding that excretions and body fluids of infected persons would make the disease spread quickly.

Contaminated materials used for Ebola patients, he said, should be isolated. He urged the school management to train medical staff on how to apply strict carreer nurs-

From Ahmad Muhammad Auwal NSUK ing technique, which involves the use of disposable face mask, gloves, goggles and cover at all times.

He said traditional burials, especially those requiring embalming of bodies, should be discouraged or modified. He said people must avoid eating bush meats such as apes, bats and antelopes at the moment.

While urging the university community to wash their hands regularly after handshakes or physical contacs with strangers, Asaniyan said adequate awareness was key to check the spread of the disease. “Don’t just read and ignore, spread the campaign before the virus spreads,” he said.

Students decry OAU’s closure

S

TUDENTS of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State have expressed concern over the incessant closure of the institution by the management. The closure has affected the school’s academic calendar, they said.

LukmanFasasi, a 200-Level Management and Accounting student, said: “I was not happy when I heard about the resumption. My concern was that we might still be asked to go home again at the slightest provocation. The strike has really distorted our academic calendar. I urge students’ leaders and management to resolve their differences amicably other than sending all of us home.”

While praising the students’ leaders for defending their interest, he condemned the June 18 closure of the school following protests against fee hike.

Another student, Olalekan Fatai, a 200-Level student of Economics, said it was encouraging to see both

From Afees Lasisi OAU sides shift grounds for peace to thrive. He said: “People in authority should always consider the plight of the less-privileged when making decisions, especially when it concerns education.”

A parent, Mr Adewole Isola, who brought his daughter to the campus for resumption, said: “The government should be held responsible. They just want to commercialise education and make it inaccessible to the common man.

Government must be ready to invest in education and universities must devise other means of generating revenue to run their programmes.”

•Some of the business centres closed down for business

Vendors lament low patronage

F

OOD seller and others at the Nigerian Institute of journalism (NIJ) in Lagos are lamenting the drop in business since the students went on vacation.

They decried the low patronage caused by the six-month holiday.

A computer centre operator,

From Samson Uwala NIJ LAGOS Muyiwa Olujobi, said since the students vacated the campus, patronage has been low. He said his customers were mainly students.

“Students are our major custom-

‘Information gap bane of rural farming’

A

lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension of the Delta State University (DELSU), Prof Ogisi Ovuevuraye, has blamed poor information network for small-scale farming problems.

Small formers, he said, could not take advantage of developments in agriculture because of communication gap.

Ogisi said the short life-span of agricultural policies and

From Philip Okorodudu and Ese Okoduwa DELSU programmes of government did not allow sufficient time for proper evaluation, thereby putting farmers at a disadvantage.

He spoke during the 38th inaugural lecture held at the Pre-degree Auditorium in Site III of the university.

Delivering a lecture titled: Agricultural reforms without food security: A paradox, Ogisi lamented the high level of food importation in the country, despite government’s agricultural trade policies.

Ogisi called for consistency, effective monitoring and evaluation of resources, stressing that the nation should intensify food production to achieve food security for the teeming populace.

Hostel elects rep From Segun Odunayo AAUA

R

Scholarship for best post-UTME candidates From Hammed Hamzat UI

T

HE University of Ibadan (UI) has released the results of the postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

At a press conference at the Senate Chamber, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Isaac Adewole, said of the 8,844 candidates, who sat for the exam, over 6,000 scored above 50 per cent. No fewer than 2,351 failed; 226 were absent.

The school’s Admission Committee chairman, Prof James Olopade, said management had approved the award of scholarship to the best six candidates in the examination. He said the scholarship would be subjected to their fulfillment of the university’s admission requirements.

The awardees, according to him, included Oluwakayode Animasahun; Efeturi Ajari; Olawale Ojo; Oluwaferanmi Omitoyin and Matthew Aremu.

He said the university was working to surmount the challenges it encountered during the examination.

ers and now that they are on long holiday, we have not been making sales,” he said.

An employee of Summerset Business Centre, Toyin Akintaro, said the only consolation for the business operators was the presence of students writing their projects.

• Lecturers at the symposium

Dons urge collaboration in health sector

A

CADEMICS in the health sector have called for sustained collaboration among practitioners. They made the call at a symposium organised by the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), held at the IdiAraba campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Pro-Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof Fola Tayo, who spoke at the symposium, stressed the need for collaboration among health-care providers.

He said “no man is an island of knowledge, and as such, requires the expertise and specialisation of others to complement areas of deficiency”.

According to him, anyone who prides himself as all-knowing dis-

From Charles Agu UNILAG plays the hallmark of a fool.

Prof Tayo, a former dean of Pharmacy at UNILAG, said the curriculum of medical sciences should be reviewed for maximum impact.

Another speaker, Prof Jane Ajukuchukwu, said capacity building workshops and retraining of pharmacists would enhance professionalism in the sector, adding that the move would allay fears of ineptitude which hinder cooperation among medical practitioners.

Speaking on the need for collaboration among practitioners and patients, Prof Adebayo Onajole of De-

partment of Community Health and Primary Care, said communication was crucial for achieving better results.

“For patients and care-givers to have confidence in you, you must learn to communicate effectively in a language they understand,” he said.

He lamented the instability of the tenure of office for practitioners, saying it had affected quality leadership in the sector.

Referring to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Convention in Community Development, Dean of Basic Medical Sciences (UNILAG), Prof Olufunmi Adeyemi, expressed desire for the sustenance of the programme.

ESIDENTS of Beta Hall at the Adekunle Ajasin University in AkungbaAkoko (AAUA), Ondo State have elected their representative in the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) next session.

Before the election, the students held a manifesto day for contestants to sell their programmes.

The election, which lasted for one hour, witnessed a large turnout of voters.

Paul Wasiu was declared winner after polling the highest number of votes to defeat other contenders.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Wasiu attributed his victory to the trust reposed in him by residents of the hall. He promised not to disappoint them.

•Wasiu

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

Lawyers appraise 100 years of nationhood •PAGE 34

Foundation gives succour to the sick •PAGE 36

PAGE 33

Seminar seeks end to herdsmen, farmers’ •PAGE 38

•From left: Ajimobi; APC National Chairman Chief Oyegun; Governor Okorocha; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Fayemi and Amaechi at the event

I

T was business unusual as the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC)controlled states gathered in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to brainstorm on the challenges of effective healthcare delivery system in the country.

The meeting was not the coming together of politicians to plot the downfall of their opponents, but a unique platform to identify the problems confronting the health sector and proffer solutions.

The meeting, which was the third in the series of the Good Governance Lecture, had as theme: “Dealing with the Challenge of Building a Physically Healthy Nation through Preventive, Protective and Innovative Medicare.”

According to Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum Rochas Okorocha, the meeting is not a mere talk show or workshop where politicians gather to talk and disperse.

He said the gathering challenged the APC governors, as members of a political party advocating innovation, to examine the state of the health sector and proffer suggestions on preventive, protective and innovative healthcare solutions.

It was also meant to examine the scourge of environmental and genetically-linked ailments in Nigeria, especially cancer, diabetes and malaria, with a view of articulating preliminary national

Progressives chart new course ‘for health sector

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

response strategies. It will also identify minimum standards and policy directives for an appreciable level of improvement and governance in public health management in APC-controlled states.

He noted that the state of the health sector has been a source of concern, despite some noteworthy efforts being made to improve the sector in some states.

Okorocha noted the position of the APC that the issue of health cannot be ignored at any point and as such constant improvements must be sought in the policy, strategy and management of healthcare to build world-class and affordable healthcare system for Nigerians.

He said: “The Nigerian healthcare sector seems to be at a standstill. As it is, the three healthrelated Millennium Development Goals of reductions in infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and the occurrence of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis have not been met. In truth, a lot of the difficulty

The Nigerian healthcare sector seems to be in a standstill. As it is, the three health-related Millennium Development Goals of reductions in infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and the occurrence of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis have not been met. In truth, a lot of the difficulty we face could be attributed to the dearth of preventive healthcare system

‘

we face could be attributed to the dearth of preventive healthcare system.”

He disclosed Nigeria’s health sector, according to statistics released by the United Nations’ Report on the Acquired Immune De-

ficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in 2013, stands at 187 out of 191 countries, adding that, “the report seems to insinuate that Nigeria is the only country clogging the wheels of the forward movement in the fight against the disease towards a glo-

bal target of reducing HIV infection by 50 per cent by the year 2015.”

Delivering a lecture entitled “Nature, Scope and Dynamics of the Prevailing Crisis in Nigeria’s Health Sector; Examining the State of the Health Sector in Nigeria”, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ijeoma Okoye of the Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria and Chairperson, Association for Good Clinical Practice in Nigeria, said the health of a nation significantly enhances its economic development and vice versa.

She noted that HIV and AIDS, maternal mortality, under-5 mortality, malaria and tuberculosis, compounded by non-communicable diseases, have undermined and impoverished many developing countries, such as Nigeria, adding that “the pursuit of better health should not await improved economy; rather measures to improve health will themselves contribute to economic growth.”

According to her, the way a •Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Lawyers appraise 100 years of nationhood

O

N Friday, August 29, the curtain was drawn on the 54th annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held at the International Convention Centre (IICC), Owerri, the Imo State capital. Its theme was “Nigeria: 100 Years After.” It was a weeklong event that tasked the ability of the Imo State Government to host a conference of that magnitude.

Weeks preceding the conference, the state government worked hard to ensure that the conference would be hitch-free. Finishing touches were given to the world-class convention centre built by Rochas Okorocha’s administration. Unarguably, the IICC is one of the best convention centres in the country.

Although the conference was adjudged one of the best by the conferees, it witnessed some challenges.

First was the fear of managing over 10,000 lawyers and other visitors coming from all parts of the country and beyond, without risking an outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The opposition parties in the state, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had played up the Ebola sentiment to persuade the NBA to cancel the right of the state to hold the conference. But apparently prodded by the overwhelming assurance by the government, the lawyers de•Continued from page 33 country finances her healthcare system is a key determinant of the health of its citizens, stressing that the selection of an adequate and efficient method of financing in addition to organisational delivery structure for health services is essential if a country is set to achieve its national health objective of providing health for all.

She revealed that to run an efficient healthcare system in Nigeria is not unattainable. “The best private hospitals and private clinics in Nigeria deliver excellent healthcare services if one can afford to pay the exorbitant charges.

The doctors and nurses are highly skilled. The operating theaters are well equipped with the best tech-

•Traders doing brisk business at the venue of the Nigerian Bar Association conference From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

fied the Ebola scare and converged on Owerri for the event that turned out as an historic one for the Heartland State.

To allay the fears of the visitors and residents, the state government adopted adequate measures to ensure that all visitors were screened at all entry points, especially at the

airport and the venue of the conference. This was to ensure that no visitor affected by the Ebola Virus gained access to the conference centre.

To further ensure the safety of the visitors, sanitisers were provided at all the entry and exit points within the centre and the expansive premises.

Security arrangement was also at its best during the programme as

there was no reported case of crime at the venue or in any of the hotels where the visiting lawyers lodged.

Two days before the beginning of the conference, economic and social activities in Owerri had been on the upbeat. All the available hotels had been fully booked with the state government re-opening the famous Concorde Hotel, shut down for the past four months to enable mainte-

nance work to be carried out.

The prices of food items and cost of transportation also rose by over 50 per cent because of the influx of people into the state.

On the first day of the conference, all roads leading to the convention centre, venue of the conference, were cordoned off by stern-looking secu•Continued on page 39

Progressives chart new course for health sector nologies available in the healthcare industry and there is usually a good back-up of diagnostic laboratories and consultants.

“Judged by the standards of highbrow services which can be found in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Port Harcourt, the Nigerian healthcare delivery services leave almost nothing to be desired,” she said.

Okoye further maintained that the organisation of health services in Nigeria is complex, noting that the present set up which includes wide range of providers in both public and private sectors often times result in duplication, over-

lap and confusion of roles and responsibilities.

“Nigeria operates a decentralised health system run by the Federal Ministry of Health, State Ministry of Health and Local Government Health Department. The three tiers of government and various agencies participate in the management of primary healthcare.

She also noted that Nigeria’s health expenditure is relatively low compared to other African countries adding that “Nigeria’s healthcare system has been a perennial cause for concern as it has been in abysmal state for so many years now, in comparison with

•One of the physically challenged patient, Uneke whose hospital bill was offset by an NGO

other African countries.

“For example, the total health expenditure (THE) as percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1998 to 200 was less than five per cent, behind THE/GDP in other developing countries such as Kenya (5.3%), Zambia (6.2%) Tanzania (6.8%); Malawi (7.2%) and South Africa (7.5%), whereas Uganda was ranked 149th out of 191 countries, Nigeria was 187th out of 191 in the World Health Organisation’s Report of 2000.”

Concluding, she advised that in order to strengthen the national health system and its management and to reduce disease burden, Nigeria should re-engineer and restructure its organisational, administrative and delivery structure mechanisms for health services in all three tiers of delivery and shift focus from out-of-pocket payments.

She also said Nigeria should adopt the new revolutionary reform for financing, management and service delivery to put to rest the perennial professional rivalry, supremacy, incessant strike actions and discontent of healthcare providers and users, as well as reverse health tourism in favour of Nigeria.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives

Party (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun, blamed the rot in the health sector on the failure of government to chart a sustainable roadmap for a virile healthcare system.

He, however, assured Nigerians that the administration of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which started 15 years ago, will end in 2015 when it will be replaced by the APC. He noted that the country cannot survive another four years of PDP administration.

According to him, the APC is poised to do everything legitimate to ensure that the change that Nigerians are craving for is actualised in 2015.

He said: “The present PDP administration at the centre must come to an end in 2015, which is the mission before us. Our mission is simple and we must do everything within our powers that is legitimate to bring the 15 years of PDP’s inept administration to an end.”

He further stated that the problems of Nigeria are as a result of a “totally visionless and clueless leadership”, lamenting that Nigeria ranks among the lowest in the world in all facets of modern so•Continued on page 36

The present PDP administration at the centre must come to an end in 2015, which is the mission before us.

Our mission is simple and we must do everything within our powers that is legitimate to bring the 15 years of PDP’s inept administration to an end…The problems of Nigeria are as a result of a totally visionless and clueless leadership

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

35

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

C

ELEBRATING the new yam festival in Igbo land is a tradition which marks the beginning of the New Year in the native calendar. This was true of the people of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State as they marked their new yam festival recently.

However, the celebration took a new dimension this year as the Amokwo Item community did it with their Igba mbom festival. This year festival was held on a Sunday where Christian and custom of the people conveniently fused.

This feat was handled by the town union, headed by President-General, Chief Kingsley Ogbai Nwokoro and the churches in the community.

The town union held a meeting with all the priests based in the community on the need for them to hold their church services early enough for the people to observe their new yam celebration. All the churches agreed and services were held early and the people came out in their numbers to observe the festival.

Early in the morning youths went out to set the village square for the celebration, while age grades came out to the town hall to present their gift of drinks to the union for the festival. After the church services, the youth, old and young came out with men tying George wrappers round their waist and native chalk at the upper part of their bodies.

The men came out dancing clan by clan and went to Ogbu near the community college to pay homage to the god of new yam and mark the beginning of a native new year.

On their way back they danced round the village square seven times where the town union executives, old men, women and children were waiting, after which they proceeded to the Amautu where they dropped the palm frond which they collected on their way to Mbom.

While men were on their to the Mbom, the young women who delivered newly and are still breast feeding will went to the village stream dressed in their best wears, with the native earthenware pots to fetch water. After fetching the water, they matched in a single file passing through the village square to empty the water into the drinking pot of their mother’s in law.

Speaking at the ceremony the President-General of Amokwo Item Welfare Union (AIWU) Chief Nwokoro called on the people to go back to the eating of native food like yam, edu, koko yam Akidi among others, stressing that their fore-fathers lived longer because they were feeding on natural foods without any artificial materials.

Chief Nwokoro noted that the

•Women of Item during the festival

Item community celebrates new yam festival ‘ From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

community has been living in harmony with all the priests serving in the community and praised them for their understanding in helping the community to maintain their tradition.

He noted that there was nothing fetish in the celebration of the new yam festival of the people of Amokwo Item, adding that from time, priests from the community have always partnered the town union in observing the celebration of the new yam festival.

The AIWU President-General mentioned such people like, late Rev. Chile Ogan of the Methodist church, late Rev. Fr. (Monsignor) John Ogbonnaya, Arch-Bishop Uzoubi Ogo and such other men of God from the community, pointing out that about 20 years ago

There was nothing fetish in the celebration of the new yam festival of the people of Amokwo Item, adding that from time, priests from the community have always partnered the town union in observing the celebration of the new yam festival when the new yam fell on a Sunday like this year.

Nwokoro said: “Twenty years ago, we observed a new yam cel-

‘

ebration like this year’s on a Sunday, churches were held early and those who could not conclude their service took a break to come to the

doors of their churches to wave at those going to Mbom. If you look around, you will see Rev. Sisters watching the masquerades and the native dances, we are only here to enjoy ourselves and nothing more”.

The new yam tasting was performed by the state Commissioner for Special Services, Legal and Due Process, Prince James Kwubiri Okpara, who said that the people of Amokwo Item enjoy rich cultural heritage which he urged them never to allow them to die.

Prince Okpara, who is from the community, said that he enjoys coming home to see his people and listen to folk stories, stressing that he has learnt a lot from the stories he listened to at the feet of the old men. “Such stories have helped me in life especially when I was an undergraduate as a law student and even now.”

Ex-diplomat joins Abia governorship race

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•Former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi speaking at the World Igbo Congress in Houston, Texas, USA.

HE former Consul-General of Nigeria to South Africa, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, has joined the governorship race in Abia State.

Speaking in Umuahia when he called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) office to announce his ambition, Emuchay said he decided to heed the call of his people to join the governorship race because of his desire to serve.

Emuchay, who comes from a family of service-oriented people, said that he would consolidate on the good foundations laid by the incumbent Governor Theodore Orji which include security and infrastructural development.

He said that without security people like him and others would not be in the state to solicit for their support to govern, adding that during the era of kidnapping that his brother was kidnapped twice, while his mother went on exile just like others.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

The former career diplomat praised Orji for liberating the state from political bondage and for posting remarkable achievements in the security and infrastructural sectors, promising to take the state to greater heights if elected.

He said he would build on the legacies of his late father Dr Dick Emuchay the former Chairman, Civil Service Commission of the defunct Eastern Region, East Central state and old Imo State, stressing that his late father left lasting legacies for the people of the zone.

Emuchay said: “I have spent 31 years of diplomacy in various countries across the globe, I never forgot home, my work was to defend Nigeria and I did to the best of my ability through marketing my dear country abroad, and I promise to replicate •Continued on page 38

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Foundation gives succour to the sick I RKED by the inability of 17 indigent patients who received medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State, the Divine Care Global Community Initiative (DCGCI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has paid their hospital bills of over N483, 000.

The patients, who had stayed in the hospitals for between two and six months after their cure and subsequent discharge due to lack of money to offset their medical bills, resigned to fate before the NGO came to their aid and brought succour to them.

Many of the patients who came from various parts of the state as well as Cross River State were in the plastic surgery and orthopedic wards of the hospital.

They were treated of various ailments and were given between N30, 000 and N100,000 bills. But due to lack of money, they were hanging around the hospital waiting for money to clear their bills before they could go home.

The NGO, through the management of FETHA, cleared their hospital bills totaling over N.960 million as the hospital gave them 50 per cent rebate. The gesture enabled the NGO to go home.

While handing over the cheque of over N483, 000 to the Chief Medical Director of FETHA Dr. Paul Ezeonu, the National Coordinator of the NGO, Deacon Dandi Odii praised the hospital management for slashing the hospital bills by 50 per cent.

He said the programme started nine years ago when he went to pray for the sick at the hospital. Then he realised that some of the patients were discharged from the hospital but could not afford to pay for their hospital bills. Their situation touched him and he began to think of how to get them out of the hospital. That, he said, brought the idea of the NGO. Odii said he decided to do charity work to serve humanity through the NGO. “With the support of friends as well as the foundation’s major financer, Mr. Ken Ojiri of Ken Ojiri Foundation, the programme had been sustained since last year,” he said.

The Coordinator also revealed that 25 indigent patients were discharged through the NGO last year, adding that they were released in Federal Teaching Hospitals Abakaliki and Federal Medical Centre Owerri. One of the patients was delivered of a triplet.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sunday Nwangele praised the vision and humanitarian service

‘Security of Igbo land our priority’ The newly elected chairman of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, speaks to CHRIS OJI on some issues concerning Igbo youths. He dismissed a faction that sprang up immediately after his election, describing them as fraudsters. Excerpts:

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

rendered to the indigent patients by the NGO, even as he urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the gesture.

Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chris Archi, Dr Nwangele said it was good to give than to receive, adding that God loves a cheerful giver.

He stressed that the NGO, over the years, has been giving succour to poor patients, praying God to reward their services.

He said: “Charity work is not only for the politicians but for everybody in the society. This is because the measure you give is the measure you will be given or receive. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to help others while we are alive because we don’t know who will enjoy our wealth after death.”

While receiving the cheque for the payment of the hospital bills for the indigent patients, Dr. Ezeonu praised the NGO for its gesture, saying that it had set a pace for others to follow.

“I hope other NGOs and politicians would emulate the gesture by setting up centres which could give succour to the poor in the society and which would be named after them. This is the only way they can give back to the society what they received or benefited from it. I know the plight of some patients in the hospital. Some of them can not pay their bills no matter how little due to poverty,” he said.

Ezeonu further urged Christian associations to emulate what the NGO did by paying off bills of poor people in the hospitals. He noted that when he saw the need to help the poor in the hospital, he slashes their bills by 50 per cent.

The patients expressed their gratitude to the NGO for paying their hospitals bills. They prayed God to grant those behind the NGO their heart desires.

Seventy-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Aloh from Ohaozara Local Government Area who had been in the hospital for three months after her discharge, described the intervention of the NGO as a saving grace because no help was coming from anywhere. She was full of joy and happiness, even as she sang praises to God in appreciation of what God has done for her through the NGO. Another patient, a10-year-old Joel Nwuzor from Izzi Local Government Area was abandoned in the hospital by his parents for six months.

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•Ezeonu with members of the foundation and some staff of the hospital

I hope other NGOs and politicians would emulate the gesture by setting up centres which could give succour to the poor in the society and which would be named after them. This is the only way they can give back to the society what they received or benefited from it. I know the plight of some patients in the hospital.

Some of them can not pay their bills no matter how little due to poverty According to the management of the hospital, the boy was brought to the hospital by his mother who later abandoned him for about six months.

Others such as Josephine Odey, Theresa Ogar and Philomena Njap all from Cross River State thanked the NGO for coming to their rescue.

They came to the hospital because of one aliment or the other but being treated, there was no money to settle their bills. They, therefore, remained in the hospital for between two and five months before the intervention

Anim Sports Club members inaugurated

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ISTORY was made on August 19, 2014 as Anim Basin Sports Club was inaugurated at Agbala, Imo State.

Speaking on the occasion, the club’s grand patron, Mr. Patrick Okereafor, expressed his happiness for being part of the event.

The President of the club, Mr. E.I.K. Uche said the inauguration of the club was a positive development that would enhance sporting activities in the Southeast geo-political zone.

He said sports in Anambra, Imo and other Southeast states have been revived with the inauguration of Anim Basin Sports Club.

He thanked the management of the club for their support and for creating an enabling environment on which sports will thrive.

He also thanked Okereafor for

providing sporting equipment and facilities for the use of sports men and women in the area, even as he said membership of the club is not only open to the workers of A.I.R.B.D.A, but also people who have interest in sporting activities.

The Vice-President, Mr. P.J.C. Nwokafor thanked those who contributed towards the success of the inauguration and the induction of the members of the club.

Some of those inducted were the Executive Directors of Planning and Design, Finance and Administration, chairman of the union Comrade Ibe Enwo Oko, the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), Comrade Chidi Amaliri and others.

Those in attendance at the event were members of Owerri Sports Club, Standard Tennis Development Club, Prisons Sports Club and others.

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of the NGO. Also Moses Ude from Izzi Local Government Area was billed N38, 000, Monday Nweke from Ikwo was billed N70, 000, Uchechukwu Ofoke from Izzi was billed N45, 000, Steven Ogodo from Ikwo was billed N91, 000, Bernard Nworie was billed N99, 000 and John Unoke was billed N41, 000. Their medical bills were paid by the NGO. They prayed God to guide and protect the members of the NGO and as well reward them

•Some of the indigent patients

Progressives chart new course for health sector •Continued from page 34

•Members during induction

ciety.

The APC Chairman also insisted that corruption had undermined all sectors of the society. “Corruption has become the sole business of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. This shows that the PDP government needs to be changed to save Nigeria from impending collapse. The good news is that every Nigerian, even the PDP leadership, needs change and they look on to us as the vehicle of change,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the event and former VicePresident, Atiku Abubarkar, called for devolution of power from the centre to the states to drive development and check corruption.

He noted that Nigeria is currently running a defective structure of federalism, which he ad-

vised should be restructured to address most of the challenges confronting the country. “The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, hand over some of the functions to the state governments and provide them with funds to effectively develop the sectors.

“The Federal Government has no business in agriculture, education and health sectors as well as infrastructure development. These should be handed over to the state governments with the required funds for effective development,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges in the health sector, the former VicePresident called for adequate investment in primary healthcare.

“We need to identify the sickness that affects our people most, identify the priority areas and tailor our health policies towards addressing them,” he concluded.

OU are the new chairman of Ohaneze Youth Council so what is the idea behind the Ohaneze Youth Council?

Yes for a long time Ohaneze youths have never had a democratically elected president. I thank the current president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Since our emergence, we discovered that this leadership is a big burden because we have over 30 million members all over the world. We have our agenda which include the protection of Igbo land, the security of Igbo land and promotion of the language and Igbo cosmology as well as ensuring our youths is properly empowered in this country.

There is another faction who calls itself Ohaneze Youth Council, how •Isiguzoro come there are two factions and whenever you people make a state- Ohaneze Ndi Igbo made any clear ment the tendency is for them to statement about the group. counter it.

Chief Igariwe and Dr. Joe Nwogu Those people who claim to be are systematic and disciplined perOhaneze Youth Wing are not mem- sonalities, they have tried to wade bers of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo. They are into the situation, and they have infraudsters who go about deceiving vited them to the secretariat and the public and even extort money told them that they should stop from the public. Everybody was bearing Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo. This here on June 28, when we had our group was begging the president convention and inauguration at the general of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo to secretariat, the wife of the Presi- intervene in the court case, because dent, Dame Patience Jonathan sent Commissioner of Police charged a representative. General Ihejirika them to court on three count was there, the Chairman of South charges which is going to send East Governor’s Forum, Governor them to jail. And the president genTheodore Orji of Abia state was eral being a good Igboman has there, Chief Emmanuel promised to intervene in the case Iwuanyanwu, Prof. Barth Nnaji for he believes there is no need to were there, President General of make statement on unworthy Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Igariwe people as it will diminish the states was there. Secretary of Ohaneze of Ndigbo. Those people are Ndi Igbo was there, the Deputy fraudsters, we even got informaPresident General was there – Chief tion that the opposition is sponsorO.A. U. Onyema, so it is a clear fact ing them and that they want to disthat those people are impostors who credit what Jonathan is doing in the have been going around seeking Southeast. And they are out to attention and deceiving the cause problem in the Southepopulace. Unfortunately, these are ast. But Southeast is under our the people who wanted to attack control. So the Nigerian and Igbo President Jonathan when he came people should disregard those imfor South East rally on April 19 and postors, at the right time the law jumped bail. Their case is still in will catch up with them. court. They were arrested for But they are saying that your own breaching the peace of Enugu State, group is the baby of the governor because they were planning to of Abia State, that it is Ohaneze launch attack on the president. I am Youth Council of Theodore Orji calling on the Commissioner of not for the South East.

Police to transfer that case to It’s funny because the governor Abuja. We want the people to of Abia State is the chairman of know that these people can’t hide Southeast governors’ forum. We under the umbrella of Ohaneze to don’t interfere or get involved with perpetuate crime. The President any government or General has advised us to accom- governor. Southeast is for all the modate all Igbos because we are states. For example, I haven’t met brothers but that does not mean that Governor T.A. Orji one on one for people will engage in crimes and the past two years, I don’t have acalso go to the press to make erro- cess to him. People will always find neous statements. something to say so that they can Why hasn’t the parent body; the get attention and credibility.

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A lot of people have been empowered in the Southeast, by 2015; we are going to flush out selfish politicians who have never helped to improve the lives of the Southeast people especially the youth. Those politicians, who have failed in their campaign promises to us in 2011

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What plans have you for Igbo youths?

The plans are clear, what our youths need now is leadership that will restore confidence in them. Youths are the future leaders of tomorrow. We will empower them, the president has plans to for the Igbo youths, there are some parts of Igbo land that fell under NDDC like Abia and Imo states. Some of Igbo youths should be integrated into amnesty agreement. The president intends to open the Enugu Coal mine which has been closed for over 42 years now and there will be employment. It will also reduce crime. We support this more of the president.

You people have a training programme or something like that for Igbo youths, what is it all about.

Well, it is Igbo Youth Empowerment Centre to be built in Ohaneze Secretariat. The youth-friendly governor of Abia State is undertaking the renovation. Prof. Barth Nnaji has also agreed to bring his partners to help in the building of the secretariat. Once it is completed within the next six months, we will invite all the stakeholders in Igbo land and also the presidency to come and witness how we are going to ensure that millions of Igbo youths who are wandering in the streets will engage in skill acquisition so that a lot of them can be independent and we will partner with some private companies to ensure that a lot of youths are trained in skill acquisition. By the end of my tenure in the next four years, we would have trained over 100,000 youths from that centre and it will reduce drastically unemployment in the Southeast.

What other programmes do you have apart from that?

A lot of people have been empowered in the southeast, by 2015; we are going to flush out selfish politicians who have never helped to improve the lives of the Southeast people especially the youth. Those politicians, who have failed in their campaign promises to us in 2011. In 2015, the anti Igbo society politicians will be flushed out.

Many of them who are senators, House of Assembly members, and some are even trying to be governors but they failed their promises in 2011, they will all be flushed out by 2015.

The parent body of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo is the body that guides us.

What informed the Igbo youths suggestion that Iwuanyanwu should succeed Ojukwu as the Igbo leader.

There was a little misconception about that. What we said is that we went to pay Iwuanyanwu a visit, because he was the chairman of our programme. Iwuanyanwu has paid his dues as a son of Igboland, but to be honest with you, what we gave Iwuanyanwu was grand patron of Ohaneze Youth Council and during that process; we told him that we are yet to get a successor for Ojukwu. So I think I was quoted out of contest.

What of the naming of the acquisition centre after Barth Nnaji.

Yes Barth Nnaji has paid his dues nationally and internationally, we believe that a lot of people see Barth Nnaji as a role model. Naming the skill acquisition centre after Barth was informed by his numerous contributions to the Igbo race. He has an Igbo spirit and having named the centre after him, it will inspire so many other Barth Nnaji’s in the society, so that when these people get the opportunity to serve they will serve the society well.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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Seminar seeks end to herdsmen-farmers’ clashes

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ITH a view to stemming the recurring violence between the Fulani herdsmen and the farming communities in the Southeast, a security/sustainable development seminar has been organised in Enugu. The seminar was put together by the African Centre for Human Security, Peace and Sustainable Development (AFRISDEV) in collaboration with the Catholic Institute for Development, Peace and Justice (CIDJAP).

The Fulani, led by Ado Saidu Baso, Bala Ardo and Yusuf Sambo turned out in their numbers. They were excited by the prospect of peace that would soon reign between the two parties. There were also pastoralists led by Chief R. C. Oguejiofor as well as resource persons from the ministries of Agriculture, Health and Judiciary.

The theme of the seminar was “Fulani Herdsmen Versus Farming Communities: Seeking Peaceful Co-existence for Sustainable Development in the Southeast.”

In his presentation, the Director of CIDJAP, Prof. (Msgr) Obiora Ike who was represented by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezekwu said the seminar was timely “since it is like a ticking time bomb. Many lives of humans and cattle have been lost.

Properties have been destroyed and a lot of harm done.”

He said: “CIDJAP stands to promote the pastoral and social teachings of the Church, giving succour to the downtrodden, inculcating the spirit of hard work and dignity of labour, urging for peace in communities, dialogue, tolerance and freedom of existence,” adding that the “era of nomadic practices of roaming villages with cattle and sheep was over and must be approached differently.”

He, nonetheless, stressed that the “Fulani are not Boko Haram. They are humans, friends and brothers.

They need us and we need them.”

Prof. Ike, who is also a member •Continued from page 35 such feat in Abia”.

He said he was fully ready and prepared to offer himself for the service of Abia state, while soliciting the support of the party, members and the entire people of the state to enable him showcase his ideas and intelligence to their benefit.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

of the just-concluded National Conference, revealed that while deliberating on the issue of nomadic life, the confab resolved that “all herdsmen and cattle shall stay in identified ranches and grazing centres.

They will stay where they are welcome. Their cattle shall receive scientific feeding and shall be well cared for as an agricultural project by either the state or the Federal Government.

“Nomads shall be integrated into civilisation, shall be educated and receive better standards of life.”

In his opening address the executive director of AFRISDEV, Dr. Ben Simon Okolo said the seminar was borne out of research and analysis of the security challenges in Nigeria, especially in the Southeast.

“While the theme seems to centre on the Fulani herdsmen, it must be stated upfront that, the Fulani is not the only tribe that engage in nomadic pastoralism in Nigeria. In the Southeast for instance, we also have the Shuwa Arab as nomadic herdsmen. However, the vast majority of the populace does not know the difference between the Fulani and the Shuwa Arab, hence the “generic name Fulani.”

“We equally recognise the existence of other security challenges, which we shall be addressing in forthcoming seminars. While the government has the primary responsibility of ensuring peace and security within the Nigerian state, it is equally our responsibility to contribute to our individual and collective security,” he said.

According to Okolo, the media had been awash with news of premeditated and massive violent attacks by supposed herdsmen on host communities, particularly in the North Central geo-political zone.

“While this has not been a main

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•Fr. Eazekwu making a remark

Of major concern to the Southeast, and more particularly Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, is that they share borders with Benue and Kogi states, where such targeted attacks have been recorded. The continued violent attacks that have been ongoing, especially in Plateau and Benue states, and the audacious attack targeted against Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, is a serious cause for concern feature of interaction between the herdsmen and the host communities in the Southeast, there are very genuine concerns, especially with reported cases of skirmishes between the herdsmen and their host communities in the farming areas,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “There is a school of thought that views the sudden rise of these attacks by the herdsmen on their host communities as a pre-meditated act targeted at the communities, with a more

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sinister intention than just, “quarrel over grazing land.

“Some have, therefore, couched these attacks as part of an overall plan of terrorising the original inhabitants of the communities and dispossessing them of their lands.

The recent decision by the National Economic Council (NEC) to establish “grazing reserves across Nigeria” seems to strengthen the above argument.

“Some have even suggested that these attacks, especially given the

nature of the sophisticated weaponry they employ, could be targeted at further destabilising the country politically.

“Of major concern to the Southeast, and more particularly Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, is that they share borders with Benue and Kogi states, where such targeted attacks have been recorded. The continued violent attacks that have been ongoing, especially in Plateau and Benue states, and the audacious attack targeted against Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, is a serious cause for concern. “Some have, therefore, advocated a complete expulsion of the herdsmen from the Southeast; a position that AFRSIDEV does not share, as this is not a constructive solution and cannot lead to sustainable development.

“Sustainable development, however, cannot be achieved in a climate of fear and insecurity. No doubt, the Southeast needs the services of both the herdsmen and farmers to achieve sustainable growth in agriculture. This, therefore, calls for constructive acts to•Continued on page 39

Ex-diplomat joins Abia governorship race Responding, the state PDP Chairman, Senator Emma Nwaka, thanked him for notifying the party officially of his intension to contest for the exalted position and promised that all aspirants will be provided with a level playing ground during the

•Emma Nwaka, Abia PDP chairman (left) and Emuchay.

party primaries.

Nwaka said that he is proud of their party with the type of quality aspirants seeking the governorship position, stressing that it is an indication that the party was well accepted and people oriented.

He said that anyone who emerge as the party’s flag bearer at the primaries would receive the party’s support for victory at the polls, “We will make sure we produce a man who sees Abia as his constituency and a man who will not take us back to idolatry “.

Nwaka said, “Once you get our ticket, you can go and sleep because the fight is ours but all those who may lose should close ranks with anyone that will emerge after the primaries and work for the candidate and the party”.

In a similar vein, a former two-time Deputy Governor of Abia State and 2015 governorship aspirant, Eric Acho Nwakanma, has also declared his interest to run for the seat of the governor of the state for the forthcoming general election in 2015.

Nwakanma told the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in the state that he is the best candidate for the job given his track record of achievements in both the public and private sectors in the state for the past 15 years.

The formal declaration of Nwakanma has increased the number of aspirants for the governorship race to five following Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Uche Ogar, Alex Otti, Senator Enyi Abaribe and himself.

Nwakanma told the Abia PDP executives: “I have come to plead with you all to come together to think of the good of Abia State, when a people trust a leader they place their collective destiny in his hands; when you know that power belongs to the people you lead them with humility and to be a good leader you must be

a good follower.”

He said that the work plan was a collective assignement which required the support of everyone to implement for the good of the state, adding that he has articulated his programmes for the state in a booklet which the people should hold him responsible for.

The former deputy governor and two time House of Assembly member charged the people to be careful with the choice they make, knowing that, any leader they chose, they are transferring their collective destiny into his hands.

According to him, the stages of leadership he had occupied before this time was God’s way of preparing him for the present position, adding that it never dawned on him until recently that God has been preparing him for a greater service to the people.

Nwakanma, who was a former deputy speaker, also said he would ensure sustenance and continuity of the programmes and projects of Governor Theodore Orji. He said he was prepared physically, spiritually and emotionally for the job.

Replying, the state chairman of the party, Senator Emma Nwaka, assured of a level playing field for all the candidates, adding that whoever emerged at the party primaries would have the support of the party.

He said the bye election in Aba South state constituency won by the PDP was a trend that would be replicated in 2015 and advised aspirants who fail to pick the ticket to surrender their work plan to whoever wins in the interest of the party and state.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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Lawyers appraise 100 years of nationhood •Continued from page 34 rity operatives. This resulted in heavy gridlock in the entire capital city which forced most people to walk long distances to their places of work.

Commuters who had no inkling about the conference were trapped for hours in the gridlock, while street hawkers made brisk businesses as they sold their wares with maximum profits. It was indeed a boost to the state’s economy.

During the five days that the conference lasted, Nigerians jettisoned the fear of the Ebola threat and brainstormed on the challenges confronting the country and the right way to go to obviate possibly impending catastrophe.

Distinguished speakers such as former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, among other eminent Nigerians, identified corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, among others, as part of the country’s problems.

In his opening speech, the host, Governor Okorocha enjoined the NBA to support the struggle for a free and virile country. He urged the legal practitioners to proffer solutions and ideas that will ensure good governance.

Governor Okorocha maintained that bad governance has, over the years, impeded the country’s growth and development, even as he insisted that “bad governance is worse than the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.”

He argued that while the Ebola Virus has the capacity to kill 100 people at a time, bad governance has the capacity to kill generations yet unborn.

Governor Okorocha, who described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, urged mem-

bers of the Bar to put the issue of electoral malpractice at the centre stage of their discussion in order to ensure free and fair election in 2015 general elections.

He regretted that 100 years after, Nigeria is still battling with crisis and could not create employment opportunities for her teeming youths or boast of regular power supply. He challenged members of the NBA to address the critical issues bothering the country.

He emphasised the need for the electorate to vote a credible candidate who has the vision, passion, intelligence and political will to deliver the benefits of democracy to the people in order to ensure good governance.

Governor Okorocha, who regretted that democracy in Nigeria has failed, noted that Nigeria has come to a critical moment where power can no longer be taken for granted but must be given to those that have the capacity to deliver.

In his speech, Tambuwal praised the Imo State Government for hosting the 2014 Bar Conference, stressing the need for Nigeria to shun selfdeceit and institute good governance hinged on credible elections.

The Speaker, who described the NBA as the vanguard of democracy, urged the members to use their position to rescue the country and preserve the Rule of Law and human rights.

The outgoing President of the NBA, Wali Okey (SAN), said the conference offers the NBA the opportunity to discuss issues relating to legal profession and to proffer solutions.

He praised the lawyers for their support for his administration, which he said, had restored dignity and discipline in the legal profession, adding that “during my tenure, 12 lawyers were sacked for several acts of misconduct and high level of discipline now prevail in the profession.

We have tackled completely the issue of quackery and instilled high level of discipline in legal practice.”

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•Traders displaying their wares at the venue of the conference

With the benefit of the lessons of the last 100 years, all Nigerians have roles to play in nation-building, by ensuring that the existential values are re-established. That all Nigerians must collaborate with the government and security agencies in order to address the seemingly intractable issue of security problems confronting the country, particularly the expanding escapades of the now dreaded terrorists called Boko Haram Further highlighting the achievements recorded by his administration, he noted that the completion and inauguration of the new seven-

•Some Fulani leaders at the seminar

Seminar seeks end to herdsmen, farmers’ clashes •Continued from page 38 wards building a peaceful co-existence between the herders and the farming/host communities in order to forestall such attacks that might envelope the Southeast.

“This seminar will give rise to the development of well-thought out policy options for dealing with this salient security cum environmen-

tal challenge.”

Contributing, the Director of Vetinary Services in the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture revealed that the world over, the movement of pastoralists are controlled, adding that despite everything, the movement of the Fulani herdsman within Enugu State shall be controlled.

“Before now, these herdsmen

carry only sticks. But today, they carry Ak47 rifles. We believe these come from crisis-ridden neighbouring countries,” he said.

Although the Fulani did not make any contribution, they were all satisfied with the conduct of the seminar. Bala Ardo, who is a graduate and holds a post-graduate diploma interpreted and explained the presentations to his kinsmen.

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storey NBA House built by a prominent lawyer and businessman, Dr. Wale Babalakin through one of his companies in Lagos State, was one of the major achievements of the outgoing administration.

The chairman on the occasion, Gen. Gowon praised the NBA for being faithful to its mission in administering justice, pointing out that it has a role to play in ensuring good governance.

The conference ended with a call on the Federal Government to rescue the over 200 girls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Borno State on April 14 in order to restore the country’s dignity and save Nigerians further embarrassment from the international community.

The new NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and other senior lawyers such as Tajudeen Oladoja, a senior member of the Bar from Kaduna State, adjudged the Owerri conference as a huge success.

“We have been having the NBA annual conferences in other parts of the country. But I must tell you with all sense of modesty that the Owerri Conference was a success,” he said.

The 49-point communiqué, presented by Alegeh, highlighted the challenges of the last 100 years of Nigeria’s existence as a country, stating that it would need deliberate and articulate measures to surmount them.

The communiqué also maintained that “with the benefit of the lessons of the last 100 years, all Nigerians have roles to play in nation-building, by ensuring that the existential values are re-established.

“That all Nigerians must collaborate with the government and security agencies in order to address the seemingly intractable issue of security problems confronting the

country, particularly the expanding escapades of the now dreaded terrorists called Boko Haram.”

It further stressed the need for the Federal Government to “re-engineer and re-invigorate all anti-corruption agencies, as well as grant them more autonomy, with a view to ensuring their impartiality, to exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice and without interference from any person or organ of state.

The communiqué equally observed that “a major portion of our socio-political and economic problems are caused largely by lack of exemplary and visionary leadership.”

Apart from speeches and paper presentations, traders made great gains selling their products to the conferees that swamped on the goods like curious tourists. Photographers also had a field day taking photographs of the conferees with their friends and family members, especially those attending the NBA Conference for the first time.

Okechukwu Uzoigwe, a fabric dealer said: “To be honest, I wish the conference continued. It has been long I made this kind of quick turnover. I was going to Onitsha Main Market to buy wares everyday because of the patronage.”

Mrs. Charity Uzoaru, a food vendor said: “I am very happy for the event, even though we had to walk long distance to the venue because of the closure of the roads, I made enough sales these few days and I want the state government to host more of this type of conference to help the people.”

Perhaps, hoteliers are the most fortunate. In most of the hotels visited by our correspondent, the entire rooms had been booked with the management craftily changing the usual rates overnight to make extra gains off the unsuspecting visitors.

A manager of one of the famous hotels, Mr. Stanley Nwokocha, praised the state government for hosting the NBA Conference, adding that, “the most viable industry in Imo State today is the hospitality industry. Owerri, the state capital for instance, has over 50 worldclass hotels and this kind of conference will help the industry.”

As the dust settles, the people will not forget in a hurry, the gains, pains and glamour of the NBA Conference just as the visiting lawyers will relish the unique hospitality of the Eastern Heartland for a very long time.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

40

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Foundation donates lavatory block to school

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OUCHED by the unsavoury sanitary conditions which pupils and teachers of Eziama Community Primary School in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State are experiencing, members of Inner Heart PZ Employees Foundation, a staff welfare association of PZ Cussons, have built and handed over a fourroom toilet facility to the school management.

They also handed over the sum of N390, 000 cheque to Mr. Chika Kalu Sampson, a staff of the establishment for the treatment of his four-year-old daughter, Princess Chika Kalu who has a hole in the heart.

The inauguration and handing over of the toilet facility which attracted the presence of some senior managers of the company such as the External Affairs Manager, Mohammed Tahir; Operations Manager, Emma Ofordu as well as representatives of the host community and the chairman of the Aba North Local Government Area, among others, made both pupils and teachers jubilate in appreciation of the gesture.

Speaking during the inauguration of the toilet facility, the Manager, Corporate Affairs and Administration Director, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, said the project was realised through contributions from salaries of members of staff.

Ifaturoti further revealed that the Inner Heart Foundation was conceptualised by the Corporate Affairs Department of the company that felt that there was a need for workers to do things by themselves than waiting for the management or government to do things for

•The toilet facility

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

them.

She said: “It is important for us to know that the project we are inaugurating today was built from the pocket of PZ employees. It is not easy for workers to generate N650, 000 to carry out this project for our own community. We are impressed with what the Inner Heart PZ Employees Foundation, Aba has done.

“There are different departments in the company doing various projects for communities around the country. There is a need for us to continue to do good things for our communities and neighbours because we must always look towards doing things for the people.”

Urging private organisations’ participation in the development of their host communities or state, she added: “Don’t forget that if we didn’t carry out this project, or if we had depended on the government, it may never have been done.”

Also speaking, Head of Manufacturing, PZ Cussons, Aba, Mr. Ifeanyi Abadom, said the Inner Heart PZ Foundation would continue to offer support to its neighbours, especially to enable them to be useful citizens in the society. He added that the foundation would not hesitate to help mold the future of our school children to the best of its ability.

Earlier in her address, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Evelyn Iroha, who expressed gratitude to the Inner Heart PZ Foundation for coming to the aid of the school, promised that the facility would be well maintained.

‘

•Members of the foundation handing over the cheque to Mr. Samson Chairman, PZ Cussons Staff Union, Prince Nwaeze Dimkpa, thanked the management and workers of the company as well as the host community for the support.

“We all contributed to make this project a success; the management, staff, school and host community. I specially thank the people of Eziama because there are many communities where this project cannot be carried out without them asking for a percentage of funds to be paid before work could begin.”

Hon. Nnanna Oriba, who represented the Chairman of Transition Committee, Aba North Local Government at the event, expressed his happiness to the employees’ for their generosity. He enjoined the school to make good use of the facility.

“I felt sad when I learnt that the project was not done with money from the company but from the purses of its staff. This is why I rendered the song; give and it shall be given unto you. This is highly commendable. You have shown love to these school children; you can see from their faces that they have already blessed you.

“As far as they have said it, God has also blessed you all. I am going to let the chairman know that we have to work with you because you have good things to offer to hu-

It is important for us to know that the project we are inaugurating today was built from the pocket of PZ employees. It is not easy for workers to generate N650, 000 to carry out this project for our own community. We are impressed with what the Inner Heart PZ Employees Foundation, Aba has done…There are different departments in the company doing various projects for communities around the country manity,” he said.

Earlier, a cheque for N290, 000 was handed over to Mr. Chika Kalu Sampson by the Inner Heart Foundation whose daughter, Princess has a hole in the heart and needed about N2 million for surgery in an Indian hospital.

Ifaturoti also made a personal donation of a N100, 000 in support of Princess Chika’s treatment.

‘

“We presented the cheque to him as a symbol of solidarity. We offer our prayers and goodwill for her well-being,” she said.

Mr. Samson expressed gratitude to the foundation for its support.

He said the donation will go a long way in complementing the amount of money he has for her daughter’s surgery in India which costs N1.6 million.

•Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano and National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh arriving at the headquarters of Anaocha Local Government Area •Members of International Bio-Research Institute on march for life to mark their 2nd International Life Conference on Bioethics in Enugu on a grassroots tour.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

41

CAMPUS LIFE Fellowship hosts students’ summit

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OVENANT Christian Centre has organised a conference for Nigerian undergraduates with the theme: “Making the most of your stay on campus.” The event, which held at the Covenant Place, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos suburb, was witnessed by top-notch motivational speakers who addressed participants on the realities of postgraduate life.

An official of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Francis Ebuhei, said life was a personal journey where everyone would be responsible to what they

From Esther Adeyemi UNILAG get from it.

The organisers told CAMPUSLIFE that the aim of the workshop was to bring together youths from various institutions to learn the winning formula for success in today’s world.

Speakers at the summit included the Head, Learning and Development Division, Fidelity Bank Plc., Irunna Ejibe; Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinna Abajue, among others.

‘Seek God’s face always’

S

•The freshers flocking to the matriculation ground

Face your studies, Provost tells freshers

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HE Provost of the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, has urged feshers to take their destiny in their hands.

Mbah spoke at the 20th matriculation of the college where 1,420 new students took their oath.

A student, according to him, could choose to succeed or fail by studying hard or wasting his time on frivolities.

“Your success is in your hands and

From Oladele Oge ENUGU I urge you to go for it. Do not love sleep or settle for average grades.

Learn to burn the midnight candle.

Shun vices and abide by the rules and regulations of this institution so as not to land yourself in trouble,” he advised.

Mbah said the college’s radio station had started test transmission,

adding that students should take advantage of the platform to develop broadcasting skills.

Some of the students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, promised to work hard and not disappoint their parents and the college.

“I will ensure I obey college’s regulations and make commitment to my academics a priority,” Henry Agboeze, an English and Social Studies student, said.

TUDENTS and academics gathered at House of Daniel in Isihor, Benin City, Edo State, to chart a course on how students can achieve academic excellence.

The event featured the launch of a book entitled: “The perfect scholar” authored by a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages, University of Benin, Mr Jimoh Braimoh Jr. In his opening remark, Pastor Kunle Oluwafemi charged students to seek perfection in their academics by first knowing God. The author, a first-class graduate of the institution, said he was inspired to write the book to teach students on how they can excel in their academics, adding that every student has the potential to achieve excellent academic results.

“All of us have different learning specifications and differences. As a matter of fact, all of us possess the capacity to change our academic destiny by understanding certain principles that I have put to practice in

From Gilbert Alasa UNIBEN my undergraduate days. And so, an understanding of how we like to learn is crucial to making progress as a student,” he said.

The reviewer, Barr Gabriel Arishe, said the book was a bold step to confront the challenge of endemic failure witnessed today in the nation’s academic circles.

Arishe said the book contained a step-by-step approach to achieving academic excellence, praising the author for the easy-to-read presentation and style of the book.

A final year student of French Education, Dare Ehighie, said the author’s achievements as an undergraduate influenced his interest to launch the book.

“The author has taught me as a student. I have taken the pain to study his life and I need no soothsayer to tell me that excellence is a value he holds dear to his heart. The book, I am convinced, would give me a privilege to closely follow the things he did that stood him out,” he said.

The event was attended by representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIBEN chapter and the clergy.

How nations develop, by don From Ezekiel Adesawe AAUA

H

•Prof Ajibefun (standing middle) with Ifedi and other members of the organisation during the visit

‘We’re raising Africa’s next generation’

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HE Country Director of the Entrepreneurship Action in Us (ENACTUS), Mrs Ifedi Adesuwa, has described the group as a platform for raising Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Adesuwa, who visited the Rufus

From Dayo Ojerinde RUGIPO Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State with her team, disclosed this to the students.

In his address, the school’s Rec-

tor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, assured the visiting team of management’s support for their programmes.

“ENACTUS members are demonstrating the fact that individuals with knowledge of business can be powerful force for change in any

society,” Mrs Adesuwa said.

A Faculty Adviser to the organisation, Mr Akintan Akinyemi, thanked the group for extending its programmes to the polytechnic, saying it has recorded success barely a year after inception.

Group unveils initiative at LASPOTECH

A

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, Hope for Youth Development Initiative (HYDI), has been launched at the Students’ Union Mansion of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

Its founder, Ajibike Taofeek, said the organisation was formed to provide a platform for sustainable empowerment for under-privileged youths.

“When the youths are empowered with skills, education and jobs, the rate of poverty will be reduced as well as that of crime,” he said.

From Adenike Ashogbon-Fagbemi LASPOTECH The institution’s former Rector, Ayodeji Babatunde, advised youths to have balanced development of the mind.

“The economic situation in Nigeria resulting in youth unemployment and defective infrastructure has generated a lot of stress and hypertension in the youth.

The truth remains that only youths with sound mental health can sustain the environment,” he said.

Speaking on “Youths, social media

and online preference: what the 21 st Century should know”, The Nation newspaper, Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, said youths should deploy the social media as a learning tool. He urged them to spend quality time the internet and develop themselves.

“Every youth should know that he or she can be googled. What you do online should not contradict your personality. Be careful of what you do on your social media platform,” he cautioned.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Fatai Olukoga, charged the youth to ex-

plore opportunities around them for self-development. He urged them to be self-reliant and work hard to achieve their dreams despite the present situation of the country.

“A lot of youths have derailed because they do not have the opportunity to listen to the voice of their elders. Many of them have lost sight of the ball by indulging in illicit behaviours,” he said.

The event was attended by the school’s Rector, Dr Abdul Azeez Abioye, representatives of Ikorodu Local Government and students.

OW can the creative sector to achieve sustainable development? It is by cultural awareness and creative thinking in the education system, says Prof Aderemi Raji-Oyelade. He spoke at the 3rd public lecture of the Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hall of the institution last week.

Delivering a lecture titled: “Creativity and the dimensions of literacy for nation building”, Prof Oyelade said the problem of dysfunctional system witnessed in the country was caused by mis-education of the mind, saying no society can develop in intellect and industry with poor literacy policies.

“The knowledge of abstract sciences, the interventionist grind of the clinical sciences, the enterprise of technology, the developmental engagement of the social sciences and the inventive creativism of the arts and other disciplines, must be fully harnessed for the achievement of national development,” he said.

He decried the poor knowledge of information technology prevalent in the academia, calling on members of the academic community to embrace the power of new technologies.

•Prof Oyelade

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

42

CAMPUS LIFE

•Yoruba students displaying their attires

•Fulani students during food exhibition

Despite the security challenges in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) came alive with students showcasing their culture at the Nativity Night, a yearly cultural fiesta with the theme: Unity in diversity. TAIWO ISOLA (300-Level Human Anatomy) reports.

F

OR most part of the day, it threatened to rain but the students were not bothered. They turned out in beautiful attires and flocked to the Ecumenical Centre for the event. It was the Nativity Night of the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID). The theme was: Unity in diversity.

From the hostel to the venue, the fellowship members entertained their colleagues with their sense of cultural fashion. The campus was literally enveloped in the feast of culture. It was the biggest cultural fiesta to be held on the campus despite the security challenges battling the Borno State capital.

The event brought students from various ethnic groups together to

Unity in diversity celebrate their cultural heritage.

Each group was dressed in its cultural attire.Representatives of Yoruba were beautifully dressed in Aso Ofi, agbada (flowing gown) with Abeti Aja caps to match.

The Igbo representatives sparkled in their Ankara robes, beads and walking sticks. The Hausa members displayed their Babanriga and native caps, while the Ijaws wore their hats with pride .

The Kanuri, Tiv, Igala, Fulani and Ibibio were not left out.

Each group showcased its cultural elements such as beads, calabashes

and baskets during their stage performance.

The students danced round the campus before meeting at the exhibition venue, where foods, clothes and many various totems of the participating ethnic groups were displayed. The drama group of the RCF entertained the guests with their play, which they said was to promote unity, peace and love among students.

The participants and the guests relished the local delicacies serve.

A student described the event as celebration of Nigeria and not a

particular ethnic nationality.

The fellowship troupe and some campus artistes performed cultural dance, drawing applause from the audience.

Seun Igotun, one of the attendees, said the event added value to his life by helping him learn how to relate with people of different cultural backgrounds. “I have eaten three traditional foods from three ethnic groups. This really shows that, what we need in this country is love and unity. Why should we be fighting ourselves? We are all people of the same root.”

While speaking on the theme, the RCF president, Henry Emmanuel, said: “The purpose of the event is to foster unity irrespective of our cultural backgrounds. All ethnic

groups represented here today are allowed to show their heritage. We are out to encourage the youth to do away with primordial feeling of hostilities towards people who don’t speak their languages.”

He added that the security challenges in Maiduguri would not dampen the fellowship’s determination to promote unity among students. Thousands of students were in attendance, indicating students looked forward to it.

A Hausa student, Halima Galadima, who could not conceal her excitement during the Arewa cultural display, said: “I am very happy today. I feel at home once again. I interacted freely and learnt new things about other tribes and their culture.”

Experts and stakeholders gathered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to proffer solution to Africa’s food crisis, reports OLADELE OGE (Mass Comm.).

Resolving Africa’s food crisis

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OW can Africa achieve food sustainability and feed its populace?

James Ogbonna, a professor of Crop Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), believes the continent could make that mark by adopting crop biotechnologyto improve food production.

Ogbonna spoke at an international conference on food security and biotechnology organised by the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) in collaboration with the UNN, University of Groningen in Netherlands, Ehcloret University in Kenya, and University of Oragonding in Burkina Faso.

The lecture examined the benefits and constraints in agricultural productivity in Africa.

The lecture focused on improving awareness on food security and how to educate the African citizens on the use of technology to

•Speakers with some of the participants after the conference

increase food production. Prof Ogbonna spoke on Adoption of crop biotechnology as a food security option: Benefits and constraints.

He said scientists had made several efforts in recent time to consolidate the gains of biotechnology to ensure adequate production of food and energy drinks, saying: “Biotechnology has been tested to have capacity to increase productivity by fortifying crops with necessary minerals and vitamins that will enhance nutritional needs of people.”

He dismissed as rumour the fears that crops produced from biotechnology are nutrientdeficient, saying such claim had not been scientifically proved. He told the participants to rely on research and not on misleading information from people he described as illiterate.

Ogbonna outlined some of the benefits of the technology, urging more awareness on food programme and security in Africa.

Through this, he said, Africa would be equipped to combat unexpected diseases and prevent death that may arise from wrong information.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nnemeka Chukwuone, urged the participants to uphold new method of ensuring safety of locally-produced beverages, noting that there had been crisis in the nation’s agricultural extension.

The commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to promote quality research through adequate funding of higher institutions to address problems plaguing the country’s agricultural sector.

Dr Nnemeka said agricultural extension practice was being gradually phased out, stressing that farmers had misplaced their responsibility in producing quality food for the citizens.

Earlier, the Local Organising Committee

(LOC) chairman, Dr Aja Nwachukwu, said efforts were being made to contain the threats and the challenges of low production of food in Nigeria. He urged elaborate research and training to achieve the aim.

The co-ordinator of the seminar, Prof Jerry Ugwuanyi, explained that part of the aim of the lecture was also to address food contamination. He urged the participants to spread the message of biotechnology to rebuild the capability of Africa to achieve food security.

He hinted that useful information gathered from research and biotechnology conferences would be recommended to African government and other relevant agencies working to ensure safety of foods and human lives.

Responding to question on the quality of the imported food, Mrs Rosline Gidado, one of the facilitators, said a concrete plan was underway to strengthen the campaign in rural communities to ensure throughout counseling.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

43

CAMPUS LIFE

We need more than tears P

AIN and joy are two antithetical features of human existence. While pain reminds one of the sore sides of life; joy brings one to its brighter flank. Via pain, we reveal traits that may not show in our everyday life – those that are only triggered by horrendous occurrences. One of such traits, of course, is tearing. But then, how to we describe tears spurred by no emotions?

As a matter of fact, Nigeria is in pain. Pain caused by long years of deceitful leadership, religious xenophobia and ethnocentrism; long years of autocratic-democracy. Amusingly, Nigerian leaders still don’t find a reason to desist from deceits. Instead, their kit of guile keeps accumulating.

Just like the popular “New Year, New System” saying, many Nigerian leaders who, indeed, are good at improvising, now find it official to shed tears when they get to scenes of fatalities, even those ones that have happened weeks after. But, are tears strictly elicited by sights of terrible incidents or merely from the sound of inhumanity whatsoever?

Do we start crying after seeing the corpse of our relative, or on hearing the news?

About three years ago, the President was spotted wiping his face with his handkerchief at the site of the destroyed UN House in Abuja. It was a devastating sight indeed.

But instead of instigating strident moves toward finding a lasting solution to the cause of the incident, it was only a dress-rehearsal for the real tear-opera we were to watch.

Just in about a month ago, the First Lady was also reportedly moved by emotions to weep on a national TV. It was another emotion-spurring incident. But then, Sun Myung Moon explains in Return to tears that tears could be shed for two people: for oneself or for another person. So, what was spurring the emotion: the thought of probable loss of the Aso Villa in 2015 or a share in pains of the aggrieved parents?

To continue the opera proper, another character joined the cast of wailers. Brig. Gen Ibrahim Sabo, Chairman of the Presidential fact-finding Committee on the Chibok issue, also shed tears during his committee’s meeting with the disconsolate parents of the abducted girls, one month after the incident. Is that how he sheds them daily, or he needed to court attention at all cost, like Robert Greene said in 48 Laws of Power?

Truthfully, I have no problems with those manifestations of emotion. Good leaders share in the problems of their followers. Even Sun Myung Moon explained that God cried for the fall of mankind. But then, almost as immediately, God made provisions for amelioration of man’s conundrum. So, when a leader snivels without taking action, there’s need for a probe.

Unmistakably, it’s been four years into this political dispensation, and four years of unprecedented killings and destitution. And, of course, it’s been three years since Mr. President openly expressed his displeasure with

the Boko Haram barbarism. Yet, nothing has been done, not even close, to allay the fears of the people or solve their problems. Nigerians still live in trepidation-primus inter pares. Hardly does a day pass that we do not record deaths in any part of the nation. And with all this privations, our leaders still derive joy in celebrating centenary memorial.

I know a good leader cries with his men.

Just so Evo Morales, first indigenous President of Bolivia, did during his inauguration, when he stood firm to protect his people against the imperialist intrusion of the West.

But what we have here is tears of deceit and fake pathos, which reminds one of O’Brien’s help to Winston Smith in George Orwell’s 1984; tears that only elicit a presidential threat of withdrawal of the nation’s army from a state because of a governor’s frankness. I thought a society’s interest supersedes that of any individual. Tears that only leave the whereabouts of 200 glories in oblivion, and 200 families in unwarranted mourning, for more than three months. Tears that make a President say on an international TV that there are illuminations where stiff darkness exists. Tears that could solve no problem –at least it didn’t convince Hitler to lessen his attacks on innocent people nor did it help the Negroes convince the racists of how precarious their condition was. Indeed, tear is not a suitable weapon of war.

The motive of tears should not be forgotten. It is not a suitable agenda on one’s mani-

By Oyindolapo Olusesi festo, so it won’t boost support in any election, be it 2015 or 2019. It is not a palliative for headache; neither is it a panacea to incivility. It didn’t dissuade Bin Laden from being a terror. Tears won’t make these insurgents release our girls or shelf their abominable acts. It is only an expression of emotion. We need more than tears. Tears bring fears. Fears bring sleepless nights and horrific journeys. To wipe our tears, we need allay our fears. And to allay our fears we need responsive and pro-active measures from our leaders.

The weakened giant T

HE statement “Nigeria: The giant of Africa’ has existed for long. Even the child in high school recites it as one of the rhymes in his nursery collection. Over the years, it has been the case of a country whom President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone says about it that; ‘When Nigeria sneezes, every one of us catches cold’. This is so, not because the statement has been assessed and proven to be true but because the protagonists of this statement are only trying to maintain the status quo. The fact that I had once fanned this saying is incontestable but in retrospect, I nurture a strong opposition to this, attributing my reasons to the; economic incapacitation, political dilapidation and social derailment that characterizes the entity called Nigeria. Nothing seems working in Nigeria. From the political circle and by extension to the economy, it’s all like a stage play; where Nigerians as audience sit back to know where it ends. Or how would one explain a country where most parts of its constituents wallow in abject poverty can be regarded as being superior to its counterparts where ensuring a reasonable degree of living

By Saheed Fakunle standard of their citizens gained priority?

In addition to this, Nigeria has assumed the status as a nation where corruption, having eaten so deep into the Nation’s fabrics has been adopted as the most suitable toga by all.

Well, it has been unanimously agreed upon to be an offshoot of all other problems we suffer in our country today, with Poverty as one of its manifestations.

The question: “Why is Nigeria living below the expected standard amid the abundant resources? This was the puzzle our founding fathers tried to offer answers to.

Since 1966, when the efforts of the Nigeria founding fathers were thwarted by the military with the conviction that the regional premiers deviated from the unity efforts, the Nigerian state has witnessed series of military administrations resulting from coups and countercoups, up to 1979 when civilian rule returned under the administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Worthy of acknowledgement is the time before 70s when Nigerian economy was agricultural based and Nigerian living

standard was considerably high, creating a favourable atmosphere for investment. During this period, Nigeria became the ‘America of the world’ where everyone wished to live.

From this, I believe that the statement, “Nigeria: The giant of Africa” emerged. On the contrary, the statement is an outcome of the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources. Perhaps, the abuse of these resources by the few adversely affects Nigerian proletariats.

What a black giant that has lost weight to strength as some people are of the opinion that the justification of this statement should be linked to the population size of Nigeria.

Nevertheless, spending ample time and energy on criticism without corresponding practical measures to remedy the maladies may amount to a wasteful venture.

On this note, I am of the opinion that sensitization campaign against the damaging scourge of corruption will be of great help in reviving Nigeria’s lost glory. This can be done by frowning at corruption and its relations in all ramifications. The choice of corrupt-free personalities to occupy various public offices

in the nation is worthwhile. It is also imperative to include anti-corruption contents into educational curriculum from primary school up to tertiary level. This will help build a strong immune system in young ones against corruption and its agents.

Conclusively, it is clear like the tropical sunshine that Nigeria is still very far away from meeting the basic needs of its inhabitants, and this has led to frequent exit of many Nigerians from the country to ‘greener lands’, where they believe greater opportunities of better living is available and affordable. If Nigeria still wants to feature its ironical giant in its pride, despite its best nursery for unemployed graduates, abode of abandoned pensioners, arena for illiteracy and a stadium for the dearth of basic infrastructures for survival, it is however posited that ‘weakened’ should precede the giant and should therefore take the form of “Nigeria: The weakened giant of Africa”.

Saheed, is a student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, (UDUS) Sokoto

My first day in the university

By Adeniyi Aborisade

T

HE environment was welcoming. Oh, this must be the much-talked-about ocean of knowledge my secondary school teacher used to tell us and the nicest place with which mother used to lull me to sleep when I was young. Can there be any place better?

There was no one to share this ecstatic thought with. I had to move on, and then I shrugged my jacket. “Luckiest boy on earth, this is indeed the greatest of all dreams ever to thrive,” my thought revealed.

At the University Park, the atmosphere was

graced by a miscellany of incongruous activities. At one side of the park, the public buses had assembled like horses ready to take a race. At the other side, taxis were set in fleet-like manner. In the like manner, sellers of various items of goods were highly engaged. I could not wait too long to witness these all. Since it was my first day, I had to continue on my journey in this blissful world.

But then, I was taken aback by the sudden arrival of one bigger bus, compared to the ones I had already seen. I had to pulse a little bit, at least to enquire from people, what the use of this bus was?

Suddenly, ideas began to cascade on me as I made unbridled guesses. ‘This bus must be used for same purpose as those smaller ones.

Or perhaps, could it be that it is being used to convey influential people on campus on a long journey?’ Neither could my mind ask, nor answer these questions all. Apparently, my senses had been brought under nature’s hypnosis. There I was, when I received my dad’s call. ‘Hello, have you arrived at Prof.

Adedigba’s office?’ He asked. My lost mind was recaptured. ‘I am almost there sir,’ I responded, and then I moved on.

Nature had become a reality when I got to an open place; a gigantic structure was right before my gaze. ‘Whoa! What an architectural reality!’ I exclaimed. Walkway, it was called. Here I had to satisfy all feelings and fulfil all righteousness. Grasping the beautiful tassel-blowing breeze, gently I sat down to savour the beauty of the school’s environ-

ment and the uniqueness of the university ladies. It was indeed a market scene as students and sellers were engaged in buying and selling. People were moving from the first block of the building to the last, that which I could not see at my sitting position.

I was obsessed by the mishmash of the exotic fragrances perceived from the passers-by.

Again, as I was almost lost to the nature’s tune of fallacy, there came a sonorous sound of an ambient music from the school’s Senate Building nearby. I was stirred, looking around vaguely. Behold! Here comes Sandra, a secondary school mate. ‘She must have been admitted since the three or two years after we had finished,’ I thought.

‘Sandra!’ I exclaimed. ‘Is this you?’ she asked. ‘What are you doing here?’ I asked.

‘And what are you doing here too?’ she snapped back. Hurriedly, she ran towards me, now on my feet, and we had a warm friendly hug. We sat down and there she offered us a drink. We discussed about how she was able to make her admission four years ago and how I just gained mine this year. She took me round the school and ultimately to the campus’ best restaurant. Obviously, my primary assignment had been forgotten.

At the restaurant, after dining, I was amazed by this unanticipated meeting. We could no longer talk. We were just staring at each other and smiling. She had moved her chair right beside me, and then I embraced her waist with my right hand. Gently, gently, I rested

my head upon her laps. She had just begun caressing my cheek with her tender palm, as a mother to her child, when it started to rain.

Then I drifted off into the world of the unknown.

Suddenly! Three heavy slaps descended on me. I sobered up and shouted, ’who is that?’

‘It is me,’ replied my dad. ‘Dad, what have I done wrong?’ I yelled angrily. ‘Were you not writing JAMB today?’ he asked. I quickly checked my wrist watch. Alas, it’s now 1:00pm. I briskly dressed up, not minding how seedy it could have been, and pounced out of the entrance gate. Realizing that waiting for taxi would be of no help, I adopted a ‘bolt-style’ racing to the exam centre.

On getting there, I felt relaxed to note that nature was still pleased with me; the vicinity was quiet. ‘The exam must be going on in the hall,’ I muttered. I was heading hastily towards the entrance when I was held back by the hefty hand of a security guard, who must have suspected me of a potential crime. Before I could mutter a word, a high-handed slap that a typical Yoruba will call ‘Iforun’, which took me flat back-down, had fallen on me. He dragged me up and then asked what I was looking for. ‘It’s exam, I want to write,’ I stuttered with my heart pounding like the sound of a Maxim gun. He shook his head in pity and allowed me to enter. Sadly, there was no feather in the hall. I fainted!

Adeniyi, 300-Level History Education, UNILORIN

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

44

CAMPUS LIFE

• Aanu reviewing the book

Student presents book on leadership

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O prepare the youth for future leadership, a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has written a book titled: The exceptional leader.

The writer, Aliu Oluwafemi, a CAMPUSLIFE reporter, unveiled the book at a Students’ Union Leadership Conference held in the 2,500capacity hall of the university. The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof Oluyemisi Obilade, Director of Outreach, AfricanLiberty.org, Adedayo Thomas, Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology Prof Sanni Lateef, a politician, Hon. Iskilu Akinlade and Mr Aanu Damola, who reviewed the book.

Aanu said the book came at the right time, given the leadership crisis facing the country. This crisis, he said, is evident in the monumental corruption, bad followership, indis-

From Lekan Adeola FUNAAB cipline, contempt for rule of law and insecurity.

He said the work was not out to examine the cause of bad leadership but to provide panaceas and thoughtful solution for generations of Nigerians. He described the writer as “passionate for human developer”.

Aanu said the 80-page book would introduce readers to basic concept of leadership, noting that the author divided the work into three parts the man, the piece and the work. He also said the book explained the activities of the writer in organisations and enterprise.

He said: “The six-chapter work gives vivid descriptions from the author’s characterisation to the meaning of leadership; why leadership matters. It also discusses the values, skills and principles of lead-

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

ership, and challenges before an exceptional leader, with personal examples from his experiences. The piece did not fail to make mention types of leadership styles, qualities of exceptional leaders, and a selfhelp guide to taking up the mantle of leadership, especially as regards leading self, and leading others.”

The book highlighted steps to

•The book cover

build the values of character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence and discernment.

Damola Morenikeji, a writer, urged the participants to share the knowledge contained in the book.

You are the chosen ones, VC tells fresh students M ANAGEMENT of the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State has sworn in freshers in an event held at James Ayatse Convocations Square. The ViceChancellor, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, disclosed that 5,868 students were admitted into the institution.

Kucha congratulated the freshers, saying their efforts yielded success during the admission exercise. He said they were the successful among thousands that applied to

From Damsa Ahangba UNIAGRIC MAKURDI

study in the institution, urging them not to misuse the opportunity.

He advised them to face the challenges ahead with strong faith, saying they must be of good character and interact with other members of the university with respect. He assured that the management

would support them.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Peter Iorna, who was admitted into Crops and Environmental Science Department, said the matriculation was the happiest day of his life.

“This is the second time I applied to this school and I am fulfiled that I was chosen at the end.”

Helen Ada, 100-Level Computer Statistics expressed gratitude to God, saying: “I am happy that my parents are alive to celebrate with me.”

CAMPUSLIFE man honoured From Oby Okeke UNIZIK

I

N recognition of his effort to make students informed, Charles Igwe, a 500-Level Chemical Engineering student and CAMPUSLIFE correspondent at the Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State was honoured by the institution’s chapter of Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA).

Charles’ effort was recognised at the NUESA annual award held at the Whyte View Hotels in Awka. The event was graced by officials of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) led by the president, Ibe Chukwunonso. The NUESA president, Basil Ozuluonye, also led the association’s executive.

Presenting the award to Charles, Basil noted that the honour was in recognition of his valuable contributions to the development of the association.

Charles was NUESA former Public Relations Officer.

Charles described the award as first of its kind, and said he would cherish it forever. He thanked his colleagues for considering him for the honour pledging his continued support the association even after graduation.

The students also honoured Chukwunoso, who is a 300-Level engineering student. The union president was recognised for giving the “most dynamic leadership” to students.

Also, the department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE) received a trophy for its achievement during Inter-departmental Dean’s Cup contest.

• Charles, flanked by his classmates, displaying the plaque

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

45

EDUCATION

Families of 43 UTME candidates in fatal T accident seek justice HE families of 43 candidates from the Southeast who lost their lives in a fatal accident on their way from Edo State where they went to write the 2001 University Matriculation Examination (now Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME), have urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate the cause of the mishap.

They also sent the petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, among others, urging them to ensure that justice is done.

The families urged NHRC “to in-

By Joseph Jibueze

vestigate this matter to a logical conclusion in all its ramifications with a view to awarding damages and also protecting the human rights of the affected persons.”

They also urged the Abia State House of Assembly to revisit the case so as to implement the resolutions passed in 2001 and 2002 by the lawmakers, while they asked the Imo State government to implement the promises it

made to the affected families.

The Abia State House of Assembly had held a public hearing on the accident, but the families, through their lawyer S.J. Dare, said justice has not been done, 13 years after.

The candidates, said to hail from Abia and Imo states, were allegedly taken to Edo by a “Miracle (tutorial) Centre” which allegedly charged each candidate between N25,000 and N50,000 to guarantee an automatic pass in

the exam.

They were said to have been transported in a rickety “Enyimba Mass Transit” bus, and on their way back, it plunged into the Orshionwin River at about 11pm on April 28, 2001, killing the 43 candidates, with the driver reportedly the sole survivor.

Only the bodies of 17 candidates were said to have been recovered through the effort of some volunteers from the community.

“All subsequent efforts by the

Ebola: UAM sensitises students and host community

T

HE Directorates of the University Agriculture Makurdi (UAM), Health Services have embarked on sensitisation campaign against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, urged the students to wage war against Ebola through enlightenment exercises.

The sensitisation, which was organised by the university health service in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Benue State branch.

Kucha was represented by the Dean, College of Science, Prof Rufus Shaato.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

He said: “The university community is indeed unique as its members are highly mobile and have travelled widely within and across the national boundaries and territories, and it is importance they are informed of the need to imbibe the culture of personal hygiene to prevent contracting Ebola Disease Virus.”

Some of the topics treated at the event were: ‘Zoonosis and one health approach to the control of Ebola’, and ‘Prevention and control of Ebola disease’.

Workers and students of the university also attended the event.

•A Mass Communications undergraduate of the University of Lagos, asking a question during a workshop on entrepreneurship sponsored by Kaymu, an online marketing firm and Cool FM, at the Afe Babalola Hall of the institution.

FUTA VC makes case for safe environment

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HE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Prof. Adebiyi Daramola has stressed the need for safe environment to enhance the quality of lives and security.

He spoke at the seventh lecture of the university’s School of Sciences.

The guest lecturer was Mr Oladimeji Oresanya.

Daramola said many lives would have been saved from communicable diseases if the environment had been safe.

He noted that environmental factors were responsible for the depletion of the ozone layers, noting their negative toll on human existence.

Daramola acknowledged the efforts of scientists and environmentalists on the need to ensure positive interaction and impact of human societies on the environment, stressing

affected parents to get justice proved abortive. They staged protests to Imo and Abia states Houses of Assembly which yielded motions and resolutions but no actions,” the lawyer said.

The families alleged that they were harassed and intimidated by those who want them to drop their demand for justice and compensation.

“The affected parents affirm that no power or threat or intimidation will make them to abandon their quest for justice.

“We crave the indulgence of the good people of Nigeria, especially those with power and mandate, to intercede on behalf of the affected parents,” Dare said.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

that this was justified and commendable.

The Dean, School of Science, Prof I. A. Fuwape, noted that the issue in West Africa and in Nigeria in particular is the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease.

According to her, the physical, chemical as well as biological integrity of our planet is being compromised daily.

She noted that the destructive processes are not only continuous but also are increasing both in quantum and in rate.

Fuwape said environmental issues are caused by anthropogenic effects on the African natural environment and have major impacts on humans and nearly all forms of endemic life.

The issues, Fuwape said, include

desertification, problems with access to safe water supply, population explosion and fauna depletion.

These, she said, were, ultimately, linked to over population in Africa, as well as on a global scale, noting that nearly all of Africa’s environmental problems are geographically variable and human induced.

In his lecture titled: “Safe environment: Issues and challenges, Oresanya, who is the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said one of the greatest challenges facing Lagos is efficient and cost-effective management of solid waste.

According to him, waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal, have continued to put pressure on resources in the state as well as its physical infrastructure.

•From left: Enugu State Commissioner for Education Prof Chris Okoro; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Prof Edwin Igbokwe and Registrar/CEO, Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr Victoria Okojie, during the opening of the workshop on: ‘Application of Free and Open Source Software in Library Operations held at UNN … on Tuesday

Aregbesola seeks better varsity funding

By Adegunle Olugbamila

•Ogbeni Aregbesola,

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HE State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said the proliferation of universities would not help the education system except they are well-funded.

He spoke when the Governing Council and management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo, the state capital.

Aregbesola said universities are called citadel of learning because they are well funded to provide knowledge and wisdom that are beneficial to the society.

He said any university that is worth its salt must be funded enough to provide what the society needs in terms of beneficial knowledge.

He lamented that some of the nation’s university are poorly funded and, therefore, unable to meet the academic need of the society.

Aregbesola said funding is one of the most essential ingredient for the growth of any university,

promising that out of the meagre resources available to Osun, his government will jointly fund LAUTECH with Oyo State.

“A university does not just answer that name unless it is able to provide for the needs of the society.

“I fancy one great university that is all in all. A university that is well-funded to meet all the academic needs of the society it is founded to serve.

“Most of the universities we established here are poorly funded and finance is key to the administration of any university.

“In the case of LAUTECH, our commitment, Osun and Oyo states, is to jointly fund the institution to realise the dream of its founding fathers,” Aregbesola said.

LAUCTH’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Adeniyi Gbadegesin, promised the management’s and staff’s cooperation with the joint owners of the institution to move the varsity forward.

“We promise that the management and staff of the institution will continue to cooperate with both the governments of Osun and Oyo to move our institution and states forward,” Gbadegesin said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

46

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

FUNAAB FILE

Pact yields fruit

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HE partnership between Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has led to the inauguration of an upgraded plant and equipment at the FUNAAB Cashew Processing Enterprise, which council donated to the varsity.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, said the inauguration would usher-in the production of various cashew products on commercial basis, not only for the benefit of the university, but also for Ogun State and beyond.

Represented by the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof ‘Goke Bodunde, Oyewole praised RMRDC, saying the equipment would increase the university’s income-generating capacity.

‘Learning must be student-centered’

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HE Vice Chancellor Prof Olusola Oyewole, has said there is a need to make learning student-centered as well as promote learning outcomes, skills and competencies.

He spoke at the maiden training programme on: ‘Ethics of examination and invigilation to new academic staff and officers, of the university.

He reiterated the management’s position at improving on teaching and learning and the need to it student-centered.

He said the training manuals would be produced and distributed to all academic staff to aid their work.

The Chairman, Time Table and Examinations Committee (TIMTEC), Dr. Adebola Osipitan, described examination as a test of knowledge or the ability of students, adding that it allows them to concentrate on their studies by training them on various things, suuch as punctuality, writing skills, timing sense and expression of thoughts.

“Invigilation should not be undermined. Invigilators have important roles within the examination period to ensure that examinations run effectively and are conducted in a fair and appropriate manner,” he said.

APPROACHING DEADLINE ICO FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME THE International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowships Program was organised to help promising young ophthalmologists from developing countries improve their practical skills and broaden their perspectives of ophthalmology. Fellows are expected to bring the acquired knowledge and skills back to their home countries and take part in programs to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

The ICO gratefully recognises grants, gifts, and pledges to the ICO Fellowships Program. Support ICO Fellowships by contributing to the ICO, ICO Foundation, or the International Ophthalmological Fellowship Foundation (IOFF). The IOFF was formed in Germany to support the fellowships. View ICO Fellowship donors.

These fellowships provide young ophthalmologists from developing countries with exposure to and training in several subspecialties in ophthalmology. The program is intended to be flexible to meet the needs of different countries and individuals. Approximately 60 Fellowships are awarded each year.

The ICO Three-Month Fellowship is awarded twice a year, with application deadlines of March 31 and September 30.

One-Year Fellowships The ICO and its supporters offer three types of one-year fellowships.

ICO-Retina Research Foundation Helmerich Fellowships This fellowship provides support for one year of ophthalmology subspecialty training. Fellowships are awarded to young ophthalmologists from developing countries who are committed to enhancing ophthalmic education and patient care in their home countries. The fellowship

honors Mr. W. H. Helmerich III and is sponsored by the Retina Research Foundation in cooperation with the ICOFoundation.

Two ICO – Retina Research Foundation Helmerich Fellowships are awarded each year. The application deadline is September 30.

Each year since 2010, this fellowship has been awarded to two exceptionally well qualified young ophthalmologists from developing countries.

View past recipients (PDF-187 KB.) View more information on the ICO – Retina Research Foundation Helmerich Fellowships.

ICO-Fred Hollows Foundation One-Year Subspecialty Fellowships This fellowship provides young ophthalmologists from developing countries with subspecialty training at a designated ICO Fellowship Training Center or other fellowship training program.

Two ICO - Fred Hollows Foundation One-Year Subspecialty Fellow-

ships are awarded each year. The application deadline is September 30.

View more information about the ICO - Fred Hollows Foundation One -Year Subspecialty Fellowships.

ICO-SAARC One-Year Subspecialty Fellowships This is a fellowship exclusively for ophthalmologists from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka), providing a combination of training with local, regional, and international hosts to improve education and access to eye care in the region. It is co-sponsored by the ICO and the Southasian Academy of Ophthalmology, and is supported

by The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Ten to twelve ICO - SAARC Fellowships are awarded each year.

The application deadline is September 30.

Senator Tinubu for Pillar of Africa Award

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HE Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District and the former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, will on Saturday, September 20, be conferred with the Pillar of Africa award by the African Education Monitor. ‘’The honour is for her contributions in putting smiles on the faces of thousands of indigent students who otherwise would have found it extremely difficult to access education,’’ said the publisher of the magazine Mr Oludaisi Adetanmi.

The announcement was contained in a statement made available to The Nation “She (Tinubu) has contributed

By Medinat Kanabe

immensely at personal level and using her contacts in influencing things towards lifting legions of youths, women and other valuable groups out of despair especially through her New Era Foundation,” Adetanmi said.

“Her impact in supporting indigent students had not only been felt in Nigeria where she has been giving bursaries and scholarship to the less privileged, but also in Europe where she has consistently come to the aid of students struggling to pay school fees, and other African countries where she had built school structures and sup-

ported infrastructure,” he added.

He stated that the award programme captioned: ‘An evening of excellence with Senator Oluremi Tinubu’ will hold at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement said the award would also feature public lecture tagged: ‘The imperative of selfless sacrifice in sustaining the growth of the education sector in Nigeria’, adding that the event promises to be a veritable avenue for the high profile educationists to discuss ways of moving the sector forward.

He noted that the Africa Education Monitor award was instituted some years ago to encourage selflessness, compassion and magna-

•Mrs Tinubu

nimity in leaders towards lifting the downtrodden from disadvantaged positions to self actualisation by identifying and honouring genuine care-givers and philanthropists.

‘Handouts destroyed reading culture’

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brary Service for the four-day book fair with the theme: ‘Rejuvenating the reading culture in Nigeria: Empowering the citizenry through books.’

The Director of Nigerian Army Library Service (NALS), Col. Charles Adisa Bossman, said the event formed part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards national development.

He said the NALS decided to extend its services beyond the military.

“The central focus is to improve the reading culture in Nigeria, so we invited seasoned publishers to bring in their books at very low cost,” he

‘Only the best makes FUTA’

NTRODUCING handouts and forcing students to buy them to pass examinations is one factor that has killed reading culture among students, the Chief Executive Officer, Standard Mandate International, Mr Nelson Ayodele, has said.

He spoke at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Library Services Book Fair at the Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja Cantonment, Maryland.

He said: “I was in the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), then and this was in 1983. Things began to change; we stopped going

HE Vice-Chancellor Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, has said the university admits only best students.

He reaffirmed FUTA’s commitment to due process in all its operations, especially in conducting examinations.

Daramola’s statement was contained in a circular as the university began registration for the 2014/2015 academic year.

He said: “Only the best can make it to FUTA because FUTA’s tradition of excellence is never compromised. We have confidence in our process all the time as far as conducting examination is concerned because we have competent personnel and resources.”

He said candidates, who secured the university’s admissions, did very well in the Post-UTME examination, adding that the university is happy it conducted the Computer Based Examination, CBT, using their personnel and resources without any external help.

•From left: Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. John Obafunwa with guest speakers Dr. Jimi Arigbabuwo; Prof. Innocent Ujah; Dr. Ayoade Adedokun and Dr. Rosemary Audu, during a seminar on prevention of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) by LASU in Lagos.

By Medinat Kanabe

to the libraries because lecturers came up with the idea that if we bought their handouts, we would pass. We bought handouts, crammed and passed; some of us even graduated with a distinction.”

According to him, this was not the best option for them as the practice made many to stop reading and conducting research. ‘’All we needed to do was read our lecturers ‘handout and pass his exams,” he added.

He praised the Nigerian Army Li-

T

said.

Noting that the theme was apt, Col. Bossman stressed that NALS selected motivational topics that would move people to read. He called on associations of like minds to take advantage of the fair.

The President, Nigeria Library Association, Mr Rilwan Abdulsalam, said librarians play a very important role in the book chain.

Librarians, Abdulsalam explained, play a dual role from pre- to postproduction of books, and making sure that books follow all rules.

“We hope that the military personnel in service, retired and the civilian will cease the opportunity to make use of the fair wisely,” he added.

On the reason for the event, the Commander, Nigerian Army Education Corps, Maj.-Gen. Sunday Adebayo, said NALS felt they needed to sensitise students, the public and their officers having realised that reading culture was dying.

“We also realised that the book policy is heavy on parents as they complain that the books are too expensive. So, we decided to bring the publishers together to know how to get cheaper books,” he said.

Gen. Adebayo feared that if nothing was done to revive reading, in 10 years, the country might record a huge examination failure among students as according to him, the culture of reading might have further degenerated.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, was represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Tamunomeibi Ibifuro Dibi at the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

47

EDUCATION

‘Science education should start early’

•Science contest rewards winners

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ARLY exposure of pupils to science and technology education and capacity building of science teachers are needed if Nigeria is to join the league of technologicallydeveloped nations, says Group General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN), Mr. Paul Arinze.

Speaking at the close of the 19th MPN/NNPC STAN National Science Quiz/Project competition hosted by Asaba, the Delta State capital, as part of the 55th Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) conference, Arinze said the government must institute a policy in this regard to stimulate interest in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

He said: “In order for Nigeria to join the league of technologically advanced and economically prosperous nations, deploying creativity in technology is essential, and science education will play a crucial role in fulfilling this objective.

“Concerted efforts and policy must be put in place to not only ensure that pupils are introduced to science subjects early, but also that a greater encouragement system is instituted to identify and reward pupils showing exceptional abilities in science subjects.

“Teaching aids and other infrastructural support must also be provided to encourage pupils while science teachers must show greater commitment to their duties. Relevant authorities should also make science teachers’ capacity develop-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

ment a priority.”

Arinze’s recommendations tallied with the concerns expressed by Prof Peter Okebukola, Director, STAN Quiz Bureau, and Mr. Emmanuel Ekoluwo, a Mathematics teacher at the Delta Steel Company Model School, Aladja, Delta State.

Okebukola said this year, the contestants did not display the level of confidence usually noticed in the final of the competition. He attributed it to the process used to select the contestants.

“Last year, it was most exemplary.

It was quite heart-warming that our pupils could do so well because there were some questions that came out that many teachers could not answer within the time-frame.

“This year, I could not see that lustre and that shine. A few things could be accountable for this observation.

It could be that the process leading to the winners at the state level to come to the national level was weak.

I guess they did not use the best mechanism to get the best pupils to come for the finals. I know there are many pupils at the state level who are sharper than those presented for this year’s competition are.”

On his part, Ekoluwo, whose school has won the primary school category of the quiz competition in the last five years, faulted the government for not investing in the pupils and teachers as recommended

by Arinze.

•President, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Dr. Amos Cirfat, presenting an award to Arinze, during the competition finals in Asaba.

“For some years, the school has won this competition, yet it has not received any recognition from the state government. It has also not received any sponsorship. There has also not been any acknowledgment for us the science teachers that have taken these pupils to this level. This is not encouraging,” he said.

This notwithstanding, the competition was not without its usual thrills. The duo of Adarerhi Erere Gloria and Enameguono Aroesiri of the D.S.C Model Nursery and Primary Schools, won the Primary School category trophy for Delta

State with 118.25 points. The teams from Imo State (111), Benue (98) and Osun (96.75) were the runners up.

In the secondary school category, Imo State lifted the trophy with the help of Adolalom Obinna of Living Word Academy, Nkwerre and Ononiwa Benjamin of Alavana Model Secondary School, Owerri.

They edged out Akwa-Ibom (111) with just one point. Enugu scored 110 points to emerge third, while Ondo came fourth with 107 points.

Gloria Adarerhi, one of the primary school category winners, said her team was inspired to win because Delta State hosted the competition.

“My school authorities did not force us to read for the competition, but we made up our minds to come tops because the competition was hosted in our state and you cannot lose in your own state. We had to take first,” she said.

For 17-year-old Benjamin Ononiwa, winning the secondary school category trophy for Imo was

a dream come true, especially as he failed to do so at the primary level six years ago.

“This is a dream come true. I have always been hopeful and optimistic about my chances. I thank God for making it possible,” said Ononiwa who hopes to study Mathematical Physics in the university because of his passion for mathematics.

Cash and gift prizes were also awarded to contestants in individual subjects, science projects, and teachers’ projects, courtesy of MPN/ NNPC which has sponsored the competition for 19 years.

The five-day STAN conference attended by about 1,000 participants featured lectures, workshops for teachers, and conferment of fellowships on deserving science teachers.

Six teachers conferred with the STAN fellowship were: Ayodele Akande, Arinola Akinsete, Ezekiel David, Prof. Elizabeth Gyuru, Dr. Adebola Ifamuyiwa and Dr Muilimi Olayiwola.

Indomie donates to pupils’ training

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•Pupils of Al-Wasi Secondary School, Mushin, Lagos entertaining guests during their graduation.

Firms enlighten pupils on Ebola, leadership

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BOUT 100 secondary school pupils drawn from schools within Education District III of Lagos State were enlightened about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), careers, health issues and leadership traits at a programme organised by the district in conjunction with Ovoteri Ltd at the Akande Dahunsi Senior Secondary School, Osborne, Ikoyi.

Ovoteri pooled facilitators from among its workers, Sahara Group, and Mediss Ltd (a CPR and First Aid company), who addressed the pupils about choosing careers, Ebola, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in emergencies, as well as the need to develop good leadership traits.

The sessions were interactive, giving the pupils opportunities to ask/ answer questions and make contributions.

Dr Dolapo Aishida told the pupils

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

about the history of EVD, and how it spread through body fluids. She advised them not to share needles, syringes and avoid contact with the sick.

The duo of Oluseyi Ojurongbe and Tomiwa Adesida of the Sahara Foundation handled leadership.

Ojurongbe, Corporate Social Responsibility Supervisor of the Foundation, told the pupils they should not wait to get into positions before taking on leadership responsibilities.

“Leadership is about doing. It is the leader that makes the position.

It is about effective change; and it is something you keep doing,” he said.

Adesida, CSR Manager, at the foundation, encouraged the pupils to excel despite their background. He said attending public schools should not inhibit their success in life but become a driving force.

“You don’t have to think, ‘Oh I am deprived and I cannot make it’. It all starts with you. It is a decision you have to make,” he said.

The firm’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ovwe Sowho-Fufeyin and Ovoteri counselled the pupils about choosing careers with the help of Austin Onwusoanya, a Guidance Counsellor at Falomo Senior High School, Ikoyi.

Sowho-Fufeyin warned the pupils that making money does not translate to success and urged them to pursue their passions.

“Making money does not make you successful. If you achieve your goal then you are successful. But if you do not have any goal, there will be nothing to achieve,” she said.

Onwusoanya added that when at the crossroads, pupils should consider their abilities, strengths and what makes them fulfilled.

O boost youth empowerment, Dufil Prima Food Plc, manufacturers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has donated a cheque of N500,000 to support the Lagos Empowerment and Resources Network’s (LEARN) summer training.

LEARN is an initiative of state First Lady, aimed at empowering secondary school pupils through summer skills acquisition, vocational and entrepreneurial trainings.

The firm’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ashiwaju Temitope, presented the cheque to LEARN’s Project Manager, Mrs Bisi Awoyomi, during the grand finale of the Indomie Learn Initiative at Iponri Estate Junior High School, Surulere, Lagos.

Addressing reporters, Temitope, who praised the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Abimbola Fashola for the initiative also pledged the company’s continuous support for the programme.

“This programme is getting better by the day and most importantly because a lot of these kids are taken off the street to be engaged academically and morally. Quite a number of them are just roaming the street. If parents cannot engage them actively at home, it means somebody should take the initiative to do so and that is why we commend the efforts of the First Lady for this noble initiative that she has taken upon herself in the last six years.

“Whatever these children are

By Ibrahim Yusuff

gaining today cannot be quantified. In years to come, these are expected leaders of tomorrow.

The children that are taken off the street and engaged actively, how do you put that into naira?

But as a company, we will continue to do what we know how to do best which is to support noble courses,” he said.

Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, Awoyomi noted that some of its beneficiaries use the skills they acquired during the training to sustain themselves in tertiary institutions.

Her words: “Some of the children who have gone through this skill acquisition training are now in the university using the skills they have acquired here at the summer school to sustain themselves through education. This is the part of the thing that is motivating us to be doing this.”

On the training, one of the participants, Oboh Priscilia, from Pace Setter Comprehensive High School Ashipa Ibadan, expressed her gratitude for the firm’s gesture.

She said: “LEARN has been a very inspiring summer school that has helped the lives of many children, especially for me. I have learnt in the skills acquisition class. I have been able to learn the bead-making or how to make bead and I am benefitting from it. I make beads for my friends and church members and they give me money for that.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

48

EDUCATION ICPC to protect whistle blowers’ identity

government has identified specific areas of manpower shortages which include medical sciences, engineering, agriculture, and urban design, among others and is working with the committee to address the trend.

Yero said his government expected the beneficiaries to champion the development of mining sector, and ranch management to reduce conflicts between farmers and herdsman and to attend to their family health.

“We should raise specific expertise in Highway Engineering and Urban Planning and Design to cater for the development of our cities and rural areas.

“When this university established the Faculty of Medicine in 2008, the objective was to raise a crop of medical doctors to provide the

needed manpower for our hospitals and provide the needed health care. The policy of the university has been to restrict admission into the Faculty of Medicine to Kaduna State indigenes.

“As required, a university teaching hospital is necessary for the purpose of clinical training of medical students; hence the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital has since been designated for that purpose. In light of the foregoing, government awarded various contracts for its rehabilitation and upgrading in 2012 and was hoping that by 2013 all the projects would have been completed.

“Unfortunately, many contractors are still in deficit of their works hence we have not been able to open the hospital for clinical trainings.

We have, however, set up an Implementation Committee with members from the Ministry of Health and the Kaduna State University to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that the hospital is opened for clinical training as well as to offer tertiary health care services in the state soon.

“While this is being done, I am delighted to say that the government has decided to sponsor the first set of medical students to complete their medical training at the Kampala International University Uganda for a period of three and a half years. Accordingly, all arrangements have been completed for the students to travel out immediately to enable them commence lectures on this month.

“The state government has paid all expenses connected to this, that is, tuition fees, accommodation fees, travelling expenses, personal upkeep and book allowance. Therefore, N150 million has been paid to the university for this purpose.’’

KASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Quirix, advised the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by being committed to their studies.

He said the beneficiaries were of good conduct while in KASU, assuring that they would be good ambassadors of the state during their studies.

able.

This has assisted the nation to scale through many crises, which ordinarily would had escalated into major division or break down of the nation due to incessant display of immaturity by our political class”.

The ormer governorship candidate made it clear that the event was not for political reason, noted that the future of the country would be brighter if the lessons of the past could be used to redefine the role of youths in nation building.

Ufomba said education should be free at all levels, adding that skeptics were disappointed last year when he offered the bursary to 200 undergraduates and promised to increase the number of beneficiaries to 500 by January next year.

He said: “Free education is doable in Abia State and whether I am governor or not, I will continue to dis-

burse this bursary till I die. ‘’I have told my wife and children to continue this legacy after me.”

He urged the students to make the best use of the money and spread the good news so that others would be aware of the scheme and try to key into the system for their own benefit.

Responding, Miss Nzubechi Onumaegbu, a second year undergraduate of Food Science Technology of the Abia State University (ABSU), described the event as a rare gesture.

She said it had nothing to do with where one came from but about their future, urging the students to reciprocate the gesture by supporting Ufomba’s political ambition.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Rev Fr Joe Ahuronye, said the aim of the awards was to alleviate poverty by assisting youths and their parents to send their children to school.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it will be protect students who give information to the commission.

It said this was to allow students come up with any information on corruption in their campuses.

The Secretary to the Commission Mr. Elvis Oglafa, spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the inauguration of a six-member committee to head the Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Federal College of Education Technical, Omoku.

He was represented by the Head of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Mr. Banabas Gaji.

He said the inauguration of the committee was part of the commission’s objective to fight corruption.

He said the committee, which had been trained on how to carry out preliminary investigation, should use the power vested in ACTU to eradicate corruption in the area of operation.

He noted that ACTU was borne out of the commission’s belief that members of an organisation were in a better position to understand or identify loopholes through which corruption thrives.

He maintained that the anti-corruption crusade needed an approach, stressing that ACTU unit at the college had a task which requires a lot of sincerity, sacrifice and dedication.

Oglafa said: “There is no way the commission cannot protect students we give secret information, because that is the only way we can encourage others to come up with useful information that will lead to eradication of corruption in their campuses and the society at large.

“ACTU is not a police station; it is not a spying agent, it was instituted in the collage to enhance management activities and ensure that the goals of the college are achieved. We will pursue a robust and vigorous moral rearmament and gross socialisation which is part of ACTU mandate on education and sensitisation.

“Above that, we will eschew bitterness and acrimony and ensure that we follow laid down rules and regulations and at the end, we will attained the goal of ACTU. We are partners in progress, without ACTU I don’t think we can achieve the objective of the ICPC.” Members of the committee are Odenu Iyele (chairman), and Nnena Enebeli, (secretary). Others are: Clement Abraham, Dr. Samuel Jeremiah, Ogbiamie Emmanuel and Mrs. Joy.

A

•Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (right) presenting the scholarship award to one of the students.

129 Kaduna medical students for studies abroad N O fewer than 29 indigent medical students from the Kaduna State University (KASU) have been awarded scholarships worth N150 million to further their studies abroad.

The beneficiaries were selected on merit across the 23 local government areas of the state.

The Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who kicked off the scholarship awards, said the initiative was targeted at re-building the damaged sector and to re-engineering a new transformation through human-oriented programmes.

Presenting the award to beneficiaries at the main campus of KASU in Kaduna, Yero said the first set of medical students of the university were selected since medical science is one of the key courses under con-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

sideration by the government, adding that the expediency of getting them to complete their clinical training has become paramount.

“It is on record that the last time the Kaduna State government awarded any overseas scholarship was in the 80s when Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa was Governor. At that time, students were mainly sent to Central Europe to study specific courses such as Engineering and Agriculture. With the stoppage of the overseas scholarship awards and the corresponding instability in our university, the system had lost manpower and capacity in several areas.

“To reverse this situation, the

Politician gives bursary to 250 undergraduates

A

STALWART of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Chief Reagan Ufomba, has given busary to 250 undergraduates.

The beneficairies, who were drawn from various tertiary institutions across the country, would get N20,000 each.

He has also trained 48 graduates.

He has 198 undergraduates in his scholarship scheme, while about 103 students are expected to benefit from the scheme next year.

Speaking during the presentation in his office in Umuahia, Ufomba said he was touched by the poverty in the land which makes it difficult for many parents to provide for their children.

He said the selection of beneficiaries was transparent. He urged those who did not benefit to wait for next year’s opportunity, assuring that the scheme is meant for people like them

By Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

and that they would benefit when their time comes.

Ufomba said: “Nigerian youths have been a critical partner in the struggles for change of governments from the colonial era up to our independence in 1960 and even till date.”

He traced the societal malaise plaguing the nation to the failure of the government to develop the critical human resource sector, “The only way forward is for government at all levels to key the youths into schemes that will help them be self sufficient.

Ufomba said: “Indeed, historical facts had shown that Nigerian youths have been more restrained in great moments of threatening national crisis, political divisions and leadership questions in the past 15 years from making the nation totally ungovern-

Vote for right leaders, youths advised

NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation (NGO), Green White Green Ambassadors, has urged the youth to vote for the right candidates in spite of their political parties It also advised them to stay away from crises in the general elections which hold next year.

At a briefing in Agege, Lagos, President of the NGO, Saheed Olanrewaju Alani, said: What we want is unity in our country, we want the youth to vote for the right candidates, right leaders so that the nation will be a better place to live and remain the giant of Africa.

“The youth should stay away from

By Ibrahim Adam

crises in the election. Many of the leaders’ children are abroad; so when they come to you, tell them to use their own children and not you,” he said “Admitting to transformation, the possibility of catapulting our great nation to the next level is a collective responsibility of all, especially the youth who are usually the bedrock for transforming any society to the next level; and that is why we operate through the following watchword: identify, connect and achieve,” he said.

The group’s Secretary-General, Tunde Ogidan, also stressed that the youth have a role to play in nation

building.

“We have identified our problems; yet all we keep doing is war.We don’t want war of break up but sustain our integration with the help of the youth. We don’t want our coming generations to say we caused their problem the same way we have always said.

“If I have the opportunity of meeting President Jonathan today, I will charge him to re-orientate the people’s mindset on Nigeria with creative ideas and our institutions must work. It is about perfecting the areas that is faulty, we want our country shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world,” he added.

Old students lift alma mater with N50m projects

N

OT less than N50 million worth of projects have been executed in the last three years by the Old Students Association of the Federal Government College, Sokoto for their alma mater, according to its Sokoto State chapter Chairman, Alhaji Hassan Maccido He spoke at a briefing.

The projects include: rehabilitation of two lecture theatres, provision of a 250 KVA generator, rehabilitation of the school’s mosque, repairs of roads, installation of street lights and renovation of the multi-purpose hall (Davis Hall).

Maccido, who is also Permanent

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Secretary of the Sokoto State Teachers Service Board, said plans were underway to rehabilitate the college’s sports complex with over N 20 million, while N10 million was set aside to give the school’s recreation centre a face-lift.

“We had since opened a special projects account for the school and our members have been generously contributing money to the fund.

“This is our own little way of complementing the efforts of the federal government in funding the college,” he stressed.

50

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

51

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

OYO POLITICS The race for the House of Representatives and the Senate in Oyo central District is gathering momentum. Aspirants are setting up campaign structures, ahead of primaries, and perfecting strategies to have an edge. Correspondent BISI OLADELE reports.

.Akinjide

• Mrs Sunmonu

• Adeseun

• Ilaka

• Adeyemi

Akinjide, Sunmonu, Ilaka for Senate in Oyo Central

H

OUSE of Representatives and Senate elections are six months away. But, political gladiators in Oyo Central Senatorial District have hit the ground running.

They are working assiduously to emerge as flag bearers in their respective political parties.

The senator representing the district, Ayo Adeseun, will complete his tenure next year.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he hopes to contest for governorship. Adeseun has been changing parties as he changes clothes. Before his defection to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he was in the PDP. He had defected to the PDP in 2002, following the crisis in the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Adeseun is a formidable politician.

However, since he has now changed his political gear, some gladiators are jostling for his position. The fear of incumbency has collapsed. Adeseun’s posters have flooded the state, signaling intention to bid for the Agodi Government House. But, sources said that the politician from Ogbomoso is using the governorship ambition as a cover-up for his actual ambition to return to the National Assembly.

National Assembly aspirants in the district include Chief Jumoke Akinjide, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and Mrs. Jumoke Sunmonu. The three actors are eyeing the Senate. However, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, the son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, Hon. Bimbo Kolade and a few others want to go to the House of Representatives.

Akinjide is the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT. Sunmonu is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Ilaka, a United Kingdom-based tax consultant, is the Ladilu of Oyo. He lost the battle to Adeseun in the 2011 election.

Before she joined the senatorial race, Akinjide, the lawyer-daughter of Chief Richard Akinjide, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, was a governorship aspirant. In 2011, she had wanted to represent the district in the Senate. But, she lost to Adesun. She has not explained why she is backing out of the governorship race.

Ilaka is a veteran governorship and senatorial aspirant. She had pursued the ambition in the ACN, the PDP and the Accord Party (AP).

Sunmonu has not publicly declared her ambition. But, close associates disclosed that she has begun underground moves. Some said

that she is likely to get the ticket in the APC.

Akinjide Akinjide’s daughter is a brilliant lawyer. He has garnered experience in the public service for over a decade before she entered politics.

In 1959, her father entered the House of Representatives and became the Minister of Education. However, she has not been lucky as a parliamentary aspirant, unlike the old man. Efforts by her to represent the district in the past had failed. But, Jumoke is a competent politician. The 55-year old minister had served as Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2001 to 2003. She was appointed minister in 2011 after her failed senatorial bid. She came third in the election.

The PDP’s defeat at the governorship poll was painful to her. She worked toiled for the party during the campaigns. Since 2011, she has been funding many party activities. She is the pillar of support for the PDP faction loyal to her. She is a serious contender for the senatorial ticket.

Akinjide is not unmindful of the danger posed by the multiple crises in the PDP to its chance at the polls. Thus, she been preaching unity.

She has also made efforts to reach out to some communities and the under-privileged through her Oloye Jumoke Akinjide Foundation.

But, the minister faces some hurdles. The PDP is factionalised in the state. The second faction, which is perceived as the mainstream, may thwart her ambition. Also, the mainstream seems to be the only recognized faction. Hence, Akinjide will have to close ranks with major stakeholders to get the ticket.

Oyo Central has 11 local governments. Five are in Ibadan. Four are in Oyo and two are in Ogbomoso. Among the five in Ibadan, the PDP is only popular in one. It is not popular in Egbeda, Lagelu, Akinyele and Oluyole, going by the result of the last election. The fortune of the PDP has not improved in the four local governments in Oyo town, since the last

election. However, the PDP is not doing badly in the two councils in Ogbomoso.

If Akinjide gets the ticket, as she did in 2011, she will have to work harder to improve her chances in those local governments.

Sunmonu Sunmonu has succeeded in restoring peace to the House of Assembly, which was widely known for its recklessness, violence and assault on democracy in the past. ‘Madam Speaker,’ as she is fondly called by her colleagues, is also an ally of Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Under her leadership, the House has not recorded any crisis, violence and disharmony. The feat has contributed immensely to the peace of the state. Three parties-the APC, the PDP and the AP-have members in the House. Yet, Sunmonu has succeeded in stabilising the legislature. The reason is that she is fair to all members, irrespective of their political leanings.

There are some factors that may work for her. Her closeness to Ajimobi and the Alaafin is an advantage. The Oyo-born lawmaker also maintains a cordial relationship with her constituents. She is popular at home. When it became public knowledge that Adeseun may not re-contest, stakeholders in the four local governments in Oyo have gravitated toward the Speaker. Their calculation is that an Oyo indigene may emerge as a senator for the first time since the restoration of the civil rule in 1999. For this reason, Sunmonu is most likely to enjoy the blessing of key leaders and the masses.

An Ibadan man, Dr. Lekan Balogun, won the seat in 1999. He was succeeded by another Ibadan man, Senator Teslim Folarin in 2003.

Adesun, who succeeded Folarin, is from Ogbomoso.

However, the APC will have to find an alternative senatorial slot for Ibadan indigenes in the two districts, if Sunmonu gets the Oyo Central ticket. The contest will be hot for her in the four local governments in Oyo as the

‘The fear of incumbency has collapsed. Adeseun’s posters have flooded the state, signaling intention to bid for the Agodi Government House. But, sources said that the politician from Ogbomoso is using the governorship ambition as a cover-up for his actual ambition to return to the National Assembly’

Accord Party is likely to field Ilaka, a prominent Oyo chief.

Ilaka The former PDP chieftain defected to the Accord Party during the preparations for 2011 elections. That was after he failed to get the ticket in the ACN. He gave Adesun a good fight at the poll. He came second. That meant that he was also popular. Some even said that he was not defeated by Adesun, but by the popularity and the goodwill of the ACN in the district. Then, the votes were divided among the three candidates in the five local government areas of Ibadan.

If Ilaka picks the ticket under the Accord Party, votes in Oyo will be split between him and Sunmonu while the three of them will make Ibadan their major battle ground. Ilaka will have a much bigger ground to cover because the Accord Party’s fortune has not improved in Ogbomoso. Besides, Ilaka has maintained a low public profile since the 2011 election.

Adeyemi In Oyo Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, is leaving no stone unturned to get the House of Representatives ticket. He is in mobilising grassroots’ support for his ambition. His rival at the primaries is the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Bimbo Kolade.

The prince of Oyo has served as a council boss for about seven years. He is serious about succeeding the incumbent, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, who also hails from Atiba. He also has the backing of his illustrious father, the paramount ruler of Oyo Kingdom. However, Akinlabi is still in the race.

The constituency consists of the four councilsAtiba, Oyo East, Oyo West and Afijio. Oyo East produced the Hon. Moroof Akinwande (20032007). Atiba produced Hon. Segun Taiwo (19992003) and Hon. Akinlabi (2007 till date). Afijio and Oyo West have not enjoyed the slot.

The APC candidate will face likely AP and PDP candidates at the general election. For now, the battle for the Accord Party ticket is between Prince Nurudeen Gbadegesin (Oyo East) and Kazeem Kolawole Raji, who also hails from Oyo East. In the PDP, the former Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Busari Omoriyeba and Saheed Arowosafe from Oyo East will slug it out at the primaries.

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

52

POLITICS Former Akwa Ibom State Finance Commissioner Obong Bassey Akpan is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He spoke with KAZEEM IBRAHYM in Uyo, the state capital, on his aspiration, zoning and other partisan issues.

‘Nobody can impose candidate on Akwa Ibom’ W HY are you running for the governorship when you are not favoured by

zoning?

I want to say that I have consulted widely and am still consulting and I must say that, based on the collective feelings of the good people of Akwa Ibom State, there is a consensus that I should serve them in office as governor of the state. So far, I have visited about 24 local government areas and I would formally declare after covering the remaining seven councils.

Power comes from God and He gives it to whoever He pleases. My prayer is that God should give us a governor who loves Akwa Ibom. Akpabio has done well; he is a good governor, but God should give us a better governor that will take the state to the next level.

I am not going to be a governor by zoning, but I will be by Divine prophecy and if you feel that prophecy is not good or that it came from a false prophet, then I leave it to God to decide, because the Bible said that who is he that has spoken and it comes to pass when the Lord of Host has not commanded it. David in the Bible did not become a king by zoning, when God sent Prophet Samuel to go to the House of Jesse, God said I have found for my people a king in the House of Jesse. When Samuel got there, he thought it will be the first son which was zoning, Samuel thought it will be the second son and that was zoning and that applied to the third, while the Bible did not tell us what David’s position was, Samuel only asked if there was any one remaining and was told there was one in the bush taking care of the sheep and David became a king not by zoning, but by Divine prophecy.

Let me give you another instance.

Solomon, who took over from David, did not become a king because of zoning; he was the tenth child of David who was born by a controversial woman. So, God can make something out of nothing. He said, that I choose to bless whom I choose to bless and I

choose to hate whom I choose to hate.

Esau did nothing wrong, but God said Esau I hate and Jacob I love. So, between Esau and Jacob is the play out of a programme that is Divinely orchestrated

by God. I see my aspiration to become the Governor of Akwa Ibom State as the will of God. You may begin to wonder how I will do it, but I tell you I will do it through the support of the people of Akwa Ibom State and God in Heaven.

Like I tell people, our Governor is a human being and he has the right to support whosoever pleases him. Don’t forget that Biblical Saul wanted his first son, Jonathan, to take over from Him, which was his right. But, God said it must be David. So, the governor has the right to support who he chooses to support and the governor has demonstrated this right through the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) that he is supporting his SSG, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the next governor of the state. But, the people of the state are supporting my aspiration to lead them as governor through the instrumentality of Akwa Obong Abasi 2015. I leave my fate in the hands of the Akwa Ibom people come May 29, 2015.

Why were you dropped from the State Executive Council by Governor Akpabio?

My removal or sack from office is as a result of my interest in becoming the Governor of Akwa Ibom State based on the popular demand of the people of the state. I saw my sack as a step forward to pursue higher goals in life. That was why when the governor gave me my sack letter, he wished me well in my future endeavours.

I am happy because my modest contributions to the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio are well noted.

• Akpan

But since I left government over four months ago, I have been waxing stronger by the day.

As an aspirant, what is your pedigree?

I graduated from the University of Uyo with a very good Second Class Upper Division; I narrowly missed First Class and I have worked in the bank for about 11 years. I left the bank as a vice president in 2007 to serve the people of Akwa Ibom State as the Commissioner for Finance. I have an MBA from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I have had 18 years cognate experience. My service to the state as commissioner for finance for seven years without any blemish and with accolades, especially from my Governor that I am one of his best commissioners, makes me feel sat-

isfied.

But, what is more interesting is that Governor Akpabio served Obong Victor Attah as a commissioner for seven years and I also served him for seven years as a commissioner. Governor Akpabio once said that the only person in his cabinet that acts like him, dress like him, talks like him and gives like him is his former commissioner of finance (myself). I believe those are words of a king and it has its own powers.

So, having served for seven years with my own contributions towards uncommon transformations, I am in a vintage position to understand the dynamics and workings of the government. I am in the position to understand what happened in the last seven years in all facets of the state economy. I was also in the position to understand the vision for the greater Akwa Ibom State. So, I think that I am best positioned to take over from Akpabio by the special grace of God. Akpabio, who also served Attah, took over from him, notwithstanding the fact that Attah had his own candidate. So, I have the vision, charisma, exposure and experience to be the next governor of Akwa Ibom State and in all of these I still believe that God has the final say in the affairs of men.

If you fail to get the ticket, would you accept to become the deputy governor or the SSG? For me, I don’t think there is a better aspirant that will defeat me at the primaries. I am very confident and I am contesting the office of the governor and nothing else. You must have heard that I am very stubborn; that I was offered ministerial and senato-

‘I have received several text messages on that matter and I believe that there is no ambition that is bigger than the collective interest of the people. Umana and I are brothers. But, we see ourselves contesting same position in government. My presence at Umana’s birthday was a pointer to the fact that, no matter the political arena you found yourselves, you must always be your brother’s keeper. Everybody can contest the governorship, but we will have only one governor.’

rial positions and I refused, and that I was asked to become the next SSG, but I also refused. I asked my people what they want me to become and they said the Governor. So, I know that power belongs to the people and I am happy that I enjoy the collective acceptance of the people of Akwa Ibom State. The choice of who becomes governor lies with people who should be allowed to do so through their mandate.

And I pray that God will give us the governor who will show love to the people of the state. In 2007 notwithstanding that the former governor supported his son in-law to become the governor, the people preferred Godswill Akpabio.

Some people are saying that you are backing former Secretary to Government Umana Umana for the governorship?

I have received several text messages on that matter and I believe that there is no ambition that is bigger than the collective interest of the people. Umana and I are brothers. But, we see ourselves contesting same position in government. My presence at Umana’s birthday was a pointer to the fact that, no matter the political arena you found yourselves, you must always be your brother’s keeper. Everybody can contest the governorship, but we will have only one governor.

I will work with Umana Okon Umana so that Uyo Senatorial District can produce the governor. At that point I was referring to the interest of Uyo Senatorial District. Now, if you have it within Uyo Senatorial District and you have Umana and myself, the question will be who is the best? The answer is that late Obong Akpan Isemin, First Civilian Governor of the state is from Etinan Federal Constituency like Umana, former military governor Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga is also from Etinan Federal Constituency like Umana while Uyo federal constituency produced Obong Victor Attah, so which federal constituency is remaining to produce a governor, it is my Itu/Ibiono federal constituency in fairness and equity.

In this interview, Aniete Ukpe, the Chief Press Secretary/Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Akpabio speaks on the governor’s controversial pensions law and senatorial ambition. The actions of the governor. He spoke to SEUN AKIOYE on the Pension issue and much more.

‘Akwa Ibom PDP ‘ll not compromise zoning’

•Akpabio

G

OVERNOR Akpabio has amended the Akwa Ibom Pen sions Law. Why did he bow to public pressure?

Actually, this was a 16-year old law, which was just amended by the House after due deliberation of an executive bill. The state government noticed a lacuna in the open-ended provision for the medical treatment of former governor and deputy governor and their spouses. It therefore, sought to put a ceiling to it to safeguard against it against abuse and protect public funds.

In clear terms, the amendment was right and was made with all good and patriotic intentions. Sadly though, in Akwa Ibom State, politicians try to reap selfish political capital out of everything. Where the law simply put a ceiling on how much, in terms of health insurance, former governors and deputy governors and their spouses

who were sick (note who were sick) were entitled to annually, the politicians mischievously cast it as if it were a yearly pay out to former governors and deputy governors. This was preposterous falsehood!

On why Governor Akpabio decided to have the law amended, you should remember that he ended his speech to the press by referencing Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s quotation that “history will vindicate the just.” History will definitely vindicate him. Take this for an example; the legendary scientist, Galileo Galilei was the first man to propose that the earth moves around the sun and not the sun moving around the earth. That did not sit well with the religious establishment led by Archbishop Asconia Piccolomini, who maintained that scripture’s position was that Joshua asked the sun to stand still and it did. Galileo argued that Joshua may not have known, but all the same God may have caused the earth to stop for Joshua to achieve his ends. He maintained that scripture was true but should not be taken literally or in the context of man’s understanding. He was put on trial (like the press put Governor Akpabio on trial), and asked to recant. He did in the interest of peace. But when he left the court, he looked up at the sky and at the ground and stamping his foot, said, “Eppur si muove!” (still this earth moves). Today history has vindicated Galileo.

If the press had sought to be fair, it

‘Eket Senatorial District is the only district that has not produced a governor in the 26 years. In line with the principle of zoning and extant agreements, it is, therefore, fit and proper for Eket senatorial district to have a sense of belonging by producing the next governor’ would have compared the Pensions Law in Akwa Ibom with those of other states and they would have known that Akwa Ibom has the most modest of such law in Nigeria. I believe that history will vindicate Governor Akpabio.

Some people have argued that the Pensions Law ran into a storm because the press was not carried along?

Such thinking is not only patronising, it gives the impression that some sections of the press cannot analyze events on their face value. You do not need to carry the press along when you are sending your child to school. You do not have to carry the press along when you are undertaking a righteous cause of action. Remember to the pure all things are pure. This is more like noticing that your house is on fire and your try to fix

it up. Only for your neighbour to block the fire truck and claim that you did not carry him along before calling the fire truck.

What Governor Akpabio did was a righteous act and he could not have anticipated that men who do not wish the state well would seek to destroy it for their selfish advantages using the press. Governor Akpabio is not just any governor, he is a governor, whose uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State speaks for him, and testifies to his statesmanship, candor, forthrightness, integrity and good conscience. Asking for the law to be amended has been applauded by many Nigerians and has strengthened his credentials as uncommon leader with a good heart and conscience. More so it would have been unfair and unjust for these ill-intentioned politicians to seek to define his sterling performance as a governor by referencing this law.

Why is the governor insisting on the zoning of the governorship to Eket Senatorial District?

When Governor Akpabio says it is the turn of Eket Senatorial District to produce the next governor, he is speaking the minds of Akwa Ibom people.

His position is based on justice, equity and fairplay. These are attributes that endear him to the people and mark him out as a statesman. He had town hall meetings in all the Federal Constituencies in the state and the people

were unanimous that power should be zoned to Eket Senatorial District. Eket Senatorial dDstrict is the only district that has not produced a governor in the 26 years. In line with the principle of zoning and extant agreements, it is, therefore, fit and proper for Eket senatorial district to have a sense of belonging by producing the next governor.

That has been the governor’s and Akwa Ibom people’s just position. Those who fault this are a vocal minority who are not driven by altruistic interests. Added to this is that zoning is in the PDP constitution and should be observed.

What is your reaction to the insinuation that the Secretary to the Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel, is his anointed governorship candidate?

Considering his antecedents and contributions to the banking industry, the SSG, Mr Emmanuel Udom, is eminently qualified to be the next governor of Akwa Ibom State. He is from Eket senatorial District. He shone like a thousand stars in the banking industry and rose to the top echelon of the industry by deploying the Akwa Ibom attributes of integrity, honesty and diligence. He is doing an excellent job as the Secretary to the State Government. He commands great respect throughout the length and breadth of the state.

The fact remains that Governor Akpabio is imbued with a democratic spirit and would not impose someone on Akwa Ibom State that the people do not want. He is too much of a democrat.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

CLINIC DAY Managing Director, Sylken Limited, Mr Uche Nwang, representative of Nature’s Field, makers of Adam and Eve’s Desire, answers the question on sexuality. Seaduck Nigeria Limited, Health Coach Sam Ayeni tackles the one on the immune system.

CLINIC DAY

‘You can regain your sexuality as you age’ I

MUST first decry the culture of silence around the problem in Nigeria. Data from the researches by Nature’s Field suggests that 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction, yet it is a topic many people especially women are hesitant or embarrassed to discuss.

Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages but in women many factors can contribute to low libido, including a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments, depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue.

Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children. Menopausal transition is considered the most difficult time for a woman to remain sexually active. In addition

Questions: 1 I am a 52-year-old mother of three. I am having some misunderstanding with my partner in the area of marital duties. My friend suggested a product, Eve’s Desire to me; please can you give me information on the product?

Mrs Dupe Ijaodola, Event Planner, Ikorodu, Lagos.

2 My therapist suggests I get Apple Cider Vinegar to boost my immunity, can you tell me other advantages of same?

Seun Kosoko, Ibadan, Oyo State. to the hot flashes and fatigue, vaginal dryness and loss of libido of-

ten interfere with sexual function.

Eve’s Desire is a unique targeted blend of vitamins and standardised extracts, supporting the mechanisms that promote healthy sexual function and libido in women. Benefits that can be derived from Eve’s Desire include: Enhancing libido and sexual appetite in women; regulates hormonal levels in women; improves vaginal dryness in women and helps restore their sexual desire; helps the body to react in positive ways to sexual stimulation; increases strength and improves sexual performance.

It also alleviates stress and increases mental alertness; improves sexual response in women; helps maintain temperature and support in bone health; supports healthy thyroid function, raise energy levels, endurance, limb power, strength and agility and improves nutrient bioavailability, boosts digestion and nutrient absorption.

•Nwang

‘Many benefits of Apple cider vinegar’

•Ayeni

A

PPLE cider vinegar, known as cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple. It has a pale to medium amber colour. Apple cider vinegar is easy to identify in the market, it is the murky brown vinegar, the one with the sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Apple cider

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vinegar has been used for hundreds of years largely for medicinal purposes.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is made from nutritious organically grown apples and retains many of the fruits’ beneficial components because raw apple cider vinegar is not pasteurised. And in its two fermentation processes, it produces enzymes and life giving nutrients that make apple cider vinegar the powerhouse it is.

Unpasteurised or organic ACV contains ‘mother of vinegar’, which makes the vinegar look thicker and amber coloured. The “mother” is made up of living nutrients and bacteria. You can actually see it settled in the bottom of the bottle like sediment.

It is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and Yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol.

In a second of fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria. Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.

AVC is rich in minerals. Beneficial ingredients in raw apple cider vinegar give it its power to make us feel better, look better and feel energised. Some of the beneficial ingredients in raw apple cider vinegar are- Potassium – helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses; Pectin – helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol; Malic Acid – gives ACV the properties of being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal; Calcium – helps create strong bones and teeth; Ash – gives ACV its alkaline property which aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state and Acetic Acid –acid slows the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals.

There is a long history of its use in

medicine dating back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates used it to treat his patients. AVC is considered to be a potent remedy for illnesses and overall health. Here are at a glance some of its health benefits: Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar work to help internal inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract when added to salads or taken diluted with water. It helps reduce bloating, belching and heartburns.

Aids with weight loss: By regulating blood sugar levels, apple cider vinegar also assists in weight loss.

Insulin will not direct sugar to be stored as fat Clears skin: Apple cider vinegar is astringent and it is an antiseptic. It helps with acne and pimples.

Gets rid of dandruff: The fungus Malassezia furfur, which causes dandruff, is eradicated by the antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar.

Helps with Arthritis: Apple cider vinegar has potent anti-inflammatory properties and helps with pain of the joints.

Lowers glucose in diabetics: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can slow down starch digestion. This will help lower glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Lowers bad cholesterol: The presence of pectin in apple cider vinegar helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body.

Rich in minerals: Potassium, magnesium and many other minerals are in apple cider vinegar. Potassium controls the water balance in the body. Magnesium helps with digestion.

Protects against cancer: Apple cider vinegar contains beta-carotene, which according to the Mayo Clinic, possesses antioxidant properties that counteract damage caused by free radicals. ACV protects against cancer and boosts the immune system.

Yeast Infection: Apple cider vinegar reduces yeast infections in women by adding two tablespoons of the vinegar to a douche. This remedy should be taken with caution.

Garlic, chicken soup, others can boost immune system

T is well known that what you eat determines how you feel.

Our bodies need vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients in order to function properly so that you could be your best self. However, bacteria and viruses do attack and people do get sick once their immune system weakens. Whether your immune system is weak because of stress, or malnutrition or a chronic disease, the right food will help.

• Garlic Garlic is one of the most cited foods to fight bacteria and viruses and help you be and stay healthy. What separates garlic from other alliums is allicin, which can’t be found in the necessary amounts in other members

of the onion family. Perhaps the smell will put you off, but you can easily put some in your salad, in a sauce or a home cooked meal, and still reap the benefits.

•Chicken Soup This is a well-known fact, and if you ever wondered why, here’s the answer: Cystein, which is an amino acid that gets released from chicken during cooking, bears a certain chemical resemblance to acetylcysteine—the bronchitis drug. This is how it works: Cystein stops the accumulation of inflammatory white cells in the bronchial tubes, and the broth keeps mucus thin. In order to further boost its immune power, add garlic and mushrooms.

•Mushrooms Shiitake, maitake, and reishi

mushrooms are your answer as they contain the biggest amount of immunity boosters out of all mushrooms. They are efficient because they help your body produce more white blood cells and making them active and aggressive (in a good way).

•Beef We are citing beef because of zinc. Zinc deficiency is one of the biggest nutritional shortfalls.

With so many vegetarians and people cutting back on beef (or any red meat for that matter) it is no wonder that this is the main reason why some people get ill.

This immunity boosting mineral can also be found (in nor so great amounts) in oysters, milk or yoghurt, poultry (see the pattern here) and pork.

•Sweet Potatoes When talking about the immune system, we are not just talking about the blood; we are also talking about the other organs, especially skin. As the largest human organ, skin is also the biggest barrier between you and bacteria/viruses. In order to keep her healthy, you need vitamin A, and our recommended source for it is sweet potato. It will deliver the right amount of beta carotene, that will then be transformed into vitamin A and used to produce connective tissue. You can also vary by eating cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkins etc.

•. Fish We cannot accentuate the importance of this food. Fish, as

well as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, are effective and can help white blood cells produce cytokines (basically proteins that help eradicate flu viruses from your body. Additionally, don’t forget that they are a fantastic source of omega 3 acids.

• Grapefruit The benefits of citruses have been known for quite some time, and we don’t need to list in detail why vitamin C, present in grapefruit, lemon, oranges etc. is good for your health. We will, however, say, that red grapefruit is high in bioflavanoids, which produce positive reactions in your system and boost your immunity.

Source: www.google.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH

Some natural ammunition against Ebola Virus fever (5)

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IGERIA brims with vast, great blessings. Like the proverbial cat with nine or more lives, it has a surprising way of pulling back from a cliff from where it would have been expected to fall headlong into perdition.

From many indications, this potentially great country would appear to have mastered Ebola Virus fever which the Western media had thought would kill hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people. This could have been a forerunner plague to man election plague of 2015 which these media predicted years ago could ferment one of the big five wars “waiting to happen” in Africa. Four of these wars have happened in Liberia, the Sudan, Ethiopia and Malawi. Our doctors and nurses deserve all the accolades we can heap on them for bravery and for finding a home-grown answer to Ebola. No fever than three of them died in the process, like soldiers in battle. But they have clipped the wings of this terrible virus to the shame of those countries, particularly the United States, which had hoped to fish large stocks of money from troubled waters in Nigeria, selling Ebola virus vaccines, hand sanitizers and other anti-Ebola medicaments.

I have not stopped to wonder how much money the American epidemic mongers would have raked out of Nigeria if only 80 million of us agreed to be vaccinated against the virus at a conservative net margin to them of about N1,000 per vaccination. That could be a whopping N80,000,000,000 profit! This could be the tip of an icebery as a Nigerian haul could trigger an Africa bandwagon. This battle to drain Nigeria’s economy, and the battle to block the drains, threw up many ideas and controversies which, in the round-off of this series, this column wishes to comment upon today…

Nano Silver

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DID not track details of Nano Silver controversy. All I remember is a triangular fueding. One person suggested to the government that NanoSilver could destroy ebola virus, if it is given as a drug, to infected persons. Another person claimed to be the inventor of Nano Silver and to have proposed it to the government in the 1970s when ebola fever struck in Zaire. This person said government bureaucrats swept the proposal under the carpet at that time and seemed to suggest a fraudulent act in the re-incarnation of sort of this idea through someone else at this time through.

In the third leg of the triangular controversy, the government may have spiked the Nano Silver suggestion, describing it as a particle. This controversy was amusing to me because, personally, I have been using Nano Silver as a medicine and suggesting it, also, to other persons for about 20 years. Nano Silver is nothing but colloidal silver. The metal, silver, has been found in medicinal dosages to be a very effective broad-spectrum antiviral and antibiotic agent.

Nano, which qualifies a brand of silver, is merely the technology which fractionalises or manipulates an atom or molecule to about one-thousandth of its particle size. This is the colloidal sixe which, placed under the tongue or in the mouth, goes directly into the bloodstream. Substances with larger particles have to be broken down by the digestive system before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

In this process, they lose some details and are, thus, less effective than nano or colloidal sizes.

Nano Silver is not used only in medicine. It is in the most modern computers, improving application speed and efficiency. Also, nano does not apply to only silver. For there are nano or colloidal calcium, vitamins and other minerals.

Ionyte, which I sold and used for more than 10 years, is colloidal coral calcium. More than 10 million North Americans use colloidal silver as medicine. So important has nano technology become to Western economies that the United States government has invested about $3.7 billion into its research. The European Union trails behind with about $12 billion and Japan US$750 million.

Naso Silver has enjoyed medical use in Nigeria’s Alternative Medicine practice for many years. Nnagoze Ochis Wellness company sold it as Silvergen, a 10ppm product.

Omotayo Foods marketed the 5ppm brand. Havillah and Nature’s Gift for Life sell other variants. Ppm means colloidal silver part per million of the carrier base. I take a cue from some American hospitals to infuse one or two drugs in my eyes if I have discharges or suspect infection. In those hospitals, colloidal silver is dropped routinely into the eyes of new born babies, to protect them against infection they may have picked up in the birth canal. It may be dropped in the ears as well, to clear infections. Any time I suspect I am likely to suffer diarrhoea, or whenever I experience rumblings in my bowels, I drop 5mls of colloidal silver in a 1.5 liters bottle of water, shake and sip. In the days I travelled regularly from Lagos to Enugu in May, September and December, I never failed to take colloidal silver along. During one of such trips, it saved me from runny tummy after I ate an infected Igbo delicacy called Abacha. Women who suffer from vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) may find it useful, as a douching substance, as they should, also, for vaginal candidacies and other ailments of this vault. I have found it helps those cracks in the heels caused by fungal infections respond favourably to colloidal silver. It isn’t a bad idea to try it on athlete’s foot also. I haven’t tried it on ring worm or scalp infections or dandruff, but I suspect it would clear them.

Oh, I almost forgot to add that I sometimes use it as an offershave massage lotion. The skin absorbs it readily. As aftershave razor bumps are caused by germs infecting the broken skin or the hair follicle, colloidal silver should take care of that. The only major side effect I have heard of is Agyria, a graying patch on the skin caused by excess silver in the system. But, then, one would have to have taken colloidal silver on a prolonged basis to develop this condition.

As many researchers of nano silver have suggested, it is

unfair to give it a lead name. Such name calling as an “insecticide” comes from a powerful American lobby which is pressing for the regulation of nano silver in medicine and other applications, including use in computers and energy production. In the opposing American lobby camp are those nano industry investors and researchers who see the onslaught as typical of all movements which resist change and expansion of frontiers. The anti nano silver group says colloidal silver as an insecticide may overload plants with silver. They pin their argument on the poisoning of San Fransisco Bay by huge dumps of silver waste products by the silver industry there. But the protagonists say nano silver insecticide in the soil can never have the concentration of those heavy dumps. They say that, in the soil, nano silver quickly binds with other minerals and substances (silver oxide or silver nitrate for example) which are inert and does not exist in free silver form. It is possible the drive against the use of nano silver in ebola virus fever therapy in Nigeria took its origin from the anti-nano campaigners in America who do not see nano silver beyond its use as an insecticide.

It is unfortunate that the Nigerian government fell prey to these nano attackers who would prefer that Nigeria import anti-ebola virus vaccines instead.

Mr. Alo Oluwayomi, a 21-year-old University of Ilorin telecommunications science student, advised me on Tuesday of at least 10 modern uses of nano technology. One of them is the fabrication of bullet proof jackets which cost $20,000 each. In one experiment, mice injected with nano materials regained their ability to use paralysed limbs in another use, nano fiber was used to stinulate the human body to regerate lost or damaged cells.

An upcoming use is incorporation of nano materials into fabric to make clothes which would be able to charge phones and portable devices. Nano blades would cut through metals or stones. The British Broadcasting Corporate has reported a possible adverse effect in which self replicating nano “buts” would consume all materials on earth, leading to an apocalypse or dooms day.

Nano household pants are thought to be dangerous to nerves and the brain. The wall gecko is said to have nano hairs which make it attach to smooth walls. Nano bucky paper, for making bullet proofs, is 10 times lighter and 250 times tougher than steel. All these suggest our world is changing, perhaps to those “masterpieces” civilisation long foretold.

Hand Sanitizers BOLA virus scare has refreshed the words hand sanitizers in our vocabulary. Although I learned in primary school way back in the 1950s to wash my

E

hands with water and soap before and after meals, sanitation, for many years, has been a word I hate to hear. And the root cause is the Environmental Sanitation Day in Nigeria when all movements are restricted indoors between 7am and 10am. During this period, everyone is required by federal law to clear garbage in his or her home and deposit it outdoor for the dust men to pick up and dump in garbage dumps. The law is a creation of a military government. In Lagos State, another variant of the law prevents shopowners from opening for business before 10am every Thursday.

During the limbo hours, they must clean their shops and the environment. I believe these are illegal and silly laws. The constitution permits freedom of movement as a fundamental human right. It guarantees, also the right to eke living.It may be abridged only where the safety of the state or that of a citizen may be impaired. Isn’t it silly that the banks and government offices open for business on Thursdays but the shops next door run by pour citizens must lock out their businesses for three hours? Isn’t it silly, Also that transport owners are ekeing a living at this time but shop owners cannot, that better ways of enforcing environmental cleanliness cannot be figured out? Beyond the crudeness in the black man’s ways of doing things the more civilised races are doing in better ways, ebola virus scarce has brought another dimension to keeping the hands clean always. I made the point in earlier parts of this series that

It isn’t hand sanitisation alone which protects against an infection but the state or condition of the immune system.

Hand sanitisation has thrown up another industry which drains scarce Nigerian capital to Asia, Europe and America!

It is like if you can’t milk them on Ebola vaccine, suck them up elsewhere. When I entered the branch of a bank in Ilupeju, Lagos, two weeks ago, all the staff wore gloves and nose guards. My acquaintance, Mr Hycinth Uzor, said cynically that that must be a good contract for the wife of one of the directors! I saw the picture somewhat differently. If the bank protects its staff while taking in my money but doesn’t protect me when I am making withdrawals, either on the counter or at the ATM machines, what is it telling me?… that I am on my own? Maybe to hoodwink us into never ceasing to think of Ebola, for the money they will make from it, some Chinese who came into Nigeria a few weeks ago through the Lagos airport, wore nose guards and hand gloves. When I heard about this, I asked: if Nigera has become a graveyard, what are they doing here? Mr. Sam Ayeni, who markets Udo’s Oil in Nigeria, told me of a spectacle he beheld at a popular pharmacy in Lagos. Someone had brought thousands of Chinese made hand sanitizers for the pharmacy to sell. The pharmacy had the good sense to scan the label, and get the Chinese inscriptions interpreted. The pharmacy had sold about half of the consignment by the time the English interpretation arrived.

Good gracious… the product had expired in 2011, three years ago! Of course, the suppliers were called to evacuate their junk!

Most hand sanitizers on sale in Nigeria today, courtesy of ebola virus scare, are no better, being junk chemicals.

Chemicals in soaps irritate the cells of the hands and damage nerve endings. The skin is absorbent and sucks in some quantum of them. That pollutes the blood and the organs.

Even harmless – looking chemical detergents we wash clothes with cause wrinkling of the skin. In some health conscious countries, the producers of soaps and detergents must by law state the active ingredients of their soaps.

Many of them work by oxidizing dirt and grit. Any wonder that the skin on the back of the palm wrinkles through oxidation when we wash with bleach or these soaps? In many more health - conscious countries, as I said, the movement now is towards natural non chemical soaps.one of those dishes and clothes washing soaps, which is good also for hands washing, better than all the chemical laden stuff we are now exposed to courtesy of ebola virus , is called Alaffia. Soon to make its debut in Nigeria, this soap with a name which sounds like Alafia the Yoruba word for health, or lafia, the Hausa equivalent, is made in the United State by some African Americans from Palm Kernel seed extract, palm oil and shea butter, all imported from Togo. Many such variants are available in South Africa and Ghana, to mention only two health progressive countries in Africa.

In Nigeria, almost anything goes!

But, luckily, there are many hand sanitizer products in Nigeria which, save for their cost, may displace these harsher and dangerous germicides. For a long time, I have been using Aloe Gelly, an aloe vera gel product packed in a tube by Forever Living Products (FLP). For my skin, scalp and hand, I use a concoction of it and olive oil or coconut oil. When I do not have Aloe Gelly, I use these oils alone.

Coconut oil has lauric acid, which kills germs even in the intestines. Massaged on the buttocks of babies with nappy rash caused by fungi, it kills the parasite outright. Coconut milk powder, in place of disease-causing cow’s milk, has similar effect in the bowels besides Aloe Gelly, the Nigerian Alternative Medicine Market also offers Propolis Cream. Propolis is the antibiotic and antiviral substance the honey bees paint or coat the inside of their hives with, to sanitize it and prevent infection. This is one of the reason honey keeps for hundreds of years as evidenced, for example, in the centuries old Egyptian mummies embalmed with honey. Propolis is available in tablets, crème, syrup and even tinctures. I understand FLP has designed a handy wallet or purse hand sanitizer made from Aloe Vera and Honey!

Lastly, I would like to mention Maria Treben Bitters. It is made from a group of cleansing herbs which are good for kidney, liver, bowels, the blood and the organs, Mrs Yomi Whyte, of GRA Scheme I, Oko Oba, Lagos, has been hooked to it since it took way some of her medical conditions. A few months ago she, referred to me at home the mother of a baby who had a swollen buttock for months following the infection of an injection needle site. The baby was in pains and all I had at home that afternoon was a bottle of Maria Bitters. The formula of the bitters was given to Maria Treben, a well-known Austrian herbalist of our time by a gentleman who lived to ripe old age, as we say, dying after falling off a horse at the age of 104. The baby’s mother massaged Maria Treben Bitters on the buttocks of her baby and, within one week, a month’s old swelling disappeared. I have experienced similar effects with inflammatory conditions. In her book,. HELP THROUGH GOD’S PHARMACY, Maria Treben details about 42 health conditions which this formula helps. It is so versatile that I sometimes add a capful (teaspoonful) of it to my bath water, I believe this is better than bathing with salt water, which may alkalize the skin and make it prone to hosting germs.

Another capful in the water closet takes way fecal odour caused by the fermenting action of germs. When dispensed on the hands with a sprayer, Maria Treben bitters should sanitize it against Ebola Virus. But, for many people, this may have a naughty side effect. This formula is bitter. As it may not rinse off completely when the hand is washed before a meal, it may make the food taste bitter. But isn’t this a bonus when we remember the Yoruba saying that “ the enemy of the mouth is the friend of the bowels?

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

Telecoms sector analysts have said the future of the world is Information Communication Technology (ICT). Technology is fast evolving, moving towards the era of singularity. Mobile phones will continue to play a crucial role in this evolution. The launch of a multi-purpose Security Verified Identity (SVID) card

by Glo and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is another initiative that will be driven by mobile phones, providing relief for the incapacitated, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

Mobile succour for dead, broken limbs B

EFORE he lost one of his two legs to a road mishap about four years ago, he ran a flourishing transport business with three Toyota Hiace buses. While he drove one, he got two drivers to drive the others. He plied the Lagos/Abuja route while the others ran through the Lagos/ Akure and Lagos/Ado Ekiti routes respectively.

On one of his trips to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, armed robbers threw a disused rim at his speeding bus. In an attempt to avoid the rim, he lost control and the bus veered into the thick forest and somersaulted. Two passengers lost their lives while he cheated death by the whiskers, losing one of his limbs in the process.

Today, the driver who identified himself simply as Aare manages the remaining two buses. He changes drivers as many times as possible because the drivers kept cooking up one excuse or the other in order not to ‘deliver’ to him. He eventually sold the buses and used the proceeds to start a small business.

While Aare is lucky to have two other buses in his fleet, Adisa had just one Sienna car with which he plied the Lagos/Port Harcourt route. During one of his trips to the oil rich city, he suffered burst tyre while at top speed.

The car somersaulted thrice and was a complete write-off. He was one of the three survivors of the fatal accident but lost one of his legs. Today, he walks on crutches and begs for alms at motor parks, telling his sad tale to whoever cares to listen.

Aare and Adisa are just two of the sad tales that trail each auto crash in the country. Drivers are cut down at their prime. Stories such as theirs are very common in the country.

Many of them never rise after the fall as they become burdens to their families. They are also not covered by any insurance policy that they could fall back upon when the unwanted happens.

It is in view of situations such as these that the recent partnership between national telecoms operator, Globacom, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), 13 insurance firms, three brokers, five money deposit banks (MDBs) and a firm, Capital 3 Limited to float an insurance cover for members of road transport union becomes instructive.

The insurance scheme is known as the Security Verified Identity Card (SVID), which will provide comfort to families and relations of any NURTW member that dies or suffers permanent disability due to road accidents.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu who attended the launch praised the telco for thinking out of the box by launching a product that will provide comfort to families and relations of any NURTW member that dies or suffers permanent disability due to road mishaps.

Head, Glo Gateway, Mr Steve Stretch, who spoke during the launch of the scheme in Abuja, said the immediate family of any NURTW member who dies in an accident will be paid N1million to cushion the effect of the untimely demise of their breadwinner, while N850, 000 will be paid to the family of any member who suffers permanent disability occasioned by road accident in the discharge of his daily activities.

He said: “In as much as no one prays for accidents, we know that such can happen unannounced. When people die untimely in accidents or become incapacitated through accidents, their families suffer untold hardship, especially where such victims are the breadwinners. This is what Globacom wants to forestall with this scheme.”

Mr. Stretch added that the peculiar nature

• Globacom Chairman Dr. Mike Adenuga

• Wogu

• Oyeyemi

of the daily activities of NURTW members who are permanently on the road, crisscrossing from one part of the country to another, calls for a good life insurance package that will give hope to their families, should any unforeseen event happen.

He further said: “We also believe that family members of the NURTW, like any other families in other industries, should enjoy the basic things of life such as education of the children, feeding, clothing, (and other basic necessities of life) if the bread winner is incapacitated, or is no more available.”

In addition to this, the SVID card will serve as identity cards and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) code cards for NURTW members.

To access these benefits, Mr. Stretch disclosed that members of the union will be expected to subscribe to the Globacom network and recharge with a minimum of N1,000 airtime every month, using their bank accounts on which the SVIDs have been programmed.

He said the telecoms company decided to institute the insurance scheme in order to make members of the union discharge their responsibilities of ensuring a seamless transportation network round the country confidently with the assurance that their families will be well catered for in the event of any occupational hazard.

Stretch recognised the important roles other partners will play in the initiative and thanked them for joining Globacom to improve the lives of members of the NURTW. Speaking on the initiative, National Presi-

dent of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin said the welfare of his constituency propelled him and members of the union’s executive council to decide to partner with Globacom on the project. He said the SVID will also help the union to have a comprehensive database of all members of the union in the country.

Group Managing Director, Skye Bank, Mr Timothy Oguntayo who was represented by the Regional Director for North Operations, Mr Tope Adewuyi, said the bank believes that organisational objectives could be attained through the provision of quality, timely and efficient service.

He said: “In this pursuit, it continues to conquer new frontiers in its operating environment and raising the bar of competition.”

Managing Director, Royal Exchange Assurance, Mr Richard Borokinni, promised to promptly pay claims arising from the scheme once accidents involving NURTW members are properly documented and referred to the insurance company.

Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi said the scheme is a brilliant initiative that will not only help the government to fight crime but will also take care of the welfare of the road transport workers.

He said: “It is a giant stride for an all-encompassing welfare package for members of the road transport union. The use of proper identification cannot be over emphasized considering the current security situation in the country.”

According to Oyeyemi, the initiative is coming at a time universal adoption of identity cards is supported by law enforcement agencies which makes surveillance and identification of criminals easier.

“The FRSC associates with you in realising the full benefits of the scheme as in doing so, the commission can also provide improved services to he Nigerian motoring public and enhance safety and national security,” he said.

Senior Partner, LLP, Tope Adebayo & Co, Tope Adebayo said SVID is a unique ATM card embedded with multi-purpose functions in school work, payment of utility bills, security card, all payments and insurance pocket. He said it is designed for all formal and informal settings and it is a private sector driven initiative that will contribute to and support the harmonisation and integration of data base of both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

He said: “SVID is a co-branded ATM card designed specifically to serve as corporate identity card carrying the logo of the organisation and picture of the card holder with the aim of reducing financial crimes and identity stealing in the country. It serves as evidence of one year insurance cover for the bearer against accidents and permanent disabilities. It shall also assist in planning, and data harmonisation.”

He explained that the N300,000 annual group personal accident insurance comes with N1million against death, N850,000 for permanent disability. He said the card could be connected to mobile money, work with point of sales (PoS) terminals, internet adding that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) could also be displayed on the card.

He said Capital 3 has partnered Hogg Robbison Nigeria Limited as lead insurance brokers while 13 underwriters including Royal Exchange Assurance (lead underwriter), Leadway Assurance, Custodian & Allied Assurance, AIICO, NEM, Standard Assurance, Mutual Benefits, Law Union & Rock, Niger Insurance and Staco Insurance.

Hogg Robbinson is supported by UTIB Insurance Brokers and Revelation Brokers whie Skye Bank is the lead financier of Capital 3. The scheme is also supported by UBA, Union Bank, Wema Bank and Heritage Bank.

‘SVID is a co-branded ATM card designed specifically to serve as corporate identity card carrying the logo of the organisation and picture of the card holder with the aim of reducing financial crimes and identity stealing in the country. It serves as evidence of one year insurance cover for the bearer against accidents and permanent disabilities.

It shall also assist in planning, and data harmonisation’

59

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

e-Business

Insurgency takes toll on telecom service in Northeast

R

ESIDENTS of major towns in Borno State, an epicentre of Boko Haram insurgency, are finding it difficult in accessing telecommunication services.

They alleged that they are being compelled to pay heavily for telecoms services because the network signals are poor.

According to a resident who identified himself simply as Audu, any time some of them wish to make calls from their villages to Maiduguri or Abuja, they will need to trek as far as 30km to the next town where network signals have strayed into the community.

Audu who spoke through an interpreter said: “Some of us are at the mercy of the network of neighbouring countries such as Cameroun, Niger or Chad. We need to communicate to survive and get along with our trans-Sharahan trade.

“Northern Borno for instance is completely at the mercy of the Republic of Cameroun as most of the border towns do not have Nigerian networks. Where they do have,

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

they do not operate with the +234 Nigerian country code. So to talk to loved ones in Mafa from Ngala for instance, we must migrate from the Cameroun country code of +237 to that of Nigeria’s +234 to get a cousin in Mafa just because there are no Nigerian masts to support their communications.”

Another resident who identified himself as Ahmadou said while traveling along the federal road stretch, there were many areas where the networks disappeared and reappeared, especially on approaching a local government headquarters such as Dikwa. “When I got to a particular bridge which is between Cameroun and Nigeria, I was advised by fellow travellers to avoid calls coming from Nigeria since my phone had already alerted me that I was now in Cameroun. Picking any call may lead to getting my entire airtime wiped off because call tariffs are far higher in Cameroun,” he said.

He said Etisalat’s network took over the airwaves because it was the

only contiguous network in the area, adding that what appeared on his mobile phone screen was: “Etisalt welcomes you to Cameroun N175 per minute for local calls, N395 per minute to call Nigeria, receive calls at N39 per minute and send text messages at N105 per page. Internet and data usage will be charged at N20 per 10kb session excluding local Blackberry and data plans.”

The Nation’s checks revealed that almost all the major towns either do not have networks such as Airtel, MTN and Globacom or are using whatever Cameroun could offer simply because the base transmission stations (BTS) have been vandalised by the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents.

Secretary, Borno Elders’ Forum, Bulama Gubio lamented that most of their towns and villages are not hooked to the major service providers. He alleged neglect in terms of the provision of telephony services.

“When my people call Airtel or MTN, they are charged extra by these networks and that serves as a drain on the little they have,” he lamented

Towns such as Abadon, Kukawa, Gubio, Magumeri, Marte and even the isolated Kalarbagi and more than 50 towns and villages are not connected to any service providers.

A major dealer of telephones accessories and recharge cards, Tenimu Mustapha lamented that his shop was overrun by insurgents recently, adding that he sells both Cameroonian and Nigerian air time for interested customers. He regretted that sales have gone down since the beginning of the insurgency in the area.

He said: “We just have to remain at the mercy of Cameroon as long as our brothers in the rest of the country want us to remain so. You can’t imagine that each time we make a call to a place as close as Dikwa here or even Barma, we are charged more by Nigeria.

“We are only exempted from that when we call the numerous villages and towns along the border towns. That means we will be restricted to within the Cameroun network instead of crossing into the +234 which is Nigeria’s.”

Reacting to enquiries, Manager, Public Relations, Etisalat Brands and Communications Division, Chineze Amanfo, said the telco does not charge discriminatory tariff in the country.

She said: “The highest tariff on Etisalat network (offnet inclusive) are 40k/sec for voice calls, 5k per kilobyte for browsing and N4 per sms page. Any of these can only go higher if the customer is making an international call or browsing whilst roaming or sends text message to international number & premium rated services (downloads and special services).

“We have the Dynamic Discount Tariff product – Talkzone for the NE region. Talkzone offers dynamic tariffs to customers based on the location and network utilisation at the time of call. This tariff was launched in October 2011, and remains active. It could give as much as over 90 per cent discount on net calls (based on network utilisation at the time of call, that is a higher discount applies when network is less busy).”

Samsung unveils entry-level devices

I

N sync with its strategy of introducing innovative, smart mobile devices from which consumers can derive optimum value, Samsung Electronics has unveiled its new Galaxy Trend Lite and Galaxy Ace 4 Lite smartphones, two affordable solutions targeted at the new generation of mobile phone users. The devices are already available at Samsung stores and accredited dealers nationwide.

Director of Information Technology and Mobile at Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, said that the new devices will ensure that Samsung maintains its dominance in the smartphone market by po-

sitioning itself to meet the demands of consumers desirous of optimising value derivable from their mobile phones.

“At Samsung, we understand that consumer habits and consumption patterns are changing, a compelling reason for providing our consumers with the opportunity to own a device with features of a high-end smartphone at an affordable cost.

The Galaxy Ace 4 Lite is a device that provides superior value to consumers based on its features, intuitive performance and design, while the Galaxy Trend Lite will especially delight consumers looking for a device with great, smart dualSIM capabilities.

Microsoft introduces Nokia X2

M

ICROSOFT Devices Group has announced the launch of Nokia X2, the newest addition to the Nokia X family of affordable smartphones, is now available for purchase in Nigeria. The Nokia X2 delivers upgraded specifications, more popular Microsoft services and a smoother, easier user experience at an affordable price.

Speaking on the launch, Head, Marketing, Nokia West and Central Africa, Deborah Shepard, said: “The Nokia X2 is designed to help the next billion people connect to the mobile Internet and cloud services, affordably. Following the fantastic reception to the Nokia X family in Nigeria, we’re pleased to offer the next, evolutionary step in the lineup with the stunningly designed and

affordable Nokia X2.”

The Nokia X2 boasts of enhanced features, including a larger 4.3" ClearBlack display, a 5MP rear-facing, autofocus camera with flash, as well as a front-facing VGA camera which allows users take pictures even when the phone screen is locked. The smartphone also benefits from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor featuring a dual core 1.2Ghz CPU and 1GB of RAM, to make switching between favourite apps even more fluid.

Out of the box, people can enjoy Microsoft services like Outlook.com, Skype and up to 15GB of free OneDrive cloud storage, while new apps like OneNote and Yammer are now available to download for free from the Nokia Store.

NCS, OAU partner on cloud computing programme

T

HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and the Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, have partnered to organise a week-long workshop on Cloud Computing with Open Nebula.

According to a statement, the workshop attracted participants from all sectors of the economy including project managers, solution architects, developers, designers, IT managers & senior managers/ administrators, IT professionals, web developers, network engineers, IT consultants/researchers, IT industry players, education faculty and workers, departmental & units heads, government/public and private sectors, postgraduate students in computer science/IT and business development executives/managers Facilitators from Germany; the erudite scholars Prof. Dr. Christoph Reich & Thomas Rübsamen of Cloud Research Lab,

Hochschule Furtwangen University (University of Applied Science) Furtwangen, Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1, Germany. They resourcefully impacted their skill and knowledge to the participants.

The state-of-the-arts facilities at the venue of the workshop added a great value to the workshop while Director of the Centre who is also the Deputy President of NCS, Prof Sola Aderounmu, worked relentlessly to ensure its success.

NCS President, Prof. David Adewumi said providing the wherewithal for capacity building programme is a further demonstration of the corporate social responsibility of NCS. He advised the participants to be serious and hardworking.

He also enjoined those of them who are not members of NCS to apply for membership so as to enjoy the facilities of being member in the subsequent memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed with the German facilitators.

•From left: Director, Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Prof. Sola Aderounmu; Facilitator from Cloud Research LabHochschule Furtwangen University, Germany; Prof. Christoph Reich; NCS President, Prof. David Adewumi and another conference facilitator from Cloud Research Lab Hochschule Furtwangen University, Germany, Thomas Rubsamen.

Ex-NITDA chief blames dearth of law for low uptake of mobile money

F

ORMER Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof Cleopas Angaye has blamed the non-passage of the cybercrime bills before the National Assembly as a major reason for the low uptake of mobile money introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) about three years ago.

He said the absence of laws to safeguard transaction done online has been a drawback to the adoption of mobile money in the country, lamenting that people are reluctant to do transaction through the mobile phone because should things go awry in the course of the transaction, the placement of liability becomes a problem.

Angaye, who spoke on the sideline at an Internet Governance Forum in Lagos, said: “Yes, (the nonpassage of the cybercrime bills by the National Assembly) is responsible for low uptake because when things go awry during transaction,

it is difficult to be prosecuted.

“That is why we need to train lawyers, we need to train prosecutors need. Judges too need to be trained on cyber security laws and the law itself has to be implemented. That is very important because there is no point enacting a law that cannot be implemented.”

He said there are several versions of the law in the parliament, urging stakeholders to close ranks and ensure the passage of the bills into law as soon as possible.

“The bills, as I might call them, because there are different forms in the National assembly. We are still hoping that some of them or all will be passed into law before the end of this legislative year,” he said, adding that he had appeared before the National Assembly a couple of times in the past to marshal arguments to get the bills passed into law.

Speaking on the governance of the internet, he said: “There were

a lot of problems with the governance of the internet. The domain itself was handled by a volunteer from the United States (U.S.), Randy Bush. When I came to the office, it was then we created Nigeria Internet Registration Agency (NIRA) as a non government organisation (NGO) and NIRA has done a lot. We have actually tested how to administer the domain and they have been showing up in internet governance fora internationally and continentally.

“We have deployed a lot of ICT tools to fight insurgency but what is lacking is the cyber security bill which has not been passed into law.

If you are transmitting something online, and it gets missing and don’t get to its destination, there is no cyber security law that covers it; there is no law that will make somebody to pay for it and you will start arguing with the retailer. So there are certain things which cyber criminals can run away with. That is why the cyber security law is appropriate.”

60

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

MONEYLINK Union Bank backs capacity building for journalists

Banks may raise $2.5b in bonds

B

ANKS may raise about $2.5 billion this year, compared with the $2 billion it raised in 2013, according to FBN Capital, the investment-banking unit of Nigeria’s largest bank by assets, FBN Holdings Plc. Analysts said international debt sales are becoming more common as yields on Nigerian Eurobonds due July, 2023, declined 96 basis points this year. That compares with an average 35 basis-point drop in emerging-market yields, according to Bloomberg indexes.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last month changed the way lenders calculate capital buffers.

The regulator ordered banks it con-

Stories by Collins Nweze

sidered too big to fail to boost minimum capital ratios to 16 per cent last year, compared with 10.5 percent for South African lenders, which control most of the continent’s banking assets.

“Capital adequacy for many of the banks will be close to the minimum” once the changes are taken into account, Mike Nwanolue, an analyst at Lagos-based Greenwich Trust Group Ltd. Told Bloomberg.

The CBN removed some assets lenders can count as capital in preparation for the implementation of Basel II and III, while limiting Tier 2 capital to 33 percent of Tier 1 capital, according to an August 5 circu-

lar from the regulator.

Minimum capital requirements for lenders with operations outside the country was kept at 15 percent and at 10 percent for those with interests only in Nigeria.

The changes will shave 100 to 400 basis points off the capital adequacy ratios of most banks, Adesoji Solanke, an analyst at Renaissance Capital in Lagos, said.

Policy makers in 2010 set up the Asset Management Corp. of Nigeria, which spent N5.6 trillion buying bad loans while taking over three of the eight banks it rescued with a N620 billion.

Two of the lenders, Mainstreet Bank Ltd. and Enterprise Bank Ltd.,

U •DMO D-G Abraham Nwankwo

will be sold to new owners by September 15, AMCON Chief Executive Officer Mustafa Chike-Obi said in June. Divestment of Keystone Bank will follow.

Sterling Bank’s The Gunners promo makes its debut

S

TERLING Bank Plc yesterday unveiled The Gunners promo targeting Arsenal Football Club fans, and other football lovers.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the bank’s Executive Director, Abubakar Suleiman, said the lender will sponsor 30 winners of the promo to watch Arsenal match live at the Emirates S t a dium.

He explained that the raffle draw will be done every three months during which six lucky winners will be picked.

Also speaking at the event, the bank’s Head of Retail Products, Gbenga Adegoke, said the bank had last season taken one Arsenal fan to watch Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium, United Kingdom.

“The promo is targeted not only to Arsenal fans, but at all football lovers. The idea is that we are taking 30 lucky fans to watch football match at the Emirates Stadium,” he

said.

Continuing, he said: “I know it is something that will be acceptable.

Last season, we took one lucky fan to watch the match at Emirates Stadium, and his life has been transformed since then”.

However, to be a beneficiary, the fan has to open an account with the bank. Some of the account include Arsenal Premium Account and Ar-

senal Platinum account. He said the bank also realized that for it to accommodate everybody, there is need to lower the account documentation process because some people do not have ID cards among others.

We have therefore categorized the account to low documentation account. The savings account, premium and platinum account, which

is the current account. “What you need to do is open any of these accounts, and leave a minimum of N30,000 in the account for a period of three months to qualify for a draw.

Adegoke said the Sterling is challenging other lenders to come on board, and go for other clubs adding that it would continue to make the team’s supporters in the country happy.

NSIA boss to speak at Banking Sector Report launch

M

ANAGING Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Uche Orji, will deliver the keynote address at the launch of the Afrinvest 2014 Nigerian Banking Sector Report on September nineth.

The event would hold at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will be attended by key stakeholders in the nation’s financial ser-

vices industry, from both the public and private sector.

Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is the Special Guest of Honour.

Titled ‘Navigating Growth in a Challenging Environment,’ the 2014 Report, according to Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest, “ will x-ray the current conditions of the Nigerian banking landscape within the context of the domestic and global

economy.

“We are excited that Uche Orji, MD/CEO of the NSIA, will be the keynote speaker at the launch; guests can have a better appreciation of the key sectors that the agency is focused on with respect to its remit to catalyse the transformation of the economy, and how the objectives of the NSIA interlink with those of the CBN and the banking industry”, Chioke said.

DATA BANK

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS 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 1.2522 1.2926 0.8969 1.0756

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

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 1.2435 1.2926 0.8795 1.0756

SYMBOL

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

2.39

2.62

0.23

MAYBAKER

1.52

1.59

0.07

WAPIC

0.73

0.76

0.03

PORTPAINT

5.00

5.18

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

256.465

258.1225

0.18

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Swiss Franc

168.8455

169.9367

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Yen

1.4876

1.4975

CFA

0.294

0.314

234.7445

236.2616

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1466

25.31

0.03

VITAFOAM

4.15

4.25

0.10

GUARANTY

29.35

30.00

0.65

RTBRISCOE

0.94

0.96

0.02

JAPAULOIL

0.50

0.51

0.01

LOSERS AS AT 03-09-14

CHANGE -0.05

59.85

56.87

-2.98

ETERNA

4.47

4.25

-0.22

NASCON

10.19

9.69

-0.50

1.03

$39.6b

205.4857

4.44

1.08

Selling (N)

204.1662

1.16

NEIMETH

Buying (N)

Euro

184.94

CADBURY

Currency

N15.9 trillion.

1.13

C/PRICE 0.95

Amount Sold in ($) 346.43m 398.77m 349.67m

Money Supply (M2)

180.50

O/PRICE 1.00

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 400m 350m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 2, 2014

12.0%

PREMBREW

SYMBOL VONO

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Monetary Policy Rate

C/PRICE

GUINNESS

Transaction Dates 27/08/2014 25/08/2014 20/08/2014

8.3%

O/PRICE

COSTAIN

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Inflation: July

GAINERS AS AT 03-09-14

NION Bank of Nigeria Plc has in partnership with Businessday Training Division trained financials journalists on the road map to adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by the government.

Speaking at the opening session of the training, the bank’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said the lender is excited in co-sponsoring the workshop because it considers financial reporting as critical for stakeholders to understand so that they would be guided in taking informed decision.

She said the lender will continue to support and promote excellence and professionalism in journalistic practice in the country.

The one day training workshop which held in Lagos had selected financial journalists drawn from print and electronic media. It was meant to equip the participants with knowledge of the IFRS requirements, so they could report accurately details about companies‘ financials as stipulated by law.

The participants were guided by professional accountants on the new standards and format of the IFRS, required to be adopted by all companies operating in Nigeria.

These areas include property, plant and equipment, inventory, revenue, employee benefits, extractive industries, as wells as the tax implication of the IFRS conversion, among other issues.

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

WAUA

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

235.0039

236.5227

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

-0.05

CUTIX

1.90

1.82

-0.08

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

LIVESTOCK

3.25

3.14

-0.11

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

UAC-PROP

15.60

15.15

-0.45

ABCTRANS

0.74

0.72

-0.02

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

UBA

7.39

7.20

-0.19

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

63

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03-09-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-09-14

New core investor bids for majority IRECTORS of Mass be rebranded and remain stake in MTI Telecommunication listed on the NSE. Innovation (MTI) Plc “We’re using the acquisi-

D

and a new core investor have opened exploratory talks on possible acquisition of the majority equity stake in the telecommunication infrastructure company.

On the heels of exclusive report yesterday by The Nation on the ongoing restructuring at MTI, a reliable market source in the know of the talks said the new core investor and directors of MTI have met to initiate discussions on the potential acquisition.

According to the source, the new core investor has indicated interest in acquiring majority equity stake of some 51 per cent in MTI. The new core investor was said to have been impressed

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

by the ongoing restructuring at the telecommunication company.

This initial expression of interest by a new core investor came on the heels of unsuccessful attempt by Tingo Mobile, a Nigerian mobile phone manufacturer, to launch acquisition bid for similar majority stake of 51 per cent in MTI. Chief executive officer, Tingo Mobile, Dozy Mmobuozi, had said Tingo will acquire 51 per cent of MTI for about N4 billion to develop rural broadband in Nigeria.

According to him, MTI will

tion to reach out to the mass market,” Mmobuozi said.

Lagos-based MTI’s “assets from base stations to license and goodwill and other things, will help penetrate rural Nigeria.”

However, a source close to the company said the Tingo’s bid was inconclusive and MTI is looking up to the new core investor for a potential deal.

The Nation had reported yesterday that MTI and four other companies had filed in for restructuring exercise at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), a process that might see significant changes in the operating, governance and shareholding structures.

64

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

NEWS

‘They covered my eyes, used machetes, gun butts and other dangerous weapons to beat me. They slapped me at will. I did not eat for three days. I also fainted three times. They equally removed one of my teeth. I saw hell on earth’

•Okafor

•Onyibor

•Elem

Herbalist, two others arrested in Anambra for alleged kidnap

T

HE Anambra State Directorate of the Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three suspects for the kidnap of Charles Onyido, who is from Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area and an Onitsha lawyer, Ejike Efobi, at Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area on June 5.

The suspects include 68year-old Ajana Onyibor from Igbakwu in Ayamelum Local Government Area. He was said to have a shrine opposite

G

the room where Onyido was kept for three days.

DSS Director Alex Okeiyi addressed reporters yesterday in Awka, the state capital, when he paraded the suspects.

He alleged that the suspects demanded a N100 million ransom from Onyido's family.

The DSS director said the herbalist was believed to have provided spiritual pro-

tection to members of the gang.

He said the herbalist was arrested with the help of Oyi vigilance group and Nteje Police Station in Oyi Local Government Area.

The other suspects are: the ring leader, 25-year-old Chukwuebuka Okafor (aka Ichafu or head scarf), from Uruezealor in Ogidi village and 24year-old Ernest Elem (aka Lamborghini), from Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The suspects were reportedly arrested yesterday in their hideout at Ogbunike.

A pump action gun and 25 live rounds of cartridges, allegedly used for the kidnap, were recovered from them.

But Okeiyi said investigation was ongoing.

He warned criminals to desist from their nafarious activities, adding that they would be caught one day, if they do not repent.

Okeiyi said: "Kidnapping is now rare in Anambra State.

The command appreciates ongoing efforts by the state government under Governor Willie Obiano and sister security agencies to rid the state of criminality.

"We will continue to contribute our quota in this regard until this state is free from crimes."

Onyido, who was abducted four days ago, hailed the DSS for his rescue.

He said the suspects told him that somebody paid N20 million for him to be killed.

The kidnap victim said his

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Ayaba Umueze Road in Osisioma Local Government Area. He was riding in his Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Information on the incident was sketchy last night as the family of the victim could not

be reached for comments.

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu said the victim’s family had not lodged a complaint with the police.

The police chief said efforts by his men to reach the victim’s family were unsuccessful.

“We also heard the rumour

about the man’s abduction.

But as I am talking now, the family of the victim is yet to make official report on the incident to the police.

“I have sent my men for details on the man: where he lives and his family. But these have not been possible,” Adamu said.

PDP faults APC’s position on terror sponsorship

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for a probe into a public statement by an Australian negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis, linking prominent Nigerians to terror sponsorship.

Davis, who was hired by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram since April, accused the former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, of sponsoring terrorism.

But a statement yesterday by the Na-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

tional Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, described OdigieOyegun’s call as “completely lacking in validity, character and intellectual content.”

According to the PDP, the APC chair’s statement was self-serving and an attempt to launder the image of the opposition party through Dr. Davis’ “unempirical statement.”

“Oyegun’s statement, rather than exonerate the APC, has reinforced and underscored its true identity as a party of desperate politicians supportive of vio-

lence and disunity through their utterances and body language, a fact already well known to Nigerians.

“In trying to stand the truth on its head, Odigie-Oyegun has succeeded in further exposing the desperation of the APC to launder its image through renewed propaganda and blackmail, a project which has already failed.

“While we recognise the right of citizens to hold and canvass opinion in a democratic setting, such as guaranteed under the PDP-led administration, we hold, and strongly too that such rights must be properly and respectably exercised.

A

CTIVITIES marking the 40th anniversary of Foursquare Gospel church, Ketu, Lagos, also called Golden District Headquarters, will begin with a fire revival conference on Sunday, October 5.

Other are: crusades at strategic locations in Ketu, life-giving messages, breakthrough ministrations, a night session at 10pm till dawn on October 12 and a N40 million fundraiser for the church’s permanent site at Remilekun Street, Ketu, Lagos.

This year’s celebration spokesman Deacon Ade Adebusuyi said the events would begin at 1

S

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

A statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Senate President, said Mark, who also chairs the

Third Regular Course of the NDA, noted that the “solution to our nation’s ethnic and religious crisis is dialogue, love and mutual respect for one another.”

It quoted Mark: “Our search for peace, progress and development can only be achieved when we accommodate one another and re-

solve to live together as members of the same family.”

The Senate President said his group celebrates its Annual General Meeting every September 3 to mark their admission into the NDA as well as showcase their commitment and belief in the existence of the country.

Rashidi Oyekan Street, by Tipper Bus Stop, Ketu, Lagos.

The cleric said the church, which started in 1974, has expanded to 19 branches.

He said a book, titled: The Living Seed, is being compiled to celebrate the church’s four decades.

Clerics expected to minister during the celebration include the District Overseer and Senior Pastor of the Church, Elkanah Oluyinka Oluwagbesan; Evan. Mike Bamiloye, of Mount Zion Ministry; the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye and other anointed men of God.

Funeral for community leader

Mark urges Nigerians to dialogue for unity ENATE President David Mark has urged Nigerians to always dialogue and show mutual respect for one another for the nation’s unity.

He spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at a command performance organised for him and members of the Third Regular

assailants closed his shop and blindfolded him on the way to their hideout.

Onyido said: "They covered my eyes, used machetes, gun butts and other dangerous weapons to beat me. They slapped me at will. I did not eat for three days. I also fainted three times. They equally removed one of my teeth. I saw hell on earth."

Ichafu and Lamborghini did not deny kidnapping Onyido.

Foursquare celebrates 40th anniversary

Gunmen abduct businessman in Aba

UNMEN have abducted a businessman, simply identified as Benson, in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

Benson was reportedly abducted on Monday at 9.30pm near the State Teaching Hospital’s permanent site on the

T

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

•The late Mrs Oyediran

A COMMUNITY leader in Osogobo, Osun State, Mrs Deborah Mofolasere Oyediran, will be buried on September 12.

The renowned kolanut merchant, who died on July 12, was the matron of the Young Women Christian Association of All

Saints Cathedral, Balogun Agoro, Osogbo. She was 98.

A statement by Prof Gbade Oyediran said a funeral service would hold at the church and a reception at the Technical College in Osogbo immediately after the service.

She is survived by Mrs Victoria O. Ajayi, Mrs Susan A. Olagunju, Timothy O. Oyediran, Prof Gbade O. Oyediran of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Osogbo; Dr Funmilayo Owolabi, Mr Lekan Olagunju, Mrs Tolu Lagbenro, Mrs Oluwatosin Oyetunji, Mayowa and Damilola Oyediran, among children, grand-children and great grand-children.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

65

NEWS

'Detained' triplets' father seeks help

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HE father of "detained" triplets at a private hospital in Delta State, Mr Godswill Echenim, is seeking financial assistance from the state government and wellmeaning Nigerians to enable him take his children home.

The babies were not discharged because Echenim said he could not afford the over N723,000 he was charged for their delivery through the caesarean section (CS).

The distraught father told our reporter on phone yesterday that he was having a nightmare over the hospital bill and the continued "detention" of his children.

But he was happy that the triplets, comprising two girls and a boy, were in good health.

Echenim urged the government to settle the hospital bills so that he could take his children home.

He begged the government

Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

to also give him and his wife jobs to enable them earn a living.

The final year student in the Department of Economics at the Delta State University, Abraka, said the experience, although joyful on one hand, jeopardised his studies, on the other.

Echenim said he deferred writing his final year examinations last year and struggled to pay his school fees for the 2014/15 to enable him seat for the examinations.

The father said the unpaid hospital bill was "a mountain too high" for his lean pocket.

He said: "I want the government to pay the hospital bill and give us jobs so that we can take care of the children.

My wife holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. I am a final year student in the Department of Econom-

Honour for Attah tomorrow

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KWA Ibom State elders will tomorrow host former Governor Victor Attah at a reception in Uyo, the state capital, “in appreciation of is meritorious services to the state and humanity”.

The organisers of the reception said the event is also meant “to welcome Attah back from the just-concluded National Conference, where he served ...as the Co-chairman of the Committee on Resource Control”.

They said the reception would celebrate the former governor’s good leadership when he was governor from 1999 to 2007.

His political associates and former members of his administration were effusive with compliments on Attah.

A former Minister of Women Affairs, who served as the first Secretary to the Stsate Government (SSG) in the Attah administration, Obong Rita Akpan said: “We are receiving him as the father of modern Akwa Ibom State.”

A former SSG and Finance Commissioner in the Attah administration Mr. Umana Okon Umana said: “Akwa Ibom people are proud of your leadership and contributions to the success of the recently concluded National Conference. At the National Conference, you affirmed your position in Nigeria as a patriotic and visionary national leader.”

Abe blames Fed Govt for Rivers bad roads

•Abe

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HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Magnus Abe, has blamed the transport challenges facing the people of Bonny in Rivers State on Federal Government’s failure to complete the Bodo-Bonny Road.

This followed the spate of boat mishaps on the Bonny River.

The senator urged churches and other organisations not to accept gifts from politicians without ascertaining the source of the gifts, especially

as the electioneering period draws close.

Abe spoke at this year’s general harvest thanksgiving service of St. Stephen’s Anglican Cathedral, Bonny, with the theme: Harvesting in the Beauty of Holiness, taken from 2 Chronicle 16:29 The senator, who is also the Chancellor of the Diocese of Ogoni (Anglican Communion), observed a minute silence in honour of those who died in the boat mishap.

He read the first lesson at the service drawn from 2 Chronicle 16:23-29.

Abe recounted the efforts of the Rivers State Government to complete the road.

He said: “Governor Rotimi Amaechi pleaded with the Federal Government to allow the state take over the construction, but the appeal, for whatever reason unknown to Rivers people, was turned down.

Jonathan to open Ijaw youths’ summit

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will open the maiden Ijaw Youth Council World Summit on September 9 at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Warri, Delta State.

The summit, with the theme: Partnering for Prosperity and Sustainable Development, will end on September 11.

Over 1,000 delegates, including youths, government

By Segun Ajiboye

officials, community and religious leaders and other stakeholders from the Niger Delta will attend the event.

The summit is a platform for the government, communities and organisations to address the various challenges facing the youths of the Niger Delta.

These include high unemployment rate, lack of prospect and youth restiveness.

•The triplets...yesterday. INSET: The parents of the babies...yesterday

ics at the Delta State University, Abraka. This experience is affecting my studies."

Echenim said he could not concentrate on his studies when his family remained in the hospital.

The agitated father said he

had been absent from school for a long time and become unfamiliar with the courses he registered for.

He said: "This experience is affecting my studies. I am supposed to have an examination but I have not been able

to study for the examination because I cannot concentrate while my family is in the hospital. I do not even know the title of the course I am sitting for at the weekend. I have not even seen the timetable as I have not been attending class-

es since the semester began."

Echenim said he was determined to finish his examinations this year and get a job.

He urged the public to call him on his cell phone 08068922988 - to assist him.

NUPENG strike: Fuel scarcity hits Warri

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HE indefinite strike by members of the Warri zone of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has caused fuel scarcity in Warri and its environs.

NUPENG, last Thursday, directed its members to resume an indefinite strike against the alleged refusal of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) to reinstate 154 of its employees who are the union's members.

It was learnt that most fuel

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

stations in Warri South, Uvwie and Udu local government areas did not have petroleum products for sale.

They turned back consumers who wanted to buy the product.

The situation has led to a slight increase in transportation fares in some areas of the major town.

Some commercial transporters, who already hiked their fares, were contemplat-

ing a further increase yesterday.

Ironically, most residents did not know why they should pay higher fares because they had not been to filling stations to know that there was scarcity.

Some commuters, who spoke with our reporter expressed concerns about the development.

The complained about the discomfort they faced and condemned the transporters.

A resident Mrs Juliet Fregene said she paid N100 for a trip between Enerhen Junction and Estate, which used to cost N70.

She said: "The same thing happened when my son was returning from Udu this afternoon (yesterday). He was just lucky that the drivers had not decided to increase the price.

He said they were telling whoever was pricing the fare that they were about to increase it from N50 because they were not getting fuel to buy."

Protesting students vandalise Igbinedion’s cars

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ROTESTING students of the College of Education at Ekiadolor in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State clashed yesterday with the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

The protesters allegedly smashed two vehicles in the convoy of the Bini chief and some louvres in the college’s administrative building.

Some of the institution’s workers, including the Registrar, fled into the nearby bush when the students started hurling stones at the building.

The students also beat up a cameraman from Channels Television, Osato Egbe, and destroyed his camera. They mistook him for a cameraman from Independent Television, Igbinedion’s television station.

Egbe said he was at the school to cover the protest and the dilapidated hostels when the students attacked him.

He said: “My camera was destroyed. I went to film the

•Channels cameraman beaten, his tools smashed lecturers are increased fund•Buildings vandalised ing of the school and the payFrom Osagie Otabor, Benin

students’ hostel and when I was coming out, some students attacked me. It was the villagers that rescued me.”

Trouble started when Igbinedion, who was going out for his 80th birthday, ran into a barricade set up by the students on the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

The students said they took the action to draw government’s attention to a work-torule strike by lecturers and workers of the institution.

Many motorists and travellers were stranded.

It was learnt that Igbinedion urged the students to allow him pass through but the students refused.

Sources said the security detail attached to the chief shot into the air and fired teargas to scare the protesters away.

The shooting reportedly enraged the students, who vandalised two cars in the Es-

ama’s convoy.

A student, Enabulele Ugbesia, said the protest was peaceful and meant to make the lecturers return to work.

He said: “Our lecturers went on a three-day strike.

After that, they went for a week. Now, they have begun a work-to-rule strike. We are about to write our examinations and they are delaying us.

“We stopped vehicles on the highway. The Esama came and said he would give us money to clear the road, but we refused. The police started shooting. We want to graduate. The government should look into the matter.”

It was also learnt that the students became more enraged when the school was closed immediately via a secular pasted on the premises.

But the students said they would not leave the hostels, although some were later seen leaving the premises.

Among the demands of the

ment of 16 months’ salary arrears.

Establishment, Labour and Special Duties Commissioner Didi Adodo said the government was not owing the lecturers.

He said there was an agreement signed in 2010 indicated that the government would not pay arrears if it implement the new salary structure.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education Mrs. Gladys Idahor said the students were asked to go on the mid-semester break.

She said the lecturers agreed that no arrears would be paid but turned around to demand for payment.

Mrs Idahor said: “We don’t collect anything from what they earned from their internally generated revenue (IGR)|. We pay subvention and we made them to understand that building infrastructure would soon be made possible.”

Lagos warns against sale of fake Ebola test kits

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HE Lagos State government has alerted the public to the activities of unscrupulous people, who are purportedly marketing "Ebola Cassette Test Kits".

The Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said in a statement that the fake items, which are branded as "Rapid Response Canada with test results purportedly available in 10 minutes", is a hoax.

According to the statement, there are no Ebola test kits

•Holds sensitisation today manufactured anywhere in the world and that the technique for its manufacture does not exist yet, adding that the public should not patronise the dubious marketers of the product.

The government will today hold a sensitisation workshop for principals and head teachers of public primary and secondary schools as well as proprietors of public schools on the deadly Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever (EHF) and the

new resumption date of October 13.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, who spoke in Lagos, urged stakeholders to converge on the Blue Roof, Lagos Television premises, for the sensitisation.

She said the workshop would also afford stakeholders the opportunity of preparing for the resumption of academic exercise on October 13,

in view of the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease.

It will be addressed by professionals including Prof.

Bayo Onajole, Director of Communication/Social Mobilisation at the Ebola Emergency Operation Centre (EEOC) and Mrs. Omowunmi George, the Deputy-Director, Health Education, Ministry of Health, among others.

They will talk on the Ebola Virus and Demonstration of Hand Washing Techniques, among other important topics.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

66

FOREIGN NEWS

Obama: ISIS killers will not intimidate U.S. •VP Biden says, U.S. will pursue killers ‘to the gates of hell’

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RESIDENT Barack Obama said yesterday that the killers of two American journalists will be brought to justice, and their barbaric acts will do nothing to intimidate the United States.

The ISIS terror group released a video Tuesday showing the apparent beheading of journalist Steven Sotloff. A day later, U.S. officials said the video is authentic.

The killing is the second beheading of an American journalist in two weeks, and the militant group said it’s a result of Obama’s decision to conduct airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq.

Sotloff was also an Israeli citizen, a spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

In the video, Sotloff kneels in the desert, dressed in an orange prison-style jumpsuit. A masked “executioner” lords

over him, wielding a knife.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the latest video shows ISIS’ “unfathomable brutality.”

“For so many who worked so long to bring Steven and the other Americans home safely, this was not how the story should’ve ended,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

“It’s a punch to the gut. The U.S. government has used every military, diplomatic and intelligence tool we have, and we always will. Our special operations forces bravely risked a military operation to save these lives, and we’ve reached out diplomatically to everyone and anyone who might be able to help. That effort continues, and our prayers remain — as they always are — with the families of all hostages who remain trapped in Syria today.”

This summer, several doz-

Those who make the mistake of harming Americans will learn that we will not forget...that our reach is long and that justice will be served en of the most elite U.S. commandos flew into Syria but couldn’t find the hostages, including Sotloff and fellow journalist James Foley, a U.S. official told CNN last month.

The video of Sotloff’s execution is similar to one released two weeks ago showing Foley’s killing.

The journalist speaks; the executioner speaks. Then the victim is beheaded.

In the video released Tuesday, a British hostage is shown

after the beheading of Sotloff, just as Sotloff was shown in Foley’s video.

Obama said the United States “will not be intimidated” by the killers.

“Those who make the mistake of harming Americans will learn that we will not forget ... that our reach is long and that justice will be served,” the President said.

He addressed his much criticized statement last week that he has no strategy on ISIS. He said he was referring to a military strategy in Syria that “might” require congressional approval.

“Our objective is clear. That is to degrade and destroy (ISIS) so it’s no longer a threat,” he said. “We can accomplish that.

It’s going to take some time, it’s going to take some effort.”

ISIS, or the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, refers to itself as the “Islamic State.”

Obama said the world needs a regional strategy to defeat the group.

“We’ve been putting together a strategy that was designed to do a number of things. ...

What we have to make sure is we have a regional strategy in place,” he said.

In addition to the Americans’ deaths, the British hostage showed at the end of the latest video appears to be in danger.

The UK said it attempted to rescue its citizen “some time ago” but failed.

Britain echoed the same sentiment as Obama.

“This country will never give into terrorism ... a country like ours will not be cowed by these barbaric killers,” UK Prime Minister David Cameron said.

“Our thoughts are with the British hostage and his family,” Cameron said Wednesday in

•Obama

the House of Commons.

The video of Sotloff’s killing has eerie similarities to the one released by ISIS last month of Foley’s execution.

The executioner appears to be the same person, and the location of the two killings also appears to be similar. Neumann suspects they took place in or around the Syrian city of Raqqa, one of the safest areas for ISIS. Sotloff’s executioner speaks in what sounds like the same British accent as the man who purportedly killed Foley.

Ukraine crisis: Putin proposes peace deal

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USSIA’s president has said he is hoping for a

peace deal between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels by Friday.

Vladimir Putin urged both sides to stop military action in eastern Ukraine, adding that his views and those of his Ukrainian counterpart were very close.

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said they had agreed a “ceasefire process” but PM Arseny Yatsenyuk said no plan CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MWO PRINCEWILL AGORI, AGORI PRINCEWILL and HARRISION PRINCEWILL refers to one and the same person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME ADEWOYIN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewoyin Racheal Opeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alao Racheal Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

from Mr Putin should be trusted.

In Estonia the US president sought to reassure the Baltic states over Russia.

“You’ve lost your independence once before, with Nato you’ll never lose it again,” Barack Obama said in the Estonian capital Tallinn.

He told his audience of US and Estonian military that their countries were stronger because they were democracies, PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME FADIPE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadipe Funmilayo Adeola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogundele Funmilayo Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME ATEIZA I formerly known and addressed as Ateiza Sunday Fatai now wish to be known and addressed as Shaibu Sunday Peters. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

but that their vision was threatened by “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine”.

He said that there were “provable facts” that Russian combat forces were on the ground in Ukraine.

“Nations have a right to determine their own future. This is why we stand with the people of Ukraine today,” he said.

He added that Nato had to send an “unmistakeable message in support of Ukraine this week”, as well as strengthening the defences of two other former Soviet republics, Georgia and Moldova.

A Nato summit opens in Wales today. It is expected to back plans for a rapid response force and bolster the alliance’s presence in Eastern Europe.

Insisting that Russia is in no way a negotiating party in the Ukrainian conflict, Vladimir Putin is nevertheless certain that it is Moscow’s proposals that are going to advance both sides to peace. Mr Putin’s plan is short and leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

Just two weeks ago the discussions centred around when, and not if, the rebels would have to move out of Donetsk and Luhansk. But Moscow’s plan will allow them to strengthen their control over the two regional centres and other areas.

Mr Putin has often seemed unwilling to negotiate from a position of weakness and the reversals of the past few days

•A guard of honour was mounted for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday PHOTO: AP (left) in Mongolia on his right is host President Tsakihia Elbegdoj.

illustrate this perfectly. Now it’s Petro Poroshenko who has to choose whether to accept something which clearly protects Kiev’s enemies in eastern Ukraine.

• Russia confirmed the death of journalist Andrei Stenin in Ukraine on 6 August, saying he had been killed in a Ukrainian government ambush on a convoy of rebels and refugees near Donetsk • Russia is to hold military exercises in the south Siberian region of Altai this month involving more than 4,000 troops and air power, a defence ministry official told a Russian news agency Speaking to journalists in the Mongolia capital Ulan Bator, Mr Putin said the two sides should reach agreement when they resumed talks in Minsk on Friday.

“Our views on the way to resolve the conflict, as it seemed to me, are very close,” he said,

referring to a phone conversation with Mr Poroshenko.

A Ukrainian policeman removes a weapon found in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, on Tuesday US President Barack Obama reassured Estonian President Toomas Hendrik (right) in Tallinn that his country had Nato’s support He said he was proposing a seven-point peace plan: • The Ukrainian army and eastern rebels should stop “active offensive operations” • Ukrainian troops must pull back to a distance where they would be unable to shell population centres • International monitoring of the ceasefire • No use of military jets against civilians • “All-for-all” prisoner exchange without preconditions • Humanitarian corridor for refugees and to deliver aid • Restoration of destroyed

infrastructure.

In its statement (in Russian), the Kremlin said a phone conversation had taken place yesterday between the two presidents in which their points of view had “coincided significantly” on possible ways to end the crisis.

Mr Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, clarified for Russian news agency Ria-Novosti: “Putin and Poroshenko did not agree a ceasefire in Ukraine because Russia is not party to the conflict, they only discussed how to settle the conflict.”

“The people of Ukraine want peace while some politicos want to play a game of war. I will not allow this to happen.

We must pull together in fighting for peace,” he said.

But Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk rejected the proposal.

“The real plan of Putin is to destroy Ukraine and to restore the Soviet Union,” he said.

Indian girl ‘humiliated’ by village elders found dead

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HE semi-naked body of a teenage girl who was allegedly humiliated by village elders for protesting against her father’s harassment has been found near a railway track in eastern India.

Police suspect the 15-yearold girl in West Bengal was raped and murdered.

Her family said she was made to spit on the ground and lick it up - an act considered a

grave form of humiliation.

Unofficial courts in India’s villages often sanction punishment of residents deemed to have violated local codes.

Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus.

The government tightened laws on sexual violence last year after widespread protests following the attack, but vio-

lence and discrimination against women remain deeply entrenched.

The BBC’s Amitabha Bhattasali in Calcutta says the girl’s body was found near a railway track in the state’s Jalpaiguri district on Tuesday - a day after a village court had summoned her and her farmer father to settle a dispute over a tractor.

Her family members told the police that the elders

“threatened the girl with dire consequences” when she protested against the “harassment of her father” by the village court.

Villagers said the girl “disappeared” when the court was in progress, and her body was found the next morning.

Police said the girl’s family had lodged a complaint against 13 people in the village. No arrests have been made yet.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

67

FOREIGN NEWS

NEWS How British Deputy High Commissioner died at Lagos Airport, by doctors

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•McCollum... yesterday.

DNA frees North Carolina’s longest-serving death row resident

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PAIR of siblings who served decades behind bars in the rape and murder of a North Carolina child will walk out of prison free men Wednesday after DNA evidence implicated someone else.

Henry McCollum and Leon Brown were just teenagers when they were arrested in 1983 and charged with the rape and murder of 11year-old Sabrina Buie in Red Springs, about 30 miles southeast of Fayetteville in rural Robeson County.

Buie’s body was found in an area of Red Springs known as something of a “lovers’ lane,” according to Joe Freeman Britt, the district attorney who prosecuted them in the ’80s.

The ground was littered with “beer cans, condoms and cigarettes,” Britt said.

It was one of those cigarette butts that ultimately set them free.

DNA found on a cigarette “matched another individual named Roscoe Artis, a convicted rapist and murderer who lived less than 100 yards from where the victim’s body was found,” said a statement from McCollum’s and Brown’s attorneys.

Artis is serving a life sentence in a North Carolina prison on a separate conviction. It was not immediately clear Tuesday whether prosecutors would bring charges against him for Buie’s murder.

CNN Original Series: ‘Death Row Stories’ “This is the most blessed day,” Brown kept repeating Tuesday, according to his attorney, Ann Kirby, “It was an amazing moment for everyone,”

added Vernetta Alston, an attorney for McCollum.

Only not everyone thought it was so amazing.

“This a tragic day for justice in Robeson County,” said Britt.

When asked whether Britt still believes he got the conviction right, without hesitation, he said, “absolutely.”

“These guys got three trials. Thirty-six people reviewed it and thought the confessions were correct,” Britt told CNN. “You know how hard it is to get a conviction in a capital case?”

McCollum, 50, was 19 at the time of his arrest. He was sentenced to death in 1984 and is North Carolina’s longest-serving death row inmate. Brown, who is four years younger than his half-brother, was initially sentenced to death as well but later had it reduced to life in prison.

Kirby and Alston said that their clients’ confessions were coerced and that both were “severely intellectually disabled.”

“It’s terrifying that our justice system allowed two intellectually disabled children to go to prison for a crime they had nothing to do with, and then to suffer there for 30 years,” said Ken Rose, a lawyer with the Center for Death Penalty Litigation.

“It’s impossible to put into words what these men have been through and how much they have lost.”

Jonathan Fleming, convicted despite alibi, freed after 24 years After decades in prison over murders, DNA evidence frees 2 New York men

HE British High Commission in Nigeria yesterday confirmed the death of its Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Leslie Carter.

A statement by Rob Fitzpatrick, Head of Press & Public Affairs Section, said the Commission is saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Carter who joined the Diplomatic Service in 1984 and was an experienced career diplomat.

“Mr. Carter had previously served as Consul General in Milan and then as the British Ambassador to Estonia before becoming Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos in 2013 where he made an exceptional contribution to the UK’s relationship with Nigeria.

“Peter will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues.” The late Deputy High Commissioner who arrived Lagos on United Airlines Flight UA143 on Tuesday slumped in the avio-bridge while he was alighting from the aircraft.

A letter written by the Federal Ministry of Health Port Health Services, signed by Doctors E.E. Ukatu and Abdullai, yesterday explained how the diplomat died and the efforts to save him.

“The Port Health Services was called today (2/9/14) by a FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) medical nurse at about 4.07 pm from the D arrival screening point to see a passenger (the deceased) said to have arrived aboard a United Airlines flight from Houston, Texas.

“It was reported that after disembarking, the passenger was observed to be clutching his chest and asking for help.

“In the course of examination, he was asked if he was Asthmatic, and he said ‘MAY BE’.

“On examination, he was found to be pale, in respiratory

By Oziegbe Okoeki

distress (gasping for breath), his pulse was rapid and thready.

Based on his response to the question if he was asthmatic, a Ventolin inhaler was administered, but was not effective, as the patient was restless and threw off the inhaler to the floor. He was placed on the left lateral position and at the same time, oxygen was called for.

“Efforts were made to administer oxygen, while a second doctor was called and suction applied via a suction machine to clear the airway.

“Subsequently, the patient suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest; the radial and carotid pulses were no longer palpable and patient was observed to be cyanosed. Attempts at resuscitation proved abortive. Pupils were fixed and dilated and patient was certified dead at 4.26 pm” Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, described the late Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria as very committed to the progress of the nation and her people.

In a statement yesterday, Iku-

foriji said: “The sudden death of Ambassador Peter Carter, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has come to us here as a huge loss,not just to us as a legislature, but indeed to the people of Lagos,who we represent.

“It is on record that since Ambassador Carter’s assumption of office here in Nigeria some years ago, he has worked tirelessly, towards ensuring a continued cordial relationship between our two countries and their people. He was such a highly tested, loving, and most pro-development ambassador, who demonstrated so much love and affection for our nation and her people.

“And it is simply a tragedy to have lost such a most affable personality like Ambassador Carter at this critical period in our nation’s history,” Ikuforiji said.

“On this sad occasion therefore, on behalf of all my fellow legislators, principal officers, the entire management and staff of our legislative Assembly condole with the government and the good people of Great Britain on the sudden and irreparable loss of Ambassador Peter Carter.

CAC crisis: ‘Reconciliation move yielding result’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, has said the reconciliation move of the factional church leaders was yielding result.

He spoke yesterday at the ordination of the returned pastors at the Theological Seminary, Opa, Ile-Ife. The cleric said indiscipline and disobedience caused division in the church.

He thanked the pastors, who deemed it fit to return to their roots. The chairman of CAC, Ife district, Pastor Samson Akinsulure, urged the pastors to be peaceful, patriotic, positive, hopeful, accountable, committed and incorruptible.

He said the Boko Haram insurgency was not the greatest enemy of the country but lack of the mentioned virtues.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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am engaged to be married soon. All along everything was working out well with my fiancée until I met her young sister. Emotionally, I have connected with her younger sister and the more we talk, the more I realize that she is the one that I like the most. We are not having an affair or anything like that but when I talk with her, it feels more like I am talking with my soul mate. I know this sounds crazy and weird but marriage is for a life time and I want to get it right the first time before doing something that I am going to regret for the rest of my life - Daniel Dear Daniel, even if the angels came down from the skies and told you that your fiancée’s younger sister is the one for you, this is still a very bad idea. Marrying a woman is not like buying a car where you can change your mind mid-way and decide to buy the blue BMW instead of the black one. If you fell in love with another woman from another family entirely, that is different.

But breaking up with a woman so that you can date or marry her younger sister? That is unthinkable. What do you think is going to happen if you attempted such a catastrophic move? You think your fiancée will just smile and let you have her sister? That is not going to happen and members of her family will resent you for wanting to break their family apart. Look, if you are beginning to feel that your fiancée is not the one for you, call her now and break off the engagement. And when that happens, just go and leave her and her family alone. There are plenty of women out there and I am sure that sooner or lateryou will fall in love with some other girl that feels like your soul mate. It happens all the time. This soul mate issue is just a gut feeling.

There is no scientific way of verifying that a person is your soul mate. It just feels that way when we are in love – Uche

Hello sir. I have been reading your sex product reviews for the past few weeks and I am interested in something that will help me perform better in bed. My friend just used the X Again Platinum Enhancerfor strong erections and performanceand he liked it. I am wondering if that is what I need as well. My problem is that when I have sex once in the night, I have no erection or energy to do it a second time – Chuks What you are saying is that you want to be able to have multiple rounds of sex at a go? If that is what you want, yes X Again Platinum Enhancer can help you. It does many things and it is very potent – Uche Ever since I was young, I have always experienced premature ejaculation. I am 36 years now and it is still happening to me. Can I really overcome this? I thought I was going to outgrow it – Fabian Premature ejaculation can happen to anybody at any age.

Some men learn to overcome it as they get older while others continue to suffer from it. But you can get help. Try the Kamasutra Prolonging Cream for men. It is new and can help you last longer – Uche Sex is painful and unenjoyable – Christiana Have you tried using a lubricant during intercourse? Your problem could be a simple case of vaginal dryness. Try the Climax Intensify Orgas Gel. It is very good for eliminating vaginal dryness and it is also an arousal gel that can help you enjoy inetrcourse – Uche That is all for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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SHOWBIZ

GUS to unveil 12 for the jungle

MTN Project Fame: Contestants sing for the physically challenged

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HE current 30 aspirants for this year’s Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) reality show will know their fate this Saturday, as only 12 of them will be eligible for the contest.

Already, the final selection process is on-going, and it will determine the six males and six females who will move to the Aguleri forest in Anambra State, venue of the reality show.

The selection party is one of the highlights of the GUS ceremonies, usually celebrated with pomp.

With the announcement of this Saturday’s event, there are speculations that R&B singer, Dare Art Alade and Yawah de o crooner, Burna Boy, will be on hand to thrill guests at the event, scheduled to hold at Oceanview, Victoria Island,

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Lagos.

Reacting to the speculations, Onyeka Okoli, Senior Brand Manager, Gulder, Nigerian Breweries Plc., said: “The selection of the final contestants who will proceed to the jungle for the search is always a big deal in the GUS scheme of events.

So, we always go the whole hog to give our guests the best of an evening. For this year’s edition, two of Nigeria’s finest music acts will be performing to the delight of our guests. However, who these artistes are, will be part of the surprise packages that await guests at the event.”

According to Okoli, the final selection party will be followed by the popular mobile club initiative called Gulder Club Ultimate (GCU), taking place at the same venue.

“It promises to be a night

of pure fun for our fun loving consumers,” said Okoli.

“Immediately after the Jungle-bound contestants emerge, Club Ultimate will commence the Lagos leg at the same venue and a lot have been lined up to give the ‘ultimate clubbers’ a night to remember”.

The GCU concept is geared towards engaging and exciting consumers of Gulder brand in various cities across Nigeria. Last year, one of Nigeria’s celebrated disc jockeys, DJ Exclusive, was there to supply the music. However, it is not clear yet if he will be doing it again this year.

Meanwhile, for the September 6 event to take place, The Cube, a key intrigue of Gulder Ultimate Search 11 (this year’s edition), has to be retrieved by past GUS winners, such as Ezugo Egwuagwu, Lucan

Chambliss, Hector Jobarteh, Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu, Uche Nwaezeapu, Oyekunle Oluwaremi, Christopher Okagbue, Paschal Eronmose and Dennis Okike.

Okoli noted that the fate of GUS 11 lies in the hands of these past winners, whom he said are currently searching for The Cube object.

Tagged The Mission, this year’s edition promises the overall winner, otherwise referred to as the Ultimate Hero, a grand prize of N10 million and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), while the second, third and fourth runners-up get N3 million, N2.5 million and N1.5 million respectively. Also, when evicted, each of the contestants will receive monies ranging from N1million to N1.5 million.

Saint Obi mourns mum

OP Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, who has been absent from the movie scene for a while, is said to be bereaved at the moment.

Obi’s mother, madam Millicent Nwafor, passed on at the age of 78.

While confirming the news, the Mbaitoli, Imo State-born entertainer, who is still in tears, said the family would soon announce the burial plans for his late mother.

“Yes my dear mum is gone forever, but we thank God

for the good and accomplished life she spent on earth. We will definitely keep you posted as her burial plans unfold, that is all I can say for now,” he said.

The deceased is survived by nine children and several grand children.

•Saint Obi

ONTESTANTS of the popular Project Fame reality show are living the vision of MTN Foundation, a humanitarian initiative of the telecommunications company, sponsors of the musical competition.

Last week, the contestants visited the Children’s Development Centre (CDC), Surulere, showing love and care to the inmate, known to desire emotional and physical attention. The visit raised the pedigree of the reality show as one that is truly in touch with life and the desire to aid quality existence.

Organisers say the show, by extension, brings to focus, the works MTN Foundation of helping to attain

the vision of the special centre, which includes ‘support services to children and young adults with developmental disabilities’.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Okunola, popularly known as ‘Omo-Ibadan’, has been eliminated from the reality show. Also, for not able to secure enough viewers votes during the the week, Christian, Shola and Daniella were placed on probation. While Shola was the popular choice of the other contestants, Daniella was saved by the judges and Christian by the Faculty.

Organisers urge viewers to sustain their favourite contestants on the show by texting the contestant unique numbers to 306 in Nigeria and I745 in Ghana.

Vector features Waje, Toolz in new single

By Ovwe Medeme

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OMING on the heels of the release of his song, Redefined, Nigerian rapper, Vector tha Viper, has dropped another song, Shiga.

Shiga, according to the artiste, is rich with strong vocals supplied by Waje.

Vector also revealed that the song is a bonus track, off the mixtape album titled #A7 Project, which has a track list of 13 songs.

Vector noted that the song is dedicated to ladies because it centres on the beauty of a woman. ”It features the likes of Toolz and Waje and this song is my way of appreciating the beautiful African women,” he said.

Real name Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, the singer has released two studio albums; his debut State of Surprise (SOS) and a follow-up. He is noted as being the voice behind the Sprite commercial which has aired on most radio stations across Nigeria since 2009.

The first single, Where is Vector, off the #A7 mixtape was released a few weeks back. Shiga, which has been described as an afro-dance song, is produced by Ekelly.

Dencia launches Ebola fund campaign

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I G E R I A N / Cameroonian pop star, Dencia, has launched an online campaign to sensitise Africans about the Ebola virus. The move is also meant to raise money to curb outbreak of the disease as well as treat its victims.

According to the entertainer, her goal is to raise $1million, even as she has pledged $250,000 of her money for the cause.

On her Gofundme page, the artiste said: “Ebola is sweeping Africa, our people are dying, our people have died. Fortunately for us there is a new drug in the market that can

help Africans. The ZMAPP is here and we need to raise money for those who can’t afford it. Together we can give someone a new life; together we can help someone who had no hope. That is why the Dencia Foundation for Hope is here to help raise funds to help these people. All donations will pay for treatments for people who can’t afford the ZMAPP, once it can be purchased. Dencia will personally buy these medications and go to Africa and ensure the right people get it.”

The controversial singer also released a video in which she speaks on facts about the disease.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

NEWS Boko Haram takes over Borno, Yobe towns Continued from page 4

dents.

The military was yet to comment on the latest towns to reportedly fall to the insurgents in recent weeks.

Fears have been raised that their main target is Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Residents from Banki said government troops abandoned their posts as the militants advanced on the small border town on Tuesday.

Most of the people remaining in the town were women and children, as many of the men had fled, one man who was hiding in the bush told the BBC Hausa service.

The militants have not harmed anyone in the town, residents

said.

Cameroon’s army also said that Boko Haram militants crossed into Cameroonian territory on Monday night.

The militants were pushed back after a three-hour battle, it said in a statement.

About 40 militants were killed and an army corporal was seriously wounded in the fighting, it added.

Boko Haram’s five-year insurgency has intensified in recent months despite the deployment of thousands of extra troops to the worst-affected areas.

The military has denied that Nigeria’s territorial integrity is threatened.

The United Nations (UN) refugee agency said thousands of refugees are fleeing northeastern

Nigeria into Cameroon to escape Boko Haram fighters pursuing a new strategy to hold territory they are calling an Islamic caliphate.

Spokeswoman Helene Caux said Cameroonians also are abandoning their homes since the Islamic extremists last week began attacking villages inside Cameroon. They slit the throats of three people in a Cameroonian Catholic church. It appears to be a new tactic for Boko Haram, which previously had only kidnapped Cameroon citizens for ransom.

Caux said yesterday that more than 10,000 Nigerians have fled into Cameroon and Niger since last week.

The most recent influx came in from Bama.

Federal Govt to review schools’ resumption Continued from page 4

ficial, Olu-Ibukun Koye, who jumped surveillance and took the virus to Port Harcourt, the Minister said: “One is that at present he doesn’t have the virus in his blood; so, he cannot infect other people but he has high antibodies, which is just showing that he had the disease.”

“He is part of the 18 cases that have been confirmed in Nigeria.

He is with us in Lagos, not in isolation because he is not sick anymore, but because of aberrant behavior we needed to be sure that there is nothing further that can prove risky to society.”

On whether Koye will be pros-

ecuted for his actions, Chukwu said: “Regarding what can be done, this is still at exploratory stage. We are looking at three possible areas, one we are asking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since he is working for a diplomatic mission, to advise us.”

“Secondly, we also need to look at our laws. What currently our quarantine law provides is too old, it came from the colonial period and I do know that in the National Assembly, there are attempts currently to see how to amend that law and make it up to date.”

The Minister explained the difference between a contact or somebody under surveillance, a

patient under quarantine and a patient under isolation.

According to him, a contact is anybody who has had close relationship with the patient and may be put under 21 days surveillance by not leaving their homes. They are contacted through telephones until the period elapses.

A patient, who is quarantined, Chukwu said, is located in a central place outside his home after showing some symptoms similar to that of Ebola.

A patient is said to be in isolation in a particular place outside his home when he or she has been confirmed to have the Ebola Virus Disease.

Adamawa: Anxiety as Jonathan, PDP NWC meet aspirants Continued from page 4

All routes leading to Yola will also be blocked to deny us access.

“They will then proceed to hold the primary election in the absence of all aspirants so that they can manipulate the process for an anointed aspirant.

“Nigerians should ask them: What is the rationale for inviting all aspirants for a meeting on Thursday night when it will be obvious that we won’t be able to go back to Yola same night.

“Yet, they want to shut down Yola airspace on Friday so that we won’t be able to return to our base. We have all agreed on the list of delegates but some forces in Abuja are unhappy. They want to manipulate the process by altering the list to back an aspirant.”

Despite grumblings about the conduct of the Ward congress on Monday, some of the aspirants met in Yola and accepted the results.

Three Adhoc delegates per ward were elected in a peaceful and orderly manner.

The aspirants in a joint statement in Yola yesterday described the ward congress as transparent and substantially in compliance with the party’s guidelines.

“The pursuant to the above, we (Aspirants) accept the delegates list resulting from the ward congresses to be used for the September 6th state congress for the election of the party’s flag bearer in the 2014 bye-election for the office of governor of Adamawa State”.

The statement added that the resolutions were unanimously passed and adopted at the stakeholders meeting convened by the ward congress committee headed by Dr. Akilu Indabawa held moment after the conduct of the ward congresses.

All the aspirants attended the meeting except Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Mr. Kelvin Peters, Mr. Marcus Gundiri was absent.

Dr. Ahmed Dahiru Modibbo, has promised a government of the people if he wins the PDP ticket

Modibbo made the promise at a meeting with 147 delegates in Ganye town, from four local governments - Ganye, Jada, Toungo and Mayo-Belwa local government’s areas.

He also met with another 178 delegates from five local governments of Demsa, Numan, Shelleng, Guyuk and Lamorde.

He reassured them that as a foundation member of PDP and a proud son of Adamawa State; he was committed to bringing back the lost glory of the state through a purposeful political leadership.

He revealed that a thoroughly all-inclusive government would be the only solution of Adamawa’s challenges going by its large tribal population.

Modibbo visited the monarch of Ganye, Alh. Umaru Adamu Sanda (The Gangwari of Ganye).

He was assured of support from the Ganye Traditional Council at the palace.

The monarch who said the former UBEC boss needed no further introduction appealed for peaceful conduct among aspirants.

Troops have reclaimed Bama, says Shettima Continued from page 4

tims.

The statement added: “The Boko Haram insurgents had attacked several areas with the most recent being an attempted seizure of Bama town, one of the most populated areas in the State, located about 70 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

“Thousands of residents have

thronged Maiduguri from Bama following the attacks. There was initial report that the insurgents had captured the army base and was in control of Bama, headquarters of the commercial council.

“Security sources however hinted yesterday that the military had reversed the trend following air strikes that destroyed hardwares brought in by insurgents

from Gwoza while also destroying hardwares at the Bama military base to deny insurgents access to military weapons.

“The insurgents were said to have particularly targeted arms at the base and had planned to add to what they deployed there to combine resources needed to launch a massive attack on Maiduguri, the major target of the insurgents.”

‘Track Boko Haram funds, sponsors’ Continued from page 4

The delegates called on regional governments and multilateral development institutions to intensify socio-economic cooperation aimed at povertyeradication, economic uplift and inclusive development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Aminu Wali, who read the communiqué, said the meeting provided another opportunity to undertake a comprehensive and critical review of the

implementation of outcomes of the initiatives.

“The meeting underscored the need to effectively address the sources of funding for and the supply of weapons to Boko Haram.

“It called for greater cooperation of the international community to assist in tracking theses sources with a view to putting an end to these practices and all forms of illegal transfer of arms and ammunition. It called for demonstrable and strict enforcement of relevant

United Nations and other international sanctions against terrorist groups, especially Boko Haram.

“The meeting also urged support for the implementation of multiple-dimensional measure adopted by Nigerian government to combat terrorism and called on regional governments and multilateral development institutions to intensify socioeconomic cooperation, aimed at poverty eradication, economic uplift and inclusive development.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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SPORT EXTRA

NIGERIA VS CONGO... NIGERIA VS CONGO... NIGERIA VS CONGO... NIGERIA VS CONGO...

FALLOUT OF FIFA WARNING

NFF Congress holds in Abuja today

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HE Aminu Maigari-led faction of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to hold a General Assembly in a yet to be publicised venue in Abuja today.

This decision which was arrived at last night was backed by the chairman of the Federal House of Representatives’ committee on sports, Godfrey Gaiya.

Gaiya, a participant at last night’s meeting, declared his personal support for a peacefully and legally constituted Congress today.

NationSport was at the group’s pre-General Assembly meeting held at Bentley Hotels, Utako, yesterday night.

The participants at the wellattended gathering of football associations’ chairmen comprising the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Terri-

RESULTS International - Friendly Germany 2 - 4 Argentina Ireland 2 - 0 Oman England 1 - 0 Norway Ukraine 1 - 0 Moldova Latvia 2 - 0 Armenia Denmark 1 - 2 Turkey Czech Rep. 0 - 1 USA Morocco 0 - 0 Qatar Myanmar 4 - 1 Palestine Philippines 5 - 1 Taiwan Russia 4 - 0 Az’baijan Lithuania 1 - 1 U.A.E.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja tory (FCT) Abuja, were unanimous in their decision to hold the Congress today.

The meeting which was comoderated by Ekiti State FA Chairman, Isaac Ayodele and Abia State FA boss, Ephraim Chukwuemeka first made a roll call of the States FAs representatives. This was greeted with a loud ovation.

Ayodele, who requested for protection from the House of Representatives for participants of the Congress fixed for today, read out FIFA’s letter that stated that the embattled Chris Giwa-led NFF should vacate office and a new election should be conducted latest Monday, September 8, 2014 which was greeted again by loud cheers.

Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on sports, Gaiya, said although he supported the legal gathering and the Congress, he would still have to make the House’s position known in a statement to be issued by 11am today.

Afterwards another football stakeholder told NationSport that he was sure that “the crisis would be finally resolved tomorrow (today) and I believe that a proper election that will usher in the popular choice of football stakeholders will be held.”

Ebola screening for Calabar fans A

LL ticket holders will be tested for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) before being allowed into the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State, a top official has told NationSport.

The disease which has no cure was imported into the country by the late Liberian/ American diplomat, Patrick Sawyer, and the Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Patrick Ugbe, told NationSport that all would-be spectators for the Eagles versus Red Devils tie on Saturday must surrender themselves for EVD testing otherwise they would be denied entry to the stadium.

Ugbe explained that although there is no recorded

From Tunde Liadi, in Calabar case of the disease in Cross River, the state is taking no chances, especially with the high influx of visitors expected in the city of Calabar for the encounter. The measure would thus help to identify and quarantine visitors who could have the disease so as to prevent its further spread.

"We are aware of the deadly effect of the Ebola virus and because of this, we have mapped out a strategy to ensure that all spectators that come to watch the Eagles are tested for Ebola before they are allowed into the stadium," Ugbe told NationSport.

•Nigerian fans

Tickets sale begins today • Imoke reduces prices to N500, N3, 000 and N5, 000

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• Imoke

ATIONSPORT can report that tickets for Saturday’s 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Red Devils of Congo will go on sale today at the designated points of sale.

Cross River State commissioner for sports, Patrick Ugbe, who made this disclosure to NationSport yesterday, said the state’s governor, Liyel Imoke, had even reduced the prices of the

From Taofeek Babalola, in Calabar tickets so as to give more fans the opportunity to cheer the Eagles on Saturday.

According to him, tickets for the popular side will go for N500, covered stand N3, 000 while the state box extension tickets will be sold for N5, 000 as against the N1, 000, N4, 000 and N5, 000 they were sold for in previous matches.

“The tickets will go on sale from tomorrow (today) at

the designated sale points.

The good thing is that the executive governor has asked us to reduce the prices of the tickets being the first match the team will play in the state this year, so that more fans will be able to come en mass to the stadium to support the Eagles on Saturday,” Ugbe told NationSport.

He also revealed that preparations are in place for a successful hosting of the match on Saturday.

“On our own part, we’ve doing all that is expected of us in ensuring that we have a smooth game on Saturday.

I think everything is ready on our part and we are ready to host the best game as usual on Saturday,” Ugbe said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2014

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SOUTHERN TARABA STAKEHOLDERS FORUM OPEN LETTER TO OUR ELDER STATESMAN GEN. THEOPHILUS YAKUBU DANJUMA (RTD) ON WHY DARIUS DICKSON ISHAKU SHOULD NOT BE PICKED AS OUR CANDIDATE FOR THE 2015 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

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e shall not continue to wait in silence so that the looming political TRAGEDY or disaster may smack. It is a matter so imperative that cannot be left in the grove of stillness. We have to pick up the audacity to publicly communicate you. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be witness. The tragedy here is the foreseeing FAILURE to end the regimeof the Deputy Governor, Garba Umar whose government has not benefited the people.

The failure to stop Umar from becoming governor when Governor Dambaba Suntai bows out next year. In consequence, we are writing you so that the failure could be averted for SUCCESS; success for the safe social, economic and political precincts of Taraba, particularly southern Taraba. You already know this and you don’t know it. You know about the disaster and the implication. You want to avert it, but you don’t know who to choose to do the job. In the old biblical story of the Pharaoh of Egypt, when the king’s impending disaster, which would be inform of famine, was made known to him by Joseph –the son of Jacob, the ONLY SOLUTION was to store food during the seven years of plenty as a reserve supply during the seven years of famine. But the MAIN SOLUTION was picking “a man of wisdom and insight” to do the job of storing up corn in the cities and guarding it. In the story, the king appointed the right man and the disaster was forestalled.

In Taraba, it is not a disaster that will take seven years to come. It is a political cataclysm impending to shine off in few months time. In the case of our disaster, part of the solution is for you to endorse for us a [single] candidate that will wrestle the ruling party’s ticket with Umar. But the main solution, however, is the person you would chose to lead Southern Taraba to the Promised Land. Who are you going to chose among the aspirants? The work of the man to pick here is not that of storing and guarding food. His job is to CLINCH the party’s ticket and WIN the governorship poll, for the first time for southern Taraba. So, who is that insightful man? Definitely the insightful man is NOT the State Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Dickson Ishaku, whom his scarcity of fans has flourished the news that you have concluded arrangements to endorse. Thanks to the rumour milling machine in the state and the viral fidelity of the internet, especially the social media: Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Twoo, etc, with Ishaku himself being the primary source. The spectre of his endorsement has overshadowed him that it cripples his imagination and knack for the struggle ahead.

We know who is who from Taraba; we know the wealthy and the underprivileged, we know the workaholic and the lazy, idealists and pretenders, opportunists and optimists, the shrewd and jesters, saints and charlatans, progressives and saboteurs, true gunners and jokers of the governorship race, etc. Ishaku is a profiteer of casual opportunism. He became minister when your first nominee, Obadiah Ando, was roundly rejected by the Taraba senators following wide protests from the people of southern Taraba. Ando’s sin was that he neglected his people during his first stint as minister. However, a cursory assessment of Ando and Ishaku shows the latter has not done better. Our honourable minister, an architect, swaggers and glamours without a faint gaze at how his underprivileged people dolour in the state.

The people at home are asking why President Goodluck Jonathan does not want to make Ishaku a full minister even when the opportunities came on several occasions.

When the then minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, resigned, Ishaku was not given the position of a full minister. The president later moved Ishaku to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, still as a junior minister. He was assigned to supervise both the Niger Delta and, Environment ministries. When the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godday Orubebe resigned, we thought Ishaku would be made full minister.

We were wrong, as the former PDP South-South Zonal Chairman, Steve Oru was brought to head the ministry. When we wrote to the president to complain, someone told us to search inward and ascertain whether Ishaku has REALLY IMPRESSED the president.

Umar came on board as a neophyte, without political machinery on ground. He was reclusive and lacked the savoir-faire of exploiting political influence. But he is systematically exerting ascendancy over almost everyone in the state. He has murdered the constitution and caused many wrongs with impunity. He has tested many waters and passed the experiment of his potentiality in emphatic fashion against a dismal people of southern Taraba. One of such tests is the fact that a candidate he sponsored, Daniel Tsokwa, won the Takum I House of Assembly bye-election to occupy the vacuum left by the late Speaker Haruna Tsokwa. Ishaku failed this litmus test –a PDP primary for a constituency that is not up to a local government area. Sir this was against your wish. And we are still mourning the result of that

election. Ishaku was in Takum days to the election –to drum up support for Yakubu S Yakubu against Umar’s candidate. He lost. Umar did not go to Takum to garner the votes of delegates but he carried the day, in spite of the demanding schedules of his coveted office. So, how can Ishaku face an Umar or a candidate sponsored

by Umar in the governorship battle, when he cannot deliver only a piece of Takum -his local government area? When he couldn’t deliver Yakubu, he told you heedlessly that he was defeated by “ONLY ONE VOTE.” Now, we don’t want you to endorse a candidate that would be defeated by Umar by one vote. You may care to note that the deputy governor is still jubilating that victory, which was tagged “UTC VERSUS TY”. Is like the story of an army Captain who was led by a boy scout disguised in military camouflage. The notion is that if Umar can defeat you and the minister in your very local government, then he has no fear to reproach him during the election when his opponent happens to be the minister that he knows [his weakness].

Umar, now a holder of the purse string and infrastructure of power, will not fear an army of lions led by a sheep, to borrow from Alexander the Great. Alexander was trying to elevate the significance of a leader and the impact he can have on a group.

If the leader is weak and lacks strategy, like a sheep in this regard, his army wouldn’t be powerful even if the individual soldiers are strong. Ishaku is the proverbial sheep. He cannot lead the army of southern Taraba in the governorship battle. The election of a governor is not a small election. In Taraba, the candidate must hack through the 16 local governments and the Special development Area to conquer the soul of the state, not just a piece of Takum, of which the minister failed woefully to deliver.

Umar, consistently kicking against power shift to deny us our due, has become our common opponent, or foe. But it is this gladiator that Ishaku ditches us and goes to bed with. It is this man that the minister is confiding with, in a parley inimical to us.

Do they have a common agenda? When you were conferred a chieftaincy title in the state, Umar did not attend to commemorate with you. But he was at the birthday bash of the minister in Takum, just as the minister was in Gembu last Saturday to celebrate the acting governor who was giving a chieftaincy title in a ceremony hastily designed to activate the call for his endorsement. Umar’s presence in Takum made the minister trembled that he could not talk about power shift. It took the intervention of former Governor Jolly Nyame to track on power shift in fanatical precision. If Ishaku has an event, Umar would be there to represent the Vice President, Namadi Sambo. If Umar holds an event, Ishaku must attend as representative of the vice president. We don’t understand this unusual pack, but we know this is perilous to the good people of southern Taraba.

In all our meetings held, all the aspirants and stakeholders of our zone had agreed that they would support whoever emerges as our candidate –chosen by you. It turned to be that if Ishaku is not picked, he will turn his back out of sheer malicious fury. The person you are to endorse must not be one who bows before you; one who holds your travelling bag or one who speaks with you everyday –directly or on phone by voice calls and sms; one who grovels and lobbies desperately to curry favour from you and groups. No. Our candidate must be the aspirant who is CREDIBLE. He could but must not be from Takum –your local government.

Credibility here means he should be GOD FEARING, has political structures with a large following, one who can make good decisions, with a vision to develop Taraba state. In Ishaku, we don’t see the southern Taraba genda, neither have we seen commitment. In other few contestants, we see seriousness and the agitation to ensure that our zone produces the next governor. Umar is in the race to win, not to make a statement, nor be defeated by one vote. The sourthern zone has about three serious contestants, who are of the masses, who are loved for their philanthropy, who have nurtured the party to its current robust pedestal in the state, whose popularities and political pedigrees are incontestably more seductive than Ishaku’s. Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, Chief David Sabo Kente and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha are more serious and popular contenders. You can endorse one of them to fly the banner of southern Taraba at the PDP gubernatorial primaries.

And sir, the fittest time to pick that long-awaited candidate for southern Taraba is now. Do not make a mistake that will rupture the prospects of our harmony and governorship dream as a geo-political zone.

JAMES ABE NWUNUJI, Public Relations Officer

TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign has finally taken off – against all odds.

I salute His Excellency’s courage. Faced with the obvious blackmail by his numerous opponents, not to talk of the army of busybodies and unrepentant slanderers, who have been too mischievous to see his gigantic achievements, many a leader would have shied away from it all. Not so Dr Jonathan.

His campaigners have flooded the land with rallies to celebrate their man. Television advertorials portraying him as a great man, just like many other giants whose opponents believe he shouldn’t be ranked with, are relayed all the time.

Can you blame those excited young men and women who have launched a huge road show to drum up support for Jonathan’s reelection? Now, the whole country is on pins and needles for what Dr Jonathan will say about the numerous calls for him to run in 2015. An ever compassionate man, who has refused to be overwhelmed by Nigeria’s daunting problems – corruption, insecurity, poverty, violent crimes and others Jonathan, I am sure, will not let them down.

He will surely throw his hat in the ring.

The campaigners, eminent citizens all, have been called all manner of names by those idle fellows who hide under the nomenclature “social commentator” to hurl abuses at others. Fraudsters. Tricksters. Pranksters.

Crooks and cranks. They have been so called.

Unknown to the critics, these are visionary men who saw through it all. They knew that the various irritants and distractions that we all see as problems are what they are – an amateurish attempt to discourage Jonathan from exercising his right to run next year.

Consider the Boko Haram nonsense. The Presidency knew early enough that it was a mere political contrivance by the opponents of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who vowed that what they could not make they must break. The President once said that members of the dreaded sect had infiltrated his administration. Why don’t you flush them out? Some cheeky fellows, who obviously are ignorant of the workings of a modern administration, asked His Excellency.

Then, there were some bombings here and there, but not enough to loosen the grip of a government that is bent on damning all the odds to pursue religiously its widely maligned but highly successful transformation agenda, the fruits of which are all over the place now.

Apparently not satisfied with the little attention it got after bombing the UN office in Abuja and the police headquarters, Boko Haram stepped up the game. It went in the dead of the night to abduct over 200 schoolgirls from their hostel in Chibok, Borno State, drawing global attention to what has been described as one of the biggest mass abductions ever.

At first, the government dismissed it all as another political stunt. It was unmoved. It sent a team to validate the claim, challenging the “faceless” parents of the girls to show up or keep quiet. So serious and urgent was the matter that the First Lady joined in finding a solution. She summoned the school’s principal, the WAEC chief and others. Her

VOL. 8, NO. 2,959

‘There is need to overhaul our armed forces to meet the exigencies of the time. If it takes our experience with Boko Haram to reinvent our armed forces, the nation will be the happier for it...Boko Haram has made its choice, so it should be ready to live with it’

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Editor of the Year (NMMA)

2015 and the Jonathan crowd

•Dr. Jonathan

conclusion, even though not surprising, was highly revealing: some mischievous fellows, most likely politicians who obviously lack the fear of God and do not want to see anything good about the President, had forged the abduction to malign him. She admonished them to fear God, crying: “Dere is God ooo”.

There seems to be no evidence that those fellows have changed, despite Mrs Jonathan ’s admonitory tears. When the President wrote to the National Assembly, seeking permission to borrow $1billion to purchase equipment to fight Boko Haram, he was pilloried like a coach whose team had just lost a game it had under its firm control. Some said the cash was to fund his campaign for 2015, the same campaign that some patriotic Nigerians are now funding with ease.

Others said he should first account for all the

cash that had been voted for defence since he mounted the saddle. Yet, others simply said the money was too much. Are we talking about cutlasses and axes for political thugs?

Bows and arrows for village vigilantes? Haba!.

Now, Boko Haram has seized some key towns. It has declared a caliphate. A few days ago, some leaders of the North issued an ultimatum, saying Jonathan must get the Chibok girls out before October or forget about 2015.

Where have these northern leaders been?

Hasn’t the government said several times that it knows where the girls are and will get them out at the appropriate time?

As if all that was not enough, an American – Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, an Ebola patient, flew into Lagos, fell ill and was admitted at a hospital. His desperate attempt to flee the hospital was physically resisted by a remarkable woman of a remarkable character who contracted the disease and died even as she opened our eyes to the big danger Sawyer posed.

A source told me last night that he learnt from a politician whose uncle is close to a fellow who knows a man whose friend used to work at the Presidency that a team of local scientists with deep knowledge of human behavioural patterns analyses have been commissioned to crank out studies into the various distractions the President has been facing.

One of the preliminary results of this massive

I

academic exertion is the discovery that an opposition party may have hired the late Sawyer to unleash Ebola on Nigeria.

Trust the President’s men. They have refused to be deterred. The campaigners have stepped up their rallies. Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Protectors of Nigeria’s Prosperity and many others are in the new game in town. Surveying the podium the other day, a colleague wondered how people could be chucking their money about, promoting a controversial cause. Now we know why the subsidy fraud probe never really got off the ground, he said, noting that some of those accused of creaming off billions in the fuel subsidy bazaar are the leaders of the campaigns.

They have been talking about President Jonathan’s transformation of the railway, roads, ports and sports. In their excitement, they seem to have forgotten the wonders wrought by the transformation agenda in many other areas. How about the Almajeri schools that are now turning out potential professors, the glittering airports with top range equipment and schools that are set to be designated “centres of excellence” after just about a year of closure and those killer-roads that are now as smooth as airport runways, and the first class hospitals. The rice revolution and the cassava bread that has sent wheat farmers gasping for breath and the roaring textile mills. The steady electricity supply that has sent diesel and generator merchants screaming for help. As they say, the list is endless.

As we pondered these “giant strides” of the administration, Chika Okpala, the one called Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 4.30, just popped up on the screen, white moustache and all, saying: “Does anybody need mirror to look at what I have at hand? Nooo! These are the ingredient of life. Automobile industry, Goodluck.. Petrol yanfu yanfu …Goodluck.

Goodluck can do. Goodluck are going to do and Goodluck will be done. Are you seeing what I’m saw?”

My colleague shook his head, gave a harsh, derisive laugh and concluded: “Now I know the whole thing is nothing but a joke.” Is he right?

Mass failure in WASSCE: Who is to blame?

S

INCE the release of the last School Certificate Examination results, there have been many arguments on what went wrong. Some have blamed the mass failure on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Others have disagreed, saying the umpire should not carry the can when a team plays badly. So I think.

Over the years, WAEC has mastered its role. It has the muscle to hire experienced and damn good hands to run its programmes. Besides, it has always striven to ensure that its papers are not leaked, maintaining the integrity of its examinations, even as it has a foolproof marking scheme that ensures fairness.

There is no way we won’t have mass failure when parents have surrendered their role to teachers, many of who are overstretched and underpaid. Students no longer find any virtue in studying; the Internet has simplified it all for them.

Why study when you can simply “Google it”!

Rather than read a good book, they watch movies on their telephones and ipads. Their ears are permanently wired up to pop music.

They are the Azonto generation. Facebook has become a veritable companion of many.

In any case, why is the noise so loud in Nigeria, which is just one of the countries that write WAEC exams? Got a message from a student recently?

How will mass failure not occur? When last did you buy a book for your child? Don’t we all get those short messages from students on our mobile phones? See how they write those messages that hit our mobile phones.

Sample: “Hi uncle! Good a.m. Howz work?

Wasup? It’s bin a while. Plz send me sum money. God bless you gud.” Awful.

Is the zeal with which our students work at reality shows the same as the one they deploy

HARDBALL N the not-a-rally that was a rally organised under the non-campaign name that was political, the minister of finance who parades herself under the new-minted title of coordinating minister of the economy showed herself in the front row. The ex-IMF, ex-World Bank virtuoso who should understand the ethical implications of high and sensitive offices, should understand that she should not be seen in such gatherings.

No less flaunting her pro-Jonathan bona fides.

Her position is a lofty one, in case she does not realise it. She is, in a manner of speaking, President Jonathan’s first minister. What it means is that she should maintain a high and disinterested aloofness from all things partisan. Her position should not be tarred with the narrow and partisan brush of a parochial loyalty as she exhibited in the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria rally that took place last week in Port

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

Okonjo-Iweala, TAN and decency Harcourt.

She was there in the full PDP colours, and she was engaged in all the festive vanities of joy and celebration and campaigns for the president’s reelection bid.

She is one of those Nigerians who have had the opportunities to serve in the high places of the world, enjoyed the perks and aura of the dignitaries of the top nations of the world and contributed as a savvy and cultured member of that elite sanctum. Yet she returned to Nigeria as innocent of the polish of a civilised world. This is not the first time Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has exhibited such gusto in the public space in a campaign. In 2011 campaign, she also materialised on the hustings in Abuja and danced and sang as a party faithful.

Her positon is sensitive for a variety of reasons. Chiefly among them is that she holds the nation’s treasury, and that means questions will always stir as to whether she took part in the funding of the activities either directly or obliquely. She is the fulcrum of budgets every year, from planning, to approvals to execution. That shows that her role is, principally, technocratic, and her finger touches the pulse of every Nigerian either fervently or remotely.

Whether it is the transactions of the nation’s main pot, the NNPC, or the doings of international transactions, even to the point that the Central Bank of Nigeria, for all its independence, cannot operate without interacting with the minister of finance.

in studying for their examinations? How many corporate organisations put their cash on the best student at school? They would rather splash money on “the best dancer”. Etisalat, the mobile giant, offers N7.5m cash plus a car and a multi-million naira recording deal to the winner of its Nigerian Idol. Glo Naija XFactor is worth $150,000 and an SUV. MTN’s Project Fame is N5m plus a car. Gulder Ultimate Search is N10m. Now compare: Cowbell Mathematics competition attracts five desktop computers, printers and all expenses paid vacation. For the junior category, the cash prize is N250,000 and the senior category N300,000. Spelling Bee is N1 million.

You can see how guilty we all are in this matter. Please, leave WAEC out of it. It is all about our fast changing values and orientation. We must arrest the slide. Now. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above That is a weighty responsibility, and that explains why her counterpart in the United States, whose system we have adopted, did not attend the last Democratic Convention in Charlotte, N.C. in 2012. In fact, Tim Geithner has followed a long tradition of the United States in which the treasury secretary does not only not attend conventions or rallies. He does not make political statements. Money, as they say, is the mother’s milk of politics. Hence treasury secretaries stay away.

The high office is not there for politics but governance, and to main the cathedral poise and dignity of the institutions on behalf of the people. If Okonjo-Iweala did not know that, she should now. She should understand that her roles in TAN or any other political campaigns frown against the decency and dignity of her office.

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