September 09, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Make public your assets, Ekiti APC tells Fayose P57 •2,500 C of Os ready for collection in Lagos State P57 •Suspected kidnapper mentally unstable, says husband P8 •Nigeria to reduce number of its foreign missions P6 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3332 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Troops find hard drugs in Boko Haram camps Page 60 NEWS

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

Power: Govt ‘spent N2.740tr in 16 years’

•Association of Community Pharmacists Secretary Lawrence Ekhator (second left) congratulating Globacom’s Head, Mobile Money Financial Business, Mr. Esaie Diei, after the launch of Glo Xchange Mobile Money Agent network at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos...yesterday. With them are Gloworld Coordinator Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole (left) and Head, Broad Access, Globacom, Mr. Vikas Goel.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

I

N 16 years, N2.740 trillion went down the drain in the power sector, Senators heard yesterday.

This was the submission of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, at the Senate’s two-day investigative hearing on the troubled sector.

The hearing WILL THE was inauguratCHIBOK ed by the up-

?

GIRLS EVER RETURN?

N150.00

Continued on page 8

•INSIDE: CBN REJECTS JP MORGAN’S REMOVAL OF NIGERIA FROM BOND INDEX P8

Buhari’s anti-corruption battle rages in nine states EFCC recovers $6.55m, •248,340 from 49 suspects NNPC, NIMASA, Amnesty under probe

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ETECTIVES are poring through the books of nine states as part of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war.

Besides, the war seems to be yielding bountiful harvests, going by the performance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-

Nigerian woman gives birth at sea

S

HE was rescued from a sinking dinghy in the Mediterranean. And minutes later she gave birth to a baby.

Had she not been saved by the Italian coast guard, she would have sunk with the baby.

The woman, believed to be a Nigerian, had been attempting to cross the sea on a rickety dinghy with around 100 other migrants and refugees when it began to deflate.

After being rescued by the Italian coast guard, the woman went into labour as the boat was on its way to the island of Lampedusa.

After giving birth, the woman was helped off the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

sion (EFCC).

EFCC has filed 71 high-profile cases in three months.

The commission also seized over $6.555m and •248, 340 from 55 money laundering suspects at the airports in Lagos, Kano and Abuja.

The cash includes $3, 902, Continued on page 8

CASH SEIZED BY EFCC IN 90 DAYS •$3,902,229 and •248,340 (49 suspects) in MMIA •$2,198,900 from a suspect at Lagos Airport •$454, 050 (four suspects) at Aminu Kano Airport •$99,000 (one suspect) at Azikiwe Airport, Abuja

•An Italian Coast Guard officer carrying the baby...yesterday.

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

Continued on page 8

•MONEYLINK P11•LIFE P13 •SPORTS P24 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 •FOREIGN P63

2

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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Trial delays... N On August 27, Chad sentenced 10 Boko Haram members to death on terror charges after a three-day trial. The convicts were executed by firing squad two days after. Will such swift trial be possible in Nigeria? But, there is hope that things may improve with the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, writes JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

•President Muhammadu Buhari (left), welcoming exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo, who visited him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday.

I • Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right) with the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Henry Edet, when the GOC visited the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (right), his deputy, Ahmed Aliyu (middle) and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Bashir Garba, after the swearing-in of Garba as SSG/Adviser,Government House in Sokoto...yesterday.

N June, twin bomb attacks rocked N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, Nigeria’s ally in the battle against terror. Dead were at least 38 people.

The attacks were the first by Boko Haram militants in Chad, which hosts the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional force set up to fight the insurgents.

The June attacks were followed by a blast that killed 15 people at a market a month later. The Chadian government wasted no time in its quest for justice. It re-introduced the death penalty for acts of terror in July and banned the wearing of full-face veil by women.

The trial of those arrested in connection with the June attacks was to last for eight days, but due to security reasons, it was accelerated. The country, it was learnt, did not want to be hobbled by any delay.

On August 27, about two months after the attack, 10 Boko Haram members were convicted over their roles in the act. They were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, killings, wilful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, and using psychotropic substances.

Two days after their conviction, they were executed.

The executions were the first application of death penalty in Chad since the country declared a moratorium in 2003. Expectedly, the coalition of opposition forces and civil liberties groups criticised the new anti-terror legislation, saying it could be used to suppress civil rights.

The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office raised concern about the speed with which the executions were carried out. Its spokeswoman Cecile Pouilly wondered whether those executed “had access to lawyers and were able to appeal against their death sentence.”

The UN agency also called on Chad to review its anti-terrorism law which it says contains a very vague definition of terrorism, which may not be legal internationally, and potentially could put many people at risk of execution.

The Nigerian experience

•Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roof Foundation, Nollywoods Aeben, Ifeoma Okeke (left); Nigeria’s representative of Hub Energy in Italy, Mr. Patrick Mabaso; CEO, Muejentin Public Relation Consult, Ambassador Chibizo Patrick; Managing Director, J&Eve Mega Investment Nig Ltd, Mr. Julius Emenem and Comedian Papa B, at the launching of Best Less-Cafin Hub Energy Drink at 21 Road, Festac Town, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

There have also been some relatively convictions of insurgents in Nigeria.

For instance, in December 2013, Boko Haram kingpin Kabiru Umar (a.ka.

Sokoto) was sentenced to life imprisonment over the December 25, 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

His trial lasted eight months, having been arraigned on April 19, 2013.

He was, however, kept in detention for about a year following his re-arrest in February 2012.another Boko Haram member - Mustapha Umar who bombed a plaza, housing the offices of some newspapers in Kaduna.

He was jailed for life on November 15, 2013, having been arraigned on February 5, 2013. His conviction came almost a year after his arrest in April 2012.

On October 1, last year, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced three Boko Haram members – Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman – to 25 years imprisonment each. Their trial lasted for 11 months

as they were arraigned on November 27, 2013.

The suspects, arrested at Lekki Phase I and at Ijora Oloye, ApapaIganmu, Lagos, were charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, including three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators and 11 AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition, and for being members of a proscribed organisation.

However, thousands of Boko Haram suspects have been in detention for years. For instance, on September 7, 2010, there was a jail break at the Bauchi prison following an attack by 50 gunmen, suspected to be insurgents. No fewer than 721 prisoners escaped and majority of the inmates were allegedly involved in a sectarian violence in 2009. Some of them were later re-arrested.

There was also controversy over where to keep the rising number of arrested insurgents. A plan to relocate 47 of them to prison facilities in Ekwulobia in Anambra State and Calabar in Cross River State, sparked a huge outrage.

Endless corruption trials Several high-profile corruption cases have been stalled due to frequent adjournments, interlocutory appeals, weak prosecution, judges’ transfer and other deliberate ploys to delay justice.

Courts halt trials while interlocutory appeals are decided by higher courts.

‘Skilled’ defence lawyers exploit this to secure months, or even years of delays in any given case.

The cases of some former governors fall within this category. Other cases are frustrated due to transfer of judges, or their elevation to higher courts, in which case trials have to start afresh.

For instance, during the trial of former Intercontinental Bank Managing Director Erastus Akingbola, Justice Habib Abiru had adjourned till November 15, 2012, for the adoption of final written addresses. A date for judgment would have been fixed that day.

However, it was announced on November 2, 2012 that Justice Abiru had been elevated to the Court of Appeal. Akingbola was re-arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo on February 26, 2013. Again, the prosecution went through the process of recalling its witnesses, some of whom were no longer available.

Interlocutory appeals It can take years for the Supreme Court to rule on interlocutory appeals.

For instance, the Federal Government charged Mohammed, son of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for receiving money stolen from the government’s coffers by his late father between 1995 and 1998.

The defendant sought to quash the charge on the ground that the immunity that his father enjoyed in office covered the acts which constituted the offence for which he (the son) was charged.

It took over 10 years for the Supreme Court to rule on the interlocutory appeal, numbered SC.40/2006.

Not long after the ruling, the Federal Government withdrew the N446.3 billion theft charge instituted against

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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NEWS

New Criminal Justice Act to the rescue

•The 10 Boko Haram militants before their sentence in N’Djamena, Chad...on August 27

‘

•Chad’s President Idris Deby

•CJN Justice Muktar Muhammed

•Falana

And many judges, in my view, foolishly in the past, play along with these senior advocates. They abandon the main case and concentrate on the preliminary objection, which may take perhaps a year or two. Meanwhile, the substantive issue of corruption is suspended.

‘

WHY TRIALS ARE SLOW •Interlocutary appeals •Frivolous injunctions •Public lack of faith •Transfer of IPOs/trial judges •Out-dated facilities •Jurisdictional loopholes •Intimidation and blackmail •Political interference •Inadeguate courtrooms •Indiscriminate adjournments •Are Babalola

Abacha.

Negative consequences Interminable delays reduce the chances of ever concluding cases in a satisfactory manner. Witnesses lose interest. The public lose faith in the judiciary. Investors keep off.

In a web of corruption, investigating police officers are sometimes deliberately transferred outside of the states where the offences were committed. It is not unusual to hear prosecutors make excuses that witnesses could not attend court sessions, or could not be reached. Judges are also sometimes transferred to other divisions and cases must start de novo (afresh).

Incompetence A frontline lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) once said that corruption in the judiciary and the incompe-

•Prof Sagay

tence of some lawyers and judges work against quick justice delivery.

An ill-prepared lawyer will seek an adjournment at the first opportunity, and a judge who lacks the intellectual capacity to adjudicate a case will indulge such lawyers and adjourn even the simplest of rulings.

Intelligent lawyers and judges are not difficult to know but ill-prepared lawyers find excuses to seek an adjournment. Hardworking judges rule instantly on bail applications following a familiar template. The lazy ones will adjourn for two weeks or more.

Some judges also sit very late, further causing delays. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to report such judges to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

According to Babalola, before a judge can dispense justice, he must possess the necessary judicial qualities of integrity, deep knowledge of the

•Shittu

law, honesty and a sense of justice itself. Unfortunately, many of them, he said, lack such qualities.

Antiquated methods Most courts are burdened with antiquated physical and legal infrastructure that renders them extremely slow and inefficient. Lack of courtroom technology is also a challenge. Most judges still write in long hand.

In some states, lack of adequate number of courtrooms force judges to share spaces, alternating sitting times.

This leads to unsecured storage of court documents, leading to “loss” of case files, and provides room for corruption.

Lack of adequate institutional reforms and modernisation; low investment in information and communication technology; lack of political will and commitment to a better society; use of archaic and outdated laws, proce-

dures and processes that are riddled with loopholes are some of the problems the judiciary is faced with.

For instance, the 42-year-old Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi can no longer cope with mordern realities. It is a tale of daily agony for lawyers, litigants and other court users.

To get a seat at the Federal High Court in Lagos, an interested party must arrive, at least an hour before the 9am resumption time.

To get a seat in court is a privilege that one must guard jealously, because all it takes to lose the seat is just to stand up for a moment.

For those who are able to get into the courtroom at all, it is best to remain till court rises for the day. It is not unusual to see lawyers standing outside for hours.

Some of the courtrooms are so small that the docks and the witness boxes,

meant for accused persons and witnesses have been converted into file shelves. Accused persons now stand outside the dock.

Lawyers have to fight their ways through crowded corridors into the courtroom. And due to extremely fully dockets, most times the court is unable take all the cases listed for the day. The situation is worse anytime Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) have cases to argue. By the time they are done with, the day is far gone.

As a way out, an ultra-modern nine-storeycourthouse is being developed under at Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos. The project, which began in 2012, is billed to be delivered next year and the judges are expected to relocate there. But, due to what is believed to be poor funding, the project is moving at snail’s speed.

Funding of the judiciary from the Federal Government has reportedly witnessed a steady decline since 2010, from N95 billion in that year to N85 billion in 2011, then N75 bilion in 2012 and dropped again in the 2013 budget to N67 billion. With the tumbling crude oil prices at the international market, the subventions may further shrink.

Jurisdictional loopholes Commencement of criminal proceedings is usually complicated by issues of jurisdiction. Preliminary objections can be filed on the basis that the case ought to be tried at the state High Court rather than the Federal High Court, or at a special tribunal.

A charge can also be challenged because it was filed outside where an alleged crime occurred. Jurisdiction is very paramount in a case and often times, a lot of time is wasted on it before the proper commencement of the case.

To exhaust the complete remedy in a case from trial court to Supreme Court could take up to 20 years with the original litigants dead and substituted and in some cases, the substitutes also dead and substituted.

The process of interlocutory appeals aggravates the situation to the extent that by the time the Supreme Court decides that the case be continued in trial court, most of the witnesses might have died or are alive but senile, with documents no longer traceable.

Decrying this situation, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption Prof Itsay Sagay (SAN) said: “Another thing is that we now have a new genre of senior advocates, whose sole means of existence is to stall cases, especially corruption cases.

“And the way they stall cases is very simple: once the charges are filed, they look at the charge. Instead of tackling the charge and providing answers for the issues raised, they simply file a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

“And many judges, in my view, foolishly in the past, play along with these senior advocates. They abandon the main case and concentrate on the preliminary objection, which may take perhaps a year or two. Meanwhile, the substantive issue of corruption is suspended.

“When the judge finally arrives at the conclusion or judgment or ruling that he has the jurisdiction, the chap (defendant) appeals straightaway – still abandoning the substantive issue for the issue of jurisdiction – to the Court of Appeal. At the Court of Appeal, if he fails, he takes it to the Supreme Court.

“By the time the Supreme Court finally decides that the court has jurisdiction, 12 years or so might have elapsed. By then, the investigating police officer (prosecutor) is retired; the officials of the Ministry of Justice, who handled it (the case) at the early stages in the High Court, would have been promoted and the judges themselves could have retired.

•Continued on page 56

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Buhari orders review of Nigeria’s foreign missions

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review the size and number of Nigeria’s foreign missions.

The Permanent Secretary, Paul Bulus Lolo, spoke with State House correspondents after making a presentation to President Buhari on the ministry’s activities.

According to him, Nigeria needed to review the number of its 119 missions based on its capacity, especially as the economy is looking down.

To this end, he said a committee would be set up to look at the issue.

He said: “We also talked about the state of our embas-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

sies. All of these in the context of what Nigeria aspire to be at home, on the sub-region, in the continent and around the globe.

“Mr. President asked the ministry to be realistic in terms of our representation abroad. We have 119 missions. He asked whether we need to have that number or we rationalise based on our capacity. Right now, the economy is looking down. We are trying to revive and revamp. It is a matter of time.

“The specific directive that he has given is that a committee be formed to look at the issue

of our representation abroad, the size and the number of missions on whether or not the number should remain the same or we do something about those numbers.

On the time frame, he said: “As soon as possible. No specific time frame but he said the sooner, the better. Action needs to be taken.”

Asked to speak on the effect of cutting down missions abroad, he said: “It is a function of interest and capacity. I believe what the President was saying to us is that we should cut our coat according to our material and not according to our size.”

He said he underlined the importance of the activities of

the ministry, which is 75 per cent outside the country and 25 per cent domestic.

Even though the ministry does 25 per cent of its work at home, he said foreign policy derived from domestic policy.

He said: “There is a close nexus between a country’s domestic and foreign policy. Our activities are handled by our missions abroad because the ministry’s functions cover relations of country’s formulations and management of Nigeria’s foreign policy, getting and managing relations with other countries and all of these crystallise into what opportunities there are and challenges.”

He said the ministry was crystallising the priority of the present administration, which had articulated security, the economy and the fight against corruption.

He said: “The fundamentals of our foreign policy as defined by the objective of principles are not only sound but relevant. What changes is the nuance that governments and regimes bring from time to time. I took him through the themes of different regimes and evolution of Nigerian government policy starting with 1975 when the slogan was “Africa has come of age”.

President when he was in power 1983-1985 came up with the concentric circle con-

cept.

“General Babangida as President from 1985 until he stepped outside came with two things: Concept of Medium powers as well as economic diplomacy. Then under the late Yar’Adua, we dealt with citizen diplomacy and the last regime came with transformation agenda.

“We are now looking at them and crystallising the priority of the present administration that has articulated security, the economy and the fight against corruption.

“All these will be important to our ministry and the mission abroad to take outside and explain to the rest of the world,” he added.

Amnesty Office spokesman resigns

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HE Head of Media and Communication of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Mr. Daniel Alabrah, has resigned his appointment.

In his resignation letter yesterday addressed to the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), Mr. Alabrah cited "irreconcilable differences" as well as "inexplicable antagonism and attack on his dignity and self-esteem" among other reasons for quitting.

He explained that following recent developments in the office, the work environment was no longer conducive for the performance of his duties.

At the moment, consultants in the Amnesty Office are owed four months' salary arrears, a situation that has brought severe hardship on the staff.

Alabrah, a senior journalist, was a deputy editor at The SUN before his appointment on June 4, 2012.

Buhari, Obasanjo meet at Aso Rock

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The two leaders met in a closed meeting for about one hour at the President’s office.

Details of the meeting were unknown as at the time of filing this report.

Obasanjo declined to speak to reporters when Buhari escorted him to his vehicle around 4:17p.m.

He simply told repoters: “Comot joo” Buhari on August 21 named Obasanjo as his special envoy to mediate and find a solution to the crisis brewing in Guinea Bissau.

Osinbajo to Nigerians: your expectations will be met From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that their expectations will be met.

Osinbajo spoke yesterday at the closing session of the 33rd Holy Ghost convention of the The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, at its international headquarters in Ibadan.

The Vice-President, his wife, Dolapo and the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo, attended the programme.

Speaking with reporters, he said the administration understood that there were high expectations, noting that they would not let the people down.

He said: “We know that it’s been very good. I think that the nation has high expectations and I know that things are just getting better by day, and I believe that by the grace of God, all of those expectations and beyond will be met. So, we’re looking forward to more exciting times and great things for this nation.

“We can’t talk about a policy direction in one year but I am sure that we all heard the President’s speech on the economy and what to expect in the next few days. What we’ve said about the economy, especially what we intend to do in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, power, roads; so much has to be done.”

•From left: Guest Speaker Abike Dabiri-Erewa, representative of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Babatunde Salako and Chairman of the ocassion, Prof. Lanre Olutayo at the lecture on “The State of Nigerian Diaspora and Gender Relations in the 21st Century” in Ibadan...yesterday.

PDP governors: Nigeria sliding into dictatorship

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OVERNORS elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday morning claimed that Nigeria was gradually sliding into dictatorship under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Rising from a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum (PGF), held in the inner chamber of the Bayelsa State Governor’s Office in Yenagoa, the governors decried the activities of the Department of State Security (DSS).

After the meeting that lasted for over two hours, the governors led by their chairman and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko, condemned the alleged invasion of Akwa Ibom State Government House by the DSS. Reading the communique of

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

the forum to select reporters, Mimiko, said the action of the DSS was against the spirit, ethos, values and fundamental tenets of democratic norms and tradition, especially with the existence of a duly elected and inaugurated governor of the state.

He said: “We insist that the trend must stop. No democracy survives without a viable opposition in any part of the world and we must also remember to remind the APC that they are the real beneficiaries of the liberal democratic ethos of the PDP. “We once more advise the DSS to preoccupy itself with the task of ensuring internal security and desist from daily harassing and intimidating members of the opposition.

“We implore the international community, the civil society organisations and human rights activists to call the All Progressives Party led Federal Government to order and to insist that it respects the well entrenched democratic tradition.

“We all have a duty to prevent what looks to us like a steady slide of this country into dictatorship.”

Mimiko said the PDP governors were disturbed, alarmed and shocked by what he described as desecration adding that the action of the DSS was an assault on democracy.

He said the Akwa Ibom incident spelt doom and posed serious danger to the country’s fledgling democracy.

The governor described the development as one of the continuous attempts by the APCcontrolled government to sti-

fle the opposition.

Two governors and four deputy governors of the 13 PDPcontrolled states attended the meeting.

The governors present at the meeting were Mimiko and the host, Seriake Dickson.

The deputies that represented their governors were those of Delta, Kingsley Otuaro; Asia, Chris Akomas; Ebonyi, Kelechi Igwe and Kogi, Yomi Awoniyi.

Governors of Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Benue, Ekiti and Taraba states were absent at the meeting.

They also did not send any representatives.

It was, however, learnt that most of the governors were not present because of their intention to attend Dickson’s formal declaration for second term on yesterday.

Court awards N5m against EFCC for illegally freezing firm’s account

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HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday awarded N5million damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sealing a company and freezing its accounts without a court order.

Justice Ibrahim Buba held that the commission acted irrationally. He delivered judgment in a suit by Rana Prestige Industries Nigeria Limited and its director Gnanhoue Nazaire against the EFCC, Mrs Alice Bulus and Mrs Rachadatou Abdou.

Through their lawyer Chief Rickey Tarfa (SAN), they filed

By Joseph Jibueze

a fundamental rights enforcement suit and prayed the court to order the opening of the company’s business premises.

They also prayed for an order unfreezing its accounts with Diamond Bank, Ecobank, and Access Bank, as well as an order of perpetual injunction restraining EFCC from violating their rights.

Rana Prestige and Nazaire sought N100million damages, and N10million as cost of the action.

Justice Yunusa granted all the reliefs sought, except the dam-

ages and cost. He awarded N5million to the applicants and made no order as to cost.

The judge said the EFCC wrongly exercised its prosecutorial discretion in sealing the company.

“There is no evidence that the order of court was obtained prior to sealing the company,” the judge held.

Besides, he said the commission did not do a preliminary investigation before it moved against the company after receiving a petition against it and the director.

“It is clear that the first (EFCC) and second respondents

did not exercise their discretion properly.

“There is nothing in the record that they did any preliminary investigation. The first and second respondents acted irrationally,” the judge held.

The EFCC had filed criminal charges against the applicants, which is still pending before the court.

Also charged with forgery and “uttering” of forged documents (presenting a forged document as genuine) are the company’s General Manager, Senou Modeste and and a staff Ferdinand Egede.

EFCC said they allegedly conspired on May 28, 2007 to forge Rana Prestige’s ordinary resolution which they purported to have been signed by Mrs Rachadatou Abdou, who coowns the company.

The commission said they allegedly forged a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Form 7 dated November 22, 2005, claiming it was signed by Mrs Abdou.

The four-count charge includes conspiracy to commit a felony, forgery and uttering of false document, which violate sections 516, 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code, Cap C17, Laws

of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003. They are yet to be arraigned.

In a supporting affidavit, an EFCC investigating officer said the board resolution was purportedly signed and passed by the directors appointing Egede as the company secretary while Mrs Abdou was out of the country.

The commission said Nazaire fraudulently converted the company’s share to his use and to Mrs Abdou’s prejudice, as well as “converted huge sums of money” belonging to the company “to his own use.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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Wike, Rivers PDP can’t stop trial, says tribunal

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IVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) failed yesterday to stall proceedings at the governorship election petition tribunal in Abuja.

The tribunal, in two rulings, refused the proposal by Wike and his party that it stayed proceedings in the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate Dakuku Peterside.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Mohammed Ambrosa observed that against the request by Wike and PDP that the tribunal must first rule on their pending applications, the Court of Appeal, last week, did not order a stay of proceedings, but ask the tribunal to accelerate hearing in the petition.

Wike and the PDP had appealed three earlier decisions of the tribunal made on July 9, 29 and 31 that it would, while deciding the petition, resolve issues relating to the petition raised by the respondents.

On Monday, the petitioners were expected call their witnesses, when respondents’ lawyers informed the tribunal

•’Appeal Court ordered accelerated hearing, not stay of proceedings’ From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

that the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered judgments last Saturday directing that the tribunal should deliver its rulings on the respondents’ motions pending before it before resuming the trial.

But, when the respondents were unable to produce certified true copies of the judgments and enrolled orders of the judgments, the tribunal adjourned to yesterday and requested that the CTC of the appellate court’s judgments be filed before the tribunal on Tuesday to enable it determine what next step to take.

Yesterday, although petitioners’ lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) said he was yet to obtain copies of the judgments and enrolled orders, the tribunal confirmed that it was in receipt of the enrolled orders, which Justice Ambrosa later read, The appeal against the tribunal’s ruling of July 9 partially succeeded, following which the Court of Appeal set aside the ruling and ordered

the tribunal to hear the application leading to this appeal.

It also ordered the tribunal to accord the case accelerated hearing.

The appeal against the ruling of succeeds in part, to the effect that the tribunal was ordered “to resolve the issue of the locus standi of the petitioners and the issue of service of the originating processes raised by the appellants, but which were not decided.”

On the appeal against the tribunal’s ruling of July 31, the Court of Appeal set aside the ruling to the effect that “the decision of the tribunal that the motion filed by the appellant on July 1st and argued, will be heard along with the petition is hereby set aside.

“The tribunal is hereby ordered to consider the arguments already proffered for and against and deliver a ruling.”

After reading the ruling, Justice Ambrosa said “it is our view that the orders (of the Court of Appeal) are clear and unambiguous. We shall comply with them promptly. With

respect to the last order, we shall accord the matter accelerated hearing. That being the position of things, we hereby call on the petitioners to continue with their case.”

Olujinmi was about to call his witness as ordered by the tribunal when lawyer to the PDP, Adedayo Adedipe (SAN) sprang up and demanded that the tribunal first comply with the ruling of the Court of Appeal before proceeding with the trial.

“The tribunal ought to determine the applications that the Court of Appeal ordered it to determine first before continuing with the trial,” Adedipe said.

He argued that the non-resolution of the pending issues will amount to reinstating the status quo of the order granted, which resulted in the appeal. He said proceeding with trial will render the order of the Court of Appeal nugatory.

Wike’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) argued in similar vein, arguing that with the orders of the Court of Appeal, proceeding with the calling of witnesses will not amount to complying with the appellate

court’s orders.

“I am equally wondering that orders relating to the hearing of the motion on the determination of the issue of locus standi and the competence of the originating processes, is also being put at serious risk of being breached,” Ukala said.

Responding, Olujinmi urged the court to ignore Adedipe and Ukala and proceed with the trial, He said should any of them feel uncomfortable with the tribunal’s decision, he has the option of appealing.

Ruling, Justice Ambrosa said the tribunal, having elected to proceed with trial, will not reverse itself. He noted that the case, being an election matter, time was of the essence and the tribunal could not afford to waste time.

The petitioners later called some witnesses, among whom, was Clinton Ochonma, who acted as Ward Collation agent for the APC during the election. All the witnesses were unanimous that the election was marred by irregularities.

Trial in the case resumes today.

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Human trafficking generates $150b annually

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CTING United States Consul General Dehab Ghebreab has urged the Federal Government to join the fight against human trafficking by implementing the United States (US) Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

She said information provided by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has showed that the human trafficking industry generates up to $150 Billion globally every year.

Ms Ghebreab, who spoke at a news conference in the Consulate Multipurpose Hall, Victoria Island, said the Act was aimed at monitoring the progress of countries in combating human trafficking through three tiers; to monitor countries that are implementing the Act, to aid countries that are making progress and to check countries that have not done enough.

She said Nigeria, being in the second tier, should do

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

more to stop the 21st century slavery.

“Trafficking in persons is a challenge that we have globally and that is why the US government created the Act. It does not only happen in poor countries, but in rich countries as well. The industry generates $150 billion annually... So we are looking for countries who consider this to be a profitable business,” Ghebreab said.

She said the act would help to increase awareness of Human Trafficking in all its faces, help people to know how to protect themselves and their loved ones from being victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) 2015, US President Barack Obama signed the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), in March, 2013, which reasserts the U.S. Gov-

ernment’s leadership role in the fight against modernday slavery.

TVPA renews critical federal anti-trafficking programs, provides invaluable resources for the provision of specialist services for survivors of human trafficking, grants prosecutors new tools to go after the traffickers and enhances partnerships with focus countries to protect children and prevent child trafficking.

Meanwhile, Head of Research, National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), Mustapha Saadu revealed that Nigeria has recorded 258 convictions in human trafficking between 2004 and 2014, while many other cases are still in trial or investigations.

He advised victims of the act to reach out to NAPTIP through the organisation’s hotline or website at www.naptip.gov.ng.

Founder of a nongovern-

mental organisation targeted at human trafficking victims and survivors, The Enitan Story, Bukola Oriola, shared her survival story and advised Nigerians to pay more attention to situations around them to help victims and prevent themselves from falling victims.

“Pay more attention to non-verbal cues because victims of human trafficking don’t always speak up but they give non-verbal cues. It is even more disturbing that human trafficking has become one of the fastest growing industries, generating billions of dollars. Although we hear more about women and girls as victims, the fact is that men and boys are also being trafficked, as perpetrators can also be women,” she advised.

She wants Nigerians, especially youths to join her in a 4-day human trafficking tour at various Nigerian universities from Monday, 14th of this month.

By Joseph Jibueze

A

GROUP, the Niger Delta Initiative for Equity and Justice (NDEJ) has condemned sponsored media attacks against former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

It said the reports, which it described as false, were designed to malign him.

NDEJ said the documentaries being aired by a private television station was designed to cast Amaechi in bad light.

It said the television station and promoters of the documentaries should have waited for the outcome of investigations by anti-corruption agencies of Amaechi’s tenure.

NDEJ said the television station was attacking Amaechi in the hope of being granted a Certificate of Occupancy for of a land belonging to Rivers State.

It alleged that the state also helped the station procure a land opposition its headquarters in Abuja.

“The documentaries are now being aired to tarnish the image of the former governor as a way to show appreciation to the present Rivers government for these largesse,” NDEJ said.

Major shake-up in Immigration as King takes over PR Unit HE top management of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) yesterday announced a change of guard in its Public Relations Unit.

In a Staff Posting Order vide NIS/ABJ/1027/VV/T111/ 562 dated September, 2015, the incumbent spokesperson of the NIS, Assistant Comptroller CPP Obua has been moved to Lagos Command while Deputy Comptroller, Ekpedeme King has been deployed to replace him as the Service Public Relations Officer.

According to a statement issued by a Superintendent of Immigration in the Public Relations Unit, A.O OKPU: “Until his deployment, DCI King was the second-in-

•From right: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Numoipre Wills , Director, Inter-Government and Communication Relations of the Agency, Tayo Odumosu; and Director Admin and Human Resources, Border Communities Development Agency, Ibrahim Kwajafa when a delagation from the agency visited Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Group condemns media attacks on Amaechi

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

command at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA) Ikeja.

“During his tenure as the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI Chukwuemeka Patrick Obua made some giant strides including the upgrading of the Service’s Newsletter to a fullfledged magazine with legal personality as well as the hosting of the 2014 ComptrollerGeneral’s Conference and Stakeholders Interactive Forum in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the NIS. “The Service wishes him well and fondly welcomes DCI Ekpedeme King in his new deployment as the Service Public Relations Officer.”

Debtors’ list: Heritage Bank apologises to Nda-Isaiah

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HE Heritage Bank( formerly Enterprise Bank) has apologised to the Publisher of Leadership Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, for erroneously including his name, his wife’s (Zainab) and Banana Republic in the list of chronic debtors of the bank.

Nda-Isaiah is also the chairman of Banana Republic Ltd. The bank tendered the apology in an August 31 letter to the publisher.

The letter reads: “We refer to our list of chronic debtors published in two national newspapers on August 3,2015, that included Banana Republic Ltd, your name, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah and that of your wife, Zainab.

“We wish to state regretfully that the inclusion of Banana Republic Limited, your name and that of your wife on the list was done in error.

We also acknowledge that negotiations are ongoing for the liquidation of the facility granted to Banana Republic Limited “The bank holds you, your family and Banana Republic Limited in high esteem. Again, we egret whatever insinuation or public harm done to your persons.”

Nda-Isaiah had petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) Governor over the defamation of his character by Enterprise Bank Limited.

The bank on Monday, August 10 listed Banana Republic Limited as one of its delinquent debtors.

But Nda-Isaiah, in a petition to the CBN Governor, called for an investigation into the loan granted to him by the bank.

He admitted that in 2013, Banana Republic asked Enterprise Bank for an N80million facility for the expansion of its business into Maitama District in Abuja and the construction of a 5-star hotel in Guzape, Abuja, on a 1.4 hectare hilltop prime location.

He said: “We placed the 1.4 hectare hilltop land in Guzape worth more than N2billion as security for the N80 million facility since it was the same bank that would also handle the hotel project anyway. The loan was promptly approved by the bank because it was considered a good project.

“But that was when our problem started. It was at this point that our account officers started behaving strangely and unprofessionally. Sometimes they even showed signs of incompetence.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

NEWS Omatseye for LASU lecture

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HAIRMAN of The Nation Editorial Board Mr. Sam Omatseye will today deliver the lecture of the School of Communication of the Lagos State University (LASU).

He will speak on the topic: “The Legal and Ethical Perspectives in the media coverage of the 2015 presidential election. It is the first in the lecture series.”

•President Muhammadu Buhari (middle); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (sixth left); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bulus Lolo (sixth right) and directors PHOTO: NAN of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after briefing the President on activities of the Ministry, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday.

Buhari frowns at ex-officials illegally holding passports

Suspected kidnapper mentally unstable, says husband

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HE eldest of two women arrested by the police on Monday for alleged kidnapping, Eno Effiong, is suspected to have mental disorder, it emerged yesterday.

The Nation learnt that her husband and father of the three children she was suspected to have kidnapped, Effiong, was located by officials of the Railway Police Command at the Air Force Base, Ikeja on Monday night.

His location confirmed the address given by their fouryear-old daughter, Happiness Effiong, who insisted that the woman was not her

By Precious Igbonwelundu

mother and that her home was at the Air Force Base.

Policemen were d i s p a t c h e d o n Monday evening to trace all the addresses given by the woman and the infant, before the man was located.

Eno, alongside her teenage sister, were arrested after passengers of a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) vehicle suspected she must have stolen the kids she had with her.

The passengers’ suspicion was sequel to the continuous cry of a four-month-old baby (one of the three ). Eno re-

fused to breastfeed her.

Worried that she turned down pleas to breastfeed the baby and could not pet her, Eno was handed over to the police at Iddo.

At the station, Happiness who gave the second girl’s name as Pateince Effiong, two years, denied severally that Eno was her mother.

The child’s denial as well as the inconsistencies in the story of the woman and the teenager, prompted detectives to trace all addresses mentioned by the parties.

A police source told The Nation that Effiong had been located and that he did not

know that his ‘sick’ wife took the children away.

He said: “The man was brought to the command and the little girl identified him as her father, Effiong. He was the one who told us that the woman has psychiatric problem and had been kept at a mental home.

“They live at the Air Force Base. The husband said he did not know that the woman had taken the kids away and he did not also know where they were going.”

There were no comments from the police.

Power: Govt ‘spent N2.740tr in 16 years’ Continued from page 1

per chamber to unearth alleged unwholesome practices in the sector between 1999 and 2015.

The Senate mandated an ad-hoc committee on the Power Sector, headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North), to conduct a comprehensive hearing to expose corrupt practices and establish how much the Federal Government has spent on the sector between 1999 and 2015.

Igali told the committee that of the N1.6 trillion appropriation since 1999, N948 billion was actually released to the Ministry of Power and its agencies within the period.

The Permanent Secretary added that N155 billion was also released to the ministry

to cushion the effects of the shortfalls in expenditure within the same period.

Igali said at the inception of democracy in 1999, the government inherited a sector where everything was dormant with no new generating units built except the one built in the 60s.

He stressed the need for consistent investment in the sector.

He noted that for over 100 years when the first electric power came to Lagos, power remained in the hand of government because there was no law allowing individuals to invest in the sector.

He said: “It is a heavy capital intensive industry but if you get it right people are ready to pay. We have not been consistent with our investment. From 1999, despite

the interest of government to infuse money in the sector, government has not been able to meet what the sector requires.”

Igali also told the committee that the country’s electricity generation had risen to about 4600 megawatts from 3500 megawatts in 2013.

He attributed the rise in generation capacity to reduced vandalism of power equipment.

The permanent secretary also said that the NIPP is the greatest contributor of power to the National Grid.

He noted that post-privatisation era, vandalism of power equipment has gone down.

Igali said that from his evaluation “things will be better in the sector very soon”.

On the disengaged staff of the Power Holding Company

of Nigeria (PHCN), Igali said only 2000 had not been verified and paid their severance allowances.

He explained that most of those involved who claimed to be former staff of PHCN have no valid document to back up their claim.

He, however, said that the final verification would soon be conducted to determine the veracity of the claimants.

The Permanent Secretary told the committee that proceeds of privatisation was used to settle claims of over 46,000 workers by the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Pension Commission.

The Managing Director of Continued on page 60

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari fumed yesterday over reports that some former government officials including ex-governors and exministers are holding on illegally to diplomatic and official passports.

He told the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, at a meeting at the State House in Abuja, to forward the names of the defaulters to his office.

The ministry’s delegation was at the Villa to brief the president on their activities.

The President said his administration will take necessary action against those illegally carrying the passports, according to his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina.

He said: “Something has to be done so that we can get back our respectability as a country. Some people carry official passports and get involved in all sorts of negative acts. We need to do something about it,” the President was quoted to have said.

Continued from page 1

ing activities of some past government officials in nine states.

Besides, it is investigating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, and the National Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

These disclosures are contained in an Executive Brief on the activities of the commission by its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde. It was exclusively obtained by The Nation.

Part of the brief reads: “Operational activities of the Commission have been stepped up in line with the current policy directive of the President, especially in public corruption related investigations. ”A total of 71 cases were filed in the various state and Federal High Courts between 1st June and 1st September 2015.

“ Only 31 of the cases have been arraigned, as the period coincides with the vacation of the Judges and pockets of labour strikes by some state judicial workers. Some of the high profile arraignments include: Ex-Governor Sule Lamido and two others(adjourned to September 28); former Governor Ikedi Ohakim (adjourned to September 30); and former Governor Murtala Nyako (adjourned to October 21); and ex-Governor Timpreye Sylva with no definite date The EFCC said the trial of a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, will come up on October 21, but added that it had referred the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for “reassessment based on the allegation of bias”.

“Other major public corrup-

tion and abuse of cases opened in the last three months include those involving; Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Katsina and Cross River state governments, as well as Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Niger Delta Amnesty Program, and the National Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).”

The brief added: “Laundering of crime proceeds through large cash transactions has increased, due in part to the new policy stopping the lodgment of foreign currency into local domiciliary accounts. Arrests and seizures made by the Presidential Committee on Transborder Cash Movement at the International Airports are transferred to the Commission for further investigation.”

The brief added: “Suspects who either failed to declare or

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday asked the former governors, ministers and other categories of public officers holding passports illegally to return them It threatened to use force to get them to return the passports.

Among those in this category are: 21 former governors, 21 former deputy governors, 42 exministers, 76 senators and 233 former member of the House of Representatives.

Buhari also expressed the readiness of his government to review the country’s foreign missions to determine those that are really essential.

A Presidential Committee, he said, will soon be established to carry out the review.

The President said that the review will determine the number of essential missions Nigeria needs to maintain abroad so that appropriate standards and quality can be maintained.

CBN faults JP Morgan’s removal of Nigeria from Bond Index

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HE Federal Government yesterday faulted J.P. Morgan’s announcement that it would exclude Nigeria from its local-currency emerging market bond indexes tracked by more than $200 billion of funds.It hinged the decision on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) restrictions on foreign-exchange transactions, which it said prompted investor concerns about a short-

Buhari’s anti-corruption battle rages in nine states 229 and •248, 340 from 49 suspects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos; $2, 198, 900 ( Lagos Domestic Airport); $454, 050 from four suspects at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano; and $99, 000 from a suspect at the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A former top official of an agency and his mule might be arraigned in court as soon as an ongoing investigation into a $2.1m laundered cash is concluded.

The anti-graft commission said it had established links with its counterpart in Niger Republic on the recent arrest of some Nigerians smuggling hard currency to the Middle East.

The EFCC said it was prob-

•Omatseye

under-declare the currencies would be prosecuted under the Money Laundering Act 2012, as soon as the courts resume from their annual vacation ”The cash sum of $2, 198, 900 belonging to a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was intercepted at the Lagos domestic Airport from a mule conveying the money to Abuja on 8th July 2015. The suspects would be arraigned in court at the conclusion of the investigation.”

Regarding the smuggling of currency out of the country to the Middle East, the EFCC said it as in “close” contact with the anti-graft agency in Niger Republic.

The commission added: “We are in close communication with the Nigerien High Authority for Fighting Against

By Simeon Ebulu and Collins Nweze

age of liquidity. The first phase of the exercise, it said would take place at the end of September, followed by a full exit by the end of October, the New York-based lender said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Patrick Burton.

But CBN, in a statement last night, signed by its Director of Continued on page 60

Nigerian migrant baby born at sea Continued from page 1

boat. A coast guard carried her baby in a blue blanket.

Both mother and baby were in hospital doing well The Mirror reported last night.

The woman is one of 300,000 refugees and migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean into Europe this year, up from 219,000 in the whole of 2014.

2,760 people have died this year in their attempt to make it across the sea from the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

The United Nations (UN) yesterday urged Europe to guarantee relocation for Syrian Continued on page 60

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9

NEWS ‘Include OPC in Southwest’s security plans’

School feeding: Aregbesola vindicated, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress in Osun State has told critics of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s investment in education, especially his feeding programme for pupils, to keep quiet, as the Federal Government has vindicated him on the project.

The party said: “If the project is not strategic to human capital and socio-economic development, the Federal Government would not have adopted it for implementation on a national scale.

“That the critics, some portfolio civil society groups and (unfortunately) some labour unions, were calling on Aregbesola to scrap the project, (‘so that funds will be released to pay workers’ is a measure of their superficial mindset,” APC said.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Its Director of Publicity, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, who addressed reporters yesterday in Osogbo, drew attention to the magnitude of the impact of the project.

He said it not only attracted more children to schools, but also gave jobs to thousands in the agricultural and catering sectors.

The APC spokesman referred reporters to the statement by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of the Federal Government’s commitment to the school feeding programme, which he (Osinbajo) said would, among others, create 1.4 million jobs, increase food production by 530,000 metric tonnes annually and attract in-

vestment of N980 billion.

The APC said to contemplate scrapping the project in Osun, as the critics suggested, was shallow and consistent with the low stuff of which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the state were made.

“What Aregbesola’s critics failed to appreciate,” the party said, “was that some of the best brains in the Southwest made the education policy the governor is implementing. At the head of the think tank was Prof. Wole Soyinka.

“It is no surprise that the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari has given national expression to what Aregbesola did in Osun.”

Oyatomi said besides the other effects the project had for job creation and agricultural

By Joseph Jibueze

T •Aregbesola

expansion, Osun recorded the highest enrolment figure of over 250,000 pupils because of the feeding project.

He added that the programme earned the governor commendation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the British parliament, which invited him to share some of the ideas behind the project.

Ooni: ‘Lafogido House ‘ll not concede right’

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HE Lafogido Ruling House of Ile-Ife in Osun State has said it will not concede the right of the vacant stool of the Ooni to the Giesi Ruling House or other houses.

A statement by its head, Sooko Walomo Adeleke Adewoyin, said: “Lafogido Ruling House does not intend to and will never concede its right to any other ruling house.”

It added that contrary to rumours, the authentic chieftaincy declaration of the Ooni was the one gazetted in 1957.

“A chieftaincy declaration is like the constitution of a country guiding the conduct of the people. It cannot be wished away just like that. The hallucination from some quarters that it is the turn of the Giesi Ruling House to produce the next Ooni is just like the noise of a crowded market, which nobody must listen to.”

The statement said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the order of rotation in the 1957 gazette is listed in the following manner: (1) Osinkola (2) Giesi (3) Ogboru and (4)

Lafogido.

“It was the turn of Giesi Ruling House to produce the Ooni in 1980 upon the demise of Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who was from the Osinkola Ruling House. But Giesi, for reasons best known to them, conceded the stool to Ogboru Ruling House. The position of the law is clear on this and that is, they have to wait for their turn again.”

It said the Lafogido Ruling House had qualified candidates for the stool. The statement listed 16 such candidates as Oluwole Adebayo

Ondo APC’s petitions for retrial Friday

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HE Ondo State Assembly Tribunal has fixed Friday for the continuation of hearing in the petitions by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This followed the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Akure, setting aside the verdict of the National and State House of Assembly Tribunal, which originally dismissed the two petitions.

In a petition, the APC candidate for Ilaje Constituency 11, Gbenga Edema, challenged his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Coker Malachi, on the outcome of the April 11 Assembly poll.

His lawyer, Charles Titiloye, confirmed the service of hearing notices The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election inconclusive because of

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

alleged irregularities.

The Court of Appeal, in its unanimous lead judgment read by Justice Mojeed Owoade and supported by Justice Danjuma and Justice Abiriyi, found merit in the appeal by the APC lawyer, Titiloye and set aside the order of the tribunal dismissing the petition.

It mandated the constitution of a new panel to retry the petition on its merit.

The Appeal Court held that the application made for pre-hearing session by Titiloye was properly made within the contemplation of paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act. The court contended that the tribunal erred in law in dismissing the petition as abandoned, saying: “The tribunal was in the third day of

pre-hearing session, hence the petition cannot be said to be an abandoned petition.”

The court held that even if the application for prehearing session was made pre-maturely, the respondents were deemed to have waived such non-compliance under paragraph 53(2) by participating in the pre-hearing session, filing applications and arguing same without objecting to the pre-hearing session for three days.

It noted that paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act did not use the word close of pleadings as the basis for application for pre-hearing, stressing that it was wrong for the tribunal to have imported the provision from the Federal High Court rules on close of pleadings, which was not contained in the Electoral Act, to dismiss the petition.

Ex-colleagues to honour Tunji Bello, Adesina, others

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ORMER colleagues at the Concord Newspapers will on Friday honour their members, who were recently appointed or elected into professional and government positions.

To be honoured at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos are: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. Both are former National Concord editors.

Also to be honoured, according to a statement by Messrs Aliu Mohammed and Goke Odeyinka – the organisers - are Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President, Waheed Odusile, Group Public Affairs Manager of

the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Ohi Alegbe, Managing Director of The Sun, Mr. Eric Osagie, a member of the House of Representatives, Mallam Sani Zorro (Jigawa) and Senior Special Assistant to Niger State Governor, Mr. Jide Orintunsin.

Concord Press, one of the biggest newspapers in the 80s, was established in 1980 by the late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, the man who presumably won the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the military.

He was incarcerated for declaring himself president and died in detention in 1998.

Eludoyin, Adetayo Oladele, Prof. Charles A. Adesanmi, Prof. Adeyemi Adebisi, Ade Adefioye, Ajibade Olowoporoku, Aderotimi A. Adefioye and Aderemi Adekunle Okikiade.

Others are Adediran Okikiade, Adedamola Adedotun Layade, Adeleke Adefaranye, Adeposi Adebola Odunle, Adesanya Adefisan, Adekunle Adefioye Abioye, Ademakinwa Solomon and Ahmed Aderoju Adewoyin.

It said: “Lafogido is prepared to fill the vacant stool.

This is not negotiable.”

HE Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) has asked Southwest governors to make it part of the region’s security plans.

It said it was well-placed to complement security agencies’ efforts in tackling insecurity. In a statement by its President, Comrade Dare Adesope, the group said its antecedents in providing security were well-known, yet it was excluded from strategic security meetings in the Southwest.

OPC said: “We should be empowered to continue our support of the law enforcement agents. The task of reducing crimes should not be left for the police alone. A combination of police and our organisation will make it easier because we have the antidote to crime.

“I want our governors to know that they have the final say in their states and they will be praised for a brilliant performance or blamed for failure, not the Federal Government.”

The body, which said it had re-branded to OPC Reformed (OPC-R), urged kingmakers to ensure they picked the successors of the Ooni of Ife in Osun State and Elegbeda in Lagos State in a fair manner.

“The kingmakers should be honest in their Ifa consultation to ensure the best candidates are picked. They should not let money be their priority so that they will not pick someone who will bastardise our culture,” the statement said.

The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to be fair in his appointments and to ensure that no geopolitical zone is neglected.

On Southwest’s development, OPC-R said since Chief Obafemi Awolowo died, the region’s progress had been stalled.

It advocated the return of free education in the Southwest, saying: “If truly knowledge is power, then please give us free education and you will forever be our heroes.”

Experts offer free medical treatment From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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S part of efforts to mark this year’s Oranyan Festival, 34 medical experts from the State of Maryland, United States of America (USA), have begun free medical treatment for the people of Oyo town.

The Coordinator of the fourth Oranyan Festival Committee, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who spoke at a news conference in Oyo, said Mr. Bode Esuola and his wife, Dr. Anu, through their company, the Community Dentistry on Wheels International, based in Maryland, USA, donated a well-equipped $300,000 mobile hospital to Oyo as a legacy for Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.

Archbishop Ladigbolu said Mr. and Mrs. Esuola, who are indigenes of Oyo, organised the medical and trade mission not as part of the 2015 Oranyan Festival alone, but to honour Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Oba Adeyemi III.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

11

MONEYLINK

Banks’ credit ‘stimulates economic growth’

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RESIDENT, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), President/Chairman of Council, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, has reiterated that credits from banks are critical in driving the desired growth in the economy and reducing poverty.

Speaking yesterday at the opening ceremony of the CIBN ninth Annual Banking and Finance Conference Abuja, she explained that the availability of credit facilities enhance the purchasing power of individuals and households, and this has a multiplier effect on the economy of any nation.

According to her, the institute has a mandate to build professional excellence in the banking industry. She said the body is interested in guarding, preserving and building trust and honesty

Stories by Collins Nweze

among bankers.

“No doubt, credits from banks and other financial institutions play important role in generating growth and reducing poverty. Since finance is the resource that connects all aspects of the economy, providing solutions for financing social services and growing the real sector is very critical to our socioeconomic development,” she said.

Osibogun said the theme of the conference: “Financial Service Industry Agenda for a New Nigeria” was selected to in line with the focus of the present administration.

“The entire spectrum of the Financial Services industry is inspired by the focus, energy and consistency being deployed by the present administration to bring about a new

Nigeria through various change initiatives,” she said.

“It is imperative to state that the role of the banking sector in achieving these economic development is germane although not without obvious challenges peculiar to our nation and which must be genuinely addressed”.

She listed factors militating against growth and development of the economy as corruption, Infrastructural decay, insecurity to lives and properties, dearth of professionalism, and other economic vices are of greater concern to the banking sector.

She said the banking industry has pursued financial inclusion policy with the development and introduction of various products and services under the retail banking space.

Osibogun praised the efforts of the Central Bank of Nige-

ria (CBN) for its special intervention funds made available to the relevant key sectors to generate the growth required to move the nation forward.

“The banking sector is poised to deploy more funds to the critical sectors of the economy to generate the required growth,” she said.

She applauded the ongoing implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) adding that it will help to cut down the several inconsistencies that have marred public sector fund management in the recent past.

“Under this initiative, banks would have to leave their comfort zone caused by dependence on government funds to now source for long term and sustainable deposits at cheaper costs, as it is the practice in modern economies around the world,” she said.

J

PMORGAN Chase & Co. has said it will exclude Nigeria from its local-currency emerging market bond indexes tracked by more than $200 billion of funds, after restrictions on foreign-exchange transactions prompted investor concerns about a shortage of liquidity.

The first phase of removing Africa’s biggest economy from the Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets, or GBI-EM, will take place at the end of this month followed by a full exit by the end of October, the New York-based lender said in a statement sent to Bloomberg on yesterday by spokesman Patrick Burton.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele introduced several foreign-exchange trading restrictions from December to stem the fall of the naira amid weaker oil prices. The country is Africa’s largest producer of oil, which accounts for about 90 per cent of exports

JPMorgan to remove Nigeria from bond indexes and two-thirds of government revenue. JPMorgan placed Nigeria on index watch in January, saying the foreignexchange measures made it more difficult for foreign investors to replicate the gauges.

“Investors who track the GBIEM series continue to face challenges and uncertainty while transacting in the naira due to the lack of a fully functional two-way FX market and limited transparency. As a result, Nigeria will be removed,” the statement read.

Nigeria will not be eligible for re-entry for at least 12 months from the date of exclusion, JPMorgan said. The country has a 1.5 per cent weighting in the biggest GBIEM index, which is tracked by $183.8 billion of funds, according to the bank.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

Life

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Myths, modes of Ife sculptures Nigeria is rich in heritage. The ancient city of Ile-Ife is one of such places, ELIZABETH HAMBOLU writes on how ancient artists documented Ife’s greatness in various media. value of the objects. Regarding who tricked who, that will forever remain a subject of controversy. The exploits of Frobenius now spurned the British Colonial masters to begin to contemplate actions towards the prevention of looting of other Ife sites. Frobenius went ahead to make indelible comments about the Ife objects to the effect that they were so exquisite to such an extent that they could not have been the work of the Ife people of his days but rather that of some form of their superior ancestors whose works were comparable to those of Greek Civilization.

1938 was to be another hallmark year in the discoveries of Ife Bronzes which motivated the establishment of the Museum with close collaboration of the Ooni of Ife and colonial officers. A long list of committed archaeologists worked over several decades to bring about more discoveries and better understanding of Ife Civilisation.

Ife sculptures occupy a place of pride among other Nigerian objects in national exhibitions and those that are taken out for international exhibitions. They represent and are also used as emblems of Yoruba culture.

Art critics have often argued that more should be done to comunicate Ifeancient civilisation to school children. And to serve this purpose and more, the Museum of Ife Antiquities now called National Museum Ile-Ife was set up during the co- •Ife bronze lonial era.

Below is an illustrateion of how ancient artists documented this greatness of Ife in various media, such as clay (terracotta & potsherd pavements) stones, bronze and beads.

Ori-Olokun This is the most famous of the Ife bronze heads and it has a chequered history.

It was produced through lost-wax or cire-perdue casting method. The Olokun head was dug up in the late 19th Century in the Olokun Grove. In the past it was used in yearly rites when honouring Olokun, the goddess of the sea and patroness of bead making. Experts have said it probably represents an Ooni and in its original form, probably had nothing to do with Olokun. The Ori-Olokun is associated with wealth.

We see that people, since the times immemorial, have been so conscious about wealth and they make effort to see that their businesses prosper.

Sculpture of a couple The couple above portrays an Ooni and his queen. They hold hands together with their legs entwined together. Their necks are heavily beaded. They put on their head crowns and staff of office (Ase).

As seen from the object it further attest to what God wants from couples; that in their marriage vows they are to stand by themselves without breaking the vows. They are to cooperate with one another, because in the Holy book, God said a man will leave the father and mother and cling to his wife to become one flesh and here the above figure clearly demonstrate that in its action.

•Ife bronze

L

OCATED in Osun State, Ile-Ife stands tall for its glorious past.

The ancient city, which was the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, is regarded as the ancestral homeland of all Yoruba speakers, from which traditional, political and religious authorities were derived.

Classical Ife civilisation flourished between the 12th and 15thAD and this is attested to by sculptural works in Bronze, Stones, Terracotta and other artistic production in the form of beads and architectural elegance represented by potsherd

pavements.

How these objects came to the limelight has often been attributed to the activities of a German explorer, Leo Frobenius, who came to Ile-Ife in 1910 to dig and cart away some of these magnificent and rare ancient arts. It must, however, be noted that the existence of some of these objects was naturally known to the people of Ile-Ife who, in the first case, were responsible for showing Frobenius the location of the objects.

From the available records of the regrettable transactions that took place, it is obvious that the people also knew the

Bronze heads found in a grove (1938) This terracotta head is exhibited at the Ile-Ife Museum. It is the head of a queen. This object shows elements of royalty, meaning that all through the ages there have been Queens, Olori or Aya Obas, most especially in the western parts of Nigeria. Other states have their own title for king’s wives, e.g. in lgbo the Queen is called Lolo.

Beaded neck The beaded necklaces and bracelets on this torso (chest) are similar to those that are worn today by certain Yoruba tradi•Continued on Page 14

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•Continued from Page 13

tional leaders. It is likely that a pair of bowshaped badges once hung from the necklaces.

The use of beads is spread across the nation, some use it elaborately and some do not. The Obas and Obis in the southern parts use beads more elaborately as symbols of authority and power more than the traditional rulers in the North. Beads are profusely used in this figure which confirms that it is a royal object.

Myths, modes of Ife sculptures

Stones The ‘staff of Oranmiyan’, Opa Oranmiyan, a shaft of granite gneiss more than 5.4 meters in height, (about three times the height of an average man) is studded with spiral headed iron nails along its height. According to Professor Willet, while the significance of the arrangement of nails is no longer known, a hole and engraved lines at the top of the object confirm the object’s phallic identity. This site is a focus of remembrance. It has historical and mythological significance, as the ancestors are remembered by a commemorative object. The granite column of Opa Oranmiyan is believed to be the walking stick of Oranmiyan, one of the sons of Oduduwa.

Oranmiyan is said to be the fourth Ooni of Ife, a warrior and founder of the Kingdoms of Oyo and Benin.

Apart from Opa Oranmiyan, there are other stone sculptures called Opa-ase (staff) given to a king when he is crowned. This is regarded as staff of authority. The king in his power can give it to any of his senior chiefs to represent him in a function if he is not able to attend.

Idena (gatekeeper) Idena figure is believed to be a representation of a security man. This is shows that in the past there were also security challenges that warranted them to have gate keepers. This figure is exhibited at the National Museum, Lagos.

Contemporary uses of Ife art The Ife objects are in different exhibitions both home and abroad, in private and National Museums. Ife bronze were first exhibited during the reign of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi in 1948 at the British Museum. It is at this time that the bronze received wider attention of the Europeans.

Ife objects are exhibited at Volkerkunde Museum in Berlin Germany and British Museum. Ife objects now serve as regional and national symbols. The bronze are no longer in use in their original context, which are within shrines. Some Institutions/ Business enterprises now use replicas and drawings of the famous bronze (Ori- Olokun ) as symbols, branding and logo. For example, many business operators consider the Ori-Olokun which is associated with wealth as appropriate for branding their businesses. Examples of such are Oyo State Television Station, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife (OAU), Odu'a Investment Company, and Airport Hotel, Ikeja-Lagos. In this hotel, one of their bars' is named Ori-Olokun bar, and many reproductions of Ife art adorn their walls.

Museum Museum is a house or set of buildings where objects of historical, scientific, artistic value are preserved and displayed for the public view and education of the general public.

•Ife bronze

Museum building is not just a place for keeping old relics, but it is by far, more than that.

It is where education takes place.

The mission of National Commission for Museums and Monuments is to educate the general public with some of these objects in its collections. School children constitute a very important segment of any society. They are of especial significance for the museum world, for in essence museums are set up to convey to succeeding generations the achievement of our predecessors. It is therefore very clear why school children should be brought often to the museum.

In doing this, we must make children's visits worthwhile. To achieve this, consultation

with teachers before bringing students is very important.

As has been observed by Museum education experts, mid-stream consultation that allows meeting of minds between what the museum has to offer, the school curriculum, historical needs and what the children want is very important. This enables a form of genuine engagement, so schools and teachers should be seen as active partners rather than being mere recipients of what the museum has to offer. All stakeholders here should know how to measure success. Each child is entitled to benefit from learning experiences in the museum, thus very important to find out what students really think of our collections and exhibits.

We should not hesitate to make the best use of new technologies, which are indeed very prevalent as they provide rich, interactive learning experiences they must not be ignored. New technologies encourage creativity and innovation.

It has been advocated that we should use objects/museums to deliver non-core and cross curricula activities. In this case, we use artifacts as spring board for class activities and use museum as stimulus for work as contained in the national curriculum. Museums enable experiencing the world through art in a different way. In this way children are thought how to really see things deeper than mere surface level.

Ife Museum sculptures are used to provide new and stimulating learning environments, providing access to rich resources which are meaningful and relevant both to the curriculum and the pupils. Information concerning production, materials utilised and historical implication is presented to students. These are in addition to their aesthetic value, environmental relevance, and history of objects, value, and their relationship with other objects.

In exploring the symbolic meaning of objects students get a deeper understanding of the cultural meaning behind them. The physical experience of visiting Ile- Ife museum, right at the heart of the cradle of the Yoruba race, creates huge excitement. Indeed a visit to Ife museum should be a rite of passage for all students of the South western Nigeria.

Careful readers of this article would have noticed that some issues were left unattended to. This is deliberate. After listening carefully to the museum educators at Ife museum, students should be able to answer some of the questions I will list below and then follow up with their own questions.

A few samples of questions will suffice for now: When were the Ife sculptures produced?

Who produced them? Why were they produced? Who owned them? When and how where they brought to the museum?

Are there other art objects in the media?

When these are answered satisfactorily, the students can then move to the next level of asking questions which relates to Ife sculptures to other ancient art traditions of Nigeria.

Brilliant students from Kwara State for example could ask about possible relationship between Ife and Esie soapstone sculptures.

Do the Ile -Ife people have stories of people turning into stone? Drinking from their wealth of experience of Benin art, students from the south- south geo-cultural zone might ask if Ife art could be regarded as 'Court art' the way those of Benin are referred to.

They might want to ask, where is the equivalent of Igun Street in Ile-Ife? Students from other parts of Yoruba land might also want to ask why Ife art is deficient in wood sculpture. There are many more ways of interrogating Ife sculptures and visitors can be rest assured that the ever willing educators of Ile -Ife museum are always ready to provide answers and where not exactly possible to provide precise ones, they can at least shine a little light into complex issues.

At the museum, there are off course rules to obey, token to be paid to enable one benefit from a rewarding museum experience.

•Mrs Hambolu works with National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja

The Nation woman makes her debut as artist

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•Osagie

SENIOR Correspondent with The Nation, Evelyn Osagie, has added another feather to her creative cap. She will be making her debut as an artist on Saturday at a group exhibition by GreenHouse Empowerment Centre in Olambe, Ogun State.

The exhibition, which is led by Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, will also feature the works of artists, such as Sam Ovraiti, Princess Theresa IyaseOdozi, Dr Mabel Oluremi Awogbade, Ato Arinze, Stella Awoh, K.K.Olojo, Juliet Ezenwa Pearce, Bolaji Ogunwo, Stella Ubigho and Oke Ibem Oke. From being one of the fresh voices promoting artistic collectives and their crafts through her insightful pieces, Osagie, who is also a performance poet, has joined the league of those documenting Nigeria’s rich cultural and artistic heritage through photography.

Inspired by two renowned female artists, Lauren Greenfield and Elisa Paloschi, Osagie brings her experiences covering the arts/culture sector to bear on her photography.

In line with the exhibition’s theme, Nigerian visual artists and politics, Osagie will showcase a body of work, featuring nine pieces in colour and monochrome of various sizes. Her displays spot-

PHOTOGRAPHY light issues, such as politics, tourism, culture/art, artistic and religious expressions, hope, peace and unity.

Her works explore the interaction between people, their art, their environment and their attendant power-play. The pieces, spanning eight years of her journalist career, feature images showcasing places like Idanre and Osogbo; artists/poets like Prof Wole Soyinka, Odia Ofiemun, Chief Muraina Oyelami of Iragbiji, the late Suzanne Wenger; religion; children, and 2011 and 2015 elections.

Osagie’s choice of subject arises from the desire to share in the stories that unfold around her. She says she sees photograph as an artistic self-expression of reality; thus, she uses her camera to unearth and explore the world around her.

She says: “I have always imagined photograph as unspoken MEMORY garnished with experience. Whether it is a walk down a hill with a friend, the serene town resting in between mountains or the embrace of two iconic poets, each

image is a memory of diverse tales in man’s existence.

“Capturing these unspoken scenes in a flash is what excites me as a journalist and artist. The most exciting of all, which I consider beautiful, is that each of those moment s are kept alive in photographs.”

Born in Lagos, Osagie’s foray into photography dated back to her undergraduate days at the University of Benin, where she engaged in poetry performances, creative writing and other artistic endeavours. As a student, this graduate of English and Literature became interested in landscape and wildlife, while visiting relations, and other universities, canvassing for a jointundergraduate writers’ association.

Osagie reportorial engagements have also touched a plethora of issues bordering on cultural advocacy; women and child rights; civil rights; mental health; and a host of others.

On the advocacy front, she has been engaged in campaigns, seminars, workshops and other commitments aimed at fostering better policies in rights protection for many Non-Governmental (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations.(CSOs).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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•One of the performances

• Tim Jacobs

• Wangi

‘GOtv’s night of glamour’ Call it a magical night filled with the best of African entertainment you may be right. That was the atmosphere as MultiChoice Africa hosted it is second content show at the Outrigger Resort, Mauritius Island, last week.

It was a five-day content extravaganza that witnessed DStv’s biggest channels previewing their latest and greatest contents, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

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F the calibre of guests who walked the redcarpet on to the sensational night of dazzling event was a measure of success, this year’s content show has not only hit the mark, but also achieved its desired objective, offering the biggest week in Africa’s video entertainment.

Laced with glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood berthing on the Mauritius Island paradise, guests who included Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Nuoah, Basket Mouth, Eku Edewor, MC Ik, Banky W, DJ Sose, Flavour, Stoneboy and The Mavins were given the full music and movie-star treatment. It was a night that featured IK and Eku as MCs. However, the week-long event provided an opportunity for MultiChoice and its various partners to provide answers to some issues affecting the industry, especially piracy, pricing, repeating of programmes and local contents, among others.

Chief Executive Officer MultiChoice Africa Tim Jacobs described piracy as a massive threat to broadcasters and right holders across the globe, adding that ‘they are only enriching themselves.’ He said MultiChoice Africa, is however, working with rights holders and broadcasters to tackle it, but that it is a moving target because ‘their infrastructure means they can open new portals as we shut others down.’ He said it’s not easy to evaluate how big the impact is, since by definition, a lot of it is underground and spread through social media.

Jacobs, who spoke at an interaction with reporters said the challenge is broader as certain competitors broadcast a beam that comes down into Africa. “If you have that decoder and smart card that can pick up a service that is not designed to be broadcast in African territories, that is also piracy because the rights for that territory either haven’t been assigned or they are owned by a mainstream service,” he added.

Reacting to a question on video entertainment service provider’s pricing structure, Jacobs said MultiChoice Africa is constantly evaluating its cost structures while taking into account the cost of content relative to its different audience groups,” he said.

He noted that there have been massive increases in the cost of content such as the English Premier League football rights, which MultiChoice has factored into its pricing. He said: “We’re conscious that a large part of the population is looking for a good set of quality content at the bottom end of the market, in the USD10 area, and we make decisions on the price points of our bouquet structure – it’s a continuous evaluation. We’re looking at alternatives too – there’s strong consumer behavior (especially in Nigeria) where many consumers are self-employed, and therefore, not monthly earners, so we’re looking at whether it’s viable to address a different type of model. However, it’s not something that’s on the immediate cards.

“The market for GOtv is specific, and targeted at viewers sitting on analogue signals. This is a sector of the population that has never engaged

ENTERTAINMENT on Pay TV. They get a rich experience on a digital platform but at a price point that’s at the bottom of the affordability scale. If you start to move up the value chain, you start to confuse the market between the DStv product, which is aspirational and high-value, and GOtv which is a fun, new, mass-market product. There’s also a capacity on DTT that’s much more restrictive than what we have on satellite, so there are also technical reasons we have to be more cautious.”

According to him, pay-per-view sounds attractive, but it is actually a red herring. He said an easy example is the Mayweather/Pacquiao boxing match earlier this year, which sold on Pay-Per-View across the world – in the USA at USD99 for three to four hours of viewing.

“Across the continent, subscribers pay less than that for DStv Premium for a whole month of viewing across all our channels – and in this instance, that included that fight, which was broadcast on SuperSport. That’s the benefit of

scale for us. If you segment sports, for example the EPL, the reality is that the cost of that is much higher than everyone thinks because you need to divide up those expensive rights between a much smaller viewing populations so the cost goes up exponentially. That doesn’t mean we’re not looking at Pay-Per-View as an option – we need to be flexible and we get a lot of requests for it. We’re watching consumer demand and looking at whether it’s economically viable. It’s not on the cards right now, though, but we do have a research team trying to work that out,” he noted.

He disclosed that MultiChoice investment in GOtv n excess of USD800 million, in eight countries across the continent and to recover such money means that MultiChoice cannot roll out towers into every city where the population size and affordability aspect lend itself to FreeTo-Air (FTA). This, he said, explained why GOtv cannot be accessed in all regions of the continent, adding that they look at each market on the basis of population size and the economics of rolling out a network.

“Because we’re a Pay TV service, we can’t offer FTA service like governments do. In those areas, we’d typically pair up with an FTA operator, or the national broadcaster, which is a big part of our offering. We have a limit in terms of where our network reaches – we can generally cover 70-80% of a country. Areas that are remote need to be serviced through our

satellite services because of factors including accessibility and terrain - the DTT signal needs to go across ground. Normally the national broadcaster or signal provider has the responsibility to ensure that FTA has national coverage, so they put towers in areas that it’s not economical for Pay TV providers to do,” he said.

On striking a balance between the inaugration of in-house and independent productions, the M-Net Regional Director West Africa Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said: “We make productions inhouse, but also commission, do co-productions and acquire content from elsewhere. You can’t generate enough content in-house. We need multiple production platforms to be able to service our subscribers with the quality content they desire. Our premise is that our content is created by Africa, for Africa, and we continue to nurture and build creative talent, in the hope of developing future producers and directors.

“We invest in building them up to the quality standards we want. A good mixture of inhouse and commissioned content also allows for greater variety and allows us to engage with audience and local producers - that’s how we build talent on the continent. As the Maisha Magic channels roll out, our business model is to nurture local producers and once the channels are off the ground that’s a strong focus for us.”

The show witnessed the hosting of DStv’s and GOtv’s biggest channels, such as Sony, SuperSport, Zee World, A+E, Disney, MTV Base, BET, Comedy Central, BBC and M-Net.

Spreading message of peace

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HEN art collectors, enthusiasts and friends of Ridwan Oshinowo gathered at the opening of his solo art exhibition, tagged: Seeds of peace, the sower and the envoy, at the National Museum in Lagos, not many had the inkling that the show would be more than an art event.

Apart from attracting a representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, and the regular Lagos art enthusiasts, the exhibition was attended by arts and Islamic scholars, such as Prof Sheriffiden Adetoro; Imam AbdurRahman Ahmad; Dr. Owolabi Junaid; Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti and Lt. Col Aliyu Emekoma.

A talk by AbdurRahman on the theme of the event set the tone for the evening. He urged Nigerians to learn to live together peacefully, noting that everyman is equal before God– whether black or white – and that creativity is a universal heritage of man and not western or oriental.

He said everything God does points to oneness of sustenance, which defines Islam. “God is

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

VISUAL ART the master designer. He creates harmony in all the creations. This also promotes peace among people. However, we are from dust and will return to dust. But we must not fail to take home the messages of the arts. We are united by creativity and may we be inspired to live in peace with one another,” he said.

Also Adebule, represented by the Head of Service Alhaja Sherifat Jaji, said the message of peace and peaceful co-existence which is being passed through the exhibition is very instructive. She stressed that the need for religious tolerance and harmony cannot be over-emphasised, especially at this time when criminal activities are being perpetrated against humanity around the world in the name of religion.

“At a time like this, all true adherents of differ-

•From left: Oshinowo, Alhaja Jaji, Alhaji Sinari Daranijo, Alhaji Ebiti and Dr. Junaid at the event

ent religions belief must unite in denouncing these criminal elements more importantly, we must also not relent in the effort to regularly showcase the true teachings and tenets of our religion to the world. This is particularly relevant for the young people who must be protected against being led into taking actions and exhibiting attitude that have no basis in our religion. We must commit ourselves to building a peaceful society in which we see each other as one. It is only in this atmosphere that our society can achieve meaningful progress and development,” she added.

According to Ebiti, the exhibition marked the second attempt to create awareness of the depth and vastness of messages from the Holy Quran, especially as regards peaceful and harmonious coexistence amongst mankind. “Therefore, the theme for this exhibition is very relevance and appropriateness to today’s reality. Islamic art forms especially calligraphy has existed from the early days of Islam whereby mosques and various monuments were inscribed with different quotations from the Holy Quran,” he said.

Ebiti, however, decried the shortage of Islamic art facilities in the state’s tertiary institutions.

“We crave the indulgence of the various state and federal governments to establish Islamic art facilities in our tertiary institutions,” he added.

The exhibition which ended last Sunday featured paintings, calligraphy and mixed media.

OUR ERROR A different photograph instead of Prof Ola Oloidi’s was used on Page 18 of Spetember 2 to illustrate a story: Varsity don makes case for technical education. The error is regretted.

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Boko Haram in Lagos?

•All hands must be on deck to check the group’s incursion to Lagos, other cities

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EWS that the terror group, Boko Haram, might have penetrated the security ring around major Southern towns like Lagos and Enugu, among others, is an indication that there is a constant need to review the security situation in all parts of the country. One major achievement recorded under the Jonathan administration was the restriction of the terrorist strikes to the North East. Earlier forays to the North West and parts of the North Central had led to panic that the group could expand its operations to other parts of the country.

In recent times, the Nigerian Armed Forces had recorded further gains that have incapacitated the group and reduced it to a band of marauders. This has raised hopes that the military might succeed in winning the war within three months as ordered by President

‘Security around important public buildings such as the air and sea ports should be tightened, as should places of worship, markets, shopping malls and motor parks. In addition, as training of personnel is being stepped up, it should not be limited to the North East’

Muhammadu Buhari.

We call on the military to step up their acts in view of the latest news .A single strike in Lagos would be a major moral booster for the murderous sect. It could be used by them to indicate that they have the capacity to take the war beyond their traditional atria. It could also send fear through the spines of the people in Lagos and the South West. Realising the pride of place that Lagos commands as the country’s industrial and commercial nerve-centre, one set to join the league of mega-cities soon; all efforts must be made to frustrate the devilish plans of the group. Anything that undermines the security of Lagos would disrupt the country’s economy. The Lagos airport remains the busiest and the seaports make the city a major maritime hub not only in Nigeria but the West Africa subregion.

The people, too, should realise that they have major roles to play in securing their neighbourhoods. Intelligence gathering plays a major part in any war. Since the suicide bombers are no spirits, vigilance on the part of the people and their willingness to cooperate with the fighting forces would help in checkmating the feared Boko Haram incursion to Lagos and other Southern cities. The vigilance groups, Neighbourhood Watch units, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the police and community development associations should be immediately incorporated into the war. Suspicious movements and actions in neighbourhoods should be promptly re-

ported to the security agents through the emergency lines.

State information agencies should be more actively engaged in sensitising the people to what is expected of them in times like this. Heightened awareness has been observed in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where abandoned parcels had been reported to the police, thus averting imminent bloodshed.

Security around important public buildings such as the air and sea ports should be tightened, as should places of worship, markets, shopping malls and motor parks. In addition, as training of personnel is being stepped up, it should not be limited to the North East.

We commend the Fashola administration in Lagos State for the Lagos Security Trust Fund and advise that more investment be made in purchase of surveillance gadgets. The Federal Government, too, should deploy some of the equipment being bought to securing the former capital city.

We also call the Federal Government’s attention to the need to break the terror ring by disrupting the supply chain and its fund channel; it is not enough to dislodge the foot soldiers and lower rank agents, efforts should now be made to apprehend the godfathers. Nigerians are tired of the corrosive effects and costs of the war at a time of economic emergency.

All Nigerians, military and civilian, young and old, living in the north or south, male or female must come together to defeat this latest challenge to Nigeria’s corporate existence.

Prison scholars

• The example of inmate-students at Kirikiri should be followed across the country T is truly heart-warming that a small minority of Nigerian prison inmates have decided not to let themselves be overwhelmed by fate, social stigma or their very limited circumstances in their attempts to broaden their educational horizons. It fulfils the prison’s promise as a department of correction.

Their stories are as inspiring as they are gratifying. There is the case of Kabiru, whose death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and who has spent 13 years in jail. He has a post-graduate diploma in Human Resource Management and is currently rounding off a Master’s degree programme in Business Administration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He hopes to eventually acquire a doctorate degree and become a teacher.

Then there is Oladipupo Moshood, whose nearly 24 years at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison have been distinguished by similarly remarkable intellectual achievements. He obtained six As and three Bs in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary-Level examinations, and followed it up with a Bachelor’s degree. He is now a Master’s degree student.

These sterling examples are imitated by other prison inmates, many of whom display an eagerness to learn and a diligence in their studies that would put their free counterparts to shame. These are individuals who appear to have come to terms with their unenviable situation, but have refused to let it overcome them.

The inmates do not educate themselves for want of something better to do, and the fact that their numbers are so few clearly demonstrates that they are not

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doing it in order to become popular. The better-educated prisoners teach those who are not as advanced for free, showing their desire to use their educational abilities to benefit the lives of others, regardless of whether they ultimately leave prison or not.

These outstandingly positive qualities are fittingly complemented by the generosity of the religious bodies, non-governmental organisations, institutions and individuals whose donations have made the burden of learning in Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons a little easier than it otherwise would have been. NOUN is especially worthy of mention: its study centre at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison features computers and other informationtechnology accessories that would not be out of place in Nigeria’s top universities.

Such demonstrations of faith in the capabilities of incarcerated citizens are a welcome departure from the hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes that have disfigured the nation’s prison system and crippled its ability to live up to its avowed aim of rehabilitation rather than retribution. The majority of inmates in Nigeria’s 240 prisons are not in fact prisoners: out of the total figure of 57,121, 39,577 are awaiting trial while only 17,544 have actually been convicted. Most prisons are overpopulated, lack adequate healthcare, sanitation and recreational facilities.

There are very few opportunities for vocational and other forms of training. The end result is that inmates leave jail as vengeful criminal minds with little incentive to become law-abiding citizens.

The fact that educationally-proficient inmates exist in the country’s prison system shows that the current deplorable

situation need not continue. Nigeria’s prisons must expand their capacity to make their inmates better citizens who are able to take up their obligations as responsible members of society.

Prisons must be comprehensively rehabilitated and should include educational, vocational training and related departments which enable inmates to develop themselves morally and intellectually.

Government should develop policies that enable inmates to earn a legitimate living behind bars; those who teach fellowinmates, for example, can be paid for their work. More tertiary institutions should follow NOUN’s example and expand their distance-learning programmes to cover the prisons in their catchment areas. Parole should become a viable option for inmates who genuinely demonstrate their preparedness to change their ways.

If Nigeria’s jails become the centres of rehabilitation that they ought to be, everyone will reap the benefits, including society itself.

‘The fact that educationallyproficient inmates exist in the country’s prison system shows that the current deplorable situation need not continue.

Nigeria’s prisons must expand their capacity to make their inmates better citizens who are able to take up their obligations as responsible members of society’

Case for North-east Development Commission

S

IR: The large scale destruction of lives, properties and infrastructure including bridges, schools, markets, hospitals and farms worth billions of naira which has continued since 2009, coupled with the flight of investors, businessmen, and entrepreneurs from terror has dragged the already impoverished North-eastern region decades backwards in terms of development.

The neglect of the North-east which has the highest poverty rate (with about 75% of the population living below the poverty line), the highest unemployment rate, and lowest literacy did not start with the Boko-Haram insurgency but since the colonial era. Due to decades of neglect of the zone, its peoples like the Komain Adamawa and the Tulotulowa tribes in Borno State still live almost in Stone Age level until they were “discovered” by the former Gongola State military governor the late Colonel Yohanna Madaki and former Borno State Military Governor Abdul Mumini Aminu respectively in the 80s. The people of Antere on Mambilla Plateau and other peoples living on the mountainous areas of Michika, Mubi and Maiha local government areas are just a step ahead of Koma and Tulotulowa in their level of development.The poverty and high illiteracy caused by long years of neglect also explains why the Boko-Haram terrorists chose the area as their base where it is easier to brainwash and attract recruits. President Goodluck had to squeeze N2 billion to rebuild the six states of the zone in the 2014budget.That is, after donating the same amount to Nollywood and also allocating N100 billion for the Niger Delta Development Commission from the same budget.

The question now is, when are we going to have the North-east Development Commission to at least rehabilitate and repatriate the surviving people and also for the reconstruction of the economy of the region? Should the government wait until the teeming army of thousands of poverty stricken, unemployed and frustrated youth of the North-east establish organisations to confront the Nigerian governmentas the Niger Delta militants did, which could also lead to uncertainty? The Federal Government has a moral obligation to answer this question and stop the time bomb. It is alarming to think the situation in the North-east which is much worse than that of the Niger-Delta could be more precarious, if not nipped in the bud now.

Fairness and sympathy demands special attention to the critical situation in North-east to return the people to normal life with at least the basic necessities of life. It is imperative for the government that “belongs to everybody” as declared by the President to, as a matter of urgency, establish a North-east Development Commission to address this serious situation which has potential to explode. Immediate priority should be given to the rebuilding of schools destroyed by the insurgents and agriculture which is the main preoccupation of the people in the region, while preparing a developmental agenda towards rebuilding the affected states for the sake of us all.

• Engr. Saleh Yakubu, Abuja

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: There are tough decisions that the public sector must make from time to time based on the changing realities of the moment. We must not be afraid to make those decisions because they are in the best interest of the citizens. And so, even when it means that we have to change our policy on an issue, it is done for the ultimate good of Oyo people.

Due to the current realities of the Nigerian economy and Oyo State’s fiscal status in particular, the state government engaged financial experts to provide guidance on how best it could spend what limited resources the state has. One of the things this resulted in is re-evaluating some of the financial burdens government has taken upon itself over many years. For example, the State Government decided that it will no longer bear the financial cost

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Overhauling education in Oyo State of sending people on pilgrimages.

An unexpected thing also came out of the exercise. It provided fiscal advice that caused us to look intently at the education sector, not just in terms of its funding, but more importantly in terms of how to put in place measures that will improve the performance of our children.

Henceforth, there will be a mandatory attendance bar set at 80%

because for a student to truly gain an education, he or she must have been present during classes. This is the first prerequisite for promotion, which will no longer be automatic.

The system is broken if we are shuffling our children from class to class year-in year-out, regardless of if they have met the criteria to proceed to the next class. That same merit system was the backbone of the founding fathers of our coun-

ership is an indispensable component of the character of any benevolent dictator.

Coming to Nigeria, a country stuttering in its democratic voyage, strong leadership is needed to right the many wrongs of the past administrations. The present leadership led by President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo offers a ray of hope in this regard.

This combination without doubt is one of the very best we have had till date to govern our affairs as a nation. Their fascinating background will come to bare as they navigate the affairs of the country for the next four years.

Their actions thus far are a pointer that governance at the federal level is no longer business as usual. In the early days of the administration, the President rejected the proposal for the purchase of new vehicles for the presidential fleet. This is quite significant in a country where materialism has assumed the order of the day. Another pointer to the strong leadership exuded by President Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo is their offer of 50% pay cut. This considerate action in the light of the country’s ailing finances is remarkable.

The required strong leadership is further exemplified in the im-

proved power situation in the country traced to safer gas pipelines with reduced incidences of pipeline vandalism as well as the availability of petroleum product and its sale at the regulatory retail price. The NNPC which was gradually becoming a ‘parallel government’ now has a clear sense of direction. It is no longer business as usual at the institution which hitherto had been a cash cow for Nigerian leaders.

One conspicuous area we have seen strong leadership is the war against corruption. Corruption according to the World Bank (1997) is “the abuse of public office for private gain”. The indecisiveness of the last administration’s fight against this endemic social malaise was brought to the fore in one of the presidential media chats where the former President noted that corruption in Nigeria is glorified as most of the instances of corruption are mere ‘stealing’. Today however, anti-corruption agencies are up and running pursuing their mandate; civil societies are not left behind in revealing the identities of those who have milked our commonwealth dry over the years.

Buhari, a benevolent dictator?

S

IR: In its classical form, a benevolent dictator is a leader, usually of a political entity, who is autocratic/dictatorial in his leadership style but ensures that the developmental needs of the populace are met. Popular examples include Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, Muammar Ghadaffi of Libya.

Interestingly, irrespective of their leadership styles, these individuals are celebrated widely and have assumed the status of demi-gods.

Singapore today represents a lighthouse for countries hitherto referred to as third-world countries in the development discourse. Late Lee Kuan Yew played an indispensable part in Singapore’s success story. Lee Kwan Yew recognized that an imposed conception of democracy and its tenets promoted by Western countries could not guarantee the development of Singapore. Hate him or like him, Ghadaffi steered Libya to the apogee of being the pride of the continent in terms of development.

Healthcare, education, electricity, among other social services was free under Ghadaffi. Numerous tales abound of Nigerians migrating to Libya for better living conditions. Irrespective of the autocratic/dictatorial toga, strong lead-

• Ishola Ebenezer, Lagos.

try. To ensure that students have all the help they can get in their studies, extramural classes have been introduced for all JSS3 and SS3 students in Public Secondary Schools.

Many are asking if this means the state government is going back on its free education policy but I assure you that it is not. What it has done is introduce an Education Development Levy. This development levy is not to be confused with school fees. It’s a token sum of N3,000.00 which will be paid per student on annual basis, and which can be paid in three equal instalments of N1,000 per term. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has been doing a lot to support the Oyo State Government’s efforts in the education sector, and this is an easy, institutionalised way the state government is introducing for all parents to join in these efforts. The funds from this levy will be reinvested into the sector, specifically to complement government’s effort in the improvement of infrastruc-

ture in Public Secondary Schools.

With effect from the upcoming 2015/2016 academic session, the Oyo State Government has decided that it will no longer pay the WAEC Registration fees. This is because the state is not in a fiscal position to pay the fees, and because past experience has shown that the quality of education, as it is, is being hindered by the attitude of parents to their children’s education. Many are neither financially nor emotionally invested in the education of their children. This is detrimental to Oyo State’s future because these children are our future.

Our Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, is constantly preaching the value of ‘Ajumose’ (collectiveness) to the people of Oyo. I want to use this medium to also preach this because there is not much that a government can do if it lacks the support and contribution of the people it seeks to serve. I want to enjoin parents, teachers, administrators and all people of Oyo to join the government in its quest to make sure that our children are properly equipped for the future. Help the government to raise the standard so that we can see an astronomic rise in the percentage of students that graduate from secondary schools with results that will enable them to have the best available tertiary education.

• Sikiru Akinola, Oyo Town.

Endless verification killing Nigerians

S

IR: The verification exercises being conducted across the country by different agencies is having a great toll on Nigerians.

The verification by the banks has not been completed only for the National Communications Commission (NCC) to come up with similar directive to Nigerians to go and confirm their SIM cards or have their lines blocked.

Many Nigerians have had to abandon their businesses to queue up to get their SIM cards registered, wasting in the process, productive man-hours.

The government should intervene and save the innocent citizens who are made to pass through hardships for no reason of theirs. There ought to be better ways of conducting the exercise without the attendant disruptions to the day to day activities of citizens.

The directive by telecoms service providers to disconnect anybody that has not registered his/her SIM card is even more unfortunate considering that most Nigerians have actually done the registration before.

• Bala Nayashi Lokoja, Kogi State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

21

COMMENTS

Our Girls; Buhari: Beware of NAPTIN & ‘Energy mis-advisers’, Go Solar; SenateGate On/Off?

O

UR Girls are still missing and our IDPs face conditions unsuitable for ‘Fellow Nigerians’ in the camps. Nigeria must not fail its IDPs who Tony need financial empowMarinho erment for self-employment, improved self-worth even in the IDP camps and not handouts from uniformed NEMA strangers from around Nigeria.

WARNING: The frightening headline on page 15 Sept 3rd in The Nation screams ‘Why Nigeria cannot use renewable energy’ in which the writer Akinola Ajibade reported the views of the Director General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria [NAPTIN] and the Managing Director of Ikeja Electric. The DG said that ‘Nigeria is not ripe for renewable energy’, urging ‘government and other investors to concentrate on hydro and gas powered plants for growth. It is impossible to grow the economy with renewable energy’ arguing that ‘conventional sources of energy are the best and widely acceptable means of generating electricity globally’. His colleagues in mega-misinformation, the MD said ‘solar, biomass and coal provide insignificant quantum of electricity megawatts, and as such, cannot meet the needs of the masses’. To add salt to our wounds on the same page - better called the ‘Energyless Page’, the Group MD of Aiteo Power said ‘Power will stabilise by the end of 2018’ and again ‘let us give power companies 60 months, five years, to execute their business turnaround plans.’

These are ‘protectionist not progressive’ energy views. I find these views dangerous ’backward’ thinking and irresponsibly out of step with ‘Buhari Change’ and shameful coming from a supposedly forward thinking training institution leader and ‘key actors and planners in the energy field’ at the time of world is talking and acting ‘renewable energy’.

I was comforted to read a contrary view in The Africa Report N0 73 Aug-Sept 2015 sent to Educare Trust by Dr Pat Alabi. In it on page 60, Nicholas Norbrook writes un-

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office is a paradox of mixed feelings.

While many people believe his administration is on the right path towards moving the country to greatness, others believe the first 100 days of the president has not brought much hope for a greater future for the country. Whereas everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, we must be careful not to jump into any hasty conclusion on the president’s avowed determination to right the wrongs of the past and put the nation on a new political and economic pedestal that will enable it to compete favourably among the comity of nations.

Nigeria has come a long way in terms of decadence and retrogression such that the nation has not only become a laughing stock all over the place, it is also a country that was almost being avoided globally when it comes to discussing serious political or economic matters. That was the dire straits the nation was until May 29, when Buhari stepped into the nation’s number one spot as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Since then, a ray of hope seems to have appeared on the horizon as the country is now being refocused by its new leader.

But if anyone is projecting that President Muhammadu Buhari will encounter strident opposition from only the ousted Peoples Democratic Party, then such pundit is not taking into consideration the lurking baggage of intractable bumps and roadblocks that will either assail him or stunt or truncate some measures of successes he may reap from his present presidential engagement.

The almagamation of the legacy parties – the Action Congress of Nige-

der the title ‘Business: The Third Revolution’ that ‘Solar power is lighting up more off-grid villages as the price of a solar watt continues to plunge’ and ‘Renewable energy, the sharing economy and transportation innovation are reshaping economies across the world. Will Africa be able to leapfrog in its development to build revolutionary electricity, manufacturing and transportation networks?’ He quotes Jeremy Rifkin the author of ‘The Third Industrial Revolution’ and ‘The Zero Growth Marginal Cost Society’-essential reading for the Buhari government and universities and NAPTIN. Rifkin quoted Kofi Annam saying that ‘it could take to 2080 for Africa to be adequately powered.’ Rifkin sees the African opportunity ‘as with mobile telephones, to leapfrog legacy infrastructure in the power sector…and [get] a decentralised network of small-scale renewable energy generation.’

In reality, there is an increasing percentage of power from renewable energy including solar even in countries with poor sunlight. In Germany renewable energy is 28% of supply. President Obama is in Alaska campaigning for renewable energy. Can Buhari and Nigeria afford to be left out of this energy revolution? Why should President Buhari be advised any differently by NAPTIN? Nigeria needs power now, not in five years. It can harness the sun and also use emergency power supplies just as the Japanese replaced the 10,000MW nuclear plant within three months from emergency power companies. That 10,000Mw is a dream for Nigeria along the way to the 100,000Mw required, but it is a fraction of Japan’s usage.

Power today is a human right from village to Villa and will change every Nigerian.

A $2-5billion CBN SOLAR ENERGY FUND single digit loan spread over 2-3 year using the latest 2015 solar technology, high efficiency/low cost/long-lasting will immediately Solar-Revolutionise Nigeria in power and also power millions off-grid. God gave Nigeria oil. We abused it and the money from it. God also gave us the Sun. We cannot afford to abuse or we may lose it. PMB should ‘change’ the power sector, initiate a POWER EMERGENCY, CHANGE and implement serious SOLAR FRIENDLY POLICIES before God take the sun away and gives it a country which wants it. The internet has 20

reliable emergency power supply companies. Several large power generating ships berthed at ports and up the River Niger would IMMEDIATELY next month provide the 10,000 Mw needed in a short 6-12 month contract while the GENCOs/DISCOs catch up.

The suit against the Senate leadership on ‘Forgery of Senate Standing Rules’ has not been dropped or has it?

Strangely, those who were said to have dropped this ‘ball of political fire’ have been ‘praised’ by the ‘opposition’ for their ‘political maturity and sagacity’. Observers, myself included, had looked forward to the results of the police investigation as a test of the ‘new Police’ to be publicly corroborated in court. The court case verdict would have been a landmark against political corruption. It would have cleared up this murky ‘who-done-it Senategate’ case on which result the locus standi of [self]serving officers of the Senate depend, some prancing around the UN Buildings and pontificating of migration and terrorism issues. Indeed the integrity and potential of the political process of ‘change’ depended on this court case, so let it go on.

It can never be ‘political maturity and sagacity’ to accept a ‘wrong’ as a ‘right’. It is a sell-out. Indeed we have suffered from the compromised positions forced on the citizenry by a selfish political class, one bad decision at a time these last 50 years. We want and voted for ‘change’.

True ‘Change’ does not accommodate court compromise or short-sighted selfish, backward thinking advisers.

‘There is an increasing percentage of power from renewable energy including solar even in countries with poor sunlight. In Germany renewable energy is 28% of supply. President Obama is in Alaska campaigning for renewable energy. Can Buhari and Nigeria afford to be left out of this energy revolution?’

My fears for Buhari (1) ria, ACN, the Congress for Political Change, CPC, the All Nigerian Peoples’ Party, ANPP and fragments of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, resulted into the new party now on the block, the All Progressive Congress, APC. Those who projected that, that political tsunami will be seamless may have been caught napping by the series of intra-party crises which had exposed the soft underbelly of the ruling party. The fact that this interplay of forces have come soon after accessing governance on May 29, signposts the parlous nature of the political contraption that was hurriedly assembled by a phalanx of politicians with disparate ideological bents.

Once the main objective of snatching the presidential diadem and by extension, the reins of power was achieved, the sharing of other positions and booties of “war”, turned contentious when certain political camps went Oliver Twist in an arrangement that lacked a sharing formula in the first place. This was responsible for the power-play that dominated the affairs of the National Assembly right from the inception of the 8th Assembly in June and almost polarised it along primordial lines. The division set tongues wagging over whether the APC, the ruling political party, was actually ready for governance. Until concessions were made here and there, it took quite a long time of political blitzkrieg, before finally the current peace of the graveyard now prevailing in the two chambers of the Na-

‘The emergence and the meteoric rise to power and reckoning of the APC, is, in the first place, necessitated by the people’s belief that the party’s mantra of “Change” will, like an “Open Sesame” change everything for the better’

tional Assembly was achieved.

Now, except for the resilience of Buhari, the nation’s number one man, in steering the affairs of the country through the assistance and cooperation of his able deputy, Akin Osinbajo, a professor of law, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former Attorney General of Lagos State, the story would have been different in the first 100 days of this administration. Unfortunately, it is not yet a smooth sail for the president. It is glaring that Buhari’s present travails are, invariably, caused by some elements in his own party, who have agenda that counter-balance that of the mother party, the APC. From the various insider crises that have ruled the activities of the APC since May 29, it appears that the party has not been able to manage its monumental and unexpected successes at the general elections where it uprooted the 16-year–old PDP octopus political machine.

Many factors are combining to present a hazy picture of a political group that have been ripped apart by crass internal desperation for its control and usage for some selfish personal or group interests. For a president who has governed for more than three months without the constitutionally- required accompaniment of a cabinet of ministers as political heads of the various federal ministries, all cannot be said to be well. The fact is that there is an emerging and growing cadre of APC party men and women, high and low, who are neither happy nor comfortable with the reward system in the party. They might not be too relaxed with the formula being adopted by Buhari, which is solelybased on a person’s Corruption Index that is of prime importance to the President before any consideration is taken for any political appointment. No cognizance is taken of whether such a person or persons worked for the success of the party

at the elections or not. It is believed, within the APC’s various strata, that this stringent “angelic” requirement has thrown spanners into the loyalty base of the ruling party.

In actual fact, more than anything else, this singular factor of searching for “angels” to occupy government positions may have shaken the APC to its foundation as the foot-soldiers now believe that “The Baboon Worked and the Monkey is Now Eating”. There is no doubt that without the current holistic approach to wiping out the hydraheaded monster called corruption from all facets of our body politic, it is impossible for the country to achieve meaningful progress and development. And by extension, there is no way the change mantra of the APC can be realised without tackling the behemoth that corruption has become in our society. The only problem now is, considering the fact that the APC is a patchwork of very strange political bedfellows and groups with disparate Ideologies and socio-economic back drops, it is imperative that one will expect a cacophony of diverse and tightly-held opinions, actions and reactions, that have consistently exposed the Coat of Many Colours contrivance that the APC is, truly, is.

That it has survived, till this moment, from blows to its solar plexus by external traducers and internal power and lucre seekers, is due to the avuncular nature of the President. The point is whether he will continue to do damage control and fire-fighting that has continued to distract him from his constitutionally-assigned schedule of duties.

Rightly or wrongly, the generality of Nigerians are beginning to (mis)interpret the current blame game disposition of the new ruling party and its arrow-head, President Buhari, as possibly, an admission of APC’s inability to find urgent or

Dele Agekameh long-term workable solutions to the problems and challenges inherited from the Jonathan administration and the PDP. Like I said earlier, without clearing the Augean-stable, it may be impossible to move the nation forward in a deserved direction where all citizens irrespective of tribe, race or class, will have a sense of belonging and equal opportunities to aspire to whatever level they may desire. That, I think, is the vision of the APC. The emergence and the meteoric rise to power and reckoning of the APC, is, in the first place, necessitated by the people’s belief that the party’s mantra of “Change” will, like an “Open Sesame” change everything for the better. This was further reinforced by the general over-expectation and “reality” of Buhari’s “messianic” involvement. Nigerians are a people in a great hurry and because of this, the people may be tempted to see the current government as symptomatic of unpreparedness and lacking initiative with the constant staple of laying of all manners of blames on the past PDP administration.

• To be continued

For comments Text (only) to : 08058354382

22

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Re: Misguided letter. At least to show us that they are alive rather than dead, you couldn’t. In fact, every Tom, Dick and Harry shouldn’t be pouring venom at the administration of ex-President Jonathan and Co. However, Dr Suleiman should know one thing if he’s yet to realise that, despite being a university lecturer, that good leadership matters in any society, community or nation. Because Mr PMB sneezes, major sectors and their leaders have been catching cold. Instead of defending now, Dr Suleiman should have advised GEJ to pep up his ‘gentlemanism’ and deal with the gullible, the rats and most inefficient sectoral leaders who messed up Jonathan. They paved the way for his administration’s criticisms that Suleiman now blindly defends. From Lanre Oseni.

•Buhari

For Segun Gbadegesin Good to read an article that is wellorganised. May God reward you abundantly. From Ibrahim Tiyaye, Nasarawa state.

The substance of change. Our God is merciful but NOT sentimental.” A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away.”(Eccl.3:6).Does democracy preaches Federal Character? Do you give to Caesar more than he deserves?

Now those who sowed the seed of CONTUINITY are in haste to reap the fruits of CHANGE. Like Gbadegesin rightly said: “For them, the change mantra can be more of the same, business as usual masquerading as change”.No, the years should be totally ready to serve the nation, and not looting it. Mr. President should be given the chance to pick competent resource persons and rebuild the Nigerian project that has wrecked by the PDP for 16 years. Like Jonathan bearing the brunt now; after 1,460 days it will be Buhari alone carry his cross of the promised CHANGE. One hundred days in the Presidency is just 6.85 percent of his first term. Political jobbers should change in their expectations .Remain focused PMB. - From Elder L .O. David, Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State Considering the two-back page editorials of Punch of September 3 and The Nation the following day, one becomes attuned to what critical and objective journalism is all about. Pungent, concise, analytic and devoid of taciturn and unnecessary sensationalism.Keep up the good works. - From Osibamowo, Akin Olufemi, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu.

Segun Gbadegesin’s article contains some facts. He presents the article in a beautiful and orderly manner without an element of bias. Buhari’s critics should be careful. - From Balogun Bashir, Minna.

On: The substance of change, change means having men women of good cha-racter, honest, aggressive, good name, godly and energetic in position of authority to achieve good results in contrast to grabbers of country’s wealth for personal gains. Some people can never embrace change because they will no longer benefit from new life of transparency. On appointments made so far, the president is 100 per cent in order. Can people like Saraki be put in such positions? We need good governance not ethnicity. Some men and women are born critics hence they must be ignored. Ride on Buhari. - From Pastor Odunmbaku.

Nigerians should imbibe the government of PMB because he is taking us to the Promised Land. His kitchen cabinet appointees are of truth ones that would deliver good goverance. One hundred days in office of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) are not

enough to judge him of governance because he met empty treasury. - From Chika Nnorom Re:The substance of change. The substance of change is complex that ‘only the deep can understand the deep’. All the three opinions of pro, anti-Buhari’s policies and the neutralists are correct based on focus of all the three. Once a Federation recognises federal character, it has to be followed. There is no part of the six geo-political zones that lack both strong and weak, brains and dullards. Indeed, Mr. President needs to move, act fast and perform as loads of problems in Nigeria, await faster service delivery! All the geopolitical zones possess what PMB required to act fast. - From Lanre Oseni.

How I wish all those critics have read your article. We need those that can deliver to move the nation forward not where they come from, and again they should tell themselves the truth. The house that you did not contribute in its making, why complain how the rooms are shared. - From Ibrahim Wali Birnin-Kebbi.

I read your column. I think we should let this man do his thing his own way.

He has saved millions of naira that would have been used in paying ministers’salaries. By the way, why do we even have permanent secretaries?

Buhari has been working with them and the economy has not collapsed. Besides, are the permanent secretaries not experts? Let PMB ride on. - From Olusegun Maxwell, Ogbomosho Oyo State.

Sir, you’re a very good columnist whose analysis on “The substance of change” was very balanced, educative and enlightened. I will always keep a date with you. - From MK Muhammad Yakasai.

I was impressed with your article titled: “The substance of change.” I wish for a Nigeria where ethnicity is a thing of the past, where mediocrity and corruption are dethroned, and where only excellence rules. - Anonymous Those complaining are the agents of darkness. If a man collapses, he deserves resuscitation before he can start running again. PMB came when Nigeria was unconscious; see the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), power, Boko Haram, security, workers’ welfare and compare with last yea’s. - Anonymous For Olatunji Dare Aljazeera is one of the best media outfits that tells the world real news every one must believe and trusted, why did past government ban them?

Time will tell. - From Gordon Chika Nnorom,Umukabia, Abia State.

Dare has done justice to the article titled: “The power of definitions.” I haven’t been this impressed with an article in ages. Well done, sir. - Anonymous Re: The power of definitions. Excellent analysis of the migration situations as it affects Europe; but you seemed to

have missed to relate to Nigeria’s Togo immigrants loitering Lagos streets...Lest I forget, lashing out on former President Goodluck Jonathan in your 20th paragraph was a distracting thought from your prose. - From Mr. Ukeje Ukpabi.

Your piece was good. In an attempt to come to power, the All Peoples Congress (APC) institutionalised lying. The damage will soon take its toll.

Anonymous Sir, it’s sickening that even with the revelations of unethical dealings by Jonathan’s men and instead of hiding their faces in shame, they are fight back. I think they should borrow a leaf from the Abachas, who have adopted silence and cooperation with the government. - From Mike Aiyemo, Abuja Re:The power of definitions.Your article was moving and made us wonder whether we, Africans, and other less developed world, are not subjecting ourselves to re-colonisation and selfdegradation where we migrate, to daily - European nations and Americas. Although it would not be a fault of ours, considering the poor leaderships and persistent underdevelopment! If not for a considerable absorption by us of Germany, an unworthy name would have be coded on us. All said, our journalists should learn from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and al-Jazeera.

During the SenateRepresentatives’June imbroglio, columnists and journalists kept referring to the Peoples Democratic Party’s Saraki/Dogara as ‘’enemies”. Why do we have to use that term? - From Lanre Oseni.

Gbenga Omotoso Tell you what; your signature piece, “Of love, lust and justice”, made an especially delightful reading, precisely because it was salacious. Cheers! From Eghosa Imade Sir, your article titled: “Of love. lust and justice” calls for thought. Please send it or sell it to home video producers. It’s going to be hotcake. Keep it up. From Prince Ogunde, Your article, as usual, is hilarious but thought-provoking. Judges are human but are always told to be careful in all their dealings. See what ordinary conjugal affair is doing to Justice Oloyede.

You like amplifying salacious stories like the current one. Afterall, you’re a full blooded African man. From Frank, Warri, Delta state.

“Jonathan’s dubious defenders” (HARDBALL) are out to defend themselves shunting court. Madam Jonathan had prophesied prison for them and Governor Fayose early this year. Some time ago THIS DAY newspaper appraised the performance of the Jonathan’s ministers. Almost all failed. Thereafter,Key Performance Indices (KPI) programme was adopted from the World Bank and supervised by a distressed lecturer turned Minis-

•Fayose

ter Of National Planning Commission.The programme failed abysmally. Hence, Jonathan’s administration performed terribly leaving behind world record-breaking corruption and a degree of rottenness that the citizens are now in a hurry to forget.The failed supervisor now speaks. However, President Buhari should remain focused, cool, calm and collected.

Jonathan’s dubious defenders and the National Peace Committee (defunct) have no good case. - From Elder L. O. David, Efon-Alaaye , Ekiti State.

I am one of the ardent readers of your column. ‘Of love, lust and justice’ is highly expository laced with humour. Anonymous In your Editorial Notebook of September 3, you paid heed to a delicate issue, and so scored a huge point. More elbow grease to your efforts.- Anonymous Of love, lust and justice makes an interesting reading. You’re, indeed, my Editor of the Year! - Anonymous For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Misguided letter. At least to show us that they are alive rather than dead, you couldn’t. In fact, every Tom, Dick and Harry shouldn’t be pouring venom at the administration of ex-President Jonathan and Co. However, Dr Suleiman should know one thing if he’s yet to realise that, despite being a university lecturer, that good leadership matters in any society, community or nation. Because Mr PMB sneezes, major sectors and their leaders have been catching cold. Instead of defending now, Dr Suleiman should have advised GEJ to pep up his ‘gentlemanism’ and deal with the gullible, the rats and most inefficient sectoral leaders who messed up Jonathan. They paved the way for his administration’s criticisms that Suleiman now blindly defends. From Lanre Oseni.

Dr Suleiman is just seeking cheap publicity by saying that their government had done well whereas there was impunity all over the country during their tenure. PDP didn’t understand that corruption is wrongdoing. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia state.

Thanks for your comment titled “Misguided letter”. One thing you did not remember to ask Dr Suleiman is how long he stayed in office as minister to warrant him being the spokesman for ex-ministers? Even his godmother that made him minister cannot say what he is saying. Those were people who got a better deal under the Jonathan administration. Anonymous My dear Tunji, God will bless you for your comment on “Wanted: incorruptible judges” (The Nation, August 30).

Please give us more information on former Rivers State governor Peter Odili, Justice Ibrahim Buba and the EFCC. Thanks. From Felix, Port Harcourt.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘It is regrettable that the damaging consequences of the Ecowas CET policy on the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Nigeria were not considered despite our desperate attempts to draw attention to this. This policy undoubtedly spells doom for the local industry as imported medicines will become far cheaper than locally produced ones’ Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG MAN), Mr. Okey Akpa

Recapitalisation: SEC set for final review A

HEAD the September 30 deadline for compliance with the new minimum capital requirements for capital market operations, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all operators to file necessary additional updates to their statutory filings with the Commission in preparation for final review of the compliance status of each operator.

A source said market operators are expected to file any additional information to their last filing with the regulator.

The additional information report is expected to highlight changes that had taken place in the firms’ assets and other variables since the submission of the second quarter returns earlier sent to SEC. The source said SEC appeared to have set in motion the process for the final phase of the recapitalisation compliance review, noting that most operators saw the latest direc-

•Market operators to provide updates

By Taofik Salako

tive as the last chance to make case for their compliance.

Already, some trade groups have been mobilising their members to comply with the directive in addition to setting up help desks to help firms that need clarification and assistance on the required information.

A trade group, in a circular to its members, described the directive as “very urgent and important”, urging members to comply expeditiously by providing the required information to SEC. The additional information update is expected to highlight changes in capital base, business combination; either merger or acquisition, any changes in number of functions registered for, subsisting applications with the market regulators, changes in board of directors and execu-

tive management, additional investments in key operational areas and other information on changes that might have occurred in the past 11 weeks.

SEC has repeatedly ruled out any further extension of the September 30 this year deadline. The regulator says any operator that failed to comply with the new capitalisation will be automatically delisted from the market. SEC’s compliance timetable indicates that a list of the compliant operators will be published on October 2. October 1 is a national holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day. A source at the SEC yesterday said nothing has changed from the regulator’s position on the deadline and compliance schedule.

SEC had last week drew curtain on a preliminary deadline for capital market operators to

file notifications for mergers and acquisitions or any reclassification of their functions. SEC had initially given a deadline of July 31 for the market operators to formalise any business combination and reclassification and file the necessary information with the apex capital market regulator. The Commission later extended the deadline to August 31.

In a July-4 circular to all capital market firms, the regulator directed all operators which might have opted for mergers, acquisitions or any other form of business combination as a vehicle to meet the new minimum capital requirements to file their notifications with the Commission not later than July 31.

The directive also applied to capital market operators proposing reclassification or reduction of their registered functions, including those seeking

to downsize from stockbroker to sub-broker, broker-dealer to either broker or dealer and from multiple functions to a single function among others.

SEC had in December 2013 announced major increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that was initially scheduled to take off by January 1. It however extended the deadline to September 30,.

Minimum capital base for broker and dealer was increased by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million. Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million.

Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base of N150 million.

The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million.

Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million respectively.

A Registrar will now have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million.

While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million.

Nigeria hosts Africa mining conference

By Olatunde Odebiyi

I

From left: Deputy General Manager Sharp, Varghese George; Sales Managaer, Ejaz Husain; Country Head, G. Balraj; Sen.’Gbenga Ashafa, CEO Opal Technology, Awoyemi Olufemi; General Manager, Philip Johny Eng. Olaide Adesanya and Ajetunmobi Maruf of Lagos Internal Revenue Service, during the Exhibition of Sharp New Age of Digital Printing & Teaching Solution at Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.

Finance houses hasten to beat CBN’s N100m deadline

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) 18-month timeline for Finance Houses to meet the new N100 million capitalisation for the subsector will expire this month-end.

This has sparked a new wave of frantic preparation by operators to beat the deadlien.

With tight liquidity in the market, many operators are yet to secure the needed fund to continue their operation and this may lead to exit of several fringe players, The Nation learnt yesterday.

An insider source from the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) an umbrella body for the sector, said many of the operators have not secured the needed fund to stay

By Collins Nweze

in business.

“The N100 million minimum capital base looks small, but surprisingly, not many operators have been able to get it. I see many of them closing shop after the deadline elapses,” the source said.

CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Ahmad Abdullahi said operators that fail to meet the deadline will be forced to stop operation, or move into new business with lesser capital base.

He said the deadline for compliance with the provisions of the Revised Guidelines shall be 30th September 18 months from April last

year.

Abdullahi said the subsector also operates on a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans now pegged at maximum of 10 per cent. He said FCs shall consult at least two licensed credit bureaux to obtain credit information on borrowers.

The CBN director said the finance companies sub-sector was envisioned to operate at the middle tier of the financial system, largely to cater for the financial needs of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). They are also expected to leverage on the resources from the banking system among other sources of funding.

He explained that the CBN

had in a bid to sanitise the subsector, revoked the licences of 208 finance companies and cancelled the approvals-inprinciple of 462 others due to the distress in the sub-sector.

By 2012, there were 116 FCs in the records of the CBN; 51 licences were revoked by the CBN in September, 2012 thus leaving a balance of 65 FCs with valid licences.

“The idea is to have finance companies that are strong and virile to perform the functions they were set up to per form.

The objective of shareholders in the operation of finance companies is to make profit, but for the CBN, it is to have stable and strong finance companies,” he said.

Abdullahi said the CBN will

Strong performance pushes UBA to top counter

Nigerian pension funds soar to N4.98tr

- P28

- P 38

continue to sanction finance companies that do not have the licences but re in operation as such would ensure that the subsector is run efficiently to the benefit of the economy.

He advised finance companies to maintain a database of their customers and generate quarterly risk management reports to be submitted to the CBN. “Finance companies shall be permitted to participate in accessing and disbursing funds to SMEs via relevant vehicles/ intervention funds set up by the CBN, the Federal/State Governments and other relevant bodies. The CBN shall continue to provide support towards capacity building in the Finance Company sub-sector,” he said.

N the bid to diversify the Nigerian economy from its dependence on oil and gas, Solid Mines Limited, in conjunction with its strategic global partners, is set to hold the 2015 edition of the Africa Mining Conference.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Frank Ekperigin,said the conference will dissect issues with particular reference to artisanal mining, the environmental Impact of illegal mining as well as specific target will be addressed on African mining industry with the aim to improve the recognition of information technology and mobile technology as key tools among the sector players and of the critical role surveillance will play in mapping and preserving the economic and social integrity of the industry.

According to him, the incidence of lead poisoning in Zamfara State and most recently in Niger State among other unfortunate occurrences has necessitated the action to convene and document a further sustainable and implementable framework for the mining industry going forward in this new administration.

He said the mining sector currently accounts for 0.3 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, generating about $1.5 billion annually. ”This is negligible in comparison to other African countries as South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana, whose sectors record 18 per cent, 25 per cent and 40 per cent of the country’s GDP equating to $63 billion, $7.6 billion and $5.9 billion respectively,” he said.

Entrepreneur overcomes illness to find success - P 39

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

How to save naira, by economist I

N the face of dwindling oil prices, the naira exchange rate should be adjusted to reflect the prevailing economic reality.

By so doing, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will be bridging the gap between exchange rate in the official and parallel (black) markets, an economists has said.

Mr Bismarck Rewane, Financial Derivatives Company Limited Managing Director, urged the CBN to act now to avert a worse economic failure.

Crude oil prices closed higher on Monday after bouncing back from six and half-year lows. Specifically, oil is trading at less than $50 per barrel, half the price of a year ago.

Rewane said the CBN needs to adjust the local currency in view of developments in the global market, saying “if you don’t do the right thing at the right time, you may do more later.”

“Sooner or later, the currency will adjust because you cannot create a synthetic situation. And your signals must be consistent and logical. If you know that you have enough money to support the currency, then why are you locking the door? So, there are some inconsistency in signal and the price,” he added.

According to him, the challenges facing the Nigerian economy presently are more of external. “If you

Stories by Collins Nweze

are a Nigerian government official and you came to power with the belief that if you fix the refineries and others, things would be fine.

But the problem has gone beyond that! External imbalances are different from internal imbalances.

“Once you are integrated with the rest of the world, what happens over there affects you and you cannot run contrary and it is a question of time before you fall in line,” he argued.

The economist noted that crude oil price is determined by the market and geo-political considerations, adding that once the oil price came down, the four countries that were mostly hit were Russia, Venezuela, Iran and Nigeria.

“So, we are looking for an optimal solution. If you asked me a year and half ago, what is the floor price of crude oil, I could bet with you that it will not go below $95 per barrel and then the price was $110 per barrel. And I was considered to be one of the realistic or pessimistic observers. If you asked me six months ago, I would have said $65 per barrel. But if you ask me today, I will quickly grab $45 per barrel,” he said.

Despite the oil price volatility, Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporting country, has main-

tained its production levels despite a collapse in the price of oil. It may issue bonds, or Islamic bonds known as sukuk to finance some spending. The kingdom has more than $600 billion in reserves it can draw upon should expenditure outstrip income from oil exports.

The country has built reserves, cut public debt to near-zero levels and is now working on cutting unnecessary expenses while focusing on main development projects and on building human resources in the kingdom.

He said the total revenue shared by all governments in August through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) declined to N511.8 billion. This was based on average oil price in June of $63.75pb and is expected to further fall to N320 billion this month.

He said the dollar appreciation may push oil prices further down, adding that August FAAC was down slightly by 1.3 per cent when compared to N518.5 billion in July figure.

He said although states have started receiving CBN intervention fund worth N338 billion, debt repayment will become difficult with the slide in oil prices, adding that some states have already restructured previous debt obligations.

Rewane’s position which is con-

tained in the FDC’s September Economic Report, said interest rates at the interbank oscillates between 10 and 80 per cent per annum, and that the local currency is now at N220 at the parallel market and still dropping.

“The naira has been held artificially stable by administrative measures,” he said, pointing out that the currency is supported by

reduced leakages from oil and revenue management, while capital inflows have shrunk to as low as $2.6 billion per quarter. Inflation has spiked seven out of nine months in 2015.

The economist said administrative measures are temporary and unsustainable and cannot guarantee long term conservation of, or accretion in reserves.

e-payment scheme users rewarded

C

USTOMERS of Ecobank Nigeria, GTBank and Diamond Bank are the maiden winners in the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS).

At a raffle draw in Lagos, Adeyinka Adejuwon, a GTBank customer won N100, 000; Julie Chioma Ukwosah, an Ecobank customer, N50,000 and Jerry Boakye-Mensah, who uses Diamond Bank, N15,000.

Head, Acquiring Cards and eBanking Department, Ecobank Nigeria, Funso Oyelohunnu, praised the CBN reward initiative, stressing that it would further encourage the use of e-payment channels.

She noted that the emergence of Ecobank customer as one of the winners of the draw attested to the efficiency of the Bank’s e-payment channels. “This is a great initiative.

As a bank, we are glad that one of our customers is one of the winners. This is a further proof that our various e-payment channels are efficient. This is an opportunity to urge both customers and

non customers of the bank to make our e-payment channels their choice,” she said.

Speaking during the redemption of prizes in Lagos for the first three winners, representative of the Banking Payment System Department of the CBN, Isah Abubakar, said the apex bank will keep giving the desired support for the EPIS project. He praised the transparent process used in selecting the winners, noting that the cash-less banking initiative is helping to promote financial inclusion and getting banking to the grassroots. “The CBN is behind the incentive scheme and will support any project that takes banking to the grassroots,” he said.

Executive Director, Business Development at NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe said it was the need to drive universal usage of electronic payments in the country that prompted the management of the CBN to approve an industry-wide incentive scheme and awareness campaign for electronic payments for stakeholders and users.

Diamond Bank, NEPC partner on export delivery

D

• From left: Chairman on the occasion/former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo; in handshake with Guest Speaker/Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku, while Chairman, Public Policy Forum, Ambassador George Obiozor, looks on during the Hallmark Public Policy Lecture Series held at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.

‘How to curb money laundering, terrorist financing’ D

IRECTOR-GENERAL, International Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Adama Coulibaly, has said member-countries need strong partnership to check the rising cases of money laundering and terrorist financing in the sub-region.

Coulibaly, who spoke at a threeday regional sensitisation workshop on Anti-money Laundering/ Combating Financing of Terrorism for civil society organisation organised by the International Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in Lagos, described money laundering as a global problem that not only threatens security, but undermines economic prosperity of countries.

He said such partnership will make it possible for countries to significantly enhance understand-

ing of various mechanisms designed to combat these crimes.

“The ultimate goal is to help create in the ECOWAS region not only a strong bulwark against those scourges but also create a conducive environment for investment, as well as for job creation for the benefit of the youth in particular,” he said.

He said GIABA was established by the Authority of States and Government of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2002 with the mandate to protect the national economies and financial system of member States from abuse and the money laundering of the proceeds of crimes.

The Director-General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof Bola Akinterinwa, said

money laundering and terrorist financing are impediments to growth of world economies, adding that over the years, government and law enforcement agencies are struggling to handle illicit trafficking of arms and persons, trans-border theft and armed robbery, drugs, narcotics among others.

He added that the international community is determined to deprive persons engaged in illicit traffic of their criminal proceeds. He urged countries to collaborate with other states and international bodies in sharing information.

Prof Akinterinwa recommended that banks and financial institutions should know their customers reasonably well; maintain records of their transactions for up to five years and also engage in financial activities as a commercial undertaking be required to disclose information relating to their clients.

IAMOND Bank Plc, in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has reaffirmed its commitment to effective and efficient export service delivery.

In a two-day training programme, hinged on managing effective export desk in banks, the lender stated that effective and efficient export service delivery is one of the surest ways the financial services sub-sector could help stimulate economic activity in the country.

The training helped in improving the skills of the bank’s staff on the export desk and promoting efficient export service delivery in the bank. Benefiting staff were selected from its branch network across all the geo-political zones in the country.

The bank’s Executive Director, OladeleAkinyemi, said its involvement in the training is to promote a stress-free and prompt transaction processes in export trade for the growth of the economy.

He said: “It is imperative to encourage a synergy between government agencies and financial institutions to aid smooth flow of business in the exportation of Made-inNigeria goods. Diamond Bank as a financial institution seeks to be a leader in export trade by putting in place a system that is beyond ordinary banking for export customers.

Our desire is to be on ground to offer professional advice that would add value to our customers in their business transactions.

Therefore, we are training our staff members to think and act as exporters as well”.

The Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Segun Awolowo who was

ably represented by Olajide Ibrahim, Executive Director, NEPC, praised the collaboration, adding that it will enhance capacity building for personnel that are assigned to manage export desks.

“The NEPC has viewed the aspect of Export Desks-cum-finance as very vital to non-oil export promotion, hence the need for a deliberate intervention plan. This training and capacity building workshop will facilitate quick access to finance by the Nigerian exporters,” he stated.

Facilitator of the session, Obiora Madu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer MultimMix Academy, praised the lender for being the first bank to approach the NEPC for consultation on such training.

According to him, “This is simply a reflection of the bank’s commitment to make exporters have strong backing in their business transactions”.

The Area Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port, Lagos, Charles Edike, also lauded the bank for taking the initiative to train its staff and rightly position them for efficient export service delivery especially as the new government is very keen on promoting the exportation of goods from the non-oil sector.

He said: “Nigeria has abundant resources that are yet to be harnessed for export trade. We are excited that Diamond Bank has taken this all-important issue to the academy to educate bankers on the export business. The knowledge gained here cannot be over emphasised as it will ensure that we have the best hands managing the export desks of the bank.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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MONEY

Forex: CBN, BDCs head for showdown Bureaux De Change (BDCs) are facing regulatory hurdles over continued foreign exchange (forex) volatility in the wake of falling oil prices. The BDCs jittery that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may shut them out of the official forex window, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

B

UREAUX De Change (BDC) are critical stakeholders in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – moderated foreign exchange (forex) market. But they are the first point of adjustment every time there is a forex crisis.

The fear of Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) president Alhaji Musa Gwadabe that CBN is considering closing the official forex window to BDC operators is not helping matters. It portends a grave danger for operators. Gwadabe linked the fear of closure of the forex window to BDCs as one of the factors fueling naira speculation and hoarding in the market.

The ABCON chief has therefore sent a letter to the regulator, accusing it of over regulating the sector.

The group said the increasing challenges arising from over regulation and complex documentation requirements that licensed BDC operators are facing in carrying out their daily legitimate operation, is worrisome.

These, he said, have had negative impact on their efforts toward compliance to statutory and regulatory requirements.

The ABCON chief said that six units within the CBN are involved with BDC regulations, supervision, licensing, monitoring, saying this constitutes multiple regulation of a unit of the financial sub-sector that is only involved as a small market player.

“A BDC operator is expected to render daily, monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual returns to these various departments of the same corporate body, which could be very cumbersome, repetitive and time consuming for both the operator and the regulator,” he said in a statement.

“In addition to the above, the BDC is also under obligation to render same returns to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission / Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, while at the same time reporting to other statutory government establishments, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Corporate Affairs Commission respectively”.

Gwadabe also disclosed that the BDCs had in recent months, come under severe pressure from the CBN for observed infractions. For instance, the CBN recently suspended 437 BDC operators from the forex window. The affected BDCs, which were slammed with N2 million fine each for non-rendition of their monthly returns to the apex bank, were also denied access to the $30,000 weekly allocations to operators by the regulator. The affected firms failed to provide detailed reports on how previous dollars sourced from the CBN were utilised. They failed the returns rendition test which carries sanctions of fines or revocation of licences.

“Unfortunately, some have had to pay high penalties to different departments where instant regulations were violated. The result of this is heavy burden on the BDC considering the little margin of profit allowed on their transactions,” he said.

The Corporate Affair Commission, he added, has also hiked their incorporation fees and with the review of the operational requirements which made it mandatory for every BDC operator to recapitalise their initial capital and so upgrade their documentation with the CAC, they were charged enormously for the perfecting of

their documents.

Furthermore, the ABCON boss said operators had to grapple with the problem of erratic network at the electronic Financial Analysis and Surveillance System (e-FASS) platform around the country in the last couple of months. This situation, he said, hampered the rendition of BDC returns to the CBN by operators and eventually many were recently penalised as a result thereof.

He said the documentation requirement to process a Personal Travelling Allowance of say $10,00 requires an international passport, valid visa, ticket among others, making the process cumbersome, complex and inconvenient for both the buyer and the BDC operator.

Also, payment for medical fees of say $3,000 requires hospital bill, international passport, ticket, valid visa among others, to consummate the transaction.

He also faulted the inability of the regulators, statutory agencies to effectively monitor, supervise, train the ever growing number of the BDCs as a result of these multiple and overlapping regulations of the various department of the CBN and other related agencies.

He said: “The CBN should consider the introduction of dollar denominated cards and coupons to BDCs for retailing to the public. We shall welcome your invitation at your convenience to shed more light on this. We suggest a single BDC directorate at the CBN to be in charge of the BDC sub-sector in order to enhance efficiency, productivity and transparency. This would engender proactive involvement of both the regulators and the BDCs for the growth and dynamism of the sector,” he said.

“The CBN is to consider as alternative requirement other means of identification such as drivers licence, voters card, and international passport”.

For instance, the apex bank recently, suspended 437 BDC operators from the forex window, The Nation had reported.

The affected BDCs, which have been slammed with N2 million fine each for non-rendition of their monthly returns to the apex bank, were denied access to the $30,000 weekly allocations to operators by the regulator.

The affected firms failed to provide detailed reports on how previous dollars sourced from the CBN were utilised. They failed the returns rendition test which carries sanctions of fines or revocation of licences.

The source said the level of abuse was so massive that the CBN decided to hit their pockets to serve as deterrent to others. “Given that BDCs were long viewed as a potential source of forex leakage in the system, these measures should boost confidence in the sustainability of the forex band,” the source said.

Gwadabe confirmed the development, and described the sanctions as punitive, and will further weaken the already fragile naira.

He said the CBN will make nearly N1 billion when the 437 BDCs pay the stipulated penalties and that will add undue pressure on the finances of the operators already wailing from the burden of increased capital base and N35 million mandatory cautionary deposit.

“My suggestion to the CBN is that instead of demobilising the affected BDCs for non-rendition by denying them access to forex market, their N35 million cautionary deposit should be debited with the penalty sum,” he said.

This is coming as CBN had in July, licensed additional 70 BDCs, bringing the total approved operators to 2,688 since the request that operators increase their capital base from N10 million to N35 million plus another cautionary deposit of N35 million kept with the CBN. There were 3,208 registered BDCs before the apex bank ordered them to recapitalise latest by July 31, 2014.

The regulator has, however, kept updating its list of BDCs, even though the deadline elapsed since July last year despite earlier stand that it would cease to fund any BDCs that failed to beat the initial deadline.

Besides, the CBN has consistently adjusted its forex policies to maintain exchange rate stability.

Chief Economist, Africa Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, hinted that the apex bank is already under intense pressure to re-open two-way interbank forex trading.

In a report: “When perception is not reality” obtained by The Nation, the analyst explained that given the current perceived market shortage of dollar, a re-opening of the market is likely to see dollar-naira trade higher.

She said the ‘negative watch’ period for the continued inclusion of Nigerian bonds in the widely tracked GBI-EM index was extended in June, to allow the new government the time to formulate policy.

“Unless interbank determination of the forex rate is reintroduced, with a resulting improvement in forex liquidity, Nigeria risks being excluded from the GBI-EM index.

Failure to re-open the FX market may deter direct investment as well. Few foreign investors are ready to commit new investment to Nigeria ahead of an forex adjustment that they believe to be imminent,” she said.

Khan said Nigeria’s changing economic fundamentals call for a rethink of forex policy, in order to better absorb external shocks.

“We see Nigeria’s current account surplus moving to a deficit, both in 2015 and in the years ahead. The pace of accumulation of new forex reserves will not easily support a fixed exchange rate system.

With a fixed exchange rate, forex reserves rather than the naira bear the brunt of any external shock, hurting Nigeria’s creditworthiness, and potentially raising the cost of any external borrowing,” she predicted.

The economist said the risk is that the longer it takes to re-open the

• CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

forex market, the greater the likelihood of forex overshooting when conditions do eventually normalise.

She said the debate over forex policy would continue to take centre-stage in this quarter, culminating in a reopening of the interbank forex market, and a likely move higher in the dollar-naira exchange rates. “The authorities, mindful of other reform priorities and the need to limit inflation, are unlikely to favour naira depreciation for its own sake. These reform priorities include a probable doubling of the rate of Value Added Tax to 10 per cent in order to boost state government revenue, as well as some form of fuel subsidy adjustment,” she said.

The CBN had, after a series of measures aimed at arresting the continued fall in naira value, announced the closure of the RDAS, thereby, leaving the interbank foreign exchange market as the only official one.

The decision became necessary given the wide gap between the rates at the CBN official exchange market and the interbank market; a development which analysts said largely fuelled the current speculative activities in the foreign exchange market in the country.

The RDAS or official forex window allows banks and other authorised dealers to place bids on behalf of individual clients who qualify to buy forex at the official auction.

Unlike the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) scrapped in September 2013 over widespread abuse, the RDAS allows the CBN to

‘The CBN had, after a series of measures, aimed at arresting the continued fall in naira value, announced the closure of the RDAS thereby leaving the interbank foreign exchange market as the only official one’

monitor more accurately various sources of forex demand and any potential duplication of demand in the system to address speculation in the market which has put naira under pressure.

The CBN is also closely monitoring BDCs to ensure they comply with anti-money laundering policies. The regulator has consistently urged banks, BDCs and Other Financial Institutions (OFIS) on the importance of rendition of returns and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Tokunbo Martins said during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) antimoney laundering workshop held in Abuja, that the CBN always wants to ascertain if lenders are complying with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations.

Matins said: “Section 29 of the CBN AML/CFT Regulations, 2013 (as amended) requires financial institutions to maintain all necessary records on transactions, both domestic and international for at least five years after completion of the transactions or such longer period as may be required by the CBN and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), provided that this requirement shall apply regardless of whether the account or business relationship is on-going or has been terminated”.

She disclosed that financial institutions are expected to maintain records of the identification data, accounts files and business correspondence for at least five years after the termination of an account or business relationship or such longer period as may be required by the CBN and NFIU on a timely basis.

She said that financial institutions are required to forward their AML/ CFT Compliance Manual to the CBN for off-site review of the document as well as carry out enhanced customer due diligence for high risk customers and effective Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

Strong performance pushes UBA to top counter Positive consensus on the performance of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc in the first half has triggered a scramble for the bank’s shares. Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO, reports on the undercurrents shaping the bank’s fundamentals and the rush for its shares

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is riding high on positive market reviews of its first-half audited earnings report and the related first-ever audit-based interim dividend. Altogether, UBA was the best-performing financial services stock at the stock market last week, combining both volume and share price appreciation in what was clearly a scramble. Against the average benchmark return of 2.42 per cent recorded by the All Share Index (ASI)-the market-wide value index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), last week, UBA rode on the back of its half-year results, which was released on Thursday, to close last week with a double-digit gain of 20.57 per cent.

The bank’s performance helped the banking sector index to a close of 8.46 per cent, the highest by group indices. Both the UBA’s week-on-week gain and banking sector’s average weekly return underlined market’s response to the bank’s earnings. UBA also ranked as one of the three most active stocks in the market during the week. On the average, bank’s position on the activity chart and price appreciation list highlighted it as the most-sought after financial services stock during the week.

The bank opened this week with a flood of open buy orders, a technical reference to investors’ demand to buy a stock at available price, which automatically implies premium pricing. With the open buy orders, UBA’s shares became a buy market with selling investors dictating the transaction price. UBA rode on the euphoria to record the highest gain at the NSE on Monday. It was also the most active stock, most traded in terms of volume, during the five-hour trading session. UBA’s share price rose by 10.24 per cent to N4.20 per share on Monday, the highest possible change allowed under the pricing rules at the Exchange. The NSE maintains a maximum price change band of 10 per cent. UBA’s performance was more than thrice average return in the banking sector and five times better than the average return by the entire market. The ASI appreciated by 1.83 per cent while the NSE Banking Index rose by 3.19 per cent on Monday. UBA’s performance appeared to have positively altered pundits’ expectations, both of UBA and the entire banking sector. It also highlighted the undervaluation of the Nigerian equities. The three factors were the undercurrents for the market performance on Monday. A total of 11 banking stocks recorded price appreciation, one-third of the advancers for the day.

The banking sector is traditionally the most active group at the Exchange and it has wide influence on the overall value position of the market.

Impressive earnings The six-month audited report of UBA for the first half ended June 30, showed strong growth in earnings and profits, as the bank continued to optimize its pan-African network, which now contribute more than 23 per cent of profit after tax. Key extracts showed that gross earnings rose by 21 per cent to N166.9 billion by June 2015 compared with N138.2 billion in comparable period of June 2014. Profit before tax grew by 35.1 per cent to N39.0 billion as against N28.89 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2014. Profit after tax jumped by 40 per cent to N32 billion in 2015 compared with N22.86 billion posted in comparable period of 2014. Earnings per share increased from 71 kobo to 94 kobo.

Notwithstanding the tight regulatory and monetary environment that banks contended with in the period, UBA’s net interest income grew by 18.91 per cent to N65.65 billion from N55.21 billion, while the fees and commission income grew by 12.07 per cent to N30.35 billion from N27.08 billion in comparative period of 2014.

Balance sheet analysis of the half-year results, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, showed that the bank grew its loans and advances by 8.49 per cent to N1.162 trillion

by June 2015 as against N1.071 trillion recorded by December 31, 2014. The bank also

recorded an increase of 2.67 per cent in deposits from customers to N2.23 trillion compared with N2.17 trillion recorded in December 2014. Shareholders’ funds rose by 15.91 per cent to N307.63 billion as against N265.40 billion by December 2014, showing accretion to reserves. Total assets increased by 6.05 per cent from N2.76 trillion in December 2014 to N2.93 trillion by June 2015.

With the strong earnings, the board of the bank set a new record by declaring its firstever interim dividend. Shareholders would share a total of N7.2 billion as interim cash dividends, representing a dividend per share of 20 kobo. The dividend will be paid on September 16. The interim dividend represented a dividend yield of 5.7 per cent on the bank’s recent rights offer price of N3.50.

A positive consensus Market pundits across the board were unanimous in their overall assessment of the bank’s performance, triggering a quick review of price estimate and recommendations on the bank. “The results were generally strong across the board,” said FBN Capital, setting the tones of accolades from diverse groups of bank-led competing brands and stand-alone investment and securities firms. CSL Stockbrokers, a division of FCMB Bank (UK) Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, described the UBA results as “impressive”, sustaining its buy rating on the stock. By the buy rating, CSL Stockbrokers stated that it expects the stock to outperform the benchmark index over the next 12 months.

Afrinvest Securities recommended UBA as one of its two stocks to buy this week, citing the first half results. Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited stated that the UBA’s first half results “came in better than expectations”. All reviews also shared a consensus that the UBA is currently significantly undervalued and its shares hold mouth-watery potential for huge capital gain. CSL Stockbrokers set the bank’s share price target at N7.20, Chapel Hill Denham said the bank’s share price could reach N6.59. Renaissance Capital (RenCap) estimated a price target of N8 while Afrinvest Securities stated a current price target of N6.44, all indicating that the UBA’s shares could be one of the most attractive assets over the next 12 months. “On the back of these results, we would expect consensus estimates to be revised up. We believe these concerns (about growth and asset quality) about half-year earnings contributed to the sell-off in UBA shares over the past few months,” FBN Capital stated, predicting a strong recovery in the bank’s share price while designating the bank as “outperform”, referencing analysts’ consensus that UBA’s share will outperform the benchmark.

Analysts at Renaissance Capital said UBA’s results outperformed their expectations. “We note that profit before tax growth in the second quarter of 2015 was supported by a decent top-line growth, and a decline in impairment charges, down by 51%,” Rencap stated sustaining its “buy” rating on the UBA stock.

All these perceptions fitted into the perspective earlier outlined in May by Exotix Partners LLP, a global finance and investment firm, which stated that UBA’s share

price could rise to N9.95 per share over the next 12 months. Exotix coordinates its global operations through five major offices in London, New York, Lagos, Dubai and Nairobi. The Exotix report, signed off by Kato Mukuru and Ronak Ghadia, chartered financial analysts, upgraded UBA’s ranking to buy and recommended the stock to investors looking for substantial returns on their portfolios over the period. Analysts then commended what they described as gradual improvement in the fundamentals of the bank noting that the bank’s management has substantially improved the group’s profit drivers, which has not been fully recognised. They noted increasing improvement in cost efficiency and also pointed out that the bank has witnessed notable improvement in asset quality over a four-year period. According to the report, since 2011, UBA has averaged a cost of risk of 0.9 per cent as against peer average of 1.3 per cent while its non-performing loan ratio of 1.6 per cent was the lowest among Nigerian banks in 2014.

“Relative to its peers, the bank’s loan portfolio has remained very diversified. In particular, as at 2014, exposure to the vulnerable oil and gas sector was 19 per cent as against sector average of 25.7 per cent and its foreign currency denominated loans were 31.1 per cent of total loans as against peer average of +40 per cent. Despite the tough operating environment, management remain confident of maintaining a cost of risk of 1.0 per cent and non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 2.0 per cent,” Exotix stated.

Analysts also cited UBA’s growing nonfunded income.

CSL Stockbrokers said the proactive capital management by the bank has placed UBA in a steady position to drive its growth and create better returns to shareholders. “We believe the bank’s capital issues have been adequately addressed with the concluded rights issue. This puts the bank at a comfortable level, in our opinion, to pay dividends and create risk assets, though management has advised a muted growth in loan book in subsequent quarters,” CSL Stockbrokers said.

After extensive review of ratios and actual figures, FBN Capital noted that UBA’s “underlying results are strong enough, especially given that they are audited, to allow the market to breathe a sigh of relief”. The investment banking firm commended the foresights of the management of the bank for being conservative while driving the intrinsic performance.

Expecting better returns All the analysts’ reviews also agreed on the upward revision of the possible full-year performance of UBA for the year ending December 31, 2015. The management of the bank stated that it would sustain the firsthalf results, citing deliberate strategy to consolidate domestic market while growing other African markets.

Commenting on the results, group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza said the results showed the resilience of the bank’s business strategy in the face of the challenging operating environment.

“Our business strategy has proved to be resilient, balancing prudence, with an ability to significantly grow bottom line and continue to focus on operating effectiveness. We

‘We believe the bank’s capital issues have been adequately addressed with the concluded rights issue. This puts the bank at a comfortable level, in our opinion, to pay dividends and create risk assets, though management has advised a muted growth in loan book in subsequent quarters’

•GMD CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza

look forward to continuing to support our customers and working with them to achieve financial success for them and the wider Nigerian and African economies,” Oduoza said.

He said the bank’s bottom-line reflected better extraction of value across all business segments and ongoing process optimization.

According to him, it was also satisfying to see the bank’s cost-to-income ratio decline further while the bank has maintained a healthy loan book, a tribute to both its risk management and to the robustness of its clients’ businesses, with non-performing ratio at just 1.8 per cent of total loans granted, one of the lowest in the banking industry.

“We understand that many in Nigeria are facing difficult economic circumstances and we are very much shouldering our responsibility to support and grow wealth creation,” Oduoza said.

Speaking on the performance of the bank’s African subsidiaries, group chief financial officer, UBA, Ugo Nwaghodoh said the bank’s businesses in other African countries have started to significantly impact the group’s returns, contributing 23 per cent of profit after tax, with an even stronger outlook.

He said recent initiatives taken by the bank to improve operational efficiencies have been yielding positive results, thus reinforcing optimism on the future of UBA’s African business.

The bank had in January this year, indicated that it would use the net proceeds of its rights issue to finance its business development plan aimed at further entrenching the bank as the leading bank in Africa. UBA had in 2013 launched a new business development plan aimed at consolidating the bank’s position as a leading pan-African global financial services group. The threeyear business development plan codenamed Project Alpha was designed as the group’s next focus of strategic transformation and it contained key transformation initiatives.

Oduoza had said the new business plan was designed to consolidate the group’s strategic positioning and fully capture the opportunities from Africa’s economic renaissance. According to him, Project Alpha is focused on leveraging all aspects of the group’s footprint, product offerings and operational capability, allowing a commitment to customer service transformation, market share growth, the implementation of key e-banking initiatives across all segments, the growth of corporate and trade finance capabilities.

He outlined that a critical aspect of the Project Alpha initiative is the focus on UBA Africa, which is projected to contribute about 50 per cent to the group by 2016, adding that Project Alpha will allow the bank to build on the existing strengths of its franchise as well as continue to reinvent ourselves, ensuring it captures and delivers the maximum of value for all stakeholders. To all extent, the first half performance appears to be a clear evidence of the success of the bank’s strategy and the foresights of its management.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

PAGE 29

•Adebule with the twins

In the last 100 days, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has given a new lease of life to two families and cash for retirees. He has re-energised the civil service and given a boost to health care, among other things. These indicate that better days are ahead, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU.

100 humane days of Ambode R

INSIDE

UTH Uche could see nothing but darkness. A teacher with a take-home pay that could take her nowhere, three set of twins and a husband on the run, she thought she was doomed. At a point, she decided to seek help. And to Alausa, the seat of power in Lagos, where Akinwunmi Ambode, was just settling in as governor she headed. Mrs Uche, 34, did not see

Ambode. But she saw reporters and photo journalists who asked her questions.

The Nation took special interest in the story. It made its front page the next day. Ambode read it. His aides said he was visibly touched. He noted that as a responsible government, the well-being of the people, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliations, is paramount to

his administration. He directed his deputy, Oluranti Adebule, to liaise with Mrs Uche. The Deputy Governor visited the family in their rundown home in Agege and relayed the government’s plan to give them new lease of life. She gave Mrs Uche some money, thus setting off the rehabilitation process.

Many other Nigerians, including a newspaper editor, politicians and reli-

‘Step up commitment to women empowerment’ PAGES 34-35

New look for community health PAGES 30-31 centre

miloju •Baby Oluwajo

gious bodies, took interest too and today, abject poverty has been consigned to the trashcan of history in the family. The runaway husband, Emeka Uche, is also back at home. They now live happily after the governor set in motion a miracle they never thought was possible.

Before the Uches, Ambode had had to intervene for another family. This time, the person who needed help was Baby of the Year 2015, stuck with a grand-mother after the death of her mother. Baby Oluwajomiloju Goodness Ogundimu’s heart defect problem was

GCE forms for 40 students PAGE 31

brought to Ambode’s knowledge on his second working day in office.

He funded the surgery in India and Baby Ogundimu is hale and hearty.

The grand-mother was all tears and prayers when she visited the governor after returning from India.

Ambode’s human face has also shown in the way he has handled the few disasters the state has witnessed in the last 100 days. Not long after he assumed office, there were tanker accidents in Idimu and Iyana-Ipaja; two Lagos suburbs.

Continued on pages 32-33

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Golf patrons honoured at tournament

I

S

ATISFIED with the contributions towards the growth and development of the Tiger Golf Club (TGC) and Ibadan Golf Club (IGC) by the immediate past patron, Gen. Sanusi Nasiru Muazu and his successor, Gen. Lazarus Chima Ilo, the clubs have organised a farewell and welcome golf tournament in their honour.

Gen. Muazu was the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, and Gen. Lazarus Chima Ilo is the current patron of the club and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army.

In his address at the closing ceremony, the Captain, Tiger Golf Club, Chief Olatunji Aderoju said the club has been lucky over the years to have GOCs that have significant love for it.

“Bringing their wealth of experience to bear, every patron has impacted positively on the club in many ways,” he said.

Chief Aderoju praised Gen. Muazu for his numerous development programmes which he said have taken the club to an appreciable height. These, he said, include construction of new block of chalets which comprised 18 self-contained rooms; construction of new golf holes; building of new practising green and invitations to his friends to donate for the different projects executed.

He said: “Major-Gen. S.N. Muazu spent approximately seven months here and by the time he left; many members were wondering if it was possible for anyone to have done so much for the club within such a short time. Before he was called up to a higher service, he initiated new and profound ideas that

From left: Vice Captain, Ibadan Golf Glub, Mr. Sikiru Idowu Salami, Chief Aderoju, Gen. Ilo and Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN).

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie Responding, Gen Ilo said golf is a even as he promised to continue the

took the club to an enviable height.

The club will not forget easily this person who influenced the present numerical growth of the club through his aggressive membership drive.”

Praising the incoming patron of the clubs, Aderoju said the clubs were privileged to have him, expressing confidence that he would take the club to even greater heights.

Already, he has been credited with providing security to the club whenever the need arises.

Also speaking, the chairman, organising committee, Mr. Alfred Amubioya stated that the event was a unique one, in the sense that it was the first time Tiger and Ibadan Golf Clubs jointly coordinated a golf event to honour patrons of both clubs. He said he was optimistic that captains of both clubs will continue to build on this new found co-operation.

very important game in the Armed Forces, saying it was the only game he had seen senior generals participate in several years after retirement.

He added that the Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen. Yusuf Buraitai places priority on sports as part of measures to reposition the Nigerian Army and make it more responsive to its statutory roles.

Gen. Ilo promised to do his utmost to ensure that he and his officers developed greater interest in golf as well as uplift the clubs.

“The two clubs have prospered and have done very well under the previous patrons. They will not witness a decline in fortune during my period. I will do what is essential for him to surpass whatever had been achieved in the past. I consider it a great and special privilege and also a challenge,” he said.

He urged captains of both clubs to meet with him to discuss areas where most profound impact can be made,

chalet project begun by his predecessor.

“We will not abandon the accommodation project Gen. Muazu had begun before he left as patron. I see it as a revenue project deserving extreme attention and I think all hands being on deck, we will accomplish it,” he said.

However, Ilo sought help to repair the access road leading to the clubs.

“The presentation of our special guest of honour poses a greater challenge. The bad state of the road is somewhat a problem. The army cannot do it alone. I believe that with the support of all the great men here, we will be able to do something about the road in the shortest possible time,” he said.

He commended the chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke, for finding time to attend the ceremony, adding that his presence would make things happen with regard to fixing the road.

RKED by the deplorable state of the public health centre at Ibafon community in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ogun State, two groups, Sahara Group and Ovoteri Limited have carried out reconstruction work on the health centre.

Before the renovation exercise, the building showed signs of dilapidation, so much so that the walls looked dirty, dirty; malodorous and boasts obsolete equipment, with minimal manpower. But after the renovation, the once putrid structure radiates beauty, modern equipment, borehole, power generating set and car park, among other modern facilities. The gesture was part of the company’s corporate social responsibilities to the community and its residents.

The project was in two phases.

The first phase comprised structural renovation which entailed removal of the worn out tiles, painting, replacement of the ceiling sheets, sinking of borehole, fixing of toilet seats, doors and door handles, while the second phase consists of supplies of the needed equipment in the health centre.

Hitherto, the health centre which has only six bed spaces opens during the week days and closes at the weekend due to various factors such as unavailability of water, lack of electricity supply and lack of a power generating set. Currently, the health centre has been well equipped both in terms of facilities and personnel. Both members of staff and the resident doctors are eager to provide 24-hour services for the patients.

One of the resident doctors, Mrs Islamiyya Baruwa, a Corps member said she is willing to stay back after her service year to work at the health centre because a lot of things have changed positively since the renovation was carried out.

“Initially, I had no desk to work on. Also the instruments were

Experts advocate safe maritime environment

T

HE need for enhanced maritime security across Africa was the thrust of the second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Conference held in Lagos.

With about 20 countries and a total of 247 ýparticipants, including naval personnel, the two-day event highlighted the need for cooperation and teamwork among the sister navies.

Organised by the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC), delegates reviewed the security challenges bedevilling African maritime environment with a view to proffering long-lasting solutions.

Top among the challenges was lack of right platforms such as OPVs, to fight the activities of pirates, oil thieves, illegal bunkerers, illegal fishers and sea robbers, thereby boosting economic activities on the African Continent.

With the theme “Facilitating Co-operation Across Africa and Focusing on Naval System and Coastal Surveillance to Enhance Maritime Security”, the conference also provided opportunity for associate sponsors to exhibit their security and defence equipment designed for the protection of oil and gas assets.

In attendance were the Chief of

•From second left, Rear Admiral FU Ogbole; Maj- Gen.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Naval Staff (CNS) Vice-Admiral IboEte Ibas, Commander, Angolan Navy Admiral Augusto Da Silva Cunha; Commander of Ghanaian Navy, Vice Admiral Biekro; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila and DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Maritime Security and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Haruna Jauro.

Others included Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade; Rear Admiral Goddy Ayankpele, Flag Officers Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admirals Jonathan Ango, Edmund Egbedina and Henry Babalola respectively, and chairman, conference planning committee, Rear Admiral Begroy IbeEnwo.

Delegates highlighted the need for information sharing among neighbouring countries to effectively combat maritime crimes, just as they de-

Isidore Edet, Air Vice Marshal U.E. Ebong and Admiral Kontom

liberated on enhancing regional policing with combined forces.

The participants acknowledged the importance of collaborative partnership among the various stakeholders for integrated approach in tackling the challenge of maritime security in Africa, even as they noted the need for progressive change at all levels in maritime security issues since present methods were deemed to be unsatisfactory and ineffective.

Maritime nations were advised to develop and optimise bilateral and multi-lateral agreements to mitigate maritime threats as well as establish Maritime Security Zones which should be implemented with commitment.

In his opening and closing remarks, Ibas reminded participants of the strategic nature of African maritime domain with enormous potential that have been persistently challenged by a myriad of threats.

The CNS noted that the threats constitute serious challenges with adverse consequences on collective maritime governance and economic well-being of member nations, even

as he pointed out the need for the enthronement of constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture.

“Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges with adverse consequences on collective maritime governance and economic well-being of nation states, particularly in Africa. “As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable. Accordingly, Africa needs to be committed in embracing core attributes such as the elimination of sea blindness.

“Deriving from this subregional agenda, Nigeria, acting through her Navy, has remained committed to the activation of the zone’s activities in terms of staff, equipment and operational assets.

“In addition, the Nigerian Navy, along with its Zone E counterparts, has successfully obtained the permission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to host regular meetings of Heads of Navies of Zone E states.

In his remark, the special guest of

•Admiral Cunha

As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable.

Accordingly, Africa needs to be committed in embracing core attributes such as the elimination of sea blindness honour, Ismaila noted the necessity to step up surveillance activities along

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•The renovated health centre

New look for community health centre

By Mojisola Clement

outdated. For example, there is an instrument for measuring heart rate, pulses and some other things but the one I saw when I came could not take the readings together. It will take them separately which wastes time.

But now, reverse is the case because I can check more people in less time than before,” Baruwa said.

Representative of Sahara Group, Mr Tomiwa Adesida and the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility said the company is very grateful to the community for allowing them to operate without any hostility.

He said the gesture was their own way of appreciating and giving back to the community, aside from em-

ploying the locals to work in their oil farm.

“We are very grateful to this community for accepting us in their midst for so many years. It is a great honour to be in your midst because residents of Ibafon community are very friendly and co-operative; which is why we are inaugurating this project,” he said.

The Corporate Business Manager, Ovoteri Limited Mr Charles Zuokemefa said the company intends to identify some of the needs of the community and partner with companies that will help to satisfy the needs. He said the government cannot provide the needs of the community, hence interventions such as

•From left: Vice Admiral Ette-Ibas, Ismaila, Dr. Adebule and Navy, Defence Ministry, Alkani Abduraman

In addition, the Nigerian Navy, along with its Zone E counterparts, has successfully obtained the permission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to host regular meetings of Heads of Navies of Zone E states the Gulf of Guinea to allow safe movement of goods, services and passen-

Director

gers in the entire region.

He noted the general lack of enthusiasm to the development and facilitation of information sharing through naval systems and surveillance infrastructure.

Ismaila said the second conference in Africa was significant as it symbolises a strategic collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Navy and other international maritime stakeholders.

“It also presents a potent strategy required to mitigate the increasing vulnerabilities in African waters, especially the Gulf of Guinea.

“The economic opportunities that abound in these waters have witnessed increasing interests across a broad spectrum of profitable commercial activities.

“With such prospects amid immense resources, many observers believe that it presents incredible and exciting market potential for international businesses.

“These economic prospects are, however, threatened by the common challenge of rising insecurity in our collective maritime domain. It, there-

these are necessary, adding that: “Sahara Group has collaborated with us to satisfy some of the needs of the community.”

Continuing, Zuokemefa said: “It is very challenging for the government to build, run and maintain these facilities, which is why interventions by corporate bodies such as Sahara and Ovoteri go a long way in keeping these facilities operational and functional.”

Executive Secretary, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr Tajudeen Ijora thanked the companies for their gesture, even as he urged other organisations to come to their aid. He implored inhabitants to utilise the services provided in the centre and asked them to see it as their property.

In a chat with Southwest Report, the Chief Nursing Officer of the clinic, Mrs Celia Oluborode said: “Before it was renovated, we used to have little or no patients but now we have more people coming for treatments and antenatal clinics. We are happy about this and we are also planning to provide 24-hour service.”

A resident of the area, Mr Musiliu Bala said: “I was delivered of my two children in this health centre when it was still in a shambles but now I am glad that it has been given a beautiful facelift.”

Another resident, Mrs Chioma Eze said: “Though am still in my second trimester, I cannot wait to use this facility when I am due to give birth because I have seen new equipment which has imbued the confidence in me and the of safety of my baby.”

Dignitaries who attended the event included the Medical Officer of the local government, Dr Disu Oyewoga, Balogun of Ibafon land who represented the Baale, Chief Hassan Kayode, the Otunba of Ibafon land, Chief Femi Oropo, the Iyaoloja of Ibafon land, Alhaja Bilikis Adeola and some representatives of the Ibafon Community Development Association, among others. fore, makes sense to posit that any initiative by the Nigerian Navy to build credible capacity that will guarantee our collective maritime defence and security must be encouraged and pursued with vigour.

“This understanding is critical to maritime security. Regrettably, there is still a general lack of enthusiasm to the development and facilitation of information sharing through naval systems and surveillance infrastructure.

“In my view, this lack of interest in maritime domain surveillance capitalisation has limited the capacity for collaboration and information sharing among maritime stakeholders in Africa.

“This is more so as maritime criminals are highly mobile, thus making the crime itself very fluid and non-territorial; hence the need for co-operation among nation states.

“Intelligence sharing within the maritime security community would guarantee meaningful and responsive objectives as a requirement for Maritime Domain Control (MDC). Therefore, putting in place a co-operation mechanism for maritime security stakeholders is a long way to go.

“Let me also add that the collaborative initiative of the NN and IQPC is laudable and must be given the necessary support. We at the Ministry of Defence with the support of your government are doing what is necessary to enhance the asset capitalisation of the NN in order to improve its operational efficiency,” he said. For Jauro, such conferences were a necessity if the war against maritime criminals must be won.

He reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to the safetyý and security of merchant shipping.

Jauro said: “In NIMASA, our commitment to safety and security of merchant shipping is unwavering. This is why we have remained committed to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Continued on page 36

•An APC chieftain Chief Ayo Eniade presenting the GCE form to one of the the beneficiaries, while Lam-Adesina looks on.

•The beneficiaries in a group photograph with Hon. Lam-Adesina

GCE forms for 40 students From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE hope of brilliant but indigent students within Ibadan North East/ South East Federal Constituency to further their education beyond the primary school level was rekindled as the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina distributed the 2015 General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to 40 prospective students. The gesture was in fulfilment of his electioneering campaign promises to enhance the education of members of his constituency. The students were randomly selected from secondary schools within the two local government areas that make up the federal constituency by relevant stakeholders under the “Omo Oloore Educational Development scheme” at his yet-to-be inaugurated federal constituency office in Ibadan South East Local Government Area along Ile Titun area of Ibadan. The forms cost N12, 300 each.ý According to the lawmaker, the gesture aimed at motivating the students to strive towards excellence. Hon. Lam-Adesina also gave strong assurances of an imminent revolution in the education sector as it is the only tool for self-sustenance and national growth.ý In his brief speech at the event, Hon Lam-Adesina referred to Nelson Mandela’s view that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. I have come to realise that when you invest sufficiently in your child via education, you have thoroughly secured a future for yourself and generations yet unborn. I have been privileged to exploit untapped opportunities recently purposely because I am educated and that’s why I would, as a legislator, do everything humanly possible to contribute to the development of the education sector within this constituency.”

He promised to partner with relevant stakeholders to resuscitate and sustain growth in the education sector and to work in line with the manifesto of his party; the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national and state levels in order to reduce the level of illiteracy in his constituency in particular and the country in general.

He said: “I have met with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the two local government areas and All Nigerian Confedration of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) to explore ways of partnering to bring the desired change to our constituency within the best possible time.

“So also, I would liaise with other legislators, especially with the House Committee on Education, to ensure that government parastatal saddled with policy formulation and implementation performs their obligations as gazetted in the acts establishing them.”

He thereafter promised to award scholarships to the best students during the examination.

Hon. Lam-Adesina also urged parents to be alive to their responsibilities, even as he advised them to pay greater attention to the well-being of their children and wards. He unfolded his developmental plans towards transforming the fortune of his constituency.

He further assured members of his constituency of his commitment to giving them quality representation in the National Assembly. Mrs Kehinde Adedayo, who spoke on behalf of parents of the recipients, praised the lawmaker who he said remains committed to make people’s welfare top priority. “We are very grateful to God and to our representative who has shown us a new era in governance, where people’s interest comes first,” she said.

Mr Oluwaseyi Oduola who also spoke on behalf of the recipients prayed God to grant the Hon. Lam-Adesina success in all his endeavours. He advised other public office holders and the rich to emulate Hon. Lam-Adesina.

He praised him for the programme which he said is coming at a time when it was most needed.

Dignitaries present at the event included Chief Ayo Eniade, Mogaji Amusa Makinde, Chief Abolade Akinyemi, Alhaji Mufu Adisa, chairmen of APC in Ibadan South East and North East Local Government Areas, chairmen of the NUT in the two local government areas, chairmen of Community Development Council (CDC) in the two local government areas, women, youth leaders and leaders of the APC in the constituency.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT MDGs contractors get N145m From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

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• Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode addressing the state officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders during the inauguration of 20 Mobile Care Unit and 26 Number Transport Ambulances at Lagos House, Ikeja

•Cross section of the 10 patrol vehicles and 15 motorcycles handed over by the Lagos State Government to the State Police Command, at the Lagos House, Ikeja

100 humane days of Ambode •Continued from page 29

When the first incident occurred, he was away from the state but he quickly took the next flight back to Lagos and straight to the scene of the tanker explosion. He commiserated with the residents on their losses and promised to restore them to their normal lives.

The Idimu and Iyana-Ipaja incidents made him summon a meeting with petrol marketers. He also set up a committee to ascertain the causes of the incidents.

Retirees, violence victims smile.

It is not only Oluwajomiloju, the Uches and victims of tanker explosions that have felt the governor’s soft side. Retirees have also had cause to smile in the last 100 days. Last month, Ambode approved N11 billion to offset arrears owed them since 2010. The beneficiaries are not only Lagos State government’s mainstream retirees but also retirees in local governments and parastatals.

Ambode said he took the decision to find a holistic solution to the challenge of payment of pension entitlements to retirees under the Payas-You-Go Pension Scheme and the Contributory Pension Scheme. The pay-as-you-go scheme was discontinued in April, 2007.

Victims of domestic violence and other gender-related crimes have also had cause to smile as a result of Ambode’s interventions. He met with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), urging them to intensify sensitisation against the dastardly act.

Recently, 190 officials of the State Emergency Command and Control Centre were trained on how to receive reports of sexual and genderbased violence incidents. The governor also approved the use of the 112 toll free line to report cases of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, maltreatment and other sexual assaults.

The DSVRT has since increased its awareness campaign and recently took the message to the palaces of traditional rulers.

Health is wealth The health sector is already getting serious attention from the Ambode administration. On Monday, August 31, Ambode inaugurated 20 Mobile Care Units Ambulances and 26 Transport Ambulances expected to be deployed across the various general hospitals and primary health care centres.

He approved the purchase of power generating sets and X-ray machines to all general hospitals to ensure that 24-hour power supply is

not compromised. He also reduced the cost incurred by patients in carrying out X-ray services.

The governor has also given approval for the recruitment of more paramedic staff and special medical coordinators to ensure 24-hour service to the citizens as well as embark on the construction of a Medical Park.

He said: “In my inaugural address, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will leave no one behind; a government that will implement programmes that make life simpler, easier and happier for our people.

Today, we are launching the free ambulance service as a demonstration to that pledge.”

He further said the acquisition of the new ambulances was also in consonance with his administration’s mantra to run a government of continuity with improvement.

“I recall with much satisfaction, the great strides we have witnessed in the health sector in the last 16 years; commencing from the foundational leaps of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the significant landmarks of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

“We have restructured the State Emergency Ambulance Services and increased the fleet of new Mobile Intensive Care Units by 20; bringing the total number to 33 MICUs. This will widen the coverage of our services beyond the metropolis to the hinterland. In total, we are launching 46 new ambulances today.

“Our medical directors have renewed their commitment to ensure that their services are available 24 hours every week to ensure a good linkage with the new ambulance services. Drugs are to be made available more effectively at all our general hospitals than before.

“All our general hospitals will now have new mobile X-ray machines to reduce the cost of patients doing X-ray outside the hospitals.”

Treasury Single Account To ensure accountability and availability of cash to pay retirees and meet its other needs, the state, from September 1, began the operation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This means that all monies due to the state are paid into one single account.

Ambode said the move would enable the government to address the challenges which it previously experienced in the operation of the multiple account system. To the governor, the TSA, aside from providing transparency and accountability, will also encourage tax payers to request for a single account before making their payments. The adoption of the TSA is in line with the objective of the move by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal

Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that all government revenues are paid into one consolidated account.

Let the investors come For the state to have enough to cater for its needs, investors must come. This has been a major focus of the administration since May 29. In his inaugural speech, Ambode gave an insight of his mission. His decision to set up an Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global), domiciled in his office spells out where his administration is headed.

When he received the Namibian President, Dr. Hage Geingoband on May 30, he sold the investment opportunities in the state to the visitor. He has also met several local and foreign investors, including the President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, investors from Dubai, United States of America and envoys from European and Middle East countries. At each meeting, Ambode promised an enabling environment for willing investors.

Civil service, better performance

For the investors to come, for the TSA to be well-operated and for things to work well, Ambode needs the civil service. It was thus not surprising that one of the first meetings he held after assuming office was with the Body of Permanent Secretaries.

At the parley, Ambode intimated them of his plan to reposition the civil service for more efficiency and service.

The repositioning, Ambode said, will involve the streamlining of some ministries, departments and agencies to cut cost of governance. He also spoke of the need to create new offices to cater for the emerging needs of the people.

He urged the Permanent Secretaries to rise up to the challenges as they would be front runners in driving the state’s wheel of progress in the next four years.

Three weeks after his assumption of office, he announced his decision to realign the Ministry of Rural Development, Parastatals Monitoring Office as well as Political and Legislative Powers Bureau.

He scrapped the Office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue

and the Debt Management Office. The governor merged the office of Works and Office of Infrastructure; Office of Drainage Services and Office of Environmental Service with the aim of creating opportunities for global competitiveness.

On August 5, Ambode also appointed 19 Permanent Secretaries. Merit and track record, said the governor, recommended the beneficiaries. The Permanent Secretaries have adequately held forth, in the absence of commissioners.

Security of lives and property As a cosmopolitan state, Lagos has its security challenges. In the last 100 days, there have been complaints about upsurge of robbery in traffic and other forms of crimes.

Worried by these complaints, the governor has put the security agencies on their toes. The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tunji Disu, has arrested hundreds of hoodlums and suspected armed robbers. Some have been prosecuted and convicted.

The Ikorodu bank robbery was one incident that occurred in the early days

of the administration. Ambode, disturbed by the incident, urged the police to fish out the culprits.

The governor is also worried about the spate of cultism and land grabbing and is not leaving any stone unturned to put the trends to a stop.

At a dinner organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Ambode unveiled plans to strengthen the RRS as well as establish an integrated security and emergency control platform. The event attracted members of the corporate world and respected members of the society. Over N1 billion was donated in support of Ambode’s drive to strengthen the state’s security apparatus. 100 new power bikes, 10 armoured tanks and a helicopter have been bought to take the battle of policing Lagos to the next level.

The acquisition of 100 new cars for a soon-to-be introduced Special Operation Service (SOS), expected to co-ordinate community policing in RRS and other outfits, said sources, shows Ambode’s desire to ensure a crime-free state.

•Permanent Secretaries taking their oath of office

In my inaugural address, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will leave no one behind; a government that will implement programmes that make life simpler, easier and happier for our people. Today, we are launching the free ambulance service as a demonstration to that pledge

Towards making Lagos traffic-free The Oshodi-Apapa Expressway almost has no rival when it comes to traffic gridlock in Lagos. This leads to waste of man-hours daily. On his second working week on assumption of office, Ambode visited Apapa and some other traffic-prone areas.

He had received several calls and text messages from residents complaining of the perennial traffic in the Apapa caused by the activities of petrol tankers queuing to load the products from the 57 tank farms in the area. Ambode and his team were not spared the traffic as his entourage had to look for alternative routes to navigate the area when it visited it on June 25.

He urged the Federal Government to mobilise the contractor handling the re-construction of the road back to site.

He lamented that the Tin Can Bridge, which has been under construction for about six years was abandoned, thus encouraging tankers to park indiscriminately on the road. While the Federal Government’s action was being awaited, Ambode set up a task force to ensure 24-hour surveillance of traffic flow.

This has eased up the traffic in the area.

He also met with tanker drivers and stakeholders to fashion out ways to end the Apapa traffic gridlock.

Motorable roads At the time he assumed office, it was not in doubt that the road infrastructure in the state could do with some help. So, the first few weeks of his administration saw the governor embarking on inspections to several areas of the state. Some of the areas he toured included Lagos suburbs such as Ipaja, Mosan-Okunola, Oshodi-Isolo, IkotunEjigbo and Somolu. He promised to rehabilitate the roads which were in deplorable state.

The Ejigbo-Ikotun-IsoloRoad, which was a nightmare for motorists, is under rehabilitation, as the Governor, during his visit on July 14, announced that work would commence on the road in seven days. The Lagos State Public Works Corporation has since moved to site. The rehabilitation work is expected to stretch from Ikotun to Isolo Road.

The popular Brown Road in Oshodi is the latest road to be visited by Ambode. He walked the over 1km road with his entourage and later announced that work would commence in a week’s time on the road, which serves as a link road to other roads in the area. The governor also directed some officials of the state government to inspect the Ladipo and Mushin roads. Both roads are expected to get a facelift soon.

Catching them young Ambode firmly believes in catching them young. This was why he approved that 1,300 qualified teachers be

OLLOWING the approval of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti State Office of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has disbursed a sum of N145.2 million to 25 contractors handling 2011, 2012 and 2013 projects.

Presenting cheques to the contractors at Ekiti State MDGs Office in Ado-Ekiti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor/Chairman, MDGs Chief Dipo Anisulowo said the payments made were strictly on merit, stressing that Governor Fayose’s approval was because the affected contractors did good jobs.

Chief Anisulowo noted that the Governor had, earlier in the year, revalidated an approval by the immediate past administration for payment of a sum of N117 million because he believes that government is a continuum.

Emphasising that the welfare of the people remained a top priority for the present administration, Anisulowo noted that the gesture has, again, demonstrated the Governor’s sincerity of purpose, adding that the move would also serve as a re-awakening to other contractors to complete their jobs without delay.

In his remarks at the event, the Secretary/MDGs State Focal Person, Mr. James Owolabi urged the benefiting contractors to reciprocate the Governor’s magnanimity by contributing their quotas to the development of the state by always delivering standard jobs.

Speaking on behalf of other contractors, Mr. Sola Oyebanji showered encomium on Governor Fayose, describing him as a true democrat.

He advised contractors that were yet to complete their jobs to do so on time, saying that since the Governor keeps his promise, he would ensure prompt payment for work done.

Ekiti warns owners of undeveloped plots From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

recruited to teach in the public primary schools across the state. The shortage in primary school teachers led to a situation where pupils were not properly instructed. One of the side effects of this was parents withdrawing their kids to private schools where they have to pay through their noses. Only those who could not afford to pay the private schools’ fees had to leave their children in public primary schools.

Now, with the teachers being employed and the plan to give schools major facelifts, the state will be in a better position to catch them young.

LASTMA with human face In its bid to ensure free flow of traffic across the metropolis, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been directed to adopt the system of booking traffic offenders, rather than apprehending their vehicles.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu handed over the directive to the officials while briefing top echelon of LASTMA on government’s new policy thrust in the transportation sector.

He said while government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the traffic managers to the current traffic situation, more emphasis should be placed on flawless flow of traffic.

“That is the minimum we owe the people of the state,” he said, adding that LASTMA should synergise with other security agencies to ensure that the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 is enforced.

“Since LASTMA officials are a reflection of the state government, they should ensure that their activities add value to government’s covenant with Lagos residents to make life easier for them,” he said.

He implored the residents to reciprocate government’s humane gesture by obeying all traffic laws and regulations.

Whenu also called on all motorists, whose vehicles have been apprehended by LASTMA in the past, to visit the appropriate LASTMA depot for claim of their vehicles after proper documentation, assuring them of a more flexible process for prompt service delivery.

What is next?

If the morning shows what follows, then tomorrow for residents of Lagos may be better. Ambode has promised that his administration will get better with time like wine. As more funds are generated internally and otherwise, he said they will be spent for the good of Lagos and nothing else. Residents of Lagos, Nigerians and others are watching this Epe-born son of a teacher who is at the helm of affairs in Nigeria’s second-to-none state.

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KITI State Government has warned that it would revoke ownership of undeveloped plots of land owned by housing estates.

The State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Prince Taelolu Otitoju spoke in Ado-Ekiti while playing host to residents of the Omisanjana Housing Estate. He explained that the move became necessary to curtail security threat posed to innocent residents of the estates by criminals that use the undeveloped plots as hide-outs to unleash terror in the neighbourhood.

Prince Otitoju therefore urged the land owners to immediately develop them or forfeit ownership of the properties.

The commissioner also warned developers that have erected structures on lands allocated to them without paying pre-requisite fees to immediately pay the required fees or lose the properties.

The Commissioner was reacting to the pleas of residents of the Omisanjana Housing Estate that government should find solution to threats posed by the abandoned 6.1 hectares of land allegedly purchased since 2006 but left undeveloped.

The chairman of the Landlords Association in the area, Mr. Dayo Falua lamented that hoodlums use the bushy expanse of land as cover to wreak havoc on innocent residents.

He stressed the need to compel the owner of the land to either develop or clear it.

Couples advised on child spacing From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olurotimi Ojo has advised couples to embrace family planning and adopt child-spacing to guarantee healthy living.

Speaking against the backdrop of what he described as an alarming spate of cases of abandoned babies in government hospitals in the country, Dr. Ojo stressed that proper family planning and child spacing would not only reduce the incessant cases of child abandonment but will also ensure a manageable and healthy family.

The commissioner emphasised the need for families to have sizeable number of children they could cater for, saying that having too many children than could be reasonably managed may lead to poverty, hunger, hooliganism, prostitution, robbery and other social vices.

Ojo said parents must care and protect their children, especially the girl-child, noting that failure to do so may lead to teenage pregnancy. He cautioned youths, particularly school age girls, against waywardness, warning that, apart from poverty, pleasure seeking and waywardness also lead to unwanted pregnancy with the attendant menace of child abandonment.

Group urges vigilance at orphanage homes From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Lions Club International has urged operators of orphanages, motherless babies’ homes and other rehabilitation centres across the country to be more vigilant in view of the upsurge in child trafficking.

President of Ado-Ekiti Metropolitan Lions Club, Dr. Idowu Adeojo, gave the advice in Usi-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State while donating some materials to the inmates of Winning Children Foundation, a private orphanage.

Adeojo advised that there was need for the operators of these motherless babies’ homes to take the issue of security serious, to prevent evil doers from capitalising on the vulnerability of the children to perpetrate evil.

The former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state urged the government to invest in the education of the children that found themselves under that condition.

The step, according to him, would not only reduce crime but would also prevent their future from being jeopardized.

“It is disheartening to be hearing on daily basis, reported cases of child abandonment, baby factories, child labour and trafficking even when we have a functional government in place.

“The government and the private organisations owe it a duty to protect the future of these children. They should not allow anyone to seize the opportunity of their vulnerability to use them as slaves or for other evil things.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Kingship row sparks tension in Oyo community

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NLESS the From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo Oyo State them to make the Governpronouncement? ment intervenes in “All the contesting the lingering candidates who are chieftaincy tussle also princes veherocking the Agomently rejected the Are community in selection process. the Atisbo Local We have also forGovernment Area warded our grievwith a view to findances to the approing lasting solupriate authorities, tion, the agrarian notably the state and peaceful comgovernment and the munity in OkeAlaafin of Oyo, who Ogun area may •Olaniyonu is the consenting ausoon be consumed thority and by violence. permanent Chairman, Tension has alOyo State Council ready enveloped of Obas and the town, as Chiefs.” youths and other In a related deinterest groups, velopment, other including the royfive princes from al families are the same ruling threatening fire house kicked and brimstones against what they should the kingreferred to as “unmakers go ahead lawful exclusion of in their strange setheir vested rights’’. lection of a succes- •Oyewole While denying sor to the vacant any knowledge of throne, which they described as the steps taken by both the ruling “unacceptable and a negation of house and the kingmakers to seage long tradition in the seleclect a new monarch, they noted that tion process’’. such steps were not made public The former community head, as required by law.

Aare of Ago-Are, the late Oba JuSpokesman for the aggrieved bril Oyesiji Oladoke, joined his princes, Semiu Bolaji Opeloyeru ancestors in May this year after said: “We find it incomprehensiabout 39 years of peaceful reign. ble and unacceptable the activities Southwest Report reliably of both the ruling house and the gathered that barely two months kingmakers.” after the death of the late ruler, They added that their rights to a family meeting of Edu Ruling seek appointment into the revered House which is to produce the stool of Aare of Ago-Are has been next king, was convened jeopardised by the duo who have where 15 candidates emerged to refused to adhere to all relevant contest for the vacant stool. laws regulating their conduct in Names of interested candithis regards. dates were later presented to the The princes, therefore, decommunity kingmakers for thormanded outright cancellation of ough screening through Ifa Orathe nominations and election of cle divination and in line with any candidate, to ensure due prothe age long customs and tradicess of law and to provide avenue tions. for them to realise their aim of It was learnt that rather than contesting for the vacant stool as allowing age long traditional provided under the law. status quo in the process of seThe ruling house, apparently lecting a new monarch for the feeling the heat ordered the cancommunity to remain, the kingcellation of the initial selection makers allegedly and directed the kingmakers to opted for orthodox religious follow laid down rules and regumethod. lations in order to ensure strict The community has eight compliance with the age long trakingmakers through declaration ditions as well as to ensure the made under section 4(2) of the participation of all interested canChieftaincy Law of 1957. Two of didates. the kingmakers had died, thus The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi remaining six.

Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, was said The six kingmakers, four to have intervened and allegedly Christians and two Muslims warned the kingmakers against were alleged to have jettisoned neglect of their communal heritraditional selection method, setage in the name of orthodox relicretly picked two among the gion, especially on the selection contesting candidates and voted of successor to the vacant stool. along religious affiliations.

He said any attempt to circumAt the end of the secret elecvent the age long traditions and tion, a Christian candidate was denounce the legacies of their foresaid to have emerged victorious. fathers to the dustbin of history, Competent source hinted rather than preserving and recogthat the decision of the lawmaknising them always leads to crises ers could not be communicated and disharmony. to the people for fear of unpleasMeanwhile, youths, members ant reactions. of the royal family and other inThe strange approach to seterest groups in the lection of new monarch by the community have raised the alarm kingmakers elicited anger and over strange movements by a uproar from indigenes, includgroup known as Oke-Ogun Proing the remaining 14 candidates fessionals to create disharmony who contested for the throne. and cause violence, through disThe royal candidates led by tortion of historical facts about the Prince Taoheed Oyekola Olakancommunity’s chieftaincy affairs. la, told journalists at a briefing A press release jointly signed that “it is unfortunate that the

by Princes Salam Kazeem Oyekingmakers allowed self-cenwole and Olalekan Olaniyonu of tredness and greed to prevail the Edu Ruling House in Ago-Are over Ago-Are traditions and cuscommunity and made available to toms. Since July 7, this year that Southwest Report said the faceless the kingmakers conducted their Oke-Ogun Professionals is not strange, kangaroo, alien and unspeaking the minds of the royal lawful election to select another Oba, why has it been difficult for Continued on page 36

•From left: Mr. Adeosun, Mrs Ehimuan-Chiazor, Mr Akintayo and Mr. Asuni at the media launch of GSK’s SCOPE training programme in Lagos.

Training for pharmacists

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N its resolve to improve quality of life by enabling people to feel better and live longer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)–one of world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies–has gone into partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training programme, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), which aims at enhancing knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists.

According to the partners, SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training programme for pharmacists, consists of nine disease area modules that are accredited by the United States-based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

In her contribution at the media conference held in Lagos to announce the partnership, Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor explains that “the Internet plays a key role in professional development across all sectors and it’s great to see GSK and PSN driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector.”

A 2013 survey conducted in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of pharmacists seek training as value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and

improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy.

These would improve patients’ productivity and well-being, thereby building credibility for pharmacists within their communities.

The Commercial Development Manager, Africa and Developing countries in Asia (ADC) Mr Jide Adeosun commended the PSN for pioneering the partnership with GSK. “We are committed to rolling out similar programmes across Africa,” he said.

In his remarks at the media conference, PSN President, Mr. Olumide Akintayo revealed that successful completion of SCOPE is now one of the requirements to receive 10 credit points towards the required 30 credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development

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HE Federal Government has been urged to show more commitment in empowering women and youths.

The National President, Nigerian Association of Hairdressers, Cosmetologists and Barbers (NASHCOB), Dr Betty Ishoka, gave the advice at the second anniversary of the Ogun State chapter of the association held at AUD School III play ground, Sango. She also expressed the need for government to give priority attention to women and youths since they constitute a large chunk of the country’s population that will help his administration t o achieve h i s avowed dream of taking the country to the Promised Land.

She said any society that neglects its women and youths would be unable to progress socially, politically and economically.

According to Ishoka, empowering women can either be by appointments, mobilisation or alleviation.

But compulsorily,

•Cross section of the hairdressers

‘Step up

By Olalekan Ayeni

•Feyisayo Adeoye, the hair styles beauty queen

women must be well equipped and made to realise their full potential. They are great mobilisers at the grassroots and have the capability to help any government in power to achieve its goal.

Dr. Ishoka said hairdressing and cosmetology are some of the professional or vocational skills which women need government’s attention in terms empowerment.

She described NASHCOB as one of the micro, small and medium-scale enterprises which the country needs in reducing unemployment and poverty level among women and youths.

She appealed to the Federal Government to support the NASHCOB at all levels to enable it contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

“The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, assist the association in tackling the faking of cosmetic products. It should also ensure quality of the products by manufacturers to

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Mr. Akintayo noted that the partnership with GSK will further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that, “SCOPE facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.’’

Speaking at the event, Managing Director GSK, Lekan Asuni stated that the MoU signing marks a milestone for not only the partners, PSN and GSK, but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.

“We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life.

Through this innovative programme, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria. The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because it’s more cost-effective than face-to-face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard to reach areas can benefit. Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

Among key opinion leaders in attendance were Director of Pharmacy, General Hospital, Ajeromi; Mrs. Awofuwa, Chief Executive Officer Health Plus, Mrs. Bukky George, Mrs Dorcas Omeire of University of Lagos Medical Centre, Director of Pharmacy, Central Bank of Nigeria Staff Clinic, Mrs. Nmadu; Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba Mrs Bolanle Adekoya, Director of Pharmacy, Health Service Commission Mr Salami and host of other dignitaries.

Council chief warns against illegal structures

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HE Executive Secretary of Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Isiaka Yaya has reiterated the council’s commitment to the well-being of the residents, even as he said the business of government is to cater for the people to ensure that they are happy. He said one of the ways residents would live happy life is through ensuring clean and healthy environment.

Hon. Yaya spoke at Alaba Rago Market where he monitored the monthly sanitation exercise penultimate week.

While urging the residents and traders to maintain clean environment which will guarantee healthy living, he frowned at the rate at which illegal structures sprang up in the market despite that they had been demolished by the construction firms handling the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.

A statement signed by the Information Officer of the council, Mrs Jimoh Sharafat said the Executive Secretary advised the traders through their head, Seriki to desist from erecting illegal structures, adding that those who flout the directive would face the full wrath of the law.

According to the statement, the

From left: Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Dapo Thomas Bolanle; Hon. Yaya and the Seriki of Alaba Rago Market during an inspection of the market by the council chief.

council boss expressed dismay over unwholesome attitudes of some residents on the environment, saying some of the ailments which people suffer from resulted from unhealthy environment due to their unfriendly approach to the surroundings.

“Basically, our attitude to the environment is very discouraging.

For instance, the way we indiscriminately dispose of our domestic wastes is quite unfriendly to the environment. Indiscriminately people empty their wastes into our drainage systems thereby blocking them. The most worrisome among our attitudes to the environment is our penchant for tree cutting and building of illegal structures which prevent our breathing in dirt-free air.

“It is time we shaped our actions with a more prudent care to avoid dangerous environmental consequences. Through ignorance, or indifference, we can do considerable and irreparable harm to the earthly environment on which our life

Our attitude to the environment is very discouraging. For instance, the way we indiscriminately dispose of our domestic wastes is quite unfriendly to the environment. Indiscriminately people empty their wastes into our drainage systems thereby blocking them. and well-being depend. On the other hand, through wise actions, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an environment more in keeping with human needs and hopes. To defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations has become an imperative

goal for mankind,” Hon. Yaya said.

Continuing, he said: “No doubt, poor economy and reduced human development are direct fall outs of man’s activities that are harmful to the environment. These include keeping dirty surroundings, pouring refuse into the sea that kill or drive away fishes, dirty drainage system that empties its dirty water into the sea which kill the fishes, cutting down trees, improper management of domestic and industrial waste products, pollution of both the air and the sea, bush burning and smoky engines. These help in endangering our environment and present harsh economic, social and health situations.”

Replying, the Seriki promised that the traders would co-operate with the council to make life meaningful for the residents, by keying into the council’s policies and programmes evolved to enhance the people’s well-being.

•Gbadewolu 1, Ijoko Lemode, HRM Solomon Adewale Adisa Shokunbi (centre), Dr (Mrs) Osinsanya (second right), Dr (Mrs) Ishoka (second left), NASHCOB National Coordinator, Chief (Mrs) Akanle Angela (left) and State President, Alhaja Ganiyat Adeyemi at the event.

PHOTOS: OLALEKAN AYENI

commitment to women empowerment’ The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, assist the association in tackling the faking of cosmetic products. It should also ensure quality of the products by manufacturers to avoid skin and body harms from fake and adulterated products avoid skin and body harms from fake and adulterated products,” she said.

According to her, even though the association has been doing its best to ensure that such products do not exist in the market, it still needs full support of the government.

She also appealed to government to establish a financial bank that will be granting soft loans to small-scale entrepreneurs, including members of the association. This, she said, would enable them to establish and expand their businesses.

She said the association is committed to the development of its members, women and youth through skills acquisition programmes, enhancement of members’ capacity building through training and retraining to enable them to be relevant and compete with other countries in the beauty industry.

She also urged parents to allow their children/wards to acquire a skill from the secondary school level, saying it will be an added advantage for them after graduating from higher

institutions, even as she appealed to youths to be patient and serious while undergoing any vocational training.

She said lack of focus is one of the problems hindering youths’ in the course of learning a trade.

She said the association has concluded plans to open a website which will contain names of professional members. This, she said, will assist them to engage in successful, profitable and sustainable businesses and enable the association to bring salon owners together to network and share ideas as well as organise competitions as a showcase of their talents.

The NASHCOB founder/pioneer president, Dr (Mrs) Elizabeth Adebisi Osinsanya (OON), expressed her happiness over the progress the association which was founded over four decades ago has recorded.

Dr Osinsanya, who is also the founder of Elegant Twins School of Cosmetology and Clinic, said NASH-

COB was set up for the progress of the beauty industry. “This is not just a look-good affair, but as a source of livelihood. The beauty industry has grown and become a major player in the financial sector of the country’s economy,” she said.

She also said Elegant Twins School of Cosmetology was set up as a vocational school, which today, operates as a tertiary institution which awards not only diplomas and certificates to students, but has also given fellowship status and honorary degrees to many worthy Nigerians. Noting that she has gone into partnerships with notable manufacturers of beauty products in other parts of the world to produce for the local market. Dr Osinsanya urged Nigerian leaders to evolve policies and programmes that would benefit the people. This, she added, would go a long way in improving standard of living of Nigerians as well eradicating poverty among them.

She also urged youths to be much serious while studying or undergoing a vocational training.

Dr. Osinsanya advised members of the union to support government programmes and embrace love and unity among themselves.

The General Manager, Soulmate Industry Limited, Mr Justin Akalezi also enjoined them to preach love and unity among themselves.

He appealed to members of NASHCOB to support their leaders at all levels, especially by reporting who or where fake or adulterated cosmetic products are being produced, sold or used.

The celebration featured workshops, hairstyles fashion parade, cultural dance, display of beauty products, soaps and other products as part of activities to mark the anniversary.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Experts advocate safe maritime environment Continued from page 30-31 Nigerian Navy which established the Maritime Guard Command (MGC) based in our head office with a navy captain as commander.

“Indeed, we cannot claim any measure of success if it was not for the full backing of the Navy. Considering that we are not permitted to bear arms in enforcing our mandate, we have continued to strengthen our partnership with the navy towards eradicating these criminals which results are already positive.

“The MGC has been able to arrest several vessels and persons en-

gaged in one form of illegality or the other in our maritime environment.

“These evils do not only negatively impact on the economies of littoral states but also hinder effective harnessing of the potential of the maritime sector while causing grave reputational damage to the sub-region.

This trend must be reversed to ensure our collective prosperity.”

While reiterating the importance of the West African sub-region to global economy, Babalola in his presentation stated that it is a pivotal international shipping route connecting the Far East to countries in the North

and South of the Atlantic.

He said: “It has also become a veritable sea route for international trade and commerce, especially now that the Arab Gulf passage is more costly and risky, due to conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Additionally, the sub-region is endowed with abundant deposit of hydrocarbon as well as home to a substantial bio-diversity of marine resources. In fact, four per cent of global oil extraction comes from this region.

To the Director, Ocean Explorers, Lieutenant Festus Erubore (rtd) said his knowledge has been broadened

on the specific equipment needed by African navies in tackling peculiar maritime challenges. ”As a company that provides unique opportunities in maritime security surveillance; pipeline surveillance protection and interdiction; port facility security; port and vessel hardening; safeguarding hazardous material in a maritime environment; early detection technology; diving and salvage operation as well as high sea communication device, we are grateful to the navy for its ingenuity in organising this year’s OPV Africa conference” he said.

•Prof. Mabogunje unveiling the book while Prof. Banjo (in black suit) and others look on.

Onibokun: Fond memories of a town planner I T was an emotional event as members of family and friends of the late Prof. Adepoju Onibokun remembered the town planner who was credited with the design of the Federal Capital Territory.

At an event which took place at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, an engineer and town planner, who contributed to the development of some of the highways in the country, Prof. John Falade, said many developing areas manifest features of slum settlements because the government has failed to play its role of planning the urban areas. ýProf. Falade, who was the guest lecturer on the occasion, observed that it was easier for the government to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to achieve success in all areas, adding that “government, through the planning agency, is supposed to have plans for our communities. What we find in Nigeria at the moment is abnormality, as people do not see town planners as their friends.ý” Continuing, he said: “The case of Ibadan is a quite interesting one.

I grew up in Ibadan to some extent.

I was here from 1969 to 1974, when I travelled abroad.

“The problem was that the planning was truncated, following the Agbekoya incident. That was the time of Maj-Gen Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd).

“Residents protested that town planners were extorting money from them, some people were killed. The protesters went to Agodi Prisons to set some people free.

“Then the governor went on television to say that there was no town planning again. It was a law. So, all the development you see towards and around were as a result of how people began to build without gov-

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

ernment’s approval.

“This is the genesis of narrow roads in Ibadan today. You see a lot of people building their houses without approval.

“Town planning came as a preventive arm of medical service. We have to make sure that town planning works. We need to obey town planning rules. It is for our own good. In England where I practise, they don’t joke with it. So, we must learn to obey it for our own health.”

He linked poor planning of the developing areas with government’s lack of political will to enforce town planning rules, warning that poor living conditions in the areas could lead to outbreak of diseases and other disasters.

He said: “Government should have planned the developing areas through the planning agencies ahead of the population explosion that is now being witnessed in those communities. By so doing, a planning standard would have been established. People should also stop tampering with the size of the roads in developing areas.

“Developing areas in Nigeria are in a bad shape and people no longer regard town planners as their friends.” He acknowledged that low income earners and poor people might never have the financial power to stay in well-planned communities such as Government Reservation Areas, but urged the government to commit itself more to planning the developing areas.

He also said government could help low income earners own their houses by allocating plots of land to them for free instead of selling to the rich.

He said: “We have many housing estates coming up but not for the low income earners. The easiest way for

We have many housing estates coming up but not for the low income earners. The easiest way for low income earners to build houses in Nigeria is through co-operative housing scheme. In Nigeria these days, mortgage does not help the poor because the loan provider will ask for collateral that a poor man cannot afford. low income earners to build houses in Nigeria is through co-operative housing scheme. In Nigeria these days, mortgage does not help the poor because the loan provider will ask for collateral that a poor man cannot afford.

“By the provision of the Land Use Decree, government owns the land.

So, it can help the poor by giving them lands to build their houses instead of profiting from selling them to the rich.

It’s the best subsidy to help the poor.”

The chairman on the occasion, emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo described the late don, who died at the age of 63, as one of Nigeria’s bravest scholars.

According to the don who said the invitation was what he could not possibly refuse “because of the personalities involved” recalled that “as far back as 1990, the late Prof. Onibokun established the Centre for African Settlement Studies and Development (CASSAD).

“Then in 1990, he took the brave and far-reaching decision of establishing CASSAD. The centre is situated in the same area of Bodija as where I live and I never ventured from my house into the town without seeing the centre’s sign board which, indeed, is still there.

“My first impression of Prof. Onibokuný was that of a man bursting with physical and mental energy.

There was something about his look and bearing which conveyed a sense of resoluteness and urgency. It appeared as if he was being driven by a great idea. Then one heard that he was involved with the big Abuja project under the supervision of Prof. Akin Mabogunje.

“But when he took early retirement and unfolded his plans for CASSAD, one concluded that this must have been the big idea which had been going through a period of gestation in his mind. It seemed an ambitious idea, but Prof. Onibokun seemed to

have what it takes to launch such a seemingly elaborate project which, one hoped, would bring some understanding and, ultimately, order to the African habitat. Ibadan would appear to be the ideal place to site such a project.”

Describing the late Onibokun’s legacies as unforgettable, Banjo called for massive overhauling of universities.

He said: “Our universities need massive overhauling to make them a veritable engine of development, producing scholars working within and outside the university system, who will ensure a consistent rise in the level of development in the country.

“Prof Onibokun has bequeathed a legacy, which should challenge generations after him to be in the vanguard of efforts to develop the country and enhance the well-being and happiness of its inhabitants.” ýAkin Mabogunje, another erudite Prof., described the late Prof. Onibokun as an enterprising Nigerian, who was concerned with the problem in the country.

“He paid attention to ways in which we really don’t pay attention to our cities. And he wanted to come and see what can be done to improve the conditions in the cities.

“Although he worked for many years in the public sector, he used his money to start what is currently known as CASSAD. And so, he gave examples to people that you don’t wait for government to solve a problem.

“Ten years after, some things have changed; some are just as bad as when he left. This celebration is to show that we have not forgotten him and his contribution and to use it as an example which people can copy and improve upon,” he said.

A book was launched in commemoration of the late scholar and town planner of repute.

Tension in Oyo community over kingship row Continued pages 34-35

family in particular and the Ago-Are community in general, let alone competent to act as the community’s mouthpiece.

It further stated that the community has a well-organised vibrant Native Assembly, the Ifelodun Ago-Are Parapo that will not delegate its duty to others.

It added, however, that it is not surprising to the Royal Family to see such a group parading itself as mouthpiece of the ruling house at this critical period when it has called for cancellation of the selection of Prince Abodurin Kofoworola, which was carried out through dishonesty and abuse of power, which the secretary-general of the unknown and faceless group regards as due process.

“Indeed, more and other actions by selfish interest groups are expected by the Royal Family which is fully aware of the desperation of sponsored mischievous elements in the society striving to determine weak and unsuitable leadership and a bleak future for Ago-Are by misleading and cajoling the general public and authorities to accept the culture of immorality and impunity demonstrated by the six kingmakers who betrayed the throne and their privileged position by jettisoning age long tradition which stipulated the processes for appointing the Aare of Ago-Are land,” the release said.

Continuing, the release said: “Ago-Are is not a club house or an association where members conduct simple majority vote to determine their leaders. It is also not a political party whose leadership must come through party politics. Let the defenders of the wrongfully selected candidate and the six kingmakers tell the world anyone out of the past 13 paramount rulers in Ago-Are history that was so enthroned; from Ajibesin Adensile down to the immediate past Oba. “The media campaign to pressurise our highly respected monarch Iku Baba Yeye the Alaafin of Oyo and Oyo State Government to approve the fraudulent selection process of the candidate in question and to suppress the truth started weeks ago with posts on Facebook and publications in some newspapers. The blatant lies went further that all the candidates signed a document accepting the wrongful selection of Prince Kofoworola. We have already challenged the entire six kingmakers to show proof of that claim.

“For avoidance of doubt, the Ago-Are customs and traditions which have been duly supported by the Chieftaincy Declarations never put the selection of a candidate for the throne of the Aare of Ago-Are land at the whims and caprices of the kingmakers.

“Checks and balances are incorporated in the selection process, starting with family meetings of the Edu Royal Family for the purpose of nominating any number of candidates among the male descendants.”

It, therefore, advised the Oke-Ogun Professionals to go for enlightenment on the traditional process of appointing the Aare of Ago-Are land and indeed recognised obas in Yoruba land.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

Recapitalising the market operators The die appears cast for capital market operators as the September 30 deadline for compliance with new minimum capital requirements draws near. The recapitalisation of capital market operations follows the same theme with previous recapitalisation programmes in the other segments of the financial services industry

I

N 2005, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) launched a massive recapitalisation programme for the Nigerian banking industry. The attendant consolidation saw the reduction in the number of banks in Nigeria from a crowd of 89 weak, poorly governed and inadequately capitalized banks to 25 relatively stronger, larger and more visible banks. Banks then had to face a 1,150 per cent increase in their capital base, from N2 billion to a minimum of N25 billion.

Following the successful banking sector recapitalisation exercise, other segments in the Nigerian financial system such as insurance, pension fund administration and mortgage sectors went through regulationinduced recapitalisation. Other segments had also gone through similar recapitalisation. Composite insurance companies had to increase their minimum capital base from N350 million to N5 billion, an increase of over 1,300 per cent. Similarly, primary mortgage institutions were equally required to increase their minimum capital base by 2,400 per cent from N100 million to N2.5 billion. Pension funds on the other hand also went through recapitalization from N150 million to a minimum capital base of N1 billion, almost six times the initial capital. The only remaining part of the financial system that had not gone through a regulated recapitalization phase as at 2013 was the capital market.

New minimum capital requirements So, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and studying various reports on the underlying causes of infractions and market abuses, SEC had in December 2013 announced increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that was initially scheduled to take off by January 1, this year. It, however, extended the deadline to September 30.

Minimum capital base for broker and dealer was increased by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million.

Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million. Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base of N150 million. The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million. Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million respectively. A Registrar will now have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million. While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million. Compared with the previous recapitalisation exercises in the other segments of the financial services industry, the largest single increase required in the capital market exercise is for Trustees from N40 million to N300 million, an increase of 650 per cent.

The need for capital market recapitalisation It is important to reflect on the factors and conditions that necessitated an increase in the minimum capital requirement for all capital market functions. Following the devastating and unprecedented market correc-

tions of 2008, in which the market lost 70 per cent of its value and investor confidence was decimated, the board of SEC under the chairmanship of Senator Udo Udoma set up a 15-man Committee to review the causes of the crisis. The Committee submitted its report in February 2009 which identified “weak market institutions and corporate governance” as the major cause of the crisis.

The Committee, led by Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, recommended “strengthening of institutions participating in the capital market” among other recommendations.

Long before the SEC announced the new minimum capital threshold for market operators, there had been a seeming consensus amongst observers that the existing requirements were unbelievably low. For example all it took for a broker to continue operating in the capital market was a mere N40 million of capital base, an amount that remained static for about 20 years in spite of the depreciation of the Naira and the increasing risks brokers were exposing themselves to in the years leading to the market crash of 2008. It was no wonder, therefore, that there was what some have called a proliferation of weak, poorly governed market operators.

Before the announcement by SEC in 2013, there were 281 registered market operators in Nigeria out of which 250 were considered active. The SEC had pointed out that only 20 per cent of the 250 active operators accounted for over 80 per cent of transaction volumes in the market. Also, 80 per cent of the infractions in the market were being perpetrated by about 200 registered operators while 20 per cent of the infractions by the remaining 50 operators. This means that strong players are actually needed to sanitise the capital market for global competitiveness.

While SEC had full regulatory authority to work on a minimum threshold, announce it and mandate compliance, the apex regulator rather chose a more collaborative approach. It sets up a market-wide committee comprising the major trade groups in the industry including the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) amongst others. SEC then conducted a detailed study and obtained buyin from the market, through the committee, before deciding on the minimum requirements for each function. The idea was to ensure that the amount arrived at could cover the minimum information technology (IT) infrastructure a firm should maintain, a minimum operating standard, strong processes and governance as well as being commensurate with the level of risk exposure for each function. The outcome of the extensive consultation and exhaustive analysis was the new minimum requirements announced by SEC in 2013.

Gains from previous recapitalisation exercises No one can seriously argue today that the banking recapitalisation was a bad idea.

Since its conclusion, there has been a noticeable uptick in banking sector intermediation as credit to the real economy has increased multiple folds, the number of Nigerians with bank accounts has increased by millions, number of banks branches and ATMs more than tripled and Nigerian banks began to appear on the list of 1,000 largest banks in the world, which none did before

the recapitalisation. The banking sector recapitalisation shows us that if Nigeria is really serious about improving capital market inter-mediation, then it needs stronger and more capitalised players in that market. If about 20 banks are doing far more than 89 then, certainly we would soon learn that when it comes to the number of operators in the market, less is perhaps better as long as the quality and strength of the institutions are prioritised.

Besides, the quality of the institutions participating in the Nigerian capital market must always be benchmarked, if not against their counterparts in the developed markets, then at least against those in peer emerging countries. Countries like Malaysia, India and Brazil recognized much earlier than Nigeria, the need for stronger, better capitalised capital market operators who are able to offer qualitative financial intermediation. For example, in Malaysia an investment bank which is registered to perform the five core functions of broker/dealer, fund management, issuing house, underwriting and market making is required to have over $120 million in minimum capital. In contrast, the amount required for all these combined functions in Nigeria prior to the recapitalisation was less than $3 million.

Towards stronger capital market operators Notably, all parts of the financial system, including the banks, rely on the capital markets either as institutional investors or for treasury management. It would therefore be unseemly for the capital market to appear as the weak-link in the financial sector which further points to the necessity of the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

Recapitalisation is a clear example of best practice, it was long overdue in Nigeria and anyone calling for further extensions may be regarded as unserious about meeting up with the demands of a well-functioning modern capital market. The calls for extension are reminiscent of the nay sayers, who kept calling on the CBN to reverse course during the banking sector recapitalisation.

Today we can say that thankfully the CBN refused to cave-in.

As the deadline approaches, the same individuals, who had argued and urged for an extension, are employing the same tactics, coming up with different excuses to back up their unreasonable demand for retrogression. There is basically one major excuse being employed by the struggling operators, the issue of the current market downturn.

According to this reasoning, because the Nigerian stock market is currently experiencing a downward trend, SEC should extend the September 30 deadline since some brokers hold their capital in securities whose prices have declined. The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) had last week reiterated this position. But this may be clearly a weak argument on the face of it. Global financial markets are witnessing the worst volatility since the 2008 financial crisis. Most emerging markets have endured significant depreciation in value year-to-date and Nigeria is by no means peculiar. Assuming this logic of making the deadline dependent on market conditions, what guarantees could one reasonably give that markets would not experience another downturn at the eve of the new deadline? All operators know that the market in which they do business could go up or down, that should not

‘With stronger, better capitalised institutions, investors would be safer because corporate governance will improve, infractions would be fewer, the market would be more efficient, liquidity would improve and financial intermediation would be enhanced’

•Director-General, SEC, Mounir Gwarzo

affect the quality of their capital base, nor should it be the basis for shifting deadlines.

Besides, the recent mandated recapitalisation of bureau de change (BDC) operators recently concluded by the CBN clearly refutes the argument for extension.

The minimum capital requirement for BDCs was essentially increased seven fold from N10 million to N70 million-N35 million capital base and N35 million minimum cautionary deposit. Moreover, unlike capital market operators, the BDCs had only six weeks to comply.

The overall aim now should be having stronger brokers that perform the critical role of linking investors to the capital markets.

While there are few distractions and arguments for extension, recent report showed that most capital market operators have complied and several are in line to meet the deadline. According to reports submitted by SEC at the last Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting held in late July, 51 per cent of broker-dealers have complied, 67 per cent of issuing houses have met the minimum, 40 per cent of rating agencies, 54 per cent of fund and portfolio managers,90 per cent of registrars and 60 per cent of trustees have all complied with the new minimum capital requirements.

The advantages of recapitalisation are clear for anyone to see. With stronger, better capitalised institutions, investors would be safer because corporate governance will improve, infractions would be fewer, the market would be more efficient, liquidity would improve and financial intermediation would be enhanced.

It bears noting that in all this, the SEC appears overly magnanimous offering to provide many forms of support to operators as they make efforts to comply with the requirements. SEC is allowing operators with multiple functions to step some of them down for lower requirements while encouraging consolidation amongst smaller players by offering to waive merger/acquisition fees.

Similarly, SEC in conjunction with other stakeholders has organized town hall meetings with the operators including seminars that highlight benefits of stepping down some of their functions to reduce the compliance burden through reclassification. For brokerdealers who are so small and stand no chance of meeting up with the new requirements, the Commission has created windows to allow them to still remain participants in the market by registering them as jobbers. Jobbers are usually agents that act as intermediary between investors and a main brokerdealer. SEC has assured that this window will remain open to all operators who are unlikely to make the new requirements.

At this point, any further extension of the deadline would significantly weaken the SEC’s posture and derail the whole exercise. The time is long overdue for Nigeria to get serious about building the kind of institutions capable of participating in an increasingly dynamic and sophisticated capital market.

9

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

Nigerian pension funds soar to N4.98tr T

HE total value of pension industry assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as at July 31, has risen to about 4.98 trillion.

The figure sprang from an average monthly contribution of N20 billion and 30 per cent annual growth rate.

This was revealed in a report obtained by The Nation from the National Pension Commission.

This pool of pension funds, according to the report, is a potential platform for attaining the transformation agenda of Federal Government in the provision of infrastructure, energy, employment generation and the real sector of the economy.

The total number of registered participants in the CPS stood at 6,631,539 employees in the period under review.

A breakdown of the report showed that the public sector accounted for a proportional contribution of 48.69 per cent, while the private sector accounted for the balance of 51.31 per cent.

The report said the CPS has simplified the process of payment of retirement benefits through the issuance and implementation of effective regulations and guidelines.

It read: “The regulation requires employees to commence the process of accessing their benefits six months before the date of their retirement. This allows for smooth

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

transition into retirement life as retirement benefits are currently paid as and when due.”

Meanwhile, a total of 111,756 workers have retired under the CPS. While 90.41 per cent of the retirees opted for Programmed Withdrawal method of collecting periodic pensions including those, who retired on health grounds, 9.59 per cent went for annuity.

The report, however, noted some challenges of the Scheme, which include compliance and enforcement, extending coverage to the informal sector and self-employed, dearth of investible financial instruments, “The issue of compliance among the small sized private sector employers remains a critical challenge in the implementation of the CPS. These organisations see the CPS as additional cost to their operations and are not willing to implement the scheme.

“The informal sector and self-employed persons lack a coherent structure and have an unwieldy composition, which renders their integration into the new scheme a difficult task. Policy issues like contribution rate, mode of collection and enforcement in the informal sector are still being addressed by the Commission.

“The need to broaden the universe of investible instruments for pension

D

A

‘The regulatory authority takes this requirement very serious and has said any PFA that cannot establish a disaster recovery plan should not bother doing the pension business’

•PenCom Director-General, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

•Chairman, Pension Funds Operators Association of Nigeria, Misbau-Yola

generate timely industry reports.

“The Commission employs dynamic investment monitoring procedures that focus on risk issues as they affect the investment portfolios of pension funds.

This is backed by support activities toward the development of new financial instruments and deepening the financial market.

“Thus, plans are in the pipeline to introduce multi-funds, investment in infrastructure fund and bond as well as real estate. In order to ensure successful implementation of these programmers, research capabilities are being enhanced in investment and risk management,” the report further said.

The Commission disclosed that various strategies are being implemented to ensure compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014, especially by private sector organisations.

The Commission said as a way of

enforcing compliance, it has come up with a stricter regime of sanctions.

In the same vein, recovery agents have been appointed to recover unremitted pension contributions and interest penalty from private sector employers.

In addition, the requirement for Certificate of Compliance from companies soliciting contracts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Federal Government has contributed immensely to the improved compliance by private sector employers.

On the implementation of the scheme in the states, the report showed that 21 states have enacted laws on the CPS while 14 states are at various stages of adopting the scheme.

One state is, however, yet to commence any action towards implementing the CPS, the report said.

Police retirees appeal to PTAD over 11-year pension benefits

AIICO Pension has full disaster recovery plan, says Longe IICO Pensions Manager Ltd has disaster recovery plans as required by the regulatory body, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), itsManagingDirector, Eguarekhide Longe has said.

Longe, who made this known in an interview with The Nation in Lagos, said PFAs are required to have a disaster recovery plan for them to withstand either major catastrophe or minor disruptions that can shut down businesses.

According to him, the cost of getting a disaster recovery plan in place is more than 40 per cent, hence the non-compliance by some PFAs. He said the PFA is part of an insurance group, which has certification for business continuity.

He noted that it is the first in the financial service sector.

“For us at AIICO, we understand that business continuity is

fund investment is of importance in the presence of the continuous growth of pension funds. Similarly, the drive for tax efficient laws that would promote the introduction of alternative assets is critical in the Commission’s effort to ensure the safety and sustainability of pension funds and assets,” the report said.

On prospects of the scheme, The Commission stated that the enactment and signing into law of the Pension Reform Act 2014 would assist in addressing various stakeholders’ concerns and other problems that confronted the implementation of the Pension Reform Act 2004.

“Also, as part of the efforts to enhance compliance with PRA 2014 and to ensure that stakeholders understand the workings of the CPS, the Commission would scale up its enlightenment campaigns across different segments of the country. These would include participation in workshops, seminars, and advocacy programmes to address identified challenges in the implementation of the CPS. “The Commission would continue to fine tune its risk-based supervisory approach in the discharge of its supervisory and regulatory functions.

In this regard, PenCom has deployed and implemented a Risk Management and Analysis System (RMAS), which allows off-site examination of pension operators as well as

•Longe

very critical. This is why we have very robust business continuity plans, which is disaster recovery.

“Business continuity is broader than disaster recovery alone, but some people don’t have disaster recovery facility. ”The regulatory authority takes this requirement very serious and has said any PFA that cannot establish a disaster recovery plan should not bother doing the pension business.

“It costs money to install, more than 40 per cent of the cost of doing business is related to information technology. Some people may say it is difficult for them to afford it, but the regulatory authority has said you don’t have to do this business if you don’t have the resources to invest appropriately.

“They are taking these things seriously and for us as a self-respecting PFA, we will do things that will keep us competitive,” he said.

ISTRESSED police pensioners have appealed to the DirectorGeneral of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Nellie Mayshack to pay their over 10 years pension benefits.

The pensioners, numbering over 5000, are majorly soldiers from the Nigerian Army, who got seconded into the Nigeria Police Force.

Sixty-year-old Inspector, Abu Ekundayo, said he has not been paid his retirement benefits eight years after serving the Nigeria Army and the Police Force for 27 years. He served last with the Lagos State Command, Ikeja, before his retirement on July 1, 2006.

Ekundayo, who spoke with The Nation on behalf of some of his colleagues, said he was planning to go to PTAD office in Abuja.

He said he was receiving salary regularly until he retired in 2006, adding that he and his colleagues had high hope that they would be paid after PTAD’s verification exercise carried out on police pensioners nationwide early this year.

He stressed that following the verification exercise, PTAD gave

them certificate of participation, which included their account number, pensioner verification number, phone number and states.

Ogundare, who said many of them are seriously sick, homeless and hungry, wondered why they have not been paid till now.

He appealed to the PTAD and other relevant authorities to come to their aid.

“I was receiving salary regularly until I retired in 2006 but I have not received my pension since I retired. I have been suffering and partially blind with no money to eat or go to hospital. I have been living a miserable life.

“We are demobilised soldiers, who fought war between 1967 and 1970 before we were asked to join the Nigeria Police Force. We do not deserve this kind of treatment from the country that we have served,” he said.

When asked why and when the police retirees would be paid their pension, Mayshack said the PTAD has just made some payment into the police pensioners’ account.

She said: “This is good timing. We have just paid this long suffering group, but the Integrated Financial

Management Information System (GIFMIS) payment system may take a day or so to deposit the payment into the bank account of the pensioners. But be rest assured that payment is on its way.

“PTAD has worked extra hard to bring relief to this group of pensioners. We inherited them as a forgotten group, but we are glad that relief is finally here.”

The Police Pension Department (PPD) was initially established by Decree 75 of 1993 as an Extra – Ministerial Department under the Ministry of Police Affairs. The Department under PTAD now handles the payment of Gratuity and Pension of Police pensioners, who retired on or before 30th June, 2007, while the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) handles the payment of entitlements of Police personnel in the new contributory Pension Scheme through various Pension Fund Administrators.

The administrative structure of the Police Pension Department is made up of both civilian and police personnel headed by a Commissioner of Police, who reports to the Director-General of PTAD.

‘It is not your father’s Reinsurance market anymore’

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HE reinsurance sector has always been a leader in terms of evolution, but over the past few years the pace of change has unquestionably been more rapid.

According to A.M. Best report, historically, changes within the sector had been cyclical in nature, but now many observers believe the current evolution to be structural. The market is operating in a “new reality” of

abundant capacity from traditional and alternative sources, low interest rates and thinner reinsurance margins driven by intense competition against shrinking demand for reinsurance cover.

At this year’s annual shareholders’ meeting, Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway said: “It’s a business whose prospects have turned for the worse and there is not

much we can do about it,” adding that the reinsurance industry in the next 10years “will not be as it had been in the last 30”.

Historically, traditional reinsurance protection had been the primary source of capacity for cadents. That is clearly changing as primary companies are retaining more risk and are increasingly utilising alternative markets for their risk management needs.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

39

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

Some start-up entrepreneurs overcame obstacles before achieving success. One of them survived an illness and rejection to achieve success, marketing investment and financial information that are changing lives. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Entrepreneur overcomes illness to find success O

NE of the strongest reasons why the nation may have a secured economic future is the growing number of young entrepreneurs applying their creative energy to solving business challenges despite facing incredible personal odds.

Chief Executive, Multiple Vineyard Empowerment Club, Josephson Peter, is one young Nigerian, who defied incredible personal odds — including a serious disease to start his business. At a very early age in life he has had to come across hurdles in business, struggling with serious health problems for several years before relocating to Lagos. from Enugu, in Enugu State He had to cry himself to sleep, begging God to make him well. He even promised God that if he was cured, he would help those in need. Later, his health improved. But instead of being merely grateful to God, he began thinking of how to create a life he wanted for himself. He saw the possibility of achieving his dream by moving to Lagos from Enugu.

The move was not as rosy as expected. When he came to Lagos in 1996, he was rejected by those he thought would accommodate him.

Although, he confessed that he didn’t tell them before moving to Lagos, this probably explained the rejection. But luck smiled on him, he met a young man about his age on the

bus to Lagos, whose address he decided to trace. Luckily, he got him at Ojodu-Berger, Ikeja and lied that he couldn’t locate his uncle, whom he had come to see. The friend begged his uncle to accommodate him, but three days later he was also rejected.

Homeless and dejected, Peter decided to look for a church to stay. He got to a church and related his experience and reluctantly the church allowed to stay . But two weeks later, he was again asked to leave. Initially, he was depressed, terrified and helpless. But he was determined to stay on. He found an abandoned car on the same street where the church was located, moved into the abandoned vehicle and lived there for eight months.

Along the line, he met a young man, who was a member of the church and was working around the place. The fellow helped him to get a job in a company and secured a small apartment meant for the security man inside the company’s compound for him. He lived together with his friend for two years and within the period, they became inseparable.

They then decided to set up a business and rented a house outside the company. However, his friend opted out, went ahead to set up the business alone and returned the money Peter contributed as share capital.

• Peter

For Peter, it was “sink or swim and sinking was not an option for him.

What kept him going was the determination to prove to others that he could make it selling financial information such as how to make

money through equity financing. multi-level marketing and cooperative investments. Yet, there were many obstacles on his way. But he did not allow them to kill his dream.

After much prayers and increasing faith in God , he began to experience a breakthrough. He was able to rent his own house and his church pastor later welcomed him back.

Few years later, he launched an online financial information media outfit, aimed at helping people grow their finance and investments through ebooks and other online training materials.

Today, he focuses on the success of others, and helps people make a living doing what they love. His business ventures, which include real estate, multi-level marketing, equity financing are money spinners for him. He also engages in public speaking by delivering motivational speeches to adults and youths.

Peter epitomises the self-made entrepreneur. He openly shares his background with his audience because his personal story reinforces the theme that common people can find uncommon success if they turn their perceived weakness into strength. For him, being an entrepreneur is one of the greatest highs, but it comes with a lot of stress and a lot of worries. He attributed his

business success to his ability to let go of his internal fears, taking control of his situation. For him, going through abandonment was the reason for being self-reliant, self motivated, goal oriented and results driven.

To him, one should start a business with a small amount of money and turn it into a million-naira venture. After all, every business has to start from somewhere. For him, investing in businesses is about picking businesses one believes have the potential to grow.

While, there will continue to be many failures, Peter sees bigger returns coming to investors in earlystage companies. His strategy is to diversify by investing small amounts in multiple businesses.

Through his Multiple Vineyard Empowerment Club, small investors are encouraged to invest in businesses directly through the platform. He believes in the concept of having many people provide finance in small quantities to fund start up and existing companies. Multiple Vineyard Club is designed for business people and intending entrepreneurs .The club teaches its members the easiest method of creating a profitable business from the very beginning and expose them to investment opportunity and profitable businesses, which they can start with little or no capital.

Promoting mentorship to boost agribusiness SMEs A Lagos entrepreneur, Mrs. Ogo Ibok, is facilitating mentorship to help investors increase returns on agric investments and boost the sector‘s job creation potential.

DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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HIEF Executive, Skill En hancement Centre (SENCE) Agric, Ikoyi, Lagos Mrs Ogo Ibok is an enterprise development specialist, who provides support to small medium businesses, especially start-ups.

She has consulted for a wide range of start-ups and multi-million Naira mid-level organisations, covering industries such as real estate, power, food, entertainment, IT, construction, education, transport and social sector etc.

She is promoting a mentorship project to help more Nigerians grow produce for international markets.

Addressing a day opportunities’ seminar in agribusiness in Lagos, Mrs Ibok said there was a need to accelerate agricultural growth and the way forward to foster an entrepreneurship climate in the agribusiness sector.

She briefed participants on agro business opportunities, new ventures, food business, seed and farm business, and fund facilitation for potential agribusiness entrepreneurs.

She spoke on business opportunities in the food sector and elaborated on funding opportunities to potential entrepreneurs.

She sought the participation of potential entrepreneurs present at the gathering, assuring them of effective business incubation and support to help move their agribusiness ideas and ventures forward.

She expressed concern that

Kenyans and other Africans have taken over the foreign market while Nigerians with so much to offer are lacking behind with an opportunity to earn foreign exchange with dwindling oil revenue.

In the face of this, she explained that the growth of agro exports, needs to be placed in the broader context of the nation’s economic policy and performance.

This, according to him, means more Nigerians will have to export agro produce to enable the nation earn more income from other sources other than oil and create jobs.

The advantage is that the nation’s climate, soils and overall ecology are favourable for commodities production, making organic crops competitive.

According to her, organic produce is highly rated at export markets and are accorded premium prices.

Consequently, she has taken up a campaign to educate producers on how to improve their yields and quality and to take advantage of growing market opportunities.

She said as part of the project, would–be agro entrepreneurs will match with established farmers and exporters to enable them learn how to meet export standards to earn premium prices.

She maintained that mentorship as a form of skills development is essential in providing an opportunity for hands-on practical experience and a safe place to try new things under the guidance of an ex-

•Head, Agric Finance, Heritage Bank, Mr Ken Osanebi; Tomato Processing Farmer, Mr Olumide Ojo; Mrs Ibok; MD, PAN African Equipment, Mr Jamie Rixton; Casava Processor, Mr Tunji Fadipe and Head, Agric Insurance (IGI), Dr Olakunle Adeyemi at AgriBusiness Clinic in Lagos.

perienced mentor.

At SENCE, she said, the organisation networks with potential mentors, who can help new entrepreneurs take advantage of agribusiness opportunities.

At the international market, she noted that the most important concern among European consumers is food safety certification and compliance with environmental and ethical standards.

Meeting these requirements, she noted, presents a real challenge and some Nigerians are unable to remain as suppliers to the fresh vegetable trade with Europe. Yet, the rising food safety and other standards have provided an important opportunity to Kenyans and other Africans’ fresh produce to trade more generally.

The business of agro exports, she maintained, can be complex, with the sophistication required to compete at the high-value end of the market. The international market, she explained is affected by changing consumer demands, rising standards, and just-in-time delivery that necessitates careful supply chain management and close

co-operation with the overseas clients.

The strategy, according to her, is for Nigerians to differentiate itself on the basis of product innovation and stringent quality assurance/food safety management systems.

She reiterated that her organisation is determined to facilitate the continued participation of many Nigerians in various ways, such as raising awareness on export standards and certification compliance.

On the other hand, she said, the local markets still provides some opportunities and that traditional commodities offer prospects for significant growth in volume and prices are expected to continue to increase.

She stressed the need for a highquality and comprehensive agribusiness training programme, targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

With a sizeable piece of arable land and elaborate farming skills offered by experts, Ibok said Nigerians engaged in different start-up agric businesses will be

equipped with advanced skills and mentored on managing sustainable enterprises.

SENCE’s agribusiness skills training bolster agricultural production and productivity through modern agronomical practices, agro-processing and marketing.

If Nigeria is to improve agro business competiveness both locally and internationally, Mrs Ibok stressed the need to improve the efficiency in handling enterprise employees, marketing, quality of the product and capturing more value-added products in ways that will increase returns on investments and boost the agricultural sector job market.

SENCE, she said,promotes value chain linked business models that support farmers and agro entrepreneurs to produce for processing through their own investment in local cottage industries, as well as in financial inter-mediation, policy and regulation issues.

The event proved to be a highly valuable initiative to guide and mentor individuals interested in agribusiness.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

40

BUSINESS AFRICA

Ease of doing business: World Bank ranks Nigeria 170th

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HE World Bank has ranked Nigeria 170th among 189 countries in a survey on how easy to do business. It shows an improvement of 2.9 per cent on the 175th position the country occupied last year.

Tagged: Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency, report revealed that entrepreneurs in 123 economies saw improvements in their local regulatory framework last year.

Also, Nigeria was ranked 129th on the ease of starting a business as against 138th last year, while it was ranked 171th on dealing with construction permits, as against 168th.

On registering property, it remained 185th as it was the previous year.

The country, however, improved immensely on access to credit rank-

By Toba Agboola

ing as it moved from 125th last year to 52nd position in the current ranking.

Nigeria fell by one point on protecting minority investors’ ranking as it moved from the 61st position last year to the 62nd position this year. On paying taxes, Nigeria was ranked 179th as against 177 last year.

The report showed Singapore as the best country to do business, while Mauritius remained the best in Africa with a ranking of 28th.

New Zealand emerged second followed by Hong Kong. Denmark, Norway, United States, United Kingdom Finland and

Austria were ranked the top 10 countries.

Haiti, Angola, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Congo DR, Chad South Sudan, Central African Republic, Libya and Eritrea were ranked the top 10 worst places to do business on the planet.

Between June 2013 and June, last year, the report, which measured 189 economies worldwide, documented 230 business reforms, with 145 reforms aimed at reducing the complexity and cost of complying with business regulation, and 85 reforms aimed at strengthening legal institutions – with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the largest number of such reforms.

The yearly World Bank Group Doing Business report analyses

regulations that apply to an economy’s businesses during their life cycle, including start-up and operations, trading across borders, paying taxes, and resolving insolvency.

The aggregate ease of doing business rankings are based on the distance to frontier scores for 10 topics and covers 189 economies.

The Word Bank said the distance to frontier score aids in assessing the absolute level of regulatory performance and how it improves over time.

“This measure shows the distance of each economy to the “frontier,” which represents the best performance observed on each of the indicators across all economies in the Doing Business sample since 2005. This allows us-

ers both to see the gap between a particular economy’s performance and the best performance at any point in time and to assess the absolute change in the economy’s regulatory environment over time as measured by doing business.

Economies, it added, were ranked on their ease of doing business, from 1–189, adding that a high ease of doing business ranking means the regulatory environment is more conducive for starting and operating local firms.

“The rankings are determined by sorting the aggregate distance to frontier scores on 10 topics, each consisting of several indicators, giving equal weight to each topic.

The rankings for all economies are benchmarked to June 2014,” it added.

Price war to undercut Africa’s biggest exchange coming

K

•Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)Dr Joseph Odumodu (right); Principal Standard Officer, Benue State Office, SON, Abigail Gbouko and Director, Standard Department, (SON) Biola Komolafe, at the decoration of SON’s Commission Factory Inspectors in Lagos.

UN to tackle climate change, others in Nigeria

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O tackle climate change and its effect on the environment and agriculture in the continent, the United Nation’s arm, Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA), has launched an arm in Nigeria.

This was sequel to the Second Africa Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) for food security conference convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the African Union Commission (AUC), African Centre for Technology Studies and other partners.

At the conference, 1,200 delegates from across Africa adopted the Nairobi action agenda on Africa’s Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Food Security and the constitution of the Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA), that established the EBAFOSA.

According to Dr. Richard Munang, coordinator, Africa Regional Climate Change Programme and UNEP, this was in conformity with article 16, which sets out the establishment of the EBAFOSA National Branches as well as Article 13, which establishes the bureau in the rules of EBAFOSA. He said the Nigerian National EBAFOSA Branch has followed the constitution and its roles of procedures to establish the National Branch host and the National Bureau.

He, however, listed the National Planning Commission (NPC) as the EBAFOSA host Secretariat of the National Branch.

He listed the Nigeria National Branch EBAFOSA executives to include the President, Mr. Oyesola James Oluwagbemiga;

Vice President, Women, Ms. Igbine Lizzy Nneka; Vice President,Youth, Mr. Abbas AbdulRafiu; Rapporteur, Dr. John Didacus Njoku and branch host secretariat liaison, Dr. Faniran Sanjo.

On the operation of the national branch, Munang said: “The spirit of the EBAFOSA constitution, the host institution and the bureau members under the guidance of the National EBAFOSA president working with everyone should ensure the national branch have membership composed of everyone, including government representatives, Ministries of Agriculture, Ministries of Environment, Ministries of Finance, Ministries of Industrialisation, Education, CSOs, NGOs, private sector, academia, youths, individual citizens and others.’’

No benefit in Rand intervention, says SA’s reserve Bank T HE South African Reserve Bank has no intention to defend the currency given the muted impact of a falling rand on inflation and the benefits it provides to Africa’s second-largest economy, Governor Lesetja Kganyago said.

The currency’s decline is a result of the Chinese slowdown and expected monetary policy normalisation in the U.S., Kganyago said September 5 on the sidelines of a G-20 meeting of central bank governors and finance ministers in Turkey’s capital, Ankara.

“There is no amount of central bank involvement that would do anything to stop a currency from aligning to what the macroeconomic fundamentals are,”

Kganyago said. “We have had a shock to our commodity prices and the currency has depreciated.

It just provided a cushion to our export sector.”

The rand tumbled more than eight per cent since the start of August on concern that prices for commodities, which account for more than half of the nation’s exports, will plunge further as China’s economy slows. While the bank has repeatedly cited a weak currency as the biggest risk to consumer prices, Kganyago played down the feed-through impact, citing the decline in oil prices.

“What we have seen is that with

every episode of the rand’s depreciation, the pass-through from the depreciation of the currency into the inflation rate had been muted and had been lower,” he said. The rand’s depreciation “is also accompanied by the decline in the oil price and the decline in the oil price is disinflationary.”

The currency weakened less than 0.1 percent to 13.8588 per dollar in Johannesburg on Monday, taking its drop since the start of the year to 17 percent.

The Reserve Bank raised its benchmark repurchase rate by 25 basis points to six percent in July, the first policy move in a year, to help fight inflation that accelerated to five percent in July. Kganyago said on August 11 that the current tightening cycle would be moderate.

EVIN Brady, once head of equity trading for South African-born bank Investec Ltd., wants to compete with Africa’s biggest and oldest financial market, JSE Ltd. To do that he plans to undercut the monopoly’s fees.

“Our target is to make the endto-end cost of an equity trade between 30 to 50 per cent cheaper,” Brady, 48, said by phone from Johannesburg on September 3.

“Our value proposition is about giving people a choice and a highperformance platform with topend technology and a material reduction in price.”

The new exchange, named A2X, may open for trade in the second half of next year if the regulator, the Pretoria-based Financial Services Board, approves its license application, which was first lodged in May. Brady is starting it with partners Ashley Mendelowitz, formerly of technology company Peresys Ltd., and Sean Melnick, who co-

founded investment firm Peregrine Holdings Ltd. “If people are able to get a license on the same basis that we operate, then I am up for the competition,” Nicky NewtonKing, chief executive officer of the JSE, said by phone on September 3. “Our pricing isn’t out of the ballpark in global terms.

Our general policy is to reduce our pricing every year. When they come out with pricing, we’ll see how we need to react.”

Johannesburg’s stock exchange started in 1887, spurred on by the gold rush in South Africa.

The companies it lists have a market value of about 9.92 trillion rand ($713 billion), making it the largest exchange in Africa, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In the six months to June, the JSE recorded revenue of 1.01 billion rand and increased pretax profit 28 percent to 585.4 million rand from a year earlier.

IoD to support govt’s anti-corruption campaign THE Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD) has urged its members to support the Federal Government’s anti-corruption crusade to move the country forward, its President, Mr Samuel Akeju, has said.

He spoke during his investiture in Lagos.

He said the institute would in the next two years, use its members to entrench transparency and corporate governance in the private and public services in order to curb corrupt practices such as stealing of funds, illegal transfer of money among others.

He said many things had gone wrong in financial management of corporations and government parastatals, attributing the problems to failure of leaders to adhere to the best practices of corporate governance..

By Akinola Ajibade

According to him, committees on Banking, Information Technology, Capital Market, Insurance, Maritime, Oil and Gas, among others have been set up and chairmen appointed to head them to ensure that affairs in all sectors of the economy were conducted with high degree of transparency and moral values.

Akeju, who took over from Chief Eniola Fadayomi, said the institute would build on legacies of hardwork, fairness, transparency and culture of maintenance of public values which Fadayomi has left behind.

Mrs Fadayomi said this was the first time the institute is adding flair to the investiture programme, by organising Presidential Awards for people who have contributed immensely to the development of the private and private sectors.

HTC drops fromTaiwan stock index

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MARTPHONE maker HTC has been dropped from the index of Taiwan’s 50 largest firms, following a 66 per cent slide in its share price this year.

The collapse in HTC’s share price means it is not big enough to be included in Taiwan’s TWSE 50 Index.

In June it said second-quarter revenues had halved from the same period last year, resulting in an operating loss of 5.1billion Taiwanese dollars ($155million; £102million).

Last month, it said it would cut 15 per cent of its global workforce.

HTC’s share price is now less than the amount of cash it holds on deposit, which means investors consider the rest of the company to be, in theory, worthless.

Dropping out of the TWSE 50 index may push the share price even lower, as foreign investors are reluctant to hold shares not listed on the main Taiwan index.

HTC was founded in the 1990s and started out manufacturing notebook computers and some of the first touch handheld devices. It also made the world’s first Android smartphone.

But it has been outgunned at the top end of the smart phone market by Apple, Samsung and LG. Many blame the outcome on the massive advertising budgets of the market leaders. Samsung alone spent over $60million on marketing the launch of its new Galaxy S6 smart phone, roughly the same as HTC’s entire yearly marketing budget.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE LANDS BUREAU PUBLIC NOTICE THE LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICA TE OF OCCUP ANCY PROJECT STA CERTIFICATE OCCUPANCY 1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COLLECTION OF THE E-C OF O This is to inform the general public that His Excellency the Governor of Lagos State, MR. AKINWUNMI AMBODE (FCA), has approved the release of the Electronic Certificates of Occupancy listed in Paragraph 2 below for collection. Please note that there shall be no collection by proxy. The allotees listed below are requested to come to the Lands Bureau, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos as from Monday the 14th of September 2015 between 10am and 2pm (and every working day thereafter between 10am and 2pm) with any of the following means of identification to collect their respective E-C of O’s: · Photocopy of The Lagos State Residency Card (original to be brought along for sighting). · Photocopy of data page of a valid Nigerian International Passport (original to be brought along for sighting). · Photocopy of Valid National Identity Card (original to be brought along for sighting). · Photocopy of valid Drivers License (original to be brought along for sighting). In the case of a company or other body corporate, the following means of identification are required; · Certified True Copy of Certificate of Incorporation / Registration, and · Letter on company letter-head paper authorizing a named individual to collect the E-C of O. The said letter must be signed by a director and the company secretary, with the company seal embossed on the letter, and · Means of identification of the named person (Nigerian International Passport or National Identity Card or Drivers License).

2. LIST OF ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY READY FOR COLLECTION

SCHEME

39. KEN OBIORA NWABUOKU

ABIJO G.R.A

1. UNITED BUSINESS CONTRATORS LTD

IKOYI

40. AKANDE EMMANUEL OLUYINKA

ABIJO G.R.A

2. LA CROISETT COURT LIMITED

IKOYI

41. ODONI GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED

ABIJO G.R.A

3. G -WORLD LIMITED

IKOYI

42. AUGUSTINE OWOICHO OBOCHI

ABIJO G.R.A

4. DEW DROPS ESTATES LIMITED

IKOYI

43. SHAMSIDEEN AREMU OLANREWAJU

ABIJO G.R.A

5. POLYCARP JAMES AKPAN

IKOYI

44. TAIWO LAKANU

ABIJO G.R.A

6. CENTEX CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

IKOYI

45. WILLIAMS OLOLADE

ABIJO G.R.A

7. ESTATE OF DR HAHMED KUSAMOTU

IKOYI

46. ADETOKUNBOH ADEYEMO

ABIJO G.R.A

8. RADWELL PROPERTIES LIMITED

IKOYI

47. ADETOMIWA THOMAS ADEKUNLE & ADETOMIWA ABOSEDE ABIJO G.R.A

9. M/S INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL RESOURCES LTD

IKOYI (OSBOURNE PHASE III) 48. SIMEON ADEBANWO

ABIJO G.R.A

10. OLUGBENGAADEMULEGUN

IKOYI

49. MOJIROLA FOLAKE BOLA-SADIPE

ABIJO G.R.A

11. LAGOS STATE DEVELOPMENT AND PROPERTY

VICTORIA ISLAND

50. ADEKUNLE AMUSAN

ABIJO G.R.A

51. CHRISTIAN CHUKS ONUBOGU

ABIJO G.R.A

S/N NAME OF ALLOTTEE

CORPORATION 12. MICHAEL NSE EKWERE

IKEJA

52. EGHOSA EFOSA EHIGIE

ABIJO G.R.A

13. ASSETCARE PROPERTY INVSTMENT LIMITED

IKEJA

53. MARTINS TOCHUKWU DIMNWAKA

ABIJO G.R.A

14. BABATUNDE OLUMUYIWA SUBAIR

IPAJA NEW TOWN

54. WAKEEL OLAWUNMI OLORUNFEMI

ABIJO G.R.A

15. TOBSEY PROPERTIES LTD

IKEJA G.R.A.

55. AFOLABI OLANREWAJU SANTOS

ABIJO G.R.A

16. OBIAKOR MADELEINE OTITO

ABIJO G.R.A

56. SAMUEL OLAWALE & ITOHAN KUYE

ABIJO G.R.A

17. SENBORE OLATUNDE OLUTOYIN

ABIJO G.R.A

57. OSINAIKE OLANREWAJU ADEWALE

ABIJO G.R.A

18. EMMANUEL JOHN UDENYI

ABIJO G.R.A

58. RENNIS EMMANUEL EVONINI

ABIJO G.R.A

19. AWONUGA ABIOLA OLAWUNMI

ABIJO G.R.A

59. SANDRA TEMITOPE OLA-OJO

ABIJO G.R.A

20. ABEL ADEKUNLE ADEGBOYE

ABIJO G.R.A

60. ADEGBOYEGA DUROJAIYE & ABOSEDE DUROJAIYE

ABIJO G.R.A

21. ALHERI B. NYAKO

ABIJO G.R.A

61. TAOFIKAT OLATUNBOSUN OMABHAGBE

ABIJO G.R.A

22. OLADOTUN OLAYINKA ISIAKA

ABIJO G.R.A

62. FREDRERICK ADEMOLA ODUJOKO

ABIJO G.R.A

23. OLALEYE ODEYEMI AND OLUWATOSIN ODEYEMI ABIJO G.R.A

63. ABIOLA ABIMBOLA LONGE

ABIJO G.R.A

24. ADERONKE AKINOLA

ABIJO G.R.A

64. MOJISOLA MARY FADAKINTE

ABIJO G.R.A

25. LILY OLUBUKOLA ONABAJO

ABIJO G.R.A

65. OLUSHOLA GIWA

ABIJO G.R.A

26. ADEWALE BAMIDELE OYENUGA

ABIJO G.R.A

66. OLADIPO OLUWAKEMI SHAKIRAT

ABIJO G.R.A

27. OLUFEMI ADEBISI ODESANYA

ABIJO G.R.A

67. OLUWASEUN ADERINTO

ABIJO G.R.A

28. OGUNTONA TAIYE OYEFUNKE

ABIJO G.R.A

68. DOROTHY AWATT EKONG

ABIJO G.R.A

29. OLAKUNLE AYODEJI DADA

ABIJO G.R.A

69. OGUNBIYI DAMILOLA

ABIJO G.R.A

30. ADELEYE MUSTAPHA

ABIJO G.R.A

70. ANTHONY KWAKU

ABIJO G.R.A

31. SOLOMON REBECCA OLUSOLA

ABIJO G.R.A

71. ADEYEMI BALOGUN

ABIJO G.R.A

32. OILWAYS INVESTMENT LIMITED

ABIJO G.R.A

72. OLUBUKOLA BALOGUN

ABIJO G.R.A

33. SAHABI ABUBAKAR SODIQ

ABIJO G.R.A

73. JOSHUA OLATOYE AMINU

ABIJO G.R.A

34. ALBERT ADELOWO ADEDEJI

ABIJO G.R.A

74. SARAFA OLUGBENGA RAJI

ABIJO G.R.A

35. ADENIYI ABDUL- QUADRI & RONKE AKINLUSI

ABIJO G.R.A

75. IBRAHIM GRACE

ABIJO G.R.A

36. ADEREMI LASAKI

ABIJO G.R.A

76. ELIZABETH RUKEME JITUBOH

ABIJO G.R.A

37. AUGUSTINE OLUSEGUN ILORI &TOLULOPE

ABIJO G.R.A

77. RISIKAT TITILOLA AKESODE

ABIJO G.R.A

78. MOSEDIQ ADENIJI KAZEEM

ABIJO G.R.A

79. AYODELE OLUJOBI OSOSANYA

ABIJO G.R.A

OLUWATOYIN ILORI. 38. IGBOKWE OBIORA JOSEPH

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80. JULIUS ALI UCHA

ABIJO G.R.A

138. TANO EVELYN MARIOGHAE

ABIJO G.R.A

81. AGWU UKIWE OKALI

ABIJO G.R.A

139. TAIWO ABIOLA ABIODUN

ABIJO G.R.A

82. RASAQ OLADELE AMODA

ABIJO G.R.A

140. SAHEED OLANIYI ATOYEGBE

ABIJO G.R.A

83. PATRICIA IROAWUELI AJOKU

ABIJO G.R.A

141. OLAOYE JONATHAN BAYODE

ABIJO G.R.A

84. ARAMIDE RAOLAT MASHA

ABIJO G.R.A

142. ADETOMIWA THOMAS ADEKUNLE & ADETOMIWA ABOSEDE

ABIJO G.R.A

85. IDOWU OLUSOLA IRINOYE

ABIJO G.R.A

143. ADEKUNLE AMUSAN

ABIJO G.R.A

86. JOYCE KESUNA TUEDOR

ABIJO G.R.A

144. MARY ABIODUN AKRONG

ABIJO G.R.A

87. OLADAPO ADETOKUNBO ALALADE

ABIJO G.R.A

145. AYOBADE BAIYESELU OBAJIMI

ABIJO G.R.A

88. OLUSHOLA ADETAYO ALALADE

ABIJO G.R.A

146. AVAMTCORP NIGERIA LTD

ABIJO G.R.A

89. MUAZU SANUSI NASIR

ABIJO G.R.A

147. LATEEF SHOYEMI

ABIJO G.R.A

90. SAHEED OLUWAGBENGA KENKU

ABIJO G.R.A

148. AJIBADE KAYODE ADESINA

ABIJO G.R.A

91. UNEMEDIMO SAMPSON ESSIEN

ABIJO G.R.A

149. AFOLABI OLANREWAJU SANTOS

ABIJO G.R.A

92. SHEHU AHMADU

ABIJO G.R.A

150. ABIKE DABIRI EREWA

ABIJO G.R.A

93. TANO EVELYN MARIOGHAE

ABIJO G.R.A

151. ADEBOLA MUKAILA BELLO

ABIJO G.R.A

94. AKINOLA OLADIPO

ABIJO G.R.A

152. NWANGUMA CHARLES IKECHUKWU

ABIJO G.R.A

95. OLOFIN FRED

ABIJO G.R.A

153. NWANGUMA EUGENE CHIAZO

ABIJO G.R.A

96. SIMEON ADEBANWO

ABIJO G.R.A

97. RASAQ AND FAUSAT OGUNSAYA

ABIJO G.R.A

154. ABIOLA ABIMBOLA LONGE

ABIJO G.R.A

98. OLANIRAN OLAYINKA SOLOMON

ABIJO G.R.A

155. HAMED OLATUNDE ONIPEDE

ABIJO G.R.A

99. OLUGBENGA SHODUNKE & ABIOLA SHODUNKE

ABIJO G.R.A

156. MARTINS TOCHUKWU DIMNWAKA

ABIJO G.R.A

100. OKON-OTOYO VICTOR ITA

ABIJO G.R.A.

157. KOLA EDUN

ABIJO G.R.A

101. ONAYEI OLABISI

ABIJO G.R.A

158. ADEGBULUGBE OLUFEMI ADELEYE

ABIJO G.R.A

102. TOLUWALASE RONKE AKPOMEDAYO

ABIJO G.R.A

159. AGWU UKIWE OKALI

ABIJO G.R.A

103. OKECHUKWU MICHAEL NWAOBI

ABIJO G.R.A

160. DOROTHY AWATT EKENG

ABIJO G.R.A

104. SAMUEL OLAWALE & ITOHAN KUYE

ABIJO G.R.A

161. AGBATEKWE JOSEPHINE AYODELE OGHOGHO

ABIJO G.R.A

105. OSINAIKE OLANREWAJU ADEWALE

ABIJO G.R.A

162. AKINDA OLADAPO AKINSANYA

ABIJO G.R.A

106. RONNIS EMMANUEL ERONINI

ABIJO G.R.A

163. AYODEJI ADEBARE AKINRINMADE

ABIJO G.R.A

107. OLOFIN FRED

ABIJO G.R.A

164. ANTHONY KWAKU

ABIJO G.R.A

108. SUMBO OLUSOLA OLUSEMO ELUEME

ABIJO G.R.A

165. AYO OPADOKUN

ABIJO G.R.A

109. TAOFIKAT OLATUNBOSUN ONOABHAGBE

ABIJO G.R.A

166. AYODELE OLUJOBI OSOSANYA

ABIJO G.R.A

110. OLUREMI ASAKE ONABOLU

ABIJO G.R.A

167. MOSES OLUGBENGA BABATUNDE

ABIJO G.R.A.

ABIJO G.R.A

168. AYOBADE BAIYESELU OBAJIMI

ABIJO G.R.A

112. OLUSHOLA GIWA

ABIJO G.R.A

169. ANN NNEKA OKONKWO

ABIJO G.R.A

113. OLUFUNKE OMOWUNMI IJOSE

ABIJO G.R.A

170. AFAM NWOBODO

ABIJO G.R.A

114. WAHAB MUSA

ABIJO G.R.A

171. ABDULLAHI KALLI KACHALLA

ABIJO G.R.A

115. OLUWASEUN ADERINTO

ABIJO G.R.A

172. LAWAL OMOLARA MOJISOLA

ABIJO G.R.A

116. OGUNBIYI DAMILOLA

ABIJO G.R.A

173. MUAZU SANUSI NASIR

ABIJO G.R.A

117. OSENI ELAMAH

ABIJO G.R.A

174. ADEKUNLE DADA ADEKILE

ABIJO G.R.A

118. OLUBUKOLA BALOGUN

ABIJO G.R.A

175. AGEGBOYEGA OJORA

ABIJO G.R.A

119. SARAFA OLUGBENGA RAJI

ABIJO G.R.A

176. AKINOLA OLADIPO

ABIJO G.R.A.

120. OSAYOMORE IZIEGBE OSSUETTA

ABIJO G.R.A

177. AJIBOLA IWADOLA OGUNDIPE

ABIJO G.R.A

121. KOKU OLUWAMAHYOWA DARE

ABIJO G.R.A

178. IFEANYI OKWY OBIDIKE

ABIJO G.R.A.

122. OLAJIDE ADELEKE AYINLA

ABIJO G.R.A

179. IBIRONKE OGUNKOYA

ABIJO G.R.A.

123. RASAQ OLADELE AMODA

ABIJO G.R.A

180. ELIZABETH RUKEMI JITUBOH

ABIJO G.R.A.

124. PATRICIA IROAWUCHI AJOKU

ABIJO G.R.A

181. FRIDAY AGWU

ABIJO G.R.A

125. OLUBUNMI OLAOPA

ABIJO G.R.A

182. IBRAHIM GRACE

ABIJO G.R.A

126. OLUREMILEKUN AKADE

ABIJO G.R.A

183. JULIUS ALIUCHA

ABIJO G.R.A.

127. OPEIFA ISIAK KAYODE

ABIJO G.R.A

184. IDOWU OLUSOLA IRINOYE

ABIJO G.R.A.

128. OLUFUNMILOLA FOLASADE ADESINA

ABIJO G.R.A

185. IZU SEBASTINE ELENDU

ABIJO G.R.A.

129. PHILIP OKECHUKWU ILODIBIA

ABIJO G.R.A

186. FUSENI ISMAILA

ABIJO G.R.A.

130. OYETAYO DIPO AND OYETAYO YESIDE

ABIJO G.R.A

131. OSIFESO OLAKUNBI

ABIJO G.R.A

188. GABRIEL OGHENETEGA DJEBAH

ABIJO G.R.A

132. OLAIYA PHILLIPS

ABIJO G.R.A

189. EDOSA OGIUGO & PATIENCE EDOSA OGIUGO

ABIJO G.R.A

133. TITUS OLORUNSOLA NAIYEJU

ABIJO G.R.A

190. CLEMENT ESENE

ABIJO G.R.A

134. OLADAPO ADETOKUNBO ALALADE

ABIJO G.R.A

191. EWUMI DOSUMU SHERIFAH LOLADE

ABIJO G.R.A.

135. SAHEED OLUWAGBENGA KENKU

ABIJO G.R.A

192. FREDSON CHIJIOKE ALEXANDER

ABIJO G.R.A

136. UWEMEDIMO SAMPSON ESSIEN

ABIJO G.R.A

193. GEORGE BABASEGUN SADIKU

ABIJO G.R.A

137. SHEHU AHMADU

ABIJO G.R.A

194. JOHN OLUSOLA OSHONIYI

ABIJO G.R.A

111 REGINAL EBUNOLUWA ADEBO

ADEGBOYEGA DUROJAIYE & ABOSEDE DUROJAIYE

187 CECELIA ADAMMA NATHAN MARSH

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195. IBIKUNLE & ATINUKE SHAKIRAT LIMO

ABIJO G.R.A.

253. SHAKIRAT ODUNOLAALADE-LAMBO

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

196. GABRIEL TOBA ALIU

ABIJO G.R.A

254. EBODA OLUWASEUN ANIKE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

197. FOLASHADE SIDIKATU ADEBOYE

ABIJO G.R.A

255. ARAMIDE ADENIRAN ALEXANDER

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

198. FAKAYODE ADEGOKE

ABIJO G.R.A

256. KUKUI ANIHUVI IBIDUNNI

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

199. ETALIJU ORO-VUWO

ABIJO G.R.A

257. ADABONYAN OLUSESAN

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

200. JOYCE KESIENA TUEDOR

ABIJO G.R.A.

258. ADABONYAN OLUFUNMILOLA ABIMBOLA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

201. CHUBA OGHUE

ABIJO G.R.A

259. ADEYIGA ADEWALE ADEYEMI

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

202. JOSHUA OLATOYE AMINU

ABIJO G.R.A

260. YETUNDE OLUWATOYIN AJAYI

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

203. AHMED RAUFU AREMU

AGBOWA

261 FATIMAH ADEKEMI SUNMONU

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

204. UMOLU USUNOBUN CHRISTOPHER

AGBOWA

262. AUGUSTINE ABIODUN

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

205. HELEN FOLASHADE ADELEKAN

AGBOWA

263. OLADIPO OLUWASEUN OYENOLA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

206. LATEEF AJIBODE JUNAID

AGBOWA

264. TANZANITE NIGERIA LIMITED

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

207. DUROSINMI - ETTI OLULANU OLANREWAJU

AGBOWA

265. AJIBOLA BUKOLA KUDIRAT

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

208. OKORO HYCENT & CHINYERE OKORO

AGBOWA

266. FAMAKIN TEMITOPE RACHEAL

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

209. LAWAL SARAFA ADEMOLA

AGBOWA

267. FESTUS INVESTMENTS INTERNALTIONAL LIMITED

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

210. DAMOLA IDOWU

AGBOWA

268. ISLAMIYAT ADETOUN TINUBU

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

211. ADETEJU ADIAT ALAO

AGBOWA

269. RAFAT OJUTOMORI ADEGBITE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

212. UBAKA NGENE

AGBOWA

270. OLUWAKEMI OLUREMI

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

213. MURITALA HASSAN

AGBOWA

271. ABIOLA KOSEGBE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

214. GEORGE ALARAPE

AGBOWA

272. ADABONYAN OLAMIDE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

215. FRANCES ABIODUN

AGBOWA

273. SHAMSIDEEN AYINLA OLASENI AJALA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

216. MONDAY ESSIEN UDOFIA

AGBOWA

274. ODUSANYAAYINDE GANIU TEKOBO

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

217. MURITALA COMFORT BUKUNOLA

AGBOWA

275. LATEEFAT MORENIKE ODESANYA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

218. UMOLU JULIET OSE

AGBOWA

276. AWOYELU FEMI FELIX

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

219. OWOLABI LAWAL ALAKA

AGBOWA

277. BALOGUN RASHEED OLADIMEJI

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

220. MUDASHIRU ALABA TALABI OLAIDE

AGBOWA IKOSI

278. TAOFIKAT ADEKOREDE SADIQ

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

221. KIKELOMO OYINLOLA OJOFEITIMI

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

279. ALEBIOSU DAVID OLUSEYE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

222. ALAKA YEMISI OLAYINKA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

280. ABDULGANIYU OLADIMEJI THOMAS

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

223. WASIU QUADIRI AYINLA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

281. HARRISON OSAGIE OMOJAFO

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

224. ADIJAT MOTUNRAYO OGUNLOLA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

282. OLUWATOBI OLUMIDE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

225. MERCY WURAOLA ADEKOYA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

283. OSINKOLU OLAJIDE ADABONYAN

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

226. OLUSOLA FESTINA ADEGBOLA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

284. ABEERE NGENE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

227. SHERIFAT OLANREWAJU AJOKE

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

285. FREEFALLS NIGERIA LIMITED

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

228. OGUNBANJO BUKKY COMFORT

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

286. TOLULOPE MOJISOLA AMORE

ALAAGBA

229. LAWAL SHAKIRAT KEHINDE

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

287. BANJO ADEMOLA BABATUNDE

ALAAGBA 1

230. ADEBISI ADESHINA BAMBE

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

288. TIMILEYIN LAWAL AHMED

ALAAGBA 1

231. FRIDAY ONYEKACHUKWU UKHURE

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

289. ABIODUN KAREEM

AMUWO ODOFIN

232. IFEANYI CHUKWU FELIX EBIFA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

290. OLUSOJI TINDE

AMUWO ODOFIN

233. DIRISU SIMEON PETER

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

291. AWE YEMISI HALIMOT

AMUWO ODOFIN

234, EDOBOR PIUS OSARO

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

292. KENNETH CHUKWUEMEKA OKAFOR

AMUWO ODOFIN

235. ADEGBOYEGA ALADE OWOIYA IDRIS

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

293. ADEWALE JULIE ATINUKE

AMUWO ODOFIN

236. OLUFUNMILAYO IYABODE IDRIS

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

294. HYACINTH OSUCHUKWU

AMUWO ODOFIN

237. ISAAC ELUMELU

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

295. MBALA KENNETH OKECHUKWU

AMUWO ODOFIN

238. SAMUEL NDUKAJI

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

296. REAR ADMIRAL SIMBILIYU AKINDELE TIMSON

AMUWO ODOFIN

239. ABOSEDE KARIMOT FASHANU

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

297. ONUIGBO SUSAN CHIAMAKA

AMUWO ODOFIN

240. RAMOTALAI ADEPEJU MABINUORI

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

298. AYO SONAIKE

AMUWO ODOFIN

241. MODUPE TIJANI FARAYOLA

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

299. BOLANLE ADEPELE ADESINA

AMUWO ODOFIN

242. AKINBODE ADEDAYO OYEBADE

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

300. UCHE MARCELLINUS OBI

AMUWO ODOFIN

243. DADA JANET OLUWAFUNMILAYO

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

301. FUNMILAYO BALOGUN

AMUWO ODOFIN

244. ADENIKE ADEOLA DABIRI

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

302. BIODUN ADEBAYO

AMUWO ODOFIN

245. ABAYOMI A. DABIRI

AGBOWA MIXED DEV.

303. CHIMA JOSEPH MADUKA

AMUWO ODOFIN

246. ADIJAT ABIOLA KEHINDE-YAYA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

304. YAHAYA UMAR GALMA

AMUWO ODOFIN

247. ROBERT OLAONIPEKUN

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

305. OLAMI ALI ARUGU

AMUWO ODOFIN

248. FRANCISCAACADEMY

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

306. MODUPEOLA OLALEYE

AMUWO ODOFIN

249. OSUNDINAADEJOKE

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

307. OHALES AND ASSOCIATES LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

250. ABOSEDE AND AKINOLA ELESINNLA

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

308. HALLMARK CERAMICS LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

251. MESHILEYA OLUFOLABI TIMOTHY

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

309. SOLOMON AJISOLA .A.

AMUWO ODOFIN

252. OSINOWO MICHAEL

VALLEY VIEW AGBOWA

310. ADEGBOYEGA BALOGUN

AMUWO ODOFIN

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311. OKPALAONWUEKWE CHUKWUDI

AMUWO ODOFIN

370. OLUSEGUN OLADIMEJI ODUKOMAIYA

ISHERI NORTH

312. OKPALA TIMOTHY KELECHUKWU

AMUWO ODOFIN

371. ABIODUN IDRIS ADESOLA

ISHERI NORTH

313. ODUBELA CHARLES ODUYEMI

AMUWO ODOFIN

372. ADEYEMI AKEEM ADEWUYI

ISHERI NORTH

314. HAJIA UM-KULTHUM OBE

AMUWO ODOFIN

373. SINATU BANDELE FADIPE

ISHERI NORTH

315. OLANREWAJU AGBEMUKO

AMUWO ODOFIN

374. ADEBOYE MUKAILA OLABODE

ISHERI NORTH

316. OSUCHUKWU HELEN CHINENYE

AMUWO ODOFIN

375. AFUSAT OLUSOLA OLUWEMIMO ULEBOR

ISHERI NORTH

317. EMMANUEL EBENEZER YISA

AMUWO ODOFIN

376. OTUBANJO SHERIF GBADEBO

ISHERI NORTH

318. OLUWATOSIN MICHAEL EMIOLA

AMUWO ODOFIN

377. TAIWO OLUWATOYIN AYODELE

ISHERI NORTH

319. ODUNOWO TOYIN ADISA

AMUWO ODOFIN

378. PELUMI BOLANLE GANIYAT

ISHERI NORTH

320. UCHEMEC INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

379. ADEREMI ADEMULEGUN

ISHERI NORTH

321. PROSSY INVESTMENT LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

380. DEBORAH TAIWO OGUNFUYE

ISHERI NORTH

322. SAMUEL CHIDIEBERE EZERIBE

AMUWO ODOFIN

381. DIMGBA NGURU IGWE

ISHERI NORTH

323. ADESOJI OLUSEGUN

AMUWO ODOFIN

382. OLUDAYO OLUWAGBEMINIYI BUSARI

ISHERI NORTH

324. OLUREMILEKUN ADELEYE

AMUWO ODOFIN

383. SAMUEL BABATUNDE ADENEKAN

ISHERI NORTH

325. SALEWA FISHER

AMUWO ODOFIN

384. RASHEED AYOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

326. GANNYBOL NIGERIA ENTERPRISES

AMUWO ODOFIN

385. OMOSALEWA SALAU

ISHERI NORTH

327. OKOLI CHUKWUMA

AMUWO ODOFIN

386. JUDE CHIGBO

ISHERI NORTH

328. DARAMOLA ADEDEJI ADEWALE

AMUWO ODOFIN

387. TITILAYO OJELABI

ISHERI NORTH

329. EMMANUEL EKPEMANDU

AMUWO ODOFIN

388. TAJUDEEN ADEBISI ADEYEMO

ISHERI NORTH

330. RASAK OLAITAN MUSA

AMUWO ODOFIN

389. AKINSOLA FOLORUNSO

ISHERI NORTH

331. EZEMBA CELESTINE

AMUWO ODOFIN

390. OLUFUNKE ADEYANJU

ISHERI NORTH

332. AOU VENTURES LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

391. OLAYINKA SIDIKAT HASSAN

ISHERI NORTH

333. AOU VENTURES LIMITED

AMUWO ODOFIN

392. FUNMILAYO PETERS

ISHERI NORTH

334. AKINDELE GBENGA

AMUWO ODOFIN

393. JAMES EGODIBIE

ISHERI NORTH

335. ADIUKWU CHUKWUDI

AYOBO

394. MOSUNMOLA OLUWATOYIN DIXON

ISHERI NORTH

336. HENRY NDUBUISI MBADIWE

AYOBO

395. IDOWU ADEKUNLE ADENOPO

ISHERI NORTH

337. FADIPE SOLOMON OLUDARE

AYOBO

396. OLUGBENGA OLUSEYI OLAYEYE

ISHERI NORTH

338. OYESIJI LIADI ADEBAMIJI

AYOBO

397. AKINTAYO ADEKUNLE OLUFEMI

ISHERI NORTH

339. OYEKAYODE OLABODE PAYNE

AYOBO

398. SUNDAY OYETAYO

ISHERI NORTH

340. ALIMI TAJUDEEN ABAYOMI

AYOBO

399. OLAYINKA OGUNLELA & OLUFIMSHO ANTHONY OGUMLELA ISHERI NORTH

341. EMEL INTERPRISES LIMITED

BADIA

400. EBENEZER FALOLA

ISHERI NORTH

342. GABRIEL EDMUND OKOI

BANANA ISLAND

401. FAROUK ADEWALE BAKARE

ISHERI NORTH

343. OLASENI ODUWOLE

BANANA ISLAND

402. ADESEGUN SULYMAN OGUNDEJI

ISHERI NORTH

344. HARDS INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED

BANANA ISLAND

403. ABDUL HAMID OGUNMOLA PASS

ISHERI NORTH

345. BACKHOE SERVICES NIG. LIMITED

BANANA ISLAND

404. CATHERINE KEHINDE GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

346. OLUGBENGA AND MRS. OMOTAYO OKUNSANYA

BANANA ISLAND

405. UKOH IQUO

ISHERI NORTH

347. ASHLEY CONSORT

BANANA ISLAND

406. ADISA BOLAJI IYABO

ISHERI NORTH

348. EMMANUEL AYOTUNDE ODUNTAN

BANANA ISLAND

407. CHRISTIAN OBUMNENE EZEOBIKA

ISHERI NORTH

349. EKULO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

BANANA ISLAND

408. RICHARD ADEDAMOLA WILLOUGHBY

ISHERI NORTH

350. OLUFEMI JUYITAN & ADEREMI JUYITAN

ISHERI NORTH

409. OLANIYAN VICTORIA BOSEDE

ISHERI NORTH

351. OLADEINDE OLUKOLE MICHAEL

ISHERI NORTH

410. ISRAEL OLORUNWA OTUNDEKO

ISHERI NORTH

352. AJUMOBI TITUS OLABODE

ISHERI NORTH

411. OLUWATOSIN LINDA IJIMAKINWA

ISHERI NORTH

353. JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE

ISHERI NORTH

412. OLAWALE OLUSOGA OLUBI

ISHERI NORTH

354. RISIKAT ADETUTU OLADIPO

ISHERI NORTH

413. VINCENT AKINYA ENISERIJE & FAITH ENISERIJE

ISHERI NORTH

355. DAWODU TAIWO BASHIR

ISHERI NORTH

414. OLADIMEJI YEMI

ISHERI NORTH

356. OLUSEGUN ABAYOMI GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

415. RABIAN IYABOWALE MODI

ISHERI NORTH

357. ESTHER OLUBUNMI MAYO

ISHERI NORTH

416. AKINOLA OLOKO

ISHERI NORTH

358. ADEWOLE OLAYIWOLA OLUMUYIWA

ISHERI NORTH

417. AMURE STELLA FOLARANMI

ISHERI NORTH

359. BABATUNDE OLAYINKA ISMAIL

ISHERI NORTH

418. ADEOLA AWOFE OLUGBODI

ISHERI NORTH

360. ALABEDE ANTONIA KEMI

ISHERI NORTH

419. AKINKUGBE OLUFUNMILAYO IBIRONKE

ISHERI NORTH

361. OLAWALE FOLORUNSO ALABEDE

ISHERI NORTH

420. TEMITOPE RACHEAL FAMAKIN

ISHERI NORTH

362. ADESOLA EBENEZER ALABA

ISHERI NORTH

421. DAISI LAMINA

ISHERI NORTH

363. AFUSAT IYABODE TIJANI

ISHERI NORTH

422. QUASIM ADEKUNLE ODUNMBAKU

ISHERI NORTH

364. OSIFESO OLUKAYODE

ISHERI NORTH

423. AMUDALAT ASHAKE SANUSI

ISHERI NORTH

365. EMMANUEL OLUWOLE ADEBIYI

ISHERI NORTH

424. ADENIKE IBISOMI OLUWAJUYITAN

ISHERI NORTH

366. ‘EBHOTE IDIOKHEUA

ISHERI NORTH

425. ENITAN ALLEN

ISHERI NORTH

367. JIDE AGBOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

426. TUNJI AKINWANDE AMINAT OLASUMOKE

ISHERI NORTH

368. SOMIDE OLUWATOYIN ADETOUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

427. AGBOH GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

369. OLAIGAALIU OJIKUTU

ISHERI NORTH

428. ADEMOLA OLUMUYIWA ONABANJO

ISHERI NORTH

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429. ADEDEJI RASHEEDAT OMOTAYO

ISHERI NORTH

488.

SUNDAY OYETAYO

ISHERI NORTH

430. ADEWALE LATEEF OGUNBADEJO

ISHERI NORTH

489.

OLAYINKA OLUGBENGA LEMO

ISHERI NORTH

431. EMMANUEL OJO FAGBEMI

ISHERI NORTH

490

OYEBAMIJI BOLA

ISHERI NORTH

432. SHERIFAT AYOOLA ABOU

ISHERI NORTH

491

TITILAYO OLUSOLAPE ANIBABA

ISHERI NORTH

433. OLUYEMI BADERO

ISHERI NORTH

492.

SAMUEL ADEPITAN ADEBOYE

ISHERI NORTH

434. RASHEED OLUWAKEMI SALIU

ISHERI NORTH

493.

OLAYINKA OGUNLELA

ISHERI NORTH

435. TAJUDEEN IDOWU ELETU

ISHERI NORTH

494.

OBUM OLUGBENGA OJUKWU

ISHERI NORTH

436. WASIU OGUNLANA

ISHERI NORTH

495.

OLALEKAN TIJANI

ISHERI NORTH

437. AKINLOYE HAZEEZ BABAJIDE

ISHERI NORTH

496.

TAIWO OLUSEGUN JOWOSIMI

ISHERI NORTH

438. SALIU OLAITAN MUSTAFA

ISHERI NORTH

497.

PATRICK IRORO DAYEN

ISHERI NORTH

439. OLUWAKEMI LYDIA OLADELE

ISHERI NORTH

498.

OKEKE IFEYINWA AMOGE

ISHERI NORTH

440. OLUFUNKE DADA

ISHERI NORTH

499.

OLUFUNLAYO OMORINSOLA OMISADE

ISHERI NORTH

441. OLUFEMI JUYITAN & ADEREMI JUYITAN

ISHERI NORTH

500.

OLOGUNDUDU AKINWALE GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

442. OLADEINDE OLUKOLE MICHAEL

ISHERI NORTH

501.

OLUSEGUN DEHINWA

ISHERI NORTH

443. UWAILA JENNIFER ALONGE

ISHERI NORTH

502.

STEVE GBENGA AREGBESOLA

ISHERI NORTH

444. RISIKAT ADETUTU OLADIPO

ISHERI NORTH

503.

REMON BANIRE

ISHERI NORTH

445. OLUWATOYIN OLATUNBOSUN LABIRAN

ISHERI NORTH

504.

HAMMED OLANIKE ADIO

ISHERI NORTH

446. OLUSEGUN ABAYOMI GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

505.

OLAWALE TAJUDEEN USMAN

ISHERI NORTH

447. OLAKUNLE OGUNFEITIMI

ISHERI NORTH

506.

OLAJUMOKE SHYLLON

ISHERI NORTH

448. OLAWALE AUGUSTINE LAPTAN

ISHERI NORTH

507.

UKOH IQUO

ISHERI NORTH

449. ODUKOYA TOSIN & DAYO ODUKOYA

ISHERI NORTH

508.

SUNDAY KAYODE ADIGUN

ISHERI NORTH

450. OLABIMPE AINA GIWA

ISHERI NORTH

509.

OLAJIDE ADENIJI

ISHERI NORTH

451. HELEN OLADAYO SOBODU

ISHERI NORTH

510.

OHIAKA IDRIS ZUHBEIRU

ISHERI NORTH

452. OLANIYI SHOLANKE

ISHERI NORTH

511.

TUNJI AYOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

453. OSIFESO OLUKAYODE

ISHERI NORTH

512.

RASAKI LANRE BUSARI

ISHERI NORTH

454. SULEY MUSILIU AKANBI

ISHERI NORTH

513.

RICHARD ADEDAMOLA WILLOUGHBY

ISHERI NORTH

455. OLUGBOLAHAN OLUGBENGA OLUTOMIWA

ISHERI NORTH

514.

OLUWAMAYOWA TOLUWALOPE BAKARE

ISHERI NORTH

456. VIVIAN PASEDA

ISHERI NORTH

515.

OLANIYAN VICTORIA ABOSEDE

ISHERI NORTH

457. OLUBUNMI OLAJUMOKE OGUNDARE

ISHERI NORTH

516.

OLUBUNMI LADIPO AND ADIJAH LADIPO

ISHERI NORTH

458. OLUSEGUN OLADIMEJI ODUKOMAIYA

ISHERI NORTH

517.

OLUWATOSIN LINDA IJIMAKINWA

ISHERI NORTH

459. OLATUNBOSUN IYIOLA ADE OJO

ISHERI NORTH

518.

OYEDEJI JOHNSON & OYEDEJI CAROLINE

ISHERI NORTH

460. OLADIMEJI FOLORUNSHO ALABEDE

ISHERI NORTH

519.

OLAWALE OLUSOGA OLUBI

ISHERI NORTH

461. OJO-OSAGIE ABIOLA

ISHERI NORTH

520.

VINCENT AKINYA ENISERIJE & FAITH ENISERIJE

ISHERI NORTH

462. SINATU BANDELE FADIPE

ISHERI NORTH

521.

OLADEMEJI YEMI

ISHERI NORTH

463. STELLA ONAMIAKHIASE AKHAGBUSO

ISHERI NORTH

522.

LABIAH IYABOWALE MODILE

ISHERI NORTH

464. OTUBANJO SHERIF GBADEBO

ISHERI NORTH

523.

TITILAYO OLUSHOLA SOLANKE

ISHERI NORTH

465. TAIWO OLUWATOYIN AYODELE

ISHERI NORTH

524.

TEMITOPE RACHEAL FAMAKIN

ISHERI NORTH

466. TAJUDEEN ABIODUN AND KAFAYAT TAIWO FOLAMI

ISHERI NORTH

525.

ROTIMI AKINLABI

ISHERI NORTH

467. OLADEJO SADU

ISHERI NORTH

526.

QUADIM ADEKUNLE ODUNMBAKU

ISHERI NORTH

468. PELUMI BOLANLE GANIYAT

ISHERI NORTH

527.

OLUSEGUN OLAYINKA KESHINRO

ISHERI NORTH

469. OYEDIPE EMMANUEL OLUGBENGA

ISHERI NORTH

528.

OLUSEYI VICTORIA OMOJOLA

ISHERI NORTH

470. UMAR BUBA BINAIR

ISHERI NORTH

529.

OLUKEMI SUSAN YAHAYA

ISHERI NORTH

471. OKULAJA OMOLARA OLUFUNMILAYO

ISHERI NORTH

530.

TUNJI AKINWANDE AMINAT OLAJUMOKE

ISHERI NORTH

472. OLUFEI OMODAYO OYEDIPE

ISHERI NORTH

531.

OYENEKAABIODUN

ISHERI NORTH

473. HENRY ONIFADE AND AFOLAKE ONIFADE

ISHERI NORTH

532.

OYEYEMI OSIKOYA

ISHERI NORTH

474. OLUWAGBEMISOLA OLUFUNKE AJIBADE

ISHERI NORTH

533.

SANWO-OLU CLAUDIANA IBIJOKE

ISHERI NORTH

475. OBAJI GABRIEL OKPA

ISHERI NORTH

534.

SHERIFAT AYOOLA ABOU

ISHERI NORTH

476. OGUNNOIKI SAMUEL ADEBOWALE

ISHERI NORTH

535.

OLUYEMI BADERO

ISHERI NORTH

477. OLUDAYO OLUWAGBEMINIYI BUSARI

ISHERI NORTH

536.

TUNDE MOBAYO

ISHERI NORTH

478. PEACE OLUSHOLAANJORIN

ISHERI NORTH

537.

OLANREWAJU ARESTUS KUYE

ISHERI NORTH

479. SAMUEL BABATUNDE ADENEKAN

ISHERI NORTH

538.

TAJUDEEN IDOWU ELETU

ISHERI NORTH

480. RASHEED AYOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

539.

WASIU OGUNLANA

ISHERI NORTH

481. OMOSALEWA SALAU

ISHERI NORTH

540.

MARTINS ADERENI AWOFISAYO

ISHERI NORTH

482. TITILAYO OJELABI

ISHERI NORTH

541.

NURUDEEN OLASUNKANMI SHIFATU

ISHERI NORTH

483. SALIU OLAITAN MUSTAPHA

ISHERI NORTH

542.

NDUKWE MADU CHINAKA

ISHERI NORTH

484. OLUFUNKE ADEYANJU

ISHERI NORTH

543.

KAFAYAT ABIDEMI RUFAI

ISHERI NORTH

485. OLAYINKA SIDIKAT HASSAN

ISHERI NORTH

544.

AJUMOBI TITUS OLABODE

ISHERI NORTH

486. OLUFUNMILAYO OWOLABI

ISHERI NORTH

545.

AJE-AFUNWA YEWANDE OLAYEMI

ISHERI NORTH

487. OLUGBENGA OLUSEYI OLAYEYE

ISHERI NORTH

546.

ADEWOLE OLAYIWOLA OLUMUYIWA

ISHERI NORTH

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THE LAGOS STATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PROJECT

547.

ADESOLA TAIWO

ISHERI NORTH

605.

ABAYOMI RASHEED OSHIKOYA

ISHERI NORTH

548.

LEWIS CHUKWUDI OKECHUKWU

ISHERI NORTH

606.

ADESEGUN SULYMAN OGUNDEJI

ISHERI NORTH

549.

HERBERT OLANREWAJU OMOKHAJE

ISHERI NORTH

607.

DANZO RICHARD OLUBIYI

ISHERI NORTH

550.

MAUPATIN OLATUNDE GBADURA

ISHERI NORTH

608.

ABDUL HAMID OGUNMOLA

ISHERI NORTH

551.

ADEMOLA OSIFESO & OLAIDE OSIFESO

ISHERI NORTH

609.

MUSTAPHA LAWAL

ISHERI NORTH

552.

AFUSAT IYABODE TIJANI

ISHERI NORTH

610.

MUSHIDEEN OLABODE

ISHERI NORTH

553.

ADEMOLA ISAAC OLORUNFEJI

ISHERI NORTH

611.

AFOLABI KOLA AKINPELU

ISHERI NORTH

554.

AKINPELUAKINLABI

ISHERI NORTH

612.

NKECHI PRISCILLA NWACHUKWU

ISHERI NORTH

555.

MARY ABIODUN ADEBAYO LAYENI

ISHERI NORTH

613.

DISU SALAMI OLONADE

ISHERI NORTH

556.

ABIODUN IDRIS ADESOLA

ISHERI NORTH

614.

MATTHEW OLADIMEJI OLATUNJI

ISHERI NORTH

557.

ADEYEMI AKEEM ADEWUYI

ISHERI NORTH

615.

MERO SAMBO

ISHERI NORTH

558.

ADESOKAN GBOYEGA LEKAN

ISHERI NORTH

616.

MICHAEL OLAOLU TOSIN-ONI

ISHERI NORTH

559.

ADEBANJO OLUWATOYIN

ISHERI NORTH

617.

ADISA BOLAJI IYABO

ISHERI NORTH

560.

ADENIKE SUBARU

ISHERI NORTH

618.

ADEBAYO OLUWOLE WILLIAMS

ISHERI NORTH

561.

ALABEDE ANTONIA KEMI

ISHERI NORTH

619

ALABA OPESAN

ISHERI NORTH

562.

ABIODUN OLADIPO AKHIGBE

ISHERI NORTH

620

ALEXANDER OLUYINKA DANIEL

ISHERI NORTH

563.

LEKAN SOFOLAHAN

ISHERI NORTH

621

ADIJAT KUBURA OREAGBA

ISHERI NORTH

564.

ADUNNI AYOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

622.

ADEWUNMI FUNMILAYO ORISANAYE

ISHERI NORTH

565.

ADEBOYE MUKAILA OLADEJO

ISHERI NORTH

623.

KOLAWOLE OMIDAJA BELLO

ISHERI NORTH

566.

ADEBAYO OYEWOLE IDOWU

ISHERI NORTH

624.

ADETUNJI OLUMUYIWA MUSTAFA

ISHERI NORTH

567.

AFUSAT OLUSOLA OLUWEMIMO ULEBOR

ISHERI NORTH

625.

ADENIKE MOTUNRAYO TOLUWALOPE ODUBIYI

ISHERI NORTH

568.

DUROTOLUWA ARAMIDE SAVAGE

ISHERI NORTH

626.

LARRY LATEEF OLOYEDE

ISHERI NORTH

569.

ARINOLA SHODIPO

ISHERI NORTH

627.

ADEYINKA ADEKUNLE ILORI

ISHERI NORTH

570.

AYODEJI ONAKUNLE

ISHERI NORTH

628.

ARINOLA OLOKO

ISHERI NORTH

571.

AJAKPO PAMELA KEHINDE

ISHERI NORTH

629

AMURE STELLA FOLARANMI

ISHERI NORTH

572.

ADEBISI OMOLARA KAYODE OGUNMEKAN

ISHERI NORTH

630

ADEOLA AWOFE OLUGBODI

ISHERI NORTH

573.

MICHAEL AYODELE ATAYI

ISHERI NORTH

631

ADENIYI AYENI

ISHERI NORTH

574.

ADEKUNLE AKINMADE & ENIYE AKINMADE

ISHERI NORTH

632.

ADEREMI AINA FALAYE

ISHERI NORTH

575.

KOLADE FALAYE

ISHERI NORTH

633

AKINKUGBE OLUFUNMILAYO IBIRONKE

ISHERI NORTH

576.

HAKEEM ADEDOLAPO OSINAIKE

ISHERI NORTH

634

ADESHOGA FUNMILAYO YEMISI

ISHERI NORTH

577.

ADEREMI ADEMULEGUN

ISHERI NORTH

635

MUDASHIRU OLAIYA OLADOKUN

ISHERI NORTH

578.

MORENIKE OYEKAN

ISHERI NORTH

636

MISTURA OLUSHOLA AKIBU

ISHERI NORTH

579.

AKANGBE ADESOKAN

ISHERI NORTH

637

DAISI LAMINA

ISHERI NORTH

580.

AISHA FUNMILAYO OSIYEMI

ISHERI NORTH

638

KOYINSOLA JOMILOJU

ISHERI NORTH

581.

DEBORAH TAIWO OGUNFUYE

ISHERI NORTH

639

ADEBOYE JOHNSON AKINBOLA

ISHERI NORTH

582.

MIKE AWOYINFA

ISHERI NORTH

640

ALLAN OLUMUYIWA WILLIAMS

ISHERI NORTH

583.

MOSEDIQ ADENIJI KAZEEM

ISHERI NORTH

641

AMUDALAT ASHAKE SANUSI

ISHERI NORTH

584.

DIMGBA UGURU

ISHERI NORTH

642

DEBORAH OLUBIMPE KESHINRO

ISHERI NORTH

585.

KEHINDE OLABANJI AYENI

ISHERI NORTH

643

ADEDOJA OLAYINKA AYOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

586.

ALEXANDER AWOYEMI

ISHERI NORTH

644

ADEWUNMI ADEBAYO

ISHERI NORTH

587.

AKIINSOLA FOLORUNSHO

ISHERI NORTH

645

ADENIKIE IBISOMI OLUWAJUYITAN

ISHERI NORTH

588.

KOLEOSHO OLABODE JAMES

ISHERI NORTH

646

ALUGBIN ADELAJA & ALUGBIN OLUBUNMI

ISHERI NORTH

589.

DARKAN PROPERTIES LIMITED

ISHERI NORTH

647

LAWRENCE OJO

ISHERI NORTH

590.

AKIN OGUNBIYI

ISHERI NORTH

648

AYODELE OGUNDEKO

ISHERI NORTH

591.

MOSUNMOLA OLUWATOYIN DIXON

ISHERI NORTH

649

AGBOH GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

592.

MAKANJUOLA OLATUNDE & DIANE OLATUNDE

ISHERI NORTH

650

ADEMOLA OLUMUYIWA ONABANJO

ISHERI NORTH

593.

ABIOLAAGBE-DAVIES

ISHERI NORTH

651

ADEDEJI RASHEEDAT OMOTAYO

ISHERI NORTH

594.

LAWRENCE SUNDAY ADEMOLA ALABI

ISHERI NORTH

652

ADEWALE LATEEF OGUNBADEJO

ISHERI NORTH

595.

ADEJUMOKE LAWAL

ISHERI NORTH

653

KIUMI AKINGBEHIN

ISHERI NORTH

596.

ABIODUN TAJUDEEN AFOLABI

ISHERI NORTH

654

AYANLEKE GABRIEL AYANSIJI

ISHERI NORTH

597.

AKINTAYO ADEKUNLE OLUFEMI

ISHERI NORTH

655

ADESOLA OLUWASEUN GEORGE

ISHERI NORTH

598.

ADEDAYO OGUNRIN

ISHERI NORTH

656

AKINLOYE HAZEEZ BABAJIDE

ISHERI NORTH

599.

ALFRED BABATUNDE ODETOLA

ISHERI NORTH

657

KUBURAT MOSUNMOLA ORIDOTA

ISHERI NORTH

600.

ADEBAYO ISHOLA AYODELE

ISHERI NORTH

658

JULIANA OYELADUN ATOYE

ISHERI NORTH

601.

AFOLABI OLAYIWOLA WAHEED

ISHERI NORTH

659

LARRY LATEEF OLOYEDE

ISHERI NORTH

602.

KOLAWOLE SAMUEL AKINYEMI

ISHERI NORTH

660

BADEJOKO ADEDOJA OLUFUNMILAYO

ISHERI NORTH

603.

ANNE OYINKASOLA DOLA FADUN

ISHERI NORTH

661

OYEWOLE OYENIYI

ISHERI NORTH

604.

ARE SUWEBAT IYABO

ISHERI NORTH

662

MOGBONJUBOLAAJORO FAMAKINDE

ISHERI NORTH

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

48

THE LAGOS STATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PROJECT

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663

CHRISTIAN EHIS AIGBE

ISHERI NORTH

719

BABAJIDE FOLORUNSHO ADEKUSIBE

ISHERI NORTH

664

NIKKY OGBUEFI

ISHERI NORTH

720

YAHAHA ADETAYA RABIU

ISHERI NORTH

665

MOPELOLA ADETULA

ISHERI NORTH

721

GIWA ARIYIKE OLUREMI

ISHERI NORTH

666

JUNE ANASIUDU

ISHERI NORTH

722

JOSHUAAND MOJISOLAAMINU

ISHERI NORTH

667

FIDELIS OIJIANGBE INEGBEDION

ISHERI NORTH

723

GRACE ADEPEJU AKANDE

ISHERI NORTH

668

TEMITOPE ABIODUN ADESOLA

ISHERI NORTH

724

BOLATITO OYEBODE

LEKKI PHASE 2

669

OWOLABI OMOYIOLA

ISHERI NORTH

725

GILBERT OWOOLA AWOSIKA

LEKKI PHASE 2

670

OLUFEMI AROMOLARAN DARAMOLA

ISHERI NORTH

726

BLUE BLOOD CONNECTIONS LTED

LEKKI PHASE 2

671

DAPO OLADEJI

ISHERI NORTH

727

ENITAN ALLEN

ISHERI NORTH

672

KOLAWOLE VICTORIA ADEBOLA

ISHERI NORTH

728

EBENEZER FALOLA

ISHERI NORTH

673

KOLAWOLE OLUFEMI ADEDOTUN

ISHERI NORTH

729

BINJO ONASANYA

ISHERI NORTH

674

OLAWALE DOSUMU

ISHERI NORTH

730

ISAAC ONOABHAGBE

ISHERI NORTH

675

OLASUMBO WOLE THOMAS

ISHERI NORTH

731

JOSEPH OLUGBENGA OGUNMOLA

ISHERI NORTH

676

OLASURUBOMI ALADESURU

ISHERI NORTH

732

CHRISTOPHER IKECHUKWU OKEKE

ISHERI NORTH

677

FAYEMI OLAYINKA ABIODUN

ISHERI NORTH

733

GBENGA ABASS

ISHERI NORTH

678

ADETOMIWA ADELEKE

ISHERI NORTH

734

BABATUNDE OLUWASESAN ADELAJA

ISHERI NORTH

679

FAMINIGBA TIMOTHY ADEGOROYE

ISHERI NORTH

735

FEMI ADE WAHAB

ISHERI NORTH

680

YUSUF WASIU

ISHERI NORTH

736

JUDE CHIGBO

ISHERI NORTH

681

KOFOWOROLA AGBEKE ESAN

ISHERI NORTH

737

EBHOTE IDIAKHEUA

ISHERI NORTH

682

JAOQUINA EFUNBOWALE GBADEBO

ISHERI NORTH

738

EMMANUEL TUNJI OLADELE

ISHERI NORTH

683

TITILOLA YEWANDE KOKU

ISHERI NORTH

739

IGBEKELE OMOGOROYE

ISHERI NORTH

684

FUNMILAYO ODUNLAMI

ISHERI NORTH

740

FISHER EMMANUEL BABATUNDE

ISHERI NORTH

685

BAMIGBETAN KEHINDE OLADAPO KOLADE

ISHERI NORTH

741

JOSEPH BODUNDE FADIPE

ISHERI NORTH

686

OLUBUNMI ABIMBOLA DANMOLA

ISHERI NORTH

742

FOLASHADE AYOOLA FAMUYIWA

ISHERI NORTH

687

FREDRICK ONI

ISHERI NORTH

743

EMMANUEL OLUWOLE ADEBIYI

ISHERI NORTH

688

EMMANUEL ASSIAK AND EVARISTA ASSIAK

ISHERI NORTH

744

JIDE AWOSANYA & OLUBUKOLA AWOSANYA

ISHERI NORTH

689

AGBOOLA JOHN

ISHERI NORTH

745

JULIUS OLADELE OKEDAIRO

ISHERI NORTH

690

DAYO ALEBIOSU

ISHERI NORTH

746

CHRISTY OLUCHI IWUABA

ISHERI NORTH

691

ABIMBOLA SHODIPO

ISHERI NORTH

747

BABATUNDE OLAYINKA ISMAIL

ISHERI NORTH

692

AKINJOGBIN .F. IYABODE

ISHERI NORTH

748

FATIMAH OLUBUSOLA OPEIFA

ISHERI NORTH

693

IBITOMI ARIKE OMISAKIN

ISHERI NORTH

749

JAMES CHUKWUNWIKE UMEJI

ISHERI NORTH

694

CATHERINE IBIENE MARIAM SOGBAMU

ISHERI NORTH

750

IYABODE AYIBIOWU

ISHERI NORTH

695

REGINA BEATRICE OKOH

ISHERI NORTH

751

IDOWU YETUNDE OMOLARA

ISHERI NORTH

696

OLADELE ADEBUNMI ADEOLA

ISHERI NORTH

752

ISRAEL OLORUNWA OTUNDEKO

ISHERI NORTH

697

FOLASHADE ADEBIMPE ODUNAIYA

ISHERI NORTH

753

IYABODE OLUREMI OSINOWO

ISHERI NORTH

698

EGBEYEMI RAHMAT BOLANLE

ISHERI NORTH

754

FUNMILAYO BANKOLE

ISHERI NORTH

699

ISAAC OLUMUYIWA OGENDEGBE AND BAMIDELE

ISHERI NORTH

755

CHINWEOKE EDETI & IYABODE EDEN

ISHERI NORTH

756

EMMANUEL OJO FAGBEMI

ISHERI NORTH

ADEFUNKE OGENDEGBE 700

ESTHER OLUBUNMI MAYO

ISHERI NORTH

757

GANI ADEMOLA LAWAL

ISHERI NORTH

701

IDOWU OLUFUNMILAYO MAKO

ISHERI NORTH

758

BENEDICT ADEBORO KILADEJO & MORENIKE

ISHERI NORTH

702

CHRISTIANA EYITEMI UWEJA

ISHERI NORTH

703

BENEDICT AKINFEMI AKINBODE

ISHERI NORTH

759

CAROLINE ADEPEJU ADERIN

ISHERI NORTH

704

EMMANUEL OYEDOTUN OYEFODUNRIN

ISHERI NORTH

760

CHRISTIAN OBUMNEME EZEOBIKA

ISHERI NORTH

705

EDWARD ONYEMAECHI EBOCHUE & GRACE AMAUCHE ISHERI NORTH

761

FOLUSHO OLAIDE ODEGBAIKE

ISHERI NORTH

EBOCHUE

762

ABEL ADEYEMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

OLUFUNMILAYO KILADEJO

706

BABATUNDE SUNDAY ABOYADE

ISHERI NORTH

763

OLUSEGUN ADEKUNLE ASHAYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

707

EMMANUEL OGHENENYOVBE EMEDO

ISHERI NORTH

764

TAIWO AJAMODE

LEKKI PHASE 2

708

IMA FEIDON EMMANUEL

ISHERI NORTH

765

DAVID AGUNBIADE

LEKKI PHASE 2

709

JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE

ISHERI NORTH

766

PAUL OLUWTOYIN OLALEYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

710

GABRIEL OJO & MARY OJO

ISHERI NORTH

767

IBUKUNOLA AYODELE APATA

LEKKI PHASE 2

711

JIDE AGBOOLA

ISHERI NORTH

768

JOHNSON SUNDAY ADEYEFA

LEKKI PHASE 2

712

CROWN RISE FINANCE & INVESTMENT

ISHERI NORTH

769

ABBA BUKAR

LEKKI PHASE 2

713

IDOWU LAWAL

ISHERI NORTH

770

AKINSOLA LOLA FAUSAT

LEKKI PHASE 2

714

GANIAT OMOLABAKE BELLO

ISHERI NORTH

771

TAIWO OLADELE ABAYOMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

715

JOHNSON MAKANJU AJEWOLE

ISHERI NORTH

772

FUNMILAYO O. OYETUNJI

LEKKI PHASE 2

716

BABATUNDE OBISANYA

ISHERI NORTH

773

ADEYEMI ONABOWALE

LEKKI PHASE 2

717

JAMES EGODIBIE

ISHERI NORTH

774

OLUFEMI OLUREMI BABAJIDE

LEKKI PHASE 2

718

CLAUDIUS MAJEKODUNMI

ISHERI NORTH

775

ADEREMI BABATUNDE & OLUYEMISI OMOEGUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 8 of 13

49

THE LAGOS STATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PROJECT

776 SIDIKAT RUFAI

LEKKI PHASE 2

834 HAKEEM BAYEMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

777 ABASS FATAI TOKUNBO

LEKKI PHASE 2

835 ABEL ADEYEMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

778 RASHEED GBOYEGA SADIQ

LEKKI PHASE 2

836 KOLAWOLE OLUTADE ADEBAYO

LEKKI PHASE 1

779 INNOCENT SUTHERLAND

LEKKI PHASE 2

837 LEOBELAK NIGERIA LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 2

780 WILSON IHEANYI CHUKWUOCHA

LEKKI PHASE 2

838 DAVID AGUNBIADE

LEKKI PHASE 2

781 OKOLIE CECILIA CHINYERE

LEKKI PHASE 2

839 ADENIKE MODUPE ALOBA

LEKKI PHASE 2

782 ROLAND BAMIDELE OMOSESHEHIN

LEKKI PHASE 2

840 ADENIKE OLUFUNKE IYABO OGUNBEKUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

783 GILBERT OWOOLA AWOSIKA

LEKKI PHASE 2

841 ADEYEMI ONABOWALE

LEKKI PHASE 2

784 OLUBODE OLUSOLA DAYO

LEKKI PHASE 2

842 KOLAWOLE ONI

LEKKI PHASE 2

785 FOLUSADE AADETUTU BAJOMO

LEKKI PHASE 2

843 KUNLE ADEYEMO

LEKKI PHASE 2

786 RISIKAT OMOLEWA OSENI

LEKKI PHASE 2

844 DAPO ADEKOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

787 ADEWALE ANIFOWOSHE

LEKKI PHASE 2

845 NDU UGHAMADU

LEKKI PHASE 2

788 ADEGBOYEGA AYODEJI APATA

LEKKI PHASE 2

846 ADEREMI BABATUNDE & OLUYEMISI OMOEGUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

789 REGENT PROPERTIES LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 2

847 AFOLABI OLADELE

LEKKI PHASE 2

790 VINCENT CHUKWUMA OKEKE

LEKKI PHASE 2

848 LAWAL OLANREWAJU

LEKKI PHASE 2

791 VICTOR CHIKA OKOLIE

LEKKI PHASE 1

849 ADEOLA AMPEOLOA AKINNIFESI

LEKKI PHASE 2

792 OLABISI ABAYOMI POPOOLA

LEKKI PHASE 1

850 ORENIYI OLUFEMI KAYODE

LEKKI PHASE 2

793 OLUSEYE AYOOLA OSHEWA

LEKKI PHASE 2

851 MUSE TUNWASHE

LEKKI PHASE 2

794 OLASUNKANMI TAOFEEK AND ESTHER OLURONKE IYIOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

852 ABASS FATAI TOKUNBO

LEKKI PHASE 2

795 RASHEED AKINTOLA GBAJABIAMILA

LEKKI PHASE 2

853 MOJISADE ADEPONLE ADEYEYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

796 OLUMIYIWA BENARD ALIU

LEKKI PHASE 2

854 KANAYO ANTHONY CHUKWUAGOZIE AMACHE

LEKKI PHASE 2

797 OLUSEGUN ADEKUNLE ASHAYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

855 MAXIMUM OLAKUNLE DOMINGO

LEKKI PHASE 2

798 SOMIDE OLUWATOYIN ADETOUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

856 ANGELICA MOBOLAJI WILLOUGHBY

LEKKI PHASE 2

799 TINUADE MATILDAAIYEGBUSI

LEKKI PHASE 2

857 AHMED AKANBI FAYOMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

800 SHERIFAT TOYIN ADEWUNMI

LEKKI PHASE 1

858 DAVID ADETUNJI ADEWUNMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

801 SIKIRU KOLEY RUFAI

LEKKI PHASE 1

859 MARGARET JAH-TUCHER

LEKKI PHASE 2

802 TAIWO AJAMOBE

LEKKI PHASE 1

860 DIVINE CONCEPTS INVESTMENT LTD

LEKKI PHASE 2

803 PAUL OLUWATOYIN OLALOYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

861 ADEWALE ANIFOWOSHE

LEKKI PHASE 2

804 OLAWALE RASHEED ANIMASHAUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

862 MICHAEL ADEGOKE ADELAKUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

805 THERESA NNJEJI

LEKKI PHASE 2

863 ADEMOLAADENIYI ADELE

LEKKI PHASE 1

806 OLUFEMI OYETUNJI

LEKKI PHASE 2

864 LILIAN AGWUJE ADIGBA

LEKKI PHASE 1

807 OLUFEMI OLUREMI BABAJIDE

LEKKI PHASE 2

865 MUTIAT AWELE AJUMOBI

LEKKI PHASE 2

808 SHALLOM PETERS

LEKKI PHASE 2

866 AKINRIMISI MOBOLAJI

LEKKI PHASE 1

809 SIDIKAT RUFAI

LEKKI PHASE 2

867 PARK-WAY PROPERTIES NIGERIA LIMITED

BANANA ISLAND

810 OYELOLA STELLA ABEBI

LEKKI PHASE 2

868 EBUN OLUSEGUN SOFUNDE

LEKKI PHASE 1

811 TIMOTHY OLAWALE JIBOWO

LEKKI PHASE 2

869 OBAFOLUKE AYOOLA OTUDEKO

LEKKI PHASE 1

812 RASHEED GBOYEGA SADIQ

LEKKI PHASE 2

870 GRAIL MESSAGE FUNDATION LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 1

813 OLANREWAJU ADEKUNLE BOLU

LEKKI PHASE 2

871 GABRIEL OSAKWE

LEKKI PHASE 1

814 WILSON IHEANYI CHUKWUOCHE

LEKKI PHASE 2

872 GANIYU ADIO AKINTOLA

LEKKI PHASE 1

815 ROLAND BAMIDELE OMOSHEHIN

LEKKI PHASE 2

873 ADEREMI OLUYOMI KUKU

LEKKI PHASE 1

816 WURAOLA ABDUKOLE OKESOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

874 LILIAN ADIGBA

LEKKI PHASE 1

817 OLADIPO HAMED DARANIJO

LEKKI PHASE 2

875 ADEYINKA ADEDEJI WINSTON

LEKKI PHASE 1

818 OKECHUKWU NDUKA ONWU

LEKKI PHASE 2

876 RASHEED MURI OKUNOLA

LEKKI PHASE 1

819 RASAQ AND MARIAMA OLATUNJI

LEKKI PHASE 2

877 ANTHONY MALOMO ADIA IMUVBORE

LEKKI PHASE 1

820 ORIAKU IMO OKAFO

LEKKI PHASE 2

878 KOLAWOLE ADEBOWALE AWODEIN

LEKKI PHASE 1

821 TAIWO MARY ADEOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

879 PLYCON NIGERIA LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 1

822 AKINSOLA LOLA FAUSAT

LEKKI PHASE 2

880 FREDRICK OLUBUNMI ABIODUN

LEKKI PHASE 1

823 OYEKANMI WASIL OYEGUNLE

LEKKI PHASE 2

881 OKUNNU KHADIJAH MOBOLANLE

LEKKI PHASE 1

824 KYARI ABBA BUKAR

LEKKI PHASE 2

882 OWAANTHONY OLORUNTOBA

LEKKI PHASE 1

825 RISIKAT OMOLEWA OSENI

LEKKI PHASE 2

883 PATRICK ADEMORIN ADEYEMI

LEKKI PHASE 1

826 OLANREWAJU DAUDA AKANNI

LEKKI PHASE 2

884 AROJI GABRIEL SOLOMON EGWU

LEKKI PHASE 1

827 ONIWUNDE NKEIRUKA PATRICIAL

LEKKI PHASE 2

885 MITOB VENTURES LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 1

828 OKORO HUGH

LEKKI PHASE 2

886 IFEKWE CHIMEZIE

LEKKI PHASE 1

829 REGENT PROPERTIES LTD

LEKKI PHASE 2

887 ADERENLE OYEBOLA ADENIRAN-OGUNSANYA

LEKKI PHASE 1

830 DOMINGO ALABA OBENDE

LEKKI PHASE 2

888 ADELEKE AHAKIR SANNI

LEKKI PHASE 1

831 DORCAS OLAYINKA FASETIRE

LEKKI PHASE 2

889 ABAYOMI RASHEED EDU

LEKKI PHASE 1

832 ABIGAIL IBIYEMI OLUKOYA

LEKKI PHASE 2

890 DEW INTERNATIONAL COMPANY

LEKKI PHASE 1

833 AKINWANDE KABIR ADEMOSU

LEKKI PHASE 2

891 JAZZ 38 LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 1

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

50

THE LAGOS STATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PROJECT

9 of 13

892 OMILABI AFOLABI AKEEM

LEKKI PHASE 1

950

OJEKWE STELLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

893 ADEKOYA MICHEAL ADEBOWALE

LEKKI PHASE 2

951

OLADIMEJI TUNDE-ANJOUS

LEKKI PHASE 2

894 ROW IHEANYI CHUKWU OGBONNA

LEKKI PHASE 2

952

OLAJUMOKE BANKOLE

LEKKI PHASE 2

895 OLAJUMOKE OLUKEMI OLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

953

OLAJUMOKE OKOYA-THOMAS

LEKKI PHASE 2

896 AMIDA ADISA ADELE

LEKKI PHASE 2

954

ADEBOLA TAIWO OKOISOR

LEKKI PHASE 2

897 SOLOMON, BABATUNDE OYEGOKE

LEKKI PHASE 2

955

SAMUEL OLAYINKA OSUNKOYA

LEKKI PHASE 2

898 AYODELE BROWNE

LEKKI PHASE 2

956

ISHOLA FISAYO

LEKKI PHASE 2

899 ADEMOLA AWOFISAYO

LEKKI PHASE 2

957

DOYIN ABIOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

900 TINUBU AKINTUNDE AHMED

LEKKI PHASE 2

958

SOMAWINA NWAEKWU

LEKKI PHASE 2

901 JOSEPHINE OBIAJULU IBILI

LEKKI PHASE 2

959

ODUMOSU FATAI

LEKKI PHASE 2

902 SADIPE TOLULOPE TIWALOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

960

TUNJI EDUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

903 ONASANYA SOBOWALE

LEKKI PHASE 2

961

YINUSA BABATUNDE DAWODU

LEKKI PHASE 2

904 FAIDAT AJIBIKE SHOMADE

LEKKI PHASE 2

962

JEIN TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 2

905 CHRISTOPHER OLANREWAJU OLUSOLA KUPOLUYI

LEKKI PHASE 2

963

JAIYE OYEDOTUN

LEKKI PHASE 2

906 OLUWATOBI OLUWATOMIWA ADEBUTU

LEKKI PHASE 2

964

ESTHER OLUDOLAPO BOLADE

LEKKI PHASE 2

907 OLUYINKA BABATUNDE

LEKKI PHASE 2

965

SODADE OLUKAYODE ADEBAYO

LEKKI PHASE 2

908 WAHEED MUSBAUDEEN ADEMOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

966

MARGARET OYEBOLA SHOREKEM

LEKKI PHASE 2

909 REGINA IYABO OBASA

LEKKI PHASE 2

967

BAYWATCH INVESTMENT NIG. LTD

LEKKI PHAES 2

910 TAOFIQ AJIBADE TIJANI

LEKKI PHASE 2

968

FREDERICK OLABODE OGUNDIMU

LEKKI PHAES 1

911 AJAYI OLUBUKOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

969

JOSEPH ADIE

LEKKI PHAES 2

912 ADETULA MICHEAL OLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

970

JERRY ONYEJIUWA ANU

LEKKI PHAES 2

913 DTI INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 2

971

JAMIU RAIMI OLANADE

LEKKI PHAES 2

914 OLUWATEMILORUN AKINBAMI FELIX

LEKKI PHASE 2

972

JOHN WASH PAM

LEKKI PHASE 1

915 AKINLADE OLUWATOYIN

LEKKI PHASE 2

973

INNOCENT SUTHERLAND

LEKKI PHAES 2

916 TAOFIK AMUDA AND MRS MODUPE AMUDA

LEKKI PHASE 2

974

CHARLES & LINDA CHIMEZIE

LEKKI PHAES 2

917 TAIWO FOLASADE IPAYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

975

GABRIEL ADEBOLA ADEIFE

LEKKI PHAES 2

918 TITILAYO OLUKOREDE ILUYEMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

976

FEMIBAKINO ASSOCIATE

LEKKI PHASE 2

919 MODELE SARAFA- YUSUF

LEKKI PHASE 2

977

IYIOLAADEGBOYE

LEKKI PHASE 2

920 HAKEEM BELLO

LEKKI PHASE 2

978

YEMIDALE FEHINTOLA MOJISOLA

LEKKI PHASE 1

921 ADEKUNLE DISU

LEKKI PHASE 2

979

FELIX OLATUNBOSUN ASHENUGA

LEKKI PHASE 1

922 AKOLADE LATEEF SANUSI

LEKKI PHASE 2

980

FUNMILAYO OYETIENJI

LEKKI PHASE 2

923 FALILU OLUGBENGA AGORO

LEKKI PHASE 2

981

EBENEZER ADEBAYO OREFUWA

LEKKI PHASE 2

924 FRAJEND INVESTMENT NIGERIA LIMITED.

LEKKI PHASE 2

982

CHRISTIANAH AYODELE OLAREWAJU

LEKKI PHASE 2

925 MARGARET FOLASHADE ADEYEMO

LEKKI PHASE 2

983

FRANSCICAADEBISI ATOTILETO

LEKKI PHASE 2

926 TAYTOP LIMITED

LEKKI PHASE 2

984

JOHNSON SUNDAY ADEYEFA

LEKKI PHASE 2

927 GLIDDEN RESOURCE AND INVESTMENT

LEKKI PHASE 2

985

IBUKUNOLA AYODELE

LEKKI PHASE 2

928 ADENIKE OSHUNNIYI

LEKKI PHASE 2

986

YEKEEN BABATUNDE DURODOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

929 LAGUDA JUBRIL AYODELE

LEKKI PHASE 2

987

BALOGUN OLUSHOLA MEDESE

LEKKI PHASE 2

930 ADEKUNLE ADEDIGBA

LEKKI PHASE 2

988

THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE LAGOS

LEKKI PHASE 1

931 BABATUNDE OLANIYAN STEPHEN

LEKKI PHASE 2

932 OLANREWAJU SURAJUDEEN

LEKKI PHASE 2

989

OLUMIDE IBIKUNLE OGUNKELU

GREEN GATE

933 OLUMIDE & OLUYEMI AJENIFUJA

LEKKI PHASE 2

990

RASHIDAT ABIDEMI AMODU

GREEN GATE

934 GANIYU ADELANI

LEKKI PHASE 2

991

RITA CHIGBO

GREEN GATE

935 TAIWO FRANCIS AJALA

LEKKI PHASE 2

992

UKO IQUO

GREEN GATE

936 ALICE OLUREMI ALLI

LEKKI PHASE 2

993

DAVIES MAMELLA

GREEN GATE

937 ADEWUNMI TEMITOPE OLUWAKEMI

LEKKI PHASE 2

994

ABIMBOLA IDOWU OGUNKELU

GREEN GATE

938 OYEFUSI ADESEGUN ADEDAPO

LEKKI PHASE 2

995

ADENIYI ADEBOLA OMONIKE

GREEN GATE

939 DEJI MUSTAPHA

LEKKI PHASE 2

996

ABIDEMI ADETOUN OYEWALE

GREEN GATE

940 OYEWOLE ANTHONY KAYODE

LEKKI PHASE 2

997

MARY ODUNAYO AYENI

GREEN GATE

941 FUNMILAYO DADA

LEKKI PHASE 2

998

DEN NDUDIM UMEHA

GREEN GATE

942 JOSHUA REUBEN UDOFIA

LEKKI PHASE 2

999

ARIMORO ADEROGBA OLUWASEUN

GREEN GATE

943 ANCHA .M. DIMKA

LEKKI PHASE 2

1000

AKINOSUN TOLULOPE

GREEN GATE

944 ODUYEBO ABIODUN JAMES

LEKKI PHASE 2

1001

NDUKWE NDIDI

GREEN GATE

945 OYINADE OWOSINA

LEKKI PHASE 2

1002

KEHINDE AND OLAMIDE CREPPY

GREEN GATE

946 AJIBOLA BANKOLE ADEBUTU

LEKKI PHASE 2

1003

BAMIDELE YETUNDE KAPHILAT

GREEN GATE

947 LATEEF ADEBAYO SANNI

LEKKI PHASE 2

1004

OMOBOLAJI OLUREMI FAKUNLE

GREEN GATE

948 SAFEGATE FOREWARDERS

LEKKI PHASE 2

1005

CATHERINE AYERONWI

GREEN GATE

949 ABIODUN ADESIYAN

LEKKI PHASE 2

1006

ABIODUN MOJIBOLA DINA

GREEN GATE

CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH WITNESSES

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 10 of 13

51

THE LAGOS STATE ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY PROJECT

1007 ALABEDE AYODEJI FATAI RAJI

GREEN GATE

1065 ADEDAPO MUKADAS EKO

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1008 ZAINAB OLUFUNMILAYO AGORO

GREEN GATE

1066 OLUREMI JAMES DARAMOLA

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1009 OLAWALE OLASUNKANMI OLANIHUN

IKORODU G.R.A. II

1067 MATHEW ADEKUNLE ILORI

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1010 OLALEKAN & TAIWO OMONIYI

IKORODU G.R.AIII EXT II

1068 ADEYEMI ADESANYA ADEWUNMI

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1011 OMOBOLANLE STELLA OJO

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1069 POPOOLAAMUDAT MONISOLA

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1012 OLASUBOMI OLADIMEJI OSINUSI

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1070 OLUFUNTO OLUFUNKE OJO

IKORODU GRA III EXT 4

1013 OLATUNBOSUN ODUMOSU

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1071 FAGBOHUNKA IDOWU

IKORODU GRA III EXT. I

1014 PHINA ODEGUAAIGBE

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1072 OLADIPO BALOGUN

IKORODU GRA III EXT. I

1015 WALE ADEYEMI

IKORODU G.R.A. PHASE III

1073 OLUWATAMILORE OWATE

IKORODU GRA III EXT. I

1016 OLUSOGA NURAT KEHINDE

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1074 DR & MRS YISA LATEEF ODUFOWOKE

IKORODU GRA III EXT. I

1017 SHOMORIN FELICIA AYOOLA

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1075 BASHUA YUSUF ABAYOMI

IKORODU GRA III EXT. II

1018 OLUBIYI RICHARD DANZO

IKORODU G.R.A III

1076 BABATUNDE ABBAS AJETUNMOBI

IKORODU GRA III EXT. II

1019 TAIRAT ADEGUNWA IDRIS

IKORODU G.R.A. III EXT.

1077 AKINOLA SOLOMON ABIMBOLA

IKORODU GRA III EXT. II

1020 THEOPHILUS FOLARIN AJAYI

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1078 EZEKIEL CHUKWUDI

IKORODU GRA III EXT. II

1021 ADEEKO OLANIYI

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1079 ABODERIN ISIAKA OLALEKAN

IKORODU GRA III. EXT. III

1022 ADEGBITE MAHAMOOD ADEKUNLEL

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1080 OMOBOLANLE ADENRELE OYELEDUN

IKORODU III

1023 APATA ABIKE MOTUNRANYO

IKORODU G.R.A III

1081 MABORUKOJE OLUKAYODE OLUFEMI

IKORODU III EXT. III

1024 ADESHINA AYINDE SULYMAN

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT. II

1082 AGBAJE ABIODUN AJASA

IKORODU III EXT. III

1025 MARTINS ADETOKUNBO

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1083 HASSAN ABOLADE JAMIU

IKORODU III EXT. III

1026 ALLISON ISMAIL ADEKUNLE

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1084 JULIAN ORAKWE OKPALA

IKORODU INDUSTRIAL

1027 ASHIRU TAOHEED ADIO

IKORODU G.R.A III

1085 MUYINAT ADENIKE YUSSUFF

IKORODU MIXED

1028 MARGARET EGWEDE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1086 HUGO INDUSTRIES LIMITED

LSDPC IKORODU

1029 ADELOJU LAYIWOLA

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1087 OLUWOLE OKE

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1030 AJILO OLANIKE MODUPE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1088 BABAJIDE MAKANJUOLAADEDOTUN

IKORODU G.R.A PHASE II

1031 ALLISON ISMAIL ADEKUNLE

IKORODU G.R.A III

1089 BALOGUN RASAQ BOLAJI

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1032 ADEWALE ADEGBUYI

IKORODU GRA 1

1090 CHIJOKE UGOCHUKWU

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT.

1033 JONATHAN ALUKO

IKORODU GRA III

1091 JULIE ADESOPE ODESANMI

IKORODU G.R.A PHASE II

1034 LATEEF ADEWUNMI LAWAL

IKORODU GRA III

1092 EDWIN OLUFEMI EMENALO

IKORODU G.R.A. PHASE III

1035 BALOGUN IFEDAYO

IKORODU GRA III

1093 CLEMENT ONORIODE AKPOMEDAYE

IKORODU G.R.A EXT. II

1036 AIYELESO ENIOLA MARY

IKORODU GRA III

1094 FOLAKEMI GBAJOBI

IKORODU G.R.A. PHASE II

1037 CATHERINE ADEBOYEJO

IKORODU GRA III

1095 YETUNDE ABIOLA KUYINU

IKORODU G.R.A. III

1038 ADEYEMI ADENIYI OLUKAYODE

IKORODU GRA III

1096 BABAJIDE MUSIBAU FASHOLA

IKORODU G.R.A III

1039 ADEOYE OLUSILE

IKORODU GRA III

1097 EXCEL MONIYI NURSERY PRIMARY &

IKORODU G.R.A PHASE III

1040 AUGUSTINE OKEMEH ODIDI

IKORODU GRA III

1041 OLAYINKA MUFUTAU BABATUNDE

IKORODU GRA III

1098 FAOSAT AJOBI AROLE

IKORODU G.R.A III

1042 OKUSANYA KOLAWOLE IDOWU

IKORODU GRA III

1099 DADA OLAWUNMI REGINA

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1043 ADEBOTE TOIBUDEEN ABISOYE

IKORODU GRA III

1100 KASSIM RAHMAT KIKELOMO

IKORODU G.R.A III

1044 SEWEDO OLUSEYI WHENU

IKORODU GRA III

1101 OLUWASEYI AKINTAN

IKORODU G.R.A III

1045 GANIE ADEGBOYEGA OLUWOLE

IKORODU GRA III

1102 APATA ABIKE

IKORODU G.R.A III

1046 GLORIA DUGGAN

IKORODU GRA III

1103 IBRAHEEM OLAWALE ABDULLAH

IKORODU G.R.A III

1047 AKINTUNDE ESTHER ABOSEDE

IKORODU GRA III

1104 ASHIRU BOLAADUNNI

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT 4

1048 AROLE GBEMISOLA ALIMAT SHADIA

IKORODU GRA III

1105 ADEKUNLE OLUBUKOLA ADEGBOYEGA

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT 4

1049 IMANLUHE FRANCIS

IKORODU GRA III

1106 AYINDE MAKINDE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1050 OLANIRAN OYEBANJI TAOHEED

IKORODU GRA III

1107 OLATUNDE OKESOLA

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1051 RAJI WASIU OLADELE

IKORODU GRA III

1108 DAWODU OLUFUNKE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1052 ADIJAT ROLAKE ADEDAYO

IKORODU GRA III

1109 KIKANWA CAROLINE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1053 OLANIYAN AFOLABI ISMAIL

IKORODU GRA III

1110 OLAJUMOKE JONES

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1054 MR & MRS. ADEYEMI BROWNE

IKORODU GRA III

1112 OKE OLADUNNI FATIMAT

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1055 OLAWOYIN BOLAJOKO

IKORODU GRA III

1113 DORCAS TAIWO OLATOKUN

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1056 FALOLA ELIZABETH OLATUNDE ADENIKE

IKORODU GRA III

1114 BANJO OLAIDE

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT III

1057 MUFULIAT ADEBISI AKOREDE

IKORODU GRA III

1115 ODUKOMAIYA KUDIRAT MOJISOLA

IIKORODU G.R.A GRA III EXT III

1058 ADEYEMI MOSUNMOLA OMOTAYO

IKORODU GRA III

1116 OLUYEMI ADEWUMI

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1059 JALO ABIYE ABUBAKAR

IKORODU GRA III

1117 SAKA OLADEJO

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1060 OLUWAKEMI ATANDA

IKORODU GRA III

1118 ODELE OYADOGHA WILLOUGHBY

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1061 CORNELIUS FOLUSO & ENIEDI OLAPADE

IKORODU GRA III

1119 RONKE LAWAL

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1062 OLUFUNWA MOBOLANLE AJOKE

IKORODU GRA III EXT 4

1120 ADELANI AYODELE SODIMU

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1063 AKINMADE MOTUNRAYO HABEEB

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1121 RAHEEM KAZEEM MODASOLA

IMOTA

1064 OKE ABIODUN

IKORODU GRA III EXT. III

1122 SANUSI KAMAL ADEWALE

IMOTA

SECONDARY SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOL

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11 of 13

1123 ADEBIMPE ALLI- BALOGUN

IMOTA

1180 MARYAM PEARCE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1124 EQUIFAX MULTIDYNAMICS LIMITED

IMOTA

1181 ADEMOYE AWANAT MOTUNRAYO

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1125 ABOYEJI JOHN OLAKUNLE

IMOTA

1182 AKANJI AYOOLA AFUSAT

MOSAFEJO/ARADAGUN

1126 OLUBUKOLA OLUSANYA

IMOTA

1183 KAREEM SAKIRU OLADEJI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1127 ADEMOLA OMOTAYO AINA

IMOTA

1184 AJAYI ITOPA SALAMI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1128 KESSINGTON SHAKIRATU

IMOTA

1185 AYODELE KOLARU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1129 AKINDEINDE AYODELE OLAYIWOLA

IMOTA

1186 OLUFUNKE OSIFODUNRIN

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1130 SAMUEL OLUSINA COKER

IMOTA

1187 ARIOCHI PAULINA UDEMBA

MOSAFEJO/ARADAGUN

1131 ALAO ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYIN

IMOTA

1188 AROMOLARAN LATEEF ADEKUNLE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1132 ADETOLA OLUBUNMI ALAO

IMOTA

1189 MAMUDU AINAKWAGBO SHIELU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1133 MORIAM ADUKE DANMOLA

IMOTAMIXED RESIDENTIAL

1190 MOJEED ADEKUNLE JOSEPH

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1134 MURTALA OLAKUNLE MUIBI - ELEHA

IMOTAMIXED RESIDENTIAL

1191 AKINWALE BAMIDELE OYEDELE

MOSAFEJO/ARADAGUN

1135 ELEMORO SILIFAT YEWANDE

IMOTAMIXED RESIDENTIAL

1192 BUKKY MORENIKE ASABI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1136 BENJAMIN OLALEKAN ONI

IMOTA MIXED DEV.

1193 SOPEIN MANN OLADEINDE OLAWALE MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1137 OLUFUNMILOLAAYODEJI OSIBODU

IPAJA NEW TOWN SCHEME

1194 ADEGBOYEGA OMOLABAKE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1138 MGOBA FLORENCE UTOMI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1195 EBUN ABIDEMI AROBIEKE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1139 AMAEBI PETER KELLY

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1196 MARYAM PEARCE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1140 MONICA OLUKEMI ALABI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1197 IDOWU OLUTAYO ADAMU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1141 BOSE OLUFUNMILAYO OSINOWO

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1198 FAMUYIWA FELIX OLUSOJI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1142 VICTORIAARITO ANOZIE

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1199 OLUWAMAYOWA OYEDELE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1143 ABDULWAHEED AKANNI AMUSA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1200 ABIODUN RAFIAT OMODENI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1144 CORDELIA CHIZO EGEMBA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1201 EZEANYA BENJAMIN ADINDU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1145 KAYODE SUNDAY OLAWUNI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1202 OLUWASEYI KUTTON

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1146 MODINAT ADEPEJU ATHAR

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1203 OLUBUNMI IDOWU CLINTON

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1147 BUNKERS PETROLEUM LIMITED

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1204 GODWIN OYENEMBE OBEGU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1148 EMMANUEL OLUSOLA AGUDA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1205 STANLEY CHIMEZIE OSUOHA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1149 WAHEED AKANNI AKINYEMI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1206 TITILAYO OLABISI OSHINOWO

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1150 SULAIMAN AFISI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1207 OLADELE ABIODUN OSHINOWO

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1151 OLUSEGUN OYENIJI

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1208 JOHNSON ADEDIRE AYOADE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1152 OSHO SEMIU IDOWU

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1209 SAIDI ADEWUNMI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1153 ADEBISI BOLA LATEEF

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1210 SEWEDO OLUWASEYI WHENU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1154 ADETOKUNBO ADEWALE GEORGE

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1211 SAHEED ABIODUN ADEDEJI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1155 HAKEEM ADISA BABATUNDE OYEKAN

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1212 HAMZAT OLASUNMBO ADIJAT

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1156 ADETUTU OLUFUNMILOLA NWOSU

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1213 BABALOLA SAFIANU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1157 ADENIJI NOFIU SOLIU

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1214 ADEDAYO OLADIPO OMODENI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1158 TUNJI THEOPHILUS JAIYEOLA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1215 FOLORUNSHO MODINAT SHIELU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1159 OLABODE TALIAT AJAO

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1216 PAULINE ARIOCHI UDEMBA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1160 ADENIKE ADERONKE OSINDERO

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1217 BUARI EJARUNE LOLA

MOSAFEJO /ARADAGUN MIXE DEV.

1161 ADISA MUSA BALOGUN

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1218 EBUN ABIDEMI AROBIEKE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1162 RILWAN ORIYOMI AYINDE-AKINYEMI AND

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1219 EBUKA OSUERA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1220 IDOWU OLUTAYO ADAMU

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

GANIYAT OLUYEMI AYINDE-AKINYEMI 1163 CLEMENTINE ADETOLA DURO-ISHOLA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1221 FUNSHO SHAKIRAT AJOKE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1164 BIDEMI APATA

IPAJA NEW TOWN

1222 CRESCENT MADUABUCHI ANI

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1165 REGINA EBUNOLUWA ADEBO

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1223 IYABO ADEOSUN

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1166 SOLOMON KUNLE AJAGBE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1224 FEMI OBAYOMI DAVIES

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1167 WEY DEBORAH OLUFUNKE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1225 AMUSO ADEOYE NUYONTODE

MOSAFEJO /ARADAGUN MIXED DEV.

1168 SOPEIN MANN OLADEINDE OLAWALE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1226 OLANREWAJU JOHNSON

FORTUNE GARDEN

1169 SHAKIRAT KEHINDE LAWAL

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1227 OLATUNJI ABISOYE OREJOKO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1170 OLUBUKOLA OLUYEMISI OGUNYEMI

MOSAFEJO /ARADAGUN

1228 VINCENT OTOTOBOV

FORTUNE GARDEN

1171 TAWERA OMOVBERHA EYAREYA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1229 OLASUPO WILLIAMS ADIGUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1172 OLATUNJI REMILEKUN

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1230 SUNDAY OLUDELE IJAGBEMI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1173 UJU CYRIL UKPAKA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1231 OLAOLUWA GABRIEL AKINLUYI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1174 ADEGBOYEGA OMOLABAKE

MOSAFEJO /ARADAGUN

1232 MARY OLUWAKEMI ADIGUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1175 NNAMDI CHIEDOZIE ANOZIE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1233 AKINTOLA VICTOR

FORTUNE GARDEN

1176 NIMOTA OGUNREMI

MOSAFEJO //ARADAGUN

1234 ADEMOLA ABRAHAM ADEYEMO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1177 KAMILU GBOLAHAN ADEYINKA

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1235 ADEKUNLE AJANAKU

FORTUNE GARDEN

1178 MUYIBAT ASHABI OLAWALE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1236 AKINOLA OYEBOADE OLUYEMISI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1179 HABIBAT PEARCE

MOSAFEJO / ARADAGUN

1237 VINCENT OTOTOBOR

FORTUNE GARDEN

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 12 of 13

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1238 ELKANAH ADENIYI ADEDOKUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1295

AKINLEYE AKINYEMI

IGBOGBO II

1239 OLATUNJI ABISOYE OREJOKO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1296

FRANCISCA ANUOLUWAPO GRILLO

IGBOGBO II

1240 BABAJIMI BENSON & OLAJUMOKE BENSON

FORTUNE GARDEN

1297

RUFAI YISHAWU

IGBOGBO II

1241 ENENMOH GRACE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1298

MONSURAT OLUBUKOLA ONIKOYI

IGBOGBO II

1242 MARY OLUWAKEMI ADIGUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1299

ALLAU AKBAR AND SONS

IGBOGBO II

1243 IFEDEYI OMOWUNMI OLA-SHODUNKE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1300

DAODU EUNICE BOLAJI

IGBOGBO II

1244 IBINE BAMIDELE PAUL

FORTUNE GARDEN

1301

KIKELOMO CHRISTIANAH AKINLUYI

IGBOGBO II

1245 SUNDAY OLJUDELE IJAGBEMI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1302

DOREGOS FOLARIN

IGBOGBO II

1246 SAHEED ADEMOLA ELEGUSHI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1303

BALONWU FRAN

IGBOGBO II

1247 OLASUPO WILLIAMS ADIGUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1304

GANIYU ADESHINA DOSUNMU

IGBOGBO II

1248 AJETUNMOBI PAUL OLORUNSOGO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1305

BALONWU MICHELLE

IGBOGBO II

1249 GOKE AND MUBO OLASOKO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1306

TEMIDAYO OLANREWAJU DOSUNMU

IGBOGBO II

1250 OMOLARA CLARA ADEBAYO

FORTUNE GARDEN

1307

LAWAL OBASANJO

IGBOGBO II

1251 ADEYEMI SABIT IKUFORIJI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1308

LOOKMAN AYODELE GRILLO

IGBOGBO II

1252 TUNDE ORUNDAMI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1309

SUNKANMI MUSLIM OLADIMEJI

IGBOGBO II

1253 ADEOLA ADEPOJU

FORTUNE GARDEN

1310

OLAYINKA MARGARET OYE-BAMGBOSE

IGBOGBO II

1254 OYEKUNLE OYELAKUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1311

ADEKOYA OLAYEMI JADESOLA

IGBOGBO II

1255 OLUFEMI DAVID SALAMI

FORTUNE GARDEN

1312

MORIAM ABIOLA AFOLABI RUFAI

IGBOGBO II

1256 ISREAL AND CHOICE OGBECHIE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1313

IBRAHIM ABIDEMI OLUWAKEMI

IGBOGBO II

1257 INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE REDEEMED

FORTUNE GARDEN

1314

BAMIDELE OLUMUYIWA OSHO

IGBOGBO II

1315

ADEMOSU SOLOMON TANIMOWO

IGBOGBO II

CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD. 1258 AZEEZ ADESOJI MUKAILA

FORTUNE GARDEN

1316

MORUFF SHINA ARO

IGBOGBO II

1259 IFEDEYI OMOWUNMI OLA-SHODENKE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1317

IDRIS ABIODUN OJURONGBE

IGBOGBO II

1260 ENENMOH GRACE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1318

ADERONKE ADEYINKA OSHONIYI

IGBOGBO II

1261 IBINE BAMIDELE PAUL

FORTUNE GARDEN

1319

OLANREWAJU DIXON

IGBOGBO II

1262 BABAJIMI BENSON & OLAJUMOKE BENSON

FORTUNE GARDEN

1320

ADAMSON ADEMOLA OLADEINDE

IGBOGBO II

1263 BOLAJI YUSUF AYINLA

FORTUNE GARDEN

1321

FAOSAT ADETOKUNBO DABIRI

IGBOGBO II

1264 ELKANAH ADENIYI ADEDOKUN

FORTUNE GARDEN

1322

FREDERICK ADEMOLA ODUJOKO

ABIJO G.R.A

1265 OLALANDU GBENGA & MOYOSORE

FORTUNE GARDEN

1323

GOOFREY ITSEMENE OTUBU

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1266 LATEEF ABDULAI RASAK

EWU ELEPE

1324

AJOSE ADEOGUN LADI

IGBOGBO II

1267 SHOTE ABIODUN ADEFOLAJU

EWU ELEPE

1325

OLUGBENGAANTHONY OLADELE

AMUWO ODOFIN

1268 AYODEJI SONAME

EWU ELEPE

1326

SALIU OLAIYA HASSA

LEKKI PHASE 2

1269 VICTORIAATINUKE ADEKANYE

EWU ELEPE

1327

OLOPADE OLANIYI MARUPH

LEKKI PHASE 1

1270 KUDIRAT BOLOMOPE GBADEGESIN

EWU ELEPE

1328

W. KOLA AJIBOLA

LEKKI PHASE 2

1271 OYEYEMI TEMITOPE SONUGA

EWU ELEPE

1329

OKWUDILI STANLEY PRINCE ISAAC

VALLEY VIEW

1272 OSISAMI RICHARD ADENIRAN

EWU ELEPE

1330

OLATUNJI REMILEKUN

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1273 ABIMBOLA FAKUNLE AND OPEYEMI FAKUNLE

EWU ELEPE

1331

AILERU ADESINA AND FUNMILAYO

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1274 OLUFEMI DAUDA SALAMI

EWU ELEPE

1332

RAHEEMSON MISBAHUD-DIN OLAWALE

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1275 ADENIYI OLUFOLAHAN OYEDELE

EWU ELEPE

1333

SAMUEL TITILAYO BELLO

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1276 JOHNSON OKE

EWU ELEPE

1334

IBIYINKAADETUNJI ROLUGA

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1277 MORENIKE TAWA AWOSANYA

EWU ELEPE

1335

JOSEPH ABAYOMI AFANU

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1278 ADEBIYI ADEBOYE

OWU ELEPE

1336

PETER ADEOLU ADELEKE

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1279 ADEWALE KAMORUDEEN ADETUNJI

IGBOGBO

1337

FRED BIPIALABOMA IMPOTO

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1280 OLATUNBOSUN IKUMELO

IGBOGBO

1338

BABAJIMI CLAUDIUS OKUNSEINDE

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1281 AYODEJI JOY NAFISAH ANIMASHAUN

IGBOGBO

1339

SUNDAY ONYEAMA USU

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1282 BASIRAT TITILAYO ANIMASHAUN

IGBOGBO

1340

ELIZABETH MODUPE ABASS-OLISA

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1283 ANUOLUWAPO DEBORAH DOSUMU

IGBOGBO

1341

MUSTAPHA ADEYINKA ONIGBANJO

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1284 KAYODE OWOTUTU YETUNDE

IGBOGBO

1342

OLATUNJI VICTORIA REMILEKUN

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1285 TAIWO OLUYITAN

IGBOGBO

1343

ADAMA OMOZE MOMODU

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1286 AKINMUSIRE PETER AND OLUIWATOYIN AKINMUSIRE IGBOGBO

1344

ABISOLA AMEENAT DINA

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1287 EMMANUEL AND OMOWUNMI JACDONMI

IGBOGBO II

1345

ODUMOSU TAYO JOSIAH

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1288 MODINAT FEYISARA SOLEBO

IGBOGBO II

1346

VICTOR OLUSEGUN DAMOLE

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1289 OPEOLUWA ADEKUNLE DADA

IGBOGBO II

1347

OBIDIKE ERIC CHIDI

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1290 FAPOHUNDA TITUS MORAKINYO

IGBOGBO II

1348

HAROLD OLUSEGUN DEMUREN

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1291 LAWAL OBASANJO

IGBOGBO II

1349

THOMAS UDUGBAI ESEZOBOR

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1292 HAMMED GBEMINIYI ABASS

IGBOGBO II

1350

SAMUEL OLAJIDE ADEWUNMI

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1293 ABOU MUHAMMAD FAIQ

IGBOGBO II

1351

DABAYE LAMJOSE BOB-MANUEL

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN

1294 NURUDEEN OLUFEMI NELSON

IGBOGBO II

1352

NNONYE CHUKWUKA

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN 2

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54

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13 of 13

1353 ANIMASHAUN TAIWO ADIJAT

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN 2

1410 FRIDAY CHIBUEBE EDE

OKO OBA III

1354 OLUSEGUN DELE AJIBEWA

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN 2

1411 JIMOH GBADEBO

OKO OBA III

1355 CHUKWUKA GODFREY

IJANIKIN ROSE GARDEN 2

1412 OJOYE AOLAT OMOLARA

OKO OBA III

1356 FAMAKIN MULIKAT MORENIKE

IJANINKIN ROSE GARDEN

1413 DAUDA KOLAPO ADEDEJI

OKO OBA III

1357 SONAIYA ABOLAJI ADEBANKE

IJEDE

1414 MUSSADIQ ADESINA ELEGBEDE

OKO OBA RESIDENTIAL I

1358 BOLANLE MONSURAT AGUDA-OKORO

IJEDE

1415 OLADIPO OYETAYO

OKO OBA RESIDENTIAL III EXT.

1359 OMOTOLA ASISAT BALOGUN

IJEDE

1416 VICTOR OGBEYIWA EBURAJOLO

OKO-ORISAN WATERFRONT

1360 AMCOTECH ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED

ISOLO INDUSTRIAL

1417 JENNIFER AMOS EBURABOLO

OKO-ORISAN WATERFRONT

1361 TAYLEK DRUGS COMPANY LIMITED

ISOLO INDUSTRIAL

1418 ABIOLA OLUWASEUN ODUGUWA

OKOTA

1362 ABAYOMI OLUSOLA SOGBESAN

MAGODO

1419 VICTOR OHI IFIJEH

OMOLE

1363 AJOKE OMOLEYE

MAGODO

1420 ALL LINKS INVESTMENT NIGERIA LIMITED

OMOLE

1364 BABATUNDE BABALOLA

MAGODO

1421 OLAWALE OSHUN

OMOLE

1365 OLAJIDE DAVID ADEWALE

MAGODO

1422 OLALEKAN & OMOLARA ADEBIYI

OMOLE

1366 KATE TITILOLA DELANO

MAGODO

1423 ALBERT BARRY EZENWANNE

OMOLE

1367 MUKADASI ADISA ONIKOYI

MAGODO

1424 HELIOS ENGINEERING NIGERIA LIMITED

OSHODI INDUSTRIAL

1368 OGUNBIYI ADEDOTUN

MAGODO

1425 HARMONY HOUSE FURNITURE COMPANY

OSHODI INDUSTRIAL

1369 MAGODO RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION PHASE II GRA MAGODO

LIMITED.

1370 ADEWUNMI SHERIFAT TOYIN

MAGODO

1426 OLAWALE OLUGBENGA ADESIYAN

OWORONSHOKI

1371 ADEKUNLE ORIYOMI BENSON

MAGODO

1427 ALHAJI MOHAMMED KAMILU DAUDA AND

OWORONSHOKI

1372 TIMOTHY OLA AKINWUNMI AND RACHEAL

MAGODO

AKINWUNMI

ALHAJA AISHAT MOHAMMED DAUDA 1428 MOJISOLA BALOGUN

OWORONSHOKI

1373 ABIOLA ADELEKE

MAGODO

1429 SOLEBO TOYIN SERIFAT

OWORONSHOKI

1374 PRINCE ADELEKE ADEKANMI

MAGODO

1430 OLAJUMOKE OLUFUNMILAYO ADEKEYE

OWORONSHOKI

1375 TEMITOPE AKANDE

MAGODO

1431 FAWEHINMI OLATUNDE

OWOROSHOKI

1376 AKINADE OGUNBIYI AKANMU

MAGODO

1432 KUDIRAT BALOGUN

OWOROSHOKI

1377 OLANIPEKUN OREKOYA ADEBUTU

MAGODO

1433 IYABO FASILAT AYOOLA

SUNNY FIELD

1378 OSHO-ADEBIYI MODUPE REMILEKUN

MAGODO

1434 KABIRU ADEBUNMI GBADEJOKO

SUNNY FIELD

1379 OLAMILEKAN RAJI

MAGODO

1435 SAMIAT ADEDOYIN GBADEJOKO

SUNNY FIELD

1380 ADEYEYE JOSHUA

MAGODO

1436 OLAOYE JONATHAN BAYODE

SUNNY FIELD

1381 OJO AKINDELE OLAWALE

MAGODO

1437 OLUSEYE FELIX CARRENA

SUNNY FIELD

1382 SIKIRU AYODELE ALUBANKUDI

MAGODO

1438 JEGEDE COMFORT OLUFUNKE

SUNNYFIELD

1383 WALTER HARRAGIN OKAKPU

MAGODO

1439 HUGHES ELIZABETH EFUNSEKE

SUNNYFIELD

1384 ADEPOJU COMFORT OLURANTI

MAGODO

1440 SHITTU BABATUNDE JAMIU

SUNNYFIELD

1385 FELIX AND FELICIA AWOFISAYO

MAGODO

1440 DAMAS GLOBAL NIGERIA LIMITED

SUNNYFIELD

1386 ODEKUNLE OLAJIDE RICHARD

MAGODO

1441 DELYEN NIGERIA LIMITED

SUNNYFIELD

1387 OLAYINKA YARO BALOGUN

MAGODO

1442 SHITTU OLANIKE

SUNNYFIELD

1388 IYABODE OMOWUNMI BOLARINWA

MAGODO

1443 UCAK NIGERIA LIMITED

SUNNYFIELD

1389 GAMAT ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED

MAGODO

1444 AKANDE SULOLA FIBISOLA

SUNNYFIELD

1390 OMOJOLA VICTORIA OLUSEYI

MAGODO

1445 ELEGUSHI SIKIRAT ADETAYO

SUNNYFIELD

1391 OBIARAERI NDIDI ONUOHA

MAGODO

1446 GANIU OLANREWAJU LAWAL AND

SUNNYFIELD

1392 JOHNSON OLABANJI AGBOOLA

MAGODO

1393 NURUDEEN ADEYINKA OJORA-ADEJIYAN

MOS- ARA

1447 EQUIFAX MULTIDYNAMIS LIMITED

SUNNYFIELD

1394 ADEWALE STEPHEN OTUSILE

MOS- ARA

1448 RAFIU OLANREWAJU BABALOLA

SUNNYFIELD

1395 UCHENNA OBIAKOR

MOS- ARA

1449 BANJO QUAWIYY-AHMAD OBAFEMI

SUNNYFIELD

1396 RASAQ RABIU

OGUDU

1450 SOLA MUFUTAU ABDULKAREEM

SUNNYFIELD

1397 ADUKE DAODU

OGUDU GARDEN VALLEY

1451 AKANDE KOLAPO-LOLA

SUNNYFIELD

1398 AYENI AYODEJI DAVID

OKO AFO

1452 HOOMSUK GLOBAL OIL

SUNNYFIELD

1399 KOLAPO MALIK AKANDE

OKO AFO

1453 BOLAJI KUTI

SUNNYFIELD

1400 KOLAPO MUTAHAL AKANDE

OKO AFO

1454 ADEGBITE TITILOLA

IKORODU G.R.A III EXT

1401 OSHODI ADEOLA ABOSEDE

OKO OBA

1402 HAKEEM BOLAJI KAZEEM

OKO OBA

1403 ADEOLU ABIMBOLA KILANI

OKO OBA

1404 KOLAWOLE OLAITAN

OKO OBA

1405 AKINOLA OGUNYOLEMI

OKO OBA

1406 ADERONKE KUDIRAT ILORI-BELLO

OKO OBA

1407 OSENI MUIZ OLAWUNMI

OKO OBA

1408 ADEBAYO AYODELE ISHOLA

OKO OBA II

1409 KUBURAT OLUFUNKE SOGBESAN

OKO OBA III

FOLASADE LAWAL

SIGNED BODE AGORO PERMANENT SECRETARY LANDS BUREAU

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

55

BUSINESS EXTRA

Nigerians ‘ll pay more for electricity, says NERC T

HERE was a mild drama yesterday at the Ni geria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) when it said electricity tariff will be reduced but customers will now have to pay more.

Rising from a consultation meeting with stakeholders in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), comprising generation companies (Gencos), distribution companies (Discos) and Consumers’ Forum in Abuja , the commission’s chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the average tariff has dipped from N26 to N23per kilowatt.

He said: “The good news is that the average tariff has come down from N26 to N23.

That is the good news. For us, if it goes up, we say it goes up. If it goes down, we say it goes down.”

Amadi said although the Commission would bring down the tariff, what the customers will now pay will be higher.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Amadi explained that R2 Abuja customers who presently pay N14 but may pay N19 if the new tariff is approved.

The new tariff, he said, will take effect retroactively from July this year.

Amadi however recalled that the tariff, which should have taken effect from July was frozen in June because a new government had just assumed office. He added that owing to the stability in the market, it is now convenient to unlock the tariff.

According to him, the Discos will present their different proposed tariffs to the commission which will in turn be presented to the Presidency for approval.

Commenting on how the new tariff would look like, Amadi said: “By January last year R2 customers were

supposed to pay N19 in Abuja. They are paying N14. Today with the analysis, instead of N18, it should be N19.

“There is a reduction but it doesn’t mean that at the end of the day, they will still be paying that N18.”

The four factors that the commission considered in tariff review are gas prices, exchange rate, inflationary rate and generation capacity.

In her presentation, NERC’s Principal Manager, Market Competition and Rates, Aisha Mahmud, noted that the commission obtained the data for the computation of the Bi-Annual Minor Review from the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to her, inflation rate from the apex bank as at April 30 this year was 8.3 per cent. She added that the Multi-Year Tariff Order 2

had an assumption of 13 per cent 13 per cent inflation rate but after last year’s minor review, the inflation rate was reviewed down to 7.8 percent.

On exchange rate, the CBN website, she said, showed an exchange rate of N197 to $1 as at April 30, adding however that the proposal took an exchange rate premium of 197+1 per cent.

The commission in the proposal observed that gas price has increased to $2.50 from $1.50 at transportation cost of $.80.

Mahmud said there is now an average peak daily generation capacity of 3,832megawatts (Mw) while average energy sent out is 3,404Mw. In all, the commission said following the increase in energy generation, there is now more revenue generation for the Discos, which has now reduced the cost of power.

• From left: Principal Partner, Public Health Partner Limited, Dr. Ubiame Omas; Chief Route Commander/Unit Head of Operation, Mainland, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mrs. Uche Ugbebor; Executive Director, Corporate Bank and Treasury, Keystone Bank, Mr. Hafiz Bakare and Eye Care Project Manager, Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Mr. Nwagala Paul, during the free health and eye screening exercise organised by Keystone Bank Limited as a CSR programme for Inter-State/ Luxury bus drivers tagged Think Road Safety, Save Lives, in Lagos.

Commission advises Buhari to set borrowing limit for govt T HE Fiscal Responsibil ity Commission [FRC] has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to set borrowing limits for the three tiers of government. It said the move will check indiscriminate borrowing by the three tiers of government in the country.

Its Acting Chairman, Mr. Victor Muruako said such limits would enable the Commission raise the alarm when any tier of government borrows or is about to borrow beyond the threshold set down.

Muruako spoke yesterday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at a twoday awareness workshop on Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

According to him, “where fiscal responsibility is practised, limits are imposed on deficits, debts and expenditure while time limits for performing certain duties and obligations are further spelt out.”

He warned that debts could get out of control without proper checks and limits.

He urged Buhari to visit those who have bypassed es-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

tablished laws for selfish reasons with appropriate sanctions. He said: “The problem has remained that over the years, successive governments have been selective on which programmes to follow thereby allowing their personal interests to overshadow the natural collective will to progress in line with other countries.”

He also disclosed that the commission had ensured that agencies of government remitted over N366 billion operating surplus into the consolidated revenue fund (CRF) since it came into operation.

As a first step, the FRC has embarked on massive education and sensitisation of government and public stakeholders in the financial sector to drum up support for the need for setting up of a “proper standard” in fixing limits for borrowing by the three tiers of governments.

The Commission ex-

pressed concerns over reckless borrowings which it said is responsible for several debts over-hang in the polity. This development, he argued is detrimental to fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability in governance, adding that it also ran foul of the FRA Act, 2007.

Muruako noted that the the FRA 2007 “is characterised by fiscal rules and procedures formalising the budget process, fixing the levels of budget deficit expenditure and revenue limits as well as limits to the debts of the federal, states and local governments, time limits are imposed for the performance of obligations of the stakeholders and budget process authorities and managers.”

He lamented that the Act setting up the commission “provides for offences, it does not stipulate the matching punishments, it denies the commission the power to prosecute or punish the offenders under the Act, by implication, the FRC can only

name and shame the offenders, this amounts to mere reputational punishment as it does not deter people from contravening the provisions of the Act with impunity. ”This Commission has been a been a victim of this due to the fact that by the letters of FRA 2007 we are only to investigate and forward reports to other authorities without the necessary powers to prosecute. We are still battling to have these aspects of the law amended to enable the Commission have the necessary bite against the violators of the act.”

Muruako challenged state governors, particularly the newly elected ones to put in place fiscal regimes in their respective states to show transparency in the handling of public resources. He noted that only 12 states have so far subscribed to the Act, stressing that most state governors were not interested in replicating the FRA in their states.

He said the economy has recorded significant growth and stability over the years in spite of the challenges holding back the commission.

Nigerian firm strikes first oil in Rivers

A

N indigenous explora tion and production oil firm, Green Energy International Ltd (GEIL), operator of the Otakikpo Marginal Field, has struck its first oil.

A statement endorsed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Olusegun Ilori explained that the feat came on the heels of the re-entery and integrity test of Otakikpo well-02, perforation and testing of the E1000A sand of the same well.

The field which lies approximately 60 km Southeast of Port Harcourt, Rivers State is based in the South of Shell’s OML 11, between the shore to the South and Chevron’s OML51 to the North and about 35 km East of Bonny Crude Export Terminal.

“The E1000A is one of the two target reservoirs in Otakikpo-02. Achieving this critical milestone barely 15 months after receiving its ministerial consent for the farm-out from Shell and its JV partners, brought instant celebration to stakeholders of the company and its Technical Partners, Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Ltd,” the statement read.

The field was discovered

by Shell and its JV partners in 1980 while the appraisal well- Otakikpo-02 which the company re- entered to produce the first Oil was first drilled in 1981 and this was followed by Otakikpo-03.

Under a Farmout from Shell JV, the Federal Government awarded the marginal field to Green Energy which it designated as the operator, to implement the company’s innovative Small Scale Gas Utilisation Programme (SSGUP) Otakikpo field was identified as one of the suitable sites for a pilot programme that offers unique solution to improving the economy of the oil producing communities while ensuring zero routine gas flares.

The programme consist

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

of oil production from the field while the associated gas will be processed and utilised for power generation for the communities and excess sold to the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (Disco) in addition to LPG extraction and bottling facility to produce and distribute domestic cooking gas.

The statement, explained that as a way of implementing its mandate and the vision of its stakeholders as an integrated energy company, GEIL has recently obtained a license for 10 megawatt (Mw) captive power from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Also, the company was recently granted a licence by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for modular refinery to produce diesel and other refined products.

The company has also pursued a stakeholder partnership model with the communities around the project area, a situation which has enabled the host communities to appreciate the presence of the company as partners for sustainable development.

Its Chairman, Prof Anthony Adegbulugbe, was full of excitement for the milestone achieved so far within the short span of moving to the field.

He thanked the host communities for the partnership with the company and hoped the people would allow the company enjoy a hitch-free and conducive environment to unfold its unique development initiatives for the overall good of the people and the nation.

He said: “The project offers considerable benefit to all stakeholders and has the strong potential of a gas flares out solution, boosting the economic development potentials of the community, and indeed the nation, while bringing profitable returns to its Investors.”

‘Why Nigeria is on EU restricted list’

N

IGERIANS failure to comply with admin istrative procedures has placed the country on European Union (EU) restricted list for some products.

The prodedure stipulates that there should be 50 per cent physical inspection for specific imported food items thereby acting as a barrier to food export trade.

The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Olusegun Awolowo spoke at the inauguration of the Inter-Agency Technical Committee on Non-Oil export in Abuja.

He stated that non- adherence to food safety measures is another cause for the restrictions by EU. He said: “The price of crude oil has fallen by 60 per cent.

This is bad news for Nigeria.

Agricultural products constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s non-oil export.

“The total share of this products, processed and unprocessed in value is as high as 70 per cent. The country witnessed a steady growth in non- oil export$2.970billion in 2013, a

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

15.9per cent increase over $2.561billion in 2012.

“Agriculture dominated our non oil exports in 2014 by contributing $1.465b representing 53.99 per cent of non-oil exports. All these gains are however being threatened by the re-curring issue of rejects of Nigerian exported agricultural commodities and food items.

“The immediate and remote causes that result in this strict restriction are noncompliance to administrative procedures, non-compliance to documentation import, export requirements, incorrect filling of information for entry, inadequate information and know how on the entry requirements for food imports to the EU by export.”

Awolowo said the committee is carefully selected and comprises agencies responsible for inspection, certification and trade facilitation that must ensure that the agricultural and food items exporters conform to stipulated food safety measures and documentation requirements.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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NEWS

Trial delays... New Criminal Justice Act to the rescue •Continued from page 5 “Thus, many things would have happened; and what we call prosecution fatigue sets in.

What happens after is that the case dies a natural death.

“It is not that the accused is innocent but the state does not have enough stamina to pursue the case to the end. That is what has been happening.”

Intimidation/blackmail The National Judicial Council (NJC) has moved to reduce the frequency of petitions against judges, some of which are frivolous.

Now, a poetitioner can go to jail for a false allegation because petitions must be submitted along with sworn affidavits.

Many judges have had to hands-off cases after having their integrity questioned. For instance, in the trial of House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, after the loss of several months following the elevation of the previous trial judge to the Court of Appeal, the case was re-assigned to a new judge, Justice Adebukola Banjoko last June 11.

Seven days after she got the brief, Justice Banjoko surprised a crowded courtroom when she announced her withdrawal from the trial. Her reason? To stem an unfounded allegation that sought to impugn her integrity.

Another ugly dimension was introduced in Ekiti State when thugs beat up judges and took over the courts, ensuring that an eligibility case against Governor Ayo Fayose was never heard until he he was sworn in on October 16. The same chief judge who was assaulted adminstered the oaths on the governor at inauguration.

Special courts to the rescue?

Considering the myriad of allegations of corruption and delays, some analysts think the proposal that special courts be set up to try looters is attractive.

The challenge, however, would be how the government can make that happen. To create a new set of courts, the government may be confronted with the task of amending the constitution.

An alternative will be to collaborate with the judiciary, to designate some courts to specifically handle corruption-related cases. That seems to be the way to go and will be more cost- efficient.

It was learnt that the Federal Government may have begun moves to establish special courts to try corruption-related cases as part of the efforts to fight graft in the country. It was learnt that the President had concluded plans to submit a bill on the planned special anti-corruption courts to the National Assembly.

However, what has been confirmed is that criminal divisions of High Courts will be strengthened.

Sagay said: “We are going to look for judges who have the honour and integrity, who are upright and have passion for justice and who can never be compromised. They are going to be identified and transferred to the criminal division of each court; they will be there.

“We are not the ones to do this; it is for the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the heads of the various courts to do. Once this is done, it will take care of the issue of quality and character of judges and the law. Then, we are ready to meet the challenges of corruption cases.”

ACJA as the antidote It is believed that the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, if implemented, will help to check the abuses that criminal trials are fraught with in the country.

The Act repealed the Criminal Procedure Act and the Criminal Procedure Code as applicable in all Federal Courts and courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It is hoped that the Act will bring an end to the abuse of court procedure through irrelevant applications meant to stall quick trials for criminal offences.

The Act, experts say, will arrest the use of frivolous injunctions by especially politically exposed persons to frustrate their trials.

Activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) said: “The purpose of the Act is to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of the rights and inter-

ests of the suspect, the defendant and the victim.

“The Act has 495 sections with detailed provisions on arrest, warrants, investigation, trial, conviction, imprisonment, plea bargain, community service, parole, suspended sentence etc. The Act, which came into force on May 13, 2015, is expected to revolutionise the criminal justice system.”

To ensure speedy trial, the Act provides that objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the ground of an imperfect or erroneous charge. After the plea has been taken, any objection against the charge raised by the defendant shall only be considered along with the substantive issues and a ruling thereon made at the time of delivery of judgment. Upon arraignment, the trial of the defendant shall proceed from day-today until the conclusion of the trial.

Where day-to-day trial is impracticable after arraignment, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments from arraignment to final judgment provided that the interval between each adjournment shall not exceed 14 working days.

Where it is impracticable to conclude a criminal proceeding after the parties have exhausted their five adjournments each, the interval between one adjournment to another shall not exceed seven days inclusive of weekends. In all circumstances, the court may award reasonable costs in order to discourage frivolous adjournments.

Defendants are at liberty to file interlocutory appeals if they so desire but an application for stay of proceedings pending appeal will not be taken during the trial. No party is allowed to amend processes for more than five times during trial.

An end to de novo hearing One of the most significant provisions in the new Act is that the elevation of a High Court judge to the Court of Appeal will no longer delay a criminal trial.

The judge can continue to sit in the lower court only for the purpose of concluding any part-heard criminal matter pending before him/her at the time of the elevation and shall conclude the case within a reasonable time.

Several analysts have praised the ACJA, saying if it is strictly applied, the dispensation of justice will never remain the same. It is also a fortunate coincidence, coming at a time when the Buhari administration is determined to reduce corruption.

Sagay said: “What this Act has done is what any judge with common sense would have done before. The Act has decided to do it for them by stating that if anybody files a preliminary objection, the judge is compelled to take both the preliminary objection and the substantive issue together. He must no longer abandon the substantive issue.

“Then, to make sure that there is no loophole, the Act also provides that where any party disagrees with any ruling of the court and appeals, the court must not stay proceeding because of any appeal; it must continue the day-to-day hearing regardless of any appeal.”

Lagos lawyer and law teacher Wahab Shittu described the Act revolutionary.

He said: “The main goals of ACJA include promoting efficient management of criminal justice institutions and speedy dispensation of justice and to protect the society from crime, and protect the rights and the interest of the defendants and the victims of crime (see Section 1 of the Act).

“One essential feature of the ACJA is in its deliberate shift from punishment as the main goal of the criminal justice to restorative justice which pays serious attention to the needs of the society, the victims, vulnerable persons and human dignity generally.

“In order to ensure speedy trial, the Act provides in Section 306 that application for stay of proceedings shall no longer be heard until judgment and cannot operate to stall continuation of trial.

“This is a revolutionary move that is unprecedented, given the delays occasioned to the trial process by interlocutory applications to stay proceedings pending appeal on preliminary matters even when the substantive issues are yet to be tried on the merits.

“What the ACJA has done is to amplify the provisions of the Constitution to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

“This new law is very progressive, timely and in conformity with international best practices.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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NEWS

APC to Fayose: make public your assets

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has challenged Governor Ayo Fayose to make public, his assets, if he is to be taken serious as someone who has nothing to hide.

It urged him to emulate his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who not only declared his assets as stipulated by law, but also published them a few months after becoming governor.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement yesterday, expressed dismay that Fayose kept sealed lips on his assets more than 10 months after coming to power, noting that doing so would restore public confidence to governance.

Advising the governor to follow the footsteps of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Olatunbosun said the APC

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

might have no option but to take legal action to force the governor to declare his assets, to dispel allegation of property acquisitions with the state’s funds across the globe.

He said Fayose’s failure to make public his assets fuelled speculations that the state’s resources were allegedly being channelled towards private enterprises outside the state by him.

Olatunbosun said: “The governor must take the opportunity of declaring his assets to douse speculations of his alleged channelling of the state’s resources to his private enterprises abroad.

“It is curious that he has not abused President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo after they declared their assets.

Fayose’s silence on the President in this case is curious because the governor has never seen anything good in whatever Buhari does.”

Enjoining the governor to act to restore Ekiti people’s confidence, the APC spokesman said open declaration of assets would shame his critics, who always accused him of funds diversion to private use.

Said he: “We are worried by the unconfirmed reports of primitive acquisitions by Fayose, who allegedly owns property in Ghana, Dubai, South Africa, Abuja, Ibadan and Banana Islands and Magodo in Lagos, which were believed to have been acquired in the last nine months.

“Our party is aware that the governor had no visible means of income prior to October 16, 2014 when he became governor and the property he owned in Ibadan and Lagos are sub-

jects of litigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is probing him for alleged misappropriation and diversion of N1.3bilion poultry project cash to personal use in 2005.”

Olatunbosun said the present allegations of funds diversion gained currency on the heels of Fayose’s frequent trips to Dubai and South Africa “whenever he receives Ekiti State’s allocations from Abuja.”

He added: “Fayose is alleged to be building a state-of-the-art hotel in Dubai after he became governor and after he is reported to have paid a whopping N722million to himself as “arrears of his allowances” as governor during his first term on the strength of the Supreme Court judgment, which nullified his impeachment.

“Curiously too, Fayose has kept mute on the sums of money he has received on be-

half of the government, such as the N22billion refund on federal roads, N2billion ecological fund, N2billion microcredit fund, N2.1billion bailout NLNG fund, N9.6billion bailout cash, N8.5billion windfall received in June and an average of N3billion regular federal allocations he has been receiving from October 2014 to date.”

The APC spokesman said Ekiti people would be interested in the governor’s public declaration of his assets, considering the experience the state had under him during his aborted first tenure when he was arraigned for misappropriating N1.3billion over which the EFCC took him to court.

“It will be recalled that in his former declaration of assets in 2003, Fayose allegedly swore to an oath, declaring two barren land in a thick forest as two completed mansions in Ibadan.

The property the EFCC later

•Fayose

confirmed as the property built with the alleged proceeds of the fraudulent poultry project four years after he became the governor,” he noted.

Olatunbosun stressed that failure to declare his assets was a possibility of history repeating itself after the former bitter experience.

Bishop Aderin’s wife for burial

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HE wife of the retired Bishop of Anglican Church Communion, Ondo Diocese, Princess Felicia Mojirola Aderin (nee Omilaja), who died recently at 85, will be buried on Friday after an interment service at St Philips Catheral, Ayetoro, Ile Ife, Osun State.

There will be a service of songs today at 5pm at St. Peters Anglican Church, Iremo, Ile-Ife. It will be followed by a wake tomorrow at 4pm at St John’s Anglican Church, Ilare, Ile-Ife. Funeral service holds on Friday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife.

Some of the tables and chairs to be distributed to 36 states and FCT SUBEBs by the Federal Government, hosted by Osun State SUBEB. Inset is Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Deputy Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education (UBEC), Dr Yakubu Gambo (right), representing the Executive Secretary and state Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board, Prince Felix Awofisayo, at the launch at L.A. Government Middle School, Ayetoro, Osogbo...yesterday •The late Princess Aderin

Fayose: cultism now prohibited in Ekiti schools

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KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has declared war on cultism in the state as his administration is working on a law that will criminalise students’ involvement in cultism.

The governor also pledged to create a novel office of ‘Headmaster General’ to add value to primary education and enhance the status of teachers in the sub-sector.

Fayose made the pledge yesterday at the Education Summit, held at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall of the Trade

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The Summit which was chaired by the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, also saw eminent educationists, religious leaders, heads of tertiary institutions, chief executives of education agencies, unions and key stakeholders presenting papers.

He restated the determination of his administration to address the drift in education and place the state on the glo-

bal map of knowledge and scholarship through the involvement of critical stakeholders.

Fayose urged the stakeholders in the sector must cooperate with his administration to restore the lost glory of education for which Ekiti is renowned all over the world.

He explained that he was encouraged to organize the summit because the successes recorded during his first tenure in the education sector could be traced to a similar one organized in Novem-

ber 2003 The governor noted that the Education Summit is focusing on the primary education which he said remained the foundation which must be urgently addressed to get the needed result.

According to him, his administration will consider reintroduction of Teacher Training Colleges to address the problem of manpower and quality of teachers to teach pupils.

Fayose once again used the forum to reiterate the need for the people of the state to pay

taxes which he said remained the most realistic option to fund government projects needed by citizens to live better life.

He said payment of taxes is one of the areas his administration would rely on to provide infrastructure in public schools to provide environment conducive to learning.

He said: “My administration is going to take the issue of tax very serious, whatever is due to us you must give it to us. Most of our people don’t want to pay tax. If you pack illegally, I will impound your

vehicle and you will pay to get it back.

“Private school owners should pay up their dues and levies. We are going to take the issue of taxation serious because no government thrives without it.

“The issue of Headmaster General is very important to my government, government will name the first Headmaster General very soon.

“Cultism is now forbidden, if you have your child who is 18 years old, he has become accountable and he is liable for any offence committed.”

Ambode signs C of O for 2,500 property owners

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•Ambode

AGOS State Governor Akinwumi Ambode yesterday signed and approved the release of 2,500 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to property owners.

The Executive Secretary in the Lands Bureau, Mr. Olukayode Ogunnubi, said the development was in line with the governor’s effort to clear the backlog of C of O carried over from the last administration.

He said: “A distinction must

By Oziegbe Okoeki

be made that this government wants Lagosians to maximise the economic benefits derivable from ownership of property as evidenced by obtaining their legal titles.

“This is what we are trying to achieve and this is why the governor cleared the backlog.

Now we do not have pending C of O on our table.”

Ogunnubi said the action would enable property own-

ers to leverage on the C of O as collateral to obtain loans from financial institutions for business activities.

“This will also contribute to the growth of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the development of the economy,” he added.

The executive secretary said the governor intended to ensure that the process of applying and getting C of O was not only less cumbersome, but treated within the stipulated

time.

He said: “Once we have any new applicant for C of O, the governor’s mandate is to ensure that he signs it within the 90 days tenure. Once you make your payment, we start the processing. Let me also report that we are going on the Electronic C of O fully (E-C of O).

The ones he signed are E-C of O. “In a nutshell, the idea is to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. This is what the gover-

nor intends to achieve in line with his commitment to make life simple and easy for the people.

“This is a standard milestone, as the last time such was witnessed was during the era of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.”

Ogunnubi said the list of the 2,500 C of O’s would be published in the national newspapers from today.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

58

NEWS 100 days: Buhari is on track, says Osun lawmaker

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MEMBER of the Osun State House of Assembly Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has described the activities of President Muhammadu Buhari government within his 100 days in office as a demonstration of his sincerity to return Nigeria to the path of progress.

Oyintiloye, representing Obokun State Constituency, said the activities of the President have so far shown that he is not only meticulous and mature but full of insight.

He said President Buhari intellectual and managerial wherewithal to take Nigeria to the Promised Land.

Speaking at political meeting in Ibokun, the lawmaker said the input that has been made in the fight against insecurity, corruption, as well as economic developments were visible.

According to the lawmaker, the President’s mien and steps have shown that insecurity can be subdued, corruption tamed, bad economy addressed and hope restored.

He said: “The machinery that President Buhari has been able to set in motion to fight security challenges deserves applause of Nigerians. The area of note is the order for the relocation of Military Command Center to the Northeast, which is the theatre of the insurgency.

Tarzoor v Ortom: Tribunal reserves judgment From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has reserved judgment in the petition by Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate in the April 11 election, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor, challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Samuel Ortom, as winner of the poll.

The tribunal reached the decision after the parties adopted the final written addresses and argued the preliminary objection by Ortom, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the first, second and third respondents.

Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), who led a team of lawyers for the first respondent, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitioner’s case because “it is incompetent”.

The eminent lawyer averred that Tarzoor’s petition was not signed by a legal representative.

He described Tarzoor as a meddlesome interloper in APC’s affairs because he was not an aspirant on the party’s platform but only relied on hearsay to conclude that Ortom was not a member of the APC and was not sponsored by the party.

Akintola said the petitioner failed to prove his case, adding that there was no countable relief before the tribunal that was grantable in the matter.

The lawyer urged the tribunal to dismiss same because the petition lacked merit, was frivolous and abandoned.

Echocho alleges plot to disrupt PDP primary

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HE Jibrin Isah Campaign Organisation (JICO) yesterday alleged that sympathisers of Governor Idris Wada are behind a plot to disrupt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary tomorrow.

Alhaji Jibril Isah Echocho is a major challenger for the PDP ticket which Wada is also seeking.

A statement by his campaign Director-General, Fenti Dada, drew “the attention of the public as well as security agencies to the plan by the governor’s supporters to disrupt the PDP gubernatorial primaries”.

The statement added:

From James Azania, Lokoja “We have it on good authority that the hunter, who has now become the hunted, has recruited young men, mainly youths, to disrupt the primary by causing bodily harm to delegates and supporters of Alhaji Jibrin Isah Echocho.

“The plot is despicable, desperate and a sign that he (the governor) does not have the interest of the state as well as the party, PDP at heart. Most worrisome is the promise of political appointments to the thugs at the end of the exercise.

“Governor Wada should know that, we are aware of

his plan and wish to remind him that as the chief security officer of the state, his responsibility is to protect lives and properties and not the other way round.

“Governor Wada should also be reminded that the recently held gubernatorial primary of the APC was rancourfree, despite the fact that over 27 aspirants were involved.

“The good people of Kogi State deserve a better deal and as such, no amount of intimidation will deter the supporters and well wishers of Alhaji Isah from freely exercising their franchise.

“We wish to assure our numerous supporters that the relevant security organisa-

tions have been informed of the wicked plan o and that Governor Wada should be held responsible in the event of any unpleasant occurrence.”

But Wada’s Media Adviser, Jaboc Edi, described the allegation as diversionary..

He said: “This is devious, malicious and diversionary.

Let them go to the field and stop crying foul where there’s none. The issues in this primary are very clear.

Governor Wada is a stickler for due process. So, it is trite to make such ill-considered and baseless insinuations.

“We challenge them to summon courage and come to the field. But I assure that Wada will win.”

•Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh (right), taking the oath of office before Governor PHOTO: NAN Bindow Jibrilla (left) at the Government House in Yola...yesterday

Ondo 2016: APC chieftain counsels electorate From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Segun Abraham, has explained the reason why the electorate must vote for a credible candidate to take over power from Governor Olusegun Mimiko in 2017.

He addressed reporters in his home town, IkareAkoko, in Akoko North East Local Government when he was invited by prominent indigenes and chiefs of the town for a consultation on why he should contest next year’s governorship election.

The people, who received Abraham with joy, said they will support him if he contests.

Abraham said the electorate must vote for a person who would have the fear of God and not a person who would be interested in the seat of power to add to his wealth.

He said he was worried by the increasing rate of corruption because of bad leaders put in place by the electorate, adding that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would reduce corruption.

Tribunal rejects Amosun’s, APC’s prayers to quash Isiaka’s petition

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HE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, for the second time struck out Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s application, asking it to dismiss the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship candidate, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka.

It also struck out a similar petition brought before it by Amosun’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking dismissal of Isiaka’s petition.

The applications were anchored on Section 6 and Section 36 (6) of the constitution and paragraphs 18 (1) - (4), 47 (1) and 53 (5) of

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.

The applicants had in the motion on notice, asked the court to set aside the whole proceedings and report of the pre-trial session of the petition that was closed on July 13 or dismiss it for reason of irregularities, incompetence and lack of jurisdiction of the tribunal to determine the petition as constituted.

The two applications were brought separately by Amosun and APC yesterday, but none succeeded, as the tribunal Chairman, Jus-

tice Henry Olusiyi, said the applications were not only an abuse of court processes, but also an unnecessary waste of the tribunal’s time.

In countering the applications, Isiaka’s counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), argued that the issues raised in the applications were not true and that they had also been treated by the tribunal in similar separate applications earlier by the applicants.

Justice Olusiyi held that the applications were attempts to re-litigate on matters long settled earlier by the same tribunal.

He said: “By these applications, the first and second

respondents are asking us to sit on an appeal over our ruling of July 7 and July 30.

The two issues raised in the two applications have been decided upon one way or the other.

“The normal and proper thing for the first and second respondents to have done was to appeal and not to bug us down with these applications. This is no doubt an abuse of court process. These applications are an attempt to re-litigate matters that this tribunal has long settled.

“It is an abuse of judicial processes and unnecessary waste of tribunal’s precious time. The application are bereft of merit and sub-

stance. These applications failed and are dismissed.”

Ealier, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oluwajare Ogunnaike, opened and closed his defence without calling his witness.

He told the court that he was still not able to reach his witness since he was moved out of Ogun State and appealed that the case be adjourned till Thursday when the witness might be available, but his plea was turned down by the court.

The case was, however, adjourned till September 29 for the adoption of final written addresses by the parties.

Nigeria’ll win corruption battle, says Kumuyi

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HE General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William F. Kumuyi, yesterday, said the fight against corruption will be won sooner than later.

He said despite the economic challenges, there is hope for Nigeria.

He spoke with reporters at the kick-off of the Citywide Crusade organised by Deeper Life in conjunction with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN).

The event, which witnessed a multitude of worshippers, took place at the Police College premises in

By Joseph Jibueze

Ikeja.

Kumuyi, in a message entitled: “The wonders of supernatural change”, said God has the power to change all negative circumstances.

He said: “My prayer for the country is that the Supernatural change that God had brought to individuals will be brought to our country.

“As the fight against corruption is ongoing, we need the wisdom of God and His support. My prayer is that God will assist the government to pull through until we get to the end of the tunnel in Jesus name. The change has started already. “?I want to encourage Nigerians to have hope. We

should look up to God that He is able to turn things around.

It may not take place this very minute, but God is going to do wonders in our country and things are going to turn around for the better.”

In his sermon, Kumuyi assured the audience that no matter the challenges they may face, and which may appear to defy solution, there is real hope.

According to him, the greatest problem of man was sin and those who are bound by chain unrighteousness urgently need to seek God’s forgiveness.

“The Lord does not condemn sinners but saves them.

Sinners must boldly take a step by confessing their sins.

It is futile to think that it is

impossible to live a righteous life. God is capable of saving sinners no matter the level of sin they have committed.

“Every work of Satan in your life must be reversed.

Bad luck has come to an end.

Sorrow and reproach have come to an end. This is a time for supernatural change. You must leave all your sins behind. God has declared that this day salvation has come into your life. God will not reject you,” he stressed.

Kumuyi added: “Salvation has come to you today.

Don’t think God is going to reject you because you went to a shrine. A glorious and gracious cleansing is coming to you. You will be so clean that angel will look at you

•Pastor Kumuyi

and marvel.”

One of the participants at the crusade, Ms Marvellous Archibong, testified how she regained her sight last night at the crusade having been blind since she was born 18 years ago.

Another woman testified that she was suffering from cancer but that her lump disappeared after Kumuyi prayed.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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NEWS Bayelsa poll: Rep leads Dickson’s campaign team From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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MEMBERS of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, is leading the campaign team of Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson.

The team, which will operate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is tagged: Restoration Campaign Organisation.

At the inauguration of the 13-member team yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, Dickson urged its members to use their wealth of experience and work for his victory in the December 5 governorship poll.

The governor, at the inauguration of the campaign office at Yenizue-Gene in Yenagoa, advised them to act as the campaign directors in their various localities.

He said members of the team were carefully selected for their pedigree and after consultation with leaders and elders of the party.

Dickson described the campaign team members as political juggernauts and tested tacticians.

30 suspected cultists arrested in Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

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HE Isoko South Police Division of Delta State Police Command has arrested 30 suspects for alleged cultism and related violent acts at Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was learnt that the suspects were arrested at 3.30am on Monday when they attempted to attack one of their members who renounced his membership.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “He was in police custody, and because he renounced membership of his cult group, his colleagues planned to go after him. So, he raised the alarm. He identified over 30 other cult members, who were arrested.”

The Chairman of the Irri Community Development Committee, Mr. Goddey Igorigo, who addressed reporters at Irri, condemned cultism.

He said the community was putting in place other measures to stop cultism.

Police spokesperson Celestina Kalu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the arrests.

She said the command was investigating the matter.

•From left: Guests Speaker, Prof. Pat Utomi; Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mrs Dayo Keshi; former Executive Director of NCAC, Prof. Sule Bello, and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture andNational Orientation, Mr Geroge Ufot, PHOTO: NAN during a roundtable and official unveiling of NCAC at 40th logo in Abuja...yesterday

Bayelsa PDP bounces back with Dickson’s declaration D ESPITE the mass defection of its leaders to the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday proved that it remained the party to beat in the December 5 governorship election.

The party bounced back as thousands of its faithful trooped to the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the state capital, for the formal public declaration of Governor Seriake Dickson for a second term in office.

The governor’s re-election ambition received a surprise boost, following the sudden appearance of Dame Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady, in company of former PresidentGoodluck Jonathan, at the event.

Mrs. Jonathan, who joined her husband while the programme was ongoing, received ovation from the crowd.

Her presence confirmed that her prolonged rift with the governor had been settled and she had decided to support the governor’s reelection.

PDP leaders at the grassroots, federal and state lawmakers, chairmen of the eight local government areas, the councillors, State Ex-

•Jonathan, governors others back reelection bid From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ecutive Council (Exco) members, various women’s groups and youth groups were at the stadium.

Ondo State governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum Olusegun Mimiko led PDP governors to the function.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike attended the programme but governors of Delta, Ebonyi, Kogi and Abia states were represented by their deputies.

Nollywood stars, like Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, Rosemary Imgbi, Ngozi Nwosu and Stephnora Okere, were present to support Dickson.

Other PDP leaders at the event included former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alameiyeseigha, Senator Barigha Amange, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, Senator James Manager, traditional rulers and party supporters.

Former President Jonathan declared his support for Dickson’s re-election, saying: “I want Dickson to complete a second term. So many states

don’t pay workers but Dickson has tried in payment of workers.”

Jonathan, who spoke mostly in pidgin, said the governor had reduced the state’s debt profile, adding that compared to other states, Bayelsa was one of the least indebted.

The former President noted that the governor had performed well in infrastructural development and security.

He said: “When I look at all these things, I know that he has tried. He has done well.”

Jonathan urged defectors seeking to be governor to sacrifice their ambitions, unite and support Dickson to complete his second term.

The former President identified the problems of the state as disunity and what he called pull-down syndrome.

He said: “We are totally committed to deliver Dickson. His project is our common project. The election is beyond Dickson. This time, Dickson is the person who can push us. Others, who want to be governor, should wait until Dickson completes his second term.”

Alamieyeseigha, who was

the chairman of the occasion, said the event was a pre-election victory celebration for the governor.

He said the state had been administered at all levels since 1999 by the PDP, adding that the leaders of the party were not ready to surrender it to another party.

Declaring PDP an Ijaw party, he said it gave the first Ijaw man and minority a platform to become the President.

He regretted that instead of rewarding the party with their faithfulness, some leaders betrayed it by defecting to the APC. Alamieyeseigha urged the defectors to return to where they belonged, adding that the Ijaw had adopted the PDP. The former governor said Dickson had done well and was ready to do more, if given an opportunity for a second term.

Asari-Dokubo sang with war songs, saying the forthcoming election was not about Dickson but about the future of the Ijaw.

He wondered if those who defected to the APC would have done so if Jonathan had remained the President.

Emmanuel calls for calm over DSS ‘invasion’ of Govt House From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

AKWA Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has urged Nigerians, especially Akwa Ibom residents, to remain calm following the perceived assault by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) during their invasion of the Government House.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Uyo, the state capital, on arrival from Abuja at the Ibom International Airport, the governor said the matter was before the Presidency.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari had assured that he would look into the matter.

Emmanuel said: “President Buhari is on top of the situation. He is the President of Nigeria and not the President of a particular party. We just have to be calm and see how he will go about the matter.”

Operatives of the DSS, last Thursday, invaded the State Government’s lodge, “without following due process”.

During the raid, the operatives allegedly broke into the rooms and guest houses in the Government House.

Delta governorship tribunal: Emerhor, APC close case

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HE Delta State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, the state capital, has overruled the objections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the April 11 election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his party.

The tribunal admitted the analysis of the card readers of accredited voters.

The evidence was admitted for comparison with the alleged over-accreditation of voters contained in the election results sheets and the alleged over-voting that led to the declaration of Okowa.

The analysis, done in nine

•Tribunal admits expert analysis of results From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

columns by Mr Ore Ohimor, the star witness the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, and his party, called, contained facts from the admitted unit-by-unit card readers’ accreditation report and the unit-by-unit voters’ result sheets, declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okowa, the first respondent, had sought to stop the admission of the document, arguing that it was neither front-loaded nor accompanied by prop-

er certification, as is required by the law for a document prepared by a computer.

The PDP candidate argued that it failed to meet the requirement of the Evidence Act, Section 84, Sub-section 2.

The second respondent, the PDP, aligned with Okowa, arguing that the document was prepared in the course of the hearing.

The party said so doing could not be admissible, adding that only a document that was front-loaded could be admitted.

The PDP also concluded its

objection, arguing that the document was not dated and properly certified.

The petitioner’s reply relied on point of law, stating that in Paragraph 16 of his petition, the analysis was well pleaded.

Besides, he said paragraphs 7 and 8 of the witness’ statement under oath also pleaded same.

Emerhor averred that the witness only used the computer to prepare the comparative analysis of the results, relying on his own intellectual capacity and not that of the computer to generate the analysis of results.

The APC candidate said it was

for this reason such a computer certification was not applicable.

The tribunal agreed with the petitioner that the documents prepared during a hearing on the petition in question were admissible.

It held that the fact a computer was used to prepare the comparative analysis did not mean that it was the computer that generated figures or inputs contained therein.

The tribunal also noted that most documents, if not all, used during the hearing were prepared by a computer.

It said there was no reason why the document in question should be treated differently.

The tribunal agreed that the witness carefully prepared the documents, arranging them in nine columns as facts contained in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the witness’ statement and that after a careful review of the analysis of the results, there was no reason to decline its admissibility.

It averred that the cases of “Omisore vs Aregbesola” and “Abudu vs Audu” cited by the first and second respondents were not applicable in the case.

The tribunal admitted and named the comparative analysis/summary of results as Exhibit “P34”.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

NEWS Tribunal upholds Benue Rep Okwu’s election

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HE National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday upheld Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s return of Mr Samson Okwu as House of Representatives member-elect.

Okwu contested the election for Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, Mr Etukwu Onah of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had taken Okwu and INEC before the tribunal on allegation of irregularities at the March 28 National Assembly election .

The petitioner also alleged that INEC was wrong to have returned Okwu as the lawful winner .

In her judgment, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu-led tribunal held that the petitioner failed to prove his case beyond all reasonable doubt.

According to the Judge, the petitioner made allegations and the onus of proof rested on him but he failed to lead evidence

to prove his case.

She also held that the testimonies of most of the petitioner’s witnesses were contradictory, adding that they were based on mere hearsay, which could not be relied upon in law.

Dipeolu, therefore, dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

Counsel to Okwu, Mr Samson Udaga, had earlier questioned the basis of the petition.

Udaga cited Sections 47 and 53 of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 in his defense.

According to Okwu, the petitioner made criminal allegations on individuals, who are not parties in the matter.

He also urged the tribunal to strike out the petition.

Counsel to Etukwu, Mr Eje Ochuokpa, had objected to the preliminary objection citing Section 137(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

He told the tribunal that the entire body of the petition did not contain any name other than INEC officials, saying that it was unnecessary to join them individually.

Power: Govt ‘spent N2.740tr in 16 years’ Continued from page 8

the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr. James Olotu, told the committee that the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP) received $8.23 billion.

The $8.23 billion, which came from the excess crude account, translates to about N1.640 trillion the NIPP spent on its activities.

The committee wondered why local governments were not represented on the governing board of the NIPP even when they are part of the sponsors of the NIPP projects.

Olotu explained that the framers of the NIPP law might have thought that bringing in

local government chairmen as NIPP board members would make it unwieldy, considering the number of local governments.

He said governors on the board are representing local governments in their geo-political zones.

The committee asked Igali to submit to it audited accounts of the ministry and its agencies.

The audited account will enable the committee to know what was actually released to the ministry, the chairman said.

The committee was also not comfortable with what a member described as notable contradictions and discrepancies in the presentations of those who appeared before the committee.

The chairman said in most of the submissions, there were no project costs; only budget allocations.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, at the inauguration of the committee two weeks ago, charged it to conduct a comprehensive probe of allegations of questionable practices in the sector.

Buhari’s anti-corruption battle rages in nine states

•President Buhari Continued from page 8

Corruption and Related Offences (HALCIA) on recent arrests of Nigerians smuggling large volumes of foreign currency through Niamey Airport to the Middle East.

“We intend to contact the appropriate Authorities in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Togo and Ghana for intelligence on current bulk cash smuggling trends by Nigerians.”

The EFCC confirmed the arrest of 10 crew members and

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detention of a vessel for alleged oil theft.

The document added: “ Ten crew members of MV PEACE who were arrested off Lagos Fairway Buoy by the Nigeria Navy Ship BEECROFT with suspected stolen crude oil were arraigned on 22nd July 2015 before Hon. Justice Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos. The trial was adjourned to 22nd September 2015.

“The case of MT EUROPORT, a vessel arrested by the Joint Task Force Operation PULO SHIELD on 15th June 2015 at Furopa Waterways in Bayelsa, will be in court as soon as the forensic report of the product sample is received from the Department of Petroleum Resources. Both vessels are detained in lawful custody.”

On advance Fee Fraud scams, the anti-graft commission said it has returned •20,540 and $6, 500 to some foreigners.

It said: “Although the Com-

mission has drastically reduced the prevalence of rampant advance fee fraud in Nigeria, we continue to convict perpetrators and return their lost money to demonstrate that we have the capacity to provide justice to our local and foreign victims. Internet fraud has impacted our national image negatively.

Such direct cash restitution includes:• •10, 540 to a Belgian citizen through the Embassy in Abuja on 2nd September; • $6, 500 to an American citizen through the Embassy’s Legal Attaché on 19th August; and • •10, 000 sent by direct bank transfer to a French victim, who is suffering from terminal cancer in June The brief also highlighted the benefits of President Buhari’s interaction with the international community to antigraft war in the last three months.

It said: “We received sever-

al valuable capacity building assistance from the United States Government through the Department of Justice, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Institute of Peace, Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other benefactors include; the German Consulate, Spanish Embassy, Interpol Singapore, United Kingdom National Crime Agency etc.

“The trainings were held in Abuja, Lagos, Dakar, Malta, Singapore, United States, Thailand, Spain, the Netherlands, Mauritius & China between June and September 2015.

“The United States Government through the FBI and the Homeland Security Investigations also donated a Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device (FRED workstation) and a currency detection/counting machine to the Commission in August 2015 to further strengthen our technical capacity.

Troops find hard drugs in Boko Haram camps

HE Army said yesterday its troops usually find condoms, hard drugs and sex-enhancing drugs in camps captured from Boko Haram insurgents.

Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman, said the findings underlined the military’s belief that most Boko Haram militants were not grounded in Islam and were not driven by Islamic ideology.

He said many of the insurgents so far arrested could not

even recite the Quoran, Islam’s Holy book.

He said those arrested by Army’s 3rd Division troops yesterday were found to be the suppliers of hard drugs and other stimulants to terrorists.

They were nabbed between Depchi and Geidam, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State He said: “The arrested persons were also engaged in the supply of fuel in addition to

hard drugs such as Cannabis (Indian Hemp), Chlorofone substance (AKA Madaran suck and die) and Tramol, amongst others.

“You will recall that sometimes ago we reported that ironically most of the Boko Haram terrorists captured by Nigerian military cannot read the Holy Qur’an, some of them cannot even recite the first chapter- Suratuh Al-Fatiha and yet they claimed they wanted to establish an ‘Islam-

ic State’.

“When the Nigerian military captured their bases and training camps, they never found Qur’an or other Islamic books, what were mostly found were ammunition, local charms, condoms and all sort of drugs including sex enhancing ones in their enclaves.

“The arrest of these drug suppliers has reinforced that fact, more so as they have been making very useful statements.”

Fed Govt backs concessionary funding for SMEs

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HE Federal Government is seeking availability of well planned concessionary funding initiatives for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

This was contained in the speech of President Muhammadu Buhari delivered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday at the SME Financing Conference in Abuja with the theme ’Bridging the Nigerian SME Funding Gap’.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said that the conference was convened by the NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce, Kaduna State Chapter

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

and the Economic Affairs Section of the United States Embassy.

The concessionary funding, the President said, wil help Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises overcome the problem of access to low cost financing.

He also believed that engaging the Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs in Nigeria will go a long way to ensure sustainable economic development and wealth creation in the country.

He said “SMEs are grossly undeserved in terms of low cost financing. There are several reasons why this may be so. These include how to deal

with the sheer scale of numbers of SMEs that need to access concessionary funds in order to make an appreciable impact.”

Assuring that credit can reach large number of SMEs through cooperatives and trade organizations, he said that the importance of financing SMEs has never been lost on the governments, but for lack of access to affordable loans.

He said that several deliberate and sustained financial initiatives have been put in place by the Central Bank of Nigeria except that SMEs still remain grossly undeserved.

He listed co-operatives, Market-women and Trade groups, Artisans, start-up

companies as veritable partners who are being engaged towards the creation of wealth with overall goal of boosting job creation and ultimately economic growth and development.

Nigerian migrant baby born at sea Continued from page 8

refugees, as record numbers flee to Macedonia and Greece.

A record 7,000 Syrian refugees arrived in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia on Monday, while some 30,000 are on Greek islands, including 20,000 on Lesbos, the UN said.

CBN faults JP Morgan’s removal of Nigeria from Bond Index Continued from page 8

Communications, Ibrahim Mu’azu, said while it respects the right of the J.P. Morgan to make this decision, it expressed its disagreement with the premise and conclusions upon which the decision was made.

In the statement jointly issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office and the apex bank, Mu’azu said Nigeria was included in the index in October 2012, based on the existence of an active domestic market for FGN Bonds supported by a Two-Way Quote System, dedicated Market Makers and diverse investors.

However, in January 2015, J.P. Morgan placed the country on an Index Watch as a result of their concerns in the operations of our Foreign Exchange (FX) Market, such as lack of liquidity for transactions, lack of transparency in the determination of the exchange rate; and lack of a fully functional two-

way FX Market.

Listing the steps taken by CBN, Mu’azu said despite the fact that oil prices have fallen by nearly 60 percent in one year, which should expectedly reduce the amount of liquidity in the market, the regulator ensured that all genuine and effective demand were met, especially those from foreign investors.

On transparency, the CBN mandated that all FX transactions were posted online in the Reuters Trading Platform so that all stakeholders can easily verify all transactions in the market. In addition, the Official FX Window at the CBN was closed to ensure a level-playing field in the pricing of foreign exchange.

He noted that a functional two-way FX market already exists in Nigeria. However, given the high propensity for speculation, round tripping, and rent-seeking in the market, it became imperative that partic-

ipants are not allowed to simply trade currencies but are only in the market to fulfill genuine customer demands to pay for eligible imports and other transactions.

Mu’azu said CBN’s FX policies have resulted in the stability of the exchange rate in the interbank market over the past seven months and largely eliminated speculators from the market.

“Despite these positive outcomes, the J. P. Morgan would prefer that we remove this rule; even though it is obvious that doing so would lead to an indeterminate depreciation of the naira. With dwindling oil prices, we believe that an orderbased two-way market best serves Nigeria’s interest at the moment,” he said.

“While we would continue to ensure that there is liquidity and transparency in the market, we would like to note that the market for FGN Bonds remains strong and active due

primarily to the strength and diversity of the domestic investor base”.

Currencies Analyst t Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun said Nigeria’s removal from the index will create a negative effect on the prices of current bond portfolios. However, the subsequent rise in bond yields should provide a new re-entry point for investors interested in Naira denominated assets, which in turn will help boost FX inflows thereby supporting the local currency.

He also expects bond yields will rise, possibly by around 200 to 300 basis points, which in turn would increase pressure on the naira. “This will heighten the naira volatility, with further depreciation most likely; as such we expect CBN to either increase the volume/frequency of inter-bank FX intervention or devalue the naira by another 18 per cent to N230 to dollar,” he said yesterday.

According to him, domestic

investors would remain confident about positive real returns in naira denominated assets, but they might need to reassess portfolio composition in order to take advantage of the expected rise in bond yields while minimising any potential losses arising from the fall in bond prices.

For the banking sector, he said the outcome of the JP Morgan’s decision may create balance sheet position dilemma for deposit money banks (DMBs) that are cut in-between building portfolio holdings in government securities of around 17 to 19 per cent or shrinking balance sheet exposure to corporate risk assets.

JP Morgan said Nigeria will not be eligible for re-entry for at least 12 months from the date of exclusion, JPMorgan said.

The country has a 1.5 per cent weighting in the biggest GBIEM index, which is tracked by $183.8 billion of funds, according to the bank.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

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NEWS Court awards N5m against EFCC for freezing firm’s account

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•Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (third left), his deputy, Ahmed Aliyu (second left), Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba (left) and Tambuwal’s his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam at Garba and Imam’s swearing-in at the Government House...yesterday

Tension as 200 students slump at UNIZIK

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VER 200 students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, slumped while writing the post-UTME examination on Monday.

However, nobody died.

Some students, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, said the school authorities did not make proper arrangements for the examination.

One of them said: “The examination was not organised; computers were not enough and we were

•Only three slumped, says management From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

there from 8am till 9pm.

“Honestly, more than 200 students slumped due to exhaustion and the lecturers did not care, as they were busy pushing us from one place to another.

“Some who came from distant places without relations in Anambra slept in the open and the fear is that no one knows if any of the slumped students died,” she said.

But the Director of Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Ojukwu debunked the allegations.

He said only three students slumped and they were resuscitated at the school’s clinic.

Ojukwu said one of the victims was asthmatic and didn’t come with her medication.

The second victim was in an accident earlier while the third was hungry.

He added that the school had 500 computers, while the

examinations ended by 5pm.

“What we did was to allow those already screened to finish their exams while the others were told to come back on Friday.

“On Monday, we had 11,000 students; 8,200 wrote the exam and others will write theirs later.

“The place was organised and the school is equal to the task,” Ojukwu said.

Sergeant, three others charged with ‘kidnapping’

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HE Anti-Pipeline Unit of the police yesterday arraigned four men, including a police sergeant, at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly kidnapping nine policemen at Arepo.

Godwin German, 36, Tamarami Tunwa, 23, Sergeant Akowe Jacob, 41 and Mayibi Hazeez, 29 were charged with nine counts of kidnapping.

The “kidnapped” policemen are an Assistant Superintendent of police,

By Joseph Jibueze

Abdullahi Bature; Inspectors Raymond Oriere, Usman Mohammed, Oguntimehin Kolawole, Tijani Jimoh, and Corporals Elogbamen Timothy, Yakubu Aliyu, Usman Abdulkareem and Dauda Mohammed.

Prosecution counsel Raymond Odion said the accused persons allegedly conspired to commit the offence on May 24 at about 9pm at Arepo.

The alleged offence is pun-

‘Buhari creating climate for zero-corruption’ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief David Onuoha-Bourdex has said President Muhammadu Buhari is creating a zerocorruption climate for prospective ministers.

A statement in Abakaliki yesterday said those complaining of the President’s perceived slow-pace failed to recognise his desire to ensure that his ministers would not continue the cycle of corruption evidenced in the last administration.

He noted that the country was witnessing a new approach to governance, saying that instead of accusing the President of operating as a sole administrator, Nigerians should recognise that since a garden reveals the character of the gardener, an incorruptible president would not allow an environment that encourages corruption around him.

“Therefore, if President Buhari has used the last three months to set necessary structures and create the enabling culture for prudence and transparency, I think Nigeria is the best for it. We should not judge the president negatively on account of his meticulous approach to governance,” the APGA chieftain asserted.

Onuoha-Bourdex expressed satisfaction with the leadership style of President Buhari. He said Buhari radiated a positive aura and the young administration has breathed sanity into the country’s economy.

He hoped that the ministers would emulate the President.

ishable under Section 33(1) (a) of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.

The four accused pleaded not guilty.

Odion prayed the court to remand them in prison until their trial is concluded.

But defense counsel, Chief S.W. Baidi, said he filed a bail application for the accused persons.

According to him, bail is a discretionary remedy but the Constitution allows the applicants the benefit of being

presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The offence is a bailable and it attracts not more than 20 years on conviction. The accused persons are all responsible, especially the third defendant, who is a sergeant and has not been dismissed.

“He was in the process of writing a promotional exam to the rank of Inspector when he was arrested,” Baidi said.

Justice Muhammed Yunusa adjourned till September 15 for ruling on the bail application.

InnJoo introduces new smartphones

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OBILE phone manufacturer, InnJoo, is set to introduce two new smart phones, Halo and FirePlus, into the Nigerian market.

The phone is customised mainly for those who prefer longer battery usage, Halo is a 5.0 inch size with a 3,200mAh battery while Fire Plus is a 5.5 inch size, equipped with a 3,600mAh battery. The two enables fast charge.

At the launch in Lagos, Managing Director, Robert Liang said: “InnJoo knows that Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa but only about 40 per cent of the population is connected to the energy grid, and as such, the need to constantly recharge has caused a great deal of trouble to phone users.

We have taken this into account to improve the situation with these new smart phones.

“Nigerians are making the

By Tonia ‘Diyan

switch from feature phones to smart phones. Before now, they would charge their phones more than twice a day, instead of once a week.

But InnJoo Halo and Fire Plus will change this. Both releases also spot different designs on the back shell allowing users to express their individuality.

“The phones ensure longer usage with their power saving settings, the 3,600mAh battery ensures more than 24 hours of music playing, 22 hours of phone call, 10 hours of video playback and 330 hours stand-by, which is pretty average and lasts more than a day for moderate users.”

InnJoo Halo sells for N13,999, and will be available from September 25 while Fire Plus sells for N26,700 and will be available from September 12 on Jumia.

HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday awarded N5 million damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sealing up Rana Prestige Industries Nigeria Limited and freezing its accounts without court order.

Justice Ibrahim Buba held that the commission acted irrationally, saying the EFCC wrongly exercised its prosecutorial discretion in sealing up the company.

Through its lawyer Rickey Tarfa (SAN), the company filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit and prayed the court to order the unsealing of the business premises.

It also prayed for an order unfreezing its accounts with Diamond Bank, Ecobank, and Access Bank, as well as an order of perpetual injunction restraining EFCC from violating its rights.

Rana Prestige and Nazaire sought N100 mil-

By Joseph Jibueze

lion damages, and N10 million as cost of the action.

Justice Buba granted all the reliefs sought, except the damages and cost. He awarded N5 million to the applicants and made no order as to cost.

“There is no evidence that the order of court was obtained prior to sealing the company. The commission did not do a preliminary investigation before it moved against the company after receiving a petition against it and its director.

“It is clear that the first (EFCC) and second respondents did not exercise their discretion properly.

“There is nothing in the record that said they did any preliminary investigation. The first and second respondents acted irrationally,” he held.

The EFCC filed criminal charges against the applicants, which is still pending before the court.

Prayer and Praise night at CCC

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LL is set for the Prayer and Praise Night/Award of the Celestial Church of Christ, King David’s Victory Crusaders. The event will hold at Horeb Cathedral C.C.C. Ikeja II at No. 113, Joseph Odunlami Street, Ogba-Iyaiye.

The praise night is scheduled for Friday, September 11 by 9pm and themed: ‘The Greatest Sacrifice’, adapted from Heb 9:11-15 Host Evang. Tunde Omilegbe, also known as Alalaye Ijesha I, said there will be salvation, blessing and healing.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

62

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Mechanic ‘rapes’ girl , 15

A

How ‘developer’ duped us, by home seekers •The protesters ... yesterday

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NGRY protesters stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday, condemning the activities of a selfstyled developer, who allegedly duped them of millions of naira. They said the ‘developer’ duped them under the pretext of renting apartments and shops to them.

They carried placards with inscriptions like: We are homeless, we need your help; We need our money; Fake landlord, developer, he must pay our money; He must pay our money;

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Save our souls, among others.

Their spokesman, Pastor Godwin Madu said the ‘developer’, who collected between N120,000 and N900,000 from them for mini flats, two bedroom flats, three bedroom flats and shops in Agbotikuyo, Agege Total, Iju and Fagba.

The ‘developer’, he claimed, collected money from as many as five to 10 people for the same apartment.

“Even when he agrees to refund money to some people he allegedly rented same apartments to, he issued them fake cheques”, Madu said.

He said the police were able to arrest the ‘developer’ at Iyana-Ipaja last Tuesday.

The suspect is being held at Area ‘G’ in Ogba, but the protesters are accusing the police of not handling the case well.

“We want the House to help us compel the suspect to refund our money. The police are not doing any-

thing about it, we went to human rights groups and we were advised to take the matter to the government,” the protesters said.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, Segun Olulade, a lawmaker, promised that the House would investigate the matter.

He praised the protesters for their decorum.

“I thank you for believing in your House. We will treat your petition and act on it as soon as we resume,” he said.

A

By Ibrahim Adam

is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the bank or the firm’s agents from attaching any of the firm’s assets; restraining the bank from making further malicious publication against it; preventing the bank or its agents from any form of liquidation or receivership and directing the bank to render account of the N1.6billion loan.

The firm also sought an order compelling UBA to reconcile its accounts in line with the CACS. Food Concepts sought the N1.6 billion loan under the CACS provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) to develop a Greenfield Poultry Farm in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as a backward integration initiative under the name of Free Range Farms Limited.

It said it pledged specific assets as security for the loan (including but not limited to the farm’s assets), adding that as such, its exposure is limited to those specified assets.

The claimant said it generally complained about delays in the disbursement of the loan, alleging that it discovered irregularities in its accounts with UBA which necessitated a reconciliation.

It accused the bank of poor handling of the disbursement of the loan, adding that this

affected the project’s outcome.

The claimant said it secured the First City Monument Bank’s commitment to refinance the loan with CBN’s knowledge, claiming that this did not stop UBA from filing a winding up petition.

“Despite the winding up petition, the bank still went ahead to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the claimant and FCMB in full liquidation of the outstanding reconciled debt”, Food Concepts alleged.

It accused the bank of damaging its “credibility and reputation” by publishing its name as a “chronic debtor”, praying the court for N1 billion as general damages and N10 million as costs.

A

By Ambrose Nnaji

documents.

Osunade told The Nation that the speculators placed an unauthorised caution on the title registered at the Lagos State Land Registry using a law firm.

He said: “I bought this land with my hard-earned money as far back as 1991. I am not based in Nigeria as my en-

gagements take me overseas on most occasions. I was with the IMF for many years representing the Fund in Tanzania, Kenya, and Liberia. I was shocked to return and find out that my 24-year-old property was under threat.”

Osunsade insisted that he is the owner of the land, asking that the unauthorised caution placed on it be removed forthwith.

He appealed to the police and the government to bring the suspects to book.

His counsel, Jide Ologun said the government had directed that the unauthorised caution be removed.

Ologun said all documents had been obtained and updated with the Lands Bureau.

The Nation observed that building materials have been deposited on the site.

A

26-YEAR-OLD man Alao Akojiime, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly impersonating a deputy comptroller-general of Customs.

He is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and impersonation.

The defendant was said to have presented himself as Peter Akande, a customs chief, on August 12, in order to defraud a job seeker, Samuel Eze. He was said to have obtained N33,300 from Eze under the pretence of getting him a job with the Nigerian Customs Service.

Prosecuting police Inspector Haruna Ibrahim told Magistrate F.F. George that the defendant also advertises and auctions vehicles as a Customs agent to defraud people.

The defendant, he said, also defrauded others under the guise of obtaining recruitment forms for them into customs.

The defendant pleaded not guilty. He was granted N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The matter has been fixed for October 2.

Four suspected kidnappers in court

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OUR persons have been arraigned people before an Isolo Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly kidnapping Ebenezer Dare Owagbemi.

Prosecuting police Inspector Abass Abayomi said Ramoni Shofodun, Marcus Awilo, Raphael Omoro, Solomon Omojowo and others at large committed the offence on July 2 at Imagbon in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Abass said the quartet col-

A

By Idayat Bello

responsiveness and focused administration in setting the pace for delivering on his campaign promises”.

“Ever since he assumed office, Mr Ambode has left no one in doubt about his capability and competence as a tested and trusted administrator and technocrat in discharging his constitutional responsibility to the admiration of the good people of Lagos State who are de-

lighted that they made the right choice at the polls on April 11,” the group said.

CPPM said the governor has succeeded in repositioning the civil service by streamlining some ministries, departments and agencies, ensuring financial transparency and accountability through the operation of a Single Treasury Account (STA).

The group said: “We are quite aware of how Mr Governor put smiles on the faces of state and local government

retirees from ministries, parastatals and agencies early in August when he approved N11billion to offset arrears owed since 2010. This was a commendable development by a responsible government and this is a radical departure from our history of shabby treatment of retirees in the public service.

“Also, the prompt responsiveness of Ambode’s government to disasters and emergencies is worthy of commendation. Worthy of

By Esther Unachukwu

lected N3 million ransom for the release of Owagbemi.

He added that the offence contravened Sections 409, 269(i) and 269(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

They pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Adeola Adebayo granted them N1 million bail with two sureties in the like sum each.

The case was adjourned till September 27.

Funeral for Assembly matron

By Oziegbe Okoeki

•The late Mrs Oriola

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HE remains of State House of Assembly Clinic matron Mrs Caroline Oriola will be buried tomorrow at Atan Cem-

Group hails ‘Ambode’s 100 days milestone’ CIVIL society organisation has described the first 100 days in office of Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as richly rewarding. It said the governor has exemplified excellence in governance.

A statement by the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) chairman, Nelson Ekujumi, said Ambode like his predecessors, is “following the tradition of responsibility,

tion 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Sarafa’s lawyer, M. C. Bolowotan, told the court that there was medical evidence to show that there had been no sexual penetration by her client. She urged the court to grant Sarafa bail.

Magistrate A. A. Oshoniyi granted the accused N150,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum. One of the sureties, she said, must be a community or religious leader.

The case was adjourned till October 15.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Speculators grab ex-IMF chief’s land 70-YEAR-OLD former International Monetary Fund (IMF) worker has begun a battle to recover his land from speculators in Lekki, Lagos.

Mr Festus Osunsade, who represented IMF in Tanzania, Kenya and Liberia, bought the land in 1991.

But the land has been reportedly sold by speculators who forged the property’s

By Robert Egbe

Man charged with impersonating Customs chief

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Food firm, bank quarrel over N1.6b loan CONFECTIONERY company has gone to court to challenge the claim that it is owing United Bank of Africa (UBA) N1.6 billion.

In a suit filed at the Lagos High Court, Food Concepts Plc faulted the bank’s claim, accusing it of breaching the terms of a N1.6 billion loan under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

It said it was shocked by the bank’s publication of its name as “a chronic debtor” in three newspapers when the facility would not expire until next year.

In the suit filed by Mrs. Omohafe Opara of Rickey Tarfa and Co, Food Concepts

23-YEAR-OLD auto mechanic, Wasiu Sarafa, was yesterday arraigned in an Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for alledgedly raping a 15year-old girl.

Sarafa, who resides in Ikorodu, is facing a single count rape charge.

Prosecuting police Corporal Abosede Adegeshin said the accused committed the offence at the victim’s residence.

She said: “On September 5, at about 2pm along Onolu Road, Igbe, Ikorodu, the accused had unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim, who is 15 years old.”

The prosecutor added that the offence contravened Sec-

note is the commitment of Ambode to security of life and property by unveiling plans to strengthen internal security of the state through the establishment of an integrated security and emergency control platform as well as strengthening the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

“Also commendable, is the acquisition by the government in the last 100 days, of modern security equipment, gadgets and vehicles to ensure a crime free state.”

etery, Lagos.

A funeral service will hold before the interment at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Assembly and her family said yesterday that there will be a wake at her Sobo Arobiodu Street, GRA, Ikeja residence today.

NURTW chief honoured

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ATIONAL Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State chapter Treasurer Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, has been conferred with Distinguished Patron of Arts by the Performing Arts Students Association of Olabisi Onabanjo University (PASA).

Akinsanya, who doubles as Oshodi Branch chairman thanked the students for the honour, pledging his support for the association.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

63

FOREIGN NEWS

Frustrated migrants break through police lines in Hungary

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RAMATIC scenes unfolded on the Hungarian-Serbian border yesterday, as hundreds of frustrated migrants and refugees broke through police lines and ran from a holding area.

Some parents carried children on their shoulders, struggling to make their way across the rough ground near Roszke in Hungary.

As they ran across open corn and sunflower fields, police followed. But officers have not so far stopped any of the refugees.

The breakout happened suddenly and did not appear to be planned.

Earlier in the day, scuffles broke out as migrants forced to wait in the holding area expressed their frustration. Many cannot understand why, having reached the European Union, they are not receiving a warmer

welcome.

Some of the migrants most of them from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan also tussled with police on Monday. Police have been blocking a road from the holding site to a transit camp where they can register as refugees and continue their journeys.

Many of the refugees and migrants arriving there from Serbia having been on the road for weeks in some cases are afraid they will get stuck in Hungary and be unable to carry on their journey to their preferred destinations in Western Europe.

Some who have made it farther north have also complained of poor conditions in the holding areas and transit camps in Hungary.

Hungary’s government has said it is just trying to enforce EU rules on the movement of migrants without proper documentation.

• Police stopping migrants in Roazke, Hungary...yesterday.

UN seeks $30.5M in emergency funds for refugees

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HE U.N. refugee agency is seeking an extra $30.5 million through the end of this year in an emergency appeal for financial help for Europe's refugee crisis.

Tuesday’s appeal by UNHCR comes as the agency projects that some 400,000 new arrivals seeking protection will have come to Europe via the Mediterranean this year compared to 219,000 last year and possible 450,000 next year.

The funds would supplement an $800 million budget

for 2015 and 2016 for helping handle refugee flows to Europe. The plan centers on 12 countries: Belgium, Bosnia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey.

UNHCR has tallied 322,500 arrivals across the Mediterranean this year, nearly half from Syria alone.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling the Syrian conflict “a colossal tragedy for Syria and a shameful symbol of international divisions” that has led to today’s refugee cri-

sis in Europe.

He told a U.N. meeting on the need to protect civilians in conflict that “history's judgment will be harsh.”

Ban urged the U.N. Security Council, which has been deeply divided over Syria, to take action to end the conflict based on the 2012 roadmap to peace adopted by key nations in Geneva, which calls for the formation of a transitional government with full executive powers.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said over the past two days Ban has spoken to gov-

ernment leaders in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia and appealed to them “to be the voice of those in need of protection and to quickly find a joint approach to address their basic needs.”

The U.N. chief stressed that the large majority are fleeing war and violence and have a right to seek asylum, and he urged the leaders to stand against increasing xenophobia, discrimination and violence against refugees and migrants, Dujarric said.

Pope simplifies process for marriage annulments

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OPE Francis radically reformed the Catholic Church’s process for annulling marriages yesterday, allowing for fast-track decisions and removing automatic appeals in a bid to speed up and simplify the procedure.

Francis issued a new law overhauling three centuries of church practice, placing the onus squarely on bishops around the world to now determine when a fundamental flaw has made a marriage invalid.

Catholics must get a church annulment if they want to remarry in the church. Without it, divorced Catholics who remarry civilly are considered to be adulterers living in sin and are forbidden

from receiving Communion a dilemma at the heart of a debate currently roiling the church that will come to the fore next month at a big meeting of bishops.

The church’s annulment process has long been criticized for being complicated, costly and out of reach for many Catholics, especially in poor countries where dioceses don’t have marriage tribunals.

“With this fundamental law, Francis has now launched the true start of his reform,” said Monsignor Pio Vito Pinto, the head of the Roman Rota, the church’s marriage court. “He is putting the poor at the center that is the divorced, remarried who have been held at arms’ length and asking for

bishops to have a true change of heart.”

Reasons for granting annulments vary, including that the couple never intended their marriage to last or that one of the spouses didn't want children.

Francis’ biggest reform involves a new fast-track procedure, handled by the local bishop, that can be used when both spouses request an annulment or don’t oppose it. It can also be used when other proof makes a more drawn-out investigation unnecessary.

It calls for the process to be completed within 45 days.

The longer, regular process should take no more than a year, officials said.

Another reform is the removal of the appeal that au-

tomatically took place after the first decision was made, even if neither spouse wanted it. An appeal is still possible, but if one of the sides requests it a simplification that was used in the United States for many years.

The reform also allows the local bishop, in places where the normally required three judge tribunal isn’t available, to be the judge himself or to delegate the handling of the cases to a priest-judge with two assistants.

That measure is aimed at providing Catholic couples with recourse to annulments in poorer parts of the world, or places where the church doesn’t have the resources or manpower to have fully functioning tribunals.

Kerry: Russia could escalate Syrian conflict

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REMLIN officials have dismissed allegations of a major Russian military deployment to Syria, after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised the issue with his Russian counterpart.

Reports circulating in recent days quoted unnamed Western diplomats saying a Russian expeditionary force is already in Syria to prepare for the arrival of an “aerial contingent" of fighter jets and attack helicopters for “strikes against ISIS targets in Syria.”

In a telephone call over the weekend, Kerry warned the Russian foreign minister,

Sergei Lavrov, that if the reports are true the Russian military presence “could further escalate the conflict, lead to greater loss of innocent lives, increase refugee flows and risk confrontation” with an (antiISIS) coalition operating in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department.

But the Kremlin is categorically denying as “premature” the allegations that it has any military ambitions in Syria, although it admits sending weapons and advisers to assist its Syrian ally, President Bashar al Assad.

The Kremlin which has a strategic naval base at Tartus

in Syria has also made no secret of its deep alarm at the prospect of its key ally in the Middle East being toppled. If Assad falls, it worries, so too may Russian influence in the region.

Concerned about its own simmering Islamist insurgency in its restive North Caucasus region, the Kremlin also has genuine security concerns about ISIS. Hundreds of Russian citizens have already joined the militant group, which identifies Russia as a key enemy and has vowed attacks to avenge Moscow's longstanding support for the

• Kerry

PHOTO: AP

Walter Palmer, the man who killed Cecil the lion, returns to work

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ILL protests greet Walter Palmer, the American dentist vilified worldwide for killing a prized African lion, when he returns to his Bloomington, Minnesota, practice Tuesday?

Or will he slip in with little fanfare?

Palmer’s office reopened several weeks ago without him and now he’s decided the time is right for him to start back to work.

“I’m a health professional,” Palmer told The Associated Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune in a weekend interview. “I need to get back to my staff and my patients, and they want me back. That's why I’m back.”

Police plan to keep an eye on developments at the dental practice, but no officers will be on hand.

“We still have a security camera out in the lot there,” Bloomington Police Deputy Chief Mike Hartley told the AP and Star Tribune.

Palmer has kept a low profile during the six weeks since he was identified by British media as the big-game hunter who killed Cecil the lion near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Cecil was killed in early July.

“I’ve been out of the public eye seeing family and friends,” he said, denying he was in hiding.

“This has been especially hard on my wife and my daughter,” he told the AP and Star Tribune. “They've been threatened in the social media, and again ... I don’t understand that level of humanity to come after people not involved at all.”

United Nations to adopt 17 Sustainable Development Goals

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HE United Nations Member States is preparing to adopt a new set of Sustainable Development Goals with a groundbreaking collaboration of campaigners, public figures, companies and civil society groups with one message “it’s time to change the world.”

The Global Goals campaign announced during a press conference at the UN Headquarters last weekend, aims to make the 17 UN Goals famous while pushing for their implementation worldwide.

The goals range from eradicating poverty, hunger and food insecurity, to promoting gender equality, health, education, peace, access to clean water, and Economic growth among others.

“It’s important that this set of Goals is known by everyone, in the hamlets and the villages of Nigeria,” said Amina Mohammed, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning. Adding “This is coming to make a difference in their lives.”

By Adeola Oladele-Fayehun Mohammed recently returned from her country Nigeria, where she travelled by road through Boko Haram-controlled territory.

“This agenda is not about just stemming the tide of what is happening with forced migration,” she explained. “But it is about dealing with root causes so that people don’t have to flee their own countries, their own villages, their own homes because they can’t have a life of dignity there.”

Described as an “unprecedented effort,” the campaign is supported by a variety of other social movements including action/2015 - a coalition of over 2000 organizations and Global Citizen, a community of ordinary people that help fight extreme poverty.

The 17 proposed Goals aim to be a charter for people and the planet in the twenty-first century. They will stimulate action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance towards building a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO.3332

‘There is an increasing percentage of power from renewable energy including solar even in countries with poor sunlight. In Germany renewable energy is 28% of supply. President Obama is in Alaska campaigning for renewable energy. Can Buhari and Nigeria afford to be left out of this energy revolution?’

TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S I promised last week, I am dedicating this week’s column to the reactions to my trilogy of sorts on the controversy stirred by the attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari’s declared war on corruption, notably the attacks from Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah and Professor Ben Nwabueze.

The first piece of August 19, which was the prelude to the subject, elicited 24 texts. The second of August 26 about Bishop Kukah elicited 84 texts and four emails. The third last week about Prof. Nwabueze elicited 31 texts and three emails.

Here’s my selection of the reactions.

On the prelude Sir, For once you wrote an article, which is unbiased. The war against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) must go on, irrespective of who is involved. Forget about Prof. Nwabueze and his likes. Our PMB has our support. +2348033204747.

Sir, You are an ethnic and a religious jingoist, in addition to being an attention seeker and a fool. +2348065296641.

Sir, Corruption is a cancer that is eating up the soul of our country, and any fight against it should be encouraged. But let this fight be holistic, starting from 1999 to date. Any Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba thief should face the full weight of the law. We want an all inclusive war.

Patrick, Abuja. +2347010393213.

Sir, Prof. Ben Nwabueze was a minister of education under President Ibrahim Babangida, not Gen. Sani Abacha. He served as minister, while Malam Bello Dogondaji (Santurakin Sakkwato) was his minister of state.

Nurudeen Tambaya, +2348034507641.

A

On Kukah

Sir, I don’t blame you, you are a Muslim. Look at you talking about an anointed man of God. But one thing is certain; if there was no Jonathan as president, there would not have been civilian Buhari president. Jonathan is the father of a new Nigeria, period.

Jose Mou, Aba. +2348165288291.

Sir, Your piece made interesting reading. I want to observe, however, that contrary to expressing views in the media, Father Hassan Kukah still stands tall as an advocate of truth and a true friend of former Presidents Obasanjo and Goodluck. By his calling as a priest he will never support the perpetration of corruption in the polity, let alone attack Buhari’s anti-corruption drive as insinuated by many.

Malbang, J.B. +2348061520950.

Sir, Re -Attacks on Buhari’s war on corruption - The case of Kukah. I wish to state categorically that the war on corruption is a collective war by the majority of Nigerians. As far as we are concerned, whoever is against this war is an enemy of the masses, be you a Pastor, Bishop, an Imam, Emir, Oba, Obi, whatever. Nobody will deceive us with ethnic, religious or political colouration. As for me, I have stopped reading some newspapers or listening to some radio or TV stations that have shamelessly sold

W

HATEVER his critics may say, exPresident Goodluck Jonathan is still credited with political influence in some ambitious quarters despite his failed re-election dream. Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, who is eyeing a second term, demonstrated Jonathan’s importance in the eyes of those determined to remain in power in the former president’s state.

It is interesting that Dickson considered it strategic to publicly signal the start of his re-election campaign by unveiling a statue of Jonathan. A picture of the statue was published on September 6. There was Jonathan frozen in his signature “resource-control” fashion, wearing beads and a plastic smile, waving his right hand, and holding an open

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Re: trilogy about controversy on Buhari’s war against corruption

• President Buhari

out to these corrupt politicians and rogues.

They should be warned that no evil should happen to Buhari. We are solidly behind him and God Almighty will see him through in Jesus’ name.

Jimi Omeiza Moses, Eruwen Road, Ikorodu, Lagos. +2348058589458.

Sir, I commend your insightful piece on Bishop Kukah in The Nation today. But you messed it up with your paragraph 13 in which you said ‘my hunch is that he has tried to defend them essentially because they are fellow Christians...’

And yet you admitted that corruption knows no tribe or religion. When will Nigerians think outside religion and ethnicity?

Ozolua, Lagos. +2348023058761.

Sir, This is the best you’ve written. When JONA was stealing with illiterate gusto, KUKAH never envisaged PDP’s ouster. Now that DANIEL BUHARI has come to judgment, let all the toadies in religious garb take cover of silence or self-exile.

Sam, Ibadan. +2348066174320.

Sir, This is what happens when one leaves his duty post. The Bishop should have concentrated on his assignment to catholicise the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate. I am not sure his masters in the Vatican will be too happy about the controversy he has generated by those selfish and biased comments that have, by now, conclusively been read by most Nigerians to be meant to distract the efforts of our elected President to deliver on his WIDELY ACCEPTED campaign promise: fight against corruption.

I would advise the Bishop to leave Abuja and return to base to do best what he is paid for. The NCP has outlived its usefulness (if ever it was). He may not know, but the mere presence of the priest-contractor, Oritsejafor, in the team completely killed whatever little credibility the team had.

Engr. Mailadi Yusuf Abba mailadiyusuf@yahoo.com +2348030730757.

Sir, You’ve diligently skinned this wolf in canonical mask. Please do the same with that bigot in academic robe. +2348054300625.

Sir, Your hunch was wrong. It’s not because of their faith, but because the Bishop has lost the uncommon courage. Does his Bible teach that people should steal?

Victor (Akure) +2348034647763.

Sir, I don’t think you were able to find Bishop Kukah “guilty” of any wrong doing. Just go through your article and see the futile attempt to nail the bishop. +2348033217721.

Sir, President Buhari is not against any tribe or religion. He is addressing the most pressing problem of Nigeria – corruption.

Dr. Mann Tolofari, Port Harcourt. +2348038749534.

Sir, So your interest is to use the pages of newspapers to insult the clergy. Why is it that you don’t have respect for men of God? Ekene, +2347031221600.

Sir, We all know that Mohammed Haruna is a fanatic. He should leave Kukah alone to exercise his democratic right. +2347066583610.

Sir, Thanks for the magnificent piece on the Bishop. The man, like any flesh, has lost focus.

He is now dancing naked in the public square.

The Desmond Tutu of Nigeria (my wrong perception of him) has become the Oritsejafor of Nigeria. May God help our beloved country and the president. +2348033205272.

Sir, Good article as always. However, I remember Bishop Kukah defended PMB when Nigerians wanted to lynch him on his misrepresented statement that Muslims should not vote for other religions. Which camaraderie was that?

Musa, Keffi. +2348033202992.

Sir,

HARDBALL

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan’s statue and Dickson’s status umbrella painted in his party’s colours over his head.

Following the celebration of the standing sculpture, Jonathan, who was not at the event, played host to Dickson at his country home, Otuoke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The visit resulted in Jonathan’s formal endorsement of Dickson for the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the December 5 governorship poll in the state.

Jonathan said on the occasion: ”I am not expecting the governor to score 100 per cent There are three key parameters I will like to

I read your article of August 26 with great relish. The so-called National Peace Committee is preaching peace without justice. The members have become busybodies and interlopers.

Olu Ajayi, Abeokuta. +2348051514428.

Sir, I read your piece on Bishop Hassan Kukah and I whole heartedly agree with your take on the Bishop’s outrageous and unforgivable utterances. You neglected to mention though that he actually said that President Buhari should remember that he would one day leave office and might therefore face the same probes by his successor. I think that thinly veiled threat/ blackmail was, for me, so irresponsible and truly unconscionable.

In conclusion, our feelings on this matter diverge only in your position that the NPC should not be disbanded. President Buhari does not need these distracting visits and unnecessary vexations to the spirit; his hands are full. Let the Peace Committee, if they insist on existing, look elsewhere, where there is conflict. Let them visit the Northeast, fish out genuinely aggrieved youths and negotiate peace, etc.

Mrs Kechi Adogu. kechi.adogu@gmail.com On Nwabueze Sir, This is a masterpiece. I must confess that this is the best piece I have ever read from you in the last five years, the worst being the one you wrote on Dikko Inde, lately the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs last year, ignorantly praising him.

Nasiru Manga nasmang@gmail.com Sir, How much are you being paid and by whom to insult personalities that you cannot be a match to even if given 1000 years on this planet earth? Mind you the fight against corruption is a Nigerian project, so don’t look at it as your personal project or PMB’s. Enough is enough of your insults on our elders and leaders.

Goodman Dan, Taraba State. +2348128062112.

Sir, Thanks for making many Nigerians aware of the diabolical role of Prof Nwabueze during those trying years of 1966 and 1993 respectively. The great scholar is at present clutching his “boarding pass” to enter the plane to the Great Beyond. He should therefore start toeing the few remaining paths of nationalism still open to him.

Amb. L. T. Bade-Afuye. +2347013324163.

Sir, I was very outraged by the position of Ben Nwabueze; it lacked scholarship. These are the people sponsoring Radio Biafra.

Ahmed Isa, Agbor. +2348035120188.

Sir, I think Nwabueze is only afraid that with the unity of the North, the votes of the Southeast have become inconsequential in determining who becomes the president of this country. He lost his professorship long time ago. He now analyses issues like a motor park tout. +2348030948991.

score Governor Dickson, which are payment of salaries, physical infrastructure and low indebtedness of the state in terms of bank loans and in the capital markets. If you compare what has happened in other parts of the country, you will praise the governor.”

Jonathan’s encouraging words for Dickson’s campaign must be discouraging to the people, considering, among other negatives, news of water scarcity in Otuoke, a community whose claim to fame is that a former president hails from there. Against the background of Jonathan’s positive rating of the Dickson administration based on alleged in-

frastructural development, it is relevant to draw attention to a recent report on the water problem in the ex-president’s hometown.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the area, Emmanuel Agede, was quoted as saying: “You will not believe it that here in Otuoke, we use water from an unused soak-away pit dug near our lodge, for washing clothes and bathing. For cooking and drinking, we buy sachet water; life is very difficult here; we spend the bulk of our monthly allowances on water for survival.”

This is a big blemish on both Jonathan and Dickson. No water can wash them clean on this point.

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