Sun News August 31, 2012

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2446

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Navy intercepts 200 oil vessels in N’Delta

Anambra now 10th oil state ...Jonathan declares, as he commissions Orient flow station

•Promises to deliver on 2nd Niger Bridge

Pages 7 & 5

•Top Anambrarians ask Jonathan to run for 2015 ...Resignation: Nnaji didn’t commit any offence – President

My fear for Nigeria –Okpara’s widow Page 12

Akwa Ibom, nation’s investment hub, says Akpabio Page 11 President Goodluck Jonathan(left), Gov. Peter Obi (middle) and the Group Managing Director of SABMiller during the commissioning of the SABMiller facility at Onitsha yesterday.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2446

Fire razes LUTH clinic

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L-R: Acting Director, Regulatory & Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Prince Emmanuel Olaniran Jeminiwa, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Larry Annetts at the MTN Ultimate Wonder Promo 1st Draw/Media Parley in Lagos, yesterday.

Anambra now 10th oil state •Promises to deliver on 2nd Niger Bridge, Onitsha/Enugu Highway

• Anambra town hall meeting asks Jonathan to run for 2015

Pages 7 & 5

...Jonathan declares, as he commissions Orient flow station

...Resignation: Nnaji didn’t commit any offence – President Cynthia: PSN faults charge against accused pharmacists Page 10

Leaders Summit

President Goodluck Jonathan(left), Gov. Peter Obi (middle) and the Group Managing Director of SABMiller during the commissioning of the SABMiller facility at Onitsha yesterday.

Yoruba in fresh search for lost glory Page 3

Mayhem in Owo FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2446

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Oyinlola, 69 others to face Osun probe

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•Police arrest 5 opposition party thugs at Mimiko’s rally

Royal farewell •Alaafin builds N5.6m house for Ojebode •Ex-Shooting Stars captain for burial today Page 45

Leaders summit in Ibadan

Yoruba in fresh search for lost glory Page 3

L-R: Kunle Famoriyo, Chief Akintola (SAN) and the convener of the meeting General Alani Akinrinade at the event.

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left), his counterpart from Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle) and the deputy gov. of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun at the Yoruba Assembly function in Ibadan yesterday.

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Leaders’ summit

Yoruba renew bid to restore lost glory From GBENGA ADESUYI, Ibadan n a fresh attempt to reclaim the glory of the Yoruba nation, the leaders and other stakeholders converged on Ibadan, yesterday.

The Oyo State capital was the political capital of the defunct Western region now known as the South-West.

They called for the unity and reappraisal of the Yoruba agenda for the development of the SouthWest and other Yorubas outside the geo-political zone.

The Yoruba Assembly was attended by leading traditional and political leaders and representatives of the Yorubas from Kogi and Kwara States and Itsekiri.

The convener of the Yoruba Assembly, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), who opened his speech, called on the people of the region to shake off political, ethnic and socio-cultural differences and unite to restore the pride of the region.

He said: “I have, after wide consultations, called this family meeting to reflect on how to make Nigeria conducive for the development of Yoruba civilisation.

“Today’s meeting is not to do or say anything that will detract from he unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is intended to allow us, as Yoruba sons and daughters, to rub minds on the way out of the country’s crippling underdevelopment with special emphasis on the parlous state of affairs in the South-West.”

Citing the prosperity and civilisation as the hallmark the history of the people, Akinrinade wondered how the region lost focus and relapsed into ‘frivolity and unhealthy sentiment.’

He recalled that: “Long before Nigeria became independent in 1960, our region developed the most professional civil service under the leadership of Chief Simeon Adebo of blessed memory.”

Akinrinade said: “The Yorubas were the first to officially recognise opposition in governance and provided official accommodation for leaders of opposition in the region. It is a clear sign of our philosophical commitment to plurality of perspectives. Those who have no means of escaping from the country have become frustrated and would do just about anything to survive. He, however, expressed hope that the race would retrace its way back to glory and development.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, who spoke on behalf of other South-West governors, noted that the Yoruba failed to demonstrate boldness in addressing some of the wrongs in the land.

He said: “Our leaders should display courage and boldness so as to fight for our right as a people.

The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that we are talking about, displayed courage.”

“Again, it is not even compulsory that we should all be in the same political party. However, those who are progressive-minded should not relent in fighting the course that we commonly believe in,” he said.

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Ibori mourns Ighrude, ex- Delta Speaker Name: Mesamra Atam Phone: 08183678091 Email: mesamraatam @yahoo.com

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If yes, sign our consent/release form, send your pix/bio-data to 2, Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Estate, Apapa, Lagos.

Former Delta State governor, James Onanefe Ibori, has described the death of the former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Daniel Young Ighrude, as a grave loss to Delta and the country. Ibori said he was opportuned to be the governor when Ighrude headed the legislative arm of government.

According to Ibori, the situation enabled him to observe Ighrude from close quarters and saw in him a man that was totally committed to the welfare and betterment of the state, a man that was selfless, large-hearted and was always striving for whatever would enhance the quality of life of all Deltans and indeed, every Nigerian.”

The former governor said though it was tragic that Ighrude was only 52 years old when he died and so, would have been able to give more years of fruitful service to the society, the invaluable service he rendered in the short time God allowed him on earth would be a source of comfort to his state and country and a lasting example and challenge to all that he left behind.

Ibori condoled with the bereaved family as well as Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan and people of the state, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss.

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Vice President Namadi Sambo and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri (left) being received by the Iranian Minister of Education, Mr. Haj Ibabi (right) at Mehrabad Airport, Tehran, Iran, for the 16th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, Wednesday.

L-R: General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi, Chief Marketing Officer, Larry Annetts ,Captain Akintunde Sotewo of Arik Air and Captain James Danniel, CEO, Biosmart Technology Ltd at the MTN Ultimate Wonder Promos first draw/media parley in Lagos, Thursday.

R-L: A former minister, Paul Unongo, presenting a Bible gift to Mr. Felix Akiga to mark his 50th birthday in Makurdi, Benue State, recently. With them is Akiga’s wife, Martha.

COVER Minister’s resignation

Nnaji didn’t commit any offence –Jonathan From EMMANUEL UZOR, Onitsha

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takeholders from Anambra State yesterday urged the President to re-present himself for the 2015 general elections.

They made the appeal during a Town Hall meeting in Onitsha with President Goodluck Jonathan where he revealed the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the immediate past Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji. He insisted that Nnaji did not commit any offence.

An oil magnate, Arthur Eze, an engineer, said the President must present himself to seek once again, the Office of the President of Nigeria.

Eze, who gave instances of the past presidents, urged Jonathan to take another shot at Aso Rock to enable him deliver on his campaign promises while advising him to remain focused.

Addressing the stakeholders after commissioning some projects executed by the state government and some private individuals yesterday at the Government Lodge, Onitsha, the President disclosed that the intrigues following the controversial resignation of Nnaji from his cabinet were captured on issue of credibility.

He said in fact, the erstwhile minister is a very competent and respected professional in the area of Robotic Engineering, but that in the privatization of the Federal Government agency which he was supervising, certain things happened that had consequences of impinging on his credibility, adding that somebody had to step aside.

President Jonathan told an assemblage

...Anambrarians urge President to re-contest in 2015 •Promises to deliver 2nd Niger Bridge

•Nnaji of Anambra elite and indeed the entire South-East leaders, that he was using the opportunity of being in their midst to exonerate the minister. He noted that the country is facing challenges which saw mistakes made in some of the privatization exercises already carried out and noticed that things were changing hands and people were suffering, a reason he said he didn’t want to superintend over an exercise that will worsen people’s plight.

Jonathan said his administration will still source for another competent person for the ministry who will continue from where Nnaji stopped because the work must go on. He said energy and power still

•Jonathan remained top priority among his administrations programmes, stressing that the rehabilitation of coal as a source of power will serve the people of Anambra, Enugu, Benue and Kogi states, better.

The President commended the Anambra State Government for initiating the Orient Refinery, noting that he came, saw the gas and the flaring which he said made Anambra a member of the League of oil producing states. But the number of private companies he commissioned as, according to him, particularly overjoyed him, saying the private sector remained the engine of job creation.

He pledged his administration’s resolve

to the realization of a second Niger Bridge which he had promised the people of South-East and South-South. He said that it must be built since it is the only link between the two zones and Lagos, which is Nigeria’s economic centre.

“If am able to build that second Niger Bridge, I will quietly go and rest, I will build it. Maybe that is how God wants it.

The first was built by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and a second will also be built by anotherAzikiwe”, he said amidst applause.

On the gully erosion ravaging the South-East, the President said that the World Bank will support the zone with $450 million credit to control it, saying the loan attracts 0.05 service charge, 10 years of grace and a 40-year repayment period.

He also spoke of the need for credible elections, which are devoid of imposition of candidates because that, according to him, is the only way to deepen our democratic process.

“I believe that if we are doing elections in this country, they must be credible, if the President for instance, continues to appoint who will be governors, senators, etc, I don’t think that will deepen our democracy. At the political level, we have demonstrated that commitment”, he said.

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Friday, August 31, 2012

All hail the president!

Anambra State rolled out the drums to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan, who visited the state and commissioned some projects, yesterday.

Gov. Peter Obi (l) with President Goodluck Jonathan, watching Adaeze Dance Group at the Akanu Ibiam Internationa l Airport.

President Jonathan, accompanied by Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State, on his arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu en route to Anambra State, yesterday.

President Jonathan, assisted by host Governor Peter Obi, commissioning Sabmiller Breweries at Onitsha

Obi of Onitsha, Dr. Nnaemeka Achebe, President Goodluck Jonathan and Gov. Peter Obi. President Goodluck Jonathan, inaugurating Onitsha Port. With him (from right) are Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Gov. Peter Obi and Minister of Transport, Idris Umar

The PDP National Woman Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe; DG, Standard Organisation of Nig. (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu and Dr. Mustapha Obi.

MD, Exprotech (2nd r), Mr. John Wright, conducting Chief Emeka Anyaoku (r), President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Peter Obi and Gov. Rochas Okorocha (l), round the newly inaugurated Orient Petroleum Resouces.

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd r) cuts the tape to commission the Orange Group soap factory at Onitsha. With him are Governor Peter Obi, Chief Tony Ezenna, Executive Chairman, Orange Group; Minister of Industries, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Mrs Elizabeth Ezenna and Governor Rochas Okorocha (r).

Chief Tony Ezenna, Executive Chairman Orange Group, his wife, Mrs, Elizabeth Ezenna (r), his daughter, Miss Chinwe Ezenna, and Son, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezenna (l), at the commissiong of Orange Group Soap factory at Onitsha.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012,7

NEWS Jonathan commissions N4.6bn Onitsha River Port

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday officially commissioned the Onitsha River Port Complex, Anambra State, which cost N4.6 billion.

He assured his administration would deliver on all campaign promises and would affect all critical sectors of the economy.

The president, who was received with thunderous ovation said the target of his administration was to link roads, airports, seaports and rail together to easily move cargo and boost the nation’s economy.

“I concur with Senator Zainab Kure that the legislature and executive must work together to deliver the dividend of democracy. We must exploit other opportunities in transport and it can only be done when we have terminal ports.

“Our target is to link up the ports, roads, airports and rails to boost our cargo movement and economy. Transporting cargo on water is cheaper and reduces wearing and tearing of our roads. Our commitment is to transform all sectors of the economy, all we ask is patience. We will deliver on our campaign promises.”

President Jonathan, who said he was at home each time he was in the South-east described them as friends, saying, “South-east is the only part of the country I can move freely.

People here are my best friends.”

In his opening remark, Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said the project cost N4,666,481,590.90 and was being handled by an indigenous company, Messrs InterBau Construction Ltd. and was aimed at stimulating economic activities and job creation. He said the project involved comprehensive rehabilitation of transist shed/warehouse of 110x55 metres with a storage capacity of 10,000 twenty Feet Equivalent Units (TEUs).

The project also involved the construction of new port operations building, nine senior staff quarters, 11 junior staff quarters, fuel tank farm, road works, erosion control works with Gabions and Reno mattresses, new slipway, 150mm diameter borehole with elevated water tank and treatment unit as well as reticulation and other plumbing works.

The project also involved the rehabilitation/renovation of quay wall and apron with a length of 150m. The wharf has a width of 50m with adjoining hardstand width of 100m, five existing staff quarters, port security and police buildings, fire brigade buildings, drainage works and gangways.

FG approves N18bn SURE P fund for Onitsha-Enugu Road •Says ground breaking for 2nd Niger Bridge is March 2013

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he Federal Government yesterday assured the people of Anambra that N18 billion has been approved from the SURE P fund for the rehabilitation of the OnitshaEnugu Road.

This is even as it has disclosed that the procurement for the second Niger Bridge has been on for the past 10 months, saying that only recently the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting approved transaction adviser for the project.

The government also said seven international known firms had expressed interest in the project assuring that by the end of the year the concessionaire would be announced and by March 2013 the ground breaking ceremony would take place.

President Jonathan disclosed this through the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen during the town hall meeting he had at the newly commissioned Governor’s Lodge in Anambra State.

On the Onitsha-Enugu Road, the works minister also said government had released N2 billion used to fix the road to Upper Iweka. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, assured that the second Niger Bridge had been a priority of the Jonathan administration, saying “resources are also priority and so is one of the priority projects under the SURE Programme.

“On erosion in the state, we have been able to secure World Bank facility worth $400 million to support the project with at 40-year period to repay at zero interest and 10 years of grace,” she said.

President Jonathan again reiterated his happiness with the number of commissioned projects executed by the private sector.

“The private sector has the money, government has to provide level playing ground as well as the incentives. Before the end of next year Nigerians will know we are committed.

This will be possible through the cooperation of government and private sector.Obi is my honourary adviser on economy while Governor Nyako is my honourary adviser on agric.

Obi’s initiative and creativity are outstanding because of his background in private sector.

•Ambassador Baba Jidda, Governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Director, German Agency for International Cooperation (GAIC), Mr Hern Klaus Brukner, Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers, Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Jonah Jang of Plateau, during the Nigeria Governor’s Forum trip to understudy the German Federal System of Government in Berlin, Germany yesterday.

Anambra joins oil producing states league Stories from JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE and DAVID ONWUCHEKWA, Awka

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fter many years of waiting, Anambra State yesterday joined the league of oil producing states.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the pronouncement while inaugurating Orient Petroleum’s Anambra River Production Facility at Aguleri-Otu in the Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

With the pronouncement, Anambra joins Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, Imo, Abia and Cross River as the nation’s 10th oil producing state.

The president said the Federal Government was committed to oil exploration in all the country’s sedimentary basins, commending Orient Petroleum for pioneering inland crude oil production in the country.

“The good news is not Orient Oil and Anambra Basin alone, the good news is for all the sedimentary basins all over the country,” Jonathan said.

He said that the pioneering efforts of Orient Petroleum in Anambra would give confidence to other investors to invest in other inland sedimentary basins in the country.

Jonathan said there was need for the country to begin to refine the products before exporting so that they could be more valuable.

He wondered why the country would continue to export crude oil and then import petrol, kerosene and aviation fuel.

“History is not just being made in Anambra State but in

the whole country. Orient has made a mark by partnering with government to come out with this revolution. This will give investors both within and outside our country the confidence to invest in our sedimentary basins.

“As a nation, we should not continue to think that we would be exporting crude materials abroad. We want to send our farm produce abroad in crude form; our crude, we send abroad. The people who add value to these products make more money than we do.

“Those in the oil industry should not be thinking only about how to export crude oil, they should add value to the crude oil. Why can’t we export petroleum products to every part of the world? Why

should we import PMS, kerosene, diesel and aviation kerosene when we are supposed to add value to our crude oil and export the refined products to make more money?”

Jonathan said in the history of the world, there was always a turning point and that in Nigeria, it was the era of transformation, revealing his resolve to continue to partner with the private sector to develop the country.

The president explained that that was why members of the private sector were adequately represented in his Economic Management Team (EMT). He reiterated his government’s commitment to creating jobs for teeming young school leavers.

Earlier, the Chairman of the firm’s Board of Directors,

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said it was no longer acceptable for Nigeria, which is one of the largest producers of crude oil to remain one of the biggest importers of refined products.

Ayaoku, a former secretarygeneral of the Commonwealth, said the paradox was what the oil firm set out to correct. He said fund posed serious challenge to the firm’s desire to build its refinery noting, however, that with the inauguration of the project, the firm would raise necessary fund to complete its refinery by the end of next year.

He said the oil firm’s steps were in conformity with the present administration’s transformation agenda of creating jobs as well as promoting industry, education, housing and public health.

We’ll commission 2nd Niger Bridge as promised –Jonathan

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured the people of Anambra State that he would deliver on second Niger Bridge as promised during his election campaign.

He gave the assurance during a courtesy call on the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnaemeka Achebe and his Council of Elders, led by the Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. Jonathan, who was elated by the warm reception accorded him and his entourage during his one-day state visit, said he was proud to consider himself one of the sons of Great Zik of Africa having been named after him.

While recalling the support given him by the state during his election campaign, he said

was particularly thrilled that Anambra was a pacesetter in terms of industrialisation.

“What thrilled me most is the private sector participation in the development of the state. I have visited and commissioned five private sector establishments some of them employing from 500 upwards. It’s a unique state with the most private sector initiatives. We will surely deliver on our campaign promises.

“On the second Niger Bridge, it must be commissioned because we have no choice but to transform Nigeria.

“We are working hard to bring security situation under control. Nigeria is now 167 million plus as at November last year and most of them

young people that must be engaged both educationally and in employment.

“Obi stands out clearly. He does not play politics with the appointment of those on board and the development of the state. We ask for maximum cooperation from you and thank God the members of the National Assembly are here, so the second Niger Bridge must be built,” he said.

In his remark earlier, the Obi of Onitsha said, “we were threatened with relegation in terms of development but under Obi, we reinvented ourselves to unlocking the industrialisation of Anambra State by setting up factories both by indigenous and international conglomerates.

8 DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

NEWS $40m paid to ex-militants illegal, indefensible –ACN

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he Action Congress of Nigeria has described as illegal, unconstitutional and indefensible the $40 million being paid annually to some ex-militants ostensibly to guard the country’s pipelines.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said one of the main causes of the over heating of the polity today was the reckless manner political power was exercised and monopolised by a few individuals.

“Some actions and inaction of this Admnistration have lent credence to the widely held belief that this administration is waging and exerting power only for the benefits of a section of the country,” the party added.

The party recalled that on January 22, it issued a press release in which it queried the rationale behind the memo that was presented to the Federal Executive Council seeking the council’s approval for a so-called strategic partnership between NIMASA and Global West to enforce regulatory compliance and surveillance of the entire Nigerian Maritime domain.

In the same press release, the party expressed serious concerns particularly because the Federal Government actually withdrew a bill before the National Assembly that would have carried out the same functions now being outsourced to a private firm.

“We state again emphatically that it is totally unacceptable and unconscionable - even unprecedented especially in a fragile federation like ours - for any government to hand over the security of its entire maritime domain to a private firm, a group of ex - militants for that matter, given the far reaching implications of such a decision for trade, security, ports and shipping of the country.

MTN’s ultimate wonder draws begin

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elecoms giant, MTN has crashed its call rates to afford new and existing subscribers on its network to have a shot at the Ultimate Wonder promo, which made its debut yesterday with the promise of an aeroplane as star prize.

To win the aeroplane, subscribers were encouraged to recharge up to N3, 000 within the 90 days period of the promo.

The more a subscriber recharges, the more chances he stands to win. Other mouth- watering cash prizes up for grabs in the promo include a weekly star prize of N2 million and N150, 000 to 12 winners per week with a token recharge of at least N200 in a week.

Instant cash prizes of N50, 000 also await lucky subscribers, who are spotted by the Mystery Spotter on the streets of Nigeria with the Ultimate Wonder sticker pasted on their cars.

Announcing the new value proposition in Lagos to formally launch for the first winners in the ongoing ‘Mother-ofall-Promos’, Kola Oyeyemi, general manager, Consumer Marketing, said MTN had developed a set of innovative and truly life-enriching value propositions in line with a new marketing campaign of live, laugh and love more.

“As market leader, MTN is committed to enriching the lives of its teeming subscribers through innovative and exciting value propositions. This new exciting offering gives every subscriber an opportunity to connect to their loved ones in so many ways by encouraging Nigerians to live, laugh and love more. With the new offering, you can stay connected to family and friends a lot more and cherish great moments together,” he said.

Nnaji’s exit: Power advocacy NGO urges FG on continuity

By DICKSON OKAFOR

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s the resignation of Prof. Barth Nnaji as minister of Power continues to elicit reactions, the President, Blue Diamond and Uzotex Foundation, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu has expressed disappointment over the development.

He said some elements in the polity, opposed to steady power supply in the country, were bent on frustrating the good intention of the former minister from the very first day he assumed office.

Mbisiogu, who is also the president, Good Governance Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the forefront for steady power, said Nnaji’s reforms programme in the power sector encouraged him and other Nigerians living in the Diaspora to come home and invest, saying his promise of steady power supply was on course as Nigerians had started witnessing some level of steady power within the period he was in office.

He said it was surprising that two companies which the former minster had interest participated in the power privatization process, which compelled the National Council on Privatization (NCP) to cancel the technical bid evaluation process conducted for Afam Generation Company Limited and Enugu Distribution Company Limited.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2nd right), Senior Minister of Industrial Development and Private Sector Promotion, Republic of Congo, Mr. Rodolphe Adada (3rd left), Managing Director (Africa), Olam International Ltd., Mr. Ranveer S. Chauhan (right), Managing Director, Surbana International Consultants Pte Ltd., Mr. Louis Tay (2nd left), Managing Director Special Projects, Hyflux Ltd., Mr. Kum Mun Lock (left) and Session Moderator and Director, Investment, Temasek International, Neo Gim Huay during the panel discussion session on infrastructure developments at the Africa Singapore Business Forum organised by International Enterprise Singapore with the theme: ‘Promoting Trading and Investment between Africa and Singapore’ at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore yesterday.

Lagos gazettes road traffic law, reads riot act to police, LASTMA

By OLUWOLE FAROTIMI

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he Lagos State Government has gazetted the new road traffic law in the state, threatening to prosecute police officers and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) hiding under the guise of implementation of the law to extort money from motorists.

In her address at a special stakeholders forum on the contentious traffic law organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Rural Development, the state Deputy Governor, Princess Joke Orelope-Adefulire, who led top government officials to the meeting held at the Lagos Television Blue Roof Hall, said the sensitization exercise was to pave way for proper implementation of the law.

The deputy governor informed the audience, which included the various community development associations (CDAs), traditional rulers and community leaders, among others that the new law had

come to stay, urging them to comply with the law.

She told the stakeholders on the need to voluntarily comply with the provisions of the law, saying the government would soon commence enforcement.

Warning the civil servants to obey the law, she affirmed that anyone who flouted it would be made to face the wrath of the law.

Noting that the law became necessary because of the ever-

increasing population of Lagos metropolis and suburbs, which currently stood at 20 million.

In his remarks, the attorney general, who was represented

by Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reforms, Mr. Olarenwaju Akinsola, said the traffic law was necessary because of the emerging challenges that came with the mega city status of Lagos

20 vehicles vandalized, several injured, as Area boys clash in Lagos

By CHRISTOPHER OJI

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here was pandemonium in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos yesterday when some thugs invaded streets off Apapa Road and vandalised no fewer than 20 vehicles.

The cause of the conflict, in which several people sustained injuries, could not be ascertained as at the press time.

Daily Sun gathered that the fight initially started around 12 midnight and ended around 2am.

The hoodlums, according to investigation, resumed their fight at about 8:00a.m but policemen attached to Iponri Division immediately moved to the scene and dispersed them.

Daily Sun correspondent learnt that one resident was shot in the mouth and was rushed to a nearby hospital

Review CBN structure, NLC urges N’Assembly

By BIMBOLA OYESOLA

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he Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the National Assembly to review the entire structure of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that the bank will not continue to mortgage Nigeria’s collective future through its policies.

Speaking at the 8th Biennial Delegate Conference of Metal Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria

State.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Sobulo, who represented the state Commissioner for Police, Mr. Ibrahim Manko, gave unflinching support of the Lagos Police Command for the enforcement of the law, saying the state command had been making effort to restore sanity and order on the state road before the law was enacted.

(MEPROSSAN) yesterday in Lagos, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), AbdulWaheed Omar, who commended the Senate on its stand on the proposed introduction of N5, 000 note next year January, said the two chambers should join forces together at curbing the excesses of the apex bank aimed at further drenching the economy.

The NLC president, who was represented at the event

by Amina Danesi, an ex-offi-

cio National Advisory Council member of the congress, warned that the organised labour would not fold its hand and watch CBN destroy the economy.

“We are completely opposed to this policy and call on the National Assembly to halt this plan immediately in the interest of our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people as it portends no positive economic values,” he said.

while a woman was bathed with hot water.

When our reporter visited the area, vehicles parked on the affected streets Brickfield, Apapa Road, Daudu Lane and Olokodana, were vandalised.

Although such attacks were not new in the area, yesterday’s incident was also described as a robbery operation as the thugs broke into shops and also robbed people who were coming back from a game centre where they had gone to watch football match between Barcelona FC and Real Madrid FC. The lawyer representing the affected communities, Mr. Kola Sodiya, said he had written a petition to the commissioner of police due to the rising level of insecurity in the area.

Sodiya, in a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, appealed to the CP to transfer the case from Iponri Division to the State Anti-Robbery Squad due to the nature of the crime.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012, 9

NEWS

Fire razes LUTH HIV Clinic

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he Human Immuno Virus (HIV) Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), popularly known as API N Clinic was yesterday razed by fire.

The cause of the fire, which started around 7.20p.m, could not be ascertained as at press time, but sources said it would not be unconnected to the materials, which the clinic was built with.

The clinic which was made of wood was one of the oldest structure erected at the teaching hospital and had been there for decades.

Fire fighters from the Nigerian Fire Service were on hand to put off the inferno and stop the fire from spreading to the newly constructed clinics around it, especially Paediatrics Clinic and Haemodialysis Clinic that were close to the clinic. No single item was retrieved from the clinic Fortunately, the clinic was an out-patient clinic, therefore there was no patient on admission.

When contacted, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), LUTH, Professor Akin Oshibogu confirmed the fire incident, but made no further statement.

Youths tasked on purposeful living

By CHINYERE ANYANWU

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he need to sensitise Nigerian youth to their Goddesigned destinies was reiterated at a youths’conference in Lagos yesterday.

Speaking at the Assemblies of God Church, Badagry District’s Youth Ministries’ 2012 youth confab, the Chief Superintendent of the District, Rev. Henry Ogbonnaya, said, educating, guiding and helping youths to discover God’s purpose for their lives at an early stage would enable them live focused, fruitful and fulfilled lives.

Highlighting the reason for the choice of the theme for the confab, “Discovering of Destiny,” Ogbonnaya hinted that a man who lacked proper knowledge of his life’s purpose would only wander through life, hence the need to educate the youths on destiny discovery.

Lamenting the prevalent crime rate among the youths, Ogbonnaya said the youths needed to be shown the path that would lead them to avoid engaging in societal ills, advising them to draw closer to God and avoid evil relationships.

Speaking at the youths camp meeting, which began on Monday, August 27 and would end tomorrow the District Youth Co-ordinator, Rev. C. N. Akpoteh, noted that, “young people should discover the purpose of God for their lives,” which would enable them have the vision that would correspond with their purpose.

One of the guest speakers at the occasion, Dr. Victor King, and CEO of a South Africa-based company, Greatmind Group, said for the youths to discover their destinies they needed to look up to God, look inward them for potentials and look outward because there would challenges.

King noted that the Nigerian youths needed focused leadership and God-fearing leaders with clear vision, saying, “we want to see youths who can say ‘if my father’s generation has failed, we can take over and lead the nation forward.”

He called for an overhauled educational system that would produce youths with skills that would the country’s needs and not a system that would churn out consumers.

Bizman wins N12m in Glo text 4 million promo

By BISI OLALEYE

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man, Shittu Shodeinde who sells in electrical wires and cables has won a whopping sum of N12 million in the first monthly prize in the ongoing Season 3 of the Glo text4millions promo. Mr Shodeinde was presented the cheque at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Eight others who also won various prizes in the promo also collected cheques for various sums ranging from N30,000 to N6 million at the occasion. The winners include Ifeanyi Ahuzuru, a trader based in Ondo State and Abideen Alao Abiodun, a Lagos based businessman who won N6 million each in the promo.

Other winners who also collected their cheques at the ceremony include Abdulrazak Immam, who won N90,000, Adebayo Muhideen Oladele, who won N60,000 and Ronke Bankole, Titilayo Oyewole Elizabeth, Afolabi Mukaila Babatunde and Anthonia Adara who won N30,000 each.

Speaking at the occasion, Globacom’s Head of Value Added Services, Samson Isa, said that the presentation of prizes to the winners was a clear demonstration of Glo’s commitment to its promise to reward its loyal subscribers in a transparent manner and transform their lives for the better.

Issa reiterated that it was necessary to bring back the promo because it was the most popular and rewarding and had touched lives and offered opportunities for their subscribers to rule their world.

According to the VAS Director, Season 3 of the Glo “text4millions” promo promises to existing and potential Glo subscribers a chance of winning N30,000 up to N3 million daily or N6 million weekly.

• From left: Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Timothy Okon; Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas, Mr. Emmanuel Iheanacho, and Chairman, National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC), Mr Emeka Ugwuanyi at the conference on Energy Deregulation, Prospects and Challenges to the Economy in Lagos on yesterday.

S’West govs allay fears over state police

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overnors of SouthWest zone yesterday allayed the fear of antagonists of the creation of state police, saying that there would be constitutional provisions that would guide against abuse of the security outfit.

The views of the governors were articulated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, while speaking at the 2012 Yoruba Assembly held at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan.

According to the governors, as long as there were laws guiding the operations of state police, those who expressed their opposition to it should be assured that it would not be subjected to abuse.

Governor Ajimobi charged the Yoruba to be more aggressive in the fight against marginalization and be more united, adding ``the problem we are facing is the uncooperative attitude among the Yoruba. ``We must all fight for the course of the Yoruba. We

need to be more aggressive.

The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was so bold and courageous in his fight against marginalization and in ensuring the progress and development of the Yoruba nation. ``It is unfortunate that we Yoruba, who used to be pre-

occupied with the progress of our race, have now deviated.

What we are more concerned about nowadays is acquisition of wealth and material things. This is why we have found ourselves in the present situation. ``The course of the Yoruba

Abia CP warns men against extortion

From OKEY SAMPSON, He stated that it was an Aba offence for policemen to collect money from members of fficers and men of the the public in the guise of takNigerian Police have ing a suspect on bail, stressing been warned against that the transformation agenda harassment, intimidation and of the Inspector-General of extortion of money from Police (IGP), Abubakar members of the public as Mohammed would not allow those who continue in this line that. would be shown the way out.

He advised policemen in The Abia State the area to cultivate the culture Commissioner of police, Mr. of information gathering and Ambrose Aisabor who gave keeping the identity of such the warning at the Eziama informants confidential, statPolice Division in Aba, while ing that without information, addressing officers and men policemen would not succeed of the station said it was an in their fight against crime. offence for policemen to Aisabor stressed the need extort money from the public for policemen to accord whether in the station or on the respect to traditional rulers and road. members of the Police

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93 fresh graduands emerge from UBA Academy Banking School

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inety-three new employees joined the growing number of staff of UBA Group yesterday having passed out from a six month intensive training programme that was mandatory for all entry level employees of the bank.

The graduands from the UBA Academy Banking school were formally welcomed to the UBAfamily at an induction/awards ceremony which held at the Amphitheatre of UBA House.The training programme was part of measures

should not be politicized. We may not all be in the same political party, but our goals and aspirations should be for the progress and development of the race. The issue is majority in unity. If we are all united, things will definitely change for the better for us in Yorubaland,’’ he said.

to entrench sound banking practices, strong ethics and professionalism in the operations of the bank that is widely regarded as one of the leading financial institutions in Africa with operations in 19 African countries including Nigeria .

Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka said the programme was designed to enable the institution implant the UBA DNA on the trainees as well as helping to determine the areas of the bank’s operation would best fit the inductees.

“The Management Trainee

Programme was conceptualized in line with the bank’s service excellence initiative and a people strategy geared towards engaging the best personnel.”

UBA, he stated, has been actively recruiting top African and non-African talents from the continent and in the Diaspora to support the bank’s growth and expansion plans.

He charged the graduands to be focused and committed in their new responsibilities.

“You are being celebrated because the future of UBAis in your hands.”

Community Relations Committee (PCRC) who he said, should be seen as partners in the fight against crime.

While admonishing officers and men of the division to remain steadfast in their duties and maintain the highest professional standard as new welfare package was awaiting them, he warned them against being used as debt collectors, stressing that the police was not established for that purpose.

Ikechukwu Okoro, DPO, Eziama Police Division, in narrating how his men recently foiled a robbery attempt in the area and four of the robbers arrested, said the division was constrained by lack of office blocks and man power.He appealed to the commissioner to liaise with the state government for the relocation of the division’s headquarters to a more spacious place.

Rev. (Dr.) Elijah Ohaja, chairman of the PCRC, Eziama division said they were happy with what the police in the area was doing in terms of providing security to residents.

He enumerated some of the contributions his members made towards giving the divisional headquarters, a face lift which included maintenance of the operational vehicles and furnishing of offices of some officers and calls for a synergy between the police and members of the PCRC.

10 DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

NEWS

Lar tasks Nigerians on present challenges From MARIAM ALESHINLOYE AGBOOLA, Jos

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s a way out of the present security and social predicaments, the first civilian governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Lar, has urged Nigerians to begin to take their destiny in their hands.

Lar said the people should challenge those in authority on how they were carrying out their various responsibilities to save the country from drifting apart.

The former governor, who spoke in Jos, said the problem of the country is that the Nigerian community was rather docile and the people were not concerned about how those given responsibilities were carrying out their mandates and thereby giving them the leverage to do whatever they like.

“The problem is that the Nigerian community is rather docile. We should wake up and begin to ask questions. We should ask the members of national and state assemblies what they are doing. We should ask those in people government what they are doing. The situation has gone to the stage where Nigerians have to begin to ask questions about what is going on in the country.”

According to him, the government was doing its best, saying it had set up committees to look into the various problems.

No Nigerian wanted the country to go into extinction or became a place people would be living in fear.

He said the judiciary should be queried on why cases were being delayed unnecessarily, adding that if the ordinary man began to tell a judge that he was interested in reading the case file of those cases delayed unnecessarily, pointing out that everybody would sit up.

Lar reiterated that Nigerians must fight against corruption because it was the nation’s number one enemy.

“It is up to Nigerians to react and speak up in the newspapers, radio and television to save this country. We must not allow the country to go into disarray. Nobody has a single solution to it. If we are all talking, things will improve. We must kill corruption. If we fight corruption, everything will take shape. All our monies will come in for the development of our roads, hospitals and others social amenities.”

He also cautioned people against glorifying those who made money through embezzlement of public fund, saying when people saw his present house in Jos they wondered how the house of a former governor should be like that.

Alleged trespass: Man wants task force to demolish market

By OLA AGBAJE

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man declared trespasser on a land acquired by Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho Local Government, has approached the Lagos State Task Force on Environment to demolish the ongoing construction of market on the land.

John Omojola was the plaintiff in a suit filed against Alimosho Local Government Council before Justice F. O. Atilade of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

In his prayer, Omojola who had been using portion of the setback of the parcel of land along LASU/Ojo Road, Obadore, for block industry had prayed the court to restrain the council, its privies and assignees from trespassing on the land.

However, after carefully reviewing the cases and evidence adduced by the parties, the trial judge found that Omojola had no legal interest that could be protected by the court. According to Atilade, the claimant failed to adduce any cogent credible evidence to support his claim.

The court took judicial notice of the testimonies of the third and fourth defendants who pointedly denied ever selling the land to the claimants.

“From the totality of evidence adduced, I am of the considered opinion that the applicant does not have an interest on the land in dispute especially, considering the evidence of the 3rd and 4th defendant that it never sold the land in dispute to the applicants.”

However, in spite of the express order of the court, which rendered the applicant nothing but a trespasser on government land, he had deceived the police to disrupt and stall the construction of the Idera Market, the purpose for which the council acquired the land with valid approval of the state governor.

Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in a letter dated July 20, 2010 and signed by his Chief of Staff, Olarewaju Babalola and copied the commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the chairman, Igando-Ikotun LCDA. Surprisingly, having traversed without success, several police stations, including, Igando, Ikotun Police Station, Ikotun Police Station, Area ‘G’ Command, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti and lately Area ‘M’ Command in Idimu, Omojola approached the state task force to stop the market construction.

•Commander Infantry Corps, Maj-General Mohammed Isah presents a memento to the Vice Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha during a courtesy visit to his office in Jaji, Kaduna State.

Cynthia: PSN faults charge against pharmacists acting of the PSN in Lagos State,

By ONYEKACHI JET and ry agency of the Federal intermediate Government established by Benzodiazapam used in the there could have been a proJOB OSAUZUA

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he Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN yesterday called on the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, to properly review the case to ensure that its members who were arrested alongside the killers of Cynthia Osokogu were not wrongly charged.

The two pharmacists, Mr Chukwunonso Maduakor and Mr Osita Orji who work with Oxpharm were arrested on Aug 20 and 21 when two police officers pretending to be patients attempted to buy Rohypnol without prescription. They were then charged for conspiracy, murder, armed robbery, rape and administering obnoxious substances on Cynthia Osokogu who was killed friends she met on social media in July.

At a press conference in Lagos, PSN National President, Mr Azubike Okwor who noted that the society has critically appraised all the issues at stake said: also although, PSN was not trying to interfere with the ongoing police investigation, it was advocating that if the suspects were not found guilty of the crime of rape and armed robbery, they should be handed over to the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to discipline them for selling drugs without prescription.

According to Okwor, “If the liability of the two pharmacists is limited to the sales or alleged sales of rohypnol to clients they do not know and never collaborated with others in the condemnable crime, then it would be logical to believe at best there might have been breaches of professional ethics.”

He added that the law provides that such matters are dealt with by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria a regulato-

Cap P. 17 LFN 2004.

“If found guilty only for selling the drug without prescription they should be handed over to PCN for discipline.

We have reviewed the cases and we cannot understand why they are charged.

“If they have sold the drugs without prescription, there is a procedure already in place that provides how such matters are dealt with by the PCN.” He further explained that the drug in question was an

management of anxiety and sleep disorders.

The PSN president who regretted the negative perception of the drug already generated by the incident counselled parents to monitor the use of internet facilities by youths and children.

He added that this would further make people to be aware of what rohypnol could do and, therefore, abuse it.

According to Bola Oyawole, a former chairman

fessional misconduct on the part of the pharmacists, but it would not tantamount to murder, rape and armed robbery.

In his contribution, the former PSN boss urged the police investigate properly and separate the issues involved. “If there was professional misconduct, it should be referred to appropriate quarters. There are rules and regulations enacted in law that should be followed.

ASUU, BSU, FUAM embark on strike …Paralyses academic activities in varsities •ASUU, LASU blame Amaechi for face-off

By GABRIEL DIKE, ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi and FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa

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cademic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benue State University (BSU) and Federal University of Agriculture (FUAM) yesterday joined the rest of their counterparts across the country to embark on a day solidarity strike to protest what they described as unhealthy developments at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

Speaking during a joint press conference in Makurdi, ASUU Chairmen of BSU and FUAM, Dr. Ralph Amokaha and Dr. Celestine Aguoru lamented the continued onslaught against its members in RSUST for daring to embark on a strike to protest the illegal and immoral activities in the university.

The union expressed concern over what it described as undeserved and illegal appointment of the Vice Chancellor of RSUST, Professor B. B. Fakae in acting capacity after the expiration of his four-year tenure which had continued to generate wide-

spread rejection in the face of platitudes of both the ProChancellor and Chairman of Council, Justice Kabiri-White (retd) and Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

“The governor and visitor to the university knew that the appointment of Professor Fakae in 2008 did not follow due process as spelt out in the University Law. “When this was challenged by the RSUST branch of ASUU and other unions and groups on the campus, Governor Amaechi made time out to visit the university and attended congress of ASUU where he pleaded that the matter be allowed to rest. He assured the university community that the vice chancellor’s stay would not be extended by a day on completion of his term.”

ASUU said even though Fakae was not supposed to have applied for the position in the first place, he was shortlisted and came last during the selection process, saying despite that, the governor still hoisted him on the university.

They said it was a serious cause for concern that Rotimi Amaechi, who was brought in

as governor through the instrumentality of the law as well as Justice Kabiri-White who had reached the peak of his judicial career could flagrantly breach the law.

Both Amokaha and Aguoru stated that the solidarity strike was to draw the attention of the world to what was happening at RSUST and called on members of the media to continue to monitor developments in the institution.

Meanwhile, academic activities in the nation’s 74 universities were yesterday paralysed by the solidarity strike over what the union described as Governor Rotimi Amaechi violation of the laws in the reappointment the immediate past vice chancellor in acting capacity for RSUST. A visit to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU) and reports from other universities revealed that ASUU members complied with the National Executive Council (NEC) directive for its members to embark on strike to protest not only the impunity of the governor but also the attack on ASUU-RSUST executives because of their insistence on the rule of law in appointing the acting VC.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012, 11

SOUTH SOUTH A’ Ibom is Nigeria’s investment hub –Akpabio

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overnor Godswill Akpabio has described Akwa Ibom State as a destination of choice for investors and investment hub in Nigeria.

Akpabio stated this on Wednesday when 14 diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Dr. Ali B. Magashi, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo. “Akwa Ibom is now a destination choice for investors. The state is a good brand and a place to reckon with. The story of uncommon transformation is a product of good governance and transformation that has touched every part of the state in such areas as free, compulsory education, free healthcare delivery for the aged and the pregnant,” he stated.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umana Okon Umana, thanked the diplomats for coming to the state for a study tour and believed the study of Akwa Ibom would give an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the country.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Magashi, commended the state for its hospitality, pointing out that their visit to the state was a study tour, saying they represent the country in other countries.

Magashi who commended the governor for his developmental strides, noted that success attracted jealousy, envy and criticisms, among others, urging him not to get distracted.

According to him, “the state was building the infrastructure for the future which the Akwa Ibom people should be proud of the great leader they have,” pointing out that Akwa Ibom was on the right track. He assured that they would carry the reports of what they had seen in the state to every part of the country.

In another development, Akwa Ibom Government may soon introduce the use of solar-powered water treatment plant for rural communities.

The Commissioner for Rural Development, Adasi Ubulom told Governor Godswill Akpabio during an inspection visit to the plant at Ntak Inyang Riverside, that it was a new technology in pumping water from the ground or river and reticulating same to consumers.

Akpabio, who watched the demonstration of Trunz Water Sytems by Altex Engineering Limited, Abuja, asked the resource person at the site to pump water and filter it to enable him see how the plant could remove water particles.

Mr. Kiema Ogunlana of the company, who welcomed the governor to the demonstration exercise, said the solar-powered water treatment facility was to provide pure, drinkable water for the people, noting that the facility served a dual function of providing electricity and purifying water.

Mr. Ibrahim Jauro explained that the equipment was using 100 percent solar energy and 300 watts of energy to pump water from the river, store in the ultra filtration membranes to remove particles from the water and backwash the filter for another use.

‘Nigerians lack fear of God’

By ERIC DUMO

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he lack of the fear of God and love among individuals are the major causes of Nigeria’s problems, Governor Godswill Akapbio of Akwa Ibom State said in Lagos yesterday at the 2012 Fellows Awards and Spouse’s Day luncheon organised by the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

According to Akpabio, “turning away from God by the country’s leaders ignited the several crises in the land. It is time to lead well. We have turned away from God that is why we have all sorts of problems like the Boko Haram issue. As a people, we must seek God’s face once more so that He can shower His mercies upon us.”

President and Chairman of Council of NIM, Michael Olawale-Cole, called on the new inductees to lead by example and contribute to the growth of their various fields and society at large. He also admonished recipients of the honour to see it as a call to duty and serve humanity better.

The event, which took place inside the Shell Hall of the Muson Center, Lagos, brought together some of the finest and most celebrated managers the country has seen. From banking to politics, engineering to academics, notable figures were present to make the occasion memorable.

Other notable figures at the event include Dr. Muiz Banire, a former commissioner in Lagos, Mrs. Modupe Abibat Adekunle, head of service, Ogun State, Brig. Gen. Abiodun Bashir Adewinmbi, commandant, Nigeria Army School of Finance and Administration, Apapa.

• L-R: Principal Manager, National Lottery Commission, Bassey Effiong; Nollywood Ace Actor, Moses Armstrong; one of the winners of Hyundai ix35 SUV, Rev. Sopetu Oluwakayode Adeyemi (with the car dummy key) and Joseph Ogbuka, Progressive Segment Manager, MTN at the 6th prize presentation of the ongoing MTN Goodwill Automania at Transcorp Metropolitan Suites, Calabar, Cross Rivers State yesterday.

Navy intercepts 200 oil vessels in N’ Delta From TONY JOHN, Port two ratings of NNS Jubilee were killed, as sad.

Harcourt The naval boss lamented o fewer than 200 ves- that the incident was avoidsels allegedly used in able if proper security “conillegal oil bunkering sciousness” was exhibited by have been arrested in the last the victims.

He urged them to be secunine months by the Nigerian Navy in the Niger Delta region.

This was disclosed by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olufemi Ogunjimi, while From FEMI FOLARANMI, inspecting the readiness of Yenagoa ships and establishments for the biannual inspection of the he Nigerian Navy has Chief of Naval Staff, Vice commended the Bayelsa Admiral Ola Saheed Ibrahim, State Government for at Onne, near Port Harcourt, the smooth take-off of the Rivers State.

Central Naval Command.

Ogunjimi stated that since The Flag Officer the arrival of NNS Thunder Commanding, Central Naval nine months ago, the vessel Command, Rear Admiral had arrested over 200 vessels Johnson Olutoyin, who stated suspected to have been this in Yenagoa explained that involved in illegal oil bunker- since the establishment of the ing in the region. command the Nigerian Navy He added that out of the (NN) had increased its capafigure about eight of the ves- bility in detecting, interceptsels were handed over to the ing and interdicting hostile Economic and Financial actions, which tended to Crimes Commission (EFCC) undermine security and legitfor prosecution. imate economic activities in The FOC, who addressed Central Naval Command area officers and men on board of operations.

NNS Thunder, after assessing Olutoyin, speaking to a two other vessels, NNS team of Ethnic and Values of Kiyawa and NNS Ologbo at the Bayelsa State Onne, said naval personnel Government disclosed that would continue to fight oil the command had facilitated theft in the Niger Delta the integration and employregion. ment of land, maritime, air He expressed delight that and special operations forces with the arrival of NNS to gain and maintain control Thunder, there had been of the creeks, inland waterimprovement on fight against ways and coasts and the high illegal oil activities on the ter- seas. ritorial waterways.

While stating that there Ogunjimi added that was increment in aid to civil recently, a wooden boat car- authority in the state through rying about 150 drums of ille- IS operations, humanitarian gally refined petroleum prod- relief, search and rescue, the ucts was impounded by NNS FOC noted that it had Pathfinder in Port Harcourt. enhanced its efforts in elimiAddressing officers and nating militancy, illegal men at the base, the FOC bunkering and attacks on oil described the August 18 facilities and other illegal tragedy where an officer and activities in the state.

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rity conscious, adding that the use of life jacket was for their good.

“Whether you know how to swim or not, you should always use life jacket,” he said, advising that they should improve their swim-

ming ability.

He, however, expressed satisfaction with what he saw during his assessment tour, which he started on Monday, having earlier visited Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

... Commends Bayelsa govt over Central Naval Command

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He declared that the command was firmly rooted in the state, adding that it had boosted the confidence of the citizens in the state by securing the environment.

The state Coordinator of the group, Sir Ezekiel Simeon Ogbianko, said the state government was determined to flush out criminal vices from the system in the state and appealed to the FOC to help the state in its efforts.

According to him, the developmental challenges facing the state were traceable to unethical behaviours and systematic corruption of public office holders, citizens

and institutions at all levels of government.

This, he said, had led to poverty, unemployment and different kinds of crime in the society including kidnapping, pipeline vandalisation and illegal oil bunkering.

Meanwhile, Olutoyin has advised officers of the command to buckle up as the era of automatic promotion was gone.

Speaking at the decoration of Lt. Cdr. Obiora Bede Anyikwa, Olutoyin said being the first officer to be promoted he had set a standard which his colleagues must strive to attain.

Fuel scarcity imminent in Benin From OLALEKAN AREMU, Benin City

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onsumers of petroleum products in Benin City could be in for another round of fuel scarcity as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) may be forced to shut down all its mega stations over inability to carry out the mandatory laboratory test on the products received from the Port Harcourt refinery.

Daily Sun reliably gathered yesterday from authorities of the mega station in Benin that they had been selling their products as the PPMC depot where the laboratory for testing petroleum products for quality before being sold to the public was shut down by the Edo State Board of Inland Revenue three weeks ago over a N35 million tax default.

The NNPC mega stations in Benin had been receiving petroleum products from the Port Harcourt Refinery since the shutting down of Warri Refinery, which is currently undergoing routine maintenance.

Following the sealing of the PPMC depot laboratory in Benin, sources at one of the mega stations disclosed that all the mega stations now depended on a daily supply of only two truck-loads of petrol, with PPMC officials literally moving their test kits to the Sapele Road location of the mega station.

12, DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

SOUTH EAST NAPTIP frowns at use of girl-child for prostitution From GODDY OSUJI, Abakaliki

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he zonal Head of National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP), Mrs. Nkiru Michael, has advised women in Ebonyi State not to give out their children especially the female child to people of questionable character who use them for prostitution outside the country.

Addressing the Ezza South Local Government women during their grand finale of its August meeting at Onueke Sports Stadium, Michael reminded the women that children were the gift from God and as such proper care should be accorded to them.

Just as the local government Chairman, Lazarus Ogbee, thanked God for bringing the idea of August meeting in the minds of the women,which had brought serious changes in the attitude of women and children.

The NAPTIP boss in the South-East zone, who was using the August meeting to campaign against child trafficking, warned the women to be careful of who came to take away their child promising to do all sorts of good things for the child to know that some come with intention to take them for prostitution outside the country and slavery where they were subjected to all kinds of forced labour.

Court restrains businessman from trespassing on family land

By OYE OGUNWALE

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n Aba High Court has issued an interlocutory injunction, restraining a businessman, Dr. Stanley Emeh Kalu (a.k.a) Dr. Stanley Emeka, his agents, workmen, privies whosoever called, from further trespassing on a property in dispute at No. 26, Enugu Street, Aba, Abia State, pending the determination of a suit before the court.

The order followed a counter-motion to a suit filed by Chief Chika Elile on behalf of himself and his brothers, urging the court to prevent Dr. Emeh from erecting new buildings on their purported family land henceforth.

Chief Elile claimed that the property belonged to their late father, Dennis Ezenkwere Elile who died in 1956, which was entrusted to their father’s junior brother, Humphery Ume Elile to manage when he and his other brothers were still young, and which was sold to the respondent without their consent.

According to Justice T.U. Uzokwe, in his ruling, the counter-claim and statement of defence by Chief Chika Elile in the suit, provided sufficient triable issues. “I am also of the view that pecuniary damages may not satisfy the applicant for the loss/damage or injury that may be occasioned by the conduct of the plaintiff/respondents if they are not restrained by the court.

“I am afraid that even though the subject matter or res of the substantive suit has been destroyed, the respondents should not be allowed to continue erecting new buildings on this land until the final determination of the suit,” Justice Uzokwe ruled.

Justice Uzokwe pointed out that having regard to the fact that a tenant of the applicant was allegedly occupying the demised property and running same as a hotel, the tenant should continue to remain on the property uninterrupted until the final determination of the suit, stressing that the balance of convenience was on the side of the applicant who would suffer more hardship if the court refused to grant the application.

Enugu vulture poisoning: Man urges police to publish picture of accused From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

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middle-aged man who bears the same names as one of the two men who escaped death for killing vultures in Nkerefi, Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State has challenged the police to release pictures or give more information on identities of those involved in the incident.

The man, Polycarp Onyia, who hailed from Ekenene in Udi Local Government Area bears the same name with one of the victims attacked by the mob at Eke Market Nkerefi.

He said he was embarrassed by publications on the incident, which had made people to think he was involved in the killing of the vultures as claimed by the police.

Said he: “My name is Polycarp Onyia and one of the two persons reported to have involved in killing vultures in a market in Nkerefi bears the same name with me; so, people have been calling me on the development and I am embarrassed because I was not involved.”

Onyia, a civil servant with Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), Enugu disclosed that he hailed from Ekenene Udi, stressing the need for police to publish more information on the identities of the persons involved to save him from further embarrassment.

•Wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs. Clara Chime, commissioning the Identity shop at the Enugu Shopping Mall yesterday. On her right is a Director at the Enugu shopping Mall, Mr. Chuka Okoye and Barr. (Mrs.) Anne Nwokoro. Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mrs. Pat Alum is 2nd left.

Okpara’s widow expresses fear over Nigeria’s future

From CHUKS ONUOHA, up, adding that support Umuahia should be given to the leadership for mutual benefit. ight-six-year-old widow She thanked members of of the Premier of Eastern the Abia Founding Fathers Region, Chief (Mrs) Association for remembering Adanma Okpara has that she and her husband expressed fear that if the played an important role that events going on today in led to the creation of Abia Nigeria were not controlled, State, stating that God does Nigeria as an entity might not forget those who rememdisappear from the history of ber the past. the world like the Biblical “Nigerians don’t rememPhilistines. ber the past , but the present.

Chief Okpara therefore Sometime when people start called on leaders at all levels talking about the attitude of to tread with utmost caution those who forget history, I to ensure that the country tend to get angry, but on a remained as one indivisible second thought, I realize that entity. people should not be angry She was speaking in her over the attitude of others country home , Umuegwu because it is God that blesses.

Okpuala in Ohuhu, Umuahia I thank God and you for North Local Government remembering the past to Area of Abia State, when del- come and see us, it is a lesson egates of Abia State for those who don’t know.

Founding Fathers Association “I also thank God for not paid her a courtesy visit in creating me a thief, that I am recognition of the roles she satisfied with the way I am. played with her husband in We are praying for the counthe creation of Abia State. try to be good , we are prayShe said that the way ing to God to change this things were going on in country.

Nigeria, if unchecked could lead to the disappearance of the country called Nigeria from the history of the world.

“I was in Israel one time From VAL OKARA, Owerri and asked them about those Philistines we are reading he late director of the about in the Bible and they Department of told me that they had disapPetroleum Resources, peared from history. I don’t Chief Anthony want this same fate to befall Nwaokoagbara will be buried this country which is as sweet today in his hometown, as sugar as an entity,” Mrs Obehie, Asa in Ukwa West Okpara said.

Local Government Area of “We are praying to God to Abia State. change this country for better, Nwaokoagbara, aged 56, a a country that is as sweet as chemical engineering gradusugar and they are trying to ate from the University of make it bitter. God should not Port Harcourt was among 153 allow Nigeria to disappear people who died in the Dana from the history of the plane crash on Sunday, June 3 world,” Mrs Okpara prayed. in Lagos.

She advised all the ethnic In a homily by the groups that make up Nigeria Assistant Administrator of the not to allow Nigeria to break

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She extolled the virtues of her late husband , who she said always made sure that his guests were hosted in their home and they ate and drank with them whatever was provided.

“As a politician, he hosted his guests here and eat with them whatever we cooked, not today when politicians take their guests to hotel. My husband was a rural man, Chief Mrs Okpara said.

Chief Uzodinma Okpara, son of the late premier and one-time Governorship candidate of one of the political parties was on hand during the visit directing the affairs of the meeting.

Members of the delegates are Eze Ezo Ukandu,(Leader of the delegation, Rt Hon Gideon Atulomah, one time speaker of old Imo state, Dr Remi A. M. Chukwu,( member) Chief Gabriel Ezenwa Odumuko(Coordinator), HRM Eze A.I. Egesi and and Barrister Ogbonnaya Junior, who represented his father at the visit.

Speaking, while presenting the gift of bag of rice , detergent and other cooking ingredients to Chief (Mrs) Okpara, Eze Ukandu said that Abia State Founding fathers Association is a body of those who fought for the creation of Abia State.

“It is independent, we are here because we cannot talk about Abia State without this family, because the move for the creation of the state took off from here. You were the first Lady of the Eastern Region.

“Most of the young leaders today don’t know the past leaders. We held a meeting and agreed to come and see you. We realize that honour is suppose to be given to those who fought for the creation of Abia State. It is unfortunate that God called your husband before the creation manifested , for those of us who are alive, we appreciate his contributions. There was no where he went without you. I know that you are glad to see us”, the Royal father said.

Dana plane crash victim to be buried today

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Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church, Owerri, Rev. Father Augustine Opara on Tuesday, he described death as part of the mystery of life, which was inevitably beyond human comprehension.

Opara reminded the family of the deceased that death was a mere transition and passage to eternity and not the end of a man which only God could explain where, when and how it would happen.

“Your faith can be shaken but please do not lose it for God is still with you and quite close to you.”

The clergy, who prayed for

the repose of the souls of the 153 Dana plane crash and others, enjoined the deceased family not to question the authority of God rather to rest their faith on him.

“At a brief ceremony put together by the friends of Nwaokoagbara, the Acting Director and zonal controller of the DPR, Mr. Innocent Akpamgbo, eulogized the deceased as a great asset and a treasure who made enormous sacrifice to move the establishment forward.

Akpamgbo enjoined the widow of the deceased not to trust in flesh but put her trust in God, “who gives and takes away life.”

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

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SOUTH WEST

Osun govt probes Oyinlola, 69 others From BAMIGBOLA GBOLAGUNTE, Osogbo

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he Commission of Inquiry set up by the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has invited the immediate past governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and 69 others to appear before it to answer questions relating to major financial transactions and contracts awarded by the state government from May 2003 to November 2010.

Indications that the seven and a half years tenure of Oyinlola’s administration would be probed emerged on June 18, 2012 when Governor Aregbesola inagurated a six-man Commission of Inquiry to investigate contracts awarded by the immediate past administration and a controversial N18.3billion loan obtained from a first generation bank.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a swift reaction, described the action of the government as exercise in futility and an attempt to smear the reputation of Prince Oyinlola.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Bola Ajao stated that Prince Oyinlola was transparent in all his transactions while in the office, saying the records are there for people to see.

He said: “Everything is an attempt by Aregbesola to cover up for his ineptitude and inefficiency and nothing meaningful will be achieved from the probe exercise, we have had seven and a half year of Oyinlola’s rule in Osun State and his achievements were there for everybody to see,” “we have also had almost two years of Aregbesola rule, but he is yet to prove his mettle, it is on record that Oyinlola did wonderfully well, for Aregbesola to now say he is probing contracts awarded by him is diversionary tactics, it is only political gimmicks, nothing meaningful will come out of it.”

But the chairman of the commission, Professor Femi Odekunle said the commission had concluded its preliminary work and would begin public sitting on Monday, September 3 through Friday September 14.

He said the public sitting would hold Monday to Friday each day from 10 am to 4 pm at the premises of the state high court, Okefia, Osogbo.

He explained that the objective of the public sitting was not to witchunt the affected persons but to seek further clarifications on how public fund on major contracts within the stipulated period was expended.

Group slams Oyo Assembly over foreign training for lawmakers’ wives

By AKEEB ALARAPE

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new interest group in Oyo State, Ayekooto has berated the state House of Assembly over the recent foreign training for wives of the lawmakers.

Last month, wives of the lawmakers as well as those of the commissioners were sent to London for two-week training on etiquette, a development that attracted public condemnation.

Speaking with Daily Sun in an encounter in Lagos, yesterday, Coordinator of the group, Mr. Ade Adegbenjo, described the trip as ‘highly unfortunate.’

Adegbenjo, who was a member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, also berated the House for its abysmal performance in the last 15 months.

His words: “It is an unfortunate incident that should not even be talked about at all. We have heard a lot of excuses and reasons that were given for why they had to sponsor that trip. In the first instance, it is not a normal thing for a state House of Assembly not to have been in control of its funding. And if they were in control of their funding when they took that decision, then, it is highly unfortunate that those are the caliber of people that we can have.

“What is the usefulness of the wives in the art of governance? It is mere distraction. To now sponsor wives of commissioners, legislators and whoever on the pretence that they are going to learn is absurd. Learn what; learn etiquette that the President’s wife is advocating? Etiquette of what?

“In a country that is battling with poverty; a country that is battling with lack of education; a country that is battling with necessary healthcare to now be sponsoring wives to learn about how to handle guests and visitors of their husbands is an unfortunate incident.

“The trip should not have come from a state that calls itself a ‘Pacesetter State’ like Oyo State and from the present government that says it is a progressive government to have, not only sponsor the trip but to be defending it, is highly incomprehensible,” he said.

Assessing the performance of the legislators in the last one and half years, the former lawmaker, who represented Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency of the state, said there was little or nothing to point at.

“They themselves have been saying that the greatest achievement they have is that they have been able to coordinate themselves despite the fact that they are a motley of parties. That is, they have many parties and therefore no party is dominating.

• Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, addressing the large crowd at the flag-off of his campaign for 2nd term in Owo Local Government yesterday.

Mimiko flags off campaign in Owo, as ACN supporters defect to LP

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ndo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko yesterday flagged off his re-election campaign in Owo with a pledge to work with renewed vigour towards a better Ondo State as he took swipe at those desperate to capture Ondo State to perish the thought.

The campaign, which was almost disrupted by suspected political thugs who unleashed mayhem on residents of the town witnessed a crowd of Labour Party (LP) faithful.

According to Mimiko, Ondo State would never worship on the altar of any foreign god, adding that one million godfathers and their ‘District Officers’ would meet their match on October 20, when the people shall once again speak loudly with their votes as they did in 2007.

Highlights of the occasion included the defection of a gubernatorial aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Segun Ojo and over 500,000 of his supporters into the Labour Party (LP) as well as Senator Remi Okunrinboye, who also led over 200,000 supporters from the ACN to the LP. Specifically, Mimiko lampooned an opposition candidate whom he accused of not only being a foreigner in the state, who did not register to vote in the state and never even voted in the state before but suddenly woke up with the idea of governing the state.

He insisted that the people of the state desired a committed governor, not a ‘District Officer.’

While appreciating the people, Mimiko thanked them for their support in the last three and a-half-years and

promised to continue to work for the rapid development of the state which he had started since February 2009.

His words: “In 2007, we promised to work for you; we promised that your concern shall be our concern; that in all seasons, we will work for you; that we shall unleash our incredible creative ingenuity to develop the state. In the last three and a half years, there are empirical facts on the ground that we have delivered on our promises and Ondo State is working again and we are happier. We have in place over 350 projects in all our rural communities dictated by our people themselves.

“Today, we are here again

to solicit for your votes again, we want you to vote for us and I sincerely assure you that we shall continue to work for you with renewed vigour. We have been with you; we know your concerns and aspirations and we have been meeting.

We know that you want your children to have quality education without you selling your property. We will continue to work to make Ondo State a real place of pride in Nigeria; we will continue to develop Agriculture, build more roads, build more mega schools for our children, markets for our women, more hospitals, our cities shall be the best cities in Nigeria.”

While nothing that the choice of Owo town as the

venue of his campaign flag off was symbolic, Governor Mimiko said that Owo was the de facto home of the progressives in Nigeria because in 1951, the Action Group (AG) was founded in Owo, making it the home of brave progressives when many towns were loath to host the group. “And we as inheritors of progressivism in Nigeria, have latched unto this proud heritage and we have taken hook, line and sinker the ethos of progressivism in Nigeria and today, Ondo State is a model and the real progressives as opposed to those who just mouth progressivism by mere words of mouth and not in deeds,” Mimiko added.

... Mayhem as thugs attack venue From TUNDE RAHEEM

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olice in Owo, yesterday apprehended five political thugs in connection with the early morning attack on the venue of the flag off of Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s re-election campaign in the town.

Some hoodlums reportedly stormed the Methodist Primary School playing ground, Fajuyi-Owo in the morning and unleashed mayhem on the town’s residents.

They were later arrested with guns, charms, live ammunition, masks, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

Owo, which is believed to be the political headquarters of South-West progressives was embroiled in violence on Wednesday evening as armed thugs, shooting sporadically in the air, went round the campaign venue, damaging sound systems, podium, inflatable billboards, Labour

Party (LP) flags, erected at the venue of the Mega rally in.

They also inflicted injury on several people who are currently receiving treatments in various hospitals in the town.

In its reaction, the Mimiko campaign Organisation (MCO) stated that the development vindicated its numerous cries that the ACN was out to wreak havoc in the state because it was not a party on ground. It decried the development saying that the ACN had consistently been prone to violence.

“Since ACN made a foray into Ondo State political firmament, it has brought with it violence hitherto unprecedented in the annals of Ondo State politics, shooting, maiming and intimidation of the people and make the state seeming unsettled, says Kolawole Olabisi, its Director of Publicity and

Media Relations.

But in a swift reaction, the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO), called on the good people of the state to take note of the falsehood that was being spread by the Labour Party in Ondo State.

A statement by its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Idowu Ajanaku,Akeredolu Campaign Organization (ACO )said; “ You will recall that we have earlier raised the alarm that the Labour Party has moved thugs and rented crowd to Owo for his so called flag off rally.

“We have it on good record that one Olaitan (aka White) a known member of Labour Party has been arrested with a pistol in the house of the Ose Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Prince Afolabi Adedayo, yesterday. He has since been transferred to the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Akure.

14 DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

AREWA

Inferno: Emir’s wives escape death From ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina

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wo wives of Katsina monarch, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, yesterday cheated death in a fire disaster that left their rooms in total ruins.

There was no casualty in the inferno which started about 2.00 am and raged on for about four hours before it was put off by men of the Katsina State Fire Service and many sympathizers.

The fire incident, according to sources close to the Emir’s palace, might not be unconnected with electrical fault in one of the affected rooms.

The two women, who lost precious property yet to be estimated, reportedly escaped unhurt.

When contacted, members of the royal family declined comments, but scores of sympathisers were seen around the Emir’s palace discussing the incident in low tone, while others were either trooping in and out of the palace to sympathize with the traditional ruler and his family.

The director of the State Fire Service, who was among the early callers at the palace, however declined comment on the disaster, saying he was not permitted to speak to the press without the permission of Commissioner for information and Home Affairs.

Adamawa govt builds headquarters for 23rd Brigade Yola From DAVID MOLOMO Yola

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hief of Army Staff, Lt. General A.O. Ihejirika yesterday commissioned the new brigade headquarters complex of the 23rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army Yola initiated and completed by Governor Murtala Nyako’s administration. General Ijekirika who was represented on the occasion by Major-General Jack O Nwaogbo, described the occasion as a milestone in the history of the brigade as the new headquarters would in no small measure help the Nigerian Army face the new security challenges that the county was currently faced with.

The army boss said the provision of the headquarters was so critical in order for the Nigerian Army to fulfill its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, as such enabling environment would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the army personnel.

According to him, for the army and other security operatives to meet the current security challenges, an enabling environment must be created for them to function efficiently. Hence, the gratitude of the Nigerian Army to the Adamawa State government in that regards.

2 poachers jailed in Bauchi From PAUL ORUDE, Bauchi

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wo poachers who specialised in hunting animals at the Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, have been jailed.

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Salihu Ibrahim, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen yesterday after the state executive meeting held at the Government House, Bauchi, presided over by Governor Isa Yuguda. Ibrahim disclosed that the Protection Department of the Games Reserve arrested the two notorious poachers and charged them to court.

He said, “one of the poachers got a sentence of four years imprisonment while the other one is to serve three years.”

The commissioner, who decried the activities of poachers at the Yankari Game Reserve, said they posed a threat to tourists and animals at the reserve.

The commissioner said, “recently, poachers attacked two rangers at the Games, which led to the death of one of them while the other sustained injuries.”

Ibrahim said as a result of the pressure mounted on the poachers, they resorted to retaliating by attacking rangers at the reserve. He explained that the ministry has also reviewed the tariff structure of Yankari Games Reserve as part of measures to generate more revenue and sanitise the tourism activities in the state.

He explained: “The move (new tariff structure) is coming on the heels of concerns raised by many tourists of activities of hoodlums in the Games Reserve and the need to upgrade it to meet international standard.

“As a ministry, we reviewed the tariff structure of the Yankari Games Reserve right from the gates which has increased from N300 to N5,000. Also, our services at the Wikki Spring have been reviewed upwards to 100 per cent.” As a result of the high cost of maintenance and the smooth running of the Games Reserve, N3 million is expended every month to pay for electricity, which includes the purchase of diesel to fuel the generating sets.”

•Cross-section of graduating students at the skill upgrading training in Bauchi yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Adamawa flood victims deliver babies From ISAAC ANUMIHE, Abuja

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ive pregnant female victims of Lagdo Dam disaster were yesterday delivered of babies in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Adamawa State.

In a statement, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that agency workers were being inundated with gory tales of washed away farmlands, drowned children, missing herds of cattle, bites from snakes, lost valuables, submerged schools and houses.

“There are also reports of premature deliveries, miscarriages and new born babies delivered in the Internally Displaced People Camps (IDPCs) in Adamawa State” it said.

According to the statement, five women have so far delivered babies successfully, while 57 pregnant women have so far been registered in camps, especially in Gwadabawa, Damare, Limawa, Bwaraji, Sanda and Numan while some of the women would be transferred to hospitals for proper

medical attentions.

However, Director-General of NEMA, Muhammad SaniSidi who is leading the rescue and relief agencies on the operation, has urged other people living within the flood- prone areas to move to designated camps for safety from the surge which might increase if more water was released from Ladgo Dam in Cameroon.

He commended the effort of Adamawa State and other stakeholders, who within 24 hours of receiving warning alert embarked on public announcements and evacuation of people within the areas to be affected to the camps.

“As much as we have to be diplomatic in our approach, the reality is that upon receiving the report from the

Kaduna holds council polls December 1 From NOAH EBIJE, Kaduna

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he Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KIECOM) yesterday fixed December 1, 2012, for the conduct of general elections in the 23 local governments.

At a press conference before the various stakeholders, the KIECOM Chairman, Dr. Hannatu Biniyat, said that each candidate for the position of council chairman would pay a non-refundable sum of N200,000 while the position of a councilor attracts N50,000, for the nomination forms.

The SIECOM boss further

explained that processes leading to the conduct of the polls were in consonance with the SIECOM Law, which the State House of Assembly promulgated recently. She also said that political parties wishing to field candidates for the elections were expected to conduct primary elections between September 7 and October 26, 2012, while the deadline for the submission of the list of candidates is November 1. Biniyat said, “on Thursday 8th November, the Commission shall publish the personal particulars of candidates in their constituencies and anyone who has reason-

...Destroys farmlands in Borno From TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri

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lood has destroyed farms in some farming communities at Kwaya Kusar Local Government in the southern part of Borno State after hours of heavy down pour, submerging crops in three villages of Wawa, Yiwar Lalan and Bilazi.

According to sources, torrential downpour which lasted for about five hours in the area, led to overflow of water and flood which subsequently submerged farmlands and destroyed crops such as millet, guinea corn and citrus along the River banks, 80 Kilometres South of Biu. Commenting on the flood,

Cameroonian Embassy on the imminent release of water, we alerted relevant authorities.

Adamawa State was very proactive in its mobilization and sensitization of people to move away from the prone areas. We have also warned frontline states of Borno, Taraba, Benue and their respective emergency management agencies.

Hon. Saleh Mohammed, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly, representing Kwaya Kusar Constituency said, “the flood is an act of God” which should be accepted in good faith, despite the destruction of crops and citrus of farmers here.

He said though the farmers were alerted on the impending flood in Biu area last week, but regretted there was nothing they could do since flood is a natural phenomenon, adding that Biu, which is a flood prone council area as alerted by the Federal Ministry of Environment, is located north of KwayaKusar.

He appealed to the state and Federal Government to

intervene, by assisting the affected farmers, as they solely rely on these crops as their means of food and incomes.

One of the affected farmers, Dahiru Usman told journalists through a phone message that he was expecting huge yield in harvest period.

“I was expecting to harvest a minimum of 35 bags of millet and 49 baskets of guavas next month, but last weekend’s floods have destroyed them by submerging the entire farmlands and orchards along the banks of the River,” he lamented.

Dahiru said the flooded farmlands could only be useful after the raining season to grow vegetables and fibres including onions, carrots and pepper.

able grounds to believe that any candidate has given wrong information in the forms regarding his or her qualification can apply for certified true copies of the forms and file a suit before the High Court for the candidate to be disqualified.”

Daily Sun noted that the announcement of the nonrefundable fees did not go down well with the people, as the venue of the conference became rowdy with several party officials murmuring over the fees.

This was even as more stakeholders accused the SIECOM Chairman of being biased in the preparation for the election, alleging that she might be sympathetic to the ruling People’s Democratic Party during the election.

Reacting to the accusation, the astonished electoral umpire had to raise her voice to high heaven with a microphone, saying repeatedly, “I have been working with SIECOM since 2008, I am not a card-carrying member of any party. I am not working for any political party; none of my officials is working for any political party. We are doing the work according to the laid down laws and regulations.”

However, soon after the event, the State Deputy Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Shaibu and some other persons standing within the venue of the occasion escaped being knocked down by a vehicle.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012,

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Foreign Affairs World’s shortest man, woman meet face-to-face

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istory was made when the world’s shortest man met the world’s shortest woman recently.

It was immediately described as ‘a big deal.’This is because, though, record holders are often pictured next to each other in Guinness World Records books, they very rarely meet each other in the flesh.

A notable exception came when the reining world’s shortest man, Chandra Bahadur Dangi, met the reigning world’s shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, as part of a promotion for the 2013 edition of Guinness World Records.

Dangi, a 72-year-old Nepalese man is, at 21.5 inches; Amge, 18, of Nagpur, India, measures 24.7 inches. For Marco Frigatti, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, the experience of getting the two tiniest people on the globe together in one room was a true career highlight.

“The atmosphere was magic,” he said. “You could see everyone was smiling. It was something special in the air.”

Neither Amge nor Dangi said anything about the meeting apparently it was a short one but both are happy to have their respective titles.

Amge is happy to be recognized by Guinness, and hopes to parlay the fame into a career as a fashion designer and a Bollywood actress. “Since being recognized by Guinness World Records, I have been able to visit lots of different countries,” she said. “I love traveling. I have visited Japan and parts of Europe and now I can’t wait to visit the UK.” Guinness officials had been aware of Amge’s existence for years, but waited until she was 18 to make the “world’s shortest woman” title official. Dangi, on the other hand, managed to escape discovery for more than 70 years before Guinness found him in the remote Nepalese mountain village of Rhimkholi, about 250 miles west of Kathmandu.

The recognition may be somewhat late in his life, but, hey, he’ll take it. “I’m very happy that I’m being recognized by Guinness World Records and that my name will be written in a book,” he said.

“It’s a big thing for my family, my village and my country. I am very happy.” Dangi and Amge appear prominently in the 2013 edition of Guinness World Records, which will be published Sept. 13.

World’s shortest man, Dangi and world’s shortest woman, Amge at an event recently

Senegalese president moves to scrap Senate • To raise funds to fight flooding

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enegalese President Macky Sall presented plans yesterday to scrap the nation’s upper house of parliament to raise funds needed to fight annual flooding which killed six and left several neighbourhoods under water last weekend.

Sall, who won March elections on a ticket to cut excessive spending on state institutions, said the abolition of the 100-seat Senate would free up eight billion CFA francs a year for urgently needed infrastructure improvements.

The measure is likely to be welcomed in poor suburbs of the capital Dakar which suffer flooding every rainy season because of shoddy urban planning. It will be discussed in cabinet on Thursday and is set to be voted in the lower house within weeks.

“I am insisting more than ever on what I have called

the new order of priority: the primacy of the nation over political parties and the reduction of government spending for the benefit of the population,” said Sall, who earlier this week cut short a

private visit to South Africa because of the flooding.

“That is why in this spirit, I have decided to submit as a matter of urgency, a constitutional amendment bill aimed at abolishing the Senate,” he said. Senatorial elections were expected in the coming

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he United States has said that Nigeria, along with Brazil and China, are her priority in the issuance of visa.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, US Consular Officer, Patty Neary, said: “Nigeria is now a pririty alongside Brazil and China,” saying to this effect, time for issuance

of visa will be reduced.

Neary explained that as a priority country, Nigeria will be given more officers and more staff to facilitate the issuance of visa. She further said that in the 2012 fiscal year, the US processed over 40,000 visas, compared to the year 2011. “The US has increased the figures by 11 percent.,” she said.

Neary disclosed that “Majority of those visas

mer French colonies, Senegal has a presidential system modelled closely on France’s.

Political commentators complain that the Senate, with over half if its members appointed by the president, has tended to be used mostly as a reward for political favours.

Book raises questions about Osama bin Laden’s death in raid

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firsthand account of the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden contradicts previous accounts by administration officials, raising questions as to whether the terrorism mastermind presented a clear threat when SEALs first fired upon him.

Bin Laden apparently was shot in the head when he looked out of his bedroom door into the top-floor hallway of his compound as SEALs rushed up a narrow stairwell in his direction, according to former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette, writing under the pseudonym Mark Owen in “No Easy

Day.” The book is to be published next week by Penguin Group (USA)’s Dutton imprint.

Bissonnette says he was directly behind a point man going up the stairs in the pitch black hallway. Near the top, he said, he heard two shots, but the book doesn’t make it clear who fired them. He wrote that the point man had seen a man peeking out of a door on the right side of the hallway.

The author writes that the man ducked back into his bedroom and the SEALs followed, only to find the man crumpled on the floor in a pool of blood with a hole vis-

Visa: US puts Nigeria in priority list From AIDOGHIE PAULINUS, Abuja

weeks. The measure would be the second time the Senegalese Senate was abolished since its creation in 1999. Sall’s predecessor Abdoulaye Wade abolished it in 2001 to save money but later reinstituted it in 2007.

In common with many for-

have been issued. Nigeria became a priority nation in 2012, following the recent upsurge. We are absolutely committed to facilitating legitimate travels and to do that, you need to help us.”

On student visa, Neary said that the US wants Nigerian students to study in the US, but that they have to plan ahead. “They should apply 120 days before their studies begin and we encourage them to apply as soon as

possible,” She said “Service fee must be paid and come, prepared to speak to us. Our goal is that every qualified student visa applicant is able to begin his or her program of study on time.

“Good reasons for choosing a US school should be given rather than coming to tell us about the school building, library and all that.”

ible on the right side of his head and two women wailing over his body. Bissonnette says the point man pulled the two women out of the way and shoved them into a corner.

He and the other SEALs trained their guns’ laser sights on bin Laden’s still-twitching body, shooting him several times until he lay motionless.

Only when they wiped the blood off his face were they certain it was bin Laden. The SEALs later found two weapons stored by the doorway, untouched, the author said.

Administration officials briefing reporters in the days after the May 2011 raid in Pakistan said the SEALs shot bin Laden only after he ducked back into the bedroom because they assumed he might be reaching for a weapon.

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor would not comment on the apparent contradiction late Tuesday. But he said in an email Wednesday, “As President (Barack) Obama said on the night that justice was brought to Osama bin Laden, ‘We give thanks for the men who carried out this

operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country.’ “ “No Easy Day” was due out Sept. 11, but Dutton announced the book would be available a week early, on Tuesday, because of a surge of orders due to advance publicity that drove the book to the top of the Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com best-seller lists.

Osama bin Laden

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DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

NewsPlus Tension in Enugu community ... As two leaders draw battle line over Igwe’s throne From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

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t Amangwu Obuoffia, Awkunanaw, a community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, these are not the best of times. The death of the traditional ruler, Igwe Stephen Ugwu, has pitted brothers against brothers, as the people seek a replacement for the departed royal father.

As always, the decision of the government will go a long way in determining the fate of the people; whether they will sheathe their swords or continue to burn.

The battle for the stool is between the traditional prime minister of the community, Chief Moses Ohaa, and a prominent chief and community leader, Sir Ikechukwu Okeke.

While the latter sees himself as the most qualified for the throne, many people in the community, including the town union executive and the Igwe’s cabinet, have adopted Chief Moses Ohaa as the Igwe-elect for the community.

President-General of the Amangwu Town Union, Chief Chibuike Owo, told our reporter in Enugu that the people would adhere to whatever decision the government took in the matter.

He pointed out, however, that the people might never accept Sir Okeke as the traditional ruler, based on certain allegations.

However, Okeke has denied all such allegations, describing them as outright falsehood.

The president-general traced the crisis in the community to the death of the last traditional ruler of Amangwu. “It all started after the death of our former traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Igwe Stephen Ugwu. After the community had accorded him the burial rites, it was then time to commence the process for installing a new traditional ruler. Ordinarily, the constitution has a guide for the installation of a new traditional ruler, and part of the guide is for the secretary of the town union to call for nomination on the advice of the general assembly.

“However, in this case, the secretary, Mr. Sunday Ugwu went ahead to call for nomination without due consultation with the general assembly. That was the beginning of the problem. He later apologized and the community accepted his apology and everything was going on smoothly. Then came the time when the community agreed that an electoral committee be formed with the town union executive and the Igwe’s cabinet as members. At the verge of forming the electoral body, it was agreed that the town union executive should produce the chairman of the committee while the Igwe’s cabinet produce the secretary.

“But Chief Okeke’s group refused because the only people they have in the electoral body is one Ifeanyi Okeke and the secretary whom they insisted must remain the secretary of the electoral committee. The committee said no, that it’s not done that way. They said the president-general remains the chairman of the committee, while the secretary of the Igwe’s cabinet would take over as the secretary of the committee. They insisted, and from then on, they put up forces to disrupt the process that would finally produce a successor to our Igwe’s throne.

“They went to town with petitions against one Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa who is not even a contestant. They wrote to the Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the governor, trying to cause confusion in the community. There was also a petition written by the elite against one of the contestants, Sir. Ikechukwu Okeke, asking that he should render

•Owo

•Sir Okeke account of projects he handled on behalf of the committee. He could not come forward and blatantly refused to render account as requested.

Since then he has done everything possible to frustrate meetings of the community and even the proper functioning of the screening committee.

“Because they prevented the electoral committee from sitting, the committee came up with a report which it submitted to the general assembly. Following the report of the electoral committee, the community met and elected the Onowu, Chief Moses Ohaa, as Igwe-elect of Amanwgu Community, Obuoffia, Awkunanaw, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

“The assembly consequently asked the representatives of the villages in Amangwu to make consultations and if they agreed, they should sign a communiqué showing they had elected a new Igwe. They did that and the community has forwarded the letter to the Enugu State government.

“Now what we are asking the government is to allow us to do the coronation or come and witness the coronation or give us a date for the coronation. Let them come, if they doubt what the people of Amangwu have said. Let them come and conduct election for us so that anybody that has the majority should be the Igwe.”

The president general noted that what aggravated the crisis in the community was the decision by the entire community that the secretary, Mr. Sunday Ugwu, should not continue in office.

“They had insisted that he must step aside for incompetence. As I am talking to you now, from January till date, none of the minutes of

Amangwu has been corrected, amended or adopted. Most times after reading the minutes, the secretary would refuse to make necessary corrections and amendments as might have been observed by members. By the next meeting, none would be done because he was being teleguided by Ikechukwu Okeke’s group.

“After every of our meeting, he would carry our minute book to Okeke, who in turn would take it to a third lawyer who would then doctor it to suit their purpose. That’s what has been causing trouble in the community.

“About four meetings ago, a motion was moved and seconded that the secretary should step aside. A counter motion from their side was also moved and seconded. However, as the president general got up to put the motions to vote, thugs mobilized by Sir Okeke started to cause confusion, breaking plastic chairs in the hall.

“But in our last meeting in July, the Commissioner of Police, following a letter the community wrote to him for protection, sent his men and a peaceful meeting was held. It was at the meeting that the secretary was formally removed by an overwhelming majority of the general assembly. The community even marched to his father’s house after the meeting, asking the father to tell his son to return the minute book to the community. Since then, we have not seen him. He has absconded with our minute book.”

Chief Owo alleged that Sir Okeke has been threatening the Amangwu community with imminent bloodbath and making inciting statements aimed at causing dissension, fear and breakdown of law and order in the community.

“On Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14,

2012, he commissioned his handful of jobless village touts who went round the community, issuing threats of violence and bloodbath against anybody who dares to attend the community monthly meeting scheduled for July 15, 2012.

“Since Chief Okeke suffered overwhelming rejection by the people of Amangwu in his bid to become the next traditional ruler of Amangwu after the death of our past Igwe, he has sworn that he would keep the Igwe stool in the cooler for 10 years during which Amangwu shall not only remain without a leader, but shall also not know peace. He has been going about making intimidating and provoking statements to instill fear in the people.

“To make good his threat, he made a move to get our town union banned from sitting indefinitely. Pursuant to this, he petitioned the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, threatening bloodbath if our town union meeting should be allowed to sit and asking for a ban to be placed on the union.

“We were invited by the commissioner who listened to both parties, and authorized us to continue sitting but to concentrate on our community development matters.

“Chief Okeke’s problems started when he was appointed to head the committees of four very important development projects in the past. Till date, he has refused to give financial account of any of those committees he headed.

“Among others, he headed the community health centre project which was sponsored by LEEMP, the State and Nkanu West Local Government. The last payment from Enugu

•Continued on Page 17

Friday, August 31, 2012

DAILY SUN

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NewsPlus

A businessman’s dilemma

By SEYE OJO

C

hief Chibuzor Anyaorah, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mozilla Fox Oil and Gas Limited, is a man with a passionate desire to play a major role in solving the problem of housing and construction in Nigeria.

To realise this lofty and patriotic ambition, the Anambra State-born business mogul partnered with one of the leading cement companies in Asia to invest in the cement industry in his native Nigeria. The process commenced about five years ago and he believes that the company will employ, at least, 5, 000 people within the first five years of its operations in the country.

Anyaorah, a graduate of Economics from the Lagos State University (LASU), told Daily Sun that the company would have taken off but for the difficulty in getting an operating licence from the Federal Government. For the past three years, according to him, his efforts to get the licence from the Ministry of Finance in Abuja had not yielded any positive result.

His words: “We are partnering with one of the biggest players in the cement industry in Asia to invest in the cement industry in Nigeria but we have been having some difficulties in going into that sector. It has been difficult for the past three years in getting the appropriate authorities to issue us the licence to take off.”

“My company and our partner have been having series of meetings for more than five years. The discussions have been very successful and we have tidied up what we have at our end to set up the factory.

“We have been on it now for close to three years but we have been meeting with a brick wall. It has been frustrating. It is very challenging to get one of the biggest players in Asia to invest in the cement industry but it is highly disheartening that it has been difficult for us to get the licence.”

Anyaorah expresses optimism on

My efforts to crash cement price, being frustrated the issuance of the full operating licence to the company to enable it set up a cement plant in the country.

He says it will help in the vision of the government on affordable housing for all Nigerians. According to him, the current price of cement in the country is still above the reach of the masses.

“I wouldn’t know why getting the licence is very difficult. I have been to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja several times but I met with a brick wall. The real thing that draws our attention to the sector is the high cost of cement in the market. We are planning to start with two million metric tonnes annually and we have the capacity to increase it within 12 months to six million.

“Maybe I am being denied the licence because I don’t have any godfather to help and pass the message over to the presidency. I think the real issue has to do with the fact that I hail from the South-East.

“If the investors from the North and South-West are getting the licence, I wouldn’t know why someone from the South-East should not be given a chance to participate in the industry. I see it as marginalisation. But nobody has asked for money from me. I feel that they don’t want any South-Easterner to invest in the cement industry,” he says.

He discloses that the quest to complement government’s efforts in solving the housing challenges of Nigerians attracted him into the industry before he discussed with his partners to set up a cement plant in order to reduce the cost of cement.

According to him, “our intention

is to set up the industry, not packaging plant which most people in the sector now do. The price is really what draws our attention because I don’t see any reason why a bag of cement will still sell above N2, 000 in Nigeria.”

The business mogul urges the federal government to open up the sector through deliberate policies that will encourage more investors into the industry. He said the price of cement will come down and the poor masses in the country would be able to build houses if the sector is opened up. He enjoins the government to issue licences to people who have the capacity to help the government reduce the housing problem for Nigerians.

Anyaorah states that the country has not met its annual production capacity, contrary to speculations that it has. He contends that if the country has met its production capacity, a bag of cement will not be sold above N2, 000.

“A bag of cement costs N350.00 in China and N600.00 in Europe. It is either that someone is not telling the truth. If we have met the actual capacity we need, the price of cement will fall by itself. When you produce and you don’t dispense, you have to reduce so that you can sell.

But in a situation whereby people will pay in advance, waiting for cement to come out from the factory, is certainly not helpful, unless we are deceiving ourselves.

“That is why we feel that government should open up the industry.

So, we need more players to invest in this industry in Nigeria in order to

•Anyaorah help poor Nigerians to get houses of their own.”

Anyaorah assures Nigerians that the proposed plant will bring high quality cement into the country. In his words, that will not only help in the building of houses, but the construction of roads, bridges and others will also witness a positive turnaround.

He says it is imperative to open up the sector now that the federal government is considering using cement-based construction for roads instead of asphalt.

Acting Permanent Secretary and Director, Highways Planning and Development, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Bala Danshehu, had said the federal government was considering exploring the option of cement

usage in construction of roads in the country. He stated this when he played host to some members of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CEMAN) led by their chairman, Mr. Joseph Makoju, an engineer, on behalf of the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen.

He promised that the Ministry of Works would understudy the proposal submitted by the CEMAN on the use of cement in road construction, which he noted came at the time the ministry was reviewing its road sector design manuals. He noted that cement-based roads could last twice the lifespan of asphalt-based roads but that the high cost of the product in the past had given rise to the choice of asphalt in road construction.

Govt’s looking into the issue, says commissioner •Continued from Page 16 State government was N2.8 million and is yet to be remitted by Mr. Okeke who claimed that there was no such money.

“As a result of this, he was declared a persona non grata by the Amangwu General Assembly on the understanding that he had defrauded the community of N2.8 million. He also headed the multi-million ultra modern all purpose Amangwu Community Civic Centre, and till date he has refused to give account of that project to the Amangwu union who appointed him to head the project.”

Chief Owo alleged that Sir Okeke’s efforts to ban the Amangwu Town Union from sitting are to prevent the demand by the community that he should account for community’s money in his custody. He further alleged that the aspiration of Sir Okeke was further rejected by the people because he was dismissed from the civil service in the old Anambra State.

But in his reaction, Sir Okeke, a prominent member of the traditional ruling council in

Amangwu, and an aspirant to the Amangwu throne described the allegations against him as frivolous. He alleged plots by certain persons to impose a candidate on the people.

“The truth of the matter is that only two persons, Chief Moses Ohaa and I are contesting the position. We have made our presentations to the government of Enugu State, we also have the certified true copy of the constitution of the community and that is what will be used in selecting the next Igwe.

“The allegations against me by these my brothers are very funny. On the issue of not giving account of projects I handled for the community, I want to say that all of them have been completed and functioning now. The account they are talking is still there. The counterpart funds were mostly paid by me.

The N2.8 million they are talking about is for the health centre project which is now functioning.

“If you go to LEEMP General Manager, he would tell you that no such money was released for the community. The monies that were released are there on the board and the

health centre is functioning and fully equipped. It was my money that I paid on behalf of the community to meet up with the counterpart fund. I did it as a sacrifice; you will not find where one kobo from the community was given to me. The thanksgiving that I organized, I did it with my money. Why they are looking for the minute book is to destroy it so that they can wipe away the records that I have created.

“In that community, my record is clear and I was commended and honoured. I am a holder of the Owelle of Amangwu because of my record in the community, so all the allegations are false.

“On the issue of my records in the public service, if you go to the Local Government Service Commission, I was employed as an accountant in the then Anambra State government. I rose to the position of a director and retired honourably. I was never dismissed. I am keeping quiet because I know at the end we are brothers and they will still apologize for all these.

“What I am asking for is peace. Let them

allow the constitution to be followed, that’s all.

They know I was never dismissed.

“They should allow the constitution of the people to be used in selecting the next Igwe.

They are talking about the doctrine of necessity and I am saying no, and now we are before the government. Let them allow government to take their decision, but they will not.”

Sir Okeke expressed confidence in the ability of the government to take the right decision. “They have been pushing us to go to court but we will not. Whatever the government comes up with will be in the interest of the community.”

Meanwhile, Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Pastor Emeka Abugu told our reporter that the case of Amangwu traditional stool was already with the governor.

“The governor himself directed me to investigate the matter which I did; I have also written a report on my findings and submitted to him. So, I am waiting for the governor’s directive on the matter.”

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DAILY SUN Friday August 31, 2012

Intriguing tales over Oyerinde

T

he murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, the principal private secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has remained a riddle, several weeks after the dastardly act was perpetrated. The security agencies do not, as yet, have a clue on who killed him and the motive behind the act.

The confusion has been worsened by the bickering between the State Security Service (SSS) and the Police on the matter. Weeks after the murder, the police arrested and paraded four men who allegedly confessed to killing Oyerinde. The police said the killing of Oyerinde was a case of assassination and have since remanded the suspects in police custody.

But the SSS had another version of the story. It said the death of Oyerinde was as a result of armed robbery. It later paraded six suspects in connection with the incident.

Curiously, however, the suspects paraded by the police and SSS were different human beings. The suspects also told conflicting stories about the murder incident.

In the bid to justify their positions on the matter, the spokespersons of the police and SSS, last week, stated their own versions of the story. Frank Mba, while speaking for the police, said the four men paraded were the real killers of Oyerinde. According to him, the force recorded an uncommon breakthrough for being able to round up four principal suspects involved in the killing. He still insisted that Oyerinde’s death was an assassination plot.

But Marilyn Ogar, the spokesperson of the SSS, told her own side of the story. She said the six suspects paraded were the real killers of Oyerinde, and that they were armed robbers. Essentially, both the police and the SSS are insisting on the sanctity of their findings.

Each believes that it is on the right track.

These have been the intriguing tales emanating from the two security agencies of government. With the conflicting stories, it has become difficult for the public to know what to believe. Nigerians do not, as things stand, know who is right and who is wrong.

We consider it embarrassing that the two security agencies are at daggers-drawn over such a sensitive security issue. We had thought that an issue as serious as this would be handled diligently by the agencies concerned. But what we are being fed with departs radically from that. The claims and counter claims simply point to one thing – there are gaps in the investigation apparati of the security agencies. That is why they have come up with different versions of one story.

However, no matter how much they bicker, one thing is clear in the whole shameful drama-one of the security agencies must be wrong on this matter. If the police is right, then the SSS must be wrong, and vice versa. It is also possible that both agencies may be wrong.

But both cannot be right.

This being the case, there is the need to establish the truth or otherwise of the claims of both agencies. It is only when this is done that the public will get to know who the real killers of Oyerinde are and the motive behind the act.

Since both the police and SSS are assuming a hard stance on this, we invite the National Intelligence Agency to wade into the matter with a view to evaluating the claims. It is necessary to resolve this conflict so that the prosecution of the suspects can go unhindered.

The way things stand, the prosecution will be stalled since neither the statement of the police nor that of the SSS can be tendered in evidence. This is especially so as the case involved is a homicide one which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The conflicting positions of the two security agencies have created doubts in the case and that can technically stall the prosecution.

The lack of unanimity of purpose over the matter by the security agencies has, unfortunately, heightened the politicization of the case. This is very odious. We urge for a speedy resolution of these differences so that the case can be concluded and the truth determined. Justice must take its course in this matter.

COMMENT

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MISSION ‘To practise journalism in the classical newspaper tradition of presenting the news and features in an exciting style, with impact, objectivity and appeathat generate returns to all stakeholders: the society, the investors and the practitioners’

LETTER Early plans for Budget 2013 I write to use your widely read medium to commend the Federal Government and particularly the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for the speedy work already done on Budget 2013 which we heard will be presented to the National Assembly at the end of September.

I think we must cheer this administration for finally making plans for presentation early enough to allow the legislature enough time to get the final budget ready

by December. Like all ordinary Nigerians, I was worried when lawmakers accused the executive of not implementing Budget 2012.

Later, when I read the testimony of the Minister of Finance and her promise that

2012 Budget would be fully implemented and that 2013 Budget will be ready by September, I thought Okonjo-Iweala had also joined politicians in their lies. But reports I have been reading showed that, indeed, the implementation of Budget 2012 has climbed up from the reported five or six percent to over seventy per cent.

If this is true, I think by September ending, the level would have reached a peak that will be acceptable to all Nigerians.

That is the first promise fulfilled. The second side, however, is that the minister should continue to insist on transparency in the budgetary process.

We should not say because we are in a hurry to implement the budget, we allow

people to siphon public funds. What she did to the oil marketers, she should do it to any arm of government or agency that is doing wuruwuru with their budgetary allocation. If Ngozi does not know, she has become the main eye of Nigerians in watching over public resources.

On Budget 2013, the government also attracted my attention and that of millions of unemployed youths by the promise that the main focus will be on job creation. In other words, investment in the transformation agenda would be geared towards creating job and necessary environment to engage the unemployed.

This is commendable and I plead with the Minister of Finance and other members of the cabinet to follow this priority line to the letter. President Goodluck Jonathan should give political backing to this initia-

tive as this is a major way to fulfill the aspirations of most Nigerians.

Lastly, I cannot end without appealing to the National Assembly to get all details of their constituency projects ready before the end of September. This will allow the Budget Office to properly integrate such into the main budget and facilitate implementation when the final budget is passed.

The lawmakers should also resist the temptation of padding the budget. Nigerians are becoming impatient with such unpatriotic activities.

Once again, I say kudos to OkonjoIweala. Nigerians now love her more especially since her successful taming of the fuel subsidy cabal. Keep the flag flying, Madam Minister!

Mallam Adamu, Okene, Kogi State.

CMYK

DAILY SUN

Friday August 31, 2012

19

Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at 70

BY ETHELBERT OKERE

I

first heard of the name, Iwuanyanwu (I mean Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu) during my undergraduates days (in the Second Republic); a day after a certain event organized by the Imo State government, then headed by the late Sam Mbakwe. How the name came was that there were discussions about a certain young man who donated the sum of one million naira at the occasion which the government put together to raise funds for a certain project.

I could remember that we had gathered somewhere informally when the topic came up. It was, of course, so fascinating and our excitement knew no bounds. One million naira then (in the late 1970s) was simply mindboggling. And for the next two decades, the name, “Iwuanyanwu” became almost synonymous with philanthropy.

But that is not the reason this tribute is considered necessary. Philanthropy yes, but it, at a point, became too common place that it no longer qualified as a yardstick for measuring a person’s worth or contribution to the society. This is especially so in our clime where people stumble on stupendous wealth and because the same society is so permissible, the next thing is to flaunt it through ‘philanthropy’.

Perhaps, propelled by the hands of destiny, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was to leave philanthropy behind, to graduate into a higher pedestal of terrestrial calling that saw him demonstrate qualities that are at once uncommon and unique; attributes which have kept him on top even in the twilight of his earthly sojourn. By the date referred to above, Chief Iwuanyanwu was less than forty years of age.

It is said that in life what matters is not to get to the top but the ability to remain there. For a fellow who climbed to the top so much earlier in life, it is needless to say that it must have taken so much dexterity, discipline and singleness of purpose for Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to have continued to ‘reign’for over three decades. To be sure, “Iwuanyanwu”, as the brand appellation goes, is not the only fellow who has been able to maintain such a profile but there is a remarkable difference between him (and a few others like him) and majority of Nigeria’s big wigs. Which is that while over ninety per cent of the nation’s rich and famous owe it to political ascendancy, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is one fellow who was upwardly mobile, politically and socially, even without holding a public office. Yes, he made a

shot at the presidency twice but even it was in his failure at each occasion that further set him aside as a fellow through whom the common-place talk of ‘politics without bitterness’ can be best illustrated.

In Nigeria, the commonest thing to find are politicians who rebel against the system the moment they fail to realise a political ambition no matter how unrealistic. But not for Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His experience in 1998 during the grand transition that ushered in the current Republic is most illustrative. Chief Iwuanyanwu was almost picking the presidential ticket of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP) at the presidential convention in Kaduna when the clique of retired Generals that took it upon itself to predetermine who would emerge as Nigeria’s president in 1999 struck. From nowhere, they brought an Ogbonnaya Onu and before anybody could spell “Onu”, he had stepped down for Olu Falae.

That was how Nigeria came to have an allYoruba presidential contest in 1999.

I always laugh each time I hear people argue that the Igbo had their worst political subterfuge in the ‘defeat’of Alex Ekwueme at the PDP convention in Jos. But that is not correct. The worst perfidy against the Igbo at that period was the stopping of Iwuanyanwu from getting the APP presidential ticket at its covention which was merely a few hours ahead. Had Iwuanyanwu gotten that ticket, it would have been most unlikely that he would have agreed to step down for Olu Falae. And the story would have been different; different in the sense that Ndi Igbo would have had bargaining power. For, once it became an all-Yoruba affair and with the active collaboration of their traditional political ally, the North, the stage was set for the current ‘it-is-our-turn, next” refrain among the Igbo.

However, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was to leave all that behind to play a leading role in stabilising the dispensation that eventually emerged. Compare this with a situation where Olu Falae failed, up till now, to concede defeat by his fellow Yoruba, Olusegun Obasanjo. As a matter of fact, that the Yoruba practically turned their back against Obasanjo until 2003 was as a result of the recalcitrant attitude of Falae who found liberty in the puritanical attitude of his Yoruba kinsmen to form the opposition to a government which the entire nation handed to them on a platter of gold.

Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has continued to be a statesman in national politics in the last thirteen years regardless of the fact that he has never held

any political office. There are times his critics describe him also as AGIP (Any Government In Power) but the truth is that it is perhaps the AGIP syndrome (in Nigerian context) that is responsible for the collective success in growing our democracy thus far, much to the surprise of the rest of the world. Anybody who has been close to the corridors of power in Nigeria would attest to the fact that power holders, again in the Nigerian context at least, are vulnerable and easily distracted.

Against the backdrop of a society where a great majority are economically deprived due to perennial mis-governance, those who rise to power are always under pressure to perform miracles; the very root of the messiah-syndrome in our politics. Agreed, opposition helps to keep those in office alert but it would certainly be total madness if everybody were to carry a placard against the many failures of those in government of any point in time.

The point being made here in that a deeper look would reveal that it is those people that are referred to as AGIP that provide the needed stability in a polity that is so vulnerable. Some may not be entirely selfless but a fellow like Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who at less than 40 years of ago could afford to donate one million naira to a public project, more than three decades ago, cannot really be said to be desperately in need of political patronage as the only means of survival.

As in the aphorising that charity begins at home, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s home state, Imo, has benefited hugely from his generally conservative mien. He has helped in stabilizing every administration that has come to the state since 1999. He did that for the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa who, at a point, faced a most formidable opposition from the highest echelon of the Imo political establishment. Incidentally, Udenwa was to himself play opposition politics during the regime of Ikedi Ohakim. Again, Iwuanyanwu was to play a stabilising role, regardless of the fact that he was benefactor to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume who, together with Udenwa, gave Ohakim his biggest headache. He is still playing that role, the current madness in Imo state notwithstanding.

There is, however, another sense in which Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has impacted significantly on the growth of Nigeria outside politics.

It is his role in the development of the Nigerian media. Champion newspapers, which he founded in 1988, became a balancing factor in the

politico-media equation in the country. Although, Champion was not established as an “Igbo paper”, it offered Ndi Igbo some psychological relief. For, apart from suffering from an apparent complex as a people who were not involved in an evolving national media that was playing a critical role in the onslaught against the military, it offered Ndi Igbo another opportunity, apart from the era of Nnamdi Azikiwe, to have some of their most talented heads in the field of journalism to be discovered.

I was one of those who used the platform of the newspaper to showcase themselves. Apart from the Daily Times which I so much hankered to be part of in the course of my career, Champion was another newspaper where I developed my reportorial skills. Before I joined the newspaper, I had only worked with news magazines. But I discovered that in spite of the fact that writing for news magazine was more intellectually fulfilling, I looked forward to becoming a reporter with a Daily. That opportunity came when I was invited to join the Champion newspapers as its pioneer Business and Economics Editor in 1989. As a matter of fact, some of my most cherished experiences as a journalist were during my days with Champion. Besides that the organization was one of the best managed in the industry (under one of the doyens of Nigerian Journalism, Henry Odukomaiya), I met some of the best editorial hands throughout my career.

All that was because the newspaper company was among the very few whose proprietors allowed the managers to run professionally. It was a well known fact in the industry that Chief Iwuanyanwu never interfered editorially with the newspaper.

Today, the newspaper may not be having it so rosy but pleasant memories of my stay there continue to linger. So do I continue to nurse pleasant feelings of its proprietor, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whom I later came to associate quite closely with several years after I left Champion. He remains an inspiration to many of us and as I usually do each time any of my mentors turns the age of three scores and ten, I would say to the good Lord, please may it please Him to let me also count that number and more in my earthly sojourn. And this is wishing Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Aha Eji Aga Mba Ndi Igbo, who turns seventy on September 5, 2012, many more years of fruitful and eventful existence on earth.

Okere writes from Owerri

Avoiding future dismal sporting outings

BY PETER CLAVER OPARAH

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nd so, Nigeria returned from the London Olympics empty handed? And so we came back not even with a wooden medal? And as is traditional with our dawdy and bankrupt system, we are keeping a straight face about it?

We are behaving as if nothing is amiss; in line with our tradition of shamelessness and impunity? Yes, there have been one or two incoherent statements from those that preside over our decrepit sports sector. For all they were worth, they were deft efforts to offload the burden of blames from themselves, as is traditional with officialdom in Nigeria. These statements were replete with the elusive search for who to transfer the load to; whom to blame for our shameful outing and whom to hold responsible for the grand and comprehensive failure Nigeria recorded in London where the joke is abuzz that Team Nigeria went to see the Queen.

Nigerian officialdom is riddled with the blame-others-but-me syndrome for the manifest failures it has come to personify especially in recent years and in virtually every sector of our public life. The choice tactic is to scavenge the polity for who will take from their shoulders their failures and shortcomings in the business of running (or is it ruining) Nigeria. The buzz word is to blame others but themselves and at the end of the day, nobody shifts position and the sordid defenestration of Nigeria continues unabated. The Nigerian sports officials were therefore playing true to type when they were beating about to find enough words to canonize themselves and blame every other thing and every other person for the loud thud with which Nigeria failed at the Olympics. So they were home and in sync with the government they serve, which has demonstrated competence only in finding scapegoats for its failures. This is the reason why those who ordinarily would have thrown in their resignation letters from London as the Olympic drew to a close and the picture of bareness stared Nigeria in the face or

would have been offloaded before they landed in Nigeria, are insulting us with annoying reasons for that disgraceful outing.

Before the Olympic disaster, we watched with awe as Nigeria was eliminated from participating in the 2010 World Cup, 2011 African Cup of Nations and from virtually all the age group football competitions. We watched as we couldn’t qualify for both the male and female Olympic soccer competitions, which completed a total rout of Nigeria in all global and regional soccer competitions. Meanwhile, as this tragedy continued, Nigeria, which, at a time was ranked the 5th best team in the world, continued a free fall in the monthly FIFA rankings, which sees Nigeria struggling for position with soccer backwater nations in Africa. For a country that has made so much fuss of soccer’s role as the only uniting factor in a hugely fractured nationhood, this should be a worrisome development and a bad omen that would have signaled a serious effort at soul searching.

But, do we blame the operatives of Nigerian soccerdom when every sector in Nigeria is hit by irreversible atrophy? Do we blame the aficionados of the Sports Ministry for still maintaining their straight faces even as Nigeria failed to record a presence in an over ninety country medal count?

Are we surprised that it is Nigerians that were humbled by that outing and not the officials that led us to that sorry pass? We run a system where results are either forged or cooked to suit the exploitative whims of those that run our sectors.

We are running a system where practical outcomes do not matter but what the operatives of any sector scribble as miracles they wrought from their expensive enterprises that end up enriching them more than the state. We are running a bizarre scam where operatives dupe and shortchange the system and remain adamant to shift grounds and that explains why nobody quits public office in Nigeria for serious infractions. A system where some people can connive with government officials to steal N3trillion in one fell swoop can tolerate anything, least of all a deliberate wastage of a mere N3 billion for a barren Olympic jamboree, which ours

turned out to be.

Before we condemn those that are running our sports ministry, we need to ask which sector is spared the kind of terrible results that are being recorded in sports. Is it infrastructure? Is it the Energy sector? Is it the educational sector? Is it the power sector? Is it National security? Is it the Health sector? Is it the Agricultural sector? Is it the Transport and Aviation sector? Is it the Finance sector? Pray which ministry has a more excellent report than the humbling output than we had from the sports ministry? Which sector in Nigeria is spared the blistering ruination that is being freely vended on the country and which has firmly landed it on the firm grips of failed nationhood? With a confused, grossly incompetent, horribly corrupt and mindless leadership, what is assured is that what we are experiencing at present would be bested in the years to come as we continue a sure footed descent to perdition and national ruination.

Coming to our profound failure in sports, it is all too easy to see what is happening to us from the momentary issue of not winning any medal in the London Olympics but this is not the case. Granted, what is happening at present predates the present regime and its operatives but they have been grossly exacerbated by the lack of direction and unaccountable template of the present. For us to arrest the drift, we must back track to the past to know where we started drifting. Do we have a trusted system for discovering and grooming our sportsmen for sporting glory? Do we have a durable process that will ensure we discover the abundant talents in Nigeria and drive them to success? Do we have an immutable policy that allows talented Nigerian sportsmen and talents to tap in and maximize their talents? Do we have a meritorious policy that ensures that only the best represents Nigeria in any sporting competition? If we prod further, we would find ourselves going back to the same profligate government system that has failed us thus far so we should veer off and see the limitless possibilities that exist in a system driven by individuals, with the patriotic fire and zeal to excel.

Have we wondered what happened to our school system that has been vandalized and sold off as scraps to private profiteers to exploit for their maximum pleasure? The school, especially at the primary and secondary levels, is the nursery where human life is groomed and this not limited to any sphere. Sports development starts at the school level and could be taken to professional heights later in life. When Nigerian schools were handled by the early missionaries, it was the discovery and training ground for the country’s human resources in all spheres, sports inclusive. It was the place where young talents are spotted and equipped with rudimentary skills for future excellence. No one is asking what happened to the legendary school sports competitions where most of the people that took our nation to sporting glory were spotted and groomed. It is not surprising that what passes as schools today are private poultries that are meant to churn out mindboggling profits to the proprietors and nothing more. In an era where schools now exist in lock up shops and verandahs, it is not difficult for any responsible system to trace where we started flunking it. Let us ponder if it was through sheer accident that St. Finbars College, Akoka produced such soccer greats like Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, Samson Siasia and Chris Anigala. It was not through accident but through the conscious efforts of an Irish priest, Fr. Dennis Slattery and this picture is replicated in such other schools like Igbobi College, St Gregory’s College, CMS Grammar School, Ansar Ud Deen College, among many others in Lagos. I am counseling a return of those good old days when competitive sports was deliberately promoted in the nation’s schools. Any school without comprehensive sports facilities, among other basic requirements, should not have any business being recognized as a school in Nigeria and there must be a compulsory sports competition among Nigerian schools. I think the key word to Nigeria’s enhanced participation in future sporting contests is early discovery.

Oparah writes via peterclaver2000@yahoo.com CMYK

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DAILY SUN Friday August 31, 2012

Who spins for the president?

BY TONY AMADI oyin Okupe, the loquacious spin-doctor is back to Aso Rock and at once rattled the nation with his immediate impact. It was the most unexpected appointment by President Jonathan and it is easy to deduce from the action that the president has seen the need for a combative-style propaganda machine for the fights ahead. This is not necessarily the forthcoming impeachment battle at the House of Representatives, or the Senate’s more mature approach to force the President to execute the budget or face the music of impeachment. You are sure to conclude that the President has just far too many political battles on his hands in the run up to 2015.

Indirectly, the president has signaled an intention for the long run when he characteristically gave away his intentions for 2015, when he said that ‘women can vote me out in 2015’ during the opening of the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission that his wife hosted last month. It has suddenly dawned at Aso Rock that there is a dire need to liven up its spin machine if it is to match that of the opposition.

President Jonathan just has to get up and fight a looming battle in the public affairs sector if he is to match the spin machine of President Obasanjo during his many battles with the National Assembly. As we can all see, the opposition is not sleeping because it is determined to clinch the elusive federal power from the PDP which has ruled the country for the past thirteen years.

ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, has been tearing away at the government unhindered, exposing its ineptitude in critical

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areas of governance. He has developed a style reminiscent of the great and late M.C.K Ajuluchukwu who was director of research and publicity in the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria when Obafemi Awolowo was the leader and presidential candidate. With Okupe back to his old beat, Lai Mohammed and other opposition spindoctors like Osita Okechukwu will have a run for their money.

Coming to Doyin’s appointment as Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs, you then wonder what about the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the position held by Reuben Abati. Before the rumour machines could get grinding out sordid tales about what has just happened, the duo came up to meet the press corps and clear the air. We shall be working as a team as disciples of the President and sell his transformation agenda, they told everyone who cared to listen.

It has become clear to Aso Rock strategists that Reuben Abati couldn’t hurt a fly even though his armoury of powerful and politically loaded words and its effective use could not move mountains. So you needed a cutting edge and Doyin fitted the bill.

His huge and intimidating presence was enough to knock out opposition spin machine with as little as one punch. Let alone when he unleashes his verbal tirades. The one problem however is Doyin may have come with some excess political baggage that could arm the opposition as is already happening.

During the Okadigbo impeachment battle, there was a battery of spin doctors at the service of the President. Stanley Macebuh would be the one to churn out intellectual materials and arguments while Onyema Ugochukwu would be there to ensure the penetration of the line they tow into the people’s mindset. Femi Fani Kayode was the one

to rub it in. Tunji Oseni stays behind to mind the press and their daily needs.

For Jonathan, there doesn’t seem to be a spin machine, let alone any deliberate plan to give him cover from sniping journalists and political opponents. That is a disaster, to put it mildly, but that seems to be changing with the new haughty mood at the presidency. Before the arrival of Doyin Okupe, he had just Reuben Abati and to some extent, Oronto Douglas, to manage his spin affairs after he sadly dropped his former media aide, Emma Niboro, from his south south homestead.

There is no doubt that since his arrival at the Villa, Doyin has hit it off flying high among the political spin community. The problem the president will have to contend with Doyin Okupe is that he is a loose cannon who can spin out of control sometimes and in turn attract more enemies for President Jonathan. Otherwise, the appointment is a wise one for the PDP administration which, for the first time, is becoming overwhelmed by the high level of public demand for effectiveness in governance.

I will not be surprised if, sooner rather than later, the opposition will begin to get punched holes among its own ranks. They have had a field day out-spinning the government, making the efforts of the president to transform the country look as if nothing is happening as the government sat idly by seemingly doing nothing when a stronger propaganda machine would have turned things around by now. The one-man hit squad that is Osita Okechukwu has consistently been a thorn in the flesh of government with his often virulent attacks on government policy under the aegis of the CNPP, the acronym for Congress of Nigeria Political Parties, while the opposition press led by

The Nation gives him consistent support.

One would expect that the PDP’s own spin apparatus headed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, would move in to shore up the president’s opinion poll ratings which were tottering on the precipice before the fortification of the Aso Villa propaganda machine now comanned by Dr. Okupe and Dr. Abati.

If President Jonathan gets the budget execution right and people begin to see some further improvements in electricity supply, more road projects executed across the country, and the so called reorganization of the sports sector as promised following the London 2012 disastrous performance by Nigerian athletes, people will rethink their current negative assessment of the administration’s performance.

Should Jonathan show more authority and action by the end of his second year of the current dispensation, signs are that public opinion of his performance in office will improve and people can begin to stomach the possibility of second term for him, but for now, his rating has dipped so low that if election were to be held today, he has little or no chance of winning in Otuoke, his village or even the South South geopolitical zone, let along the rest of Nigeria.

One of the elements that can make things brighter for the president is a consistently positive spin even with the seemingly near impossibility of bringing Boko Haram to its knees. And Doyin, along with a sharp Biafra style propaganda machine that pummeled Nigeria for three years, can make it happen.

Amadi writes from Abuja

When dollar was offered as bribe

BY SUNDAY SAANU dmission into various higher institutions in Nigeria is metaphorically a tug of war. Year in year out, an ever increasing number of admission seekers duel themselves to exhaustion in order to secure a place in a university of their choice. Some of these desperate admission seekers often go spiritual: attending vigil, consulting oracle and eliciting the support of babalawo and dibia - all in an attempt to go to school.

Their parents are equally involved in the rat race as they, on their part, lobby possible people that could assist their children.

Currently, there are 124 universities in thecountry, 37 federally controlled, 37 state -owned and 50 privately established. From these three categories, only the federal universities are open to the children of the poor as both state and private universities charge exorbitantly. An average tuition fee in many of the state universities is about one hundred and fifty thousand naira while a conservative amount of fee in private universities is between three hundred and fifty to four hundred thousand naira. Some private universities charge over a million naira per session! Conversely, in most of the federal universities, tuition fee is less than forty thousand naira.

In spite of the wide gap in terms of charges, however, the issue of quality education is simply incomparable. While many of the federal universities can boast of world class lecturers whose intellectual clout command global respect, a majority of the state and private universities rely on second degree holders, who are just cutting their academic teeth!

For example, the nation's premier university, University of Ibadan (UI) parades over 300 professors whereas there are some private universities that cannot boast of five professors!

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Obviously, these are some of the reasons that inform the decision of the admission seekers and their parents. They want quality education at an affordable rate. Any wonder that UI records a yearly admission subscription of about 60,000 when in actual fact. the university can only admit less than 5,000 candidates! Much as the caring Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, would have wanted to admit more, carrying capacity of the 64-year old university would not allow this Consequently, there is much pressure on all the Principal Officers and their Assistants during admission period. Parents and their children probably did not know that UI has conceptualized, operationalised and institutionalized a transparent admission process that does not allow anybody any room for manipulation. The guidelines are well spelt out. The intention of the university is to admit only the best.

In fact, the UI admission model is so strict that even the VC who is the “Commander-in-Chief” cannot dictate that a candidate of his preference must be admitted when such a candidate has not met the minimum entry requirement. For example, Prof. Adewole's cousin was not admitted last year as a result of competition, yet, the VC could not assist because the system disallows interference.

If the VC could not whimsically dictate to the system, how does one handle a particular parent who thought he could bribe his way through the institutionalized process and get his son admitted on account of power of dollar? Mr. Sule (not the real name) got my contact from the media and felt I could be an accomplice in his “money can do all things” game. He wanted his son to be admitted by UI. Good desire, no doubt. But, his method was fraudulent! Mr. Sule acquainted himself with me so

well and we started talking. Unconscious of his game, I promised to help, but on one condition that his son must work hard to pass the UI post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test. I equally spoke with the son and urged him to gather all past questions and study them.

As if appreciating my effort, Mr. Sule sent me recharge cards, promising to do more when the boy gets in. No sooner the result was released than I went to check Mr. Sule's son's result on net. I was dazed with what I saw: 24 percent. Believing that the 24 percent I saw belonged to someone else, I called Mr. Sule to give me the full name of his son.

Alas! It was the same. I was shivering. How do I break this bad news to my friend? With an exaggerated concern of a pseudo parent, I phoned Mr. Sule: “this guy really fumbled. What happened? He scored just 24 percent! This is scandalous! This is very embarrassing!” What frightened me most was Mr. Sule's unperturbed reaction. “24 percent?”, he asked casually, “I will call you back, Mr. Saanu” While I was still discussing the result with my Internet Assistant, Fatai Arisekola, Mr. Sule called again. His next line of thought was as shocking as it was fraudulent. In a rather calm and cool manner, he proposed “yes, my brother, how much do you think I can send to you? I want you to go and settle those who can inflate the 24 percent!” For a few moments, I literally went blank.

I mustered up courage and began to enlighten him on how money, irrespective of the amount and denomination could not help his case in U.I. Mr. Sule thanked me and hanged up. But, Fatai seemed to have understood his mindset better than I did. Fatai postulated that he would still call back.

He did. Like a victim of a deadly disease, longing for help and healing, he called. “Hello, my brother,

I am sorry disturbing you. I want this boy to study Law in UI and don't mind any amount, even if you want it in dollar, I will give you, just help me to see people, it is possible,” he said to my astonishment.

I wish I recorded his voice for EFCC's action. It was at this point that I realized that Mr. Sule has deluded himself into believing that he could bribe his way through any system. But, he was wrong.

Nobody collects money in UI to guarantee admission. In UI, as far as I know, everyone is an auditor of everybody. Nobody wants to lose his job over dirty lucre. Admission process is free from filth.

My inference from Mr. Sule's action is that he must have bought school certificate result for his son at Oluwole Market. It is possible that his son is a product of a special centre - a centre set up for all kinds of examination malpractices.

Indeed, my encounter with Mr. Sule exposes the vulnerability of the rich. Some of them teach their children to expect success without sacrifice, reward without work and harvest without sowing.

To buy comfort for his son, Mr. Sule stubbornly tempted me to prey on his gullibility but I resisted.

I remembered the vicarious lesson I learnt in Otedola -Farouk Saga that intelligence can take one up, only integrity can keep one there.

Mr. Sule wanted to besmirch UI reputation with his dirty dollar. He wanted mediocrity to triumph over merit via bribery. He did not know that some institutions like UI are corruption free. Although our country is beset by all manners of corruption, an institution such as UI would not descend to Nigerian level, but rather teach Nigeria to imitate the culture of transparency and accountability as evinced by the Prof. Adewole-led administration in UI. Saanu writes from Ibadan

The APGA crisis

BY CHIKE ODOJI have been reading with uttermost disbelief the bickering going on in APGA. I never fathomed that this current APGA leadership would fall apart so soon. I never knew that our linen would be washed in the public whether clean or dirty this early Where did we get it wrong? Who is behind these problems? Why have we forgotten our collective sacrifice and efforts during the long seven years of protracted legal tussles? What do we think our adversaries will be saying, will they not be vindicated in their own sense? I am greatly disturbed because we are still putting on Ojukwu's sackcloth.

Tears have not dried in our eyes, yet we have these problems.

What are we going to do with these altars of Paul and Appollos? Who will the teeming adherents follow? Meetings at Enugu, Abuja, Nnewi, Kaduna issuing divergent communiqués to confused members. Who planted this akpa-esesa (seed of discord) among us?

I was wrong to think that the love among us would grow stronger with the growth of the party.

Just two governors, one senator, few members of House of Representatives, majority of house members in Anambra and Imo States Houses of Assembly, but hell was let loose.

How can we consolidate on the gains of the past elections? How can we confront PDP and her rigging machines with a divided house? Who will bring back that spirit of mass movement that characterized the overwhelming victory of Peter Obi in 2003? Can we still maintain our lead in Imo come 2015? Why did our shepherd die so soon and leave

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the flock without direction? Ikemba, where are you!

If the boat of APGA rocks today, I will hold his Excellency, Gov Peter Obi, responsible and posterity may not be fair to him as far as this issue is concerned. It is very difficult to arrive at this conclusion because Gov Peter Obi is my role model in all ramifications, but I must muster courage to voice out my dissatisfaction concerning happenings in APGA, since the plot to incapacitate the party and shame the Igbos in general is being sponsored from Anambra State in the full glare of some party elders who have decided to remain and enjoy their comfort zones while the “she-goat labours to have her kid under yoke!”

APGAis in dire need of warriors in the mould of Sir Victor Umeh. During the battle to deny APGA victory in 2003-2006, Victor Umeh fought like a wounded lion, during more than seven long years of protracted legal tussles to keep APGA afloat.

Umeh also fought with uncommon zeal, when enemies within wanted to jeopardize the party's chances in 2009 when Gov Obi was due for reelection. Umeh gave all to thwart the plots. He exhibited the attributes of a field marshal fighting at all angles. At the peak of the last general election, he jumped from one media house to the other trying to sell APGA to the populace. On several occasions, he shuttled from campaign venues to mount courts’ prosecution boxes in the bid to snatch APGAfrom the jaws of those that wanted to kill its vision and mission. The battles to destroy APGA just ended few weeks ago, and then the heat turned on Victor Umeh, the General of the people's party.

The clamour to remove Umeh or party “restructur-

ing” as we are made to believe is ill- timed and a misplaced priority.

The so called restructuring is the plan B of supporters of Chekwas Okorie in continuation of leadership tussles in APGA. Without fear of contradiction, I make bold to say that it will be very difficult to get a party leader that will be as competent as Victor Umeh for now. It is not as if Victor is indispensable, but the plot to disgrace him out of office is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.

Constitutionally, his tenure will be expiring sometime in 2015. If so, why the hurry? Why not allow him to re-position and strengthen the party since he is still willing? Victor is not the problem of the party. The problems of the party can be traced to the majority of the political appointees that have refused to assist the governor (in case of Anambra State) in building a broad-based party. Many of the appointees are politically colourless, many of them are not even members of the party, and they never want to be. Many of them never see anything good in APGA. Their interest is just in the perks of office. Before their appointments, I doubt if any commitment was extracted from them. The growth of the party never bothers them. Some of them joined state executive from classroom, some joined from America, Britain and some other countries at a time the state executive was like an assemblage of foreign professionals. Less opportuned APGA members were not considered. Tinubu and allies formed ACN, since then the party has being moving like wildfire, gaining more grounds everyday.

They even snatched Anambra senatorial seat from us, making us the first state ruling party without a senator and making our Governor the first seating

governor without a senator from his party in this Fourth Republic.

In the just concluded local government election in Enugu State, PDP scored 100%, Akwa-Ibom scored 100%, but I am sure that we will struggle to get 45% if council election is conducted in Anambra today. We seem to remember party politics only during election. Immediately after election, no more party meetings from state executive to the ward levels and we are dreaming of capturing the whole Southeast at least. I know some state party chairmen that are not fit to be ward chairmen.

I know some local government executives that cannot add an atom of value to the party. Any restructuring with the sole aim of sacking Victor Umeh will herald the commencement of the end of APGA. It is not a threat but the reality on ground for now until we groom committed party members.

I must confess that I am very ignorant of how Sir Umeh is running APGA, but the facts cannot be denied that he is just coming out from battles that would have consumed APGA. Umeh needs time to consolidate. His mistakes must be forgiven at this stage. It is too early to gamble with the future of the party. I never heard of Sadiq Masalla throughout the trying periods to save APGA. Ifedi Okwenna, though a one-time commissioner in Peter Obi's administration, abandoned him at the heat of his reelection and pitched tent with PDP. When he came back to the party is still a puzzle to me. Some people may be on suicide mission to kill APGA, since they could not achieve same in the court of law.

Odoji writes via chikeodoji@yahoo.com

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

Memories

Philip Nwosu 08176449110

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R YOU S U SEND HOTOS P OLD wosu@yahoo.co.uk phillipn e-mail:

Today in History

Atiku’s security aides maul journalist On August 31, 2003, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed shock and disbelief that Vice-President Atiku Abubakar could be so cold, unmoved and indifferent to the near killing of a compatriot and photojournalist, Mr. Akintunde Akinleye, by policemen attached to him.

Chairman of the Lagos State Council of NUJ, Mrs Funke Fadugba criticised the VicePresident for maintaining silence over the brutalisation of Akinleye in his presence by some of his security aides during last Saturday’s coronation of Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the new Oba of Lagos , in Lagos.

A statement by the NUJ chairman also chided Mr. Henry Oladele Alake, the Lagos State information and strategy commissioner, for his provocative utterances over the incident.

Akinleye of Daily Independent was beaten to a coma by the security operatives while attempt-

2003

ing to take snapshots of Atiku opposite the VIP stand at the Tafawa Balewa Square Complex during the ceremony.

The journalist, who was taken for dead while being rushed from the spot in an ambulance, was later revived at the nearby Lagos General Hospital at the Marina, Lagos.

Condemning the incident, the NUJ expressed shock at Atiku’s indifference at the viciousness of his security aides. “While Governor Ahmed Bola Tinubu, his host, was shouting himself hoarse to stop the unwarranted brutality of his operatives, he (Atiku) moved away and went on. Tinubu, disregarded by the security men, had to leave to escort the Vice-President to the high table. All the while, the Vice-President behaved as if nothing was amiss and as though he saw nothing wrong in the brutalisation of a fellow Nigerian, whose constitutional rights he had sworn to uphold and to protect,” the union noted.

Princess Diana dies in Paris crash On August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died after a car crash in Paris.

She was taken to hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning where surgeons tried for two hours to save her life but she died at 0300 BST.In a statement Buckingham Palace said the Queen and the Prince of Wales were “deeply shocked and distressed”.

Prince Charles broke the news of their mother’s death to Princes William and Harry at Balmoral Castle in Scotland where the royal family had b e e n spending the summer.

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1997

accident happened after the princess left the Ritz Hotel in the French capital with her companion, Dodi Al Fayed - son of Harrods owner, Mohammed Al Fayed.

Dodi Al Fayed and the vehicle’s driver were also killed in the collision in a tunnel under the Place de l’Alma in the centre of the city.

The princess’ Mercedes car was apparently being pursued at high speed by photographers on motorbikes when it hit a pillar and smashed into a wall.

Mr Al Fayed and the chauffeur died at the scene but the princess and her bodyguard were cut from the wreckage and rushed to hospital.

The French authorities have begun a criminal investigation and are questioning seven photographers.

Tributes to the princess have been pouring in from around the world.

Speaking from his home in South Africa, the princess’ brother, Lord Charles Spencer, said his sister had been “unique”.

• November 2, 1956: Ali Obaje, the last Atta of Igala receiving his staff of office from the representative of the English Queen during his coronation. His predecessor, Ameh Oboni had committed suicide some days earlier to avoid being impeached by the Colonial Masters.

Ali Obaje reigned for 56 years and died on 16th July, 2012.

Edison patents the Kinetograph Thomas Edison on this day in August 1897, received a patent for his movie camera, the Kinetograph. Edison had developed the camera and its viewer in the early 1890s and staged several demonstrations.

The camera was based on photographic principles discovered by still-photograph pioneers Joseph Nicephone Niepce and Louis Daguerre of France. In 1877, inventor Edward Muybridge developed a primitive form of motion pictures when Leland Stanford, governor of California, invited him to develop photo studies of animals in motion. Muybridge developed an ingenious system for photographing sequential motion, setting up 24 cameras attached to trip wires stretched across a racetrack. As the horse tripped each wire, the shutters snapped. The resulting series of photos could be projected as something resembling a motion picture. This breakthrough in the early 1870s inspired another student of animal motion, Etienne Jules Marey of France, to develop in 1882 a rotating camera rather like a rifle, where different pictures were taken in a rapid sequence by a rotating cartridge.

Unlike these earlier cameras, Edison’s Kinetoscope and Kinetograph used celluloid film, invented by George Eastman in 1889. In February 1893, Edison built a small movie studio that could be rotated to capture the best available sunlight. He showed the first demonstration of his films—featuring three of his workers pretending to be blacksmiths—in May 1893.

1958

22 DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

PFN tasks Jonathan on Boko Haram

By BABS OYETORO

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entecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) executive member, Bishop Joseph Ojo, has tasked the Presidency to find a lasting solution to the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern part of the country.

Bishop Ojo, who addressed Christians in a two-day seminar packaged by the Institute of Accredited Christian Theology in Okoko area of Lagos State, charged President Goodluck Jonathan to exploit the possibility of ending the prevailing menace through the ongoing peace dialogue with the group leaders.

“This is achievable if the Presidency explores all the necessary avenues to make the dialogue result-oriented. There is no amount of efforts or sacrifice that is too much to put into this project. We don’t want palliative measures,” he stressed.

The former PFN secretary general also dwelt extensively on the role of the clergy in nation-building as he told the ministers of the gospel to exploit the prospects of prayers, supplications and

thanksgiving to advance the cause of the nation-building.

The man of God identified two cabals working against true nation-building in the country and tasked believers to pray to God to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of the cabals.

“There are two cabals in electricity and petroleum industries troubling our fledgling democracy and genuine

nation-building interventions.

The entire nation should therefore rise against these cabals,” he disclosed.

Ojo, however, called on Christians all over the country to be law-abiding and show good examples to non-believers around them.

“This is the only way we can make positive impact in nation-building and win more souls for the Lord with persistent prayers.”

LASAA raises alarm on destruction of street direction signs

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he Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has expressed deep concern over the recent increase in destruction of already installed Street Directional Signs (SDS) in the state.

Speaking on the issue, the Managing Director of LASAA Mr. George Kayode Noah, expressed sadness over the rate at which the signs are being damaged by motorist and road contractors without any recourse for repairs or replacement. Mr. Noah stated that ‘‘we are facing serious challenges from vehicle owners and Contractors who constantly damaged these signs. As at the last count, our Agency has received request for repairs and replacements for over 240 street name signs which had previously been installed in the

State and this cost has extra financial implications for our Agency’’.

He added that ‘’one of the issues regarding completion of the project include resistance from residents to street name change even when the Local Government has approved it’’.

Noah called on the residents where the projects are situated to be more responsible and protect the signs as they have become theirs.

He concluded that ‘’for the project to achieve the desired success, residents must play an active role by co- operating with us in sustaining the project. They must ensure that vandals are apprehended and prosecuted’’.

It will be recalled that the street directional sign is the flagship of the Agency’s project which commenced in 2008 across the State to assist members of the public in finding their way around the city.

Post Ramadan: Lawmakers, Pa. Thomas Akinyemi council boss seek Nigeria’s unity Arogundade is dead;

By NKIRU EVONGA

M

uslims in the country have been advised to use post-Ramadhan fasting period for sober reflection and continue to work for unity of the country and peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in the nation.

A member of the House of Representatives for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Hakeem Abiodun Muniru; two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Wahab AlawiyeKing and Mudasiru Obasa and the Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adeyemi Alli; gave this advice in separate statements in Lagos.

They advised that though Ramadan has come and gone, Muslims should not forget or abandon the lessons therein of which were sharing love among each other which they said, “is essential for the growth and peace of the country at this critical period in its history.”

Muniru wrote, “we have to give thanks to Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity to see the end of Ramadan. While wishing my Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eid-l- Fitr celebration in arrears, I want to advise that we should not forget and abandon the lessons inherited in it one of which is sharing love among each other which is important for us in

this country now’’.

For Alawiye-King, Ramadan afforded Muslims the opportunity to move closer to Allah advising that, “while we are happy to see the end of Ramadhan, celebrating Eid-lFitr and praying to Allah to enable us witness more of it, we should continue to pray and work for the unity of this country and our peaceful coexistence.”

Obasa, who represents Agege State Constituency 1 in the Lagos state Assembly, called on Muslims to continue to pray for Nigeria advising “not to forget to continue say and do things that will continue to enhance the unity of this country.”

Nigeria, according to him, was at a critical period of her political life and so “we should continue to promote the unity of the country through our utterances and actions.”

Adeyemi Alli in his own statement also urged Nigerians to give priority to any action and utterance that would uphold the unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, just as he asserted that “imbibing the lessons of Ramadan after Ramadan is the only panacea to healthy living in any society.

The politicians in their statements prayed for the safe return of the missing Islamic television presenter, Alhaji Rasak Aremu Gawat urging Nigerians, especially Muslims, not to relent in their prayers for the missing presenter and his family.

Igbo mark New Yam festival in Ibeju-Lekki the New Yam festival. It is a very year, the Igbo, time set apart, to celebrate the thanks to God for a bountiful whether at home or in the yam widely believed to be the harvest in the outgoing year as Diaspora, gather to mark king of crops and to offer well as pray for a better outing next year.

In this spirit, the Igbo community in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos led by Ozo Chinedu Idezuna, will celebrate this year’s edition of the new yam festival from August 31, to September 2, 2012, to enable those living around Ajah, Lekki and its neighbourhood have a feel of the season.

Highlight of events for the three-day festival show that the celebration would start on Friday August 31 with an opening ceremony, children arts and crafts workshop, a semi-final match (Beach Soccer) and an evening of Reggae music and fun.

The next day will feature the new yam festival, a parade, traditional wrestling contest, cultural dance, masquerades displays, and entertainment, while on Sunday September 2, the youths will indulge in various forms of competition, final football match on the beach and lavish entertainment spiced with non-stop musical jamboree.

Ozo Idezuna, who confirmed this said the festival has been expanded and renamed Eko Oni Baje New Yam and Beach Festival, noting that unlike previous editions, the festival will hold at three venues, with attractions including fresh palm wine, pounded yam with assorted soups, variety shows and much more.

Important dignitaries expected at the festival include Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Lagos State Governor, Governor Raji Fashola, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olusegun Salami, Onibeju of Ibeju Kingdom.

E

for burial October 6

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he Arogundade and Fadare families of Ilesa and Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State, have announced the glorious transition of their patriarch, Pa. Thomas Akinyemi Arogundade at the age of 85.

A statement by the family said Pa. Arogundade who died on July 27, 2012 would be buried at Ijebu-Jesa, headquarters of Oriade Local Government of Osun State, on Saturday October 6, 2012.

According to the statement, his burial program will kick off on Friday October 5 with a lying-in-state at his residence, R3, Araromi Street, Ilesa at 3pm while there will be a Christian wake keep at 5pm.

On Saturday October 6, a burial service will hold for him at 9am at R3, Araromi Street, Ilesa, immediately after which his remains will be interred at the Arogundade family compound in Oke-Iloro, IjebuJesa.

At 11a.m. on the same day, an interdenominational openair thanksgiving service would be held in his honour at the sports complex of Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School, Ijebu-Jesa, to be followed by a reception for guests at the same venue.

As a prominent cocoa merchant in Osi-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Local Government of Ekiti State, where he sojourned between the 1950s and the year 2002, Pa. Arogundade earned the sobriquet, Akin Onikoko. He was also for many years Treasurer and senior Lay Reader of the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in the town.

Pa. Arogundade is survived by wife, Mrs. Hannah Olayoonu Arogundade; younger brother, Pastor Olu Arijesudade and children – Mrs. Titilayo Ekundare; Mr. Ayodele Arogundade; Mr. Lanre Arogundade; Mrs. Olamide Oso; Mrs. Adesola Onipede; Pastor Ayodeji Arijesudade and Mrs. Folasade Olunuga.

He is also survived by many grandchildren.

Adedeji’s father for burial Sept.1 PA Elijah Adedeji, who died recently, will be buried in Okaka Itesiwaju Local Council of Oyo State on September 1, 2012.

A Service of Songs will precede this on Friday, August 31.

He was the father of the former Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Amos Gbadejo Adedeji.

Pa Elijah Adedeji Adisa Adetola was born around 1911 in Okaka. He was the Baale Origbiyanju of Ifedapo Area of Okaka.

Late Adedeji

DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

23

Jonathan on the media and foreign glory

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o Nigerian columnist or editorial writer can run short of topics and where unusually the columnist runs out of ideas, President Goodluck Jonathan can be trusted to provide aplenty. On a recent outing, Jonathan dished out so many that needs to be ironed out not only in his interest but also for purposes of national history, if only to remove the impression that he (Jonathan) is some sort of whipping boy not in any way appreciated, compared to all his predecessors. It was also exciting that Jonathan revealed that he reads everything written about him. He can, therefore, dispute any concoction by the media since all criticisms are generated by his actions and policies.

First, Jonathan blamed the media for his negative publicity. Second, according to Jonathan, Nigerian journalists are not only businessmen, but are also part of the privileged group of private jet owners. Third, Jonathan made ministers to sign good or excellent performance agreement, the violation of which will empower him to dismiss underperforming ministers. Fourth, he revealed that if negotiations failed, a foreign war in Mali, under the auspices of ECOWAS, was now on the table. We should have thought Jonathan has more than enough domestic political, economic and financial problems to contend with than seeking military glory abroad.

No matter how distasteful is Jonathan’s blame of the media for his negative publicity, his latest blame game is even easier to tackle than the erstwhile singling out of his aides for his shortcomings, which is not necessarily conceding that Jonathan is correct in blaming the media. There is this wrong perception that however lack-lustre is the record of a regime, aides have an inescapable obligation to portray such poor performance positively in the media and the country at large. No aide(s) worth their salt would stake their professional integrity to sell such black record as white whatever the consequences, even if that meant hiring ten new aides. Black will remain black as distinct from white.

By his admission, President Jonathan, in an unguarded moment, owned up to the excuse that the Boko Haram insurgents derailed him from performing effectively, that is, from honoring his election promises. Has Jonathan forgotten that alibi for which nobody prompted him? If Jonathan is correct on his “Boko Haram is winning” confession, how could any aide have sold such admitted failure positively in the media? If the media duly reported such self-confessed failure to Nigerians and thereafter commented or carried critical reaction of the public, was that a hostile posture of the media towards Jonathan’s administration? By the way, the media may deserve the rebuke from Jonathan. Throughout the political/constitutional crisis leading to the late President Umar Yar’Adua’s death, the media created such tension in the country, which made National Assembly, obviously for self-serving purposes, to, more in a panic, rush through an amendment to the constitution, to hasten Jonathan’s ascension to office, under the unique principle of “necessity.” Without that media fury and intimidation, Jonathan would still have emerged President or even acting President. After all, nature took its course and President Yar’Adua died.

All that while, performance of the media suited Jonathan’s taste. It therefore serves the same media right that Jonathan has turned round today to blame his promoters/benefactors of those trying days for his negative publicity. Incidentally, Jonathan need not panic. If he meets public expectation, there is not much the media can do to portray him in lurid colours. However, lest Goodluck Jonathan be carried away with such false sense of security, he should read the sayings of the great French war-time leader, Napoleon Buonaparte on his choice between confronting one newspaper on one hand and one thousand bayonets on the other. It should be noted that Napoleon mentioned one newspaper and not even the media. The French leader said he would rather confront one thousand soldiers instead of one newspaper.

What, anyway, does Jonathan expect from his aides or Nigerian media? To be patted on the back in the light of revelations (of government agencies and investigating panels) of disappearance of billions of naira from police and public pension funds, plain theft of trillions of naira from oil subsidy fund by known party figures and contributors to ruling party’s campaign funds, make-believe

duroonabule@gmail.com

DURO 07059484642 ONABULE

Today show trials of ex-ministers/ex-governors accused of converting public funds to personal use? Is Jonathan not bothered that it is faster and more productive to try such Nigerian suspects in foreign countries?

President Jonathan must be miscalculating to imagine he can distract Nigerians from the various problems at home with his search for military glory abroad, specifically, Mali. In Nigeria’s present situation, it does not make economic, political or financial sense to contemplate military intervention in another African country’s internal affairs. At the outbreak of hostilities of the Boko Haram sect since the Yar’Adua’ regime, nobody ever bargained that it would last this long in duration or this much in costs financially and fatal casualties on both sides. Yet, the bitter truth today is that Boko Haram is yet to be conquered and as long as that situation remains so, despite assurances of Commander-in-Chief Goodluck Jonathan, Chief of Defence Staff Oluseyi Petirin and Chief of Army Staff Azubike Ihejirika that the insurgents would have been subdued months ago, Boko Haram , in military terms, is winning.

And why not? Did Chief of Army Staff Ihejirika not express helplessness publicly that his men are too under-equipped to match the combat strength of Boko Haram? There would be many causes of the under-equipping of Nigerian soldiers. Whatever the cause - whether bankruptcy or cash flow problem, the bottom line is that there is no fund to adequately equip Nigerian soldiers.

Bogged down at home in such circumstances, another contingent is to be dispatched to Mali in a military misadventure in a foreign land? Will Nigerian soldiers to be sent to Mali be equally under-equipped like or better equipped than their colleagues engaged in operations against Boko Haram? In either case, where is the military sense?

Of good note should be how the projected unwarranted military intervention in Mali was fast-tracked by Jonathan. American Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton visited Nigeria, President Jonathan instantly flew to Senegal for discussions and there announced military intervention in Mali if negotiations failed. In what way is Mali Nigeria’s problem? Northern Mali declared its independence from the south. So what? If Nigeria, along with other member countries of United Nations could endorse the splitting of Sudan into north and south under the principle of self-determination, what is so special about Mali to make its territorial borders inviolate? And if the Malian borders are so sacrosanct, should that not be the business of Malians? Must Nigeria, for that purpose, send its men and women in the armed forces to possible deaths in a foreign land? Apart from mercenaries on both sides of the Nigerian civil war, did we allow any foreign country to fight the war for us?

Goodluck Jonathan must pause for the follow-

• Jonahan

ing monumental periods in world history. France, propelled by its presumed military might and probably some nebulous international obligations Nigeria may be flaunting in its military gamble on the Malian issue, ventured arrogantly into Vietnam, only to be humiliated at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The picture being portrayed here was the experiences of federal troops who were surrounded at Owerri by the Biafrans much to the embarrassment of Nigerian government at a decisive stage of the civil war. The fate of federal troops surrounded at Owerri? Only their relations could give the answer.

United States, (yes, the most powerful country in the world, America) failed to learn from France’s disgrace and also ventured into Vietnam.

The verdict of history is there that the Vietnamese, under the command of Ho Chi Min, humiliated America into an abrupt withdrawal under the Paris Peace Agreement. But that was only after public opinion back home vehemently rose against continued loss of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers in Vietnam. Indeed, faced with imminent defeat in protest against the ongoing humiliation of American military in Vietnam, incumbent first term President Lyndon Johnson tactfully withdrew from seeking a second term in the 1968 elections.

America and Britain led a coalition that invaded Iraq. Whatever the justification and success recorded, the end for the allied forces was humiliating with hurriedly arranged withdrawals from Iraq following continued virtually daily heavy fatal casualties even after the hanging of the country’s leader, Saddam Hussein. Over ten years ago, United States and Britain invaded Afghanistan.

Today, the Talibans remain more deadly, operating as guerillas and inflicting heavy casualties on the foreign troops. The singsong now for Britain and United States is dignified withdrawal from Afghanistan, only short of another humiliation.

When Nigeria spearheaded ECOMOG in Liberia and later Sierra Leone, all calculations were for a short period and affordable costs. What happened to ECOMOG and the cost to Nigeria?

Among other aspects of losses, the media lost two men in Liberia, Kris Imodibe of the GUARDIAN and Tayo Awotusin of the CHAMPION newspapers. Jonathan must therefore learn the bitter lessons of other world leaders. Powerful nations like Britain and United States have been forced by various factors to withdraw and refrain from further military misadventures abroad. Instead, the focus of such foreign powers like Britain and United States, apart from avoiding needless heavy fatal casualties in foreign wars, is on the enhancement of the economic and social wellbeing of their citizens.

The economic and social wellbeing of Nigerians, far perilous, is no way near that of Britons and Americans. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerian graduates roam the streets hopelessly for jobs, and every year, our ever- increasing numbers of universities produce more of these unemployed graduates. Uneducated poor citizens are even in the millions. Jonathan’s regime claims it has cash flow problems despite regularly heightening cost of living, under the pretext of providing infrastructure. Notwithstanding these social and economic problems, Jonathan has opted for military intervention in a foreign land. It is easiest to embark on such disaster but the duration and outcome are unpredictable while the fatal casualties are irreplaceable.

Clearly, Jonathan is carried away by his false ego boosted that Nigeria is the third biggest emerging economy. Why then is he applying for a fresh foreign loan of approximately eight billion dollars? Faced with unemployment at home, Britain and United States are withdrawing from foreign wars. It is not the time for Nigeria to pick such vomit. Lately, the federal government

announced that it was engaged in an indirect dialogue with Boko Haram. Is this possible end of the conflict a justification for starting a foreign war in Mali?

For unknown reasons, Jonathan revealed that Nigerian journalists are businessmen and now own private jets. Even as a joke, that was very expensive. It is, however, to President Jonathan’s credit that within two years of his tenure, his media friends are private jet owners. At the last count, there are not less than 130 private jets in Nigeria. Jonathan should go the whole hog by directing the aviation minister to publish names of the owners of private jets in the country.

Professional journalists then and now are too committed to their jobs than to aim at owning private jets.

Admittedly, today’s younger generation (of journalists) also struggles and perhaps gives in to the temptation of occasionally going beyond normal monthly salaries to keep afloat economically.

Yet, they are nowhere near owning private jets.

Unknown to Goodluck Jonathan, only in a few cases do journalists own their publications or broadcasting houses. Journalists are mostly employed.

On the other hand, their employers are bankers, businessmen, government contractors, serving or ex-governors who as publishers or broadcast house owners are mistaken by Nigerians, including Jonathan, as journalists. These are the private jet owners and businessmen friends of President Jonathan. Telecommunication companies in Nigeria are mostly owned by professional bankers or ex-bankers. Such investors are not therefore telecommunication engineers. An investor in real estate business does not thereby transform into an architect, construction engineer or builder. A financier of a medical centre or private mortuary remains so and not in any way a medical doctor, especially a pathologist.

Owing to his indecisiveness or weakness, President Jonathan made his ministers sign a good performance agreement, below standard of which the minister will be sacked. That was ridiculous and unprecedented. The President of Federal Republic of Nigeria owes no apology or even explanation for appointing ministers. It is only presupposed that in the exercise of such powers, such serving President would base his choices on correct assessment of their individual abilities. If therefore a minister falls below expectation, the President assumes responsibility to remove the minister. That is the responsibility Jonathan does not want to take. His contemporaries all over the world do not demand any written undertaking of good performance from ministers. The only requirement under Nigerian constitution is for ministerial nominees to be screened by the Senate. What is the purpose of the performance bond? Would a dropped minister argue with the President? Certainly not. This is one of such actions that earn Jonathan negative comments.

How about this? Goodluck Jonathan said he is the most criticised head of government in Nigeria’s history and currently, throughout the world. Evidence of persecution complex? Surely, Jonathan had not been living in Nigeria since the Gowon days up to the civilian tenure of Obasanjo.

Only General Abdulsalami Abubakar would match Jonathan as the least criticised Nigerian leader, because, as he (Jonathan) claimed, under his regime, media owners became private jet owners. Thanks to his patronage.

Jonathan, undaunted, is optimistic that on leaving office, he will be celebrated. This man should go through Nigerian political history. The only man ever celebrated was Murtala Mohammed.

Even then, only because he was assassinated.

Jonathan should be grateful to Nigerian journalists for regular and sharp criticisms of his regime.

Without such, Jonathan would be bored and become complacent.

Sex ban in Togo

A

political activist in Togo has directed all females in that country to deny all males sex for one week in protest against government’s detention of some other activists, leading the protest against controversial political developments in that country in the past few weeks.

According to the directive, females “...must keep the gate of motherland locked for a week.”

Impossible! Males are naturally and perpetually in possession of key to the gate and are endowed

by God Almighty to enter and exit as they please, period.

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DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

Anambra 2014: Why I want to be gov –Obiogbolu I

n 2014, the tour of duty of Mr. Peter Obi would end and the people of Anambra would file out to elect a new governor.

However, of all the three senatorial districts in the state, Anambra North is the only one yet to occupy the Government House. Alex Obiogbolu, medical doctor and founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is one of the contenders for the plum office believed the cause of justice and fairness can only be served if the zone is given a chance to occupy the plum office.

Many politicians are already warming up for the number one seat. But no known contender from Anambra North has indicated interest. Does it mean the zone has no qualified people?

Who determines “known contenders?” Every part of the state is filled with men and women who are capable of taking our state and the country to greater heights. In Anambra North senatorial zone, there are many intelligent, experienced, learned and capable leaders who have contributed and continue to contribute to the nation’s growth and who can take our state to economic and social prosperity.

What alliances is your zone forming to ensure the rest of the zones support you?

That question is better channeled to the political and social leaders in our zone as I have been campaigning to all the 177 communities, 21 local government areas and three senatorial zones. My constituency is the 4.177 million people resident in Anambra State.

You may believe you have people but the rest of the state doesn’t believe you. What do you think makes them think so?

Who are the rest of the state that believe that Anambra North lack capable persons to be governor of our state? Anambra State has a population of 4.18 million of which 1.2 million reside in the North zone. For a zone that has produced former President of Nigeria, icons and nationalists, the Reverend Priest declared Saint, former senate president, former ambassadors, commonwealth athletes, sports icons, business moguls, it will be incorrect and deceitful for anyone or group to say there are no persons capable of running the affairs of Anambra State. I am yet to be told by anyone that our zone lacks capable hands. What parameters were used? Is it educational background, cognate experience in public service and administration, physical stature or beauty, oratory skills, or financial capability to

run an election? It is only when I understand the yardsticks people making these claims have employed that I can respond appropriately.

On the second part of the question, I am not unaware that some politicians and persons in their quest to score cheap political points, allege that the aspirants from Anambra North don’t have the kind of money that others from other zones have, and therefore can’t ever become Governor of Anambra State. You will note that I termed it allegation and cheap political points because this is the kind of vice and ill-thoughts we are trying to stamp out in this country. Some people seem to brag and intimidate others that the governorship of Anambra State is solely available to those that own billions of naira. This line of thought has riled our state and has continued to cast Anambra in bad light. It is unfortunate that some people would rather brag about the depth of their pocket than telling us about Obiogbolu the range of their vision for the state. This is what has continued to fuel corruption in Nigeria, that even the younger ones come into politics with the mindset of being served than to serve, and to alleviate their own poverty than the poverty in the land.

Who are the prominent personalities in your zone you think can be thrown up?

There are many heroes and heroines on whose back the burden of this state have been placed.

Many of them who, despite the insecurity, reside and do business in this state and pay their taxes.

Therefore, in my mind, there are so many personalities, many of whom carry the passion to lead the state as governor. However, there can be only one governor at any time, and persons like me have been offering our manifestos and campaigning to be given the opportunity to lead the state. We need to have a governor who will take his vision from “me” to “we” and beyond a one-

man show. We need someone, who can mobilize and delegate responsibilities to others. It does not matter how intelligent or experienced a leader is: if he is unable to achieve results through people, then he is not a leader.

The last time you contested, your zone did not back persons like Prof Ilochi Okafor or you. Don’t you think this is one of your major challenges?

Again, this is one of the misrepresentations some people bandy around. Remember that we all have to first emerge from political parties before one can contest the governorship as stipulated by the Constitution. So, the issue of not getting support from our zone does not arise.

We are all witnesses to the fact that the party primary in 2010 in the PDP, which I belong was terminated midway by some persons who successfully frustrated the process.

I have always believed that thousands of our party members understand who carries their vision and passion for the development of the state and the peaceful growth of PDP; and I have never been angry with them or spiteful of my fellow members because I know that if they were given the opportunity to freely elect their candidate, that person who will get majority of their endorsement shall be me. This does not impugn on the ability of my fellow aspirants to be good governorship candidates. So, I would tell you that the major challenge for all of us is our party offering us more transparency as was done in Edo and Bayelsa states recently. Some may argue that these primaries where delegates

went and cast their votes may not have met acceptable standards but were it to be done in Anambra State in 2013, it will be a miracle that will rejuvenate the party.

Some people say it doesn’t really matter where the next governor comes from as long as he is good. What’s your take on that?

Agreed, but I go further to state two facts. The Constitution that binds us together states explicitly in section 14 that Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice, wherein the composition of the government of the federation or any of it’s agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character, thereby eschewing the predominance of persons from a particular section, tribe or ethnic area.

Secondly, Article 7 sect 2c of the PDP Constitution makes it mandatory, not optional, that all without exception, elective and party offices shall be rotated and zoned also with the goal to achieve unity and peace in a multi-ethnic growing nation.

Therefore, as someone who believes in the rule of law, I subscribe to zoning and would apply it appropriately, otherwise you may be a governor and appoint three commissioners from your local government in a ten-man cabinet under the guise of competence.

You came out before; will you come again now?

The vision and manifesto I have continued to propagate are yet to be delivered in my state. The present governor has tried his best and his beat is about to expire. There is a need to elect someone who can continue where others have stopped and fast-track development and growth. I dare state that any governor who can stimulate wider citizens participation in the affairs of governance and instill a sense of patriotism in our people would have laid the foundation to greatness for our state and people. Naturally, our state should be an investors delight and home to industries whose aim are always to stay close to distribution hubs, but the reverse is the case because of insecurity and growing youths’ restiveness. So, my belief is that our primary responsibility in government remains to provide security for lives and property and eradicate lack of basic needs.

Security, Agriculture and Education hold the key to achieving rapid transformation of our state into a boisterous economy. I would continue to profess these and implement them when elected.

Na wa for General Hospital!

By CHIDINELU OKERAFOR

I

’ve not just grown up to believe that anything “government” is hardly well-run, but, throughout my formative years, I’ve also experienced lots of firsthand instances of lackluster or lackadaisical attitude towards anything that belongs to “everybody”. There is an Igbo adage that says, “it’s only the public dog that starves to death”.

I’m not quite sure if someone like me is bestplace to comment on how governmental institutions, such as, ministries and affiliate agencies or “parastatals” are being run in this country. The reason for my circumspection is simple: only twice have I had the chance to work with or for any organization belonging to government, and they have both been very brief spells and under ad hoc capacities. My maiden experience was back in the 1990’s, when, as a “corper”, I was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Marina, Lagos, as a “pupil state counsel”. Overall, my experience there was a rewarding one, if only because my boss, the director of public prosecutions, DPP, was what you’d describe as a no-nonsense woman.

She was meticulous about everything, including punctuality, dedication to duty and work precision. But, whenever she wasn’t “watching” or was unavoidably absent, I witnessed virtually every vice that this piece has set out to illustrate.

Many staffers that I knew had “jobs” elsewhere, which their colleagues were prepared to cover up for, in case they came late to work or were absent entirely.

I’m sure matters were far worse in other government ministries, where I heard stories of staffers, especially the women, coming to work just to market their merchandize; converting office desks into chopping-tables, as wives pre-

pared vegetables, melons and the like, ready to cook for their husbands back home. Offices and corridors were often converted into centres of gossip by some idle staff, who knew their salaries were more or less guaranteed. You could even travel for days, if not weeks, without permission and was sure to have your back covered, so long as you were prepared to return the favour.

My other experience, if only for eight months, was at the defunct Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Lagos National Station, otherwise known as Radio Nigeria-one, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Apart from the fact that announcers on duty often had to place coins on turn-tables to get records to play properly, you could hardly find any office, except for a few higher-ranking ones, which wasn’t inundated by dilapidating furniture or floorspace that hadn’t seen water and soap for God knows how long.

As they say, “government work no be work.”

It’s a place where virtually anything goes, and each time I hear or read the news of the N.L.C. leading a strike action, my first reaction has almost always been that of bemusement. I remember the neglect in “government work”: the apathy, dereliction of duty, ghost staffers, the habitual late-coming, absenteeism and the corruption. All these take place, despite the fact that working for government, be it under the civil service or elsewhere, have proved to be the most secure employment.

Recently, the Lagos State government and striking Lagos doctors in its employ were embroiled in a disastrous war of attrition. Yes! Some of the grievances of the doctors were hard to argue against. However, the position of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s government wasn’t entirely an untenable one, until the chief-executive, perhaps in frustration, “sacked” hundreds of the doctors. Well, the doctors have since returned to their jobs, following the crucial inter-

vention of the Governor’s predecessor and political mentor, Alh. Tinubu. In 2008, I had my first encounter with a “general hospital”, and it was at Igando inAlimosho Local Government. Reason?

A deranged rascal had attacked me with a “flaming”, sharp scissors, and I was admitted. I never in my entire life, at least before then, saw folks, so-called medical personnel, treat other humans, or patience so-called, with such a degree of negligence, even disdain. After my ordeal there, I quickly rushed to my machine and wrote the piece, “breakfast at the general hospital”— imploring the Almighty that I should never again have any reason to be the guest of any government medical facility, even if they charged less than private ones.

Well, recently, I just had to return, not to the one at Igando, but, to the one once trumpeted as having one of the best facilities in the country. I required a surgery, and LASUTH was my destination: namely the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. Less than four years ago, my sister-in-law was treated in the same hospital for a rather serious condition, which convinced me, even now, that LASUTH is home to some of this country’s most experienced medical personnel.

In the ward wherein my unconscious sister-inlaw was admitted, I witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly; the fickleness of life, and how frequency of overseeing patients die or wallow in bitter pain could turn an otherwise humane attendant into a cold-hearted “viper”. How can I forget the chilling effect of spending one night at my sister-in-law’s bedside and witnessing two women and a sixteen-year-old girl being carried out of the same ward at intervals, dead? Fortyeight minutes earlier, one of the women had seemed to recover from her own illness, happily receiving her children with all the “goodies” their grateful hearts could bring along. Their mother

was to be discharged after forty-eight more hours of observation, the doctor had told them.

But, no sooner had they joyfully reached home than the worst happened. They had called “mummy’s” phone to say “good night”; but, no response. Scared stiff,, they headed back to the hospital same night to meet us in some bewilderment, and to discover that their mother’s bed was empty and cold. She had passed on, apparently, without warning. As “mummy’s” offspring, about five of them, marched into the ward, there was no telling them what was amiss, because the youngest of the group, the deceased woman’s only daughter, let out an esoteric scream, her sorrowful voice reverberating around the eerie night.

She was inconsolable, and none of us could find the strength to restrain her outburst.

Apparently, the nurses knew how to, because no sooner had the commotion erupted than one irate nurse suddenly emerged from nowhere and rammed her own voice at the grieving teenager.

“Will you shut up and stop disturbing our peace?”

She yelled. “Is your mother the only patient in this ward? Or do you think this is a marketplace?”

The actual words she used aside, what I found most piercing to the heart was the harsh coldness with which her sonorous voice conveyed those words. Four years after that telling experience, there I was, not as a visitor, but, as an actual patient, lying on a couch in the same hospital’s out-patient surgery department, O.P.S.D., about to have the lower part of my belly slit open by a group of surgeons who went about their business with precision and as if they cared for nothing in this world. However, making it eventually to the theatre that sorry Thursday afternoon is a narrative, one unforgettable ordeal that I’ll leave for next time.

[To be continued]. 07036776571.

I disobeyed my parents to play Europe agog for Nollywood football, now I regret everything @ 20 Awards –Pg31 –Ukadike Pg35

TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

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Sassy wardrope update –Pg33

•Sports •Fashion •Music •Movies •Celebrities •Interviews •Events

South Africans are crazy about Nollywood –Ambassador –Ambassador Kingsley Kingsley Mamabolo Mamabolo

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TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

THISWEEK

For Africa to move forward‌ C an anything good come out of Africa? This is the million-naira question on the lips of Africans across the world. With tribal wars, civil strife, corruption, ignorance and diseases ravaging the continent, the fear of Africa making appreciable progress in this millennium is palpable.

For Africa to forge ahead, all hands must be on deck to fashion a new agenda and salvage the continent. It is in this regard that Nigeria and South Africa are charting the way forward with an initiative that has the potential to transform people-to-people relations and by extension, steer the continent to greater heights.

The South African Ambassador, Kingsley Mamabolo, is in the vanguard of well-meaning Africans who are fighting day and night to ensure that the continent moves forward and join the league of developed continents like Europe and America.

To start with, Mamabolo believes that South Africans and Nigerians need to change the erroneous perception they have of each other. As giants in the continent, he opines that the two countries should afterwards build a common platform in arts, culture, business and hospitality.

In this edition of TS WEEKEND, the highly cerebral ambassador opens up on the new collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa aimed at taking Africa out of the woods.

For sports, readers will find revealing the lamentation of a former Nigerian footballer, Nicholas Ukadike, who said that he would regret forever his act of disobedience to his parents who did not want him to play football. Sad as he is, the exinternational soccer star has even vowed not to allow any of his children play the round leather game unless they obtain a university degree.

Also in the sports section, readers will find intriguing what former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, tells former President Ibrahim Banbangida about golf.

In addition to these are all the regulars like Lifestyle, Gourmet Lounge, and Film & TV. It’s month end, spend wisely and enjoy yourself.

THE TEAM Tosin Ajirire

Entertainment Editor

Gbolahan Dada Sports Editor

Josfyn Uba Style Editor

>TOSIN

Sam Olatunji

Deputy Entertainment Editor

08056008696

Joe Apu

Chief Correspondent

CONTENTS

Chimaobi Uchendu

Senior Correspondent

Sam Anokam, Braide Damiete, Monica Iheakam, Mercy Jacob and Kate Halim Correspondents

Tony Ogaga Ehrariefe, Demola Balogun, Christine Onwuachumba and Aderinsola Ajao Contributors

32 NNSM: Models poised to strut the runway!

40 Abuja Sheraton pops up wine tasting

Chima Jupadim

Assistant Chief Proofreader

Shina Ogunbiyi, Kayo-Sanya Kayode and Paul Nnayereago Layout & Design

TS WEEKEND is a weekly publication of THE SUN Publishing Ltd. 2 Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa.

PMB 21776, Ikeja, Lagos. 01-8980932, 6211239 Email: tsweekend@sunnewsonline.com Website: www.sunnewsonline.com

AUGUST 31, 2012

GOURMETLOUNGE

WITH DEMOLA BALOGUN

TSweekend

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08023032724

Suru and Best Western HOT SPOT Yellow Chili, Lagos gourmet tradition T

r. Edward Ola Akinlade, opened in 2010, is still working hard at GMD, Suru Group, Ikeja, positioning the international brand. The Lagos is not your usual marketing manager, Wisdom Lawal, predictable and flamboyant industri- holds a promise to reinvent After Hours al mogul. But his multi-pronged specialty recreation, celebrity events investments in hotel and hospitality brand activation, Sunday Brunch buffet sector of the nation’s economy speak in his strategic marketing target and volumes for the highly cerebral and activities as the last quarter beckons with World Tourism Day, World Food religious businessman.

In spite of Suru Group’s seven core Day, World Heart Day and explosive areas of investment as a real estate and season’s fiesta roll in.

Gourmet Longe believes with the risdevelopment company, perhaps its remodeling of defunct New World outfit and acquiring the property under the world class hospitality chain brand, Best Western International on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, is a prime concern that is geared towards boosting Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the burgeoning hospitality and tourism development.

With tentacles spread across the South West, Suru Group may as part of its development focus set enviable records in hotel franchise and tourism investment going by the efforts to set a pace with luxurious properties in Ikeja, GRA, Ikorodu, Lekki and Ibadan, Oyo State.

A recent visit to Best Western Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos reveals that the hotel, which was • AKINLADE

M

ing profile of Suru Group in core sectors of the economy, Best Western is best positioned, to stave off the pangs of fierce competition with brand repositioning and activation involving airline chiefs, wine industry professionals, travel/protocol managers, customer loyalty benefits and flexible group discounts on rooms.

In line with the vision of Suru Group, Best Western Lagos has great potentials to set enviable records as the biggest hospitality chain with highest number of properties under its brand management like Best Western International chain, which is located across tourist destinations and choice cities in Europe and Africa.

According to Lawal, the marketing functions of Best Western Lagos has been carefully segmented to include Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour (every Friday) and other sales promotional activities throughout the year. Best Western Restaurant has a take on Italian/American Cuisine and they do a spectacular job of combining the charm and presentation of classic dishes in an informal setting with the polish of modern New York food and wine paring that underscores uniquely individual hospitality at Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner buffet.

his specialty African/Continental Restaurant located on Oju Olobun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos is established and managed by Barrister Ebere Adegbola. It is widely patronized by young executives and entrepreneurs who flock the place for good food, good music and good company day after day.

Yellow Chili is famous for her superb hospitality and top of the drawer bone Chinaware, crystal glasses and crockery. It has recently opened a branch in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

In brief

White Spirit Odesile moves upscale

igeria’s fastest Limited, Sango Otta, Ogun growing beverage State led by seasoned FMCG marketing and dis- icon and erstwhile marketing tribution company, Grand director, Tunde Bajulaye Oak Limited, Oregun, notched up daring competiIkeja, Lagos has moved tive advantage, high impact Alhaji Fatai Odesile to head advertising synergy for its its newly created Grand various brands including Dark Sailor and Saint Oak International.

The appointment was in Laurent.

The Seaman’s Schnapps’ recognition of Odesile’s knack for explicit and inten- current edge and other blendsive marketing strategies, ed spirits have been reinventwhich have contributed to the ed and repositioned with the success of Grand Oak and elder’s gin now the most visiconsolidation of Seaman’s ble brand at tourism expos Schnapps’ market-share that and cultural festivals across gave the brand manager an the country. Here’s wishing edge in white spirit in the past the workaholic Odesile a At the recent maiden edition, Abuja decade. more prosperous experience Sheraton Hotel’s “Social Hour” attracted The independent marketing as the pivot of Grand Oak top dignitaries including business pro- arm of Nigeria Distillery International. fessionals and members from multinational organizations, all of whom came to see things for themselves. And they were pleasantly surprised.

(Strictly 18+) The General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Boris Bornman, in his brief welcome speech, admitted that most of the business clients appreciate this unique initiative, which would foster and also deepen networking opportunities and life-long friendships.

About 37 Sheraton Hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East are participating in the wine tasting.

N

Abuja Sheraton pops up wine tasting

BY EMEKA ANOKWURU

W

ine tasting is an art that parades connoisseurs all over the world. In countries like Spain, France, Sweden, South Africa, Italy, and Germany, fa connoisseurs move around on blind tasting spree. And only recently, Abuja Sheraton Hotel joined its counterpart hotels in the world for the launch of “Social Hour”, a first-of-itskind premium wine tasting event organised to deepen its customer relations.

Developed by Premier Wine experts, the brand’s global food and beverage team, the event offers guests a gamut of

premium wines and weekly wine tasting at more than 240 participating hotels around the world. Designed to create and foster social interaction among guests, all participating Sheraton Hotels around the world will host an evening tagged, “Social Hour” of wine tasting one to four times a week, featuring a selection of specially curated wines.

Transcending lifestyles, generations and geographies, Sheraton is the world’s gathering place and the trusted ally for the business travellers. The brand’s signature programmes, including the new “Social Hour” are designed for a more sustainable social interaction with welcoming spaces to share happy moment with friends and associates.

CONNOISSEUR SKILL QUEST

How’s your glass?

When a wine is said to lack body, an adverse criticism is obviously being made. Can you explain?

A wine of good body is a thick wine in the sense that the volume of grape is more than the water content.

The bottles they come in can tell some wines apart.

Describe the characteristic shape of (a) The Burgundy Bottle (b) The Claret Bottle (by the way, what exactly is Claret? (c) The Chianti Bottle

• CONNOISSEURS AT THE WINE TASTING

(A) Cylindrical with sloping shoulders (B) Cylindrical with squarer shoulders, (Claret is a traditional UK term for red

wine from Bordeaux region of France. Now used for wines of the same general type).

(C) Traditionally, long neck, rounded body, straw jacket and base.

Assign the following to their regions or districts in France. (A) Chiroubles (B) Coule de Serrant (C) Domaine de Mort-Redon (D) Scharzhofberger (E) Frecciarossa (A) Burgundy (Beaujolais) (B) Loire (C) Rhone (D) Mosel (Saar) (E) Lombardy

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TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

A Tale of 2 African Cities will improve South Africa/Nigeria relations

BY TONY OGAGA ERHARIEFE

T

rue to the weatherman’s prediction, dark clouds had gathered over Lagos threatening rain. But I was determined to make my interview appointment and even as I disembarked from a cab, I momentarily hesitated, scared the heaven’s will break up and soak me before I made it to the lobby of Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, for an interview with the South Africa’s Ambassador, His Excellency, Kingsley Mamabolo.

A short while later, I was seated before Mamabolo and I realized that he is a big man in every ramification. Aside being a plus size, he is also the most influential South African in Nigeria. Speaking in a calm and reassuring voice, and picking his words carefully, you’re left hanging unto every sentence. But beneath all this lies a remarkable sense of humour Mamabolo deploys as the interview progresses.

The ambassador is dressed in a black suit, a white shirt with black stripes but without a tie, giving him that happy-go-lucky-youthful look.

One thing that strikes me about him is the passion with which he articulates his words and his belief that for Africa to forge ahead, she needs a new agenda, and A Tale of 2 African Cities, an initiative put together by Inspiro Productions with the support of the South African High Commission in Nigeria, is a spring board that has the potential to transform people-to-people relations and by extension, steer the continent to greater heights with Nigeria and South Africa charting the way forward.

A TALE OF 2 AFRICAN CITIES Mamabolo believes that perception has been a major challenge in Nigeria/South Africa relations, and changing this perception is a task, which must be undertaken by encouraging people-to-people relations through initiatives such as A Tale of 2 African Cities, which would provide a platform not only for business but also for Arts and culture, tourism, food, cuisine, and exchange programmes.

Hear him: “A Tale of 2 African Cities is a good thing because it deals with the problems we have had regarding perception. And that is why we are throwing our weight behind this initiative organized by Inspiro Productions and the South African Mission in Nigeria. We need to deal with those issues that hamper the development of our relations and we can only do that by people-to-people relations.”

The ambassador cranes forward in his chair, gesticulating with his hands as he explains further. “One thing that’s very popular in South Africa is Nollywood because it talks to the heart of the people. The tendency to believe certain things like witchcraft; somebody being struck by lightning and suddenly disappearing in front of your eyes, it’s the same thing with our people down there so they associate with it. Nollywood is very popular in South Africa and that’s one way of reaching people.

“Soccer is another great platform. Both countries are crazy about soccer. And when people ask me, ‘how many Nigerians do we have in South Africa?’ I say, ‘Well, I’m not quite sure of the number but the one measure you can use is that when Bafana Bafana plays the Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana does not

have home ground advantage.’”

We are momentarily seized with laughter as his visage crumples revealing happy wrinkles but he continues with an infectious glow in his eyes. “That shows you that if there is exchange, soccer will be a very good tool through which we shall know each other better because we have a lot of Nigerians in South Africa and a lot of South African companies are coming here so whether we like it or not, we are exchanging and we are beginning to live together.

“Inter-marriages are going on and we are becoming more than just brothers courtesy of this people-to-people relations. So, we cannot avoid that and we cannot afford not to follow the correct part, which will create warm friendly relations, and to accept that, we have to coexist, we have to live together. These two countries have the potential to transform Africa. Nigeria with its rich population is one country where you have so many black people more than any other country in the world and that is significant. People are always an asset if you invest in the population, so Nigeria potentially is a great asset if you turn it and do it right.”

Mamabolo waves his hand and arches his eyebrows to assert his point: “South Africa is quite a developed country, which places it together with Nigeria in a unique position, and this demands of the two countries to steer this continent out of the big problem that we have.

We believe in South Africa that if we are to turn around our country, we should have a bigger agenda; we shouldn’t think it’s just about South Africa. We should think about the African agenda.”

He pauses for effect before continuing: “African agenda will demand that certain countries which I will call locomotives, certain countries that have the potential should be empowered and capacitated to be able to pull this continent out of the crisis which we find ourselves. We are already moving as a continent but we are moving too slow.

“We have the potential and so we should step out now and take this opportunity, we can’t let it pass by. Everybody is looking towards Africa and she requires good leadership, it requires that the two foremost countries, Nigeria and South Africa have that understanding. These are things that could enhance people-to-people relations.”

XENOPHOBIA Despite the role Nigeria played during the apartheid years, there have been flash points in Nigeria/South Africa relations since the rainbow nation got its independence in 1994. In fact, the belief is that South Africans are xenophobic and don’t love Nigerians. The recent yellow card controversy, which culminated in the deportation of Nigerians from South Africa, after which Nigeria retaliated by deporting South Africans, was the climax of a brewing diplomatic row.

Conceding the instrumentality of Nigeria in combating apartheid and denying that South Africans are xenophobic, Mamabolo says: “Yes, but you forget my brother, the people who were out there were just a little percentage of the entire population of South Africa.

Clearly those who know and understand how their brothers in Nigeria received them would be doing their best to educate.

AUGUST 31, 2012 TSweekend

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KINGSLEY MAMABOLO “You forget that South Africa was completely cut off from the continent. You had a system that did not allow our people to travel throughout the continent. They couldn’t even travel to the next state or province. They all grow and die in this one space and so it takes a whole lot of education for them to understand.

“Both white and blacks were cut off. Those days, if you saw a black man on a flight in Kenya or London, you knew for sure he was not a black South African; it was impossible!

You could not perceive a black South African being in a plane traveling out or within the continent.”

However, he maintains that South Africans are not xenophobic. It is only a percentage of South Africans that have created that perception: “That draws me to another point. They say ‘oh, South Africa is anti-Africa’, they say we are xenophobic! But it’s not true and I’ll tell you what, it can’t be true. It can’t be true because South Africans have lived with foreigners for so long.

“The gold mines were discovered 200 or 300 years ago. There were gold and diamond mines and the people who came to work there were from all over the continent. Now you can’t live with people for that long and continue to be xenophobic. When are you going to change?” He asks rhetorically, waving his hands expansively.

“In fact, we have a problem in South Africa today, we are hesitant to say who is a genuine South African because there are inter-marriages. Now, Nigerians will say ‘oh but they hate Nigerians! Why would they single you out and decide that this one we don’t like.’ It can’t be, it can’t be,” he repeats for emphasis.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Mamabolo argues that perceptions don’t just emerge; there is always a source. He says that it is sad that foreigners have a negative perception of Nigeria courtesy of their experiences.

However, it is only when they visit Nigeria that they come to discover how loving and welcoming Nigerians really are.

“Unfortunately, when you think of Nigeria what comes to mind is drug traffickers, human traffickers and so on and forget that this generalization might be a problem. But at the same time, we have a whole lot of Nigerians who are doing very well in South Africa.

“We have professors and doctors in South Africa who are doing so well. So, when you take a few of the bad eggs to represent Nigeria,

you’re not going to get to know about the good ones until we begin to write about them, talk about them and showcase them.

“We must differentiate between hatred for one particular people and the perception about these people. There is a very negative perception about Nigeria prevalent. You will agree if I say it’s only a small percentage of Nigerians who engage in this. But we are talking about people who haven’t come to Nigeria.

“They see this one person who has been doing this thing and get the impression that when you come to Nigeria, that’s what you’ll get. Somebody is arrested and you hear he is a Nigerian and you ask, ‘what did he do?’ And what you hear is that he was trafficking drugs.

Around the corner, some people are fighting and you ask, ‘who are these people?’ And they tell you, ‘oh, they are Nigerians,’ and then you conclude, ‘these Nigerians are bad people.’

“It’s only when you come here that you realize how caring and welcoming Nigerians are and you are like ‘wow it’s a different place!’ The people are so nice and friendly.

When I came here, a lot of people would greet me on the streets, ‘good morning, sir.’

And some people will say ‘well done, sir.’

But when we are in other places in Africa, I don’t want to mention names now because this would be published in the newspapers, there are certain places you travel to, and because you’re a foreigner, you’re afraid to walk on the streets! It’s not what we are told about Nigeria that we actually find here.”

EDUCATION According to the ambassador, it is only education that can change these perceptions hence the need for an initiative like A Tale of 2 African Cities which will go beyond government relations and promote people-topeople relations.

“With education we can change these perceptions through platforms like A Tale of 2 African Cities, through Nollywood, through cuisine and Art. There has been a negative perception, which we have to get rid of through education. And it’s not true that it’s all South Africans that have that perception. When we had xenophobia, there were people who actu-

“A TALE OF 2 AFRICAN CITIES IS A GOOD THING BECAUSE IT DEALS WITH THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE HAD REGARDING PERCEPTION. AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE THROWING OUR WEIGHT BEHIND THIS INITIATIVE ORGANIZED

BY INSPIRO PRODUCTIONS AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION IN NIGERIA. WE NEED TO DEAL WITH THOSE ISSUES THAT HAMPER THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR RELATIONS AND WE CAN ONLY DO THAT BY PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE RELATIONS.”

ally campaigned against it. The leadership, the church and prominent individuals all spoke about it and mentioned how Nigerians looked after our brothers and sisters during apartheid.

They said ‘you can’t be treating Nigerians like that.’”

However, he also admits that there is a criminal element to xenophobia.

“There is a criminal element involved because it is all about resources in the long run.

South Africa’s economy has grown. If you go to South Africa you will see development, but we have a problem with having the wealth trickling down to everybody on the street. Here are these South Africans who have fought for their freedom and they look around and ask, ‘what have we worked for?’And in the meantime, there are these foreigners, some of them with cars and they say ‘oh may be these are the ones who are taking our jobs.’

“Certain jealousies will come. Xenophobia is always about resources. It is about poverty.

There are scarce resources and we are all fighting for these resources and if you think someone is coming from outside and is benefiting, you will fight to protect what you have.

Xenophobia can’t be unique to South Africans.

It is something that can happen anywhere.

“Nigerians don’t want to hear this but when you had your Ghana-must-go, it was xenophobia. It is not unique to Africans. You can see it in the ethnic cleansing in Croatia. People are always looking around for foreigners to blame for the woes of their countries. And when the foreigners are gone, it is the darker ones in complexion that are the problem.”

With a population of 160 million, Mamabolo says nobody should be surprised that many South African companies are rushing to Nigeria where the market is as opposed to remaining in South Africa where the market is already saturated.

“It is just logic. The reason South Africans are running here is because this is where the market is. It is just smart business sense. We are grateful to Nigeria. We will continue to be.

Even when you had military dictatorship, no Nigerian government forgot that there’s need to keep the South African question alive.

During the apartheid years, every Nigerian leader made sure that they spoke and fought against it.

“That is why we speak of Nigeria as one of

the frontline states in those dark years. Where have Nigeria and South Africa ever fought?

Where has yellow fever ever declared war?

These are two great nations that have supported each other. We have a great history. We cannot have yellow fever and visa determining our relationship, what nonsense!”

Mamabolo would like to see a South Africa/Nigeria relationship that is free from hostilities. Although, there will always be differences as a consequence of competition but rivalry should not undermine the African agenda. He gave two examples to embellish his argument: the bid to host the World Cup in 2010 and Africa’s candidate for the President of the World Bank. In both instances, the two countries considered the one with comparative advantage, allowing the African agenda to guide its decision.

AT HOME IN NIGERIA On a lighter note, Mamabolo discloses that he has been working in Nigeria for the past three years and he feels very much at home. He enjoys playing golf and belongs to a number of social clubs.

Hear him: “I feel very much at home and comfortable in Nigeria. Two of my children had their high school education here. One has completed his high school and we have sent him to London. I have lots of friends and I make sure that I travel within the country. I tell myself ‘you can’t say you know Nigeria when you only stay in Abuja.’ The easiest way to change the perception of South Africans would be to take South Africans down here to see things for themselves. Of course, we can’t do that but we can only do it through things like A Tale of Two African Cities. We can do it through Nollywood, soccer and so many other things.”

Commenting on his acquired love for Nigerian food, he adds: “I just ate okro. It was delicious. Your garri looks like what we call pap in South Africa. We have a lot of similarities from the food to the cuisine and they are different but you have to get accustomed to Nigerian food. It is like an acquired taste but the good thing about it is that once you have acquired the taste, it becomes addictive and so we are beginning to have a lot of Nigerian restaurants mushrooming in South Africa, you have some in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and so on.”

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FILM/TV

I live, breathe and will die for cinema –Didi Cheeka

BY DERINSOLA AJAO

T

wenty years after it first took Nigerians by storm, the excitement over Nollywood is gradually waning. Anew wave of filmmakers are reshaping Nigerian film industry and forcing the world to take notice, and this time for positive reasons.

Didi Cheeka is one of a new crop of directors, who have broken the mould with the stories they tell and their approach to telling them. Trained at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and National Film Institute, Jos, Plateau State, Cheeka is not new to international attention.

After a number of acclaimed productions that have toured film festivals and received international funding, his latest project, In Silence & In Tears was selected for the 2012 Durban FilmMart at the Durban International Film Festival. In this interview with TS WEEKEND, Cheeka talks about his work and his mission regarding Nigerian film. His responses are as interesting as the stories he chose to tell. Enjoy it.

THE ULTIMATE TRAGEDY Until recently, Nollywood was infamous for its family dramas with a heavy focus on romantic themes. Here is another

GIFTS FROM AFAR Cheeka’s upcoming film, In Silence & In Tears is a tragedy - his genre du jour - and he describes the film’s storyline thus: “A young Muslim woman takes part in a mixed-tribe street performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the tribally-divided city of Jos, in a desperate desire to end the killings in the street. She is driven to madness by the betrayals and brutality of her family, her community, and the world outside. A re-encounter with her stage lover resurrects her murdered innocence and illusions, and catapults her into the most desperate of all desire –vengeance.”

An interesting story, no doubt, that has caught the eye of international funders and collaborative partners. The • CHEEKA story-pitch was selected for funding in a three-fold agreement involving the Nigerian Film Corporation, ScriptHouse and Babylon International.

He says: “Now, In Silence is positioned as an international co-production. We have post-production partners/sales agents attached, (and are) just trying to decide who to go with, which deal favours us the most.

Also, the (US-based) Sundance Institute sent us a special invite, asking us to apply for its Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award/Screenwriters’ Lab.” The annual award, which was instituted in 2011, supports emerging filmmakers from four different regions each year. “This invite is like an artistic validation,” Cheeka states proudly, adding that someone is putting up completion bond while the film project still requires gap finance. His producer, Ikechukwu Omenaihe will also be taking part in the Rotterdam Lab, a producers’ workshop holding in the Netherlands city that hosts the world famous Rotterdam International Film Festival.

Cheeka can be forgiven for getting giddy and waxing poetic over all the attention that has trailed In Silence & In Tears. “Beautiful filmmaking is so like beautiful lovemaking,” begins his interesting reply to all that recognition. “What I have for cinema is the tempestuous love a man has for a difficult and wayward woman. I live, I breathe, and if necessary, will die for my art, for cinema.

It’s the last moments of dawn and my passion is growing, and my heart is aching as the dream of beautiful lovemaking comes true.”

The 2004 participant at the Berlinale Talent Campus is, however, adamant that In Silence, which received the Hubert Bals Special Jury Award at the Durban FilmMart, remains authentically Nigerian. “This film is an international co-production, but it’s going to be a film made mostly by Nigerian filmmakers, with financing mostly from Nigeria. I insist on this.”

• CHEEKA ON SET

point where Cheeka, initiator of AlternativCinema – a production outfit focused on unconventional filmmaking - deliberately deviates from the regular plot. “In its most basic form, In Silence is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is about the tragedy of survival – to survive and go on living is the ultimate tragedy. The girl at the heart of this story inhabits not just my film. Salome (In Silence’s lead female character) epitomises the degeneration of life itself. She is found everywhere human insanity breaks beyond the barriers of sanity,” he explains.

In telling such stories, Cheeka’s intention is “not simply to tell a story, but to shatter reality, to deconstruct it, nail it on the cross,” a sentiment he has consistently stated at every opportunity.

Inspiration for the script seems to have come from a true-life experience, according to Cheeka’s narration. “One time, I knew a girl. She came to me from a corner, running from a life she refused. I watched her dragged away, bound and screaming. For days afterwards, I watched it all over in my head, as in a film sequence. I wondered about her life, her dreams and disappointed desires.

I have carried her screams, which were her only protest, in my head, accusingly, these nine years.”

The script is now in its 17th draft. “I keep pushing myself, and being pushed to step deeper into the narrative,” he says. The film is currently in the pre-production stage with ongoing work on locations, casting and extra funding. “Now, the camera is set to break the silence,” Cheeka adds. Potential actors can prepare their minds ahead of casting calls, as the story is largely character-driven.

“The truth of this film will be carried by characters. In this regard, it’s not what the actor brings that really matters, but what I take and oftentimes the actor is unwilling to give this. And in this film, the location is also a ‘character’,” he remarks.

One interview quotes Cheeka saying he would love to cast Ethiopian actress, Liya Kebede as Salome after watching her brief appearance in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Twelve.

A new muse turns up, however, in the form of Youma Diakite, a Malian model and actress whom Cheeka describes as “a strange mixture of some wild, desert place beneath the faintest touch of tenderness and femaleness, so unashamed and sacrificial in her savagery and sexuality. Really, to come upon Youma Diakite is to come upon Salome in the grip of her despair and madness.”

Why no Nigerian female actor catches his fancy for the role is an obvious question that Cheeka gladly answers. He declares thus: “The role of Salome is a demanding one. She is a tragic figure, a young woman with everything – and I mean everything – stripped away: driven into madness by the brutality of the world, pursued to vengeance by forces beyond her control.

“To play her requires considerable emotional versatility: a delicate balance of tenderness and savagery; an effortless waltz from a teenage girl’s discovery of love, through the spiritual death of a whore, to the self-degradation and redemption of a half-insane beggar-

AUGUST 31, 2012

TSweekend

31

FILM/TV girl pursued by the thundering hooves of charging horses in her head. There is no mainstream Nigerian actress who can play this role. Simple.”

On why no Nigerian face – known or unknown- can play Salome, Cheeka supports his argument by passing an interesting verdict on one of the probable reasons for the overdose of bad acting that characterises

Nollywood. “Always, there is some false life, some fake values to uphold. As for ‘unknown’ ones, I will give them a fighting chance to audition for the role of the decade.”

FROM FRED IWENJORA, GERMANY

Jim Iyke, Mercy Johnson, Ngozi Ezeonu, I go Dye, Julius Agwu and a host of other top dignitaries from Nigerian government and other African countries Speaking on the event, Isaac Izoya of

TOEING A DIFFERENT LINE With his eye on the film’s every single detail, Cheeka has interesting plans for the movie score - another area that is largely neg-

lected by mainstream Nollywood directors.

“I had wanted Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) to score this film for me,” he says, adding, “there is no film score in Nollywood movies. It would be good if I can get Keziah Jones, with Nneka or Asa doing vocals.”

His dreams for In Silence & In Tears are big. But many directors have preceded Cheeka, spouting the same rhetoric about

Europe agog for Nollywood @ 20 Awards

P

lans are currently in top gear for what many consider the biggest celebration of Nollywood, Nigeria’s most influential cultural export.

From the streets of Paris, France through to Antwerp, Belgium where road shows are planned, and the major cities in Germany where the finale is set, the build up is on so much that Africans and their European friends are talking about it.

Aptly tagged, “Nollywood @ 20 E Golden Awards”, the weeklong event is billed for the streets of Europe beginning with road shows in Belgium and France and terminating in Bonn, Germany with a grand awards ceremony to honor contributors to the growth of the Nigerian film industry, including top actors and actresses, producers and directors from not only Nigeria but also Ghana and Cameroon and other African countries.

• OSITA The brain child of Nigeria’s top flight Europe-based show promoting company, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment, African Youth Foundation, organizers of the prestigious Adler Awards, and Janero Consultants, an international business consultancy outfit with interest in Africa, the celebration which starts on November 23 and ends on the December 1 at the prestigious AM Bonner Bogen Hotels, a 5-star outfit in the former West German capital of Bonn, will feature the screening of Nollywood classics, a symposium on Nigerian films in Berlin, and a lecture on film funding entitled, “Nollywood Meets the West” where an EU film fund specialist will talk on the issues of funding, including visits to the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin and an excursion to • OZOKWOR Europe’s top film village.

Aside this, a major highlight also includes the Nollywood Diaspora Talent Hunt competition where new stars will be made and which is holding in Paris, France and a colloquium on Nigerian films to be hosted in Dusseldorf with top practitioners, journalists, stakeholders discussing the past, present and future of Nollywood among others.

Expected at the event are top actors, directors and producers including Okey Ogunjiofor, credited to have kick-started Nollywood with the movie Living in Bondage and all those who had featured in the integration shows across Europe that were organized by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment in the past including Patience Ozokwor, Aki and Paw Paw, • IKEDIEZE

Ehizoya Golden Entertainment, said thus: “Nollywood has come a long way that it is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural export and it has worked wonders in telling the real African story and we must do all within our means to celebrate the 20th anniversary. There is no celebration that we do about Nollywood that is too big. If we do not celebrate our own then who will? Several people want to ask why the show is taking place in Europe and I dare say that Nollywood is still a growing industry and it would be difficult to take the entire machinery from Europe to Africa, so we bring the show from Africa to Europe where we all have an already established system that is working very well.

Since we started the integration shows in 2003, Germany has played a very interesting and major role for Nollywwod stars.

The choice of Germany for the Nollywood at 20 awards ceremonies will be building on already existing structures in making Germany a rewarding promised land for African filmmakers.

“Again, we are conscious of the fact that there is need to continue in setting up structures for the industry to grow that is why we have staked so much in the Nollywood Diaspora Talent Hunt Competition, which seeks to raise new talents for the industry as part of the celebrations. The winners of this competition will feature in Nollywood films to be shot later.

We plan to have Okey Ogunjiofor speak about the history of Nollywood and what went on in his mind when he was shooting Living in Bondage. We shall explain further on the show as the plans unfold.”

Also speaking, Dr. Paulyn Jensen of African Youths Foundation, who is also in collaboration to see that the event holds, said the organization “is a nonprofit foundation set up in 2000 with headquarters in Bonn, Germany with interest in aiding Africans in Diaspora and Europeans with African descent to undertake projects which enable them to obtain skills necessary for their future livelihood.”

According to Jensen, African Youth Foundation has keenly followed the fast growing Nigerian film industry and noted its successes in the line of giving positive image for Africa in general.

“Now the industry has clocked 20, we are moved to join in the celebrations especially when it is in conjunction with Africa’s top entertainment promotion outfit in Europe, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment in concert with other facilitators which include Dorothe Werner of Berlin Film Festival and other top stakeholders. We expect a great gathering at the show,” he says.

making the best film ever. How sure is he that this film will score a hit with the audience, especially with so much hype surrounding his numerous accolades from across Nigeria?

Cheeka’s response is resolute and a pointer to his confidence in his ability. “I set out deliberately to destroy the notion of what a Nigerian film looks like and how it’s made. My intention is to break away from every film that has been made on my continent, to push the boundaries – and not just in style. In this regard, my intention is not simply to tell a story, but to shatter reality, to deconstruct it, nail it on the cross. And, for those who think my style too extreme, there are no extremes more than the truth.”

His fascination with Greco-Roman tragedy and classical writers underscores this point well. With influences like Euripides, Racine, Orson Welles, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and many more dead poets, Cheeka has no apology being the artiste that he is. “I am basically a tragedian. My films are salutes to doomed outcasts, people who challenge the limits of their society, risking their own destruction.

“The world may ultimately destroy us, but not till we say our say. I’m so fascinated by characters like Medea, Phedre, Electra, Antigone, Agave – women who love moves to tragedy, so intense and frightening, so unashamed and sacrificial in their love.”

He continues the description of his leading ladies by paraphrasing the poet, Warsan Shire: “Terrifying and strange and beautiful: women whom not everyone knows how to love.”

With stories that are bound to shock his audience and jar their emotions, Cheeka is proud to be tagged a misfit or - to borrow his words - a gypsy, a fact his family has since accepted. “I’ve always been a misfit. By the time film came, everyone has reconciled themselves to my gypsy lifestyle. I had long become the person my society warned me against.”

Interestingly, there was no ‘aha moment’for him in becoming a filmmaker, rather it was a natural progression. “The encounters came afterwards, after I had become a filmmaker. I was born inside a TV set, you know, I just became a filmmaker,” says Cheeka, reeling off a list of TV series.

Prior to In Silence, Cheeka’s repertoire includes Lonely is the Night, his debut film, which received funding support from the Goteborg International Film Festival in Sweden, and Bloodstones, a selection of LATITUDES, a pan-African Scriptwriting Workshop and Contest. The film was among others selected for funding by Goethe-Institut and Art in Africa Foundation.

SOUTHERN TREES With work yet to start on In Silence & In Tears, there is another project in the pipelines for this 2005 participant at the Cape Town World Cinema Festival’s Sithengi Talent Campus. The project entitled, Southern Trees is set in South Africa. Keeping in mind his ‘tragedy’ mandate, Cheeka reveals that it is “about drugs, forced sex, and filmed rape.”

What he hopes to achieve through his art as a filmmaker, however, points to a yearning for unity in society. “Alienation seems to be the condition of existence of modern humans. I make films to oppose this anti-human condition offered the mass of humanity by class (conscious) society.”

Through his works, Cheeka not only seeks change in society but also in Nigerian film industry as well. Whether or not his choice of the tragic genre will be a hit with the local audience is open to question. “(Tragedy) is the joy we feel, that someone has measured her finite self against the seeming ‘infinite.’ It appeals to that part of us that slows down to look when we see a car accident and this appeal is universal.

“I’ve always thought of the Nigerian audience as part of world film audience–what attracts them is not the same as what worked in the past. I have set out, not to tell a ‘Nigerian story’ to a ‘Nigerian audience,’ but rather to tell a human story that connects a film with an audience: a compelling story, about compelling characters, told in a compelling way.”

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TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

NNSM: Models poised to strut the runway!

BY JOSFYN UBA

I

t’s that time of the year for young girls who want to showcase themselves on the International scene.

Since Oluchi Onweagba set the stage for Nigerian young girls years back, hordes of girls have made modeling their past time. Virtually every slim, tall and lanky young girl you see today aspires to be a model.

It doesn’t matter if she has ever taken part in any modeling contest or not, all she

needs to do is get around one of the modeling agents to prove her mettle. Like it or not, they can be packaged to meet the standard.

One woman who has made a mark in repackaging these inexperienced girls for International audience is Joan Okorodudu of Isis Models. The race is on for this year’s edition of her annual modeling ritual Nigeria’s Next Super Model (NNSM) competition. As usual, zonal competitions were held in various places across the country.

However for girls who couldn’t afford to

buy the forms, the forms were freely given given to them to give them the opportunity to stand tall with their mates.

Recently, it was a beehive of activities at the Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos where 25 girls were picked from the zonal screening while 10 girls ma the cut. The 10 lucky girls will camped at Cote-D-voire for the 6th e tion of the show.

ade be edi-

AUGUST 31, 2012 TSweekend

33

Sassy wardrobe update!

BY KATE HALIM

D

oes your closet need a minor reboot? Learn new ways to create fresh and wearable ensemble that work with your existing wardrobe. Add a fresh spring update with printed pants, pleated skirts, tribal prints and more.

This is a sure way to revamp your old looks. Try these new tricks:

GLOBAL PRINTS Take a trip, even if it’s just to the office with lovely prints. Tribal motifs add global appeal to your looks while the neutral tones also work with your office basics, casting off weekday wardrobe monotony.

Ocean Tones Dive into spring with a palette of cool blues. A marbled skirt and ombre blouse make the water-inspired palette more accessible than a head-to-toe wash of pattern.

PRINTED PANTS It’s time to trade in those basic blues for something bolder, brighter, or b o t h !

Express

yourself in an abstract pair but be sure to ground those statement-makers with a solid top and minimalist heels.

MIXED TEXTURES Layering is so hot as delicate fabrics make for an equally chic ensemble.

Double up on the femininity by topping a lace dress with a sheer shift, but a draped all-in-one style does the work for you.

PLEATED SKIRTS Sweeten up your looks with pretty accordion pleats. If your style’s a bit less sugar than spice, tough girl leather adds unexpected edge to the separate, while a pretty blouse helps retain its classic polish.

FULL SKIRTS A full-skirted LBD looks even more dramatic and flattering paired with a waistdefining belt.

34

TSweekend

AUGUST 31, 2012

LIFESTYLE

• LADY GAGA

• DENRELE

Who do you look like?

CHRISTINE ONWUACHUMBA

I • KAREN

• PAMELA

• UNACHUKWU

• AMBER ROSE

s it our imagination or do some of our Nigerian celebrities remind us of their Western counterparts by copying their craft, attitude or dressing in order to carry themselves as such?

Maybe, maybe not. However, some of our Nigerian celebs share some uncanny resemblance with some foreign celebrities.

• LEPACIOUS BOSE

From ex-American stripper, Amber Rose whose nigerian look alike is stylist Lilian Unachukwu to Baywatch Babe Pamela Anderson who has found her perfect match in our own Karen Igho of Big Brother fame. While Denrele Edun channels Lady Gaga’s wild looks, the craft and physical resemblance between Lepacious Bose and American Monique is unmistakeable. Are they clones or what?

• MONIQUE

Alleged Jenkins’ affair with Beckham bemuses wife –Pg39

–Pg39 – Like

sports

a bolt from the blues!

TSweekend

AUGUST 31, 2012

35

‘We’re going commando’

By MERCY JACOB

N

icholas Ukadike played football to the highest level. He started his career in 1973 with Academicals before he played for the senior national team, the Green Eagles in 1983. For his club football, he played for the defunct Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta, former ACB of Lagos and Iwuanyanwu National (now Heartland) FC of Owerri among other clubs. Despite the fact that he rose through the rungs in football and became famous with the game, Ukadike made a vow that none of his children would play football unless he or she obtains a good degree certificate.

The ex-international, who said that he was not happy with his growth in the game, in an encounter with TS Weekend, revealed among other things how his act of disobedience to his parents, who did not want him to play football, has remained a thing he would continue to regret as long as he lives. He also revealed why he married late. Read on!

My children will not play football Not even in my dream will I allow

38

my children to play football because I was not fairly treated, even as a national team player.

The then administrators, who I so much believed in, deceived and left me in the cold when it mattered most. In my days in active soccer, playing football was good because you could earn a scholarship from a school.

But because of my love for football, I couldn’t further my education. I was rather going about playing football.

My eyes are now open. I wouldn’t allow any of my children to make the kind of mistake I made. So, even if any of them is interested in playing football, he or she must first go to school and acquire a good certificate.

That is the only condition that will make me to support any of them to join any sport.

Bad treatment I encountered a lot of nasty experience in my active days in football, but I wouldn’t want to discuss them on the pages of newspapers since I have committed everything into the hands of God. I played for many clubs, but with the exception of Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta, the rest cheated me. Talking about welfare, they treated me badly. For instance, when I got an endorsement and did advert for 33 Larger Beer in 1983, then, I was playing for the Spartans of Owerri, which later became Iwuanyanwu FC and now Heartland FC, the beer company paid huge amount of money that ran into million for the advert. But the club collected the money and gave me peanut.

When I asked questions, I was tagged a stubborn boy. The club management started to maltreat me and when I could no longer bear it, I left the club for Abiola Babes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

UKADIKE

I disobeyed my parents to play football, now I regret everything

36

TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

Sports/NICHOLAS UKADIKE

‘I married late to avoid committing sacrilege’ Continued from page 35

I had girlfriends

Then, they would tell us to give our best for the country, but at the end, what did the nation do for us? Nothing! Nobody remembers us again.

That is my grouse with the country.

I did not say that I had no girlfriend when I was playing football, but I played the game with caution. However, the condition we found ourselves affected me adversely in the area of marriage. To avoid being seen with a woman, I voided getting committed with any of them. I only got married much later after I had retired from playing football. I was loyal to the various club managements and fans, but denied myself of so many things.

Currently, I have an academy and some of the players in the academy, though they are still young, are married with children. And if you ask me, it is very good for one to marry early and have children when one still has the strength to train them. I just got married 14 years ago.

I dumped Green Eagles When I was playing in the Green Eagles, our handlers were James Peter, Chief Onigbinde, Paul Hamilton and Tunde Disu. Some of my teammates were Paul Okoku, Alloy Agu, Willy Okpara and many others I can’t remember now.

But I was forced to dump the national team because of the ill treatment that was meted out to me.

Call a spade by its name I wouldn’t want to go into the details of what I suffered in the hands of different club because I wouldn’t like to mention names. Let the sleeping dog remain asleep.

I would like to go back to school

Mention the evils without calling names When I was in the Green Eagles, most of our allowances were not paid, yet we would go to camp with our money. Then, there was a lot of politics in the national team and if you don’t know how to play the politics, you would miss out. We had no laid down programme, all that everybody wanted from us was to win every match, nobody bothered about our welfare. For instance, when I was with Abiola Babes, my car was stolen and Chief MKO Abiola released money for me to buy another car, but the man in charge of the club then pocketed the money.

When I realised what happened, I left the club and went back to Iwuanyawu Nationale.

When they would pay your sign-on fees, they would never pay it complete, people were cheating me everywhere. These are some of the reasons I would maintain that none of my children would play football without first getting the basic education. It is after that they can decide on what career to pursue. If it is football and later it fails to favour them, with their certificates, they can fall back to some other things without being frustrated.

I guess most club managers saw me as a school dropout who does not know anything, so they were at liberty to cheat me. Moreover, it’s annoying that Nigeria does not recognise her past heroes, who played the round leather game.

If it were in other countries, people like me would be celebrated.

I would want to be celebrated for my achievements while I am still alive, not when I die people would begin to make meaningless eulogies. For instance, I am a qualified coach, but who cares to know that I don’t have a job? Nobody wants to come to my assistance.

•Children after the tournament, they would speak with the authorities to allow me take the exam. But when I came back, the people could not help me out.

So, I missed the examination and was very annoyed. That was how I dropped out of school.

Retirement from football

•Ukadike

I dropped out of school I did not complete my HSC (Higher School Certificate) because of football. There was a time I had a final year examination and there was a competition going on. They pleaded with me to stay and play

I regret playing football I disobeyed my parents to please those that wanted me to play football for them by all means, but when it mattered most, none of them could stand by me. We played football with passion, having the understanding that if you drop your jersey, you might not get it again. All the clubs I played for knew me as a business-minded footballer, but they cheated and frustrated me out of the profession. So, I regret playing football.

t h e state competition, promising that

I disobeyed my parents My parents did not want me to play football to the point that I would quarrel with them, but I disobeyed them. Because of that, they stopped paying my school fees and I was forced to start hawking kerosene and oranges after school in order to raise my school fees. However, when my father discovered that my interest was in football, he allowed me to be, but the rest of the family never supported me.

•Wife

I would like to change many things in my life if I have the opportunity. In fact, if I could turn the hand of clock backwards, I would go back to school and obtain at least, a degree certificate before I could go into anything.

People that managed to combine football with education like Adokie Amasiemeka and Segun Odegbami are on top today. They had the opportunity and they utilised it well. Most of us who ended up remaining loyal to the country and the clubs we played for without fighting to improve ourselves, are today regretting our action.

Many children

I stopped playing active football after the 1993/94 season. I retired from ACB when things became difficult for the bank. Initially, the management was complaining that it was not getting back its investment in the club. So, all the players were called back to the office. But even in the office, the situation did not improve. It got to a point that paying our salaries became difficult for the bank. With that condition after putting 11 years in the office, I decide to throw in the towel.

That was how I bade goodbye to football.

I actually have three children, but I lost many. It’s not a palatable story. The ones that are alive are my treasure and I wouldn’t like to toy with them, especially, with their education.

I’m married

My wife was divinely arranged for me. I met her at a wedding ceremony before we went for Seoul ’88.

I got married after I had retired from playing football. Of course, I married late.

One of the reasons I like professional football abroad is that when you secure a club in Europe for instance, the white man w o u l d encourage you t o get married if you h a v e reached the age of getting married and have not yet married.

They believe that when a player is married, he would be more responsible. But in my days, it wasn’t like that.

In fact, when I was in active soccer, it was a taboo to see a player with a girl, if you were seen, the management would conclude that you had lost form. Meanwhile, you would be at the mercy of the fans, who would want to beat you up on account of what they termed indiscipline.

So, to avoid being ridiculed, we were highly scared to go near women. Even when you have a girlfriend or a wife, you wouldn’t like to make it known to the public to avoid embarrassment. It was tough in those days, because they could keep us in camp for many months and would not allow us to socialise with the public. I was obedient to the authorities and respected myself in my relationship with women.

Where I met my wife

The attraction A lot of things attracted me to her. I strongly believe that she was meant for me. Her behaviour is what any reasonable man would fall for and she has a very sound family background.

I rue the death of my father It pains me that my father, who later backed me to play football, was not alive when I received my first salary. He fought everybody in the family to support me, but he was not there to witness what I became with the game.

However, I am happy that I did not have injury for the 19 years I played football, except for the one goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala inflicted on me when we played in Owerri. I scored against him and ran to collect the ball when he hit me on the face and I was out for some weeks.

I’m now into coaching I think my going into coaching is a calling.

After retiring from playing football, I tried my hands in so many things but I had no peace of mind. Instead, I was always seen myself getting involved in football matters, even in my dreams. So, after seeking for advice from some authorities, I resolved to go into coaching.

Even after I had made up my mind to become a coach, I still had to battle with my wife, who did not want me to have anything to do with football again. But when she realised that I was only answering a call, she gave me her full support.

AUGUST 31 2012 TSweekend

37

Sports/GOLF

N

ational Secretary of the People Democratic Party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has debunked the misconception that the game of golf belongs to the high and mighty in the society, as he enjoined all to come and play the game, which he said has great economic benefits with unquantifiable tourism potentials.

The former governor of Osun State and the immediate past president of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) told TS Weekend recently that he could not stop laughing when the erstwhile military president of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), said that he was not interested in playing golf because the sport belonged to the elite in the society.

“I was in Minna last Friday to celebrate the 71st birthday of my ‘Oga’ (IBB). When we began to chat, we got to the point of discussing sports and golf in particular. Then he told me that he couldn’t play golf any longer because the game belongs to the elite in the society. We all burst into laughter because I don’t know who is more elitist than Babangida in the country. This is to tell you the degree of misconception people have about golf,” Oyinlola began.

On how he came in contact with golf and his initial perception about the game, the former military governor of Lagos State (199396) said though he began to play golf in 1988, it was Major Gen. Dogonyaro that introduced him to the game in 1984.

“My initial perception was that golf was a lousy game that could not exercise one’s body as much as squash and tennis, which I was enjoying then. In fact, I was ranked the fourth best tennis player in the Nigerian Army at a time.

“When I was serving in Jos as a Major in 1984, my GOC, Gen. Dogonyaro would invite me to the golf course to play the game.

But then, I thought that it was a sport where people would be walking around aimlessly with one white ball wasting their time. So, I would most often decline and tell my GOC: ‘Sir, that game is meant for old people o!

Instead of walking around with you, I would rather take my gun and go into the bush for hunting. At least, I would be rest assured that my pot would be filled with bush meat at the end of the day.’ I, honestly, didn’t understand the game.

“However, it was shocking to me when I was posted to the Staff College, Jaji as a directing staff. There, I saw my senior officers, Sangotade and Uwueze playing golf inside the rain. I went to them and said sir, is there anything wrong? They simply laughed at me. But later, one thing led to another and I was encouraged to join the sport.

“I later found out that to play a round of 18 holes is as effective as any other game. Take squash for instance; if you meet your match, you can’t leave the court in the next 45 minutes. You would be fagged out. It is the same exercise that you spread out over 18 holes in about three hours.

“When I started playing golf, I noticed that I was not adding weight and I was at the same time becoming fitter by the day. Of course, like any other golfer, my regret was that I did not start playing the game early enough.”

On the issue of golf being too expensive and out of the reach of ordinary man, Prince Oyinlola said: “The bond in golf circle is so strong that when golfers notice someone that has interest in the sport, they would rally round him or her. I can assure you that the first two bags you will use would be donated to you.

“In fact, I started with a second hand bag, which was bought for me by a friend. Gen. Dogonyaro bought my first brand new bag for me. Later, many people donated bags to me, which I, in turn, donated to others because I don’t need more than a bag at a time.

“Of course, while you are playing, nobody would tell you to improve on the quality of your kit. After all, when we were playing table tennis, most of us began from asbestos to

WITH AYO ADEMOKOYA

Oga, golf is not elite sport – Oyinlola tells IBB

•Former Osun State governor, Oyinlola (left)

Anyone who does not understand the game of golf is in error, because in order to build the mind of the youth and prepare them for the rigours and challenges of life, you have to train them through keen sports competitions.

•Babangida ‘pako’ (wooden) bats, before we started to use banner bats. In tennis, we began with wooden rackets before graduating to fibre ones.”

On the benefits of the game, the Okukuborn prince said: “You must be sports inclined to understand the benefits of promoting sports, especially golf, in the society. Apart from taking the young ones out of mischief, because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop, if the youths are busy playing table tennis and football around, there won’t be room for them to engage in some silly mischief.

“Anyone who does not understand the game of golf is in error, because in order to build the mind of the youth and prepare them for the rigours and challenges of life, you have to train them through keen sports competi-

tions.

“When this place (Ada Golf Course) began, we took boys from the streets of Osogbo to become caddies. Then, they had no idea who a caddy was. In fact, whenever we hit the ball, they would run after it and bring it back to us.

We were the ones that would tell them ‘no, you don’t have to bring the ball back.’ It was hectic, but I must tell you that now, we have one of those boys as a professional and he is winning millions of naira everywhere he plays.

“Besides that, golf is a great agent of tourism, just like the Osun Osogbo Festival.

Those that had visited this place to play golf would always want to come back. I know a

good number of families that would want to get away from the bustling cities and come here to enjoy the serene environment at Ada Golf Course. I’m grateful to God that through the promotion of golf, we were able to put Osun State on the world map.

“When I was the governor of Osun State, we had not less than four competitions in a year for both professionals and amateur players and people from different parts of the world would visit the state during each of those games, which of course, brought other great economic gains for our people. The benefits go to the extent of trickling down to motorbike riders during such competitions.”

Prince Oyinlola also spoke on some of his achievements while he served as the president of NGF. “Sam Iredia is now the president of NGF. During my tenure as the president, I ensured that we organised competitions for our professionals on regular basis. Competitions like the President Cup, which was moribund before I became the president, were held regularly and for the first time in the history of golf in the country, I took Nigerian golfers to play in the World Cup. “Our junior golfers were at St Andrews in the UK on August 23. We ensured that they were there because we have to catch them young. If we are really serious with the promotion of golf in the country, we have to encourage the young ones who are coming into the sport.

“In Europe and America, players are discovered when they are still very young. The like of the phenomenon, Tiger Woods, was introduced to golf at the age of four. He grew up with the sport. That was why he mastered the art of the game, the art of hitting the ball perfectly into the hole,” Oyinlola stated.

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TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

Sports/LIFESTYLE

We’re going commando ... Facebook group strips in support of Prince Harry after naked Las Vegas photos

A

•Prince Harry

lmost 12,000 people have joined the group ‘Support Prince Harry with a naked salute!’

Soldiers serving in Afghanistan have showed their support.

When military strategists talk about a frontal assault, this isn’t quite what they usually mean.

Thousands of British soldiers have stripped off in a show of support for their comrade, Prince Harry, currently in trouble over nude photographs taken in Las Vegas.

From the scorching frontline in Afghanistan to rain-swept barracks in the UK, troops and supporters of the Armed Forces have followed his lead – and then posted the results on the internet, infuriating the top brass.

Military personnel have been showing their support for Prince Harry by posting pictures of themsleves performing nude salutes on the facebook site.

Sock it to ‘em, lads: This woman shows more than just her support, while two jokers wear just socks and wig Many of the servicemen and women are completely naked, using their hands or strategically placed guns, caps or rucksacks to protect their modesty.

In one photograph, men from D Squadron The King’s Royal Hussars posed nude in front of two Mastiff armoured patrol vehicles in Helmand.

In another, a naked soldier salutes in front of an Army vehicle with only a plastic bottle to preserve his modesty.

Despite protests that the troops are merely joking around to ease the stress of battle, senior officers are understood to be unimpressed with the near-theknuckle pranks. By last night, more than 16,000 people had joined the Facebook group ‘Support Prince Harry With A Naked Salute!’.

It has become so popular that military personnel from around the world, including Israel and the US, have posted photos of themselves in the nude.

The page was set up by ex-soldier Jordan Wylie, 28, from Blackpool, after grainy pictures emerged of a naked Prince Harry – along with two nude girls – taken during a game of strip billiards in his £5,100-a-night suite at the Encore Wynn Hotel in Vegas.

Mr Wylie said: ‘It was outrageous (that) Harry was criticised for his antics in Las Vegas because he is just one of the

lads.

‘He might be a royal, but he is also a hard-working Apache helicopter pilot and he wants to have some fun. I’m sure Harry will be quietly smiling about the Facebook group.’ He may, however, be less amused by claims yesterday that a video of the romp exists.

Military personnel have been showing their support for Prince Harry by posting pictures of themsleves performing nude salutes on the facebook site Armed and dangerous The 27-year-old royal, a captain in the Army Air Corps, is expected to be reprimanded for his behaviour when he returns from leave in a few weeks’ time.

As for his brothers (and sisters) in arms, a source close to the Army said it would be up to the commanding officers of individual soldiers in the photographs to decide if disciplinary action would be taken.

‘Everyone sees the funny side, but there are people at senior levels in the Army who do not consider this to be appropriate. They will be thinking, “Does this really show us in the professional light we want to be seen?”

‘It’s unlikely anyone will get the book thrown at them.’

The press watchdog has received 3,600 complaints after The Sun became the first British newspaper to print the naked photographs of Prince Harry.

All came from members of the public. None came from St James’s Palace or any other representatives of the Royal Family.

T

hey’ve had their share of ups and downs, but it seems the love affair between basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal, and Fiancée, Nicole ‘Hoopz’ Alexander, is finally over.

The 7’1” former NBA star and his 5’2” girlfriend started dating back in 2010 when Shaq played for the Boston Celtics.

But last Friday, Nicole confirmed to the Boston Globe that they’ve decided to call it quits.

The couple lived together in the Boston area, while O’Neal played for the Celtics.

Once he retired and began a career as a sports commentator, they moved to Florida.

Nicole, 29, was back in Boston with Shaq just a few weeks ago as he filmed scenes for Adam Sandler’s comedy sequel, Grown Ups 2, in which he plays a security guard.

According to local media reports, the couple appeared to be going strong.

But gossip site mediatakeout.com reports 40-year-old O’Neal decided to pull the plug last week after the couple got into a heated argument in front of several children at a gymnastics training center in Orlando, Florida.

Shaq, who is a father of five, was previously married to basketball wives producer and star, Shawnie O’ Neal, with their seven year marriage ending in 2009.

Nicole is best known for her appearances on Flavor Of Love and I Love Money, both on the VH1 network, both of which she won.

Before embarking on a reality TV career, Nicole worked as a TSA agent at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

•Sh

GAME O

NBA star, Shaquill fiancée call it quits

TSweekend AUGUST 31, 2012

Sports/LIFESTYLE

Alleged Jenkins’ affair with Beckham bemuses wife

T

heir 13-year marriage is largely considered to be one of the most rock solid of the showbiz world.

But last week, Victoria and David Beckham were rocked by sensational internet rumours claiming he’d had an affair with Katherine Jenkins.

Although both the 32-year-old opera singer and the Beckhams have denied the accusations, Victoria is said to be ‘bemused’ by the hurtful rumours.

Despite the hurt the claims have caused, the 38-year-old fashion designer ‘understands’ that Katherine would want to clear her name.

The source added: ‘Victoria understands why Katherine would want to defend herself against the allegations.’

The superstar couple raised four children together, Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, nine, Cruz, seven, and Harper, 13 months

haquille O’Neal and wife

OVER

le O’Neal, s

39

•Beckham and wife

Victoria is now said to be focusing her attention on ensuring her family is not dragged into a ‘soap opera’ after Katherine took to Twitter to deny the rumours.

A source told LOOK magazine: ‘Victoria and David have been through a lot and love each other.

There’s no way she’d let the family get dragged into a Twitter soap opera.

‘The rumours are not true, but that doesn’t stop them being hurtful.’

When Katherine publicly denied the claims on her Twitter page last Thursday, she inadvertently drew many people’s attention to the rumours they had previously not been aware of.

She said: ‘Dear Twitter friends, I’ve read some horrible rumours on here & want u 2 know I absolutely deny I’ve had an affair with David Beckham.

‘The rumours are very hurtful, untrue & my lawyers tell me actionable.

‘I’ve only met David twice: once at the Military Awards in 2010 & on •Katherine a night out in the West End in Feb 2012.

Like a bolt from the blues! …Couple shocked as Olympic sprint hero, Usain, turns up at their wedding and poses for pictures

A

s wedding pictures go this couple will certainly take some beating.

Because having completed their nuptials, the pair was enjoying a reception at the fivestar Lowry Hotel in Manchester, when, like a bolt out of the blues, they were joined by an unexpected hotel guest.

Posing for pictures in the lobby they were interrupted by sprint king and triple gold medalist, Usain Bolt, who joined the lucky couple and a handful of guests in some memorable wedding snaps.

Bolt, who earlier this month secured three gold medals at the London Olympics in 100m, 200m and the 4 x100m relay, was happy to pose for shots with the newly weds and sign autographs as he left the hotel.

Bolt was staying in Manchester during a trip to the city which included a meeting with Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson.

The world’s fastest man was also the guest of honour at the football team’s Old Trafford Stadium for their Premier League victory over Fulham, later on in the day.

Bolt, a Manchester United’s fan, urged supporters to persuade the club to sign him, as he walked around the pitch with his haul of gold medals around his neck.

Speaking after the game, the charismatic

•Bolt in the middle of the new couple

•Bolt Jamaican even suggested he had some influence over the result saying: ‘I shook their hands before they went on the field, so I guess I was a good luck charm.’

During the Olympics, Bolt secured his place in sporting history as he became the first man to win the 100m, 200m and relay in back to back Olympics.

Crouch’s a lucky man! ...Wife dotes on him

•Crouch and wife

S

upermodel, Elle Macpherson, may have to watch out as Abbey Crouch might be about to take her title as ‘The Body’ away from her.

Pictured as she holidayed a few weeks ago in Majorca with her family, Abbey looked stunning as she spent a day at the beach, splashing around in a tiny acid wash bikini.

The two piece showed off the mother-ofone’s slender frame, however, the fact that her figure is the envy of many women, it has been reported that she feels ‘under pressure’ to look good.

The 26-year-old was seen sitting back and relaxing as she enjoyed a ride on a pedalo with her siblings, who appeared to be in high spirits.

Abbey also took on the role of the doting big sister as she topped up a coating of sun lotion on her brother’s back.

While soaking up the sun, the family stayed at the Lindner hotel.

According to a report in Closer magazine, the model has confessed to her friends and family that she still has insecurities about her body.

A source to the magazine: ‘Abbey says she finds being known for her body is a big pressure and admits that she sometimes worries about how she looks.

‘Some days, she is really controlled about what she eats and stays away from junk, as she can’t face the thought of exercise to work it off.’

The source also claims that there are times when the petite beauty ‘jokes’ about being on a diet which consists of drinking Diet Coke, smoking cigarettes and eating salads.

Concerned, the source revealed that Abbey’s mother, Karen, has ‘warned’ her to exercise and consume ‘three balanced meals’ a day to feel more confident.

The model, who shocked people last year when she somehow managed to shift all her pregnancy weight after she had her first child, Sophia Ruby, in just under two weeks, is apparently in talks with her husband to have another child.

Continuing, the source told how Abbey has been telling her husband, footballer Peter Crouch, that she wants to add another two girls to their growing family.

But back on the weight side of things, the source added: ‘Abbey knows she can snap back into shape the way she did with Sophia, so she doesn’t think it will affect her modelling career.

‘But she is so busy at the moment, it will probably be next year.’

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TSweekend

AUGUST 31, 2012

REALITY SHOW

Gulder Ultimate Search

‘Exciting times await Nigerians in Akwa Ibom’ T

wenty-five years after the creation of Akwa Ibom State by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, it will play host to Nigeria’s favourite reality TV show, the Gulder Ultimate Search. And Usaka, the charming little community tucked deep in the state, has been chosen to be the location for the show. There, 12 bravehearted young individuals from the length and breadth of the country, who will dare to register to partake in the breath-taking adventure, will do battle for the ultimate prize of N9 million, a brand new SUV worth N10 million, and N500, 000 swagger allowance.

Before the confirmation by officials of Nigerian Breweries Plc., makers of premium lager beer, Gulder, alongside the Akwa Ibom State government, Usaka would probably have remained one of the anonymous communities in Akwa Ibom State. Now, the community suddenly finds itself thrust in the eyes of the public as followers of Gulder Ultimate Search come to Usaka.

Cut away from the hustle and bustle of urban settings, Usaka certainly merits the choice as this year’s location of the Gulder Ultimate Search. The rocky terrain, lush green grass and the magnificent arrangement of trees will ensure that the contestants do not have it easy in the jungle.

For the people of Usaka, it is surely a feat worth celebrating. Dr. Clement Bassey, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State, said as much during the press conference to officially announce Akwa-Ibom as the host state. “I bring good tidings and joy from the government and people of Akwa Ibom State. The government of Akwa-Ibom State has, over the years, identified tourism as a key sector of the economy of the state and we are glad that Gulder is helping us drive the sector through the Gulder Ultimate Search.

I am sure that we are all going to have an exciting experience as Gulder Ultimate Search comes to AkwaIbom State,” he stated Tony Essien, a community leader, also described Usaka as the ideal location for hosting the reality TV show. “I don’t think that the organizers made a mistake in their choice for this year’s edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search because Usaka is the ideal place to host the event. It is a serene location with trees that are so tall they form a beautiful arrangement of umbrellas over man and beast. We have wonderful vegetation that will truly suit Gulder Ultimate Search, and a river that flows from our Usaka, to Calabar, through Port Harcourt and then Aba. That is why I said that it is the ideal location to host the event,” he remarked.

Nine years ago, the first edition of Gulder Ultimate Search was held at the rugged Snake Island, just off the Atlantic Ocean coast in Lagos. Since then, eight other rugged locations have joined the esteemed list as hosts of Gulder Utimate Search. There was the outlandishly cold Obodo plateau in Cross River State where the second edition was hosted. Then the humid forest surrounding the Oil Palm Research Institute in Edo State welcomed contestants for the third edition. The undulating Shere Hills in Jos, Plateau State hosted the fourth edition. Awgu Hills Mmaku, Enugu State, was the stage for the fifth edition. Omodo Forest, Aagba in Osun State and Omo Forest, J4, in Ogun State respectively hosted the sixth and seventh editions while the show returned to Edo State in the hills of the Kukurukus, Egbetua Ososo for the eighth edition.

Indeed, this year’s edition promises to be even more exciting. For the first time since its inception, three past

• AKPABIO

• OKAGBUE

• MUDABAI

• NWACHUKWU

winners will feature in Gulder Ultimate Search.

Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu and Chris Okagbue, winners of Gulder Ultimate Search 4, 5, and 8 editions respectively, will all be returning to the jungle to play special roles as gatekeepers in this year’s show. This edition will also

see the highest prize money ever as a whooping N9 million, more than the previous years’, would be doled out to the winner.

So, who will conquer the jungle of Usaka in Gulder Ultimate Search 9? Only time will tell.

DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

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DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

NEWS DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012 43 NEWS

SUN SPORTS

2012 London Paralympic Games

Adesokan celebrates gold

Adesokan wins Team Nigeria's first gold N

igeria's Yakubu Adesokan twice broke his own world record yesterday as he romped to powerlifting gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The 33-year-old came into London 2012 as overriding favourite for glory in the men's Abuja National Stadium

Minister assures NFF, Keshi of natural turf

...With world record lift 48kg class, having taken the world record earlier this year in Dubai with a lift of 177kg.

Adesokan lived up to his billing yesterday afternoon as he broke countryman Ruel Ishaku's Paralympic record of 169kg from Beijing by three kilos in his first lift.

The Ibadan-born athlete did not stop there as he, roared on by the east London crowd, broke his own world record with a lift of 178kg in just his second attempt.

That record only lasted a matter of minutes, though, as Adesokan

By ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

I

f the assurance given to both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi by the Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, is anything to rely on, the proposed artificial turf for the Abuja National Stadium is literally dead.

The General Secretary of the Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu, speaking with the media separately in Abuja, disclosed that the sports minister had given assurance to retain the natural turf of the pitch, adding that the regrassing would commence in a few months’time.

While reacting to the condition of the stadium, the Glass House chief scribe said: “Well, I know that we were privileged to discuss the issue the other day with the honourable minister of sports and the DG of NSC regarding Abuja National Stadium. We were assured that there was no such plan to change the pitch to an artificial turf.

went on to lift 180kg - almost four times his own bodyweight - to take gold with style.

"I feel overjoyed," he said. "I went through a lot of training. I have been training for two months in Korea.

"Once I went through that training, there was no way I was going to fail.

"I can definitely lift more. It is a lot but what I usually lift in training is more than this, like 192kg."

Adesokan was joined on the podium by Russia's Vladimir Balynetc, who won silver with a lift of 170kg as Taha Abdelmagid

of Egypt took bronze with 165kg.

Nigeria's Ruel Ishaku, who is currently the President of Paralympics body in Nigeria, had also held the Paralympic record of 169 kg set on Sept. 9, 2008 at the last Games in Beijing, China.This time round, Adesokan had started off in Group A of the 11-lifter event, and emerged the best after three attempts by each competitor.

He first lifted 172 kg, and then 178 kg, before lifting a recordsetting 180 kg.Vladimir Balynetc of Russia won the event's silver medal with a lift of 170 kg, while Taha Abdelmagid of Egypt won the bronze with a lift of 165 kg.

Keshi catches team selection fever …Admits worry over Obi, Apam, other players’ injuries

By ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

S

uper Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has confessed that he was worried over the injury that had sidelined most of the Nigerian players based in Europe especially the fresh injury that hit Italian-based Nigerian midfielder, Joel Obi. The Eagles’ gaffer said that he felt personally pained over the

Keshi

loss of the trio of Fengur Ogude, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Onyekachi Apam, disclosing that his plans to recall Apam failed when he confided in him that he was still not physically fit for the three qualifier ties in June.

“It was really painful that Joel Obi, who was on the verge of return, suffered another injury setback. He is currently battling to regain fitness. Oduamadi just underwent a surgery about two weeks ago, while Fengur Ogude is still nursing the same injury he picked during our last outing.

“As for Apam, the last time I spoke with him, it was as if he has not regained full fitness. It was a case of today he is ready and tomorrow he is not sure of himself. The last time I spoke to him, he told me he could not promise me anything for now and I don't want to put pressure on him which will not do anybody any good.

“Honestly, I wanted to recall Apam in the month of June to replace Yobo, but he called me to inform me that he could not make it because he was not fit before we invite Gege,” he noted.

Keshi, admitting that he had selection headache before finally coming up with the list of the 11 invited foreign-based players, equally defended the invitation of many strikers, noting: “I have to confess that it was not easy to make that line-up. It took us so many days and weeks thinking of those in the right frame of mind to make the team until we finally selected those 11 players.”

“As for the combination of the striker, I want to say we have more than three strikers because Victor Moses is equally there to play any position up front. We equally have Kalu, Sunday Mbah, but the starting shirt would be based on who is in a great spirit to give us his best,” he added.

Man City draws Real Madrid in Champions League

P

remier League holder, Manchester City, will face ninetime European champion, Real Madrid, in the group stages of the Champions League.

Roberto Mancini’s team will also face Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

Champions League holder, Chelsea, begins its defence in a tough group with Juventus, while Celtic has been drawn with Barcelona in Group G. Manchester United faces Galatasaray, Braga and FC Cluj while Arsenal has Schalke, Olympiakos and Montpellier.

European champion, Chelsea, will face former winner, Juventus, Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine and Danish newcomers FC Nordsjaelland in the group stage of this season’s competition following yesterday’s draw.

An intriguing series of games is in prospect in Group D with nine-time European champion, Real Madrid, grouped with English champion, Manchester City, Dutch league winner, Ajax Amsterdam and German champion, Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich, who lost to Chelsea in last season’s Champions League final and was runner-up to Dortmund in the Bundesliga, will face Valencia, Lille and BATE Borisov of Belarus in Group F. Barcelona, the strong favourite, last year until it lost to Chelsea in the semi-finals, faces its old rival, Benfica, Spartak Moscow and Celtic.

The competition starts on Sept. 18-19 and the final is at Wembley on May 25.

The group stages run from 18 and 19 September through to 4 and 5 December.

GROUP A Porto Dynamo Kiev Paris Saint-Germain Dinamo Zagreb

GROUP E Chelsea Shakhtar Donetsk Juventus Nordsjaelland

GROUP B Arsenal Schalke Olympiakos Montpellier

GROUP F Bayern Munich Valencia Lille BATE Borisov

GROUP C AC Milan Zenit St Petersburg Anderlecht Malaga

GROUP G Barcelona Benfica Spartak Moscow Celtic

GROUP D Real Madrid Manchester City Ajax Borussia Dortmund

GROUP H Manchester United Braga Galatasaray Cluj.

Iniesta, best player in Europe

U

EFA has announced the winner of the evocative ‘Best Player in Europe Award’. And it’s Andres Iniesta.

This is a bit of a surprise, as he was competing against two players who scored approximately a billion goals in all competitions. It appears that UEFA’s journalists are weighting Iniesta’s brilliant play during Euro 2012 run pretty heavily, enough to push him above Barcelona teammate, Messi, and Ronaldo.

Iniesta’s a genuinely brilliant player, but the look of disbelief on the other two’s faces gave some indications of who deserved the award more. Strange, strange choice from the voters. Ah! Well.

Who are we to dispute democracy in action.The 28-year-old shined as Blaugrana endured a frustrating campaign throughout, seeing their Liga title surrender to arch-rival, Real Madrid, and crashing out of the Champions League semi-final.However, he was able to shine as his country reatained her European Championship crown in Ukraine and Poland in June and July.

Iniesta

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NEWS

DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

SUN SPORTS EXTRA

NEWS

Aspire Football Dreams: Coaches, scouts pick 24 top kids today

A

Aspire Football Dreams project enters day 3 at the Legacy pitch of the Lagos National Stadium, Surulere, requesting top 50 kids drawn from a hundred fields spread across Nigeria to be at their best if they must make the list of 24 players that would be selected to

play on the final day of the programme scheduled for Saturday, Sepetember 1, 2012.

According to Director of the Project in Nigeria, Col. Sam Ahmedu (rtd), after two days of tests that have seen the players undergo ball work training, ball control as well as fitness tests, the coaches and scouts who are on ground would pick outstanding

players that would feature on the final test match from where about three or four players would be picked at the discretion of the coaches who would be heading to Doha, Qatar in the next few months.

“The two sessions that the players go through daily since Wednesday August 29 is meant to see (sic) their endurance level and for the coaches from the

academy to see what they want out of the kids. The coaches will today select 24 players from the 50 top players for the final round tests billed for the closing day on Saturday, September 1, 2012. We look forward to Nigeria getting her next crop of players from this project which has produced her first set of graduands now in the Belgium league.”

U-20 World Cup

Oparanozie breaks Mexico's heart A

n extra time goal by Desire Oparanozie against Mexico was all Nigeria needed to book a semi final ticket at the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in Japan.

It was the only goal of the tension-soaked encounter that came in the 102nd minute after the full 90 minutes produced no goal.

It was substitute, Ebere Orji, whose pass found the head of Oparanozie who used all her strength to nod the ball into the net. The player's first attempt had hit the upright in the first half to the disappointment of fans.

It was a dream come true for Oparanozie who was scoring her second in the competition. "This is the most important goal of my career," she said excitedly.

She also said the level of opposition was expected.

"I knew all eyes were going to be on me, but thank God l was able to get the decisive and most crucial goal," she said.

Asked if playing at extra time was anticipated, she said," I never imagined it, but that is football for you. When you expect the goals to come, they don't.

Credit must, however, go to the Mexican keeper, Cecila Santiago, for denying the Falconets on several occasions.

World Peace Cup to organise seminar

T

he maiden edition of the World Peace Cup slated for November 2-16, 2012 across the six geopolitical zones of the country will not be all about wrestling alone.

The organisers of the tournament will take time off to brain storm on the need to have peace in the country.

And this will involve notable personalities across the country who are expected to use the tournament period to tell Nigerians why peace is utmost necessity in any country.

According to the world heavyweight wrestling champion, Great Power Uti of Nigeria, the seminar was included in the programme because "we want Nigerians to know that peace is of utmost importance in all spheres of human endevour." Uti, who spoke through the Local Organising Committee (LOC) secretary, Jide Salau, assured that the outcome of the seminar would be presented to the government for considerations.

He added that the involvement of the Continental Wrestling Alliance (CWA) International has given the Peace Cup the desired international recognition, noting that wrestlers from all over the world have given their consent to participate in the championship.

•As Nigeria qualifies for semi-final Going by the match statistics, Nigeria had more ball possession, committed more fouls, had more shots on goal and had eight corner kicks as against Mexico who had 10.

Nigeria will next week face the winner of North Korea and USA match which comes up today in Saitama.

It was a case of mixed fortunes for both sides. For Mexico, it will be its second quarter final exit in a row and for Nigeria, this will be the second consecutive semi final.

Nigeria, beaten finalists in Germany two years ago, was dominant throughout the first stanza, but were unable to find the

back of the net as the strikers who included the goal scorer and Francisca Ordega were wasteful.

Nigeria had 29 shots at goal with 15 on target, while the

Oparanozie

US OPEN

Robson retires Clijsters

L

aura Robson came of age with a stunning performance at the US Open to sedge Kim Clijsters into retirement - and then revealed the hardest thing was not singing along to the music at the change of ends.

The 18-year-old has long threatened this type of result and could not have chosen a bigger stage on which to record, by some distance, the best win of her career, winning 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Clijsters is one of the US Open's favourite daughters having won three of her four grand slam titles in 2005, 2009 and 2010.

A combination of injury and a

first spell in retirement kept her away from Flushing Meadows in the intervening years and she went into yesterday's match looking to extend a run of 22 straight wins stretching back to the final in 2003, when Robson was nine.

Clijsters, who has a four-yearold daughter, announced earlier this year that the tournament would be her last and, although she still has doubles to come, there will be no fairytale fourth singles title. Robson relished the occasion and said: "I've always loved playing on a big stage. I think I thrive in a good atmosphere and I feel like I play better on big courts when I have a lot of support. It's easier when you have less pressure on you.

Venus thrills in 1st round US Open win

W

hether it was the canary yellow lattice-style top she wore at the Australian Open last year or the racy red-trimmed black dress she donned at the French Open months later, Venus Williams' grand slam attire has sometimes turned heads for all the wrong reasons.

Maybe that's why the colorful rose print dress she wore in her opening-round US Open match Tuesday evening seemed tasteful and demure by comparison.

Yes, it was a bit non-traditional by tennis standards. Yes, the print of the fabric might be just as well-suited for a sofa or set of drapes. But the self-designed dress looked flattering on Williams as she overpowered fellow American, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 6-3, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

What will be more important to Williams than the positive

reviews for her dress is that her game inspired plenty of compliments as well. Behind a potent first serve and powerful ground strokes, she overcame a few tentative early games and dismantled Mattek-Sands in the second set.

The strong performance takes on added significance because this has not been an easy year for Williams. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that she announced at last year's U.S. Open, the 32-year-old lost in the first round at Wimbledon and the second round at the French Open, suggesting that perhaps her days of contending at highprofile events were behind her.

Williams showed signs of life during the hard-court season in reaching the semifinals at Cincinnati earlier this month, but duplicating that sort of run at the U.S. Open will require some of her biggest wins in recent memory.

Mexicans had 14 shots at goal with just five on target.

The always dangerous Sofia Huerta, scorer of three goals in the tournament, made a rare incursion into the Africans' penalty area just before the break to provide some impetus for the Mexicans.

However, the one-way traffic continued immediately upon the resumption, much to the delight of a large and buoyant group of Nigeria’s supporters, whose tunes and singing resonated around the National Stadium throughout the match.

Approaching the hour mark Santiago again thwarted the Africans with an important block from Gloria Ofoegbu's effort, and then again a few minutes later from Oparanozie.

Dec date for Copa Lagos Beach Soccer

K

inetic Sports has confirmed that the Nigerian national team, Sand Eagles, will be one of the 4 teams scheduled to compete in the 2nd edition of Copa Lagos Beach Soccer, December 2012.

The Sand Eagles made the nation proud at last year’s tournament when they defeated South America giants and four time world champions, Brazil, 9 - 4 in the final of the four-nation tournament.

Nigeria's Sand Eagles captained by Isiaka Olawale avenged their earlier defeat at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup against the kings of beach soccer to win the first major title in Lagos last year It is not a surprise that the Sand Eagles are eager to hear names of teams they will be competing against at this year's tournament, so that the Nigerians can prepare for the best beach soccer playing countries, according to Kinetic Sports, organisers of the tournament.

Olawale, who scored the fastest goal of the tournament in the final against Brazil said the team could not wait for the 2012 edition of Copa Lagos to start. "We are looking forward to the tournament this year, playing against Brazil, England and South Africa and eventually taking the cup last year would be very exciting ' said Olawale.

The captain, who expressed his team’s desire to retain the cup, said 'winning the tournament last year was very exciting and we are looking forward to defending our title'.

Kindred breaks Paralympic world record

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aralympic and world records have been broken as the Swimming programme got under way at the Aquatics Centre. Great Britain's Jonathan Fox set a world record - the first of the Paralympic Games - in the men's 100m Backstroke - S7, winning his heat in 1:09.86.

He said: 'Coming into the heat, I was looking to qualify first for the finals, which I've rightly done.

'I didn't know it was a world record until I looked up at the screen. I've wanted to go under one ten for a long time. What a great way to start the competition.'

Ukraine's Kateryna Istomina set a world record in the women's 100m Butterfly - S8 and Sophie Pascoe of New Zealand also did so in the women's 200m Individual Medley - SM10

Friday, August 31, 2012 DAILY SUN

45

South-West Report From GBENGA ADESUYI, Ibadan

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hen late Sam Ojebode, one of the country’s soccer heroes gave up the ghost at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 4, 2012, the decision on where would be his final resting place was a serious problem for his family since he did not have a house in Oyo, his home town.

Ojebode was from Sakutu Ogbegbe, Isale-Oyo’s Compound, Ile Amo, in the town. To the family, it was wrong to bury him bury him outside Oyo. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, was then approached for assistance. The result was the construction of a N5.7million four-bedroom bungalow.

Ojebode had a plan to construct a house in Oyo. He had two lands besides each other at the family compound. He begun construction on the land 36 years ago. But that had remained a dream. It became an abandoned project, though it had reached the lintel level.

He began the construction during his playing days. The house eventually became a dumping ground within the neighbourhood after he was unable to complete the project.

Pa James Oladejo Ojebode, head of the Ojebode family said: “It is the wish of the family that late Sam Ojebode be buried in Oyo but he had no befitting house, his land had become a dumping site.

Our thought then became unrealistic until Oba Adeyemi came to our rescue. We approached Kabiyesi and he responded positively. The result is what we have now.”

Mr. Salawu Ibrahim, the contractor handling the project said when he visited the site, it was a dumping ground: “It’s like we are starting all over. We had to demolish the building, though it has reached the lintel level because the foundation was weak.

“An estimate of N5.7 million was given to Kabiyesi. Oba Adeyemi directed that the house be

•The house built by Alaafin for Sam Ojebode

Alaafin builds N5.7m house for late Ojebode in 7 days

Oladejo completed before Ojebode’s final burial scheduled for August 31.

Funds were made available. Within six days, the house was completed, while the general cleaning was done on the seventh day.

“Most of the materials were imported. Workers at the site worked day and night so as to beat the deadline given by Kabiyesi.

Other things left now are the fence, interlocking and borehole which will be done immediately after the burial. For a house to be completed within seven days is a miracle.”

He dsaid Sam Ojebode’s death brought sadness and joy to the family: “His death was regrettable but we are happy now that our wish to have him buried in Oyo town has been accomplished. We have been saved from what we have been an

everlasting shame.”

Olumide, eldest son of the deceased who has just returned from USA with the Oyo Statie Academicals described Alaafin’s touch as remarkable: “When I came to this place before I left for America, everywhere was bushy, it was an abandoned site. I don’t know how to describe Iku Baba Yeye.”

During the presentation of the keys of the building to the Ojebode family on Monday, August 27, Oba Adeyemi described his action as a way of appreciating the country’s soccer hero: “Many of our sport men and women have been travelling abroad to countries where they will be appreciated. The appreciation

Nigeria ripe for state police –Ajakaiye, retired AIG

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hief Adewole Ajayi Ajakaiye is a community leader and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). He spoke on why state governments should be allowed to run state police and several other national issues.

Coping mechanism Yes, it is good to be at the other side of life and look back in retrospective especially for one who had used better part of his life in the force, serving Nigeria as a police officer. I enjoyed doing the job. It is a noble job but with lots of challenges. We are peace officers as we always ensure that we use all our time promoting peaceful coexistence in the society.

Experiences in the force Life is dynamic and any organization or individual has to think on how to move up and prepare for the challenges of life. The police has increased numerically over the years but the welfare of the police is unfortunately not seriously addressed by successive govern-

ments. You have to look at police barracks and vehicles to see the police had been orphaned by the government.

Memorable day in the police The day that lingers on mind was the day I passed out of the Police Staff College in 1976. When I saw myself as a police officer and wondered on the enormous challenges and responsibilities on my shoulder.

The other day was when I was accused of doing what I did not do by my boss. I thank God for divine intervention and afterward, I feel happy that I did what I did even though it was interpreted as misconduct. Anytime, I remembered what I did, I feel happy and glorify God. Clamour for state police I think we have to look at our community and see the political system we are running as a country. We are running a federal system and as a such, I do not see why we cannot run a state police to help in tracking down criminals and ensure peace.

As at today, there is the Ishba police in Kano state and I think some other northern states. Southern states like

police. Anybody who believes we are not ripe for state police is not thinking properly and that would mean that Nigerians cannot think ahead. If we have state judiciary, OYSIEC, I do not see why we cannot have state police.

People who are nursing fear that state governments would use it to fight and oppress the opposition seem not to believe in the judiciary ability to arbitrate on issues between individuals and organizations. What we need is to be conscious of our rights under the law and should not see ourselves as above the law.

Nigeria is blessed with NGOs who are championing human rights.

I believe with all these mechanisms, we would be able to deal appropriately with state governors or state functionaries who trample on the rights of the opposition, organizaAjakaiye tions or individuals.

The political class Oyo, Ogun and Lagos have traffic It is a pity that the political class management officers and that to me has not seen elections into political is a form of policing the society.

If those states had taken the steps, I see no reason we need to wait for millions of years to have state •Continued on page 47

should not be done when they die but when they are still alive. This is a little gesture we can do in our own capacity to put smiles back on the faces of the Ojebode’s.

“I have promised to always assist sports heroes, not only when they are dead but while still living. In Nigeria, it is uncommon here to celebrate and appreciate sports heroes aduring their prime time in sports.

But that is not good enough as such things dampens their spirits. I believe this will go a long way to motivate our athletes that some people still appreciate them even while in action an even beyond. We will show that we appreciate them.

“When you consider the level of determination of our sports men and women these days, it has nosedived, compared with those days. Where is the spirit of Daman miracle in our sports men and women? Our sports administrators should tell Nigerians.

Nigeria has little or no care for her sports men and women after their prime. The records of their activities are not kept for future references.”

He disclosed that aside from reenacting the late Ojebode with his roots, the house would be made a tourist centre. Oba Adeyemi recalled how glorious it was when in 1976 Ojebode led his team to his palace after winning the continental trophy.

Ojebode was at the UCH for several weeks. His medical bill was picked by Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Oba Adeyemi. He was discharged only for the ailment to relapse and was rushed back to the hospital where he gave up the ghost on July 4.

He was married to three wives, Catherine (Nee Orimolade), a police officer now deceased, Serifat (Nee Agboluaje) and Titilayo. They had nine children; Olumide, Abimbola, Deji, Sola, Funke, Seyi, Wumi, Fehintola and Damilola. He will be buried today in Oyo town.

46

Friday, August 31, 2012

DAILY SUN

South-West Report 5 pardoned robbers return to prison AADESUYI, The gang was responsible for various robbery incidents in Ibadan especially in areas like Airport or several years, they plied Road, Timdan Supermarket, a their trade with impunity. In shop at testing ground on Iwo many of the areas they visit- Road, Sherrif Filling Station, ed they usually left behind tales Alakia Road, an Alfa shop on Iwo of terror and fears in the minds Road and several others which of their victims as they killed they confessed to. They were rearrested after a tip-off.” and maimed.

They were said to have been They were, however, arrested, charged to court and sent to arrested while preparing for an prison. Having spent some years operation. Items recovered from in prison, they were granted them included four locally made amnesty and released. But this cut to size single barrel guns and five-man gang would not aban- six cartridges.

One of the suspects, Semiu (not done their evil ways.

They regrouped and re-strategised. After their release from prison, they formed a notorious armed robbery gang terrorizing residents of Ibadan, Oyo State.

By TUNDE OYELEYE The five-man gang had met hey are young and graduates. while in prison and regrouped Dare Ogunlade, Betram after their release. Two of them Aniekan, Simpa Grace were released in 2011 in what the police described as an “unclear Oluwatoyin, Nete Otu-Okon and circumstance.” Since their union, Joy Tolu Ademulegan (Mrs.), met Poise Graduate School, Ilupeju, it has been tales of terror for at Lagos. They became bounded the Ibadan residents and its environs. more when they discovered that Nemesis caught up with them they have the same passion; pasrecently as they rearrested and sion to see a clean environment. paraded alongside other suspects This passion gave birth to Love at the Police Headquarters, Heart Foundation (LHF) with the priEleyele, Ibadan. mary objective to pursue sanitation According to Assistant and see cleanliness on the streets.

Inspector General of Police, They kicked off this campaign Tambari Yabo Mohammed, the recently at Ajuwon a border town gang was arrested by police offi- between Lagos and Ogun states.

Ademulegan volunteered: “We are cers of the Idi-Aro Division, Ibadan. He said after their release, concerned about the way people live they formed an alliance and their lives. Life style determines good it is clean environment a prodbecame notorious than when they health, uct of a clean life style that deterwere earlier incarcerated: mines health status of individuals “The five-man alliance started thereby their healthiness to be able to operation shortly after they were contribute to the moral, physical and granted amnesty and released economic growth of the nation. from prison and since then, it has “Where you wash your dresses been terror for Ibadan residents.

From GBENGA Ibadan

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real name), inquired from Daily Sun: “Have I not spoilt the name of my family? Ah, I have spoilt the name of my family already. What will people who see me on television or newspaper say? What led me to this disgraceful act?

“We used to steal generators before we graduated into robbery.

I always hired motorcycle and used it to carry members of my gang. At times, I got N20, 000, N15, 000 or even N5, 000. I have my job. I am a generator mechanic. It was when I did not have any work to do that I go into robbery. I have lost count of generators we

had stolen. There was a time we stole about 25 new generators from a shop.

“If a generator is working, we can steal it before the owner knows anything. We would carefully extend the cable to where our motorcycle is parked and then suddenly cut the wire and speed off.”

Mohammed said legal bottlenecks have not really helped matters. He was bothered that when criminals are arrested and taken to courts, it is the court that releases them while the accused would end up causing more harm in society. One of the suspects

Love Heart campaigns sanitation for health

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Members of LHF when they are dirty and you sweep your floors, then your immediate environment should not be too much for you to clean whenever it is dirty.”

Otu-Okon added: “Between ourselves, we made contributions and bought plastic cleaning materials such as packer’s plastic bags and medium seize waste bins. We equally bought and distributed brooms enough for each person within the area. As students who depend on our parents we disciplined ourselves to do this and we are still ready to do more.”

Simpa who resides in Ajuwon: “We want to let both landlords and tenants know that cleaning their environment is not a primary concern of officials of any government agencies but themselves. Though we dully informed them, sought and got their cooperation. Many of them joined the operation. As for the LCDA we informed them but since we are not out to get a rubber stamp of go ahead from anyone to do what we planned we just forged ahead. The LCDA role is to collect refuges that has being collected not clearing.”

A day before the clearing exercise, a community awareness programme was put together where LHF spoke in English, Yoruba and Pidgin English to educate community members on the need to be seriously health conscious.

Mrs. Adedayo Adeoye, proprietress of Kings Kid Private School, whose property was used for the enlightment workshop enjoined the community to rise up to the health challenge of the area: “We should desist from living to feed the doctors to whom we run to for treatments after contacting one disease or the other.”

Aniekan and Ogunlade explained that the group shall keep the efforts alive in the area every three months while “we continue to open up other places for such awareness and cooperation.”

Poise Graduate School, the platform that brought the group together, is focused on reforming the mind of graduates from being seekers of jobs to creators of wealth and a helping hand to the society. The school is headed by Mrs. Mari Isibor.

‘State police desirable’ a known fact that the police duties are quite different from the military and the police has to be seen as a complementary to the army. offices as call to service; to improve the lots Numerical strength of the police of the common people and not an avenue to As of today, I am told the numerical feather their nest. strength of the police is 320,000, both offiRetired IGPs cers and men. The population of the country is put at 167 million and the 320,000 policemen and officers have to guide and maintain peace in government establishments. We still need move people in the police for us to be able to combat crimes and daily maintenance of law and order such that citizens would have room to conduct themselves.

How he unwinds I keep myself busy. I do a lot of gardening. My parents were farmers. I also do a lot of hunting.

Involvement in politics I will not join politics because the terrain is terribly minded by lies, fraud (L-R) Mrs. Shakirat Oladapo,chairman, Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria Osun and grand deceit. If offered State, Mrs. Olubukola Opakunle, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, political appointment espeDeputy Governor/Comm. for Education, Mrs. Titi Laoye- Tomori, chairman, State chapter of the cially on my professional Nigerian Labour Congress, Alhaji Saka Adesiyan and Mr. Sunday Oyefade,Director(Finance & line, I would only see it as a Accounts), SUBEB, at an interactive session with headteachers of primary schools in the state. call to service as this is

•Continued from page 46

The appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), is of course, through the instrument of the Office of the President In Nigeria, the long period of military rule stunted the growth of the police. They perceived the police as a competing parallel body. It is

what I have been doing over the years.

Eroded value system It is very unfortunate. The lesson we have to learn is for us to be extremely careful because materialism has taken over the conscience of our youths and of course, a direct result of the lawlessness of the adults in the society. The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has to be empowered to be more visible and sensitize the people to shun unsavory deeds.

Community service I take a lot of interest in my immediate environment in Oka Akoko, Ondo State. I also belong to so many literary, social and religious groups. I do not have or nurse any regret on whatever happened to me.

Anything that happened to me had happened to others before me and it would happen to others after me.

Advice to Nigerians We have to be realistic. We have to work and pray. Prayers alone cannot take us anywhere, too many of us use to resign to fate without actually tapping our potentials. We must embrace religious harmony. The country is doing well as Christians and Muslims live together peacefully. I feel so encouraged by the action of the Bishop of Jos and other Christian leaders who broke fast with their Muslim brothers. It is a welcome development and a good omen to the continued corporate existence of our dear country, Nigeria.

Friday, August 31, 2012

DAILY SUN

47

POLITICS...&Polity Bayelsa

A House of scandals

•Dickson From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa

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lose observers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly since inception are in agreement that the fourth Assembly under Rt Hon Konbowei Friday Benson has emerged the most resourceful in the business of lawmaking.

In the first Assembly, Heineken Lokopbiri and his godfather-turned political foe, former governor Diepreye Alamieyseesigha were at each other’s throats, fighting for political space. The second and third Assembly performed poorly in lawmaking but excelled in impeachment as a speaker, a sitting governor and a deputy governor were removed during the period.

With the emergence of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, himself a seasoned lawmaker, the House of Assembly appeared to have woken up from its slumber, passing a record of 16 bills in 170 days. It also summoned the courage to probe the activities of the local government councils, an exercise that could not be imagined under previous administrations in the state.

However, despite the renaissance of the House of Assembly under Benson, critics are in tandem that it is fast gaining a reputation for courting scandals capable of driving into oblivion its patriotic contribution to the development of Bayelsa through its constitutional duty.

Having successfully weathered the storm of a controversial impeachment and

•Benson altercation between a lawmaker and the Speaker over pecuniary benefits, the House is swimming in the tide of a new scandal.

The scandal this time is about the N78 million approved by Dickson for the 43rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference which a group, Transparency and Good Governance Coalition ( TGGC) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate.

For a House that is gradually regaining the confidence of Bayelsans and a government that has chosen restoration as its slogan, this latest scandal, if not properly cleared, would not only undermine transparency and accountability in the state but portray the Restoration Team as selective in what it has called its mission to reclaim the state.

The Approval From available documents, the House in a letter reference number BYSHA/A/121/ 2,243 dated May 2 2012 and signed by the Clerk of the House, Aaron Nicodemus Timiye with the subject: 43rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa, June 29 - July 8, 2012, the House requested for the sum of N100, 036,400.00(One hundred million, thirty-six thousand, four hundred naira, to cover the trip.

A breakdown of the money requested for, revealed that the speaker, his deputy, the 22 lawmakers and four staffers of the

Assembly were to register with $3500 each. The speaker was to be paid $950 as estacode for 12 nights, his deputy $700 for 12 nights, and 22 members $600 for 12 nights. The 26 –man delegation also requested for $720 each for warm clothing allowance. Under Miscellaneous Expenses/ contingency, the speaker was to receive N1.5 million, his deputy N750,000, the other 22 members, N500,000 each. The memo also covered visa application, transportation / Air ticket, logistics within Nigeria for procurement of visa and Miscellaneous Expenses/ contingency for the four supporting staff.

The document further revealed that the office of the Accountant- General received the letter from the office of the Governor on June 21 with instructions that N78 million has been approved for the trip. Eventually when the money was released, checks indicated that Benson was said to have disbursed it, but the former acting-governor, Hon Nestor Binabo refused to collect his own share of the money, while Hon Fini Terah Angay and Hon. Omekwe Azibola

who collected the money for the trip but could not make it returned to Yenagoa and refunded the money.

Further inquires indicated that Hon (Mrs) Agatha Goma and Hon Kemelayefa Omonibeke were the only Bayelsa lawmakers present as at when the conference started. The other lawmakers were said to have arrived South Africa on the morning the conference ended.

The Petition The petition by the Abuja based Transparency and Good Governance Coalition, signed by U. F Mohammed dated July 30 and addressed to the IGP is asking for investigation into what it called “alleged fraudulent misappropriation and conversion of public funds” According to the petition, rather than attend the conference, the lawmakers were said to have remained in Nigeria until July 7 when they were said to have boarded the South African air line to Johannesburg arriving South Africa in the morning of July 8th.

Mohammed who claimed that the group is working with some partners in Bayelsa State over the issue alleged that on arrival in South Africa, the lawmakers did not proceed to Gauteng, venue of the conference but headed for Courtyard Sandton Hotel, Sandown. It alleged that the lawmakers were in the hotel between July 8 and 9 and only returned to Nigeria on July 10 where they told who cared to listen that the conference was successful.

While pleading with the IGP to institute an investigation into the allegation and define his tenure as a no-nonsense cop, the petition pointed out that the conduct of some of the members of the House could be likened to the case of House of Representatives member, Herman Hembe who is being tried for collecting estacode for a conference he did not attend.

“We are of the considered opinion that you are better placed as a consummate fine gentleman who supports President Goodluck Jonathan’s anti-corruption stance to investigate the allegations, and if they are sufficiently and substantially factual to immediately commence transparent prosecution of the indicted Nigerian public office holders, so as to retrieve the public fund that they have allegedly diverted. We are therefore by this petition humbly requesting you to use your good office to investigate the alleged act of the Rt. Honourable Speaker and other members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly with a view to serving public interest” Our Story The Special Adviser, Media to the Speaker, Mr Pirye Kiryamo in an interview while defending the Speaker said though there were visa problems, the Speaker and the lawmakers attended the conference.

Kiryamon who refused to state the date the lawmakers left for South Africa since it has become an issue of investigation claimed that he had a one on one with the Head of the conference secretariat where he raised the issue of the stringent visa policy with South African authorities.

•Continued on 48

“For a House that is gradually regaining the confidence of Bayelsans and a government that has chosen restoration as its slogan, this latest scandal, if not properly cleared, would not only undermine transparency and accountability in the state but portray the Restoration Team as selective in what it has called its mission to reclaim the state.”

48, DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

POLITICS...&Polity From WALTER UKAEGBU, Abuja

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he Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) last Monday elected Alhaji Shittu Mohammed of the Republican Party of Nigeria as new chairman just as the former chairman, Chief Emmanuel Okereke, rejected the election, stating that the conduct of the election was illegal.

Before the election, more than 34 political parties were represented at the venue, amidst tight security, and were scrutinised before being allowed in. Chief Shittu Bey Adewale and Maxi Okwu, who chaired the meeting before the election told members that it was by the approval of INEC’s authority that they were all there to conduct the election.

Members spoke on how to move IPAC forward, while some said the election should be postponed, majority voted for the election.

Out of the 56 Political Parties, 38 attended including Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) among others.

Contributing Mr. Shittu Bey told members that IPAC should go ahead with the election because according to him INEC had already advised to that effect.

But the former chairman whose tenure was said to have expired since January disclosed that he has not seen where a meeting is summoned, and election conducted at the same time.

Okeke who spoke before the election of

Rumble in IPAC as new chairman emerges Shittu Mohammed spelt out his objection insisting that a letter from INEC has advised against convening of the meeting and conduction of the election stating that going by the code of conduct of IPAC, INEC is supposed to supervise such election.

However, a letter from INEC dated August 2012 stated “the Commission has observed from documents submitted, that your claim that the six signatories to the letter were acting on behalf of themselves and thirty one unnamed Political Parties cannot be established. Consequently, the Commission cannot accept the notice for IPAC meeting signed by the Chairman of six Political Parties (CPP, ACD, ACCORD, AA, NMDP and CAP) “the letter was signed by Abdullahi A. Kaugama, Secretary of the commission.

Addressing the Press after the election Okereke said what was done was a nullity.

The former chairman who refused to participate during the voting maintained that whatever was done in that hall was a nullity.

He re-instated that he was still the Chairman of IPAC until a proper election

conducted by INEC takes place for the emergence of a new leadership.

For the first time, PDP was participating in IPAC activities it was alleged that Shittu who emerged as Chairman is a PDP mole.

A source alleged that he was one of those who endorsed Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential aspiration. Also the presence of the PDP National Secretary may have confirmed the insinuation that the ruling party was behind Shittu, or has their endorsement of him.

Four party members participated for the post of the secretary. They were Uche Okorafor of the Justice Party, Chief William Ezeukwu of APGA, Emma Mok of National Transformation party and Chief Sam Eke of Citizen party.

But after a high profile politicking when the four could not agree on a conscensus candidate, Emma Mok emerged as the IPAC secretary Shiltu and Mok during a press chat told participants that they would embark on the unity of the parties.

“We would live above board and work with Justice and fairness. INEC’s role is advisory. PDP did not sponsor me, but I assure you that we would work for unity of IPAC”, Shittu Said.

•Jega

Dimming hope in the Restoration Agenda in Bayelsa

•Abubakar •Continued from 47 Hear him: “We attended the conference and I even had a one on one with the head of the secretariat of the conference. We had visa problems and there was no doubt that we did not leave the day we were supposed to leave. We went late because we had visa problems and we registered our reservation with the South Africa embassy. I don’t know of any lawmakers that could not make it and returned his money. What I know was that my boss was in South Africa, and that there were visa problems.

The South African authorities also apologized and said the stringent visa policy was because of the security challenges” Kiryamon who disclosed that Bayelsa lawmakers were not the only ones affected by the visa problem as their colleagues from the Northern states could not even make the trip declared that the current leadership is very transparent.

According to him, the Speaker as a rev-

erend man of God does not play with the issue of accountability and transparency. He added that Governor Henry Seriake Dickson being a seasoned lawmaker and a meticulous administrator would not approve money which would be wasted since the House of Assembly is still not selfaccounting.

He explained that if any of the lawmakers returned the money, they should be applauded since they did not make the trip and did not spend the money unlike those who made the trip and spent the money given to them. Kiryamon expressed confidence that the petition would be ignored by the Police and stressed that Bayelsans should be cautious in believing stories that are targeted at the Speaker in the bid to question his integrity.

Kiryamo disclosed that the Head of Protocol who was to see to the issue of the visa has been redeployed to another department to demonstrate the bitterness of the Speaker to what the lawmakers went through.

“The Head of Protocol who was supposed to be in charge of the visa procurement has been redeployed to another department because of that South African trip. He was supposed to be in Abuja to get the visas out as part of his job since money has been released. He was in Abuja but the visas were not coming out. Later he was sighted in Yenagoa, when he should be in

Abuja to get the visa out. This is to show the pain in the heart of Mr Speaker. Our going late was so painful to Mr Speaker. How many people know this? This is a man who does not joke with transparency” Matters Arising Recently a Yenagoa based lawyer, Mr. Inemoye Brown in line with the Freedom of Information Act has demanded for the financial records of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Brown who is requesting for the financial records from February 2012 when Governor Henry Seriake Dickson took over as Governor gave the Assembly seven days to make the details available to him.

Brown’s letter which was received by one Lander Line aside demanding a detailed expenditure of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from February 2012 till date has also requested for a detailed summary of the cost of the trip of members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to South Africa in 2012.

Seven days has elapsed since, and the House of Assembly has continued to ignore Brown’s letter. If the House can afford to treat with levity Brown’s letter, it might not be able to do the same thing with the petition by TGGC over the South Africa trip.

The stakes has even been raised higher with its sack of five local government council chairmen on Wednesday August 8. The affected council chairmen are Southern

“For a governor that has started to inspire confidence in Bayelsans that the era of profligacy and wastage of public funds is over, approval of a whopping N78 million, which is now a subject of controversy, is capable of creating doubts in the minds of those who had already bought into the vision of the Restoration Agenda.”

Ijaw, Brass, Sagbama, Ekeremor and Ogbia.

The council chairmen whose performance at the floor of the House exposed their gaping incompetence and lack of respect for financial procedures have placed a moral burden on the House, since their removal borders mostly on transparency and accountability.

The investigation of the petition by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) has made the matter become a delicate one, and the early the air is cleared the better for the House.

Political pundits believe that though the legislative arm is independent of the executive, Dickson should be worried about the issue of the N78 million he approved for the Assembly. For a Governor that has started to inspire confidence in Bayelsans that the era of profligacy and wastage of public funds is over, approval of a whopping N78 million, which is now a subject of controversy, is capable of creating doubts in the minds of those who have already bought into the vision of the Restoration Agenda.

Critical observers of the politics of Bayelsa insist Dickson should not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet.

From the first day of his declaration in 2011, Dickson has declared that there would be not scared cows in the new Bayelsa as he does not care whose ox is gored in the mission to revamp the state.

The N78 million he approved for the House of Assembly is the real litmus test for his administration claims to be a government of transparency and accountability.

The question on the lips of Bayelsans now is whether Dickson would rise up to the occasion as a man who lives and breathes transparency, or he would go the way of others that sees and hears no evil in high places.

DAILY SUN

By BALARABE AKINWUMI

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ndo State under the incumbent Governor is turning out to be a key player in the economy of the Federal republic of Nigeria. In its commitment to the accelerated development of Ondo State, the visionary leadership of Dr Olusegun Mimiko is harnessing the opportunities and maximizing the potential benefits from the state’s hydrocarbon resources and turning its challenges into opportunities.

This is not unconnected with the fulfillment of his campaign promises and the desire to ensure that Ondo State becomes the cynosure of all eyes. The natural endowments of the state coupled with the transformational leadership style of the Governor seem to have put Ondo state on the economic map of Nigeria and West Africa at large. The economic potential of the state cannot be overstated, from Oil and Gas to Bitumen, from Deepsea Port to OKLNG, and from Ore to OKFTZ, the government of the day has been making concerted efforts to open up the economy of Ondo State. This is an attempt to critically review the states inertia in becoming an economic haven for the avid investor whilst looking at the role the politics of the state may positively impact on the economic welfare of the region.

Since about a 100 years ago when a German Scientist discovered bitumen deposits in Ondo state the dream of tapping its full socio-economic and industrial benefits has remained a mirage. This discovery of the second largest deposits of Bitumen in the world with an estimate of 42 billion barrels of laid waste as opposed to being exploited for the state‘s economic benefits either by policy or administrative incompetence of previous governments. The Mimiko led administration has created the necessary enabling environment to attract credible and reputable core inverstors with the requisite financial and technical capabilities in bitumen exploration and development. In consideration of the strategic importance and the potential economic benefits derivable from this God –given mineral deposit, the Governor is building all necessary support for investment inflows by moving past the endless politics militating against this deposit to organize a bilateral coalition of stakeholders and enable the rapid actualization of bitumen exploitation for a sustainable economic growth and the development of Ondo State and the nation at large. This act will in no distant time see Ondo State Nigeria begin to determine the global commodities price of Bitumen whose byproduct include but not limited to Synthetic Crude for the production of Petrol, Diesel and Kerosine, Asphalt for road and building construction. A development which can only further open the economy of the state and make the life of its citizens the better for it.

Over the years, making maximum use of Nigerian ports has been in the front burner with many arguing that capacity of existing facilities are overstretched. Perhaps, the fact that there are still challenges in Nigerian Ports years after the country’s terminals were handed over to private operators, is a justification that new and modern port facilities are required to facilitate new trade. In the last few years, the NPA has focused on the attainment of a hub status for the country through the development of deep-sea ports. The actualisation of the new ports is expected to boost the country’s global ranking in maritime development. Experts have argued that maritime is second to oil/gas in terms of revenue generation and that Nigeria has not paid adequate attention to developing the sector. To this end, and in attaining the lofty ideals of making the state a leader in cargo clearing, the Mimiko led administration set out to harness and develop the maritime potentials of the state and maximize the prime location of the state by taking steps to ensure the development of a state of the art Deep Sea Port located in the Olokola Free Trade Zone and open Ondo State to the world as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to boost operations in the nation’s seaports. A deep-sea port is a port constructed purposely for use by large and heavy vessels. It is any port located out in the sea with a draught ranging from about 14 metres and which has the capacity to accommodate fully laden max vessels. Connected via a state of the art road network, the vast market of Nigeria and the biggest market in Africa is soon to be at your disposal as the OK Deep Sea Port offers a valuable alternative for the congested Port of Lagos to become the hub of West Africa.

The Olokola Free Trade Zone aims to create a tax haven for investors and thereby stimulate

Friday, August 31, 2012

49

Ondo: Turning challenges into opportunities

Mimiko foreign direct investment in the state which is also home to the turnkey OK LNG project.

After an in depth strategy review, Shell Global Solutions International a world leader in LNG technology, marketing and investment consultancy has confirmed Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas as a sound project. The company said “the OKLNG also has good fundamentals capable of taking advantage of world LNG market opportunities in year 2018, but only if it proceeds rapidly to the implementation stage”.

This has seen the likes of Centrica, LNG Japan, and Mittal making concerted efforts to invest in the project which is expected to further boost the economy of the state as well as a significant improvement in the living standard of the local populace and the relentless effort of the incumbent Governor is gradually ensuring that this dream becomes a reality.

“Our commitment to develop Ore into a model Sunshine City is irreversible. By God’s grace and in no distance time, Ore will be a reference point in commercial activities in Nigeria” This statement encapsulates the passion and height Dr. Olusegun Mimko is aiming to place Ondo State in the committee of states.

Ore is a town on the Shagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State which serves as a gateway to other parts of the country. Following a deep reflection and analysis of the traffic bottlenecks being experienced regularly at Ore as a result of its location, the Mimiko Administration capitalized on this challenge by perfecting plans to create a world class industrial and commercial complex of unbeatable standard Mega City Project designed to turn Ore into the commercial nerve centre of not only the South Western Nigeria but the whole nation complete with industrial and commercial complexes.

With the close locations of the Deep Port Sea, Free Trade Zone and the Escravos pipeline, the state government is in the process of constructing a power plant for the explicit purpose of powering industries to be located in that area of the state which explains the massive increase in interest shown over the last couple of months by investors looking to relocate from the overbearing cost of production in Lagos especially when it is less than two hours away. The enabling environment, strategic location suitably located within an existing trade area, very accessible to a major highway which is the Lagos-Benin Expressway and now power supply, Ore is most certainly worth the consideration in making investments or relocation decisions.

Effort they say is an exertion of physical power, the amount of exertion extended for a

specified purpose even before fruition is in itself an achievement. The Chinese athletes who were recently expelled from the London 2012 Olympics were accused of “not using ones’s best effort to win a match” this only presupposes that when entrusted with any level of responsibility, you are expected to use all reasonable effort to get the best for the people you represent. The mode, manner and enthusiasm at which the Ondo State Governor has been confronting all the challenges and turning them into opportunitmimikoies simultaneously at lightening speed is worthy of note and is to be

tions and stakeholders had failed in the past to key into the vast opportunities available in the state which is endowed with the longest coastline in the country and West Africa is an indication that Ondo state is now fully ready to take its rightful place not only in the southwest Nigeria but its rightful place in global economy and a state that aims to complement the efforts of the Federal Government towards its Vision 20:20:20.

The reality on ground for Ondo State with its strategic location is that the state will soon begin to sooner rather than later rival the economic viability of Lagos. All this will surely increase the internally generated revenue of the state thereby putting more money in the pocket of the citizens. Most Nigerians may soon begin the economic migration to Ondo State as it is no longer a fallacy that Ondo State is emerging out of the South West as an emerging economic hub in Nigeria. A prerequisite however for all this to come to fruition is for the state to continue in its dedicated drive and vision for growth as is been experienced under the Olusegun Mimiko administration. This presupposes that State Governments are encouraged to work in tandem with the Federal Government regardless of party affiliations whilst still partnering with other southwest states for the express purpose of making regional integration a reality. This integration must however be from a position of strength so as to ensure that Ondo state is not shortchanged in its bid to support other less viable states during the

proposed economic integration process. Ondo state is a haven for investors that will meet their needs for high returns on investments today, tomorrow and always in a peaceful atmosPower Plant and Mega City in the state with- phere.

commended.

His commitment towards ensuring the reality of the long anticipated Deep Sea Port, Bitumen Exploitation, OKFTZ/OKLNG, Ore

in the shortest time where past administra-

50 DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

r. Solomon David Oke Eke is an ambassador of peace, a politician, businessman and cleric, all rolled into one. His voice has remained strident in the clamour for a better Nigeria. In this interview with TONY IWUOMA, he speaks on state of the nation, including the call for Sovereign National Conference, state police and the intractable Boko Haram insurgency, among others.

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‘Nigerian federation, a fraud’

Sovereign national conference

Turning back the book of history of this nation, right from amalgamation of the colonial masters, there has not been any constitution that has said ‘we, the people of Nigeria’. All the quotes or sayings,’ we, the people of Nigeria’ sound fraudulent in the sense that Nigerians were not given opportunity to say how they want to live. It has been forced on them. One of the greatest things I want to achieve as a good citizen, one that loves everything that will bring peace in this country, is to struggle to make sure that our leaders accept Sovereign National Conference (SNC) of which I will be a part so that we will have a document we will call our own, hence the word, ‘we, the people of Nigeria’.

I can see the handwriting on the wall that Nigerian leaders are gradually pushing Nigeria to a serious violent revolution and if care is not taken, Nigeria will become about five nations or more and God will not take it easy with those who want to scatter Nigeria because of their selfish ends. Nigeria deserves a constitution that the citizens will manage as theirs. Nigeria is wearing a dress that tailors are patching every day. Those patches have become so much that it will become a thing of shame to wear such dress. It has become so tattered that the world is laughing at us, including some African nations, even our next door neighbours are laughing at us.

For example, Ghana held an election, incumbent president John Kuffour failed in the election; he congratulated the winner within hours because they have a strong constitution that governs them and they believe in it. The other day, president Attah-Mills died and within 48 hours or so, the vice president was sworn in as president of Ghana. There was no bloodshed or lawlessness but in the case of Nigeria, it was a shameful situation that caused a lot of squabbles before Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in.

SNC/NASS

Nigerians should refuse that National Assembly should amend the constitution. Truly, they are elected representatives of the people but they can’t be the ones to dictate what Nigerians want. Nigerians have the right to decide that.

There is nowhere in the world that a government writes and imposes legislation and constitution on the people. Constitution amendment and people’s constitution are different things. If they are allowed to amend the constitution, they will continue to determine which aspects of the constitution to amend to suit themselves.

Jonathan Jonathan came in-between somebody else’s mandate though he has now been sworn in for his own mandate. Things had already gone seriously wrong before he was sworn in and ever since, he has been doing his best to correct those wrongs. In renovating a house, it takes more time than building from foundation. Nigerians must have patience with Jonathan. That notwithstanding, as a man, he is trying. In the first instance, he has started by trying in the area of corruption. Most of the things that came about subsidy were because of his success by overhauling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, through the woman he kept in that ministry, Diezani. But the problem Jonathan has is that the cabals are very dangerously operating and fighting for a way to unseat him in order to continue to destroy the economy of Nigeria to the detriment of Nigerian citizens.

It is the cabal and most disgruntled elements that are pushing for his ouster.

Corruption

I don’t blame Nigerians for disagreeing with President Jonathan’s action on corruption. The Federal Government has actually not shown Nigerians that they are serious to fight and bury corruption in the country. The only one who once tried and I stood behind him because of that reason was former president Olusegun Obasanjo because for the first time in the history of Nigeria, no matter the undertone, an Inspector General of Police was handcuffed, tried and imprisoned for embezzlement even if it was for 24 hours. But really looking at fighting corruption, Nigeria has failed completely.

Solomon lic liability company; it is a nation.

The end of Just about a month ago, somebody in china, a minister or so, was sentenced to death for cabals has come and I am calling on the cabals embezzlement of just peanuts, judging by the to surrender and let Nigeria move forward. looting in Nigeria. It was shameful that former Fuel subsidy scandal Delta State governor, James Ibori, who looted I want to appeal to the president and comtrillions of naira was set free here in Nigeria and mander-in-chief of the armed forces to use his in Britain, it’s the contrast. There are so many office and do the right thing without fear or similar cases in Nigeria. A lot of governors are favour. Since the cabals are trying to show that supposed to be given life jail; since they don’t they are stronger than the government, in the want to return the money, they should rot in jail name of continuous unity of this nation, every but they are free, using the same money against name among the cabals should be arrested, tried properly according to the rule of law and Nigeria.

If I were in power, I would never condone any the trial must be transparent for Nigerians and corrupt person in government because I will the world to watch. Those guilty must be refuse to be corrupted. Since I have discovered given proper sentences. It will create a very that the dreadful disease Nigeria is suffering great change in our community. I just want to today is corruption at every level, I will change build on the faith that the changes in the judiNigeria’s law or criminal code to suit all impor- ciary, especially with the female Chief Justice tant parts of the world, which have stiff penalties of Nigeria, and other eminent jurists appointto govern Nigeria as such this kind of embezzle- ed; a new direction will follow in the dispenment going on in Nigeria deserves death penalty sation of justice in this.

Insecurity and Boko Haram or life jail and recovery of such loot back to the The president is a person like every other perFederal Government.

God instituted Jonathan this time to lead son and a tree hardly makes a forest. However, Nigeria out of the darkness for the so many he has his advisers, security chiefs, etc. He is tryyears the cabals have been running down ing by being diplomatic about the Boko Haram Nigeria and Jonathan has said no, it will not insurgency in order not to affect the innocent continue. He’s selecting good materials for ones. By the right example of Odi, somewhere this job and removing the chaff out of his cab- in Bayelsa State, is an example in a proper coninet. He should do more because there is still stitution of any nation, that the president and much chaff around him. Nigeria is not a pub- chief security officer of the whole nation is

“I can see the handwriting on the wall that Nigerian leaders are gradually pushing Nigeria to a serious violent revolution and if care is not taken, Nigeria will become about five nations or more. Nigeria deserves a constitution that the citizens will manage as theirs. Nigeria is wearing a dress that tailors are patching every day. Those patches have become so much that it will become a thing of shame to wear such dress. It has become so tattered that the world is laughing at us, including some African nations, even our next door neigh bours are laughing at us.”

empowered to issue an order to wipe out any village, state or group of people that has risen not just to sabotage but to try to run down the nation; the president has right to order for their wipe out. But looking at somebody like Jonathan, he is compassionate person by nature, humble and cool-headed, he is not radical but people should not because of that undermine what he is capable of doing or saying.

As for Boko Haram, they have overstepped their bounds but because Nigeria is a peaceful nation and also has God-fearing man as Chief of Army Staff in the person of General Ihejirika, that is why the government is asking for dialogue. The army is calling for dialogue and the refined National Security Adviser is also calling for dialogue. If after all these pleadings Boko Haram disobeys, the true colour will be out.

Nigeria has one of the finest armies in the world, both in tactics and logistics, air or sea; Nigeria is one of the strongest armies in the whole of West Africa. Yet, as well propelled and refined officers and men, they are still asking for dialogue and I am using this medium to call on the leaders of Boko Haram to accept dialogue now, surrender their arms willingly and seek peace for their own good and for the benefit and unity of this nation because a stitch in time, saves nine. At no time will the commanders, the president, navy and air force fold their hands and watch a godless sect, called Boko Haram, destroy this nation. The Muslim community has disassociated itself, saying it is not a party to killing and destroying lives and property of innocent Nigerians. I also call on the president to quickly order security agents to waste no time in laying hands on anybody found in one way or another to be sponsoring or financing Boko Haram in its reign of terror.

No car can run without petrol. Boko Haram cannot operate without sponsors. It is not a religious war. It is purely politically motivated to destroy the administration of President Jonathan but I am sorry for those who plan this because God Almighty put Jonathan there and only God can remove him. I am sorry for the Judas Iscariot that has eaten and fined with Jonathan and now thinks he can betray him. He is going to die the same way the biblical Judas Iscariot died.

State police

I equivocally reject the clamour for state police. As far as I am concerned, the federal police are enough for Nigeria for now. The federal police are very competent in their work. All that is needed is to improve on their welfare, get them highly equipped, create good housing scheme for them, reform their training and check out all the bad eggs among them. The call for state police by some governors is for their selfish ends. Judging by what is happening in our society in this country, if a governor is empowered to have his own police force, it will be very dangerous because some of the governors will even train killer squads for themselves and give them police uniforms. Moreover, the police will be tribalised and this will not augur well for Nigeria as a nation.

New currency

I think something is fundamentally wrong with the policy and its initiators. It is at odds with the same CBN’s cashless policy and it is yet to be explained how both policies can be reconciled. This is not what Nigeria needs at this phase of her life when it is encumbered on all fronts by the siege of insecurity. I advise that changing currency photo options is not Nigeria’s immediate problem and to even think of spending so much on such a needless policy is madness. It is shameful for us to leave issues, affecting the masses in pursuit of shadows. What message does the CBN want to pass across by the array of women lined up to grace the proposed denominations; that women are ruling Nigeria or what? Are there no women in America that have achieved greater things than the late Margret Ekpo and the rest, yet their currencies have remained the same? It is goo d the senate has waded into the matter because it is time we stopped chasing shadows and face reality for the good, peace and unity of this nation.

DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

Lamido, a leadership path breaker at 64

By ISMAIL OMIPIDAN

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et me begin by making a few confessions. One, part of the title of this piece was taken from one of the pieces, written recently by my former Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Dimgba Igwe.

Two, I am not a PDP apologist, as I maintain friendship with politicians, cutting across the major political parties in the country. Three and finally, though I am from Ila Orangun in Osun State, the level of development in Osun State, in the last seven years or so, is a far cry from what is obtainable in Jigawa State within the same period of time. I challenge any Osun State indigene to take a study tour of the two states, to confirm or disprove my claim. In fact, even in Jigawa State, there is a Bola Ige House.

But that is a story for another day.

I have heard and read about Sule Lamido, long before meeting him. I came in close contact with him in the first quarter of 2005, shortly after my transfer from Maiduguri, Borno State, to Abuja. Since then, I have found in him a leader, who not only understands and appreciates the peculiar needs of an average Nigerian, but one who is passionately interested in seeing Nigeria pulling itself out of the doldrums.

Since he became governor in 2007, this is the third time I will be writing a birthday tribute in his honour. The first one was in 2008, when he clocked 60, wherein I had staked my honour and integrity, to state among other things then that what the people of Jigawa State would get from Lamido’s leadership was “an enduring legacy that would not only stand a test of time, but one that would be different from what we got from some of our governors between 1999 and 2007 and one that would be a reference point, long after Lamido would have completed his tenure, whether four or eight years.”

The second one followed last year, which was mainly to reply critics who had posited that the Jigawa governor was going to disappoint me. I was vindicated, as Lamido’s administration turned out to be a radical departure from what the people of the state and visitors to the state saw, from 1999 to 2007. And then this, to further encourage the governor not to relent, as we approach the most critical period of his administration, where people who would by all means possible, find fault in whatever he does, say or not do.

Like most politicians, whether here in Nigeria or abroad, Lamido is not a saint.

No mortal is anyway. But politically speaking, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has paid his due. He could easily be regarded as an old political warhorse, and the last man standing in the North. He started off as a legislator, in the Second Republic. He became a minister under Obasanjo’s administration and today, he is a governor. Yet, he is one who believes in nurturing younger politicians to maturity.

For instance, beginning from when he became the National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), he is reputed to have single-handedly produced and nurtured most of the contemporary political stalwarts in Jigawa State today. He made ex-governor Saminu Turaki, the SDP’s party chairman in the state, while ensuring that Ali Sa’ad emerged the then Jigawa governor, during the IBB’s transition programme.

Although, his loss at the polls, in a controversial circumstance in 1999, to the same Saminu Turaki, is one issue that is yet to be subjected to critical debate and analysis, with a view to establishing the why and how he lost, several years after the controversial poll, even Turaki could

Lamido testify that he could not have floored Lamido in a political contest. But this is a debate reserved for a later date.

However, what the people of Jigawa may have lost under Saminu Turaki, from 1999 to 2007, they seem to have gained under Lamido in less than five years or more now, through what could easily pass for a Lamido’s revolution in Jigawa State. It is on record that he met huge debts, upon assumption of office in 2007. But since then till date, he is yet to borrow a dime from any financial institution; yet, he is paying the debt and at the same time building a new Jigawa, with the meagre resources of between N2.3 billion and N2.4 billion, as monthly allocation, from the federation account.

There is hardly any structure you find in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, which you don’t find something close to it in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. Talk of the Three Arms Zone, Jigawa has its own; the Eagle Square in Abuja, there is the Aminu Kano triangle in Dutse, the Sahad Stores in Dutse, is larger than the one in Abuja, just as the Rasheed Sekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse, could compete favourably with the National Hospital in Abuja. The only difference being that at the Rasheed Sekoni Hospital, the governor’s desire to perpetually be on the side of the ‘Talakawa’ (masses) becomes more apparent. For instance, Dialysis, for Kidney failure which cost an average of N80, 000 elsewhere, only cost N10, 000, at Rasheed Sekoni Hospital, with state-of-the-heart equipment and competent hands to attend to patients.

Apart from probably Kaduna, Dutse is the only State capital in the north, where you find residences of all the emirs in the State capital. And even in the South-West, where traditional rulers are also revered because of their enduring significance, there no State capital, where one can find such a thing, though symbolic and significant. Ironically, that of Jigawa was conceptualised and executed by a man many erroneously believed, is anti-tradition and antitraditional rulers.

Also, apart from probably Abuja, the official residences of the Speaker, his deputy, the deputy governor, Chief Judge and Grand Khadi, are second to none in the entire country. Lamido believes in building an institution. He once told me that doing that would inspire confidence in the people of the State. This is even as he further said

that the biggest challenge any government faces is human development. This, according to him is because “human beings by nature are very insatiable.

When you elevate them to a particular level, they would want to move to another level and so when you restore a State which was almost grounded, the expectation becomes high. So whatever you do is a further incentive for more to be done and it is going to be a continuous thing. But my dream is to have the best set of human beings in the world –everything perfect, ideal, everything which commands decency, self esteem and self worth, to be in Jigawa. And so, whatever we do daily is further incentive for us to strive for the development of the State.”

Interestingly, Lamido’s exploits in Jigawa also caught the attention of former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, recently. While on a courtesy visit last Sunday, IBB had admitted that Jigawa has been the fastest developing State in the country in the last five years, adding that “Jigawa is the most rapidly progressing state in terms of physical development and you,(Lamido) have already set a standard that may challenge your predecessors in subsequent years to come.”

At the symposium, to mark the 21st anniversary of the creation of the State, where Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former External Affairs minister was the Guest Speaker, and which was broadcast live last Monday, IBB, tried to say something, but Lamido was seen trying to block the microphone from getting to IBB. However, when he (IBB) eventually seized the microphone, he said “you (Lamido) can refuse the microphone from Gen. Olayinka from getting to me for the announcement, but you certainly cannot stop our prayers for you.” What the prayers are? Your guess is as good as mine.

But IBB continued, he commended Lamido for developing Jigawa State, and called on other governors to go to Jigawa State, to learn in practical terms, the art and science of leadership and governance, with a view to replicating same, in their respective States. He added that Lamido had provided quality education and that he has built infrastructures in the State, as well as developed the agriculture sector in the State.

Although, in terms of performance in office, I have always compared Lamido to Fashola of Lagos, IBB has however brought in the Edo governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole into the equation, by saying “If it can happen in Edo State and in Jigawa State, I don’t see why it cannot happen in other States of the federation.”

He concluded by saying “in the military tradition, we say, it is not the weapon, but the man behind the weapon and the man behind these performances in Jigawa State is Sule Lamido. He is the man behind the weapon.”

Join me to wish “the man behind the weapon” a thunderous Happy Birthday, as he clocks 64.

Omipidan, is a staff of The Sun

51

GOtv, making premium TV content available, affordable

S

ince the advent of digital satellite television broadcasting in Nigeria in 1994, Nigerians have witnessed a steady growth in the sector with as many as 14 operators licensed to distribute TV content. Of the lot, only DStv, HiTV, MyTV, DaarSat and of recent, StarTimes and GOtv readily come to mind.

DStv has been the flagship of pay-TV for close to two decades. It is the standard by which satellite TV programming and content is judged. As a premium content provider with compelling programming, DStv became an aspirational brand of television service to many.

DStv has progressively made pay-TV content available to its subscribers across different economic levels through the unbundling of its bouquet. GOtv is digital terrestrial television (DTT) that operates on a second-generation digital video broadcast technology (“DVB-T2”) popularly known as T2. The advent of GOtv coincides with the country’s effort to comply with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) goal of migrating TV broadcasting from an analogue to digital platform by the year 2015.

GOtv is easy to acquire and install, actually a Do It Yourself device with an optional aerial antennae. It does not require a dish to receive signals; neither does it require special expertise to activate. Almost all its channels, about 32, are familiar to DStv subscribers.

The DVB-T2 superior technology, that GOtv operates on, offers a broader spectrum than the first generation digital video broadcast technology (DVB-T) popularly known as T1 and is considered more efficient. While T1 allows for an upload of about 20 channels on a platform, T2 offers a broad range of about three times that size, meaning about 60 channels on its platform given the same bandwidth. T2 also offers crystal clear picture and sound, giving subscribers a feeling of total enjoyment anytime they watch television.

Most importantly it is a leapfrog technology; a cost saver for the discerning Nigerian.

An analyst said that since the subscription is less than 10 percent of the minimum wage, this is the first time premium TV content can be said to have been truly democratised.

GOtv bouquet has a total of 25 channels while GOtv Plus has all the 25 channels on GOtv plus additional seven channels, including CNN, Sony Entertainment TV (SET), SuperSport Blitz, NatGeo Wild, Disney Junior, MTV Base and the primary AfricaMagic channel; bringing the total to about 32.

GOtv offers five AfricaMagic channels.

These are: AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Hausa, AfricaMagic Movies, AfricaMagic World and AfricaMagic Yoruba. These are speciallypackaged channels with strong African content of deep value. They are the channels that help Africans to tell their stories to the world in the best way it could be done. These channels offer varieties of soap operas that families enjoy watching, the likes of: Family Ties, Clinic Matters, Super Story, Doctors’ Quarters, and a host of other movies from different parts of the continent. The channels are arranged to cater to subscribers’ interests taking into cognisance our diversity, languages and cultures. AfricaMagic channels are an emporium for everything African.

It looks like the pay-tv industry is now fully awake to the needs and wants of its subscribers. Competition is certainly breeding more choice and options to suit the pockets and viewing habits of the Nigerians. From all indications, the growth of competition in the pay TV industry is to the advantage of all interest groups especially the consumer who not only enjoys more content but also has the power to choose a service provider based on affordability and personal preferences.

52 DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31 , 2012

People & Events Ojuelegba to launch film

Recently Chief Noble (Mrs) Perpetua Eboh who died in far away Virginia USA in June, was buried in her native home of Umuezeala-Ama, Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo radio broadcaster, Chief Tajudeen Ajani Ojuelegba State. The late Princess was born into the royal family of launches a new film, Awalani on Sunday, HRH Eze Paulinus Alozie, the Traditional ruler of IbeaforSeptember 2, 2012 at the Lagos Television multipur- Umunomo kingdom. pose hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja at 12 noon.

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Friends and colleagues at the burial of Pa Joseph Adeyemi, the fahter of Wale Adeyemi of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), from Left: Oddidison Omon, Tribune, Wale Adeyemi, FRCN, Jide Babafemi and John Mark Ukoko both of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association

Madam Sarah Awoyemi Alawode laid to rest

F

inal thanksgiving service of the late Madam Sarah Abegbe Okepeju Awoyemi Alawode (nee Akinwande) aged 92, the Iya Ijo of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Iye, Ilemowu who slept in the Lord on 28th June, 2012 will take place on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Iye, Ilemowu by 11.00am and Entertainment of guests follows immediately at her residence, Oosa’s com- be fondly remembered for her pound, Ilemowu. According prayerful life, peace-loving to her children, mama would and generosity.

Burial ceremony for Madam Oke

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he final burial ceremony for the late Madam Felicia Mosunmola Oke, nee Olaniyan comes up on Saturay,1st September 2012 at the Gospel Apostolic Church, Ife Oluwa Street, old NEPA bus stop, Ring road, Ibadan at 11a.m.

According to a statement by Mr. Sobowale Gbenga Oke, the late Madam Felicia Oke who died at the age of 72 years was a community leader and a business tycoon in Ibadan, Oyo state and is survived children and grandchildren.

Mr. Oke the first son of the deceased and the Zonal Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Benin

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(L-R) Mrs. Titi Laoye- Tomori, Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Hon. Sunday Akere, Commisioner for Information & Strategy and Revd.(Dr) Olumide Kehinde, Senior Pastor, Union Baptist Church at the 21st Anniversary Thanksgiving Service in Osogbo— Sunday

L Zone stated that guest will be entertained immediately after the church service at Abanla village, Omi Adio, Ibadan.

Secretary, Comrade Joseph Etokhana said the patron passed on August 6. He was 75.

The Christian wake held last Saturday, at 19, Isaac John Street, Igbobi, Lagos State while interment holds tomorrow at the family compound, Ivhiugelo Quarters, Iraokho, Etsako Central Council Area of Edo State, after an all-night traditional wake. The late Anokhaoya is survived by a wife, seven children and four grand children.

Titi Regos dies

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Some of the children of the deceased immediately after interment, (L-R) Eldest Son Magnus Chima Eboh, Dr Mrs Ify Amadi, and Barr Uzoma Eboh

Lolo Theresa Chukwu for burial Sept. 8

Uralo Club 82 Patron goes home

r. Peter Anabamu Anokhaoya, patron of Uralo Club 82 of Nigeria, is dead. A statement from the club’s General

Archbishop (Professor) Magnus Adeyemi Atilade (5th left) and a cross-section of Clergymen at the 40th annual conference of the Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas held at Gospel City, Awe, Oyo State recently.

he death has been announced in Lagos of a Veteran Journalist Mrs Titi Regos nee DA-Silva of Brazillian Quarters Lagos Island; She was the former Editor of defunct Eko Today Newspaper and Editor of Ibile Voice, an indigenous Newspaper . She died during a brief illiness.

She is survived by her husband Engr. Abayomi Regos, Three children and one grandchild..

She was aged 53.

Fellow ladies of St. John International file out in a procession to pay last respect to their late member

olo Theresa Obinuju Oku Chukwu, mother of Hon. John Chukwu Ozuma, former vice chairman of Ishielu East Development Council, Ebonyi State is dead. She was 110 years old.

According to a statement, the remains of the late community leader leaves the Izzia General Hospital for the family’s compound (the late Chief Chukwu Nwachukwu’s palace), Onyirigbo, UlepaNtezi on September 7. All night wake-keep follows. September 8, after a lying-inInterment holds on state at the late Chukwu’s Nwachukwu’s palace and Mass. She is surGoodness requiem vived by grand children Mr. Collins Aja and O’joel is 3 including great grand children.

Husband of the deceased, High Chief Noble C.S Eboh, attending the requiem mass.

Two of the knights of St. John International pay their respect to the corpse of Perpetua Ada Eboh

His Word Church

H

is Word Church, (Message of Wisdom Ministries), holds a special prayer session tagged “I am created for signs and wonders, at No. 16, Ifarajinmi Street, Opposite Seventh Day Primary School, Agodi Gate, Ibadan on Saturday, September 1, 2012 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Speakers at the programme includes Bishop Sam Goodness here cuts her Olayemi, Pastor Olumakin birthday cake while Dad and Pastor Wole Oyeniran Aloysuis O’joel and Mum while Revd. James Olusola Okey Eboh and his eldest brother Magnus, during interment Akande is the chief host.

Joy watches with interest

DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

53

International Inner Wheel District 914 installation •L-R: PDCOgbonna; Chairman - Dr. Roselin Ihuoma Ndimele; award recipient Sir Anthny Enukeme (TONIMAS); past Board Director Eunice Nwankw o; Internatio nal Board DirectorNgozi Adirika

•Diatrict Chairman, Dr.Ndimele, makes inaugural speech

L-R: Dr. Ori Obasi (past district chairman), Dr. Chuks Jamanu (guest speaker), Eng. Okafor, immediate past District Chairman Angie Ogbonna, immediate past District 9140 Governor Yinka Babalola, a guest, District Chairman – Dr. Roseline Ihuoma Ndimele, Husband of DC – Eze Dr. Ezegene Ndimele, past international board director of Inner Wheel Sally Usman, National Editor Inner Wheel PDC Kemi Adeyemi, a guest, past Board Director PDC Eunice Nnankwo.

Choir of St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy ABSU

District Chairman being decorated by immediate past chairman.

L-R: Immediate past district chairman –Angi Ogbonna; D914 Vice Chairman – Beth Oluka; district Secretary –Betty Ndiyo; District chairman –Dr. Roseline Ihuoma Ndimele; District Treasurer –Chinwe Okafor; District Editor –Felly Nweke; International Service Organizer –Pamela Odu; Extention Service chairman –Tyna Okpaleke

Dr. Chuks Kamanu –guest speaker with district chairman and husband.

L-R: PDC Uche Agbim (immediate past National Secretary, International Inner Wheel) District chairman, Dr. Roseline Ndimele, immediate past chairman –Angie Ogbonna.

Maiden Graduating/Prize Giving ceremony of the Flomic Private School, Journalists Estate, Arepo, along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway recently.

Some of the pupils reciting s o m e poems at the event with one of the graduating pupils – Opeyemi Fabiyi leading o t h e r pupils.

Latifat Olatunji receiving the Best Behaved Pupil Award from the guest speaker, Dr. Dayo Adefuye, and the proprietress, Mrs. T.C. Adeoti.

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DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012,

Light of Islam

Abdulfatah Oladeinde 08023078685

MarryMuslim

•L–R: Director of programme for 60th anniversary of Markaz, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Rector Markaz, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, brother to the late founder of Markaz, Adam Abdullah El-Ilory Sheikh Yaqub Abdullahi El-Ilory and Alhaji Deji Mustapha, Chairman Publicity Committee Markaz at 60 observing prayer before the press conference on the 60th anniversary of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Agege, Lagos (Markaz) yesterday. Photo: FESTUS ODOFIN

Preparing for the realities of marriage

By MUNIRA LEKOVIC EZZELDINE

H

ow ludicrous would it be for a person to hold a grand opening for a new business then leave for vacation the next day or go to a job interview without having read the job description? Equally absurd is the way many people get married each year without any knowledge of or preparation for the realities of marriage. Couples make elaborate wedding and honeymoon plans but none for a life together. Additionally, many are looking for spouses to marry without looking at their responsibilities in a marriage.

Based on fairy tales spun by the media and pop culture, young women dream of finding their Prince Charming and living happily ever after. We think that once we are married, everything will just sort itself out. Some of us think that marriage is a solution or an escape or that our spouses will “complete us.” Compounding this are values of mainstream society and their effect on the psyche of adolescents. Years of struggling with issues of dating and pre-marital sex in school as well as constant bombardment through films and television of unrealistic images of what love, sex and marriage are have affected our outlook on marriage and the opposite sex. So, when the time comes to get married, we often carry unrealistic expectations of what being married will be like and how our spouses will be.

Many young Muslims are

not prepared for marriage and have not cultivated the skills to create a lasting relationship.

While the general American population has the world’s highest divorce rate, 48.6 percent, Muslims in the United States come in not too far behind at 33 percent. One in three Muslims marriage here will end in divorce- not surprising considering we are living in a “divorce culture” where independence and individual happiness often come first. When the marriage does not fulfill the individual’s needs, the marriage is questioned. Terms such as “starter marriage” are becoming more common in the Muslim community as divorces among newlywed couples, after only months of being married, increase. Furthermore, couples in multicultural marriages are experiencing complex issues because of their background differences and often find little support from their families and communities because of certain cultural ideas about marriage. These couples often become resigned to ending the marriage. Newlyweds sometimes don’t readily acknowledge that they must work on the marriage for it to survive.

Many divorce when marriage is not what they expected or harder than they imagined.

Divorce is now considered a plausible option among young Muslims, unlike the generation before them. Now, more than ever, we should prepare ourselves and our children for the realities of marriage. Preparing for marriage is as important as

having an accurate road map before driving cross country.

Preparing for marriage is more than searching for a spouse; it begins with discovering who you are as a person.

Undergo Self-Reflection Preparing for marriage is more than searching for a spouse; it begins with discovering who you are as a person and what you will bring to a marriage. Identify what innate beliefs you hold because these are the things that are least likely to change about you.

Your values and beliefs are your compass in life and will determine your lifestyle and the choices you make.

Understanding what is important to you clarifies the type of person with whom you will be compatible. Reflection is a process of self-growth that can be difficult, but it shows maturity and a true understanding of the intensity of marriage. Ask yourself these questions: “What is my personal set of life values?” “What are my fears?” “What are my strengths?” “What are my weaknesses?”

Identifying your flaws is equally important because it provides you with personal goals for self-improvement. It will also provide your future spouse insight into your weaknesses, as well as the things that may never change about you.

Establish Compatibility Before you can determine the type of person you are compatible with, you first need to understand what compatibility is. It doesn’t mean you will

be exactly like your spouse, but rather, that you share many similarities and hold mutual respect for your differences, It is important to find someone who shares your core values and beliefs and whose longterm goals correspond with yours. Having complementary values and goals helps married couples grow closer to Allah because they will constantly strive in the same direction and have fewer disagreements in their marriage.

True and realistic love will be found in the everydayness of marriage when sharing common interests and doing interesting things together. But, be careful if you find yourself making excuses for incompatibility or you start believing that the other person will change once you’re married. People rarely change. Qualities in a potential spouse that do not align with your core values and beliefs are red flags because that person is about as unlikely to change as you are. When making a decision about an element of incompatibility, ask yourself; “Can I maintain my beliefs while married to this person even if he/she doesn’t change?” Acknowledge that you simply can’t control your spouse’s way of being.

Being able to maintain mutual respect for your differences will likely prevent many tensions in the marriage.

•Culled from Azizah Magazine

To be concluded next week

Are you a Muslim male or female searching for a suitable life partner? Or does your family want a spouse for a son or daughter of marriage age. Well, we can be of help to you. It has been observed lately that many matured female and male Muslims are getting agitated and confused due to their inability to find appropriate partners. Some of those affected, particularly the females end up marrying out of the fold of Islam, against the ruling of Sharia. With this column, MarryMuslim, we seek to redress the growing practices in which Muslim youths get abused or frustrated in the bid to have life partners.You are invited to send your profile just as Muslim families are invited to send profiles of their sons or daughters seeking life partners to the email address: fatakola@yahoo.com.

The profiles are to include: name, age, height, ethnic group, town, marital status, number of children (if any), qualifications, occupation and current position, telephone number for easy contact, any other useful details, qualities desired in prospective spouses and email address.

Please ensure that profiles sent for publication are written as seen published to save time wasted on re-writing. And note that names and e-mail addresses provided will be treated as confidential and will not be included when the profiles are published on this page. Owing to space constraint the profiles will be featured on this page for two weeks before being deleted to accommodate others. Prospective suitors interested in any of the published profiles are to contact the Coordinator, The Sun Light of Islam through the above email address, giving adequate information about themselves and if deemed to have satisfied the requirements will be linked up with the profiled person. Always read The Sun Light of Islam.

Profile 1733: Single neer, seeking to marry a Muslim female, teacher and loving Muslim female. writer, 32 years old, fair in Profile 1737: Muslim complexion slim, average male, 46, 5 feet 11 inches height, wants to be married tall, civil servant, seeking to to a God-fearing Muslim marry a Muslim female. male single or widower, Profile 1738: Muslim aged between 35 and 42 male, civil engineer, 44 with no belief in shirk, no years old, tall, slim and ago, interest in politics, gainfully seeking to marry a Muslim employed, good looking, female who is devoted, obedark or chocolate in com- dient, tolerant and religious. plex, average in body and She must not be below 35 height and kind-hearted. He years. Education is not a should be willing to support barrier but she must be able and assist wife in achieving to speak English and Hausa her dreams especially in languages and preferably writing skills. He may hail from Northern part of from Okene, Auchi or Nigeria.

Kwara.

Profile 1739: 33 years Profile 1734: 27 years old single Muslim male, 5.7 old Muslim female, 5.2 feet tall, Ebira from Okene, metres tall, dark-complex- Kogi State, police officer ioned Yoruba from Ogun (ASP), also studying, based State, holder of diploma in in Delta State, wishing to Computer Studies and a marry a beautiful Muslim fashion designer, desires to female, preferably an Ebira, be married to a God-fear- Yoruba or Hausa who is ing, caring and educated God-fearing, working and Muslim male preferably aged between 25 and 32 Yoruba. years.

Profile 1735: Muslim Profile 1740: Muslim male,32, single, AS geno- male, from Ganmah, but type, 5.8 feet tall, Yoruba based in Ilorin, Kwara from Abeokuta, Ogun State, State, graduate and holder chocolate-complexioned, of professional certificates, tall, God-fearing, HND gainfully employed, marholder in Business ried with children, seeking Administration, civil ser- to marry a God-fearing and vant, wishes to marry caring Muslim female.

Muslim female who is from Profile 1741: 24 years South west or North, aged old Muslim male, from between 22 and 27, choco- Kishi in Oyo State, fair in late-complexioned, not too complexion, six feet tall, slim nor too fat, not too not too fat but not slim, short. final year student wants to Profile 1736: Single marry Muslim female who Muslim male, Yoruba from is fair in complexion, not Ogun State, system engi- too fat, average height.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012 Continued from Back page External force needed Newton’s Law of Motion states that an object in motion continues in its direction until acted upon by a force external to it. The country will continue in her lamentable downward slide until acted upon by a force external to her, which is no other thing than purposeful leadership devoid of corruption, impunity, avarice, deceit, hypocrisy and nepotism. Steve Okoye, Enugu, 080366306731

Re: When dialogue becomes inevitable

Door of mercy With your support for Jonathan’s resolve to hold talks with Boko Haram, I believe that God’s door of mercies has been opened to bring succour to Nigerians sooner than we envisaged. Most •Sambo Dasuki media men have always seen Jonathan’s sane attitude towards the problem as a sign of weakness, of Army Staff (Ihejirika). Please crosscheck. forgetting that a greater number of wars in the Barrister Fabian world were eventually resolved through dialogue.

Let’s keep hope alive. God save Nigeria. Lai Let’s meet them halfway Ashadele, Lagos I agree with you. Let’s negotiate with Boko Haram, and meet them halfway: an independent Conditions for dialogue Islamic North, and a secular South. Sudan has Yes, I support dialogue with Boko Haram pro- offered a good example.Rowl Ibecheozor, vided all the parties are sincere. Nigerians are Owerri tired of stories of destruction of innocent lives and properties. There is also the need for restraint on What’s the agenda? negative comments, especially from the so-called I’m not totally against dialogue, but what’s the security agencies when they know they can’t fight agenda? You don’t go to negotiation with hardthe insurgency. Abasiofiok Inyang, Akwa Ibom line postures, but which of the Boko Haram State demands will government be willing to grant? We may have to bid Nigeria goodbye. Ladelokun Dialogue my foot!

Ladesope There is nothing like dialogue with Boko Haram. Nigerians should not be deceived by Keg of gunpowder Sambo Dasuki, the NSA and his hired hands.

The security challenges are indications that Sunny P, Kano Nigeria is sitting on keg of gunpowder, which may metamorphose into a full-blown civil war.

Why government exists The only panacea is dialogue. It is not pleasant for Government exists among other reasons to a handshake to stretch beyond the elbow. secure the lives and properties of the citizens. For Sunday Chuna, Akpajo, Rivers State that reason, I support dialogue. But let us also Let’s believe remember that by agreeing to negotiate, the govLet’s believe that the newly constituted comernment has passed a message to other violent mittee by the North shall give us the long awaited groups. Usua Joseph Kingsley, UniUyo end to this horrific development called Boko Haram. Let the committee members go to the Why not? hamlets as Jonathan and others did during the If dialogue could work for the Niger Delta mil- Niger Delta crisis. Samson Okonkwo, Akure itants, why not for Boko Haram? But this one Nothing wrong will involve some complex algebraic mathematical arithmetics. O. Z. Nwamadu, Umudi Oka Continued from Back page Ancient Kingdom, Orlu, Imo State self, and the name rang a bell immediately. He had come home to run for the Okigwe Boko Haram not serious If Boko Haram people are serious, let them Senatorial Seat, which was vacant then. He was come out and face the security agents, instead of flying the flag of the All Progressives Grand this cowardly approach. One day, they won’t Alliance (APGA).

Offoaro lost the race simply because all the have Nigeria to terrorise again. Darlington ballot boxes disappeared on election day, an act Agomuo, 08062332158 he later told me was perpetrated by his direct Mbano kinsman, who is a Peoples Democratic A more deadly group If we achieve anything through talk, a group Party (PDP) stalwart. He returned to America, more deadly than Boko Haram shall surely rise but came frequently home, and never failed to when a northerner is in charge. Victor Chigor, drop in to see me.

There are some people you take to immediPresident, Congress for Igbo Agenda ately. That was what happened between Offoaro and myself. An Mbano man and an Innocent blood When Boko Haram kills people inside the Osun man suddenly became brothers. If you church, what crime did those people commit? see us laughing and exchanging banters, you The justice they say they are fighting for, is that would think we had known each other since forjustice kept in the church? Why can’t they go to ever.

Though he was deep into business, importing Aso Rock or the government houses in the states computers and other stuffs, Offoaro still loved for the justice? Mr. George Dashe, Jos to write. He contributed articles to Daily Sun, Blessed are the peacemakers and eventually got a regular column that ran on I agree with you totally that negotiation is the Mondays. He had graduated in History from answer to peace in Nigeria. You’re a peacemak- the University of Lagos, and also read up to er, and the Holy Bible says “blessed are the peace- Ph.D level in America, but instead of the Ivory makers, for they shall be called the children of Tower, he preferred the more financially God.” Pius, Obudu, Cross River State rewarding world of business.

I called him either Nwa Offoaro (son of Big question Offoaro) or Nwa Biafran Soldier, as his father The question is, who will take the bull by the had fought in the Nigerian civil war. On his horns. Dialogue is good but who will take the part, he jocularly called me Oko Nkechi lead? Everyone, including the government, is (Nkechi’s husband). How did that appellation running for their lives, after all, no one wants to be come? a sacrificial lamb. Tochi Emmanuel When Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was buried in March, I had done a piece, which I felt Let’s see who loses should be fittingly concluded in Igbo language.

If Boko Haram has declared war against us, So I asked my secretary, Mrs. Jane Nwosu, to let’s come out and dance the music with them, translate the words I had in mind for me in Igbo. and let’s see who loses. Rev Emman She gave it thus: Ka nkpur’obi gi zue ike n’andukwa. When Offoaro read it, he phoned, I agree and disagree laughing. He said: “Bia, bia. Who has been I strongly align with the dialogue option, but is teaching you Igbo? I suspect you have an Igbo sincerely disagree that compensation should be girlfriend somewhere.” I said yes. Didn’t he paid. What happens to the thousands of lives know my wife was Igbo? I told him her name already wasted by Boko Haram? Obioma Mike, was Nkechi. We both laughed uproariously, Abia State and since then, he never stopped calling me Oko CDS or Chief of Army Staff?

I think the statement that Boko Haram would Nkechi. He mentioned it to my wife the day soon run out of suicide bombers was made by they spoke on phone, though that one never has Chief of Defence Staff (Petirin) rather than Chief a single Igbo bone in her body.

There’s nothing wrong in a government that has failed to protect lives and properties to go for negotiation. But what will the negotiation do for those innocent souls that died for what they know nothing about? Barrister Odili, Abakaliki Let’s beg if need be People cry and die everyday because of Boko Haram. Let’s kneel and beg them, since they are more powerful than government. Valentine, Asaba, 07030854976 Way forward I hope that this time, the government will give a damn, so that the dialogue will not end in fiasco. Z. J. Dogara, Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State Quite welcome Dialogue is welcome news. At least, Nigerians will now know them, and also know their problems. We should support dialogue. Uzo AngusOkoro, Enugu, angusokoro@yahoo.com

55

tion and not meaningless dialogue with charlatans and failed politicians parading as Boko Haram.

Most Nigerians of the present generation were not born when amalgamation took place in 1914 and were also not party to the infamous census nightmare created by Mr. Harold Smith which gave undue advantage to the north. We are now in the era of backlash for their past misdeeds. Let them inch down southeast and south-south and quicken the disintegration of Nigeria. Enough is enough. Lawson Kofi, lawkof2000@yahoo.com Neither mammal nor reptile How do you dialogue with someone who is warm blooded, cold blooded and wants everyone to see him as invincible? Methinks the so-called Boko Haram is just enjoying the funding they receive from their sponsors whom I think the authorities know. Boko Haram or whatever cognomen they want people to identify them with would have been past tense if the goggled one was still at the helms of affairs. celeuwa@yahoo.com

Mere contractors It is not about dialogue, it is about the real design to actually disintegrate Nigeria. Boko Very disturbing Haram members are only contractors paid byaThe aspect of your articles that is disturbing is gents of disintegration. angrynigerian@ovi.com the accuracy of the American prediction on Nigeria. This brings into focus the disintegration Dialogue as last option as predicted for 2015. I believe Boko Haram shall My submission would have been the option of be a contributory factor if they unleash their terror completely annihilating and pulverizing the Boko down South. This is the reason patriots should Haramists. But as you pointed out, the governsupport the dialogue option. Dr Frank C. ment has failed in that direction. That the governOramulu, 08036664144, Rebuild Nigeria ment is unable to checkmate them effectively is a fundamental failure. How certain are we that by Initiative negotiation, Boko Haram will be responsible and stop the carnage? Dialogue is the last option. If we They are terrorists!

If government should compensate Boko must, then let it be for the cause of peace for the Kenn Amaechi Jr., Haram for the lives lost and for buildings of the nation. sect demolished, so what will happen to the lives popeheart@yahoo.com of innocent citizens murdered by the sect, who’ll We need peace compensate for that? How can you compare the You said it all. Wars do not solve problems but murdering sect to Niger Delta freedom fighters?

One is a full-blown terrorist group and the other they succeed in bringing the warring parties to is a group of freedom fighters. Uche, Lagos, roundtable for dialogue. My advice is that all the parties concerned should embrace this dialogue lukeuche@yahoo.com option and come with open mind without any hidden agenda. We need peace.

Meaningless dialogue Ekene Obeleagu, 08037108010, ekeneoYou should devote your time to promote the popular demand for Sovereign National beleagu@yahoo.com Conference to renegotiate our moribund federaTo be continued

Godson Offoaro: I’ve lost a friend

•Offoaro Every week, whenever he sent his article, he would phone, and we would ‘yab’ each other.

We always had things to catch up on.

I am a Christian of the Pentecostal stock. He was not. And he liked to take jibes at pastors and Pentecostalism. Whenever I finished reading him, I would call to ‘yab’him, particularly if he had written anything about pastors. And he would tell me not to worry, that he would soon open a church in Owerri, and do big business.

On Wednesday last week, Offoaro phoned as usual. I saluted him, shouting Nwa Biafran Soldier. But he was not his usual bubbling self.

He could only speak in whispers. I asked what the matter was, and he told me that he was at the National Hospital in Abuja, that he was very ill.

Offoaro is a stocky, very healthy looking person. I said: “So, iron can bend?” But he didn’t laugh, as he would have done naturally. He said he would not be able to send his column for Monday, that I should help pass the word to the Editorial Board. I wished him well, and said I would pray along with him.

On Thursday, I called his line, it was switched off. I sent in a text. The same on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday morning, I sent in another text message, wishing him well. Unknown to me, Godson Offoaro had gone into the land of the spirits, since Thursday last week, a day after we spoke.

He married from Benue State, and his wife and three children are based in America. They would never see their husband and father again, at least not on this side of the divide. And me too, I will never see Nwa Biafran Soldier again.

What is this life? A vapour that you see in one moment, and vanishes the next. What is man, whose life is in his nostrils, and which can get extinguished anytime? I sympathise with the larger Offoaro family. Godson’s younger brother, Chinedu, also a journalist with The Guardian Newspaper, had disappeared between Lagos and the East in the mid-90s. He has never been seen till today. Now this. May God grant the family succour. Godson Ibegbulam Chikezie Offoaro, why, why, why? Why now? We grieve, we sorrow, we mourn. Adieu, Nwa Biafran Soldier.

I can’t wait to praise Jonathan Continued from Back page roads are no longer famished, they no longer send hundreds of people daily to premature eternities, I will not only praise, I will applaud the president. The stench of corruption is suffocating, quite overpowering, with the anti-corruption war in coma, and a wealthy country battling with “cash flow problems” as confessed by the Finance Minister. But when the miasma is lifted, and we get the breath of fresh air that we were promised, I will praise the president. Just praise? No, I will celebrate him, acclaim and eulogize him. But until then, he has to contend with constructive criticisms.

The president has made a promise that we would praise him. Does he keep promises? His antecedents say no. But will he keep this one?

We pray so. I can’t wait to praise the president before he leaves office.

By the way, when is that time he will really leave. 2015? 2019? He didn’t say. He had promised the caucus of his political party to spend only one term. But if you ask me, the constitution allows him to stay further. But will he? With this president, you really can never tell. And you should be able to tell, able to trust your president at any given time. Let your yea be yea, and your nay be nay. Any other thing comes from the evil one. That is what the Good Book says.

56 DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

By SUNNY AKAK

T

o say that Akwa Ibom state has become the destination of choice in Nigeria is stating the obvious. The Governor Godswill Akpabio Administration has continued to attract the attention of Nigerians, and foreigners alike, from all walks of life.

Most epoch making events in the country must have a taste and drink deep from the Akwa Ibom unique infrastructural accomplishment, hospitality and ambience to fully appreciate the import of the Akpabio’s uncommon transformation strides.

The roll call is legion. From the political scene, judiciary, the academia, business, nongovernmental organisations, religious bodies, entertainment sector, sports; it has been one visit after the other. They don’t just come for their business but often take time out to savour the uniqueness in which this administration has approach governance, and often conclude in their remarks that there is still hope for the Nigerian state if every hand, permit the cliché, is on deck From the number one man in Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Dame Patience Jonathan, co- governors, senate retreat, judicial conference, Union of Journalists convention, Christian Association of Nigeria’s only national executive meeting outside Abuja, the Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka among many others, it has been an outpouring of accolades and celebration of a man who came into governance with a clear insight on how to pull his people, once derided as only being capable of doing domestic chores, out of the doldrums into a world of confidence, competitiveness, ambition and focus for the biggest pie in the land.

And so it was recently, when the Nigerian Law School Class 1988, referring to the batch of graduands from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos stormed Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for their third reunion meeting and to witness the records of accomplishments of one of their own, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio. It was the same avalanche of appreciations and accolades that were heaped on the administration for bringing the once backwater state to the frontlines of states which are working hard to be on speed with the verge of meeting the millennium development goals, MDGs, a major development index designed by the United Nations for developing economies.

Led by the Chairman of the Class 88, Rt. Hon. Chief Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, the class, with the array of personalities such as the former Senate President and current secretary of the federal government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Senator Liyel Imoke, governor of Cross River state, Senator Joy Emordi, a former Senator from Anambra state and a presidential aide, among many others. The august visitors couldn’t help but pour eulogies on one of their own for making them proud in his serious efforts to transform his state, connect the people , feel their pulse and act in line with their yearning for good and responsible governance.

It was indeed a special day for Akwa Ibom.

So it was for the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio who was celebrated by his guests for his pace-setting development he has brought for his people, his revolution in infrastructural and human capacity development, and his capacity to give the state and its people a new image and confidence to approach issues in the Nigerian state as equal stakeholders. This is in tandem with Ralph Waldof postulation on developing leadership and building confidence in a citizen when he said ‘ provide physical and moral platform for the people and you would have raised world beaters.’

Chairman of the NLS Class’88, Chief Nwuche described Chief Akpabio as a great achiever and a pride to Class ’88 particularly for turning Akwa Ibom to a destination, explaining that the purpose of their reunion was to create and assess their impact in the society. ‘You have done very well, Your Excellency. You have done us proud. On behalf of the class, I say congratulations and keep doing the good work. Posterity would remember the good works you have done for the people of Akwa Ibom state,’ he said.

For Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, secretary

When ‘88’ lawyers stood still for Akpabio

Gov Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State in a handshake with acting chairman of ICPC, Bar. Ekpo Nta during the occassion.

Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (l) and his Lagos counterpart, Babatunde Raji Fashola and other lawyers when Akpabio took the class of 1988 on tour of projects in Uyo. to the government of the federation, he specifically described as fulfilling the battle for the abolition of the on-shore-off-shore oil dichotomy as more funds have now accrue from the federation account to the affected states for meaningful development.

According to him, ‘ without the abolition, some governors would not be able to execute some development programmes in their states.’

Continuing he said ‘ but let me say, whenever Godswill Akpabio speaks and recounts the flyovers, the roads, among others, with what I saw, I am happy that the battle was not in vain. I think one of the achievement of Akpabio is this Akpan story. You can agree with me that it is very difficult to get a house boy or girl from Akwa Ibom now.’

For the Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola

(SAN), he saw a soul mate in Chief Godswill Akpabio, when in seeing the underground pipe-jacking project in Uyo, the e-library and the infrastructural amenities, describe Akpabio’s approach to development as radical and declared him a miracle worker and a governor whose foresight, dexterity and hands-on approach to governance, Nigerians should not stop tapping from, in getting things done. He also praised the Akwa Ibom governor for the provision of good roads, medical services to children, pregnant women and the elderly, compulsory education, saying that those legacies would make the governor to be remembered for a very long time ‘ I truly admire Governor Akpabio,’ he said, adding ‘these are people this country needs in our present level of development needs. We need men of foresight; men who

would think out of the box and men who are passionate enough to make the difference in their environment and area of influence,’ Governor Fashola, popularly called BRF, said.

All the speakers who spoke during the reunion dinner at the newly built state of the art banquet hall at government house, Uyo, were unanimous that Governor Akpabio, since emergence as the chief executive of Akwa Ibom state had commenced a revolution which has excited the imagination of the people, and has aptly been described as uncommon. He has been celebrated both far and wide for being resolute in bringing development to the state.

They unanimously referred to the numerous turn-key projects Akpabio has executed since he assumed the mantle of leadership in Akwa Ibom State as laudable. Apart from the more than 290 roads including federal roads spanning over 1000 kilometres, the flyovers and bridges, The Ibom International Airport, The six new General hospitals and other rehabilitated ones, the new ultra modern specialist clinic and referral centre, the 4000 rural projects in the state, the governor’s free and compulsory education programme which is enshrined in the state’s Child Right and Protection Law of 2008. The law prescribes imprisonment term for offenders, especially those that send children to hawk during school hours makes it even more appealing.

The legal luminaries who came from all parts of the country were particularly thrilled with the imposing edifice, the e-library agreeing that it was the first of its kind in the country and would be capable of enriching knowledge and helping research which the country needs at this point of our national development. The Tropical entertainment centre is also a major attraction for the influx of people to the state.

When he mounted the rostrum for his remarks, Governor Akpabio thanked his classmates for turning out in large numbers for the reunion meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and urged them to use any opportunity of their visit to become transformation agents in the country. He attributed his modest effort to his burning desire to make a change in the life of his people and show them that government can work.

The symbolism of that visit and endorsement effectively closed one of the channels to which the army of Akpabio traducers gorge themselves of their unenviable and selfassigned task in hounding a performing governor. In response to all these, the governor could only reply, ‘If fairness is introduced to humanitarian duties,your name would written in gold. This is what has made Akwa Ibom successful... Your projects must create impact on the people who would make use of such and definitely the projects would not be forgotten.’

But, is the governor deterred? Of course not. Rather, like he said a few days earlier, when Magistrates from all over the country were in Uyo for their 2012 Annual General Meeting, that the zeal to continue to provide quality infrastructure and services to Akwa Ibom people was informed by his desire to transform the state into a choice destination, a tourist delight and a major economic hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

It is clear from the performance of Chief Godswill Akpabio that the state has truly become Nigeria’s choice destination. It has become a conference and retreat location.

Week after week, new groups keep coming to savour the benefits of good governance. This can only come from a focused and people-oriented leadership. Let God’s will continue to be done!

•Sunny Akak is a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst Aniekan Umanah Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria

Friday, August 31, 2012

Moses Akaigwe mosesaki@hotmail.com 08072100049

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tallion Motors Limited, grabbed uncommon attention on Lagos streets last weekend when it rolled out some of its finest auto models (representing three top brands) in a road test that got many of the participating motoring journalists thumbing up for the array of vehicles.

The three brands – namely, Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda (all citizens of Europe) - impressed the drivers with their performance and scientific proficiency in the exercise that started from the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, and on to Banana Island Estate through Chevron Pavilion, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos.

It was arranged to ascertain the efficiency, ruggedness and performance of the European vehicles, which the marketers said were designed to standard.

The road test which lasted almost six hours offered local media the opportunity to also compare the proficiency of European engineered brands of vehicles to similar products of evolving Asian automakers such as Japanese and Korean series of vehicles.

The journalists were informed that Stallion Motors, multiple automobile franchise holders and distributors of these brands, organized the road test essentially to acquaint them with the ideals, values and standards of European brand of vehicles when viewed against rival brands.

Mr. Julian Hardy, DeputyM director, European Brands, Stallion Motors who said this much at the

DAILY SUN

Motoring

Audi, Volks, Skoda excel in 6-hour Lagos test-drive

Skoda Octavia and Superb

pre-test briefing noted that the dealership isn’t only interested in selling cars but dispensing valuable information that could help end users derive optimum value from any brand of vehicle purchased from the

Stallion group.

“European engineered vehicles are value-driven cars with exceptional inputs to deliver optimum value while also reassuring on

sophistication and comfort.”

The management has meanwhile said the test drive was one of its numerous showstoppers to herald the ‘Stallion European Motor Show’ slated for September 2012.

Kia, Stanbic IBTC offer easy access to new cars •0% interest on Rio, Cerato, Optima

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overs of the award-winning Kia now have easier access to the brand’s wide range of new cars, courtesy of a recently consummated partnership between Kia Motors and Stanbic IBTC. The duo is offering the buying public attractive incentives to own the vehicles.

The scheme makes it possible for buyers to sign up and get the brand new Kia cars instantly, while paying for them in instalments spread over a period of time, ranging from one to four years.

According to the Chief Commercial Officer for Kia Motors Nigeria, Sandeep Maholtra, “our customers are at the core of our company and we aim to do all that is required to keep them satisfied.

Recognizing the various needs constantly competing for our customers’ attention, we have partnered with Stanbic IBTC to make it easy and flexible for them to get the best right here and now. KIA lovers can therefore now drive a brand new car immediately while paying in installments.”

On how the scheme works, Mr Sandeep Maholtra explained that cus-

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tomers simply obtain an invoice for the car of their choice from any Kia showroom nationwide and take it to any Stanbic IBTC Bank branch for processing.

Once processing is completed, delivery is made on payment of the required percent equity of the deal

KIA Cerato

value of the car while the balance is paid in low monthly instalments over agreed period.”

The leasing scheme covers all models of KIA vehicles from sedans like the Picanto, Rio, Cerato, and Optima to sports utility vehicles like

Sorento, Sportage and Mohave.

In addition to ease of payment, KIA is also giving her esteemed customers the option to pay for select KIA models at zero percent interest rate. The offer is available for Rio, Cerato and Optima.

The Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador (Mrs) Angela B. Colley, presenting the Innovative Award for Excellence in Automobile Marketing and Customer Service 2012 to The Head of Quality Control, Philly and Mools Automobiles, Mr. Sam Shettima, and the Head of Brands and Communications, Mr. Rotimi Wusu, at the African Governance and Corporate Leadership Awards 2012, in Abuja,

The show according to Stallion Motors would also arouse the consciousness of motorists and help them rediscover the potentials of European engineered vehicles such as Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda range of vehicles.

Also adding that Stallion Motors’ European brand division would in September 2012 commence a free service clinic for VWs, Audi and Skoda vehicles in all her workshops in Nigeria, Mr. Hardy said: the exercise is aimed to reunite us with old and new customers and solve whatever challenges they may have encountered.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Hardy has said “Top European car manufacturers like Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen produce some of the best performing vehicles on the road and are evidence in many consumer reports’ that have shown how sturdier in design and build strength European brands of vehicles are.”

The test drivers however unanimously agreed that European vehicles are generally safer because of their shorter braking distances in case of serious accident and imbued with better acceleration, impressive handling, matchless performance and exceptional steering response.

Mr. Hardy was Joined at the briefing by Mr. Anurag Shah, Sales and Marketing Director, Audi and VW Centre; Mr. Amit Sharma, Mdirector, Volkswagen Commercial; Mr. Snajay Rupani, Sales and Marketing Director, Skoda World and Mr. Munish Sharma, Service Manager, European Brands, Stallion Motors.

Some of the models put to the test by 17 automobile journalists who attended the test drive include Volkswagen Amarok pick-up, VW Polo, VW Passat, VW Tiguan and VW Touareg. And from the Audi stable are the A4, A6, A8 and Q7 while Skoda paraded Superb, Octavia and Fabia.

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DAILY SUN

Friday, August 31, 2012

Motoring

Meet Yeti, Skoda’s first shot at SUV segment C

leverly designed with the trappings of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), Skoda Yeti strikes a perfect balance between on road performance, family orientated practicality and rugged 4x4 styling.

Its choice of two or four-wheel drive and flexible Varioflex rear seating system with sizeable boot space and higher ride height makes the Yeti an ideal car for life in towns and cities.

At the mere push of the off-road button, Yeti turns into a highly capable off-road vehicle that is adept at climbing slippery slopes, descending steep hills and maintaining control on difficult terrain, using the very latest in 4x4 systems.

Beyond the razzmatazz, Yeti also wields the trappings of a 4x4 vehicle and the practicality and drive of a family hatchback.

Described as Skoda’s first shot at the SUV segment, Yeti comes equipped with new engines and new technical solutions, such as the off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to rough terrain.

Yeti also has an electrically-controlled twopart panoramic sunroof with horizontal slats and movable hooks in the luggage space.

Mr. Snajay Rupani, Brand Manager, Skoda World, local marketers of Skoda Automobile said enthusiasts would also discover the radically improved characteristics that distinguish Yeti from contemporary SUVs. The combination of unique design; safety, factory fitted security; functionality and comfort are rare features that are expected to make Yeti one of the favourites of the young-atheart, Skoda World brand manager assures.

Couple with these is Yeti’s inviting interior designed to meet exacting standards with dramatically spacious, airy and flexible cabin.

Talking safety, Mr. Rupani said Skoda is a safety conscious automaker that takes safety very seriously. “This is why all the trims have driver and passenger airbags as well as front, side and curtain airbags as standard – thanks to the Volkswagen design philosophy, owners

of the brand,” he noted.

“Yeti has achieved the highest rating of five stars in the independent Euro NCAP tests though the technically most important elements for active safety in the Yeti include bixenon headlights with rotary modules that better illuminate a bend revealing any dangers.”

What’s more, the compact dimensions of the new ?koda Yeti guarantees easy controllability and manoeuvrability in the city driving while the car’s uniquely robust SUV appearance is enhanced by wide mudguards and silver under-body protection strips.

Yeti, no doubt evokes an atmosphere of

•SKODA YETI cordiality evidence in the higher position of the seats that provide an excellent view from the car as well as easier access.

The electronically-controlled dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning allows Yeti to automatically switch to internal circulation if the quality of air sucked-in falls below set val-

Honda Crosstour, Odyssey help Strategic Vision redefine quality •Expects sales rise in US

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elying on a unique methodology to both quantify and qualify owner-reported vehicle quality, Strategic Vision recently presented 2012 Total Quality Awards to two different Honda vehicles, while also reporting the company is “as strong as ever” The Honda Odyssey followed up the Ridgeline’s performance with its own Total Quality Award in the Minivan category. Also the segment leader for fuel-efficiency, the Odyssey can achieve EPA grades of up to 19

mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

The innovative Honda Crosstour , introduced into the Nigerian market some months ago, by The Honda Place, was rewarded with the Total Quality prize in the Mid-Size Multi-Function segment. The Crosstour provides owners with a radically fresh solution to their family- and cargo-hauling needs, combining the space and versatility of a traditional crossover with the kind of superior ride and handling most often found in mid-size sedans like the Honda

Honda Crosstour

End-of-Life vehicle recycling plant coming to Nigeria

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s part of preparations towards establishment of the End-of-Life vehicle plant in Nigeria, top officials of Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA), visited the country recently.

The Chief Representative and National Representative of the company - Seki Tetsuo and Masato Mikamo, respectively paid a courtesy visit to the Head Office of Kaiho Sangyo Company Nigeria Limited, Lagos.

The team is interested in recovering disused and abandoned vehicles and recycling their dismantled parts for various useful purposes.

Receiving the guests, the President of Kaiho Sangyo, Mr. John Gbassa. gave a detailed report of their effort towards preparation for the take-off of the End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling plant in Abuja,. The feasibility study of the project is financed by the JICA.

ues.

Equipped with a tried-and-tested 1.8 TSI/118 kW engine, Yeti comes with a sixspeed manual gearbox that is gratifying to precise and fast gear change, is to be unveiled soon by SkodaWorld, a division of Stallion Motors.

Civic named among best cars for teens

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Gbasa(right) and the visitors

Seki Tetsuo who was impressed by the report informed the Kaiho Nigeria team that the End-of-LifeVehicle plant project has been chosen to represent Africa at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development V (TICAD V).

TICAD V is an event that holds every five years; it is a major framework for Asia and Africa to collaborate in promoting Africa’s development. It ushered in a continuing process of support for Africa and consensus-building around African development priorities.

Accord. And note, too, that the Crosstour is getting a significant makeover, introducing a freshened appearance and, in the V6-powered models, a new six-speed automatic transmission.

This is coming at a time Honda Motor Co. is expecting its August deliveries to be up “40-plus percent” on U.S. demand for Civic small cars and CR-V crossovers, buoying a 27 percent annual rise to the company’s best sales in the region in five years.

Deliveries of Honda and Acura vehicles will reach at least 1.46 million this year, U.S. Executive Vice President, John Mendel, said in an interview. That would be Tokyo-based Honda’s best U.S. sales since 2007 as its North American plants work overtime to supply dealers asking for more Civics and CR-Vs, he said.

Honda Motor Co. plans to accelerate U.S. sales in 2012’s second half as North American production grows and a new Accord sedan and modified Civic small car are added.

Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg “We’re running at 120 to 130 percent of capacity at some of our plants, and still it’s my leaky tub,” Mendel said. “When sales are increasing at the same rate your production is increasing, you’re not gaining ground in inventory.”

ohn Nielsen, Director of Automotive Engineering for American Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed that Civic is one of the best cars for teenagers. He gave this insight recently while talking about young drivers and their kind of cars.

“Teen drivers see their first vehicle as a step toward independence; parents and teens seeing eye-to-eye on the best vehicle can be tough.

Safety behind the wheel should be a priority. Finding a reliable vehicle that has top safety features and fits into the budget will make you and your teen’s vehicle ownership more enjoyable.”

And that’s especially the case if the said vehicle is a Honda Civic, recently chosen by AAA as one of this year’s best cars for teens. The Civic was called a “perennial and parental favorite” by AAA and also was lauded for its handling, maneuverability, fuel efficiency—the Civic HF can attain 41 mpg on the highway—and a robust body structure developed according to Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)

guidelines. As is the case with most Honda models, the Civic relies on an ACE design that leverages a network of interconnected structural components to help distribute crash forces away from the cabin.

The Civic also boasts standard passenger-protection features like Honda’s Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist technology with traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and dual-stage airbags, all of which helped the car achieve Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Teen drivers can choose a Civic in both sedan and coupe body styles, with three different powertrains on tap: A standard 140-hp 1.8-liter I4 engine, a hybrid setup that delivers 44 mpg in all EPA testing procedures, and an I4 that’s been tuned to run on clean-burning compressed natural gas.

Civic

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

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TRANSPORT Aviation, Maritime

Arik Air adds Lagos-Douala to route network

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rik Air has to begun scheduled commercial services between Lagos, Nigeria and Douala, Cameroon. The first commercial flight on the new route began yesterday, and will subsequently operate three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The out-bound flight depart Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 11:10 am (local time) and arrive in Douala International Airport, Douala at 12:40 pm (local time). Inbound flight will leave Douala at 1:25 pm (local time) and arrive in Lagos at 2:55pm (local time).

The new Lagos-Douala route is Arik Air’s second foray into Central Africa coming after the inauguration of LagosLuanda (Angola) route on December 13, 2011.

The Lagos-Douala route will be served with a Boeing 737700 Next Generation aircraft.

The 737-700 is a two class compartment and the configuration is 12 Business Class seats and 112 Economy Class.

Business Class passengers can enjoy a 44” seat pitch, cradle style seat, while Economy Class passengers will equally enjoy plenty of room on the 1h 10min flight with a seat pitch of 34”.

Arik Air’s Executive President/Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue said of the new service: “This is another exciting moment for us all at Arik Air launching our first new international destination in 2012.

Douala is our 10th African point and the third sub-Saharan destination.

‘The importance of Douala • Members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, when they paid a courtesy call on the as Cameroon’s commercial Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Nnamdi Udoh (middle) at the capital and home to the coun- agency’s headquarters, in Lagos, recently. try’s largest port makes it imperative for Arik Air to connect the city with Lagos which is also Nigeria’s commercial capital,” he explained.

EgyptAir celebrates 80 years, rewards agents

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gyptAir recently held an Award Dinner for its travel agents and partners.

The event, which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was also used to mark the airline’s 80th Anniversary.

EgyptAir is the first carrier to be established in Africa and the Middle East and the seventh in the world having been set up on May 7, 1932. And for the first time ever, the award dinner was combined for Travel Agents from Kano, Abuja and Lagos.

Mr. Khaled El Rafie, General Manager, EgyptAir in Lagos, stated in his opening remarks that EgyptAir has made a lot of progress especially in the last one year, having had to reduce its frequencies out of Lagos from 5 to 2 flights weekly in the wake of the civil unrest in Egypt early last year.

He, however, noted that the airline has steadily recovered from the impact of the uprising and its services have equally grown from 2 flights to a current 5 out of Lagos; 6 out of Abuja and 5 flights out of Kano.

He also revealed that the carrier has also been able to improve its relationship with travel agents by signing up more of them onto its Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) platform by adding 75 new agents presently. “And by the end of 2012, we hope to grow that number even further by adding more travel agents,” he declared.

Atotal of 10 top travel agents were given award certificates for their brilliant performances in sales of the carrier’s tickets in the last fiscal year. They include, God’s Power Travels; Aeroland Travels; Good News

Travels and Satguru Travels all from Lagos.

Others are Massarah Nigeria Limited and Batijay Travels both in Abuja. Yet others are Arafat Air Services; Silver Wings Travels; World Travel & Tours; as well as Classique Air Services all from Kano.

Expressing gratitude to the agents for their support over the years, Mr. Khaled noted: “We realise how important you are to our success that is why we have gathered all of you here tonight to offer you a taste of tourism and business in Egypt as we also use the opportunity to celebrate 80 years of success as an airline, and you all are a part of that success.”

Mr. Muharam Abdulrahman, General Manager, EgyptAir, Abuja was on hand to lend his support to the occasion and described the forum as a rallying point to rub minds with travel agents.

Airports devt: We’re ready for US, Canadian, Chinese investors – FG

Stories from UCHE USIM, in Livingstone

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a n a g i n g Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), George Uriesi, said that the airport community in Nigeria is ready to receive investors from the United States, Canada and China to come and invest in areas marketed to them at the just-concluded foreign investment road-

show.

In an interview with Daily Sun in Livingstone, the FAAN boss said the trip was a huge success as investors visited showed tremendous interest in ploughing their funds and expertise in the development of the aviation sector.

“The keenness of the Chinese was out of this world.

It was unbelievable. They were besieging and are still besieging us to sign MoU straightaway but we don’t want to make the mistake we

50 staff at headquarters not acceptable – FAAN MD

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he Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), George Uriesi, has assured his management and staff that planned airports automation would not bring about any sack of workers, but revealed that there would be some redeployment within the agency for greater effi-

ciency.

Uriesi, in an interview session with journalists at the justconcluded 21st edition of Airports Council International (ACI) conference in Livingstone, Zambia, said FAAN is about the only airport headquarters in Africa where staff at the corporate head office are as high 850, stressing that

NAMA completes Bebi airstrip survey, elevates staff

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igerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced the successful completion of the World Geodetic Survey (WGS-84) of Bebi airstrip, joining other major airports already prepared for satellite based navigation system.

The Managing Director of the agency, Engineer Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, has approved the submission of the report carried out exclusively by NAMA in-house experts.

NAMA has developed this capacity through competence transfer achieved by the WGS84/PBN project of 24 Nigerian Airports.

With this development, NAMA now prides itself as

made. We’ve asked them to submit their proposals which we’ll study and we also develop our own proposed MoUs and give it to them. So, if it’s in agreement, then you come so that we can sign MoU in Nigeria. We visited each of the companies and their clients to see how there services have been. So, we’re ready for them and we’ll create an environment for them to operate,” he said.

He also said the Boeing/Aviation Ministry

having in-house experts in WGS-84 Survey, Performance Based Navigation (PBN), Procedure Design and Cartography. NAMA has also acquired through same project, state-of-art digital survey equipment and GIS LAB. “The Agency is very ready to collaborate with any organization that requires this service within and outside Nigeria, with assurance of delivery in accordance with international standards to ensure Safety of Air Navigation,” the managing director remarked, while endorsing the report on the airstrip.

The hard and soft copies of the report was submitted to the government of the Cross River State by Mr. John Onyegiri,

NAMA’s General Manager in charge of Safety Management System and the WGS-84/PBN project on behalf of the management.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Tourism Development, Mr. Wilfred Usani received the report on behalf of the Governor.

In another development, the agency NAMA has elevated eleven deputy General Managers to General Managers.

The notice of their appointment was contained in a memo from the office of the Director of Finance & Administration Mrs Elizabeth Agom, which listed the newly promoted General Managers.

the status quo would be changed.

“In the headquarters of airports in South Africa, they have about 75 staff and still run more efficiently. But here we have about 850 and yet not efficient.

So, we’ll move people to where they’re needed. At the headquarters, most of them are busy carry files when some airports are crying for more hands to make them more efficient,” he said.

He added that the ongoing remodelling exercise in 22 airports across the country coupled with the planned automation of operations means staff orientation to their work will be for the best.

He further said the automation would enhance FAAN’s revenue profile, as part of the overall effort to reposition it as a viable, going business concern.

“This organisation has to become a normal airport organisation, a proper airport authority. We cannot remain in the dark ages. This is 2012. Every airport in the world is automated.

We are still manual. You people are here amongst all the airport CEOs in Africa. Take the opportunity to speak to them and learn,” he added.

audit of domestic airlines will commence any moment from now.

He, however, said the outcome of the audit will only be made available to the ministry and the airline concerned.

The FAAN boss also lamented about the failed Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) deals in the country, stressing that the era of having agreements skewed against the public interest is over.

“Let me emphasize that we don’t keep to terms of agreements because it is riddled with flaws. Have ever heard of anyone going back to the NAHCo’s privatization the SAHCOL? They were done flawlessly. But when you make a sweetheart arrangement; where the parties are doing the deal for selfish interest and not national interest, it’s bound to run into problems.

Most of the failed agreements were illegal. We’ve a constitutional requirement to do only what is in public interest. So, we cannot do what is not in public interest.

Constitutionally, those failed agreements were already illegal. You can’t have an agreement that breaks the law,” he explained.

Uriesi also revealed that plans are afoot to repost lots of staff at the headquarters to airports where they’re needed.

“People will be deployed to where they’re needed. We have 850 staff in headquarters alone. That’s not right. They should be where they’ll be more productive. Where they’ll add value, without sacking anybody.

Headquarters is only productive on paper,” he said.

On debtor airlines, he said modalities are being worked out for FAAN to get his money, stressing that service users should learn to pay for it.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

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Maritime TRANSPORT Terminal operators crucial to ports devt – Abdullahi

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he Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Habib Abdullahi, has said that the organisation holds Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) in high esteem and will, therefore, do everything within its power to encourage and sustain the existing relationship between them.

Malam Habib, who spoke while receiving members of the association, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos, noted that the present new management appreciates the support and cooperation the association gave past Managements of the NPA and urged it to extend same to his administration.

According to him, the Federal Government attaches great importance to the Maritime Industry, which he said was demonstrated at the recent maritime industry retreat at the Presidential Villa, which was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan and members of the Economic team.

He stressed the need for continuous dialogue between STOAN and NPA with a view to solving operational problems, instead of talking to the pages of newspapers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the association, Princess Vicky Haastrup, congratulated the managing director and the executive directors on their recent appointments, saying that STOAN will give the new management maximum cooperation, in order to move the sector forward.

Dr. Haastrup, who is also the executive vice chairman of ENL Consortium, remarked that the new management has started on a very good note.

ANLCA elections: Why the right leadership is necessary – Ezenweinyinya

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s the Apapa chapter of the Association Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA) prepares for elections to various positions in November, this year, one of the top contenders to the position of chairman, Osy Ezenweinyinya, has said that those aspiring for any leadership position in life must be above board.

Ezenweinyinya said the bane of any institution is having the wrong people in positions of authourity. He added that the first step to getting it right as election approaches, is for the electorate to judge properly those who has what it takes to steer the ship of the organization or institution, and not based on sentiments or pecuniary gratifications.

Speaking on the allegations that the leaderships of freight forwarding associations are highly compromised, he said that this may not be entirely true, while it may not also be a lie.

According to him, in any human gathering there must be saboteurs but to great extent he said that the ANCLA Leadership has tried both at the national level and various chapters but thinks that there is room for improvement.

There a lot of issues concerning freightforwarders that has not been properly handled. “Freightforwarders are still being intimidated by Customs and other stakeholders in the clearing business and because majority of them are not educated they are made to part with money unnecessarily.

For instance he said that despite the fact that the benchmark valuation has been suspended by Customs, many custom officials still bill agents at the cost and agents have gone ahead to part with so much money because they don’t want to have problems with the importer.

No time frame for Single Window – Customs Stories by FOSTER OBI

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he Nigeria Customs Service has said that contrary to opinion in certain quarters, there is no time frame for the Single Window concept on cargo clearing.

Customs Spkesman, Wale Adeniyi, told newsmen that the Single Window concept is not something that will just happen on a particular day with a big bang.

According to him, the processes are already on; the information technology solutions are being worked

on and the Customs are looking at streamlining the processes, saying that the concept is not a one line thing.

According to him, there is the awareness aspect, technical, training, time, management and ensuring that both the user and the operators are

• As part of the Destination Inspection Scheme by the Federal Government at the ports, Global Scansystems, one of the operators of the scheme, recently visited France and Germany for factory acceptance test on its fixed scanner for Seme border. Pix shows an official of Smiths Detection, explaining functions of the Dual View Gmev 9MEV HCVS fixed scanners to the visiting team in Germany.

Customs, sacked agencies still meddle in cargo examination – SNFFIEC

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group, Save Nigeria Freight forwarders, importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) has said that despite the warning by the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and subsequent directive to Customs officials by the Comptroller General, Custom units not legally empowered to participate in cargo examination still meddle in this process, thereby creating unnecessary delay to goods clearance and additional cost to importers.

National Coordinator of the group, Chukwu Osita, said that inspite of the fact that it is only the CIU and resident officers that are empowered to participate in cargo clearance, various units are now involved, which is a direct negation to efforts on achieving 48hour cargo clearance, as required by the Federal Government.

He said that continued participation of this other units is not in the interest of the economy as most importers are diverting their consignment to neighbouring countries because of these meddlesomeness.

Also, the group said that the government investigates the current move back to the ports by agencies sacked by the minister. “The government should do something about these agencies before we lose our importers to neighbouring ports,” the group said.

Also reacting to calls by certain stakeholders for reversal of suspended benchmark valuationas the group described it as ugly ruse.

The group said that it is laughable that after heated campaign by importers, Freight forwarders and other stakeholders for the cancellation of valuation benchmark, the same people would turn round to ask for the reversal, adding that Nigerians should avoid stabbing their country for pecuniary gains.

Osita said the group is not deceived into believing that people are calling

for the reversal adding “we know who is sponsoring the campaign on benchmark valuation reversal and we will not allow them to deceive Nigerians.

“The owl cried yesterday and the child died today is a saying,” he said, adding that the drama that followed the recent cancellation of the benchmark should tell us who is sponsoring the calls.

He said that stakeholders in the industry are wiser now and cannot just swallow package of lies in the name of persuasion no matter how it is discreetly garnished.

Assessing the benchmark, it said “Nigeria Customs Service cannot justify the introduction of benchmark val-

uation with the excuse that by so doing, 48-hour cargo clearance time line policy will be met. Will the benchmark valuation system dispense with scanning?

“If yes what will be the effect on our import policy and national security.

Will it dispense with 100percent examination where it is ordinarily applicable under the 2006 import guidelines? If yes what will be the effect on our economy, our health and environmental policies?

“SNFFIEC insists that the real reason for the benchmark valuation initiative is the anxiety of the Nigeria Customs Service is to meet its one Trillion Naira (N1 trillion) revenue target for 2012,” he added.

capable of making it work. He noted that when these things are properly streamlined, it will be put in the public domain for feedback from the people adding that it is an overall reform and modernization project.

He noted that like the Comptroller General of Customs mentioned, achieving the aims of a single window platform would require a robust integrated approach from all stakeholders in the country.

Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko recently said that stakeholders should collaborate to ensure effective single window system. The Stakeholders include the customs, traders, agents, banks, trade agencies political leaderships, unions and others.

Determined to achieve prompt clearance of goods and facilitate trade in the nation’s seaports, the Federal Government is pursuing the adoption of single window system of clearing goods.

The Nigeria Customs said that “the single window system will facilitate national and international transactions, through the simplification and harmonisation of processes, procedures and information flows,” adding that “the system will result in improved efficiency and effectiveness of official controls and can reduce costs for both government and traders due to better use of resources.”

Speaking at the Ikeja branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)’s Consultative Forum in Lagos, Dikko, stated that the adoption of the single window system becomes necessary because global economic development depends on the ability of a nation to trade effectively and efficiently in the global market.

According to him “as key beneficiaries of the system private sector participation is vital for the effective design, implementation and the long term sustainability of the single window.”

He said that adequate focus and resources must be allocated to all aspects of the single window programme to ensure a successful outcome.

Why we acquired fixed scanner for ports – Global Scan boss

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hief Executive Officer, Global Scansystems Limited, Fred Udechukwu, has said that the firm had acquired a multi-million dollar fixed scanner to be installed at the Seme Border post in October, for reasons which are beneficial to the economy of the nation. He said the pressure of smugglers on that axis makes it imperative to have a scanner of such magnitude at the border.

He said that Global Scan could play a `pivotal’ role in the Public-Private Sector collaboration in the Destination Inspection Scheme and ultimately the Single Window Project.

According to him, with the acquisition of this multi-million-dollar fixed scanner and its subsequent installation at Seme border post in October, the company would have fully met and exceeded the terms of the Destination Inspection contract as iniated by the Federal Government in January 1996.

Udechukwu told newsmen in Lagos that Global Scan had concluded Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) on its Dual View 9MeV HCVS Fixed Scanner in Smith Detection’s Factories between August 8 and 15 in Vitri, France and Wiesbaden,

Germany.

“This Factory Acceptance Test is a pre-condition for the shipment of the Fixed Scanning Machine and its accessories. It was to ascertain the completeness and compliance with specifications, as stated in the contract, and to ensure that they are met,” he explained.

According to him, the HCVS 9041 is empowered with 9MeV X-ray generator which has power to penetrate 410mm (16.25inches) of steel. ``It possesses additional features such as the Dataset Management System, the Remote Service System, Automatic Radioactive Material Detection System, Materials (Organic and Inorganic) discrimination and the ability to discriminate between different energy levels. ``The Fixed Scanner has the dual view capability with three Review Image Workstations (RIW),’’ Udechukwu said.

He said that the team was highly impressed with the high technology Fixed Scanner and Smiths Detection’s production and training facilities in its factories in France and Germany.

He also commended the cordial business relationship between the Smiths Detection Company and

Global Scansystems Limited and expressed the hope and desire that the relationship should be harnessed to the benefit of the country.

“We are happy we have created jobs for over 200 Nigerians, transferred technology to Nigerian professionals and officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. This is another gain on the present Federal Government’s Local Content initiatives,” Udechukwu said.

He said that Global Scan had mobile scanners at: PTML (Grimaldi) Port, Warri Port, Calabar Port, Seme Border Post, Murtala Mohammed Airport, SAHCOL Warehouse, NAHCO Cargo Warehouse, and NAHCO Courier Warehouse.

It would be recalled that between Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, the Board and Management of Global Scansystems Limited. (Global Scan), the Chairman, Technical Committee on Comprehensive Imports Supervision Scheme (CISS), members of the National Assembly and representatives of relevant Government Agencies visited France and Germany for the Factory Acceptance Test of the Dual View 9MeV Heimann Cargo Vision System (HCVS) Fixed Scanner.

DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

61

BUSINESS NEWS FG to disburse 1.3m palm nut seedlings to farmers From THERESA EGBA, Abuja that it was as a result of the discovery of crude oil in commern order to boost the agricul- cial quantity in the early 70s.

According to him, Nigeria tural sector and the improvement of the non – recently produce only 1.3 miloil products, the Federal lion metric tonnes of vegetable Government, through the oil and import over 350,000mt Ministry of Agriculture and of vegetable oil annually, Rural Development, is set to spending an average of naira procure 1.3 million palm nut equivalent of USD 500 million seedlings for disbursement to in foreign exchange.

He revealed that the ministry farmers across the nation. set a target of raising 9 milThis was made known yes- had lion improvised tenera sprout terday, in Abuja, by the nuts into mature seedlings for Minister of Agriculture and the establishment of 60,000 Rural Development, Dr. hectares in 2013, added 4 milAkinwumi Adesina, at the cer- lion nuts had already been emony for the signing of agree- secured, out of which ment between the ministry and 1,395,000 nuts would be made participating estates in the available to 18 states to expand 2012 oil palm nursery/field their holdings by 500 and 550 hectares. planting activity.

"The remaining 2,605,000 Adesina noted that Nigeria nuts would be raised by was the largest producer of accredited out growers for dispalm oil in the late 60’s, with tribution to farmers under the the production of 167,000mt, consolidated growth enhancewhich accounted for 27 per ment support for oil palm value cent of the global palm oil mar- chain in 2013.

“FG would not allow any ket in 1961.

He regretted that the palm oil country to bring in Crude Palm Oil that would discourage local production declined to investment on palm oil" he 25,000mt by 2008, stressing noted.

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NGS seeks more patronage for locally made steel pipes

By TAIWO OLUWADARE

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igeria Gas and Steel (NGS) Limited, manufacturers of welded steel pipes, has introduced a new steel product called ‘Hollow Structural Sections (HSS)’, a steel tube with greater strength-to-weight ratios than wide flange beams.

The Managing Director of the company, Hasib Moukarim, disclosed in an interview recently that the company, which was formerly known as Mouka Pipes, specialises in the manufacturing of steel tubes and pipes of various sizes for furniture and construction industries.

The company, in 2011, introduced its maiden product, HSS, into the Nigeria market which, he said, was about structural element in building structures and variety of manufacturing products like constructing warehouse, terminals, billboards, buildings’ facial, pedestrian bridges, shopping malls, towers, garages, casing borehole and fabricating agricultural tools.

Moukarim added that the Steel Tube Institute of North America had described HSS as The Design Material since 21st Century, explaining that it provides uniformity of size, shape, strength and tolerance that makes its use totally predictable, while it is also competitive in cost with other structure materials with improved connecting and fasting methods which its cost advantage can often be enjoyed.

Meanwhile, the HSS Steel boss has advised architects, structural engineers, fabricators, contractors or consultants that the use of HSS products was a way to win more customers. According to him, use of HSS is cost saving and grant of credit is guaranteed.

While quoting Mr. Williams A. Wolfe, executive director of the American steel institute, Moukarim said from his blog: “There is a misconception in the market place about steel hollow structural Sections (HSS) as some stakeholders believes that HSS costs more than steel structure and other materials.”

UK trade delegation to visit C’River

By JUDEX OKORO, Calabar

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lans have been concluded for the United Kingdom Trade and Investment delegation in Nigeria to visit Cross River State soon.

The visit, according to Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke, Joe Edet, was to explore the investment potentials and opportunities available in the state.

Edet, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar, the state capital, said the visit was both politically and

socially stable with a fertile investment environment suitable for the growth and development of both local and international business endeavours.

He enjoined the UK investors and the Trade and Investment in Nigeria Office to avail themselves of the numerous investment opportunities that abound in the State.

Edet added: “Britain has not really taken full advantage of the investment markets in Nigeria, which is her former colony, particularly Cross River State which was once home to British Colonial Government.”

• L–R: Mrs. Arinola Shodipo, representing Mrs Abimbola Fashola, first lady of Lagos State; Mr Martins Woolnough, managing director/CE, Nestle Nigeria Plc., and Category Business Manager, Mr Adewale Arikawe, during the launching of Iron-fortified Golden Morn at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Lagos.

Photo: ‘Biodun Adeyewa

N5,000 note’ll minimize cost of currency mgt – CBN From ISAAC ANUMIHE, Abuja

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entral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday challenged critics of the proposed currency restructuring, saying that they are not in tune with the current economic realities.

At an interactive meeting with the top officials of the apex bank in Abuja, the Director of Corporate Communications of the bank, Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, said the introduction

of N5,000 note would ease transactions at all levels and minimise cost of currency management in terms of printing costs and other operational expenses.

According to him, the restructuring would also enhance the security features of old and proposed currencies to beat counterfeiters as well as make them user-friendly, especially the physically challenged.

However, he admitted that the apex bank was ready for constructive criticisms and was

ready to engage the stakeholders on how to make the exercise achieve its objectives.

He also noted that the authorities of the bank had anticipated the criticisms the innovative measure would trigger but stated that by the time enlightenment on it is flagged off, the public will be better informed on the desirability of the N5,000 note.

"We anticipate the criticisms but we are not doing a beauty contest but embarking on measures with far-reaching positive implications for the economy.

Local content: Economy gains $2.8bn investment in-flow in two years

By LOUIS IBA

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n estimated $2.8 billion worth of investment has been attracted into the Nigerian economy in the last two-and-half years, following the implementation of the Local Content Act in the petroleum industry, says Ernest Nwapa, executive director of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board.

Nwapa, speaking in Lagos on Thursday at the annual conference, organised by the Association of Energy Correspondents, said besides cutting down on hundreds of construction and fabrication jobs taken outside by multinational firms to execute, the law had attracted new investors into the industry as well as create fresh employment opportunities for Nigerians.

"Between 2010 when the Nigerian content law was passed and now about $2.8billion investments have come into the industry," he said.

"These are jobs that should have been executed outside the country if the law was not in place."

Nwapa described the local content law as one of the best policies designed for the industry noting that operators are now fully conscious of the implications of not including Nigerian content in whatever project design and execution

they have earmarked for the industry.

He said even local banks and insurance firms had upped their participation in the funding and underwriting projects in the industry, a testimony of some of the benefits of the local content law. But he said the Board still had a challenge checking with the influx of expatriates into the industry as it was the statutory role of the Interior Ministry to grant the

expatriate quota upon the submission of a request by oil firms.

Nwapa, however, said a new partnership had been sealed with the Interior Ministry to stem the influx, while additional measures were taken to audit expatriates currently working in the industry to ascertain they were not doing jobs where competent Nigerians were available to execute.

As we go on with the enlightenment campaigns on the exercise, people will be more informed about it and the benefits to the economy", he said.

Okoroafor condemned the reported N40 billion alleged cost of the exercise, saying that it is a figment of the imagination of those who peddled the rumours.

He urged journalists to base their reports on verified facts rather than on sentiments and rumours.

The CBN chief denied the allegations that the introduction of N5,000 note will trigger off inflation. “Does this mean that if we withdraw the N1,000, N500, N200 notes from the system, then inflation would come down?" He asked, insisting that the issue of inflation goes beyond just monetary measures and extend to other macroeconomic issues, including those that have to do with productivity and consumption patterns of the economy.

Fielding questions on the summons of the CBN by the National Assembly to explain the rationale behind the exercise, Okoroafor said that the bank had been discussing with the legislators.

Wheat scarcity may hit Nigerian flour millers

By CHIMA TITUS NWOKOJI

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f reports that South Africa, which is Africa’s biggest importer of Wheat after Nigeria and Sudan, will reap 12 per cent less this season than a year earlier, Nigerian flour millers may face stiff competition, as the commodity may become scarce.

The country’s crop Estimates Committee revealed that South Africa planted the smallest area on record this year with the grain. This, it explained, means that the country would be importing more of the crop.

Nigerian flour millers, key buyers of U.S. wheat, will have to enter into stiffer competition as they continue to need more U.S. supplies, despite efforts by the government to reduce reliance on foreign wheat imports.

This is coming at a time

when the Nigerian government has prohibited importation of cassava flour to encourage the substitution of high quality cassava flour for wheat flour in bread-baking.

The wheat policy promised Bakeries a corporate tax incentive of 12 per cent rebate if they attain 40 per cent blending.

Farmers in South Africa are expected to harvest 1.76 million metric tons of wheat in the season compared with 2.01 million tons last year, Baldwin Netshifhefhe, the committee principal statistician, said by phone in Pretoria yesterday.

This is the smallest production since 2010 when it was 1.43 million tons, according to the committee’s website. The median estimate of five analysts was for 1.75 million tons.

The country planted 551,200 hectares (1.36 million acres) of wheat this season, down from

604,700 hectares a year earlier and the smallest since at least 1931 when records began, according to the committee.

The previous estimate was 546,700 hectares on July 24.

“The decrease in wheat tonnages is because of lower prices,” Netshifhefhe said.

South African wheat prices have fallen 18 percent from a record 4,304 rand ($511) a ton in March 2008 to 3,510 rand a ton today.

The nation is a net importer of wheat and is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest producer of the grain after Ethiopia.

Earlier in a report, Benson Osaretin Evbuomwan, director of Honeywell Flour Mills, which has an annual milling capacity of 600,000 tonnes said: “We are not expecting a drop in the amount of U.S. wheat we need; in all, the wheat we need should be on the increase."

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DAILY SUN Friday, August 31, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Hajj: FG designates 12 airports for 100,000 pilgrims

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ederal Government has concluded arrangements to airlift 100,000 pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s Hajj operation scheduled to commence on September 17.

Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) Dr. Harold Demuren who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday stated that the pilgrims would be airlifted through 12 airports across the country adding that the government was doing everything possible to ensure that this year’s hajj operations is free from any operational hitch.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with security personnel, which included the AirForce, Nigerian Police, Aviation Security (AVSEC), Nigeria Custom Services, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Agriculture quarantine Service, aviation ground handlers and major oil marketers in the industry, he said 4 major airlines have been also slated to airlift the pilgrims to the holy land.

According to him the coun-

…As NCAA beefs up security try is not leaving anything to chance adding that it wants to be able to replicate the successes of previous operation embarked upon, saying that this year’s operation will be successful with the level of preparation put in place.

He said: “The hajj starts September 17 and to us that is a major programmed. So, we are looking at operations and state of activities, preparedness of the airlines, and then our security personnel at various airports and off course we want to be sure that there is enough fuel at all the stations.

“This is pre-hajj meetings it became very crucial because we have 100,000 pilgrims to be moved through about 12 various stations and we want to be sure that we have enough fuel, the airports are okay, security is in place and that our airlines are ready,” he added.

He said the 4 major airlines will be operating from various airports across the country namely Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Sokoto, Gombe, Katsina, Yola, Ilorin, Minna, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Maiduguri.

• L–R: Mr Chike Ogeah, commissioner for Information, Delta State; Mr Bismarck Rewane, chairman, Delta State Economic Development Committee, and Mrs Ndidi Nnoli Edozien, member, Delta State Economic Team, at the Press conference on the unveiling of Delta State Economic Development programme, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: AYODELE OJO

$400bn oil revenue misappropriated – Ezekwesili

By BLAISE UDUNZE

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ver $400 billion of the nation’s oil revenue has either been stolen or misappropriated since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

This was disclosed by the Former World Bank vice presi... Proposes to pay shareholders N3.736bn dividend dent for Africa, Dr. Oby the target of the refinery was to Ezekwesili, while presenting a

By STEVE AGBOTA develop 10,000 hectares of paper titled, ‘Corruption, lour Mills of Nigeria Plc. sugar cane by 2016, boosting has concluded plans to domestic sugar production, crefurther invest in projects ating job opportunities and worth over N200 billion as enhancing shareholders value.

By CHIMA Speaking further, he said the TITUS NWOKOJI part of its demonstration of confidence in the future of a company has commissioned its prosperous Nigerian econo- rice mill which for the time he Delta State governbeing has commenced the promy. ment has created an To this end, the company has cessing of brown rice by deeconomic development also proposed to pay its share- husking, cleaning and polish- and performance measuring. holders N3.736 billion (2011ing mechanism to improve Said he: “In furtherance of on accountability in goverN3.758) that is 160 kobo (2011200 kobo) per ordinary of 50 our backward integration pro- nance. This involves perikobo payable net of withhold- gramme, we have started the odic assessment of various cultivation of rice fields using of ing tax.

Ministries, Directorates and Speaking at the company’s Nigeria’s improved seedings- Agencies (MDAs).

FARO 44our plantation at pre-AGM briefing held in The state has also comLagos yesterday, Group Sunti, Niger State.”

Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ukpabi, said that the company spent N255 million to value to cassava produced in the acquire Thai farm to show fur- By ADEWALE SANYAOLU country, as against the conventher confirmation of FMN’s he cassava production ini- tional Gaari, Fufu, and starch strong support of the Federal tiative of the Federal being produced.

Government’s agricultural According to the Minister, Government may have transformation programme.

He said the company will started yielding results, with Nigeria was partnering research spend additional N500 million the country’s cassava chips institutions in order to create seed varieties for farmers to expand the farm, which will export to China in the last few best and to accelerate cassava prohelp to boost implementation months netting 1.1 million duction in the country. of the cassava inclusion policy metric tonnes to yield the He further unfolded plans by expected dividend, as farmers of the Federal Government. the government to distribute free According to him, by the may have earned $136 mil- 1, 293,000 bundles of improved acquisition therefore, Flour lion (about N2 billion) from cassava cuttings in the next few Mills would be able to ensure the produce exported to china weeks to cassava growers in 28 consistency in quality, availabil- in the last few months.

The disclosure was made by states of the federation. ity and affordability of high “In Ogun State alone, the Minister of Agriculture and quality cassava flour.

200,000 bundles of improved He added: “in January 2011, Rural Development, Mr. variety of cassava will be given our wholly-owned subsidiary, Akinwunmi Adesina, in Abuja. to farmers: cassava farmers in The minister said it was sad Golden Sugar Company signed Borno state are to receive 90 a $143.3 million, 5 year syndi- taht Nigeria was spending a trailer-load of improved variety cated dual currency, medium whooping N5.6billion annually of cassava cuttings for planting term facility to finance the con- on importation of Wheat flour, on 150 hectares,” he explained. struction of a 750,000 metric when farmers could earn N254 The minister said government tonnes state-of-the-art sugar billion annually from the substi- intention was to increase food tution of high quality cassava refinery at Apapa.” production to 20 million metric However, he hinted that the flour for Wheat flour in bread tons of food. This, he said, production. company is spending $257 milHe lamented the waste of remained achievable with addilion on the sugar refinery which over 40 million mt tonne of tional 17 million metric tons of will be commissioning in the Cassava produced in the coun- cassava, one million metric tons next few months. Adding that try, stressing on the need to add of sorghum and two million

Flour Mills to invest N200bn in Nigerian economy

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National Development, The Bar and The Judiciary’, at the ongoing 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

Ezekwesili stated that while oil accounted for about 90 per cent of the value of Nigeria’s exports, over 80 per cent of that money ended up in the hands of 1 per cent of the population.

This, she stressed is why the

fight against corruption and demand for good governance must go beyond the actions or efforts of the government, if Nigeria was determined to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets set in 2000 or would fail in spite of its natural and human resources.

Ezekwesili revealed that “a study by the World Bank, showed that annual worldwide

Delta to carry out performance assessment of MDAs

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...To revive moribund industries menced the process of reviving moribund industries to diversify its economic base.

At a press briefing in Lagos yesterday, the state’s commissioner, ministry of information, Chike C. Ogeah disclosed that key performance indicators have been identified for all MDAs and will be tracked periodically to measure progress; especially in

Nigeria exports over 1m metric tonnes of cassava to China

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metric tons of milled rice by 2015.

Adesina said government was spending N36 billion on youth development in the area of agriculture and entrepreneur business so as to encourage youths in the country to take to agriculture.

In a related event, the minister has expressed serious concerns about the importation of finished cassava products into the country despite its potential of being the largest producer of the commodity in the world.

Adesina, made this known in Akure during the inauguration of Growth Enhancement Support for registered cassava farmers in Ondo State.

Adesina, who was represented by the South-West Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Talabi Odeyemi, said: “It is disturbing that Nigeria, which is responsible for the largest percentage of cassava production in the world, does not process what it produces.

the area of budgetary and expenditure indicators, quality and efficiency indicators as well as nominal indicators.

The initiative he said, will enable the government identify areas that require improvement.

According to the commissioner, in the next 90 days, the state government will commence the process of identifying and privatizing all moribund industries in the state under the supervisory eyes of a sub-committee set up to superintend the exercise.

The report of the dashboard presented by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, examined the activities of various MDAs which were scored against some select variables suitable for peer review.

“We want to be accountable to the people of Delta State and indeed all Nigerians. The government of Delta State is intensifying efforts to set up more factories and increase incentives for individuals to establish small and Medium-Scale Enterprises under its micro credit scheme.

“This will boost employment generation and engage the teeming youth. It is investing significantly in improving security. It is investing in technical education as this is important in achieving its goal of human capital development,” Ogeah said.

losses due to corruption amount to between one to four thousand US Dollars while the Global Financial Integrity estimated that between 1970 and 2008 Africa lost more than $854 billion in illicit financial outflows, an amount which is far in excess of official development inflows.

“Another report of the Transparency International (TI) put the amount of bribes companies paid politicians and other public officials in developing and transiting economies annually at $ 40 billion in 2009 and consider that Africa would constitute a major part of since we know the continent’s ranking on governance in the lower regions of the TI’s corruption perception index,” the former minister stated She stressed that civil society organisations like the NBA and the nation’s judiciary and non state actors can play a significant role in making public budgeting more transparent and accountable and engage in the various stages of the budget process that can strengthen the oversight process and accountability in the use of public resources.

She revealed: “An independent judiciary and the bar is important for preserving the rule of law and is, therefore, the most important facet of good governance. The judicial system has an important role to play ultimately in ensuring better public governance.

“There is no area where the judgment of the Supreme Court has not played a significant role in the governance of any nation whether in environment, human rights, gender justice, education, minorities, police reforms among other,” she said.

Poor governance of public resources and assets in Nigeria, she added, is worsening at every level of government, institutions of state, the private sector and is engulfing the wider society and said a more significant impact of corruption is on the government bottom line and in the teacher-less, desk-less schools which only hint at the extent of the problem in Nigeria.

DAILY SUN

BUSINESS NEWS Aviation creates 6m jobs, contributes $67.8bn to Africa’s GDP From UCHE USIM, in Livingstone, Zambia

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irector General of Airports Council International (ACI), Angela Gittens, has said all efforts must be made by African governments and private investors to grow the continent’s aviation sector which, according to her, has created six million direct and indirect jobs and contributed $67.8 billion dollars to

Africa’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) as at 2010.

Speaking at the 21st Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Region Annual Assembly Livingstone, Zambia Wednesday, Gittens said the six million jobs in Africa are supported through the catalytic impacts of travel and tourism.

According to her, a study by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), which ACI is a founding member, revealed

Japan, others to strengthen economic pact with Nigeria

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apan will lead other Asian countries to expand business and economic relationship with Nigeria, during the 2012 Nigeria Economic Development Conference, to be held in Lagos between October 8 and 10, 2012.

Organisers of the annual conference gave the theme of the event as “Beyond Security Challenges To Building National Confidence: Strategic Options To Enhance The Realisation of Nigeria’s Full Economic Potentials.”

According to the conference co-ordinator, Mr. Femi Agbedejobi, this year’s conference is put together to address the issue of security, clearly define the policies and strategies that must be pursued to achieve comprehensive multi-sectoral economic development for Nigeria.

The primary responsibility of the Federal Government is to ‘provide for the common defence’, Agbedejobi declared in a news release, stressing that

Enugu First Lady delighted over influx of investors

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ife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs Clara Chime, has described the continued influx of foreign and local investors into the state as a sign that the government’s initiatives and policies towards that end, were yielding desired results.

Mrs Chime who stated this while commissioning the outlets of two international fashion retailers: ‘Truworths’ and ‘Identity’ at the Enugu Shopping Mall said the situation has brought about and unprecedented boom in economic and commercial activities in the state and its environs while helping to reduce unemployment in the area.

She commended the management of the two companies for following the lead of such other multinationals such as ‘Shoprite’ and ‘Game’ to establish outlets at the shopping mall assuring them that the government has provided all that it would take to ensure the success of their ventures.

Mrs Chime who was accompanied by top officials of the government urged other investors to take advantage of the facilities and the conducive environment put in place by the government by bringing their businesses to Enugu for the benefit of all.

it is imperative at this point in the nation that the Federal Government displays the capability to adequately provide for the security of all citizens where ever they live.

He noted that 2012 is shaping up to be a defining year for Nigeria as far as increased national security threats are concerned. Nigeria has to have the right national security strategy in place and she cannot afford to gamble.

Agbedejobi lamented Nigeria’s entry into a new phase of history, characterised by the Boko Haram onslaught, pointing out that this challenge has brought about different dimensions of social and economic dislocations in some parts of the country.

A severe security crisis of unprecedented dimension threatens the peace, unity and economic prosperity of our country. Social and economic activities have been paralysed in some of the affected states, as insecurity, occasioned by tribal/religious intolerance has risen to a frightening proportion in the northern part of the country.

that aviation has generated 275,000 direct jobs in Africa.

“21,000 of these were employees of airport operators, mainly in airport management, maintenance, security and operations, 113,000 worked for airlines or handling agents and 104,000 worked on-site at airports for other employers, such as government agencies and retail outlets.

About half of the direct jobs generated by the aviation industry are located at airports.

As we know, we cannot simply look at directly employment in air transportation. The industry also produces jobs in the rest of the economy.

Also in her African Airports Passenger analysis, she said the ACI World forecasts passenger volume to grow from 155 million in 2010 to 397 million in 2029, for a compound annual growth rate of 5 per cent. We forecast cargo volume to rise at a rate of 4 per cent per year on average.

“Such an expansion in activity should generate significant economic returns for the African region. The ATAG report forecasts that aviation’s direct contribution to GDP in Africa will increase by 5 per cent per annum in real terms over the next 20 years helping to create an additional 66,000 jobs across the region by 2030.

Moreover, when also accounting for catalytic effects in terms of increased tourism receipts, real GDPgrowth is projected at 7.3 per cent per annum with implied job creation of 879,000” However, to ensure the fulfilment of aviation’s growth and its contribution to the continent’s economic vitality, she urged policymakers to work assiduously to overcome various challenges.

Retired Police officers protest no payment of pensions …. Prays ‘let not their gray hairs go to grave in sorrow’

By PETER ANOSIKE

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etired Police Officers, under the umbrella of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), Lagos State Chapter, yesterday, took to the streets to protest non-payment of their pension.

Speaking after marching round Ikeja Government Reserved Area with placards bearing several sympathetic inscriptions, the Publicity Secretary of the association, Effiong Essiet, a retired Commissioner of Police said after waiting for a long time for federal government to fulfill its own part of paying them their pensioners after putting in 35 years in service of their fatherland and retired, they had to take their destiny in their own hands by protesting the non payment of their pensions.

He said that a lot of things have gone wrong with the pension scheme.

According to him, there are the issues of harmonization of salaries, which has not been addressed.

Essiet said that a situation where a pensioner receives N1,800, per month does not augur well for the system.

He said that retired police officers that have served their countries for 35 years are now being

forced to be borrowing money from moneylenders and to be collecting food on credit.

According to him, some of their members get sick but would not have money to buy drugs, while a good number has died out of frustration.

“This treatment is not good for people who have served their fatherland for 35 years meritoriously. Some of us served within and outside Nigeria. In the night under mosquitoes bites, under the rain and sun shine.

“Confrontation with armed robbers, rioters, religious crises here and there, communal crisis, we have sacrificed our lives.

Many also died in the process leaving their widows and children behind. These widows and children as you can see them here have not received a single dime as benefit for their deceased bread winners. This is not good enough,” he asserted.

Continuing, he said: “That is why we are crying out to the authorities to give us what is our due as enshrined in the constitution. The constitution has made provision for all persons who have served the Federal Republic of Nigeria but the administrators, people who are supposed to implement this instead of ensuring that we get our money as at when due, they put the money in their pockets.”

Friday, August 31, 2012

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I can’t wait to praise Jonathan I

t was relief of some sort to hear President Goodluck Jonathan admit on Monday that he’s “the most criticised president in the world.” Relief because if you criticize a poorly performing president, and he just shrugs his shoulders, not giving a damn, then that country is in very serious trouble.

That kind of leader will eventually lead you into a ditch, and would still not care a hoot thereafter.

But when a leader admits that he’s the most criticised person in the world, and promising to eventually become “the most praised president” before he leaves office, there’s reason to hope. There’s every cause to believe such man is not stiff-necked, incorrigible or irredeemable. Morning may yet come on creation day.

Hear President Jonathan at the opening of the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja on Monday: “I am the most criticised President in the whole world but before I leave office, I would be the most praised President in the world.” Braggadocio? I hope not. Bluff and bluster? I pray not.

It is not for no just reason that the president is heavily criticised, and he probably deserves every bit of censure that comes his way. If anybody appears lost at sea, drifting and tossed round by the waves, it is President Goodluck Jonathan. If anybody appears overwhelmed, swamped and submerged by responsibilities above his capacity, it is President Jonathan. And if a man appears to have “weak biceps” (apologies Prof Tam David-West) and is unable to lift the heavy load before him, it is our president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. If he is heavily criticised, therefore, it is because we need to shout before the captain of the ship steers us into the rocks, or into quicksand. It is not mere flippancy therefore that Jonathan is the world’s most criticised president.

Take a close look at Nigeria. Is this the country you used to know? Is this troubled and beleaguered entity what we used to have?

Yes, Nigeria had her troubles, she even fought a civil war, but were things ever as topsyturvy, chaotic and shambolic as this? Never!

And of course, the man at the driver’s seat carries the can. If a land is suffused by bombings, kidnappings, wanton loss of lives, corruption, poverty, anger, ill will, and life is nasty, brutish and short, who do you blame?

The leader. Goodluck Jonathan is that man who fought with everything at his disposal, using both fair and foul means to get power, and after he got it, he did not know what to do with it. Therefore, the country flounders, wobbles and fumbles, and nobody is sure if tomorrow would really come. Then, why shouldn’t such president be criticised, even excoriated?

At the NBA meeting, President Jonathan tried to excuse his foibles and failings, asking: “Were there roads in this country before and within two years, Jonathan came and brought flood to wipe them away? If they say Boko Haram is doing all these rubbish because of poverty, did Jonathan come within two years to cause drought, which destroyed the irrigation fields in the North and caused poverty?

FEMI ADESINA 08055001928

Re: When dialogue becomes inevitable Don’t beg terrorists Let our security forces brace up to combat Boko Haram, as their demands are senseless and idiotic. Government must not beg terrorists but rather face the serious business of protection of lives and properties. Chief J.J. Ibeka, SecGen, Anti-Corruption Crusaders, Lagos Dialogue with who?

When it is taken that other forces and interests hide under Boko Haram to kill innocent citizens, who then is the Federal Government to dialogue with? Barrister Ngozi Ogbomor

kulikulii@yahoo.com

Within two years, is it possible that I did all that?” Valid questions. But not ones you hear from a president who struggled for power. The presidency is not a tea party, it is serious business. It is an office where you give all the damn in the world, where you roll up your sleeves, and work. Yes, work, and no excuses. Just as the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria noted in a press statement, it is an office in which you clear the mess left by your predeces-

work. Accept all assets and liabilities. Clear the mess, and leave your own legacies. But when you are engulfed and immersed in the mess, gasping for air and taking in water massively like a drowning man, then it’s a bloody waste of everybody’s time. Security, you give excuses.

Infrastructure, you throw your hands up in the air. Social services, you say your predecessors left too much rot and decay, then what are you doing there, wasting the time of the country?

Okay, let’s change the direction of this piece.

The intention is not to be a ‘pestle-wielding critic’ (apologies Reuben Abati) since Jonathan already wears the unenviable cap of the most criticised president in the world. The real motive is to tell him that if he fulfils his promise to start surprising us from next year, and make himself “the most praised president” before he leaves office, oh, we will actually praise him. In fact, I can’t wait to praise the president. When bombs no longer boom, and hell is no longer enlarged, with people flocking into it daily, I will praise the president. When blood no longer flows like water in the land, sorrow and anguish no longer covers Nigeria like a diabolic blanket, I will praise the president. When God says: “Let there be light,” and Nigeria no longer says no, we prefer pitch darkness, I will praise the presi•Jonathan dent. When our hospitals change from being sors, and proceed to leave your own legacies. If abattoirs, and patients no longer need to buy you occupy such office, and still ask all the every drug themselves from private pharmaquestions that Jonathan did on Monday, then cies, I will praise the president. And when our you have a mistaken conception of the responsibilities of the office of a president. Work, man, •Continued on Page 55

Quite inevitable When the youths of the Niger Delta went into the creeks and were destroying pipelines, the then president offered them amnesty to save the economy. Today, the agitators are not destroying pipelines but human souls, therefore, dialogue is inevitable. Blood is thicker, precious and more valuable than mundane things. Rev Monye J. Gold, President, Mass Movement for Responsible Leadership The only option Dialogue is the only option to stop this wanton carnage. After all, the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. With time, normalcy will return if the two parties are sincere. Ayo Moses, Ibadan No to dialogue How do you dialogue with a sect that bombs worshippers even in the holy month of Ramadan? How do you dialogue with a body that asked the president to embrace Islam as a condition for peace? Please, shine your eyes.

John Mgbe, Owerri A natural death There is the need to interrogate the whole essence of our socio-cultural and spiritual being as a nation, and Boko Haram and other dissident groups will die a natural death. Let’s make use of our spiritual mind to give Nigeria its true definition. Izuegbu, Lagos

My next fear I always believe you. I pray dialogue works, assuming it holds. My next fear is how to his seminal work, Philosophical Essays in 1980, check any other group that rises or rears its ugly I have held him in very high respects. No won- head with the motive of dialogue and compender Gen. Muhammadu Buhari fished him out to sation. C. Don, Aba be Petroleum Minister in 1984. He served well, Who is fooling who? undoubtedly.

Now that Boko Haram has disowned diaI equally adore the professor’s love and loyalty to Buhari over the years. He has written at logue with government, who is fooling who? least two books on the former head of state, a Even as government has always been ‘on top of man whose transparent honesty I also admire. the situation’ that led to the exit of two IGPs, one NSA and one Defence Minister. Anyway, We are both ‘Buhari for life.’

May God grant David-West, who now prefers Nigerians always depend on good luck. Dr to call himself an Ijaw fisherman, longer life and Omebu, Onitsha good health. May he see the Nigeria of his Let’s pray for the president dreams, and that not very far from now. Amen.

The only answer is dialogue. It has been used in all ages to untie knotty issues. Anything that can lead to the end of this ugly development 1980s, when he worked at Champion should be adopted. Let all religious leaders out Newspapers. After that, he went abroad for of sincere hearts call their members to order. many years, and virtually disappeared from the Let’s also pray so that President Jonathan can Nigerian journalism scene. Then, that day in succeed. Pastor Livy Onyenegecha, Observers 2004 or 2005, he breezed into my office. I was of Good Governance and Performance editor of Daily Sun then. He introduced him- Initiative, Mbaise

For Tam David-West at 76

F

ormer oil minister and eminent virologist, Prof Tam David-West turned 76 on Sunday. But predictably, he was away from these shores. He had embarked on his annual ‘August escape’ to the United Kingdom, few days before the birthday.

To escape abroad before every August 26 is an annual ritual for this philosopher, academic and social commentator. When he turned 70, I had wanted to spearhead a celebration of this patriot, but before I knew it, the man had ‘escaped’ abroad. This year, he has done the same thing.

Since I got to know Prof David-West through

Godson Offoaro: I’ve lost a friend

I

got a shocker on Monday. As we held the meeting of the Board of Editors, the receptionist slipped a piece of paper to Dr Amanze Obi, Chairman of our Editorial Board. Time stood still for a moment as he broke the news. Our columnist, Godson Offoaro, was dead.

I’d known Offoaro by reputation since the late

•Continued on Page 55

•Continued on Page 55

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