More oil woes as militants blow up Chevron's wells

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 63041

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

IPOB/ARMY CLASH:

Relations move victims from hospitals to unknown places

15

Naira now N507 to one pound, as dollar remains stable at N350

2% of Nigerians own 90% bank deposits — NDIC 4

9

More oil woes as militants blow up Chevron's wells

By Emma Amaize, Soni Daniel, Sebastine Obasi, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Egufe Yafugborhi, Akpokona Omafuaire, Perez Brisibe & Ediri Ejoh

Gbaramatu leaders seek aid for stranded refugees It's plot to destabilise Buhari’s govt —N-Delta elders ARRI — NIGERIA’S W oil production Stop blowing pipelines, Oshiomhole appeals to NDA suffered another blow, yesterday, when the militant group, Niger Delta Invasion affecting WAEC, NECO examinations Avengers, NDA, attacked Chevron's facilities.

This came as leaders of besieged Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, called on the Federal and Delta State governments, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and other h u m a n i t a r i a n organizations to come to the assistance of thousands of Continues on Page 5

Nigeria loses $565.8m in unpaid OPLs, OMLs fees 4 Mr & Mrs JONATHAN RETURNS: Former President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right), being received by leaders of delegations of the Rivers State Government, Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC; and other women and youth organisations at Port Harcourt International Airport on his return to the country after about one month abroad. He was said to have used the tour to visit some world leaders to brief them on his foundation, "Ebele Jonathan Foundation," which would soon be launched.

COLUMNISTS: An end and a new beginning

•P.17

Entering year two more positively (2) •P.19

Nigeria’s romance with malaria •P.19

Ekiti court remands 2 herdsmen over Oke-Ako killings 11

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016 — 3

4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

1,000 policemen to secure $1.04bn Abuja-Kaduna rail ...As President Buhari flags off project in July

By Favour Nnabugwu

T

HE FEDERAL Government, yesterday, said it would mount over 1,000 policemen to secure the Abuja-Kaduna rail before and after the flag-off by President Buhari in the first week of July this year The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, stated this during a test-run and inspection of the new train from Idu Station to Kubwa in Abuja.

He said: “We need about 1,000 policemen to secure Abuja-Kaduna rail and we are getting the policemen from the Nigerian Police Force to secure the rail-line, to ensure that everybody is safe, from Idu station to Kaduna and Kaduna station to Idu on a daily basis.

“Everybody will be protected in and out of the train. The reason we may delay a while is because we have to take into consideration the religious obligation of Mr. President so that we are able to bring him to flag off for commercial activities by first week of July, 2016.”

2% of Nigerians own 90% bank deposits —NDIC Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

A

S A major indicator of wealth distribution in Nigeria across income groups, a mere two per cent of Nigerians own 90 per cent of total deposits in Nigerian banks.

This represents the wide gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria, which continues to pose major socio-economic development challenges to the nation.

Director of Research and International Relations at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, disclosed this at the Businessday Capital Market Development Annual Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

His words: “Our current deposit insurance coverage is N500, 000 for the Deposit Money Banks.

And some people have said that it is low. I can tell you that it is very adequate for the majority of accounts.

“It will interest you to know that it covers over 90 per cent of accounts in the country. Indeed, Nigerians who have more than N500, 000 in their accounts are just two per cent.

“What we found is that this two per cent Nigerians have 90 per cent of banks’ total deposits. Look at that - two per cent Nigerians own 90 per cent of total banks deposits, while the remaining 98 per cent have just 10 per cent of total deposits. What that tells you is that the gap between the rich

CEREMONY: From left, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad, during the swearing-in ceremony for elected new local government chairmen in Sokoto, yesterday.

Nigeria loses $565.8m in unpaid OPLs, OMLs fees As Reps accuse DPR of conspiracy, Summon Kachikwu, Daukoru

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—NIGERIA loses $565.8 million due to the inability of the Department of Petroleum Resources ,DPR, to hold oil companies to their commitments in agreements, culminating in the award of Oil Prospecting Licences ,OPLs, and OIL Mining Leases, OMLs, the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing alleged fraud in the allocation of OPLs, OMLs, has said.

The adhoc committee queried the DPR as to why it would tag the loss of $565.8 million due to non-payment of licensing fees, which spanned a period of three different bidding rounds in 2005, 2006 and 2012 and frowned on the use of the term “outstanding payments” as referred to by a Deputy Director of DPR, Mr. Sunday Adebayo Babalola, while making a presentation on behalf C M Y K

of the agency.

It was also discovered that the DPR perpetrated some sharp practices, wherein it awarded oil blocks to companies other than those who bidded for and won the licences without any evidence of disqualification, neither a right of first refusal of the original winners of the bids.

The members also queried why many of the blocks were awarded using open competitive bidding and through discretion by the minister as well as evidence of advertorial announcing the bidding process for the blocks.

But the DPR insisted that every bid round followed a transparent and due process.

DPR’s Babalola, however, explained that “People behind the companies which got allocated blocks were all unveiled during the technical process before the bidding was done.”

On blocs won by a company

negligence being given to another, he said that happened in 2005 and 2006 bid rounds for specific reasons.

The committee reeled out instances of diversion of OPLs, such as OPL 907, 917, won by VP Energy Limited, but were given to another company.

“On January 20, 2006, the Minister of State in a letter to the President, said of the 44 blocs won in 2005 bid round, payment for 19 blocs had been committed in full; 17 blocs, partial payment, while the remaining blocs were not paid for at all.

“The President ordered cancellation of blocs for which part or no payment had been made and have returned to the basket for future bid rounds. However, 21 blocs were awarded against 19 for which payments were made to government.

“Tenker System was to pay $210 million and they paid only $21 million, which was why the President cancelled their bid.

Later, one Sterling Global came and took over the bloc for just $57

million. Who pays the balance to government on the value of the bloc?" the committee queried.

It, therefore, asked for evidence of disqualification of bid winners who could not get oil blocs, their offer of first refusal and participation by those who eventually got the blocs.

However, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, who was represented at the hearing by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Jemila Shuara, expressed the need for a policy re-jig that would clean up the oil industry.

She said: “We need to re-jig our policies as the processes of awarding oil blocs have been very grey and need to be cleaned up.

“Before your hearing came up, the minister had actually scheduled a meeting with the DPR, the NNPC as well as other stakeholders, with a view to ironing out this matter which has presented us with so much banana peels that have hit us with losses."

and the poor has continued in this country.”

Alhaji Umar added that there were about 70 million bank account holders in the country.

The total bank deposits stood at N17.2 trillion, as at December 2015, according to a post on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, website.

Earlier in his address, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, urged Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, to invest more in the nation’s capital market, with a view to deepening it and ensuring better returns on contributor’s funds.

He said: "Deepening Nigeria’s Capital Market through Maximum Utilization of Pension Funds is a conversation our country must continue to have in order to ensure that the impressive pool of savings we have been able to mobilize over the last decade is put to productive use for inclusive economic growth.

“We are confident that with greater participation by PFAs and return of retail investors, our capital market will emerge as one of the world’s biggest and most liquid market capable of supporting the socio-economic development of our country.

“We are delighted that the National Pension Commission, PenCom, has been very proactive in making the necessary adjustments to the guidelines that allow PFAs sufficient flexibility to determine their optimal strategic asset allocation.

“The draft new regulation on investment of pension fund assets allow the investment of up to 30% in equities (for Fund type 1) and up to 45% in corporate debt securities (for Fund types 3 and 4). As a whole, we believe the adoption of a multi-fund structure is a very positive development that should produce economies of scale, risk diversification and further deepen the Nigerian capital market through pension portfolios and management strategies of PFAs. “There is, therefore, an urgent need for the draft guidelines on multi-fund structure to be approved.

“The question is: Based on the current asset allocation by Nigerian PFAs, are they paying sufficient attention to generating the necessary returns to provide sustainable benefits to contributors? Can we say that Nigerian PFAs have achieved an optimal strategic asset allocation or explored all viable investment outlets?

“March 2016 data from PenCom shows that Nigerian PFAs invest only 8.16% of their assets in the domestic listed equities market and 1.24% of their assets in foreign equities.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON

AGM: Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (2nd left);Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Muhammad Bello (2nd right); Deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Ghana, Mr Sampson Ahi (left) and Director General, Credit Foncier du Cameroun, Missi Jean Paul Marie a Neynokh, at the 35th Annual General Meeting and Symposium of Shelter Afrique organized by Federal Ministry of Power, Works & Housing and Shelter Afrique, in Abuja, yesterday.

More oil woes as militants blow up Chevron's wells Continues from page 1 refugees of the current crisis in the kingdom.

This is even as Niger Delta elders raised the alarm that some unpatriotic but powerful individuals with an agenda to destabilise President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and return Nigeria to the dark days, are responsible for the spate of bombings of oil facilities in the area, using a faceless group known as Niger Delta Avengers.

The NDA attacked Chevron’s oil wells at Dibi, Warri North Local Government Area, while soldiers, who had laid siege to Oporoza and other Gbaramatu communities in Warri South West Local Government Area, in the last five days, were carrying out cordon-and-

search operations for arms and ammunition.

Ex-militant leader, G o v e r n m e n t Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who seems to be the chief target of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, in a statement, claimed he had relocated from Gbaramatu Kingdom, but it appears the military does not believe him.

NDA claims responsibility

Claiming responsibility for the attack, Niger Delta Avengers on its twitter handle @NDAvengers, said: “With the heavy presence of 100 gunboats, 4 warships and jet bombers, NDA blew up Chevron oil well RMP 23 and RMP 24 at 3. 44 am this (yesterday) morning.

“This is to show the whole world that the Nigeria military is good in harassing

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SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The humility of a rabbit does not spare it from the hunter's arrow.

innocent Nigerians. RMP 24 and RMP 23 are Chevron swamp highest producing wells.”

Confirming the incident, a security staff of the company told Vanguard on phone that the head office of the company had been contacted on the incident and efforts were on to curtail the spill.

A source told Vanguard: “It was in Warri North, Egbema Kingdom, at Opia/ Ikia axis, around Dibi/ Olero. It started from around 3:15 a.m. until around 4:45 a.m. this morning (yesterday). There was no shoot-out heard.”

Oil production dips further

The blowing up of the oil wells came at a time crude oil price at the international market declined from $50 recorded last week to $49 per barrel on market pessimism over whether the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, could cut a meaningful agreement at its meeting in Vienna on Thursday.

According to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, sources, the country’s oil production has gone below 1.2 million barrels recorded early this week.

At press time, Vanguard could not confirm the combined production capacity of Chevron’s RMP 23 and RMP 24 facilities attacked by the militants, as the company’s Director of Communications, Sola Adebawo, declined to comment. In response to Vanguard’s enquiry, he said; “Thank you for your enquiry. We cannot comment on security

matters. Regards.”

This is the third attack launched on Chevron’s facilities in less than three months.

Apart from decline in oil production, the spate of pipeline attacks have also threatened power supply across the country, which relies on gas from some of the ruptured pipelines to power the plants.

In the last four months, the country has recorded over eight pipeline attacks on facilities belonging to the NNPC and IOCs. Some of those affected by the attacks include Chevron, ExxonMobil, NNPC, Agip and Shell.

Oil trades 1% lower

Meanwhile, oil traded one per cent lower at around $49 per barrel on market pessimism over whether OPEC could cut a meaningful agreement at its meeting in Vienna, today.

According to Reuters, Gary Ross, a veteran OPEC watcher and founder of USbased PIRA consultancy, the market was getting more pessimistic not only about “non-OPEC but also about OPEC supply.

“The main story today is the one of declining output.

The global demand is still growing strongly and that works in OPEC’s favour,” he said.

The 13-member OPEC will, for the first time, meet with Ali bin Ibrahim AlNaimi, Saudi Arabia’s new oil minister, who has been outspoken about not reducing oil production.

Gulf OPEC members, including Saudi Arabia, are looking to revive the idea of co-ordinated oil-output action by major producers.

Gbaramatu leaders beg for aid for stranded refugees

Secretary of Egbema/ Gbaramatu Foundation, Jude Ukori, who expressed shock at the development, said: “We want to appeal to those behind these activities to desist. Egbema is not home to militancy and we do not want to be part of it.

"We have always cooperated with security agencies where we have what they need, but we are not security agents and we do not have what it takes to face whoever is behind these destructions; we can only appeal for peace.”

On the situation of the refugees created by the crisis, spokesperson of Gbaramatu Traditional Council, GTC, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who castigated the state government for allegedly looking the other way while

soldiers terrorized the people, admitted that the invasion by soldiers was taking its toll on inhabitants.

He said panic-stricken residents of Oporoza, who fled to neighbouring Azama community, had been rendered homeless without medical care for about four days, while those who managed to find their way to Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri and other places were also roaming the streets.

Chief Gbenekama, who called on the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to come to the aid of Gbaramatu people, asserted: “There is humanitarian crisis on ground now. I have been calling NEMA on phone, I am not getting them and the whole of Gbaramatu is locked down.

"Though, a few of the people that fled into the bush had found their way to Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri and other places, many are still trapped in the forest.

“As I speak, there are many refugees in my residence in Warri, it is difficult catering for them, the whole place is full, they cannot even find where to sleep and feeding is another problem.

“That is for those who managed to get to Warri.

What of those still stranded in the bush? It is more difficult for them, no accommodation and medical care and I am surprised that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who rode on the back of Gbaramatu people to power, is sleeping in Asaba, while soldiers are bullying those that voted him to power."

Invasion affecting WAEC, NECO candidates

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Kokodiagbene community, Sheriff Mulade, said: “The invasion by soldiers affected the on-going school certificate examinations organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations

Council (NECO).

“Hundreds of students, who ran into the bush because of the invasion, are yet to be accounted for, while the academic session has been disrupted.”

He said because of the prevailing situation, schools in the area had shut down and appealed to both the federal and state governments to step in and arrest the situation.

Youths disown Avengers

Youths of Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ndokwa oil producing ethnic nationalities in Delta State have also dissociated themselves from the rage of bombing of oil assets by the NDA, warning the militant group to stop dragging the name of the Niger Delta in the mud.

Youth presidents of Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic groups stated their displeasure at a joint meeting in Warri to take a collective stand on the militant group.

The communiqué, signed

by Terry Obieh and others, read: “You cannot engage in one wrong to cure another wrong, and to that extent, the purported Avengers’ struggle is actuated by over ambition, which we cannot identify with.

“There are more peaceful ways to draw the attention of government to a cause, however germane, and not through the unconscionable and mindless destruction of facilities that serve the entire nation.

Oshiomhole appeals to NDA to stop blowing pipelines

Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Rivers State for the cleanup of oil spillages in Ogoniland today, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appealed to the Niger Delta agitators, especially the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to stop

Continues on page 12

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

My wife denies me sex, 64-yr-old tells court Wife blames it on menopause

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64-year-old man, Mustafa Ariori, yesterday, urged a Lagos Island Customary Court to dissolve his 32-year-old marriage to his 60-year-old wife, Tawakalitu, over sexual starvation.

Ariori, who runs a rental service, told the court that his wife had stopped preparing meals for him for over six years and had denied him sex for three years.

He said that the problem started when his wife followed one of his friends to Oshogbo for his father ’s burial for six days.

Ariori said: “My wife started misbehaving after she followed my friend to Oshogbo in 2010.

When she came back and I attempted to make love to her but she refused.

“Our two children, Yetude, 31 and Bilikisu, 28, who are now married and my club members had, on different occasions, tried to mediate without success.”

His wife, a businesswoman, told the court that she loved her husband and she had been the breadwinner of the home.

She said: “I feed and clothe my

Estate agent, 56, defrauds woman of N154,000

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Lagos estate agent, Bartholomew Ndu, who allegedly defrauded an accommodation seeker, Amaka Maduekwe, of N154,000, was yesterday granted N100,000 bail.

The accused, who resides at 7B, Ayo Idowu St., Iju-Ishaga, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.

The Prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, had told the court that the offences were committed on February 5 at Mustapha Street, Iju-Ishaga.

Donny said the accused presented himself to the complainant as the caretaker of the shop she wanted rent.

“The accused collected N154,000 from the complainant and failed to give her the said shop,” he added.

husband. When I had money to spend, there was no problem and complaints. I usually travel to Dubai to buy male and female wears; my business started dwindling because there was no money.

“This whole problem started because I have no money to spend on my husband again.

His friend that I followed to Oshogbo told me that his club members has found him a woman much younger than me, who he is presently dating.”

Tawakalitu said that she had been denying her husband sex because of menopause.

After listening to both parties, the President of the Court, Mr. Awos Awosola, adjourned the case till July 12 for further hearing.

MOBILE DEPOT: A motorcyclist swamped by his goods in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

Robbery suspect lands in same hospital as victim; tatoo gives him away

By Esther Onyegbula

T

HE saying that every day is for the thief and a day for the owner of the house played out when a robbery suspect was apprehended on arriving the same hospital where his victim was admitted for injuries he sustained in an encounter with a two-man gang the previous night at his residence at Bola Lateef Crescent, Lake view Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Ifeanyi Smart, the suspect, and his gang, broke into Cyril Uba’s house, tied up the housemaid and stole jewelleries worth over N5 million. Uba attacked the robbers and they fled.

Later in the morning, Smart, who had sustained serious injuries, went to AMC Hospital to receive treatment, unknown to him that the victim, Uba, had been admitted at the same hospital.

Suspect’s account

Smart, 26, from Abia State, said: “When we broke into the third room, the owner of the house was already alert. He gave me a head-butt that caught me unawares. It was Deji that attacked the victim with an axe.

“It was during the operation I sustained severe injuries on my head and went to AMC Hospital for treatment unknown to me that the victim was also admitted at the same hospital.

“While there, I was shouting because I was hungry and I had no money as Deji had escaped with all we stole. It was while I

was shouting that the man we robbed sent his maid to give me N5,000 unknown to him that it was my friend and I that robbed him.

“I was arrested when the maid recognised the tattoo on

my right arm (which reads The Lord is My Shepherd) and notified her boss. It was my friend Deji that lured me into armed robbery.”

Parading the suspect alongside other criminals, the

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, said efforts are ongoing to apprehended Deji, the other member of the gang who is currently on the run.

My husband’s not man enough, woman tells court

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45-year-old businesswoman, Anna Oshomogbe, has asked an Igando Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her marriage with Edmund because his family controls her home.

She told the court that Edmund with whom she has two children in their 18-yearold marriage could not make decisions on his own.

She said: “My husband’s mother and brothers are controlling our home. If we discuss anything, my husband will first go to his family to consult with them; what they say will be my husband’s final decision.

“I am just like a maid; my decision is always rejected. In fact, I do not have a say in my matrimonial home.”

Anna also told the court that her husband was a drunk, saying “my husband always spends his salary with his brothers at a beer parlour.

“He urinates and messes up everywhere in our flat whenever he is drunk and most times he beats me without reason.”

She accused her husband, who had failed to appear in court after receiving several

summons, of being an irresponsible husband and father.

She said: “When my daughter fainted when she had fever, I called my husband to come home so that we could take her to the hospital; he said that he was at a beer joint and that he could not come.

“He does not sleep at home most times as he stays with his brothers or mother. He always tells me that nothing can separate him and his family. I pay the house rent and the children’s school fees because my husband refused to pay.”

Anna added: “My husband is forcing me to go to his

village for cleansing. I do not just understand what the cleansing is all about.

“Two of my husband’s elder brothers’ wives had gone to the village for cleansing; they died few days after returning to Lagos. I am afraid because I do not want to die now.”

The petitioner presented a text message sent to her by her husband that she should go to his village for cleansing and that he would not appear in court for any dissolution.

The Court President, Mr. Adegboyega Omilola, ordered the court bailiff to serve the respondent again and adjourned the case to June 28.

Court dissolves pastor's marriage

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FTER 10 years of unresolved marital crises, an Igando Customary Court in Lagos, yesterday, dissolved the marriage between a 42year-old pastor and evangelist, Racheal, and her businessman husband, Mr. Joseph Aduwo.

President of the court, Mr. Adegboyega Omilola, who gave the verdict, cited frequent fighting between the man and his wife.

To the former husband, the

dissolution of the 10-year-old marriage is good riddance to bad rubbish, saying “my wife, who is a pastor, an evangelist, a church interpreter and women leader, fought with nine persons in a day on our street, wearing only bra and underpants.

“She is a shameless street fighter.”

The court’s president said he was convinced the couple could no longer live together as the petitioner insisted on divorce.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 — 7

The CAN President we want —YOUTHS

By Tare Youdeowei

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coalition of five groups within the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, called on its National Executive Committee, NEC, members to carefully elect the next President for the body on June 15.

The groups, Christian Young Professionals, CYP; Youths for Christ International, YCI; Nigerian Christian Patriotic Youth Movement, NPYM; Nigeria Christians of Integrity and Association of Christian Enthusiastic, said the next CAN President must be cerebral and resourceful.

Professor Joseph Otubu of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, OAIC, and Rev Supo Ayokunle of the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, are in the race to lead the organisation for another three years from July.

Ayokunle is the current Vice President, while Otubu is a renowned retired gynaecologist.

In a statement in Lagos, the coalition’s spokesperson, Anthony Ige, said the next election must reposition the umbrella Christian body for credibility and impact.

The youth groups said: “The June 15 election is essentially a choice between the old and the new. There is an old order that CAN must do away with.

“The body has been seen as partial and has lost face before the public.

Anybody that has anything to do with this past must never be elected.”

The groups warned against politicisation of the process and inducement of NEC members, saying only those who had nothing concrete to offer would attempt to monetise the exercise.

Advising NEC members to choose wisely, the coalition said: “Christians must be respected and the first part is electing a trustworthy candidate with no baggage. NEC members must look for integrity, resourcefulness and proven records of selfless services.”

I remain PDP's chairman, Sheriff tells court

By Innocent Anaba

T

HE embattled Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has told a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that he remained the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He described the Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi as a group of “usurpers” and a “contraption” set up in defiance of valid court orders.

Sheriff, through his lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, is consequently asking the court to hold that only he could preside

over a convention or meeting to chose party leaders.

PDP had sued Sheriff, Professor Adewale Oladipo, who was PDP National Secretary; Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC; Inspector-General of Police and Department of State Services, DSS, before Justice I. Liman.

The judge had restrained Sherriff and Oladipo from parading themselves as Chairman, Secretary or members of the National Executive Committee, NEC, or National Working Committee,

NWC, of the party until the suit was determined.

However, Sheriff and Oladipo, in a motion on notice before the court, are arguing that those who sued them in PDP’s name lacked “the authority and locus” to institute the suit on the party’s behalf.

They are also praying the court to discharge the ex parte order restraining them from holding their offices.

They said Justice Liman made the order on May 24, 12 days after Justice Ibrahim Buba of the court’s Lagos division restrained the party

from conducting elections into offices of Chairman, Secretary and Auditor.

According to them, PDP is a corporate entity and can only be “invoked” by the National Executive Committee, of which they (Sheriff and Oladipo) are principal officers.

They said PDP NWC, which is still under their control, did not instruct anyone to file the action on the party’s behalf.

They said that only the NWC was responsible for the day to day administration of the PDP and had the authority to institute or instruct anyone to file a suit in the party’s name.

COMMISSIONING:

From left (front row)— Director, Child Guidance School Counsel, Special Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olayinka; Director, The Learning Place Centre, Mrs Bolanle Adewole, and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, during the commissioning of the occupational therapy room donated to the centre by Nigerian Breweries at Maryland Nursery/Primary School, Lagos.

PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

Saraki’s trial at CCT adjourned indefinitely

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—FOLLOWING the inability of Federal Government to produce its star witness in court to be crossexamined, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, okayed indefinite adjournment on the 16-count charge suit against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

A letter that was forwarded to the Justice Danladi Umarled tribunal by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), revealed that the witness, Mr. Michael Wetkas, an investigative officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was before another court yesterday, testifying in another criminal matter involving the former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.

Wetkas was the head of a three-man crack team the antigraft agency constituted in 2014 to investigate six petitions against Saraki. He has been in the witness box since April 6 before the tribunal.

The CCT panel had, at the last adjourned date, May 25, ordered him to also appear before it yesterday to enable Saraki’s defence team, led by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), to further crossexamine him with regards to the primary evidence and exhibits the Federal Government tendered against the defendant through him.

In the letter, addressed to the

CCT Chairman, government suggested June 8 and 9 for the matter, stressing that Wetkas was compelled to appear before Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court in Abuja to testify Lamido’s case.

However, Vanguard learned that Saraki had, through his lawyers in another letter, rejected the trial dates suggested by

Federal Government.

Spokesman for the tribunal, Mr. Ibrahim Alhassan, who confirmed the development, disclosed that the CCT boss, Justice Umar, was not pleased with the fact that the trial was stalled at the instance of government.

However, Alhassan said in view of the conflicting letters, the tribunal would take its time to choose a date “at its own convenience.”

Our target's 30% ICT contribution to GDP—OSINBAJO

By Emmanuel Elebeke

A

B U J A — T H E Federal Government has said it was expecting 30 percent contribution from Information Communication Technology, ICT, to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this, yesterday, while flagging off the 2016 DigitalAfrica Conference and Exhibition holding in Abuja on the theme Accelerated Development of Africa with Internet of Everything.

Osinbajo, who was

represented by a Director in the Ministry of Communications Technology, Mrs. Monisola Udoh, said the Federal Government had resolved to use ICT to drive the change agenda of the administration, having observed its potentialities to create millions of jobs.

Osinbajo noted that the ICT sector had so much to offer the economy that it could not be ignored in the ongoing diversification.

He promised that government would give all necessary support to enable

the ministry explore the benefits accruable from the sector to boost the fortunes of the dwindling economy.

The Vice President said: “This administration will not fail in using ICT to drive the economy.

We have been doing everything possible in this direction.

“If we continue on this path, ICT should be contributing between 25 and 30 percent to the country’s GDP in a few years.

“We also have plans to create ICT-focused university. We have discovered that many youths lack requisite skills to compete in the international market.”

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—9

PDP CRISIS: BoT

takes charge, vows to restore

normalcy We are now born again —Mantu As two PDP Reps defect to APC

By Emman Ovuakporie, Ben Agande & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Board of Trustees (BoT), of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, formally took over the party’s national secretariat yesterday, promising that it would do everything to ensure that normalcy returned to the party as soon as possible.

This came on a day two members of the House of Representatives defected from the party to All Progressives Congress , APC. The BoT members were led by the chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, secretary, Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe, Dan Sulaiman, former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu and former Deputy Senate Whip, Stella Omu. In a brief remark before the BOT members went into a closed door meeting with staff of the party, Chairman of the board, Senator Walid Jibrin, said as the only organ of the party not encumbered by any court injunction, the board was obliged to take over the party in order not to create room for a vacuum.

According to him, though the expanded meeting of the BoT of the party last week enjoined the caretaker committee, headed

by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, last week, the committee is incapacitated by court injunctions filed against it.

been asked, under the constitution, to be in charge and it is in that respect that the IGP, having considered the importance for the staff, directed that this place be opened and entrusted in the hands of the BoT because it remains the only legal body now,” he said.

Jibrin said the leadership crisis would not affect the fielding of candidates for the forthcoming elections, especially Edo State governorship election slated for October, 2016.

Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary of the BoT, Amb. Ojo Madueke, reiterated that since there was no court order challenging the eligibility of the BoT to run the party, the body had to step in to avoid creating a vacuum.

He said the national caretaker committee of the party, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, was

operating outside the secretariat, expressing hope that the crisis in the party would soon be resolved.

Mantu speaks

The former deputy president of the senate, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, maintained that the PDP would have run Nigeria for 60 years as speculated by some of its leaders, if it had remained resolute with the founding philosophy, vision and mission of its founding fathers.

“Those of us who have been in the system right from 1999; whether I like it or not, were part of the problem. That is why I say we need to apologise to Nigerian people. We need to apologise to God in Heaven who gave us power and we misused that power. ‘’But we are now saying as born again people we must do things differently, we should be seen to be doing things in accordance to the aspiration of the people.

“We apologise to God and Nigerians who gave us power but we got intoxicated with it and it collapsed. It is impunity that ruined our party. We didn’t allow

the voice of the people to work in our system. We didn’t say no to recklessness, imposition and impunity.’’ Mantu said.

Defection

Meanwhile, two members of the House of Representatives yesterday decamped from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, to All Progressives Congress, APC. The two members are Tony Nwoye from Anambra State and Udende Emmanuel from Benue State.

This is the first time in the 8th House that members are defecting, barely eight days to its first anniversary, and with this development, the APC now has 215 members and PDP, 138.

The defection of the two lawmakers did not go down well with the Leader of the opposition, Leo Ogor, Isoko Federal Constituency, who expressed disappointment in the two members.

He insisted there was no basis for their defection as there were no factions in the PDP, adding also that no court had ruled otherwise.

IGP and sealing of party secretariat

He said the board requested the Inspector General of Police to seal the party secretariat last week in order to avoid a break down of law and order from the contending forces.

“We want to thank the staff for your devotion and dedication to work. This place was sealed for sometimes by the Nigerian police. The reason was to keep our building safe. I want to congratulate the police for a job well done. What we needed was to safeguard our property and to safeguard your lives. We the BoT are interested to be in charge of the assets and liabilities of the PDP. We have

AGM: From left: General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, Chairman of the company, Dr A.B.C Orjiako, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Austin Avuru and Senior Counsel/Company Secretary, Dr. Mirian Kachikwu, at the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos, yesterday.

AGOS—THE naira weakened further against the pound sterling as it exchanged at N507 to the pound from N500 it traded on Friday, while the dollar traded at N350, maintaining its value since Friday.

The naira exchanged for N385

L

By Nkiruka Nnorom

AGOS—STANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc has said that the Financial Reporting Council, FRC’s new rule relating to publication of financial statement by quoted companies with December 31 year end has been the cause of the delay in publishing its 2015 financial result.

FRC in the new rules, barred the CEOs and CFOs of quoted companies without FRCN numbers or those whose FRCN numbers were suspended by the FRC from attesting to financial reports.

The rule states that in a situation where the CEO or CFO does not possess FRC number, two other directors of the company could ratify the result, after the company had obtained a waiver from the Council allowing the directors to attest to the result.

According to the FRC, only holding companies that are not in court with the Council can enjoy the above stated waiver.

Secondly, the FRC also barred chairman of audit committee that are not professional member of an accounting firm in Nigeria from attesting to financial statement, but added that the current chairman of the audit committee shall be permitted to attest to the annual report, if the entities (which in the case of a holding company and its subsidiaries) are not currently in court with the FRC and/or having any of its director(s) currently holding FRCN numbers that have been suspended by the Council.

NASS moves to shore up capital market

By Henry Umoru, Emman Ovuakporie, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE National Assembly, NASS, disclosed yesterday that plans have been concluded to make laws to strengthen and shore up the capital market through a

Capital Market Master Plan.

It also said the federal government had injected a total of N6.5 billion for investment of security funds that would help protect investment in the country.

NASS said that the master plan would help the Nigerian entrepreneurs to enable them have access to long term funds

Naira now N507 to £1 as dollar remains stable at N350

L

Stanbic IBTC explains delay in release of 2015 financial statement

to the Euro.

Pending the implementation of the flexible exchange rate policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the official rate remained at N197 to the dollar.

Traders at the market said the demand for the pounds had been on the increase,

necessitating its strength at the market.

They, however, expressed indifference to the release of the proposed guideline on the new forex regime, stating that their interest was anchored on the availability of foreign exchange for trading.

for productive activities as well as enhance their capacity to create employment opportunities, adding that the lawmakers were planning to expand the capital market because no law existed to compel the federal government to use idle funds in the capital market.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the Chairmen of joint Committees on Capital Markets and Institutions of both the House of Representatives and Senate, Tajudeen Yusuf and Senator Isiaka Adeleke respectively, disclosed that the National Assembly was putting up a comprehensive legislation to provide legal backing to the Capital Market Master Plan that will run from 2015-2025.

They added that the master plan had been designed for

rejuvenation of the economy.

According to NASS, the move to put the laws in place will help in the creation of liquidity and investment opportunities for both foreign and local investors and facilitate the translation of pension funds into investments for national economic development as well as encourage an environment of transparency and accountability in all domestic capital market transactions.

As part of moves to create an enabling legal environment for the capital market to grow, the lawmakers disclosed that plans were on to organize a two-day stakeholders’ forum on capital markets and the Nigerian economy with the theme, "Realizing the full potentials of the Nigerian Economy through a proactive Capital Market Legislation.”

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2 , 2016

SYNAGOGUE: Defence blocks presentation of prosecution witness again

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Jane Echewedo

L

AGOS—FOR the umpteenth time, defence team in the ongoing trial of Trustees of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN) and two engineers involved in the construction of the collapsed six-storey guest house yesterday frustrated the proceeding by objecting to the presentation of the prosecution’s witness.

The expectation before the court presided by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo was for the state to present their first witness for the commencement of the case which has been pending since last year.

However, the table shifted again when the leading defence counsel in the case, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, objected that the witness cannot testify until they (defence) finished studying the additional documents newly filed by the state in line with the court’s ruling.

The collapsed six-storey church guest house had left over 116 dead , majority of who were South African citizens when the incident happened on September 12, 2014.

The state had filed 111-count charge against the defendants which borders on criminal negligence, manslaughter and failure to obtain building permit.

Lead defence counsel, Fagbemi (SAN) had objected to the prosecution’s witness giving evidence last week, stating that his statement was not forwarded to the defence team as stipulated by law.

This led Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo to have ordered the prosecution led by Mrs. Idowu Alakija, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to furnish the defence with the statement of the prosecution witness, Adebayo Musiliu Olayinka who was not allowed to testify.

Buhari launches clean-up of Ogoni land today ...$1bn required to kick-start 30-yr long programme

By Emmanuel Aziken & Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— P R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari will today formally launch the clean-up of the oil-devastated region of Ogoni in Rivers State, during his second visit to the Niger Delta region since he came to office a year ago.

UNEP report

The president’s launch of the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP report on Ogoni could also signal the president’s commitment to the oil region despite continuing flashes of violence by militants opposed to his policies. The actions of the militants styled as the Niger Delta Avengers; NDA have brought down the country’s oil production levels to a 20 year low.

Irrespective of their political differences, Governor Nyesom Wike, was yesterday awesome in his praises of the president’s determination to implement the long-delayed report. The governor in a broadcast last night warned trouble makers and politicians not to take advantage of the president’s visit to foment trouble. He warned that the visit must not be politicised.

The governor also placed a ban on Okada operation in Khana and Gokhana local government areas from 6 am to 6 pm today.

The UNEP report on Ogoni land was articulated by the UN body upon the request of the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan which had approached it to conduct an independent and objective assessment of the environmental situation in Ogoni. The findings and the report were submitted to the government in July 2011.

Jonathan later approved the establishment of Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, HYREP as a unit in the Ministry of Petroleum to drive some sections of the report.

H o w e v e r , subsequently, nothing came out of the moves until the exit of the administration.

President Buhari had during the campaigns promised to implement the

UNEP report, and last August formally gave his determination to that effect with the setting up of governing council and board of trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, HYPREP. The report when it was released by the UNEP on August 4, 2011, called for an initial $1 billion to kick start the rehabilitation of the oil-rich Ogoni land under a phased programme it said could extend up to 30 years.

The report said that pollution caused by oil exploration for over 50 years penetrated deeper than many had supposed.

The assessment carried out over a 14-month period, by a UNEP team examined more than 200 locations, surveyed 122 kilometres of pipeline rights of way, reviewed more than 5,000 medical records and engaged over 23,000 people at local community meetings.

Detailed soil and groundwater

contamination investigations were conducted at 69 sites, which ranged in size from 1,300 square metres in Ogoni land including more than 4,000 samples. Water taken from 142 groundwater monitoring wells drilled specifically for the study and soil extracted from 780 boreholes were also investigated.

Wike lauds President

Lauding the president’s approach yesterday in his broadcast, Governor Wike said: “Mr. President’s visit to the State is both historic and significant. It is historic because it marks his first official visit to the state since assuming office as the President of this great nation. It is most significant because Mr. President is not on a political mission but to kick-start the largest environmental cleanup in our nation’s history, for which Rivers people, and indeed the

Niger Delta will remain grateful.

“Therefore, I call on Rivers people to be peaceful, lawabiding and demonstrate the traditional Rivers hospitality towards Mr. President and his distinguished entourage throughout the visit.

“Let me, therefore, advise desperate politicians in our midst to be mindful of the charged social and economic situation in the country and refrain from making unguarded statements over Mr. President’s visit that could inflame political rivalry and precipitate unnecessary upheavals in the State.

“Furthermore, as part of measures to enhance security during Mr. President’s visit I hereby place a ban on the operations of motorcycles and tricycles in Gokana and Khana Local Government Areas between 6 a.m. and 6 pm on Thursday, 2nd June 2016. The security agencies have been directed to enforce this ban and ensure full compliance.

NO TOBACCO DAY: Researchers say cigarette reduces immunity ...Say mouth is dirtiest part of body

By Chioma Obinna

A

S the world yesterday marked this year’s World No Tobacco Day, researchers have found that cigarette smoke and its components infiltrate bacteria in the body and reduce the immunity.

This is coming as the World Health Organisation, WHO, said moves to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products can save lives by reducing demand for tobacco products.

The researchers from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry researchers led by David A. Scott, found that Cigarette smoke and its components promote biofilm formation by several pathogens

including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, report scientists.

In the findings released on this year’s World No Tobacco Day, the researchers, who explored how cigarettes lead to infiltration of bacteria in the body said the mouth is the dirtiest parts of the body and smoking makes it worse.

According to them, puffing cigarettes can increase the likelihood that certain bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis will not only set up camp but will build a fortified city in the mouth and fight against the immune system.

Scott and his team identified

how tobacco smoke, composed of thousands of chemical components, stating that tobacco smoke is an environmental stressor and promotes bacteria colonization and immune invasion.

Scott explained that Biofilms are composed of numerous microbial communities often made up of complex, interacting and coexisting multi-species structures.

Bacteria can form biofilms on most surfaces including teeth, heart valves and the respiratory tract.

In a related development, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has said that the moves to introduce plain (standardized) packaging of tobacco products can save lives by reducing demand for tobacco products.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 — 11

Ekiti court remands two herdsmen over Oke-Ako mayhem

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

DO-EKITI—A Chief Magistrate’s court in Ado Ekiti yesterday remanded two persons, who were suspected to be responsible for the May 20 attack on Oke Ako in Ikole Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Two persons died from the attack while three others were severely wounded and are currently receiving treatment in separate private hospitals in Ikole Ekiti and Ado Ekiti.

The two suspected killer herdsmen, Usman Salihu, 50, and Abubakar Auta, 52, were arraigned for murder and causing grievous bodily arm by the police.

They were consequently remanded in prison custody till September pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The development was confirmed by state Police Public Relation Officer, Alberto Adeyemi.

Meantime, a resident, Grace Olofin, told newsmen that

peace had returned to the town.

She confirmed that security agencies were still on ground

keeping watch over the town.

It was learnt that one of the victims, Ayo Abejide, in whose head a bullet pellet was lodged has been transferred to an

undisclosed teaching hospital.

Also, the councillor for IpaoOke Ako-Irele ward, Mr. Segun Kehinde, appealed to the people to return to the town.

VISIT: From left; Mr Emeka Nkwocha, Advert Manager, Vanguard Newspapers; Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager/Editor in Chief; Professor Lucy Ugbadu, DG, National Biotechnology Development Agency; Rufus Ebegba, DG/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency; Mrs Rose Gidado, Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology and Mr Victor Omoregie, Corporate Affairs Manager, Vanguard during a courtesy visit by the Biotechnology Development Agency team to Vanguard's head office in Lagos to create awareness about Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organisms yesterday. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

...Soun’s son, Alaafin’s nominee make list BADAN—THE muchexpected list of the commissioner-nominees in Oyo State has been finally sent to the Oyo State House of Assembly by Governor Abiola Ajimobi for approval and ratification.

According to a letter with reference no. Gov/2016//05/120 dated 26th May, 2016 written by the Governor and read by the Speaker at yesterday’s plenary, Ms. Taibat A. Adaba, believed to be a nominee of the Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Oyewumi Oyewole, son of the Soun of Ogbomosho, who contested the House of Representatives election in the 2015 general election and lost to a Labour Party candidate and a governorship aspirant during the 2015 gubernatorial election, Dr Azeez Adeduntan were among the nominees.

Others are Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor; Mrs. Atinuke Silifat Osunkoya, immediate-past Commissioner for Women Affairs; Mr Abimbola Kolade, former Commissioner for Works; Barr. Abayomi Oke, Son of APC Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke; Mr Wasiu O. Dauda also a former Commissioner; Mr Ajiboye Omodewu, a former Commissioner for Lands and Mr Isaac Ishola Adisa respectively.

Others include Mr. Abdul Ganiyu Mudashiru, Mr. Toye Arulogun, Mr Oluseun Abimbola, Professor Niyi Olowofela, a former Chairman of C M Y K

Osun Assembly awards self pass mark

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

Ajimobi sends list of 15 commissioner-nominees to Assembly

I

IST YR IN OFFICE:

Ido Local Government and Mr Fatai Salawu, also a former Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government.

In the same vein, the Assembly also received the list of the chairman and seven members of Oyo State Independent Electoral

Commission (OYSIEC) for approval for the purpose of conducting local government elections in the state.

They are Mr Adewale Ajeigbe, Chairman from Oke Ogun zone.

Other members are Mr. Sunday Aborisade, Mr Adedeji Raimi

Alabi, Mr Adedeji Adeagbo, Alh. Bello Lateef, Mrs Omolola Odekunbi, Alfa Abdul Razak Abdulkamal Akuru and Mr Rasheed Olajide Oyekanmi.

However, all the nominees have been directed to forward 40 copies each of their credentials to the office of the Clerk of the House on or before Friday June 3, 2016.

Shelve strike to allow dialogue, Fayose tells Ekiti workers

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

DO EKITI— GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, has urged workers in the state to call off their strike to allow for dialogue.

The governor stated that in the meantime, the salary for local government workers is ready for payment, while the little resources that have come to the state are ready for sharing but this cannot be done because civil servants who are on strike have critical roles to play in the disbursement of the funds.

The governor noted that until the workers resume, nothing can be done.

Governor Fayose said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi.

Fayose, who expressed sympathy with the striking workers and the inconveniences the current financial situation in the country is causing them, said that the financial condition of the country might not get better soon.

While saying that the issue of irregular payment of workers was

not limited to Ekiti, the governor urged the workers to note that the country was in a recession and that the state depends much on statutory allocations.

He said he had foreseen the current situation which made him to be transparent in the handling of finances of the state and had always put all the cards on the table for labour leaders and others to see.

“I have not hidden anything from the labour leaders and what our dear state is experiencing now has been aggravated by the mindless borrowings of the immediate past administration in the state. The state is paying about N1 billion monthly to service the bond and the commercial loans they took. If that did not happen, we would have had such money to add to our monthly allocations.

Ondo govt, APC disagree over workers’ strike given to it by the Federal

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—ONDO State government and the opposition All Progressives Congress APC in the state yesterday disagreed over the workers strike and the unpaid five months salaries.

The opposition party in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the workers were justified embarking on the strike because the state government mis-managed the bailout fund

Government last year .

Otaloro said; “It was unfortunate and regrettable that the special intervention bailout fund by the Federal Government of about N15 billion meant for the payment of workers salaries arrears in the state was squandered by the Mimiko government on irrelevances.

But in a swift reaction, Information Commissioner, Kayode Akinmade alleged that the Federal Government caused economic crisis that led to inability of states to pay workers salaries.

SOGBO—THE Osun State House of Assembly said yesterday that within the last one year, it has enacted laws that will improve the lots of the masses, enhance the state economy and development of infrastructure.

Also, the assembly highlighted that seven bills including the ones that would boost the state revenue and block leakages in the finances of the state among others have been passed.

It said the Assembly has also paid specific attention to oversight functions to, especially ensure the completion of ongoing projects across the state in line with the state government commitment.

The parliament stated this yesterday in a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, to mark the one year anniversary of the Osun 6th Assembly.

Rolling out the achievements of the Assembly since its inauguration on June 2, 2015, Oyintiloye said, a total of seven bills have been passed by the Assembly, while others were at different stages of consideration before the Assembly.

The bills, he said, were Public Procurement Bill, Land Use Charge Bill, Primary Healthcare Development Board (Establishment) Bill, Street Trading and Illegal Market (Prohibition) Bill, Micro-credit Agency Bill, Conservation Fund (repeal) Bill and 2016 Appropriation Bill.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Militants blow up 2 Chevron oil wells Contunues from page 5 attacking oil and gas installations in the region.

Oshiomhole made the appeal, yesterday, while speaking with State House correspondents after a private meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: “When you are dealing with security issues, the options are not best discussed in the media. What I can say is that this President deserves the support of everyone and there is no part of Nigeria that can be better off without the other part.

"The sooner we accept this reality the better for all of us.

The days of ethnic champions and imaginary divides will not help anyone. I believe that the President has shown leadership.

He has shown determination to keep the country going. For once, we are enjoying respect in world capitals, on different continents.

“Part of the challenge we are facing today is that quite a number of our young people are out of jobs, even in our budget, the President on his own, without prompting, decided to devote as much as half a trillion naira to social investments that targeted at the poorest among us.

"We do not need to be security

experts to accept the universal truth that wherever there is insecurity, there will be no investment because no investor will go to where he is unsafe.

And where there is no investment, poverty will be endemic because there will be no job for our people.

“I appeal to all of us in the South-South, we need to wake up. It is for our own self interest that we make the region unsafe for investments. The assets being destroyed are not just national assets, it is our own assets. It is what makes the South-South the hub of the Nigerian economy and we should not neutralize it through

whatever pretenses. There is something Abiola said which I think is apt in this case, that is: if a tree falls in the forest, chances are that it can only kill somebody in that forest, not somebody at home."

Army should release seized students, others – NAGS National Association of Gbaramatu Students, NAGS, in a statement by the president, Seiyefa Ekpemupolo, in Warri, enjoined the international community to come to the aid of their people, following the siege and invasion of the kingdom by the Nigerian military.

It said: “We have to raise the alarm about the torture, pains and suffering being meted to our people by the military which had laid siege to our kingdom.

We condemn the invasion, as our people are neither militants nor members of the Avengers. We call on the United Nations to call President Buhari and his occupational army to order.

“Our students are out of school following the invasion and cannot prepare or sit for the common entrance and junior WAEC that will start in days,” it said.

It's plot to destabilise Buhari’s admin— N-Delta elders Meanwhile, Niger Delta elders, yesterday, raised the alarm that some unpatriotic but p o w e r f u l individuals with an agenda to destabilise the Muhammadu B u h a r i administration and return Nigeria to the dark days, were responsible for the spate of bombings of oil facilities in the Niger Delta using a faceless group known as Niger Delta Avengers.

The elders, who spoke at a media briefing under the aegis of Concerned Niger Delta Elders, in Abuja, alleged that the sponsors of the bombings were uncomfortable with the pro-

development and anti-corruption drive of the present administration and had, therefore, adopted sponsored attacks to create chaos to bring Nigeria backward for their selfish interest.

“We are fully aware that those vested interests, who have held Nigeria back for so long, will not give up without a fight. They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos, rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have on Nigeria,” the elders said.

The National Coordinator of the elders under the aegis of Concerned Niger Delta Elders, CNDE, High Chief Mike Ekayama Loyibo, who read the position of the elders, described Niger Delta Avengers as faceless, destructive elements bent on destroying the common heritage and the mainstay of Nigeria.

The elders said they were fully in support of the current efforts of Buhari to bring development to the region and would not support any form of destruction, which had crippled the transformation of the area in the past and caused untold hardship for innocent persons in the communities.

Lobiyo said: “While acknowledging that violence is not a solution to any human problem, we throw our weight behind the President to take decisive actions in addressing the issue, seeing that the vandals are sabotaging the efforts of Mr. President to bring speedy development to the Niger Delta.

“We advise that the Niger Delta Avengers join hands with forwardlooking citizens to appreciate the obstacles we as a country have overcome and the progress the country has made under the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari this far, to help strengthen the plans the government had put in place to return Nigeria to the path of progress."

Navy ‘arrests, quizzes’ NNPC pipeline bombing suspects

The Nigerian Navy ship, NNS DELTA, has interrogated seven suspects over various criminal activities in the coastal region of Delta.

Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command, Muhammed Garba, told journalists, yesterday, at the Warri Naval Base that the suspects were apprehended in the last one week in Batan community and environs, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.

He said five others were yet to be interrogated, while seven Cotonou boats and 490 metric tons of illegally refined diesel were also apprehended in the period.

Garba said five of them were interrogated for alleged involvement in the recent bombing of the NNPC installations.

The Naval boss explained that one of the suspects was involved in the alleged killing of two soldiers on May 10 at Batan community, while the last suspect was being quizzed for extortion.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—13

No regret dragging Oshiomhole to tribunal in 2012 —Edo APC gov aspirant B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY— GOVERNORSHIP aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Gen.Charles Airhiavbere, (retd) yesterday said he had no regret dragging Governor Adams Oshiomhole to the Tribunal when he ran against him as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2012.

He however, lamented that though the PDP hierarchy chickened out of the legal battle after it agreed to go to court to contest the result of the election, but that he decided to fight alone to prove he was not a coward before the PDP leaders.

Airhiavbere who declared that Oshiomhole was a very close friend despite the event of 2012, said “after the election there were strategies, the final stage was that we were going to court. And without consultations, blatant lies at the leadership level, very high impunity, immediately after the election the leaders of the PDP abandoned the next stage of the operation without any reason. For the first time I met then President Goodluck Jonathan one-on-one and he said he did not give instructions that we should not go to court. So, I went to court all alone because I had the muscles

and the capacity to go to court.

Even though the Supreme Court described me as an orphan at that level, I was not the one who went to the Supreme Court. The Action Congress of Nigeria, CAN, as at that time and the governor took the decision to go to the Supreme Court from the Court of Appeal. “ We all knew what happened but my advice to political parties is that they must respect their candidates. They must respect

the collective decision and when there is need to reverse it, it must be discussed generally at all levels. That is why this is called democracy and that was what I wanted to prove. Unfortunately so many people got hurt in the process, some also got rich in the process and today I have no regrets.”.

On the forthcoming primaries of the APC, Airhiavbere asserted that “I don’t even believe there is any other aspirant in the APC,

I have not seen one. As an Army General if I don’t know how to access my competitors then I have a problem. There is no preferred candidate by the governor; I contested against him I should be the preferred candidate. And for the primaries, it is going to be free and fair and I will win. I am moving around meeting delegates, strategizing, I will win landslide in that June 18 primaries.”

COMMISSIONING: From left: Deputy Speaker, state House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi; former Governor, Dr. Emmanule Uduaghan, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, all of Delta State, at the commissioning of Ogbemudein Secondary School, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

Edo PDP accuses Oshiomhole's aide of violating State Procurement Law CONTRACT MOBILIZATION:

B

By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, accused Governor Adams Oshiomhole and some of his political appointees of violating the State Procurement Law by releasing 75 per cent as mobilization fee to contracting firms executing projects at the Edo University, Iyamho as against the 25 per cent stipulated by the law.

One of such violations the party said was alleged approved payment by the governor of N1.4Billion to Vamed Engineering Nig Ltd January 14, 2016 for the supply, installation, training and maintenance of medical equipment for the accident and emergency ward as well as the ward complex at the Central Hospital Benin-City, claiming that the sum was to be part of the 2016 budget of the state

Ministry of Health when no appropriation had been made for 2016 financial year.

He was also alleged to have wired N1.2 billion without approval from the Edo State House of Assembly from the budget of N3.5 billion for the

construction of the new accident and emergency ward complex and renovation of existing structures at the Central Hospital Benin contained in the capital budget of the Ministry of Health in the 2015 budget.

The party vowed to ensure that

Shettima petitions IG over alleged plot to insurgency. pitch him against Buhari The petition written on behalf

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

M

AIDUGURI— GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State has petitioned the police to unravel the origin of presidential campaign posters depicting him and Governor Rochas Okorocha as teaming together for the 2019 presidential election.

Shettima in the petition addressed to the Inspector

General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase affirmed that the posters were the handiwork of his political enemies and were aimed towards causing animosity between him and President Muhammadu Buhari. Besides, he alleged that the posters could also scupper the good relations between the state and the Federal Government which has helped in turning the tide against the Boko Haram

A-Ibom wins S-South NNPC annual quiz competition Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo Pegasus High School, Eket; and

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—AKWA Ibom state has won the South South zone of the 2016 quiz competition organized by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, for the second time in a row.

Three representatives from each of the six states of Akwa Ibom, C M Y K

officials of the state government involved in what it described as mindless looting of the state resources though expenditures not budgeted for in the newly established Edo University Iyamho, EUI, were removed from office and prosecuted.

and Rivers took part in the competition which featured Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Mathematics and Physics which took place in Benin City yesterday.

But the trio of Udo Favour, Uwakmfon Joseph and Faith Brown, from Airforce Comprehensive School, Uyo;

Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, scored a total of 65 points to move to the grand finale of the competition which would be held in Abuja.

Rivers State came second with 55 points while Delta and Cross River settled for the third and fourth positions, with 50 and 45 points, respectively.

of the governor by the permanent secretary, Government House, Mr. Ahmed Sanda dated May 29, 2016 and with reference number BOSLO/ABJ/14/IV/407 read in part: “I have been directed by HisExcellency,theExecutiveofBorno State, Kashim Shettima to bring to the IGP’s notice, dozens of fraudulently producedpostersbearinghisnameand picture claiming he is aspiring for the 2019 Presidency. The posters have been pasted on some routes in Abuja and Kaduna.

2. Governor Kashim Shettima regards this development as a highly mischievous plot that is aimed at destabilizing the emerging peace in Borno State through creation of unnecessary political tension while on the other hand it might aim at creating gap between the Borno State Government and the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration (which just marked it’s first year in office) with a wicked agenda."

PDP zonal Pub Secretary lauds S-South Govs on welfare

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—THE newly elected South-South zonal Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bishop Etim Ante, has lauded the ingenuity of the South South Governors in committing available scarce resources in their states to lifetouching projects and programmes.

Bishop Ante who made the commendation yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen in Uyo, said the efforts of the governors within one year in office clearly demonstrated that the PDP still had the solution to the problems of this country in terms of understanding governance.

He said he was impressed that the governors were implementing the party manifesto which stated that “it shall pursue sustainable development through sound education, basic health care, abundant food production, rapid industrial growth, good housing; job creation, efficient transportation, improved infrastructure, regular power supply and general services.

From Akwa Ibom State to Cross River, from Rivers to Bayelsa states, and from Delta to Edo States, their Governors have upped the ante of performance."

‘Okowa has proved critics wrong'

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SABA—THE Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, yesterday, said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has proved critics of his government wrong with his one-year report card.

The Deputy Speaker, who spoke at the governor ’s commissioning of Ogbemudein Secondary School, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area, noted that Governor Okowa had done well in spite of the economic challenges.

Listing about 54 road projects and others across sectors, Osanebi said as a pan-Delta governor, Okowa evenly distributed projects across state.

While calling on well-meaning Deltans to support the governor, Osanebi said The Friday Osanebi Foundation had taken over the education of 100 students, noting that every leader and government must give priority to raising educationally, emotionally sound children for the sake of the society’s future.

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Hunger drove me back to robbery—EX-CONVICT

By Faith Ake & Chika Ukele

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robbery suspect, Jelili Bello, 23, has said he went back to robbery because of hunger, when he came out of prison last year.

He was paraded alongside Oluwatomisi Busari, 24, arrested during an operation at Ketu area of Lagos.

Vanguard learned that the suspects, who hail from Ogun State, specialise in snatching motorcycles, bags and other valuables from people. One locally-made pistol and a spanner were recovered from them.

Jelili said: “I went back to stealing because of hunger.

When I came back from prison in 2015, I could not locate my gang. So I formed a new one with my friend Tomisi.

“We have successfully stolen five motorcycles which we had sold. We have someone who helps us to sell them at IdiIroko.

“He gives us N10,000 each after every sales. However, sometimes, he gives us N5,000.”

Busari, the second suspect,

C M Y K

said: “We go out in the evening and stop some of the commercial motorcyclists with offer to pay a huge sum for them to take us to our destination.

“We attack them in deserted areas. If they refuse to part with the bike, we spray pepper in their eyes.

If we do not succeed in getting motorcycles, we

move to motor parks, where you have large number of people travelling.

“Sometimes, we offer to help them with their bags and luggage, but end up

disappearing with their properties.”

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, told pressmen that the suspects will soon be charged to court.”

... as prisoner bags degree in theology

By Esther Onyegbula

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N inmate of the Ikoyi Prisons, Albert Emmanuel Ajogbor, was yesterday presented with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Theology, having successfully completed his studies at the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN. Ajogbor, who was incarcerated in July 2004 was among the over 10,000 others who graduated during the institution’s 2016 convocation held in Abuja in January.

Ajobor was honoured at a ceremony at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons by the NOUN authorities alongside another inmate, Moshood Folarinmilekan, who was presented with a certificate of exemption from NYSC. Folarinmilekan has spent 25

years out of a life jail term he was sentenced to at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons.

The inmate, awarded a degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, is

currently pursuing his Master ’s Degree at the institution.

Ajogbor speaking on the sideline of the event said that the achievement was a dream

come through for him.

According to him, the prisons, as reformative centres were living up to their mandates, having provided the enabling environment that led to the feat.

Lepers colony students send SOS to Gov Amosun

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—PUPILS of Radev Early Education Centre, Iberekodo, a school built for lepers’ children, have appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State for the provision of infrastructure and perimeter fencing of their school.

The school, located at the lepers’ colony, has 575 pupils from nursery to primary six.

Some of the pupils, who

spoke with our correspondent shortly after 357 pupils received gifts of food stuffs donated by members of CSR Initiative of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Ogun Province 6, Agape Family, said the school has been neglected.

A primary six pupil, Saidat Balogun, who appreciated the gesture, said though their school is special; the government should not make them feel discriminated feat.

The Headmaster of the school, Ayo Adelugba, said though the school was established for children of the lepers living in the colony, pupils in the neighbourhood are also benefiting from the programme.

While speaking on the challenges of the school, Adelugba said government has begun construction of some buildings in the school, saying the available classrooms were not conducive.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 —15

IPOB/Army clash: Relations move victims from hospitals to unknown places Ohanaeze Ndigbo flays killing of IPOB members IGP accused of providing smoking gun to nail protesters St Edmund Catholic Church parish priest denies arrest

By Emeka Mamah, Vincent Ujumadu, Chidi Nkwopara,Francis Igata, Chimaobi Nwaiwu & Chinedu Adonu

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WKA—MANY relations of injured victims of the Biafra Day clash between security operatives and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in parts of Anambra State were believed to be moving them out of the hospitals where they were initially admitted for treatment to unknown places for fear that members of the state’s Joint Security Task Force might be hunting for them.

This came on the heels of an allegation by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule Law, a civil rights group, that security operatives shot, killed, picked corpses and buried the victims in unknown places.

Vanguard gathered that between Monday and yesterday, scores of shot victims were removed from some of the hospitals where they were admitted after the clash and taken to undisclosed clinics within and beyond the state by their relatives and sympathizers.

Some of the relations said they received information that the victims might be arrested on their hospital beds if they were found

Judges’ conference stalls hearing in tax forgery suit against Ikpeazu

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—A conference for Federal High Court Judges holding in Abuja has stalled the tax forgery suit instituted against Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Sir Friday Nwosu.

Nwosu who ran for the December 8, 2014 PDP governorship primaries in the state had petitioned the court accusing Ikpeazu of submitting a forged tax clearance certificate. The suit had since suffered several adjournments and transfers at the Federal High Court Divisions at Abuja, Umuahia and Owerri.

A source at the court said Justice A.I. Alagoa had directed that the suit would now be heard on June 8.

in the hospitals.

According to them, apart from high medical bills and other financial challenges, there were fears that soldiers might storm the hospitals to abduct them.

In the meantime, the chairman of board of trustees of INTERSOCIETY, Mr. Emeka Umeagbalsi, said that investigations by his organization showed that the casualty figures were swelling in number on a daily basis.

He said that information at the disposal of the organization showed that 14 critically injured persons were at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, 15 at the Multicare Hospital, Nkpor and nine at St. Mary’s Hospital, Nnewi.

He also said that there were scores of others in other private hospitals, such as Crown and St Michael Hospitals in Nkpor, while others were at Okija, Asaba, among other places.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Igbo Improvement Union, Chief Edozie Njoku, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to address the issue of MASSOB and IPOB carefully and without bias.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, Njoku said IPOB did not do more harm than the herdsmen, who had been ravaging parts of the country and yet security operatives had not reacted the way they did to IPOB. He said: “The Fulani herdsmen are committing more harm than the IPOB and MASSOB and there has not been any reprisal from the Federal Government.

Those of us who supported the president during election must now start crying out and we want to say that enough is enough.

“There is no justification for soldiers to kill innocent protesters.

The president is supposed to be father to all Nigerians and my advice is that he and his advisers should re-strategize on how to deal with issues of this nature.”

Catholic priest denies arrest Meanwhile, residents of Nkpor near Onitsha were yesterday allegedly thrown into panic, while some ran away from their homes to take refuge inside the bush following alleged sporadic shooting by soldiers, who invaded the place at about 7.30p.m.

The incident, according to an eye witness, took people who were returning from the day’s business activities by surprise.

The soldiers were said to have on arrival started shooting into the air to scare people away which made some to pass the night inside the bush, from where they were making calls to their friends and well-wishers to narrate their ordeal.

Calls to Vanguard by two of the

FLAG-OFF: Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle) acknowledging greetings from the crowd on his arrival for the official flag-off of the reconstruction of Aba road/Umuahia dual carriage way in Umuahia. With him on the right is Engr. Usama Mostapa, M/D, CEO, Arab Contractors and on the left by Dr. Eziuche Ubani, Abia State Commissioner for Works. Photo: Ibeabuchi Abarikwu victims alleged that the soldiers came to arrest the parish priest and catechist of St Edmund’s Catholic Parish, Maryland, Nkpor Agu in Idemili North Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Dave Ojukwu and Ejima Ofoegbu respectively.

However, when newsmen visited the church yesterday morning, the parish priest, Rev. Ojukwu was seen walking around the church and when asked to confirm his alleged arrest by soldiers, he said nothing like that happened, adding that he had received a lot of calls from well-wishers about his alleged arrest.

According to him: “You can see me walking around the church. I am doing this to dispel the rumour that I was arrested yesterday night. I want to tell you that nothing like that happened.

Nobody arrested me.”

Ohanaeze flays killings In another development, the pan-Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the killing of members of MASSOB and IPOB, saying it is outrageous and traumatizing.

A statement by the SecretaryGeneral of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nworgu, and made available to Vanguard, yesterday, stated that they were unimpressed and unconvinced by the talk of provocation.

The Igbo group therefore urged the Federal Government as well as the Anambra State government to set up an investigative panel with a view to finding out what happened on Monday, May 30, 2016.

According to them, the attack on innocent people by the security operatives on a day the pro-Biafra activists were peacefully demonstrating was uncalled for.

“What level of provocation will warrant the firing of tear gas, without first calling on a crowd to

disperse? The tear gas was followed by a salvo of gunfire with live-bullets.All Nigerians and indeed all people who like humanity must condemn in its entirety this heinous display of brutality. This is everything except gallantry,” they added.

They also noted: “The two organizations are sworn believers in non-violence. They say, and we believe them that they were totally unarmed at the time of the onslaughts. The Igbo nation is outraged and condemns these killings in strongest terms. Such never happens whether under the military dictatorship or democracy. Ndigbo are known democrats from time immemorial.

We believe in competition. We are not a violent people.

“We are unhappy with the continued bloodletting visited on our people and want such nefarious events to cease forthwith.”

Condoling with the families of those killed and sympathizing with the injured, the Igbo group warned that such events should never occur in their land.

False allegations Spurred by the statemement accredited to the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, IPOB has accused the IGP of allegedly making false allegations against the group, saying that his directive to the police to disarm its members was a way of “providing the smoking gun” with which the Department of State Services, DSS, would convince the judge trying its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, that IPOB was a violent organisation.

IPOB made this known in a statement by its Spokespersons, Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya, yesterday.

“You can tell all the lies in the world and try to manufacture evidence for your colleagues in

the DSS so that they can use it against the leader of IPOB, but the incontrovertible fact is that nobody can stop the restoration of the nation of Biafra,” they said, wondering why Arase had not reacted to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that armed Fulani herdsmen be disarmed and their sophisticated weapons taken away from them.

Archbishop Obinna reacts Meantime,the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, has reacted angrily at the way he was linked to the protest march of loyalists of IPOB, and MASSOB, in Anambra State.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard in Owerri, yesterday, Archbishop Obinna said he chose to react “for the sake of those, who may have been misled by internet or media reports about my presence in Onitsha, on May 30, 2016.”

The Archbishop explained that he left Owerri for Anambra State, for the funeral of Rev. Sr. Innocentia Ehirim at the Immaculate Heart Convent, Nkpor.

"After the Holy Mass and the burial of the Rev. Sister, and in the process of returning to Owerri through the same Nkpor-Onitsha route through which we came, we noticed that burning tyres had been set up by youths blocking and preventing the normal flow of traffic,” Obinna recalled,stressing that he was accompanied on the trip by a good number of priests, religious and laity, since the late Sr. Innocentia had worked for 10 years in the Archdiocese of Owerri, before her later postings.

“From Ihiala, signs of unrest began to be seen with unusual road blocks. In my case, we arrived at our destination without much inconvenience."

16 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016— —17

J

UST a few minutes past eleven in the morning last Wednesday, I received a telephone call from Nigeria’s Information Minister, Lai Mohammed. He congratulated me and told me that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved my appointment as the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

He then requested that we met the following day. I was actually driving out of my house to fulfill an appointment, but a few minutes from the minister’s call, my telephones would not stop ringing! It was, quite frankly, an overwhelming expression of happiness by several people from all over the world, who felt that the appointment was a most worthy one.

Almost a week down the line, and I am writing in the wee hours of the morning, on Tuesday/Wednesday, the telephone calls; emails; texts and WhatsApp messages have not ceased. At the beginning, I made up my mind to reply every single call, text or other forms of messages, but I have since found out that it is simply impossible to keep track of the messages or find the time to reply them, because I also have received visits from several individuals and groups, from all walks of life!

It is clearer to me more than ever before, that such experiences as I am going through, are indicators of a social ethos that reflect a profoundly human longing to be associated with what is qualified as success, in particular settings, such as given in Nigeria.

There are also those political forces, especially from Kwara state, unhappy that the appointment was made in the first place, since it goes against the grains of the ruling orthodoxy in our state since 2003.

It has always been individuals connected to Kwara’s hegemon who have always been recruited for positions; therefore a narrative was entrenched in the popular consciousness in the state, that no one would find success in Kwara, unless they do the bidding of the hegemonic force. This appointment is not only a clear indication of the change that President Buhari represents, it has also shattered Kwara’s entrenched myth.

Engagement with Vanguard It was soon after the 2011 elections that I received a call from Uncle Sam Amuka. He had noticed that my weekly column had disappeared from the pages of DAILY TRUST. He inquired from Malam Muhammed Haruna, who confirmed that I had recently resigned my appointment. Uncle Sam asked what my reasons were. And after a fairly extensive discussion, he offered that I wrote a column for VANGUARD. It was a kindly C M Y K

An end and a new beginning offer that I could not reject, coming from one of the most beloved columnists of his generation. I had been in Ilorin, assisting with Muhammed Dele Belgore’s gubernatorial campaign. The following week, I returned home to Kaduna and

that phase of my life, as a weekly columnist, is coming to a close, as a result of the new assignment I have been given, as Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). To be honest, I have agonized very deeply about the fact that I have to drop the weekly columns in order to fully give my all to the new appointment, in the same manner that I am obliged to hands off the running of the multimedia company that I launched in 2011, called Word, Sound & Vision (Multimedia) Limited.

I will receive the blows that come with the territory, but Privileged life of sorts as the saying goes, I think I have lived a most the blow that does privileged life in every sense not break the back, and the trajectory of my life has strengthens it! I will made it imperative for me to Nigeria, with the show fate that I have love passionate intensity that I have some spine! I will for our country.

I was born in the last month miss the weekly of colonial rule and I grew up effort to analyze the in an independent Nigeria, human condition as where the hopes associated with freedom, soon became a journalist, because tempered by the 1966 coup and its aftermath and a tragic Civil it grew to become War that consumed millions of one of my greatest lives.

Yet, Nigeria would come out passions

had gone to a barbers’ shop on Waff Road, when I received a call from Malam Muhammed Idris. He wanted us to meet at the nearby Hamdala Hotel; when I saw him, he opened up on his plan to start a newspaper that would eventually be BLUEPRINT newspaper.

He wanted me to be part of the effort and I was offered to be Chairman of the Editorial Board, and to also write a weekly column. I told him of the offer from Uncle Sam and VANGUARD and he had no objection. A few weeks later, we started BLUEPRINT and I also wrote a column, which was syndicated in VANGUARD too.

I thus became one of the few syndicated columnists in Nigeria, but I had the added honour of chairing the Editorial Board of one these titles.

There cannot be a better expression of professional opportunity than what I have been privileged to experience, thanks to the immense generosity of two very outstanding individuals and genuine patriots, Uncle Sam and Muhammed Idris. Sadly,

of that war, with tremendous hope about the possibilities of building a future for all our people. And in education, sports, economic development, infrastructure and national integration, we were making notable progress in the years that I came into full consciousness as a citizen.

Those years of our lives and the inspiring social movements of the post-Second World War years, with the defeat of colonialism, burnt an imprimatur on our consciousness and have largely been responsible for the conscious, critical and patriotic professional broadcaster and journalist that I have grown to become.

I grew in my job; went to school; had a fulfilling life of work ahead of me and like others of my generation, I experienced a country that largely, worked and allowed us to dream, with near certainty, that these dreams could find actualisation.

I owe a lot to Nigeria and its wonderful people, and because of my multiple identities, I have unique advantages that only the generosity of our country could have afforded me and allow to flower.

This is the background that has propelled me, and has conditioned my sense of duty. I come from a background of scholars and public servants with a very proud tradition dating back into the history of the empires of the old Western Sudan.

I pride myself on the fact that I have a rich background of service that I must jealously uphold and never betray. When I was appointed as pioneer General Manager of Kwara Television in 1977, the late patriarch of my family, Hon. Justice Saidu Kawu, reminded me, as I prepared to resume work, that we had a very honourable family name, even if we were not rich in monetary terms: “Please ensure that you uphold our family name and your own honour”!

It is an admonishment that I have tried to truly live by and it will still condition my attitude in the new position at the NBC. I will work with dedication and give the best to our country as I know it, and will also be true to the change-for-the-better, that President Buhari represents and promotes for our country.

And the more I have thought about things, the luckier I have felt. The defunct Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), hired me soon after I completed secondary school in 1976. When I resumed work, on February 1, 1977, I was barely 16years and 4months old; about the youngest person ever employed then, by the NBC.

A distinguished delegate Over the years, I would be a Studio Manager; Announcer; Deejay; Newsreader (including on the National Network Service); commentator; current affairs analyst; producer; reporter for Radio France International and the BBC World Service; pioneer GM at KWTV; Editor, Chairman Editorial Board, Columnist and Africa Editor at DAILY TRUST; Chairman, Editorial Board and Columnist for BLUEPRINT and VANGUARD newspaper.

I hold a Diploma in Mass Communication; graduated as Best Student in Mass Communication at the Bayero University and had won a scholarship each session in university, for being best student; hold a Master’s Degree in Political Science and I am presently studying for a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, in Kaduna!

The Nigerian Guild of Editors made me a Fellow in 2013 and I was a Distinguished Delegate to the 2014 National Conference, representing the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Now you understand where I am coming from, and why I said that I have been very privileged that Nigeria has given me so much!

Public service has increasingly become a most dangerous vocation in our country today, and its entrails have become the graveyard of many lofty ideals.

But I still believe that every opportunity that we might get to serve our country, especially where the administration itself, has shown a patriotic commitment to the country and its people.

I sincerely believe that I have been given the opportunity to be Director-General at a very exciting moment in our country’s history and what I pledge is that I will work with commitment; honesty; and a sense of patriotic honour in the best interest of our country.

A new terrain The NBC has offered a natural progression from all the media work that I have done, in radio and television broadcasting and journalism, over the past 39 years. I have no doubt in my mind, that the regulatory function at the head of the NBC, would be the toughest of all.

But my father used to tell me, that every true beginning in life is difficult; I will receive the blows that come with the territory, but as the saying goes, the blow that does not break the back, strengthens it! I will show fate that I have some spine! I will miss the weekly effort to analyze the human condition as a journalist, because it grew to become one of my greatest passions.

I have loved the opportunity that Uncle Sam Amuka and Muhammed Idris gave me, and I hope that I can still return here sometimes in the future. I will also miss the numerous readers who engage with me weekly, including those who find me sometimes too arrogant, or maybe presumptuous, especially when I attempt to deconstruct controversial social issues.

My standpoint often clashed with the sureties of that group of readers, but I have written honestly and honourably, believing that journalism has a very important role in helping shape opinion, for the betterment of our country. It is this passion that I will now direct elsewhere; in a new direction to help regulate the broadcasting industry, to help make Nigerian broadcasting attain the highest standards.

So while I move away from this page, I will still be close to you, in service to our dear country. Thanks a lot for the privilege of your company. Our country is worth fighting for, and I am moving to a new terrain of service to our beloved Nigeria.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016 RECENT developments in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should ordinarily have been taken as the normal, internal palpitations in a healthy political institution. But they were not.

The PDP was the country ’s ruling party for 16 years and is in possession of an expansive institutional memory to benefit our democracy.

The PDP, as the country ’s leading opposition party, has a formidable structure to help keep the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in check.

But, as the APC marked its first anniversary in power, the absence of the opposition was very glaring.

Instead of articulating its own informed scorecard of the APC Federal Government at this important milestone, the leaders of the PDP were enmeshed in a complex leadership tussle for the control of its future.

The squabbles saw the

PDP, put your house in order leadership fragmented into at least four factions claiming authority at the national level.

The factions included those led

by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, who was sacked as the interim national chairman by officials at the recent convention of the party in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The second group was led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who was appointed as the chairman of a caretaker committee at the convention. A third tendency was the collegiate leadership centered on the founding fathers of the party including Prof. Jerry Gana and Senator Ibrahim

Mantu, among others. A fourth group coalesced around the Board of Tr ustees (BoT) which claimed to have intervened to stop the fragmentation.

The seeming crisis in the PDP is of concern to watchers of our democracy in Nigeria because we need strong alternative political parties to strengthen our multi party system and keep the current party in power on its toes.

The many mistakes that the PDP made as a governing party took place because of the absence of any virile opposition party. We, as a nation, should avoid the

mistake of having one dominant ruling party, as this predisposes those in power to impunity and corruption as experience has shown. When this is the case, it is the ordinary people that suffer the misrule more.

We urge both the ruling party and the other political parties to strengthen their internal processes and give their political outfits the character, distinct identity and vision that will give Nigerians real choice when next we go to the polls.

Seventeen years after the military left the political scene, party politics should have grown beyond the mere tussle for power or posts. It should now be more about where each political party wishes to take Nigeria and how they want to achieve it.

This can only happen if our politicians learn from their mistakes and build on areas where they have done well.

OPINION Ekweremadu on youth investment

By Chuka Okeke

I

N an environment such as our, one wonders how youths can come across platforms or avenues for investments or start-up businesses. Fortunately, there are fora such as summits, seminars, conferences, etc that come in handy where youth can get useful ideas in the area of their specific need. One of such meetings held recently in Enugu State, The Oganiru Enugu State Investment Summit. It emphasized on key areas open for investment, especially in the State.

The summit was attended by key industry leaders and top financial investors who enlightened participants on the areas for investment and how they could go about it. Such key areas were: solid minerals and mining, real estate, hospitality and tourism, entertainment, transportation and agriculture.

According to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President, youths, should not miss out on meetings like this, where they will not only tap from the pool of knowledge available but also gain from networking opportunities which serves as a platform for harnessing their talents.

At the just concluded Solidarity rally in Enugu by Youth For Ikeoha, a nonGovernmental Organisation in support of the Deputy Senate President, he

emphasised the need to invest in youth.

According to him, such investment will serve as a golden key that unlocks the present predicament in the country today.

Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa with a population of over

The Senator call on all elected officials to put a stop to neglect of the youth 170million and among the top ten most populous nations in the world,with the youth contributing a great margin.

According to the National Baseline Youth Survey (2012), the population of youth in Nigeria is in the estimates of 64 million of which 51.6% are female and 48.4% are male while 5.9 million children are added to the population yearly. Imagine what empowering 64 million youth could do to an economy,the effect will be massive and unprecedented!

Put simply, there are many geniuses and great minds amongst our youth that go to waste for lack of opportunity and

resources. Recently, a University of Lagos graduate, Mr. Ayodele Daniel, had a cumulative GPA of 5.00 in the department of Psychology, the best in the country so far. The likes of Mr. Ayodele abound and investing in these individuals will empower the youth to be leaders today and tomorrow and indirectly create highly cerebral experts that can push the economy to greater heights in the future. It is common knowledge that Nigerians have some of the best brains in the world, unfortunately these brains are not well appreciated.

He said all leaders, himself inclusive should offer young people a vision for the future. he then went on to provide tips that would be beneficial to youths who want to succeed in the present economic situation.

Firstly, while we all appreciate the need to tap into Agriculture, it is important that experts are recruited to train the teeming young population on the benefits of Agriculture using modern methods.

Abakaliki,Ebonyi State’s capital for example arguably has one of the best soils for rice planting in Nigeria. If well harnessed and youths empowered, the nation can become an exporter of rice.

Same for other farm produce. A wholesale/retail point mimicking the likes of Shoprite, where only locally made farm products are sold, would go a long way in keeping youths busy thereby increasing internally generated revenue.

A walk down memory lane would remind

us that Agriculture was the boom of our economy before the Oil boom of the 1970s.

Furthermore, arts and craft as well as technology cannot be ignored. Most youths are gifted with their ‘hands’. Some can be the best designers and artists in the world if there’s a conducive environment to harness these potentials.

Recall that Aba, in Abia State, was once the boom of commerce some years ago.

The city exported good products to most West African countries. If youths are adequately empowered, the nation stands to benefit tremendously.

We have youths who are technologically savvy. A forum can be formed where this group of talents will be funded and empowered to create something worthwhile that can be exported to other countries to grow the economy. China did it and today its economic power is in leaps and bounds.

We can do it too. We have the number and the brains we just need the right environment and support to harness our potentials.

The Senator call on all elected officials to put a stop to neglect of the youth, address their problems and embrace them as an integral and important part of the society, so that their generation is not lost to crime, drugs,violence and other prevalent social ills is very timely.

•Mr. Okeke, a member of the Youth for Ikeoha, wrote from Enugu, Enugu State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2 2,, 2016 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com Jonathan found culpable of alleged corrupt dealings and giving back to the military the power to police infrastructure in the oil industry pushed some elements in the Niger Delta who felt their interests threatened back to militancy. After the initial impulse to tackle the issue

Entering year two more positively (2) HE first part of this article alone a war on terror. I did not on Monday reviewed expect any magic. That apart, T President Muhammadu no one will say the war on terror Buhari’s general approach to the governance in the past one year.

Today, we will briefly look at the three cardinal policies of the regime (security, economic diversification/job creation and the war on corruption), how they have fared and how they can fare better in the years ahead.

In the area of security, there is no doubt that Buhari has built upon the great surge recorded towards the tail end of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to decimate Boko Haram. His experience as a military general has come to play in that Boko Haram has been completely hemmed into a small enclave, and we have reasons to hope for their annihilation sooner than later.

The Federal Government’s claims that Boko Haram “no longer controls any territory” are simply untrue, since the terrorists are not operating from thin air or foreign land. Also, Buhari’s boast to end the scourge within three months has not happened, as no such magic wand exists to fight wars, let

is a failure under Buhari.

But during the past one year, three new security challenges emerged. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protests blossomed, possibly in the wake of Buhari’s implementation of his infamous “97%/5%” formula for the distribution of federal posts, which favoured the North and West and virtually left out the South East.

The regime responded to the unarmed protesters with maximum force and mass graves were discovered in Aba environs.

Unless he jettisons this formula of inequity and gives every Nigerian a sense of belonging, people would continue to fancy a better future outside a country in which they feel oppressed.

There will never be an end to bloodshed, and it will never count in his favour as a good leader.

His belligerent attitude towards the Amnesty programme, unilateral dissolution of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, prosecution of close aides of former President

The good thing is that the President appears far more willing to engage the people, the stakeholders and institutions in his approach to governance after one year of ruling almost like a military general.

He is gradually democratising his approach to governance militarily, Buhari has pulled back to explore the stick and carrot option. He is employing some dialogue and diplomacy alongside military deployment to end the threat to our economic survival. This, I believe, is a more sensible approach than mere naked military adventurism.

But on the issue of the armed Fulani herdsmen invading indigenous communities, destroying their farms with their cattle and committing violent crimes, the President needs a total mind rejig to stop ignoring this threat. Adding salt to injury,

Nigeria’s romance with malaria VER time, malaria has virtually But how would we be rolling back malaria assumed the same status with the when the nearest healthcare centres to O weather, which everyone complains most of our rural dwellers are more than about; and yet nobody is able to do anything about it.

Today, while the rest of Africa and the developing world have every reason to rejoice at the prospect of the imminent scientific breakthrough on the malaria vaccine that could provide 100 percent protection against the disease, Nigeria has apparently been caught napping.

Ordinarily, Nigeria should be enthused with the progress so far recorded towards the development of this malaria vaccine, which is being pioneered by researchers in the U.S; particularly in the face of the high malaria burden on the citizens – predominantly children and pregnant women.

Again, there is some bright light at the end of the tunnel on the issues of malaria.

The World Health Organization, WHO, and other experts say that globally, there are about 20 other vaccine projects for malaria prevention at various stages of development and clinical testing.

As we speak, the Firm of Glaxo Smithkline Biologicals and PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, with funding support from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, are working around the clock to see the malaria initiatives through. But how ready are we to embrace the approaching change?

Successive administrations in Nigeria have launched the Roll Back Malaria Initiative over and over again. But when a tree falls on another, anyone seriously intent on clearing the way must first cut the tree on top. Similarly, there are numerous barriers in the way of success on the Roll Back Malaria Initiative.

Evidently, the proponents of the initiative could not have intended that it should be restricted to the urban areas.

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50 kilometres away? How can we be rolling back malaria when there are no access roads to most parts of our rural communities? Perhaps most importantly, how can we roll back malaria when potable water is alien to the rural dwellers? In fact, all that the rural dwellers have known all their lives is stagnant pond water, which is the natural habitat to all forms of mosquitoes. Indeed, whoever wants to roll back malaria must first roll back rural abandonment.

Whoever wants to roll back malaria must first roll back rural abandonment Past administrations in Nigeria have been at war with themselves – while they have always advocated the arrest of ruralurban migration, they have at the same time concentrated all agents of development – jobs, pipe borne water, electricity, motorable roads, healthcare facilities and other essentials of life – in the urban areas, to the utter neglect of rural areas. Naturally, people are bound to gravitate towards the urban areas in search of the good life. Even in the socalled urban areas, the good life is today fast taking flight – that’s double tragedy!

In the early nineteen-eighties, the defunct Bendel Development and Property Authority, BDPA, came up with the idea of rural housing with pilot schemes intended for Oghada, Uromi, Iruekpen and Agbor. The idea was projected on the fact that if you take a piece of land even in the most remote part and you provide the

Buhari wants to forcibly confiscate people’s lands and set up “grazing reserves” for Fulani cattle owners “nationwide” even in areas where Fulani people are not indigenes! Of course, this policy is bound to fail.

Buhari needs to deploy the police and military to disarm the criminals among the herdsmen and prosecute them.

To solve the problem of clashes between farmers and herdsmen as well as cattle rustling, there is no alternative to ranching, which is a business like any other.

The President must explore best practice models around the world to settle down nomadic herdsmen to enable them benefit from a comprehensive package of empowerment to upgrade and modernise their business. Fulani cattle herdsmen, too, are human beings who deserve access to the good things of life, such as education, health, security and modern amenities. They cannot enjoy these while pursuing an ancient lifestyle that has become a social problem in the twenty first century.

Coming to the economy, Buhari’s concern for the common people is obvious in the generous provisions in the 2016 budget for job creation, school feeding, monthly stipend for the poorest in society and massive funding of infrastructure. His Keynesian economic model – massive public borrowing and spending to stimulate demand in the economy – is probably the only sensible way out, though it comes with the risks of a looming debt burden. If the picture that the regime paints with the goodies in the budget is anything to go by, there is reason to hope.

But the regime is accused of lacking a coherent economic

b a s i c infrastructure – access road, pipe borne w a t e r , electricity, etc. and you then build houses on that piece of land, people would go there and live happily. Before you know it, cottage industries and healthcare facilities would follow.

Again, if the rural folks are assured that when they return from the farm or from their fishing expedition, they have water to drink and take their bath; there is electricity to iron their clothes, listen to radio and watch television, the natural propensity to rush to the urban areas would be drastically reduced.

Unfortunately, the BDPA initiative did not go beyond the drawing board. Indeed, it merely succeeded in depriving the people of their farm land.

The time has come for governments across the land to revisit this laudable proposal. Every effort to prevent and cure malaria would come to naught as long as the large segment of our population who live in rural areas is abandoned.

Even in the face of all the scientific discoveries, heaven only helps those who help themselves. And for every disease condition, prevention is better than cure.

That is why if the new vaccines must lead the pathway to roll back malaria, other traditional preventive measures must be substantially stepped up. We must leave no stone unturned in keeping malaria at bay. At all times, we must keep the environment clean and devoid of stagnant water while sleeping under insecticide treated nets.

At antenatal clinics, intermittent preventive treatments must be made available to pregnant women. At the least

roadmap which will enable nonstate stakeholders in the economy – the private sector – to key in. People are complaining that the regime has no economic team, and that the National Economic Council chaired by the Vice President cannot effectively do the job of an economic team.

People want to see the road ahead beyond 2016. People are unhappy at the steep rises in the cost of electricity and petrol, and the steep fall of the Naira against major foreign currencies.

People are more interested in hearing the Buhari government’s plans to solve these problems rather than to blame “the past administration”. It worked in the first year, but people are getting tired of hearing it. Above all, people are looking forward to the moment when Buhari will launch the “fiscal federalism” which is in the APC manifesto. That is where the permanent salvation of our economy lies.

Buhari should know that his dream to provide jobs through agriculture will not work unless the Fulani herdsmen menace is eliminated as soon as possible.

Nobody will like to plant their farms only for cows to eat them up. And more and more people are becoming sensitised to prepare for self-defence against the invaders and their cows.

The good thing is that the President appears far more willing to engage the people, the stakeholders and institutions in his approach to governance after one year of ruling almost like a military general. He is gradually democratising his approach to governance. It will surely help.

We will conclude on Thursday with a look at the war on graft.

suspicion of malaria, people must get properly tested and promptly treated.

Government agencies, the media and Civil Society Organizations must quickly increase public enlightenment campaigns against malaria, with added emphasis on preventive measures.

Need we re-iterate that the time has come to stop paying lip service on our healthcare delivery? There is no escaping the inevitable conclusion that we must enhance our annual budgetary outlays to the health sector, with a view to driving a death knell on this child-killer disease.

Our health institutions must be equipped with appropriate human and material resources.

In the fight against malaria, all hands must be on deck, realising that anything that affects all must be approached by all.

There is no turning the other cheek. Our laws on the environment must be vigorously enforced to force those citizens who always wait for the push to comply.

For as long as human traffic keeps struggling for the right of way with garbage heaps on our streets and market places, malaria will keep lurking around.

With help around the corner, donor agencies must be ready to partner the various governments in funding the malaria initiatives.

Essentially, cleanliness is part of godliness. Citizens owe themselves a duty to remain clean all the time without necessarily waiting to be forced out once every month for environmental sanitation.

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2 16 2,, 20 2016

*Members of the movement of unemployed Nigerians at a rally recently

Still expecting President Buhari’s jobs one year after ON March 16, 2016, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on his Facebook page said among others: Today, I received the Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan on job creation and youth employment in Nigeria jointly packaged by the Job creation Unit of the Presidency, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG. Three million jobs would be created in the country within three years starting in 2016 especially in Technology, Wholesale & Retail, Construction and Agro-allied sectors of the Nigerian economy. This year alone, over 700,000 private sector jobs will be created, majority of which will be in the Agro-Allied Sector.

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

F

OR workers, a lot has hap pened since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2015, and as the government clocked one year in office, the issues of job security

and unemployment have remained a critical challenge.

Today, instead of jobs as promised, what has been going on in the economy is retrechment and all forms of unfair labour practices by employers.

Flowing from the high unemployment rate is an upsurge

in non-pensionable forms of employment targeted at pauperizing workers as well as the weakening of organised labour which are now sweeping the Labour sector like wild fire.

Some of the features of these non-pensionable forms of employment are casualisation,

outsourcing, contract staffing and de-unionization of workers aimed at giving the employers unlimited power to not only enslave, but hire and fire at will.

Massive retrenchment: The fallout of this is massive retrenchment in sectors such as the petroleum sector where over 150, 000 workers have reportedly lost their jobs in the last three years; in the maritime industry where not less than 5000 direct jobs have been lost in the last year; the Food and Beverage sector where over 3000 jobs have been lost in the last one year; the banking industry where an estimated 4000 jobs have been lost in the telecommunication sector where over 3000 workers have equally lost their jobs; the Power sector is not left out as both government officials and private sector employers are united against workers and union to protect capital, and so on.

Trumping all these is the, nonpayment of salaries and pensions in the last one year by both government and private sector employers that has been the greatest predicament of the Nigerian workers and pensioners in the last one year.

Unemployment crisis: Decrying the level of unemployment recently, factional President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said: "As we have persistently pointed out, there is hardly any

Today, instead of jobs as promised, what has been going on in the economy is retrechment and all forms of unfair labour practices by employers

Union decries alleged Game Discount World refusal to obey court orders

By Ehi Eweka

O

RGANISED labour has called on the Federal Government to prevail on the management of Game Discount World Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of MASS Discounters of South Africa, to comply with National Industrial Court, NIC, judgment allowing its workers to be unionised in its Nigeria offices.

On the platform of Shop and Distributive Trade Senior Staff Association, SHOPDIS, lamented that despite having two separate judgments from Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, and NIC, Abuja, the company had so far refused respect the judgments, insisting it is an infringement on the rights of the workers.

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According to the General Secretary of SHOPDIS, Ola Oyegoke, who lamented the union’s ordeal since 2010 in its move to give the workers a platform to collective bargaining as a basis for regulating their condition of service, said the management had shown that it had no respect for Nigeria law through its refusal to abide by the court judgments.

Non recognition of the union Oyegoke said SHOPDIS, had in 2014, got an award over a trade dispute declared against Game management on the non recognition of the union as a representative of the Senior Staff of the company who signed membership

authorisation forms which had been forwarded to the management since April 2010.

Though the management then said its refusal was based on the fact that the said workers were projection of management, and subsequently appealed against the judgment, the NIC in its ruling by Justice Isele in November last year, upheld the IAP award.

The IAP award signed by Mrs. Abubarkar on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, in May, 2014, had stated, “The Tribunal hereby finally concludes that the 2nd Party (management) is resisting since April 2010 for unionisation of its Senior Staff that are not of a Projection of Management and have refused collective bargaining.”

household in Nigeria where there aren’t at least two or more unemployed persons who have graduated from various tiers of our educational system, looking for job placement for upward of three to five years.

The ruling APC government promised to create three million jobs in three years. We have

waited one year for the government to bring out its blueprints on how it intends to go about achieving this.”

Similarly, Joe Ajaero who leads the other faction of NLC, lamented that: “Increasing onslaughts against the survival of the Nigerian worker either as individuals or as collectives have become the new agenda of governments at all levels of the Nigerian society. Our jobs

are becoming increasingly more precarious and unstable. Lay – offs have become increasingly more rampant and new jobs are rare if not disappeared completely. There is a strong desire among those in Government to scuttle the growth of the trade union movement."

ILO reports: On his part, President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, said the unemployment rate in Nigeria was alarming.

According to him: “The rate of employment is one of the factors that determine the economic strength and growth of any country. Unfortunately the oil and gas, steel, textile, construction and engineering, leather and footwear, and maritime industries plus a host of others that are supposed to generate the needed jobs have suffered grave neglect by our leaders."

According to a recent report of the International Labour Organisation, 201 million people globally are unemployed, and this figure may rise to 219 million by 2019.

Positive corrective steps Unless the right thing is done the bulk of that number may be from this part of the world. The report holds that Nigeria with an unemployment rate of 10.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2015 has a better unemployment rate than was reported in 66 countries but worse than 111 countries, including 23 African countries which have unemployment rates lower than 10.4 per cent. Positive corrective steps must be taken in that direction.

As if the situation is not precarious enough, even those with jobs have their hearts in their mouths. There is so much uncertainty in the land occasioned by employers’ anti-union posture, and now the unhealthy business environment.

Since the year began, the food and beverage sector alone has lost over 500 employees.

So it is with other sectors, at a time when India, with a population of over a billion people, is projected to have an unemployment rate of 4.60 percent, Brazil 5.0, Malaysia 3.4, Singapore 1.8, Thailand 0.62, Norway 3.3 Japan 3.6, Mexico 4.7, Switzerland 3.5, South Korea 3.5, to mention but a few.

The government needs to formulate and implement policies that would serve as catalyst for mass creation of decent wellpaid jobs both in the public and private sectors of the economy.

And by “job creation” we do not mean engaging graduates to sweep the streets or operate commercial bikes alias “Okada” or “Keke Marwa.”

Rather we expect the government to urgently create the necessary enabling environment by providing constant electricity, good roads, pipe-borne water, soft-loans and production-inducing tax regime, and a good learning environment.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Economy: Decline persists through May, says CBN

By Babajide Komolafe

T

DIGITAL AFRICA: From left, Chairman of occasion and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/CEO, Global Industry Council Canada, Mr. Steven Ibaraki, and President, Catronics Enterprises Canada, Mr. Andy Chen, during the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition 2016, held at International Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday.

45.8 index points in May 2016, compared to 43.7 in the preceding month. This implies that the manufacturing sector declined at a slower rate during the review period.

“Of the sixteen manufacturing sub-sectors, eleven recorded decline in the review month in the following order: primary metal; paper products; petroleum & coal products; furniture & related products; fabricated metal products; printing & related support

activities; non-metallic mineral products; electrical equipment; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; food, beverage & tobacco products and chemical & pharmaceutical products.

“The remaining five subsectors however recorded expansion in the following order: computer & electronic products; appliances and components; cement; plastics & rubber products and transportation equipment.

“The composite PMI for the

non-manufacturing sector recorded decline for the fifth consecutive month. The index remained at the 44.3 index points registered in the preceding month. Of the eighteen nonmanufacturing sub-sectors, fourteen recorded decline in May 2016 in the following order: professional, scientific, & technical services; public administration; management of companies; construction; real estate, rental & leasing; information & communication.

Nigeria plans meeting with investors ahead of possible bond sale – SOURCES

N

igeria plans to hold a non-deal road $123.05 1.75 show in London next week, government $3,070.00 65.00 sources said yesterday, as it explores fund-raising $ 17.64 0.12 options to finance the 2016 budget deficit.

Finance Minister Kemi $49.50 -0.26 Adeosun and officials from the central bank and $49.53 0.20 debt office will meet investors next Tuesday CURRENCY BUYING SELLING to update the market on government policies.

US DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 287. 1596 287.8922 288. 6247 POUNDS Standard Chartered 218.9124 219.4709 220.0293 EURO Bank is organising the 197.7002 198.2046 198.7089 FRANC meeting, the source 1.7871 1.7916 1.7961 YEN said. According to 0.3146 0.3246 0.3346 CFA government sources 274.8766 275. 5778 276.279 WAUA 29.8649 29.9415 30.0181 RENMINBI Nigeria plans to borrow 52.2583 52.3916 52.5249 RIYAL as much as $10 billion 29.4316 29.5067 29.5818 KRONA from debt markets, with 275.5368 276.2397 276. 9426 SDR about half of it coming CBN Exchange rate as at 01/06/2016 from foreign investors, C M Y K

IPSAS will put Nigeria on low corruption index — ICAN

By Providence Obuh

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday said that the decline in economic activities in the first quarter of the year persisted in May. The CBN disclosed this in its Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) report for May. The report revealed that, “Out of 16 sub-sectors in the manufacturing sector, eleven sub-sectors recorded decline in the review month while five sectors recorded expansion.

Out of eighteen nonmanufacturing sub-sectors, fourteen sub-sectors recorded decline, while four subsectors recorded expansion.”

In the manufacturing sector, it said “Production level, new orders, employment level and raw material inventories declined at a slower rate; supplier delivery time however improved at a slower rate.”

In the non-manufacturing sector, “Business activity and employment level declined at slower rate; while new orders and raw materials inventories declining at faster rate”.

The Manufacturing and NonManufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) CBN’s Manufacturing and NonManufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMII) are based on survey of manufacturing and nonmanufacturing executives, who indicate change or no change in the level of business activities in May compared with the previous month.

The CBN stated that, “The Manufacturing PMI rose to

— 21

to help fund a budget deficit worsened by the slump in oil prices. “It’s non-deal road show to explain government policy to investors. There’s no transaction. It has been a while since the government came to London to update

It has been a while since the government came to London to update investors on what is happening

investors on what is happening,” he said.

Nigeria has pushed ahead with some reforms meant to free up cash to invest in infrastructure, but critics worry about the pace, given the loss of oil revenues that has caused the economy to contract.

In mid-May the government hiked petrol prices by 67 per cent to N145, ending an expensive subsidy scheme that has cost it billions of dollars. It used a rate of N285 to the dollar to set the prices, compared with an official rate of N197. The move prompted the central bank to adopt a flexible currency regime, a policy designed to boost exports and local manufacturing and to stave off a recession.

HE Institute of Char tered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called for the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), saying it will put Nigeria on low corruption index like the New Zealand.

IPSAS is the accounting standards issued by the IPSAS Board for use by public sector entities around the world in the preparation of financial statements.

Newly-elected President of ICAN, Deacon Titus Soetan, made the call in his inaugural speech at his investiture as the 52nd ICAN President in Lagos.

According to him, “the thrust of this laudable, worldwide campaign is to raise the bar of accountability in the public sector through the adoption of IPSAS. Available studies have shown that countries that have embraced this form of accounting framework like New Zealand are not only in the top league of countries with low corruption index; there has been remarkable improvement in the standard of living of their people as their governments increasingly spread the resources to where they are needed most and also became more accountable.

“Since we know that where there is no accounting, there cannot be accountability, we would partner with government to build capacity to ensure the successful transition from the cash-based to accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as well as entrench the culture of accountability in governance.

Pursuant to this, we shall be more visible in our public advocacy mandate and also equip our members in various ministries, departments and agencies of government to key-in into this initiative.”

He enjoined the federal, state and local governments to brace up to the reality of a new dawn in which the public good, accountability, and merit will enjoy pride of place in governance. “While we do not pretend that the journey will be smooth, we are convinced that it is achievable,” he said.

Giving the theme for the Presidential year: “Rebuilding the broken wall of Integrity,” he said, “As a professional body and bastion of integrity, we would strongly encourage and support the government to revisit the framework for Public Sector accountability and reporting in line with the global mandate of IFAC to all its member-bodies.”

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 If you want your customers, wholesalers and distributors to take you seriously, you need to get incorporated

,

Before starting a new business

S

TARTING a new business is always an exciting prospect! You now have total control over your destiny. Plus, you can offer something innovative to the market that no-one else has done before.

You will no doubt have all kinds of plans for your new business. But, it’s important that you carry out some important steps before you launch.

Market research Before you spend money making or buying products, you need to do some market research. Because if people are not interested in what you’re selling, you won’t make much of a profit.

Company name If you want your customers, wholesalers and distributors to take you seriously, you need to get incorporated. Registering a company and trading as a “dormant” entity is recommended. That way, you can become active when you’re ready to launch. Plenty of guides online show you how to make a company dormant.

Financial advice Let’s face it: accounts will not be one of your strong points. It makes sense to get a decent accountant on board. Sure, they’ll take care of your company’s tax and financial affairs. But, they’ll also help your business save money too.

Legal advice When you launch your new brand, you don’t want to get into any legal hot water. I recommend getting some professional legal advice before you start. Doing so will mean you have the necessary licences and permits to sell your wares.

Talk to others If you’re new to the business world, it’s worth making friends with other entrepreneurs. You will gain valuable insight into what running a business is like.

And you’ll learn how to avoid any potential pitfalls.

Get insurance What would you do if someone sued your business? If you’ve got no insurance, you could end up going bust. Insurance is there to protect you if anyone files a legal claim against your company.

Save When you start a business, you still need to pay your personal bills each month.

Many entrepreneurs run a company alongside a full-time job. But, if that’s not possible, work and save a year’s worth of expenses before making it on your own.

Create a website The Internet is home to around a billion active websites these days. Most of us go online at least once a day to research something. If you want your customers to find you, it’s important you’ve got an online home too.

Promote on social media It doesn’t matter whether you sell to consumers or other businesses. Everyone, even those in business, use social media each day. It’s a brilliant platform for marketing your brand online. Plus, it’s a good way to direct people to your website!

Plan ahead Starting a company is one thing. But, knowing what to do in the future is another.

Part of your business plan should involve a strategy for new products or services.

,

BUSINESS

Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

M

ANY desire to move from being an employee to an entrepreneur, but it’s not something to be done recklessly. It takes months or years of careful planning to be successful. Establish a game plan before finally turning in that twoweek notice. It is appealing to be selfemployed, to “be your own boss”, as it w e r e .

However, the cold reality of s e l f employment can be little or no money, no direction, selfdoubt, and a lot of second guessing.

Taking the time to think about financial preparation, building a team of advisers to guide you along the way, and learning from the past experience

from others can help a new entrepreneur avoid a disastrous result.

Following are some tips on how to successfully transition from employee to entrepreneur: Leave old jobs gracefully At some point along the way, old colleagues and/or managers may

end up crossing your path again in the future. Old work contacts often can be a great source of references or even referrals for new business. Burning bridges can come back to haunt former employees down the road.

You can navigate through the process of resigning from your job with grace and dignity by doing the following: Draft a formal letter

Leadership tips for new managers F

OR many newly appointed managers, holding a leadership position for the first time can be challenging and even unnerving.

The most basic challenge that comes with being a leader for the first time is that one’s success is no longer just tied to one’s own performance. Whether you have one, five, or ten people working for you, your performance as a professional is now shaped and affected by the actions of the people who are working for you.

Then there’s also the challenge of navigating your professional relationships. You will now have subordinates who used to be your contemporaries, some of whom might even be your close friends.

Many new managers acquire their leadership skills as they progress in their career, but there are also a few things that you can keep in mind to help you in your new role.

Be assertive, not aggressive Assertiveness is a key professional skill that everyone

working in a team environment should master. Rank and file employees must know how it works in order to enjoy good working relationship with their peers, while leaders can use it to their advantage to gain the trust and respect of the people working for them.

Assertiveness is a positive approach to communication that empowers you to express your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs without disregarding the desires of other people. It is not akin to being aggressive, which is self-centred and disrespects the thoughts and feelings of those around you. Aggressive bosses rarely praise their colleagues, and they often respond by putting their subordinates down.

Having good interpersonal skills means you are aware of the different ways of communicating and the various types of response that each approach may produce.

Meet your team regularly When you become a new manager, it’s tempting to be self-centred when it comes to work. That’s understandable since you want to prove to the higher management that they made the right decision in promoting you. However, don’t get into

the trap of being overly concerned about your own performance. Instead, also consider your colleagues’ needs, interests, and ideas.

Aside from meeting your entire team regularly, you should also sit down individually with each of your team members. Find out how they are doing, what motivates them, and which tasks they are having difficulty with. Provide both positive and constructive feedback about the work that they do, and never forget to praise them when they do a great job.

Build team relationship As a manager, your subordinates will look to you for answers and will be constantly observing the things you do.

It is important that you pay attention to what others expect of you as well.

Figure out how your current strengths can help you achieve your goals, and find out what you can do in order to address your weaknesses.

Finally, make sure that you are sending the right message all the time.

Let your team know that when it comes to work, you really mean business.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Nothing like Tuta Absoluta in our farm in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau

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Joyce Tarka, Woman Leader, AFAN

I

n this telephone interview, Mrs Joyce Tarka, Woman Leader, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Benue State Chapter; one of states leading the pack in the commercial cultivation of tomatoes, discloses reasons behind the scarcity of the commodity and dispels reports of a widespread pest, Tuta Absoluta, which some claim is presently destroying tomato farms across the country.

By Josephine Agbonkhese

W

hat’s responsible for the ongoing scarcity and

But I assure you that as long as we don’t have storage facilities, or even markets where we can sell our products and not have to throw them away (because nobody wants to farm and throw away), this scarcity may reoccur.

Tomato wastage in Nigeria The wastage in tomatoes is as much as the volumes planted in Nigeria. What we are advocating now is for government to make available storage facilities or even market so that when we plant, we sell them and not run at a loss. But the situation we have here is terrible; you farm and take your tomatoes to the market, and then the people coming to buy from Lagos or wherever wait until evening and then start pricing your produce far lower than its actual value because they know it will surely rot if you do not sell them off quickly. You cannot take tomatoes from your house at a transportation cost of N200 for example and then someone comes to give you N150 for it.

It’s very unfair on local farmers. That’s why most of us are planting less of tomato and going into other crops instead.

Reports came in last week that a pest, Tuta Absoluta, is what is eating up tomato farms across the country.

How true is that?

There’s nothing like that in any of our farms in Benue State. Nasarawa and Plateau too do not have such as far as

INSIDE Tin tomato pastes aren’t the best alternatives Pg 24-25 C M Y K

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

hike in prices of tomatoes?

Naturally, at this time, tomatoes are not many in the market because this is not its harvesting season; except for those doing irrigation farming—which alone cannot serve Benue State. Not to mention other parts of the country where our tomatoes are taken to.

However, the scarcity is remarkable this time because less planting was done in the last planting season; and of course, the mop up of the available tomatoes by tomato paste manufacturing plants which have just opened up in the country.

If our women planted much more, knowing that they will have a market for their products, the scarcity wouldn’t have been this enormous. Before now, you would farm and not even have the market to sell your products. When you visit most of our local governments in the past for example, you’ll see women throwing away their tomatoes at the close of market day. We used to plant a lot of tomatoes. But at the end, because they were neither stored nor preserved, what we usually ran into were wastages. With some of these industries cropping up, we will be encouraged to plant more tomatoes again this planting season.

When tomato becomes luxury

Pg 25

•Mrs Joyce Tarka

I know.

Talking our preservation, but Erisco and Dangote are

The scarcity is remarkable this time because less planting was done in the last planting season; and of course, the mop up of the available tomatoes by tomato paste manufacturing plants which have just opened up in the country.

already into tomato paste manufacturing; although Erisco has his own tomato plantation anyway…

Before their advent, the status quo were those issues highlighted above. Dangote in particular was already helping to buy a lot of our tomatoes.

That was very encouraging. We also hope that when we plant more this season, he will mop up more so that even those doing irrigation farming will be encouraged to do more to ensure everyone also gets affordable fresh tomatoes when needed. Otherwise, planting and having a total waste is not funny at all. We do hope that these wastages will cease as more people like Dangote venture into tomato paste.

But then, we also hope people coming to buy as middle-

— 23

men will give us value for our products as they buy to go and also make money. And I hope government too is looking critically at what is going on because it might spill into other products in the future. We need more factories for food storage and preservation. If we have storage facilities, perishable goods such as tomatoes can be stored until when needed.

Ways government can avert further food shortage Government should consider having a specific budget for women in the agricultural sector because women are the ones who actually farm.

In Benue for example, 90 percent of the farmers are women. If the budget is available and rightly implemented, we can work harder to feed our country.

Also, farm inputs should be critically looked at because when the Ministry of Agriculture sends inputs to states, some of these inputs do not get to people who actually farm as at when due. The problem of machinery is also there. We should be able to have machines that are gender-friendly. Not tractors which will require a lot of strength to operate. There’s an example of a power tiller in Nasarawa which women cannot easily operate.

Meanwhile, there exist machines which women can use effectively. Security is a major problem too right now. Herdsmen are walking through our farms with their cows and destroying all what our people have laboured to do.

Skilling for Change Initiative empowers 16,000 Rwandan women through financial literacy training

By Bartholomew Madukwe

O

ver 2,300 new businesses and 1,500 new jobs have been created in two years by Rwandan women entrepreneurs involved in Skilling for Change, a unique collaboration between the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Accenture and CARE International.

The project launched in 2014 with the aim of supporting 15,000 rural Rwandan women to secure long-term economic independence by providing them with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to turn their micro

enterprises into profitable and sustainable businesses. To date, it has provided financial literacy and investment readiness training to 16,146 women engaged in CARE International’s Village Savings and Loan Associations in the districts of Rulindo and Gicumbi. Through the project, 2,353 women have started new businesses, with over 1,535 new jobs being created Rwanda has one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, and boasts one of the highest levels of financial inclusion

Continues on page 24

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

By Josephine Agbonkhese

A

•Olabisi Oluwatoyin Moradeyo

I now ask clients to buy their ingredients themselves - Outdoor caterer

M

rs Olabisi Oluwatoyin Moradeyo, an outdoor caterer, has devised a means. “I simply ask my clients to buy their ingredients themselves while I just come to do the cooking,” she told Woman’s Own without mincing words.

“I simply don’t know any other way of coping at a time like this. How can one buy tomatoes and pepper worth over N100,000? Will any body holding a party pay for that? The person who cooked with me when I handled a catering job for a children party in a church recently, suggested I should have used dry pepper with a lot of onions and tin tomatoes.

But I refused because if I had done that, it would have reduced the quality of the taste of food,” she further said as she explained that tin tomatoes do not give her cooking same great taste as seed tomatoes.

“So, for now, caterers should ask the people hiring them to cater for their events to buy their own thing. And if you cannot get people to buy their own ingredients, then I think you should leave the catering job for now,” Moradayo advised.

Customers still ask for more stew- Local food vendor The effect on local food vendors who daily require a huge supply of tomatoes is particularly pathetic as they daily have to cope with unrealistic customers.

As a restaurant operator in Lagos puts it, “Even though it’s a general problem, some customers have been very difficult. I try as much as possible to buy and add a bit of fresh tomatoes to my stew which is now essentially dried-pepper based but you still hear them complain. One of them almost fought me last week for not adding to his stew when he C M Y K

asked me to. I wonder for how long this is going to last.

Some customers have even stopped coming due to the peppery stew I now make; they say it’s not good for their health.”

We’re running at a loss daily- Fast-food restaurant operator A group of people who aren’t finding the exorbitant price of the commodity easy at all are fast-food restaurant operators and outdoor caterers.

A group of people who aren’t finding the exorbitant price of the commodity easy at all are fastfood restaurant operators and outdoor caterers Mrs Olayinka Ayanwale who runs a Mr.Biggs’ outlet in Lagos is one of such.

“It’s been a struggle buying tomatoes. The worst of it all is that we cannot increase the price of our food. It’s a big one on us, but we’re just trying to sustain the business even at our own loss. We are actually running at a loss. We also cannot cut down on the measurement of our food because we of course have very stiff competition. Presently, a price change is being considered generally but of course you know it will be difficult, considering the economy. So, we’re being careful about it.

We just earnestly pray this price hike does not last too long,” Ayanwale said.

re tin tomato pastes as healthy as seed tomatoes?

No they are not. You can’t even compare.

In what way? I thought manufacturers simply turn tomatoes into past and pour in cans...

Usually, they fill them with preservatives to prevent molding. The can itself isn’t 100% safe. There are three types of spoilage in food: spoilage within the food itself, spoilage within the food and its container, and then there is spoilage within the food and the environment. That is where the microbial contamination comes in. The cans themselves are usually coated in chemicals and the tin itself is made with aluminium. During transportation and handling, there are possibilities of the tins bending and when it bends, the interior coating will get compromised and the food will react directly with the aluminium or the iron.

Aside the preservatives, some other things are added.

Some companies will add colour to make it darker, some companies might actually add syrup to make it sweeter and more in quantity. Come to think of it, you buy these tomatoes and they are expensive and yet the manufacturer still has to prepare, package and transport. What makes you think they don’t get their own from the handling or something? There are so many factors that come into play here. There is no way you could actually compare with fresh tomato.

As it is now, we seem to have no choice but to settle for tin tomato pastes; but are there better alternative?

Ordinarily, I have never been into tomatoes as such because I use a lot of vegetables for my rice for example. I have so many other ways of preparing my rice or rice with vegetable sauce; you can mix corn flour with cold water, just something to thicken it with.

You add your vegetables (carrots, spring onions, etc.).

These are different ways you could eat without taking stew.

Tin tomato has also been associated with prostate cancer in men. In fact, it(tin tomato) is generally not advisable.

We have them in different brands; is it that none of them are healthy or some may be safe due to the credibility of their manufacturers?

Even those manufactured abroad by big Western countries may not actually be healthier because the farmers there usually use genetically modified products and there are of course hormones that they could use on the tomatoes to prevent spoilage.

So, instead of putting chemicals to preserve, they would have already used the hormones to cultivate the tomatoes.

It depends on what you call healthier. They may end up not using preservatives but such products would have been treated seriously. Any natural tomato cannot sit on a cupboard for more than three days but genetically modified tomatoes can sit for two weeks and even more.

These are things we have to look at if it is coming from West: is it real tomatoes or is it genetically modified?

And even if it is coming from the west, is it not still the same aluminium-coated packet or tin that they are still using to package it? And being acidic, there is the possibility of leaking into the tomato because the tomato is highly acidic on its own and aluminium is a heavy metal.

The fact that it undergoes a longer handling process also increases the chances of compromising the produce. As a food scientist, I tell you categorically, most packaged foods are made to last on shelf either by modification of the food product or by packaging and these are the major causes of contamination in food.

How do we preserve our tomatoes so we don’t run into problems as we have now because people are already clamouring for more tomato paste factories in the country?

Of course, that’s because they feel they don’t have other choices. But then, for you to have a tomato that will last you, you could buy real tomatoes, boil and evaporate the water, put in

Continued from page 23 in east Africa. But there are still significant gender gaps in economic activity.

Research shows that in 2014, 28% of women had access to a bank account, compared to 38% of men – a gap of 10 percentage points. In 2015, this gap had increased to 15 percentage points, with 31% of women having access to a bank account, compared to 46% of men(1).

As the country’s economic development progresses, it is crucial that women are able to access the opportunities afforded by such growth.

Skilling for Change aims to address

Tin tom the bes —Ijeoma

Tin tomato pastes have p more affordable alternativ luxury. But in this interview food scientist, Mrs Ijeoma healthy, and suggests othe scarcity.

I would rather go for d than tin tomato paste. environment and hand just a few factors with of tomatoes but with go I think to an extent, m bacteria get eliminated than 150 degree centig

a container, pour a stream of oil put in your freezer. That tomato c If there is no light, drying could option. Water is not the only sou tomatoes. There are vitamins tha ble and there are vitamins that are if the water dries off, you are st percentage of water soluble vitami go for dry tomatoes than tin toma vironment and handling are just sun-drying of tomatoes but with think to an extent, most bacteria more than 150 degree centigrade What is your advice to Niger when we are all trying to cope w of tomato?

I wouldn’t advise a family tha keep feeding them tin tomatoes not healthy. You could explore oth is scent leave and fresh palm nu you could make of that. It’s as hea You could also steam your norma it up with a lot of crayfish and oni eat your rice with it. You mustn’ matoes. If it is not available, there er options.

Skilling for Change I the gender gap in economic activity and puts a special focus on empowering women to access financial services.

Skilling for Change has linked 3,530 women to formal financial services, over 1,145 of whom have accessed a loan. The project has also collaborated with the Kenya Commercial Bank in Rwanda to roll out a range of products to enable women to access savings and loans via mobile phones. A number of women have also been trained to become mobile banking agents, so that they

can proc in their l Cherie Foundat British participa meeting entrepre Africa’s Foundat Rwanda

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 —25

mato pastes aren’t st alternatives Ugwu, food scientist

When tomato becomes luxury

predominantly become a much ve since seed tomatoes became w, nutritionist/Belgium-trained a Ugwu, says they aren’t exactly er ways of coping amid tomato

dry tomatoes The dling are sun-drying ood boiling, most d at more grade.

By Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

I

t is incredible how tomato, an essential in most Nigerian delicacies, has become quite a luxury—even more expensive than Premium Motor Spirits (popularly known as). With N145, what you get is about three small-sized pieces of tomatoes as each now sells for N50.

l on top of it, and could last for long. be the only other urce of nutrient in at are water solue fat soluble. Even ill left with some ins. I would rather ato paste. The ena few factors with h good boiling, I get eliminated at e. rians at this time with hike in price

The place of tomato in Nigeria From stew to soup, jollof rice and even salad, majority of delicacies in Nigeria are tomato-based. This is no surprise as the nation ranks second largest in the production of the commodity in Africa and 13th in the world. It is also however ironically reputed for massive wastage of over 50 percent of this output each year due to lack of storage and unavailable market.

Hence, with as little as N200 worth of tomatoes, the average Nigerian gets a load of tomato-based delicacy without stress, and only has to worry about rice, garri or yam to feed the family. But all that have changed drastically—and devastatingly too, since mid April.

at has children to all the time. It is her options. There ts; there is a stew althy as anything. al green and spice ion and you could t scramble for toe are so many oth-

Price hike As at the time of this report, a basket of tomato which sold for N6,000 now sells for N45,000. With N200 therefore, what you get is a paltry four small-sized pieces of tomatoes.

Of course the effect on restaurant owners, grocers, households and other consumers can only be left imagined. It is as well interesting as even those who claimed to be obsessed with the unique taste of fresh tomatoes and would have nothing to do with tin tomato pastes have also learned, within a very short while, creative ways of substituting the commodity. Indeed, life must move on, like we say.

•Ijeoma Ugwu

Initiative empowers...

cess financial transactions for others local communities. e Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair tion for Women and wife of former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is ating in the World Economic Forum g in Kigali. She said, “Women eneurs have the potential to shape economic future. The success of my tion’s Skilling for Change project in a has shown that when women are

given the skills and tools they need to flourish, entire communities and economies benefit. Unlocking the full potential of women entrepreneurs is crucial to driving growth across Africa, and, indeed, the world.”

Laurie Lee, CEO of CARE International, said, “Putting women at the centre of development efforts is a catalyst for fighting poverty. When women are empowered to make and control their own money, the impact on their own lives and the lives of their families can be nothing short of life-changing.”

Eating Tomatoes daily helps combat/improve the following •Diabetes •Constipation •Eye health •Pregnancy •Depression •Cancer •Prostate Cancer •Colorectal Cancer •Blood pressure •Heart health

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

C M Y K

26— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

How to grow tomato in your own backyard Select your soil Make sure the soil in your backyard is the one that will encourage growth. A sunny well-drained part of your garden is the best soil for tomatoes.

Prepare your land Start preparing your land by weeding the grasses and making soil bed. Use organic fertilizer to work the land with it. Provide good water supply system and water the land for some days. Make sure the PH level is around 6.0 to 6.8.

Acquire and plant your tomato The tomato seed comes in a sealed sachet with all the instruction on it. If you don’t understand anything, you can ask an expert. Normally you can get the seedling in any of the ministries of agriculture closer to you and you’ll get the expert support there.

Acquire knowledge You’ll need some knowledge about the farming methods.

Sometimes you’ll need to hear it from those who are in the field doing it. Search and read also from the internet, anything you can get your hands on related to tomatoes.

Growing your tomato farm The length of time between tomato seed germination and harvest varies with the type being grown. But the average is between 65-90 days. Before

reaching the harvest time, it’s important to note the following in other to attain maximum growth. * Make sure tomatoes are planted where they’ll get at least 10 hours of light preferably in the summer.

Leave space between tomatoes for air to freely circulate.

* Try rotating a little the tomato bed to prevent the risk of soil burn diseases like bacterial and early bright. * Water deeply on the soil not on the leaves. Do this every 5-7 days. * Remove non-fruit branches.

This directs the tomato plants energy into growing bigger and

better. * Plant your tomato at intervals. This will ensure that not all of your harvest will come at once.

Controlling your production One major problem having an open tomato farm is it can be affected by the weather. Hence, the need to control your

production and one way of doing it is by building a greenhouse. A greenhouse is a building where plants are grown; it enables you have crops at the time of the year when they can’t be grown. It comes in different sizes from small to a large sized building.

Source: Sandalili.com

Samuel Ajayi Crowther School wins MasterMind Quiz, …Awards scholarship to best school

By Anino Aganbi The Star Rising NGO, in partnership with Zenith Bank, among others, made Children’s Day a memorable one for children from different government schools in Lagos.

The Master Mind Quiz Competition was held to test the capabilities of Secondary School children in public schools, thereby encouraging them to work harder at their studies.

The Master Mind is an initiative of Mrs Kay Ovia, wife of the Zenith Bank Managing Director. In addition to the Quiz, the Star Rising also organises a musical talent hunt competition, with the same name, The star rising Mastermind Education Initiative held its second annual competition where different schools in Lagos came together during the C M Y K

event to show true test of knowledge, making each student realize that there were no winners or losers at the event. 15 public Secondary schools within Lagos participated in the competition. Rola secondary school came second, while Stadium College was third. Participants from Ajayi Crowther Mermorial College were given N150,000, while the school got 50,000.They also won scholarship up to any University of their choice within Nigeria. Second runner ups, were given 120,000 with lots of goodies, while third runner- up got N100,000 and lots of goodies.

The competition was held to test the capabilities of these children thereby encouraging them to work harder at their studies.

Speaking at the event, Mrs

Abi Ayoku stated that “Mrs Kay Ovia has always had so much interest in children’s welfare, education and other aspects. Two years ago, she came up with the Star Rising Mastermind Initiative. Starrising looks into the talents that children have while Master mind looks into the Academics. Basically, we reach out to students, teachers and institution to make them realize that this is really a genuine cause. Money is not taken from either students or teachers of these schools. The Master mind education initiative is purely a free event.

The students win scholarships from the Jim Ovia foundation on merits based on their performance.

Mrs Kachi Onyeagwu further disclosed that “Our focus is in picking children from government schools cut across Lagos.

We want to really give the op-

DEBATE: From left: Mrs Abi Ayoku; Mr Adebola Olowu, Illrymz, a popular Nigerian artist; Mrs Kachi Onyeagwu; Mrs Ngozi Eze and Mrs Puwam Dani, GM, IQR Ltd during the 2016 Star Rising Mastermind Education Initiative debate for secondary schools students in Lagos State. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele. portunity to those who do not have. That’s the reason behind why we picked government schools. For now, master mind is restricted to just within Lagos and we are going round the six geographical zones”.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Ngozi Eze stated that “The role of the government in this is their approval and to give us a go ahead. Because they are under age, we always need permission from the government and we cannot do

anything without that. They granted us that permission and went ahead to invite the school districts to attend”.

Mrs Puwam Dani said that “The founder ’s mission is to eventually build a centre.

Hopefully we will get enough sponsors. Over the years, we had centre’s for the winners of all these events we are having.

They have tutors and facilities for them to come on board so that’s what we really want to do for them”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 — 27

,

& YOU of resignation to articulate your thoughts in a clear and polite manner. Be ready for a face-toface discussion to expand on your reasons for leaving in person. Be ready for a potential counteroffer.

Many times, an employer might react to a letter of resignation by offering a raise in hopes of getting the employee to stay. Think about that possibility and decide if there are incentives or a specific amount of monetary compensation that would change your mind about leaving. Be involved in succession planning.

Consider that aside from your need to make plans for the future,

Old work contacts often can be a great source of references or even referrals for new business

your employer will also need to find a replacement.

A willingness to help facilitate that transition for your employer will earn a lot of goodwill that can pay dividends down the road.

Financial preparation With entrepreneurship, there’s no such thing as a steady pay check. Some months there is too much work and other months there’s not enough. That is why eliminating debt and having a savings cushion is essential before resigning from a full-time position.

One prominent author and small business consultant urges clients to make paying off all debts and car loans their first goal. That frees up the budding entrepreneur to save a year’s worth of living expenses before becoming his or her own boss.

Because banks rarely lend money to new businesses without a track record, people with a goal of self-employment may have to turn to resources such as crowd sourcing in addition to tapping their own savings account.

Keeping expenses to a minimum is essential and will

take some creative thinking, such as bartering for professional services rather than paying for them.

Don’t go it alone Working with a coach or consultant can help budding entrepreneurs set goals and be accountable to someone else for meeting them. It’s also a good idea to spend time with people who have already made the successful transition from traditional employment to working for themselves.

Asking plenty of questions and observing them in their business helps the still-employed person develop a realistic sense of what to expect after parting ways with his or her employer.

Some people have a burning passion to become a freelancer, but are unsure of exactly what they want to pursue. This is something a coach or consultant can help them to clarify.

On the job New entrepreneurs make a lot of mistakes early on that can cost them money and business. These tips can help the newly selfemployed reduce the learning curve when starting a new company or consulting firm: Devote time each week to making connections and networking.

Free public resources Industry meet-ups, social media, and word-of-mouth are some simple and effective ways to find new business. Don’t forget to follow-up with connections shortly after meeting to determine the next steps.

Regardless of the industry, selfemployed people must provide all of their own equipment. This can be costly at first, so consider using free public resources, joining a warehouse buying club, or becoming part of a co-working space where certain tools are available to all members for a monthly fee. Communicate with clients frequently and professionally.

If the project is taking longer than expected to complete, clients need to know this as soon as possible. Answer every inquiry in a polite manner, even if it seems redundant. Professionalism goes a long way in landing the next job.

Research industry pricing and ask others in the same professional circle how they quote and bill before doing so for the first time.

Self-employment is not without its challenges, but the rewards of controlling their time, choosing which projects to work, and eventually earning more money makes it worthwhile for most entrepreneurs. *Culled from Secrets of Entrepreneurship

It is possible to think you have treated a customer well and that same customer is not thinking so

,

Ho w is cust omer ser vice contributing tto o How customer service your organisation's growth?

“Revolve your world around the customer and more customers will revolve around you”... Heather Williams

I

NTERESTINGLY, there is one service growth driver available to every rendered: organisation but has not been fully Sir or Ma, utilised. This growth driver is within with this the organisation’s control but service I surprisingly, some organisations are h a v e still focusing more on the things rendered to outside their control. you, would BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE Rendering superior “Customer you be able Service” is something that is within to bring every organisation’s control, but how your friends many organisations are seen to be or relatives to patronise us? A yes answer rendering so much in this area? How means you have done very well, while a no many can be used as a reference point? answer (or not yet) means you still have more The reality today is that Customer work to do. Serving the customers in a way Service has contributed less to that will create an unforgettable experience organisations that have not set quality for them is a choice that all employees MUST customer-service standards and have to make. Let’s paint a picture on our expectations that are specific and minds. We all hold parties when it is measurable to each department. necessary. During the party, the Simply ask about ten CEOs host has just one thing in mind, Any and their employees how and that is to ensure that all the customer oriented their organisation invited guests are well taken care organisations are, and you of. What the host has done is to that opens will be amazed at their “focus on the outcome”. You might glowing answers. They will its door for ask: does holding a party has any always answer in the correlation with running an business is affirmative. organisation?

Why then do we have holding a The answer is yes. Both cannot customer service failures in do without guest (people or party and various organisations? What customers). Any organisation that most organisations have not requires opens its door for business is realised is that, they are not holding a party and requires guests to meant to be the judge on how guests to attend (requires well or exceptional they attend customers to patronise). The way customers have being treated out to resolving customer service or served. They are not to set failure is to begin to see our customers as questions for themselves to answer. invited guests to a party in which we are The customers will have to decide who the hosts. It’s our job to make their stay all is serving them well or not. In order through the party very comfortable. It is words, exceptional customer service also every employee’s job to make every should be viewed from the angle of the important aspect of the customer customer and not the organisation. experience a little bit better.

Final Note: Services and Organisations exist to deliver customer products value. Serving the customers is not only the job of “Customer Service Officers”. It It is possible to think that you have is the job of all staff members. I like the treated a customer well and that same words of George Patton, “always do more customer is not thinking so. Your services than is required of you”. For your and products should be tied to the organisation to be customer focused, every needs of the customer. employee would have to aim at doing more Training: In the last decade, than is required of him/her. organisations have made huge Giving the customer just what he wants investments training their employees on may not yield more results for your customer service. Personally, I think organisation in the long run because training on customer service has everybody is doing that. Going the extra surpassed other areas, and that means mile to serve him/her is not done by that most leaders of organisations know everybody, so when you do - you are likely the benefits of treating the customers to capture their minds and hearts. well.

In closing, I would say, do all you can to Truth be told, treating customers aright keep your customers happy, because, if you is not only for leaders or senior don’t take care of them, someone else will management in organisations but for all definitely do. And always remember that employees – on payroll. Every employee one of your roles in this present economic must be an advocate of an exceptional situation as a leader is to ensure that customer service. Like Walt Disney said, customer service contributes immensely to “Do what you do so well that they will your organisation’s growth. want to see it again and bring their friends”. Let this question be on the Email: uju.onwuzulike@mclgroup.net lips of every employee at any given Mobile: 09091142093

C M Y K

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

By Dayo Adesulu, Tare Youdeowei & Elizabeth Uwandu

T

WO years after the launch of new educational curriculum by the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council, NERDC, the policy is yet to be implemented as a result of issues raised by some schools visited by Vanguard Learning.

The issues include the inability of the new curriculum to meet with admission requirements of higher institutions; misplacement of courses of the departments; lack of teachers to handle the introduced courses such as Marketing, Physical & Health Education, Vocational Skills etc. Above all, the lack of awareness creation by the Ministry of Education, makes matter worse.

Speaking on the new curriculum, Principal, Oloye Comprehensive High School, Mr Rafiu Ajadi Agboola, said the new curriculum was not feasible because of its inability to meet the admission requirements into colleges of education and universities.

He added that the misplacement of subjects to be offered by the different departments, namely: Arts and Humanities; Sciences; Commercial and the recently created one called New Technology Studies, are issues yet to be addressed.

His words: “The policy came only to schools where it will be implemented, while the output of the schools where it will be used are not carried along.

“For example, we are asked to teach some subjects in the curriculum that are not recognised in higher institutions.

Such subjects include, Civic Education and Vocational subjects. These don’t have any place in admission requirements into any of our colleges or universities."

Misplacement of courses

Speaking on the misplacement of courses, Agboola explained that Geography is now placed as one of the core subjects of Arts or Humanities. "What is Geography doing in the Arts?" He asked.

Also, Commercial students are no longer asked to study Economics, which formed the basis of Commercial studies.

The principal lamented that in the new curriculum, Economics is placed under Arts and Geography placed under Arts adding: "The courses misplaced have no relevance with the courses they eventually placed.”

According to him, if schools were to follow the new curriculum, students would not gain admission into higher institutions. ”The year 2014 would have been the first year of the implementation of the curriculum. If we had followed the curriculum, our students may not have C M Y K

WORKSHOP: AAUA VC, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun (middle, in white suit), with other Principal Officers, Professors and Administrative Officers of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko after day-one of the seven-day training workshop for administrative staff of the institution.

BASIC 9 CURRICULUM:

Implementation in disarray; teachers, learners confused gained admission," he said.

Way forward

On the way forward, he called for harmonization of the curriculum to be in tandem with universities’ admission requirements.

He said: “ I will suggest the harmonization of the curriculum. We are not saying that the curriculum is not good, but the placement should cut across board. If these new courses are included in admission requirements for colleges of education, polytechnics and universities, I will find no problem with it. But, they are not included.“

CRK, IRK merger

The principal, who also spoke on merging of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) and Islamic Religious Knowledge(IRK), said there is no controversy on the merger; only lack of publicity by the authorities which led to lack of understanding on the part of schools and other stakeholders.

His words: “There is no controversy and the merger has nothing to do with one’s religion because if you are a Muslim, you take only IRK and vice versa. The only issue is that the questions are merged – IRK and CRK. So if you are to take hundred questions, you will have 110 questions set for Islamic studies and Christian religious studies. That means, you will leave 10 undone.

Lack of publicity

“Lack of publicity on the part of the Ministry of Education made matters worse as information did not get to the grassroot level. It is only information seekers that got it. My school got to know about the new di-

rective after two seminars have taken place in Lagos.

"Meanwhile, the directive was all over the country and Kwara State has started its implementation before we heard of it. “ Contributing, Dr. Shina Akintolure, Proprietor, Stokhan Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools, Isashi, Lagos said: “NERDC has muddled up the whole curriculum thereby leaving the teachers and learners confused.”

Muddled up curriculum

According to him, they brought Civic Education and made it compulsory for all students. He explained that from the course content, it is not relevant to any student who is science-oriented in senior secondary.

He pointed out that the topics in Civic Education are very much related to topics in Government and Social Studies.

"The child that studied Moral Instruction in primary school, learned Social Studies in JSS1, 2 and 3, is expected to already know what the moral values are,

NERDC has muddled up the whole curriculum thereby leaving the teachers and learners confused because of the way they merged so many subjects together

why bother such a child with Civic Education in Senior Secondary School? Let the student face science subjects squarely.

For those in Art, I see Civic Education as duplication because some of them offer Government while others offer History.

“Civic Education is welcome in the curriculum but it shouldn’t be compulsory subject. It should be an elective subject. Now it is compulsory at the senior secondary level, they must do Civic Education, Data Processing, Crafts. It has narrowed down the core subjects that the students are to do.

It has muddled up the curriculum and it is not bringing the best out of the teacher, neither is it bringing the best out of the student.”

The Proprietress, Living Kiddies Joy Private Schools, Ikorodu, Mrs Dorathy Agada, said her school had started implementing the new Basic 9 curriculum.

No textbooks for some subjects

She, however, noted that some special subjects like Managing Complexity and Adaptability are not available in textbooks, hence it becomes difficult to teach students.

"What we do in our school is to search ‘Adaptability and Managing Complexity on Google and use our discretion to teach the students, since there is no recommended textbooks for such subjects in the bookshops.

On his part, the Principal, Tonia International College, Mr Francis Akintayo Alayo, who agreed that the new curriculum introduced ought to be followed by schools, however, said its implementation demands compromise on the parts of schools

handing the policy.

He posited that getting able hands as teachers to handle the courses might be a problem to its full implementation by schools.

His words: “Schools are bound to implement it, however, our children whose eyes are on gaining admission into higher institutions don’t know anything about the curriculum. All they know is taking the subjects that will lead them into higher institutions.

Speaking on the challenges faced by his school, Alayo disclosed that before arriving at a compromise on the new policy, especially in the areas of new subjects, teachers of our school were compelled to undergo retraining and surf the internet on the courses.

In addition, he said the school had to employ new teachers to handle some courses.

For Mr. Mark Okoh, Principal of Caro Favoured Schools, Awodiora, Lagos; “There is barely any difference between the old curriculum and the new one, thus there is no challenge implementing it. There is no new thing in the curriculum, it is just like putting maggi and salt in the same container, they are both seasoning. The education formulators are just jumping from one place to another, trial and error to see which would work best. The curriculum has a lot of lapses because the policy formulators don’t carry teachers in the system along. They do it and push it to us, we wrack our brains, and we do a lot of things to ensure that the subjects are equitably interpreted and implemented, even if it is wrongly planned. We make it suit us and the students.

Most times, these things are given to us raw.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—29

Global standard in education achievable through necessary tools – AKONI Mr. Akinfela Akoni is thePresident Alumni association of Oxford University and Cambridge University in Nigeria. A non profit organization established to foster good relations between Alumni, the Universities and the Nigerian people. In this interview, he spoke about alumni club as it relates to education. have been promoting good

By Tare Youdeowei education values of both hat are the objectives of universities. We are also involved in community projects and this the club?

The Oxford and year, we are supporting the Cambridge Club of Nigeria is a campaign to bring awareness to non-profit and non-political Internally Displaced Persons organisation. The objectives are (IDPs). to provide a forum for individuals How much have you been able who are alumni of the University of Oxford or the University of to achieve the objectives of the Cambridge, each in the United club in Nigeria?

I think we have been able to Kingdom, to interact and to achieve the club’s objectives in promote social unity among alumni of these two institutions Nigeria. We have a healthy residing in Nigeria. Aside this, membership comprising of almost we also sponsor lectures, talks or 300 active members (which is seminars and organise other growing), we are staging world projects consistent with the class events particularly our spring objectives or otherwise calculated lecture series and non-Nigerians to assist or enhance the education travelling to reside in Nigeria use of any person in or from Nigeria. the club as a first point of call. We The club also arrange for the are also connected to the global holding of an Oxford and alumni association networks of Cambridge celebration in the form both universities. We are much in of a May Ball and other social touch with the global network of gatherings on such other Oxford and universities. If you go occasions as the executive to the websites for instance, and committee shall deem desirable; you wanted to visit Nigeria as an and provide facilities whereby alumnus, you will easily be members may co-operate in directed to our club if you are there. professional, intellectual or So, we are very well connected. cultural activities. We do promote You will get invited to Oxford and community based activities for the Cambridge to participate in global development of Nigerians and alumni meetings, which normally hold in September of every year.

Nigeria.

W From right, 1st runner-up in Quiz category, Ummi Shuaibu of Child's Fountain Schools, Egbeda; 2nd runner-up, Sareed Olayiwola of Soundhope Schools, Baruwa, Ipaja; Adewolu Odekunle of Cway Nutri Milk; winner, Blessing Ijeoma of Enefem Schools, Ayobo;Tayo Adeyemo, Coordinator, Alimosho Children's Day Carnival, at Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

E-learning in schools'll reduce mass failure, says expert

By Dayo Adesulu

A

n educational technology/ solution and affiliate service firm, Teslys Integrated Concept Limited, has explained how electronic learning solutions would improve students’ overall performance and reduce repeated cases of mass failure in public examinations.

The principal official of the company, Moshood Olaide Adetela, said teaching in both public and private schools in the country could be improved by integrating technology in the learning process. According to him, these new technologies would create a new learning experience for students, improve concentration and participation, as well as produce higher performance in assessment.

Adetela said the presence of these technologies has made teaching much easier for teachers and enabled them to become more creative lesson delivery.

According to him, with increased interaction of students in the feedback mechanism of everyday lesson, through questions and answers that are built on 100% class participation, no students is left behind in class activities.

“Educators are able to gauge the impact of understanding amongst students for every lesson delivered ,thereby encouraging a repeat of lessons that do not meet the critical mark that is set by each school,” he said.

He added that these innovative educational products would be displayed at this year’s edition of Total School Support Seminar & Exhibition (TOSSE) slated for June 2, 3 at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos.

The eighth edition of the exhibition, which would dwell on the theme, Creating Successful Partnerships in Education, would expose many schools in Lagos and Ogun states to new technologies provided by educational support firms.

Some of these services include: full Multimedia ICT Resource Centre ,Multimedia Classroom, Upgraded 3D Science Labs, Legal Educational Research as well as Company/Enterprise Registration and Search, VSAT/Wireless and CUG, IP PBX, Schools/ Educational Feasibility studies, Admin Solution/Software, Classroom Management Solution, Review of Systems and Processes for Better efficiency, Corporate governance compliance review in the Educational Sectors, Educational Exhibition, Tablets/Laptops for Teachers and Students, Integration into the Telsys portal to gain access to Premium Educational Contents, Full Maintenance Support, Preparation of School/Staff Manual or Handbook, Training and Re-training Teachers and ICT Administrators The Principal Partner, Edumark, Yinka Ogunde, who organise the

annual Total School Support Seminar and Exhibition, said the programme started eight years ago with a keen desire to support educational institutions and provide an opportunity for exhibitors to access innovative products and services. She said this year ’s edition has been designed to bring together not only school owners and suppliers, but also, parents, students and government bodies and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Adetela said 12 schools have already deployed the Telsys smart school advantage programme, with several others indicating interest to key into the new learning platform. However, he noted that the smart school platform is not for all schools, as schools must meet critical infrastructure before the deployment of the electronic solution.

“Telsys has equally developed valuable competencies across the open source educational support solution spectrum, through which its e-learning delivery process is anchored on to provide schools with the necessary skills for their teachers to become competent in tele-education delivery process. " The objective is to bridge the gap between educational outputs and the labour market demands through appropriate and relevant technological support with effective schools management tools”, he added

GOtv introduces Education channel, Discovery Family

G

OTV has introduced Discovery Family, a channel which aimed at inspiring learning and sparks curiosity in young minds.

The Public Relations Manager, Efe Obiomah said the new channel was introduced in commemoration of Children’s Day and the Day of the African Child slated for 16 June.

He said that GOtv ’s programming is available in seven genres: children, documentary, news and current affairs, music, general entertainment, sport and

C M Y K

religion.

According to him, GOtv which offers Disney Junior, JimJam and Nickelodeon, also targets children with educative content. He said: “Our children’s channels enable our younger viewers laugh and learn. Furthermore, because we live in a fast-paced and technologically advanced world, we also encourage GOkids to tune to our documentary channels to arouse their interest in science.”

While explaining the its benefits to students, Obiomah

explained that the Discovery Family’s Kids vs Film gives children the chance to research, write, direct, edit and possibly star in their own educational documentary. ‘’On Sunday 26 June at 8:00pm local time, GOtv subscribers can tune to Discovery Family to watch the premiere of Telescope, a oneoff documentary that explores the history of the telescope from Galileo to Newton to Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), currently under construction.

How has the club impacted members over the years?

The Club has impacted members positively over the years through its May Ball (always held in June), business forums, Oxford debates and the spring lectures.

The spring lecture, which is the flagship event for intellectual thought leadership, attracting leaders from the business, political and academic cadres to its events, has featured Nigerian leaders, globally-renowned speakers including British politicians, such asLord Owen and Baroness Amos, and H.E. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The 2016 Spring lecture is scheduled to hold on May 30, 2016 at NIIA, Victoria Island and the Guest Speaker is Ms Diane Abbott MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development (UK). Ms Abbott is the first black female politician in the UK and is one of the most recognisable and respected politicians in Britain.

She will bring to bear her wealth of experience in education, policy and governance to lecture on: ‘Education: Reach for The Stars, Ensuring Access for All’. We believe that having the calibre of Ms Abbot MP will further enhance the developmental values that the club is trying to introduce to Nigeria.

Till date, w e Mr. Akinfela Akoni

Cambridge University, recently held the re-launch of its press in Nigeria, what impact will it have on the Nigerian market and quality of education in Nigeria?

To achieve global standard in quality education, we must have the tools and if we have the best that can produce the books, we can make it accessible to students to learn. I am delighted that Cambridge university press has seen it fit to re-enter the Nigerian market, it is not just economic interest but huge developmental interest. Interestingly when the Cambridge university press was trying to enter the Nigerian market, they contacted our club so we also had some inputs; they were to make to enter into the Nigerian market. Children will have access to books, and materials, they will be encouraged to read and that will lead to better quality education generally and of course Cambridge university press will also be working with bodies that develops curriculum to make sure that there is relevance in the books being introduced into the market.

What is the way forward for the club in Nigeria?

The way forward for the club is to continue to build a reputation for intellectual thought leadership, attracting leaders from the business, diplomatic and academic cadres to its events.

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 — 31

TREATMENT FAILURE: Experts worry over chaotic drug distribution

By Chioma Obinna

D

RUG experts have described the current drug distribution in the country as an embarrassment that has continued to promote treatment failures and drug resistance.

The Chief Executive, Hesstee Pharmacy, Dr. Adesoji Adegbite the chaotic drug distribution in Nigeria has continued to fuel treatment failure, drug resistant, mortality and morbidity.

For Adegbite who has been a pharmacist for many years, chaotic distribution has become a monster that has bedevilled professionals who becomes a loser in all areas.

“Drug is not sweet. It is a poison. You cannot play with it. It has to be regulated.

A tiny drug can kill or maim if not used properly,” he said.

Giving his keynote address during the maiden edition of Wholesalers Summit organised by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch in collaboration with Philips Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria Limited, he maintained that the system has made every player in the chain including the patients a loser whereas they all supposed to gain.

“In every layer of distribution in Nigeria, the rules have not been followed. A manufacturer is ready to under play other players within the channel and at the end of the day everybody becomes a loser. He stressed

the need for all hands to be on deck to save the country from the embarrassment. “There is need for us to have a change of mindset and play according to the rule.

Encouraging pharmacists to embrace the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, NDDG, he said: “A new concept has come up in which manufacturers are to sell to wholesalers and not to retailers. When professionals play by the rules, the country will have reduced treatment failures and fake drugs will be eradicated.

Improved healthcare breaks chain of infections — NMA

By Nkiruka Nnorom

P

ARTICIPANTS at the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, annual national medical conference have called for improved healthcare delivery service, saying that it is panacea for breaking the chains of infection in the country.

The 56th NMA Annual conference was organized in conjunction with Dettol from the stable of RB (Reckitt Benckiser).

Nigeria losses about N455 billion annually which is about 1.3 per cent of

COMMISSIONING: From left-Mr Edem Vindah, Corporate Media Brand PR Manager, NB PLc ; Mrs Bolanle Adewole , Director, TLP; Mrs Abosede Adelaja Board Secretary SUBEB Lagos and Mr. Kufre Ekanem Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB PLc, during the launch of the Occupational Therapy Room for Children at Maryland Nursery Primary School Maryland Lagos. Photo By Diran Oshe.

her GDP due to poor hygiene practices, this productivity loss is majorly from the household and affects the living standard of the people. Poor hygiene conditions gives room for infections which results in sickness and diseases leading to valuable loss of productive time and other resources.

Infections are easily transmitted through contact with infected persons or surfaces, and if not properly checked can lead to disease outbreak. Therefore, the chain of infection should be broken with reliable antiseptic liquid as early as possible to ensure that families and loved ones are protected from germs that cause a number of illnesses.

In her presentation at the conference titled: ‘Breaking the Chain of Infection’ Dr. R. Oladele a Clinical Microbiologist, at the LUTH, stated that in order to achieve an infection free country, the promotion of personal hygiene practices such as regular hand washing could not be over-emphasized.

She added that regular disinfection of topical and environmental surfaces with antiseptics and disinfectants is an effective approach and also advocated cleaning and decontaminating all equipment after use.

“Dettol, which is a leading antiseptic liquid and proven to be 10X better than other antiseptic liquid in the market, is useful in breaking the chain of infection when regularly used at home, offices, schools and hospitals.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

P

LEASE I have small balls that go between my thighs and it is uncomfortable when I am walking – Tunji Tunji avoid tight underwear. Boxer shorts are best. They are roomier and more comfortable and will enable you walk around with ease and comfort – Uche Each time I am having intercourse and I climax, I feel so weak that I just want to sleep afterwards. It makes me feel incapable and like a weakling because my wife wants more and is not tired herself - Austin Austin among other things, sex is a sedative. That is why we feel tired and a bit sleepy immediately after ejaculating.

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Supplements like Libimax Plus can help make your erections better than ever and also help you regain firm erections within minutes of ejaculation instead of the two hours it currently takes you – Uche Please I need recommendation on lubricating gels that

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32 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: EARLY morning blues will affect many people today (yourself inclusive) but luckily for you, things will go according to your plans. And you will need to be more careful with money.

LEO: THE moon fluctuates early in the morning. And if care is not taken you would promise more than you can actually deliver to the resentment of others. Yet, you’ll win.

VIRGO: BEHIND-the-scene-activities are sources of avoidable trouble especially before mid-morning period when influence of the moon’s fluctuation will last. Avoid inordinate ambition.

LIBRA: IT’S important you don’t allow your thought for and/or about the future derail your plans for the present so that success will not elude you. Romantic attractions along your career/business lines may become stronger sooner than you think.

SCORPIO: EARLY morning blues will affect many people around you meaning that not everybody-morning period especially along your career/business lines.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Want to live in peace with your enemy?

T

HE holy writ says if our ways pleases the Lord, he will make our enemies to live in peace with us.I want to ask you a question:Are you living in peace and har-

mony with your neighbour?If you are not,then it is time for you to examine your relationship with your creator.If

TERROR MUDA

your relationship with your creator is smooth,there is no way your relationship with your neighbour won’t

in “Never say goodbye”

benefit from it.You cannot be antagonistic towards your neighbour and expect your creator to be happy with you.Relate well with your creator and your enemies will be at peace with you.

Think about it!

By Kola Fayemi

SAGITTARIUS: MAKE sure you perfectly understand what you are doing within your working arena before midmorning period or else costly mistakes would be made. Be tolerant.

CAPRICORN: TOMORROW is your day. Therefore you are advised to leave some important decisions and/or action till tomorrow when the heaven will smile at you. Your love life is favoured.

AQUARIUS: You better don’t contemplate procrastination as you are likely to be stretched full lenght tomorrow. Watch with you tell others early in the morning.

PISCES: AS the moon fluctuates early in the morning some people may promise more than they can actually deliver.

And if you take them for granted, you would be disappointed.

ARIES: CERTAINLY some people will get on your nerves yet you must not over-react at least because of the immediate future. Truly thus is the wrong time to gamble with love.

TAURUS: THE moon fluctuates early this morning. That is why you will need to guard against confusion likely to be caused by others.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI: Placement of the Moon at difficult angle is capable of bringing unnecessary argument and avoidable confusion. To before warned is to be fore armed.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What should I expect?

Dear Joshua, KINDLY analyze my star and tell me about myself especially my luck. I want to know about my love life, social life and how to become successful in life.

I have seen people who are close to me became big success without much struggle from them. Would my own be like them too?

Festus, Abuja.

Dear Festus, You are different to those you said came by success: in your own case you will need to work hard and earn success. It is important you watch and take practical precaution about inability to hold on to your gains for long. Some times unexpected assistance use to come your way at 11th hour.

Your being friendly with the influential personalities especially WOMEN will help your finance greatly speculative (and) venture is not the best for you.

Your magnetic personality makes it difficult for menubers of your opposite sex to the betterment of your love life.

Luckily for you, you know how not to allow your rogged/rigid personality to harm your love life; you are a sweet lover, although can be argumentative some times. Love happiness indicated for you.

If you can analyse both your environment and social situation, you will have more to gain from social activities more than it’s attendant pressure. You will need to drop unnecessary rebelious approach when dealing with your social life; although what looks like radical approach can earn you a few number of friends who may not be in position to assist you.

Many people love your genttle approach and will be willing to assist you especially the more influential personalities. Once again women can be helpful here.

If you expect easy success, you would be frustrated because saturn-the planet of delay, frustration but greater reward after much struggles, was with the sun (basic-selfluood) when you were born. Thus it will not allow easy success. And at the same time will not deny you whatever you deserve.

The same saturn will reward you with RECOGNITION WOMEN, children and younger people can enhance your prospects. Colours RED, WHITE and pink are good for you. Sleeping North/ South axes with your head to the North is good for you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—33

FG to establish national shipping line —AMAECHI A

BUJA—MINISTER of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has said the Federal Government is searching for ways to encourage the establishment of a National Shipping Line to ensure maximum exploitation of the potential in the maritime industry.

Amaechi also said, the Federal government is making efforts at improving business in the country ’s maritime sector, especially in the areas of establishing a deep sea port for modern mega ships as well as the establishment of dry ports such as the Kaduna inland dry port among others.

Amaechi spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 14th Maritime Seminar for Judges organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council(a parastatal under his ministry), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, NJI. According to the Minister, “The present administration is looking into ways of encouraging the establishment of a national shipping line to ensure maximum exploitation of the potentials in our maritime sector. The Federal Government is doing a lot towards improving on the ease of doing business in Nigeria especially in the maritime sector. The Federal Government's effort towards trade facilitation includes modernization of transport

infrastructure such as establishment of deep sea ports to attract the patronage of our seaports by modern mega ships and the establishment of dry ports such as the Kaduna inland dry port and others all over the country to decongest the seaports and facilitate expeditious evacuation of cargo from the seaports among others.”

In his own address, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman

Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Mahmud Mohammed said the seminar had contributed immensely to deepening the synergy between the judiciary and the maritime sector as part of the wider reform efforts that would reposition the nation’s judiciary for better justice delivery.

Also in his remarks, chairman of the occasionandformerHeadofState,Chief

Ernest Shonekon commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the national judicial institute for healthy collaboration towards nation building.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Taiwao Abidoku, described it as welcome development for the organizersoftheseminar,toencourage the training of judges and legal practitioners in the field of maritime.

INAUGURATION: Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa (left) and Chairman of the state's Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Roland Osakwe, during the inauguration of the Edo State's Justice Sector Reform team in Benin, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: Delta Assembly passes vote

of confidence in Okowa

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE Delta State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his leadership qualities and for proper management of the affairs of the state since he assumed office a year ago.

The House at its resumed plenary after over three weeks break , held that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had done well despite the present economic crunch and also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the House for its effective collaboration with the Governor and his team to move the state forward.

Moving the motion which came under matter of urgent public importance, Hon Dennis Omovie representing Warri South II constituency, said there was no gain saying about the fact that Nigeria and by extension, Delta State had suffered a dangerous drop in revenue being a monodriven economy.

Stating that despite the challenges, the expectations of the citizens were high, the lawmaker noted that “Delta State can walk tall in the midst of the dangerous paucity of resources because the state is blessed with a man who is C M Y K

a wonderful manager, managing Delta State as if there was a surplus and giving to Delta state and Deltans what they expect and desire”.

Speaking further on the motion

which was unanimously adopted, Omovie described Governor Ifeanyi Okowa “as a wonderful manager of resources and his strides in the development of the state”.

In an interview shortly after the

sitting, he said that the motion was to encourage the Governor to do more for the state, adding that the level of commitment and personal attachment to good governance and development of the state by Governor Okowa was commendable.

CRISIS IN N-DELTA: Rep tasks military on

professionalism

By Daniel Gumm ARRI—TROOPS deployed to quell attacks on oil installations by the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, in the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta region have been urged to display the highest sense of professionalism in the

W

execution of their assignments to fish out those responsible for the destruction.

Speaking to Vanguard yesterday, member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju appealed to the military to ensure that

collateral damage from the operations was reduced to the barest minimum.

The lawmaker, said: ‘’Since last Sunday, I have been inundated with calls by many of those who have been affected negatively by the present military operations, particularly the aged, who are most unlikely to be part of the militants.”

Chevron/Agbami, Delta govt donate power is among the robust safety bikes to FRSC bikes which were donated today programmes sponsored by the

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE Chevron/ Agbami partners in conjunction with the Delta State Government, have donated three power bikes to the State Command of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to enable it intensify its effort at promoting safety on the highways.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony of the

through the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, DSCTDA, Senior Community Engagement Advisor of Agbami Co-ventures, Mr. Ugo Mgbemene said the donation was in support of the road safety initiative of the state government.

Mgbemene said: “safety is a core value among the coventures and this road safety programme being deployed

Agbami Co-ventures. Nigeria is one of the three African countries participating in the Arrive Alive Programme pioneered by Chevron.”

The Director General of DSCTDA, Mr. Clement Ofuani, while receiving the power bikes before handing same over to the FRSC, commended the Chevron /Agbami partners for their sensitivity to the logistic problems of the state government and the FRSC.

Petroleum varsity sited in Ugbomro —GROUP

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By Tare Youdeowei

ENIN—THE Urhobo Mandate and Equity Forum, UMEF, has said the Federal University of Petroleum Resources FUPRE is sited in Ugbomro, and not Effurun, as is being erroneously portrayed.

The group also accused the traditional ruler of Uvwie kingdom and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central, for allegedly misleading the Senate over the rightful owners of the land and community where the university is sited.

In a statement yesterday in Benin, Edo State, the group Coordinator, Samuel Afurhe, said, “It is a fact that FUPRE is located in Ugbomro, and not Effurun. Even the immediate past Senator, Chief Ighoyota Amori, in his same bill for an Act to Establish FUPRE, in 2015, which had passed first reading at the Senate and awaiting concurrentpassageandsigninginto law by former President Goodluck JonathanbeforeheleftofficeonMay 29, acknowledged Ugbomro as the host community.

“After the then Federal Executive Council FEC, during former PresidentOlusegunObasanjo,gave the directive to establish FUPRE, in March,2007,thefederalgovernment wrote letters to the Traditional Prime Minister (Unuevworo) of Ugbomro, to provide the land in Ugbomro on whichFUPREispresentlysituated.”

EPF flays attack on DESOPADEC boss

By Ochuko Akuopha

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SABA—EBOSA Political Front, EPF, a political pressure group in Delta State, has decried the recent campaign of calumny and denigration by some Iteskiri leaders against the Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Mr. Godwin Ebosa as unwarranted.

The group also described Ebosa as a man of unblemished integrity and reputation that is committed to the Itsekiri cause and development.

Director General of EPF, Mr. Jolomi Esiategiwa, in a statement at Koko town, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area of the state, stated that all the Itsekiri leaders needed to had done over their concern about DESOPADEC budget for the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, was to have sought audience with the commission’s chairman as their son and iron out issues with him amicably as a kinsman.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

AU, AFRIMA back intellectual property rights

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We're not part of Biafra, says Delta SSG

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE Delta State Government, yesterday said the people of the State are not part of the proposed Biafra Republic, reaffirming their belief in one and united Nigeria.

The state government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chief Festus Agas, urged the people of the state to remain law abiding and go about their normal business without fear.

Agas in the statement said; “we object in its totality, the inclusion of Delta State without our consent in the proposed Biafra Republic.

This clarification has become necessary to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta State in the renewed Biafra agitation.”

Continuing in the statement, he said; “while some communities in Delta state may have cultural affinity with the people of the South East , it is clearly a patent error for anybody or group to suggest or insinuate that Delta state or more specifically the Anioma people have been or are part of the South East that is supposed to make up the proposed Biafra Republic”.

Frowning at the renewed agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, for the realisation of

By Anozie Egole

AGOS—-Poised to proffer solutions to the too many challenges facing the African Music Industry, African Union, AU and All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, have thrown their support to the intellectual property rights.

This was disclosed recently by the Head of Culture Division, African Union Commission, Ms. Angela Martins, during the AUC/AFRIMA Joint conference tagged, Using music, culture and entertainment as tools for a new Africa, held in Banjul, Gambia, recently.

Speaking at the conference, Martins maintained that PAIPO is one of AU’s continental tools to help protect and promote not only the rich African culture but intellectual works of talented artistes on the continent. This, she meet global standards.

In her words: This achievement is worth noting because it is aimed at playing a greater role in the protection of the work of artists in line with the work the AFRIMA is doing for the promotion of African artistes.

"The African Union Commission cherishes the collaboration it has with Pan-African Cultural Institutions like AFRIMA since they partner with the AU member states in the implementation of continental policies in the areas of arts, culture and heritage."

Another continental tool

independent State of Biafra, he said the campaign which has been in form of rallies in the South East, often extends to the South South states, notably Rivers and Delta.

Meanwhile, the foundation stone of BIM-MASSOB Secretariat has been laid at Ubulu-Uku and Ibusa in Aniocha South and Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State respectively by the presiding Bishop of Jesus the Shepherd Ministry, Dr. A.S. Mogekwu.

Reacting to the violent clash, the Delta North Zonal Leader of

the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) and Movement for Actualization sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Mr. Chinedu Anieifeobu, supported by his Commander of Security, Prince Ignatus Adiliajana, who supervised the inauguration of the new secretariat in Ubulu-Uku, and the Delta Central Zonal Leader, Mr. Uju Christian, dissociated BIM-MASSOB from the alleged killing.

They wondered why some agitators under the IPOB became violent and condemned the dangerous twist the agitation had

Flood ravages 5 communities as farmers seek FG's assistance in Ebonyi

By Peter Okutu

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B A K A L I K I — FARMLANDS in five communities in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were yesterday reportedly submerged by flood.

The flood was caused by the blockade of a dam being constructed by the Federal Government at Npu in Anuri LGA of Enugu state.

The affected communities are Ameke, Okue, Amaokwe, Ngwogwo and Obodo.

Inspecting the level damage in the area, Governor David Umahi ordered a

comprehensive report of farms and cash crops destroyed by the flood described the impact of the damage as huge.

Umahi said the report would be sent to the Federal government with a view to assisting the state and farmers whose means of livelihood had been severely affected.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ivo LGA , Chief O. Ude who accompanied Governor Umahi to the site of the dam said the blockade caused water to overflow backwards, thereby destroying the farmlands in the affected communities.

“If you look back from where we are standing, you will see

ICCON holds workshop

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AGOS—THE Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria recently held its 8th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Workshop with the theme:'Diversification of Nigeria’s Economy through Chemistry.' A Highlight of the two-day event is the presentation of papers by seasoned resource persons and

orientation/induction ceremony for new members.

In her welcome address, Ag. Registrar/CEO of the institute, Mrs. F.M. Kujore disclosed that the ultimate aim of this year’s workshop is to equip and project chemists as professionals capable of becoming major players in the nation’s socio-economic terrain by means of utilizing knowledge made available from chemistry.

She said: “there is no gainsaying the fact that the plummeting price of crude oil in the international market has led to dwindling revenue for the government, a trend that is grossly affecting the economic life of the average Nigerian. Hence the need to explore alternative sources of revenue which can be achieved through the application of the knowledge of chemistry.”

uhari’s first year in office is like doing the same flaws Jonathan did, lack of focus and better decision making. It seems to me that he is using his office for revenge. Does it mean that there is no corrupt fellow in APC or his cabinet? -Miss Regina Osakwe, Graduate

a river coming down from there, that is Ivo and this river is Ukeh.

So the rivers meet here and it is from here that the constructors created an embankment that makes water to flow backwards,” he said.

The chairman of Ngwogwo Community Development Union, Mr. Johnson Ukpai, lamented that the flood had destroyed agricultural produce like yams,cassava, rice,Maize and cocoyam.

He pleaded with the Federal government to come to their rescue.

The committee chairman said: “The blockage of dam which resulted in the over flow of flood to this our community has caused enormous damage to this our community. Food crops like, yams, cassava, rice, maize, cocoyams have been destroyed.”

Barr. Augustine Ossai, a liaison officer in Ivo legislative council, also lamented the damages done by the flood and called on the Federal Government and the National Emergency Management Agency to immediately come to the assistance of farmers in the area.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

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assumed.

Meanwhile, Delta State Police command, yesterday said the eight persons arrested during last Monday protest by pro-Biafra groups in Asaba would soon be charged to court for murder and other offenses.

The State Acting Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Charles Muka however said that investigations were still ongoing, insisting that they would be made to face the full weight of the law if found guilty of the charges against them including the murder of “two patriotic police officers in the line of duty.”

On President Buhari’s ffir irirst st yyear ear in of offfice

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n my view of President Buhari’s one year in office, I will say that things are hard at the moment. I see the average Nigerians being choked by certain policies of this administration, but I am optimistic that positive change is near. Mr. Uchenna Azuka, Self Employed

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resident Buhari’s one year is a national disaster. Starting from a total failed economy to various killings across the country.

Buhari has proved himself incapable of leading Nigeria. In the developed world Buhari would have resigned. -Mr. Martins Ifeanyi, Graduate

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he so-called fight against corruption has been hopelessly one sided and has yielded no convictions. The infrastructure remains in tatters. Nothing is working, yet people hail President Buhari. Indeed 365 days have been wasted. -Miss Mercy Okoji, Graduate

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uhari’s administration is a dismal failure. Nigerians are worse off today than one year ago. This is a clear evidence that Buhari was not in charge during his military regime in the 80’s.

Buhari has no clue about governance. -Miss Victoria Kelvin, Student

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hange is not cheap, there is price to pay.

Change is expensive, there is sacrifice to make. We must learn to vote right and hold leaders accountable.

Most of the issues now came from years of outright mismanagement. -Miss Cynthia Osuchukwu, NYSC member

Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2 , 2016 — 35

Bello’s wife wants NASS, state assemblies to pass Child Rights Bill

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—WIFE of the governor of Kogi State, Mrs. Rashida Bello has called on the Federal and state governments and the National Assembly to ensure that the Child Right bill is passed and the protection of children given top priority.

The governor’s wife, who stated this yesterday in Lokoja while hosting some selected students selected across the state said Nigeria must ensured that th rights of every child was looked into, rather than the ‘ rhetoric’ of the Children’s day celebration.

Mrs Bello promised to devote her time and energy to ensure that Kogi State passes the Child RIght bill; urging other states to put pressure on the assemblies to do same.

According to her, “I am determined to ensure that the rights of Children top the agenda of the Yahaya Bello’s Administration by ensuring that Child Right bill is passed in the state.

BOKO HARAM: ‘We won't return to our so-called liberated communities until...’

By Ndahi Marama

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A I D U G U R I—TH E Emir of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Alhaji Muhammadu Idrissa Timta has said none of his Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, including himself and his immediate family will return to Gwoza until Boko Haram terrorist are completely wiped out.

According to him, most communities especially

surrounding mountainous villages of Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Barawa and other border communities with Cameroon Republic are strictly under the control of the sect members, lamenting that over “10,000 persons are still trapped in Mandara Mountains (Bayan Dutse), He spoke while reacting to a statement credited to the Senate Leader Mohammed Ndume, who also hails from Gwoza,

calling on IDPs to return without waiting for government directive.

The Emir insisted that the socalled liberation of Gwoza communities hitherto under Boko Haram control by troops was only visible on the pages of newspapers.

He noted that those who took courage and returned to resettle in Gwoza town could not move out of the community, as they were likely to fall into the hands of insurgents that still surrounded

SHOW OF F O R C E :

A s s i s t a n t I n s p e c t o r General of Police, Maritime Police C o m m a n d , Muhammed Katsina (right) and Officer-incharge of Marine C o m m a n d , D e p u t y Superintendentof Police,DSP Ben Ogungbure, with other police officers, during a show of force by the Amphibious A m b u s h Squad,AAS established by the AIG to combat criminal activities in areas under the command's watch.

CHIBOK GIRLS: Military launches Operation Crack Down to mop up Sambisa forest ...77 terrorists surrender; as troops rescue 245 captives from insurgents

By Kingsley Omonobi & Evelyn Usman

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BUJA—THE Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Gabriel Olonisakin, yesterday in Lagos, raised the hope of Nigerians, particularly parents of the female students that were abducted from the Government Secondary School, in Chibok , Borno State, by terrorists

two years ago, of their possible rescue, saying the troops were combing the Sambisa forest where most of the girls were suspected to be.

This came as Nigerian Army said its troops recorded a breakthrough when 77 members of the Boko Haram sect surrendered to soldiers of the 122 Task Force Battalion, even as 245 civilian hostages particularly

Lagos NAS decries level of ignorance in law among citizens ...Offers free legal service to residents

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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ATIONAL Association of Seadogs, NAS, has expressed concern over the high level of ignorance of human rights among citizens, even as it urged residents to speak out for any wrongful act against them for appropriate redress.

Mr. Ojo Eborieme, President NAS, Hawkins Deck, Egbeda, Alimosho Local Government area, disclosed this during a sensitization exercise at the Palace of Onigando of Igando, Ikotun Igando Local Council Development Area, LCDA.

He stated that the following rights among others were provided by the 1999 constitution (Amended): Right to life, to dignity of human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, to private and family life, to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to peaceful assembly and association, to freedom of movement, freedom from discrimination.

“Know your right as a landlord.

Know your right as a tenant.

Know your right as a husband, know your right as a wife. Know your right as an employee.

Know your right as an employer,” Eborieme said.

women and children abducted by the terrorists while scores of the terrorists were killed.

Speaking with journalists while commissioning some projects put in place by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, as part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Navy, the CDS revealed that the Military recently launched a special operation code named ‘Operation Crack Down’ to accomplish this aim.

He said the operation was a mop-up operation and a final onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents, informing that the Military had deployed both

ground and aerial operations, deep inside the Sambisa Forest, with the aim of completely routing all enclaves of Boko Haram and to rescue the abducted Chibok girls and other victims as well.

According to him: “The operation is progressing. Part of its benefit was the recent rescue of one of the Chibok girls and another one as it were, earlier.

The operation is ongoing and we will continue to move into Sambisa until we rid that place of all terrorists. As long as that is on, we will continue until we clear the whole area. We will continue to ensure we step up our game.''

PANDOGARI CRISIS: Bello sues for peace

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—GOVERNOR Alhaji Sani Bello of Niger State yesterday said he had set up an investigative panel to establish immediate and remote causes of the recent crisis Pandogori, Rafi Local government Area of the state which caused the death of four persons while several others were injured, among other loss of valuables.

The governor also called on

people to bury their differences and avoid crisis that could lead to another breakdown of law and order in the town.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Bala Ndace, the governor urged the residents of the village and other communities around it to desist from giving the incidence a religious or tribal colouration to avoid another unnecessary and avoidable crisis.

town without confrontation.

The Royal Father spoke to Vanguard yesterday at one of the resettlement camps in Maiduguri, few days after visiting Gwoza town.

Muhammadu succeeded his Late father, Idrissa Timta who was assassinated by Boko Haram in May, 2014 on his way to attend funeral ceremony of the late emir of Gombe State.

He lamented that no traditional ruler would like to stay away for a long time from his domain together with his over 300,000 subjects displaced, but as Allah (God) had destined it, he had no excuse.

According to him, those agitating for return of IDPs to their communities, especially those from Gwoza were only doing so to expose the already traumatized people to further attacks.

Ecobank, Old Mutual sign agreement

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COBANK Transnational Incorporated, ETI, parent company of the Ecobank Group, and Old Mutual Emerging Markets, OMEM, a part of the Old Mutual Group, have signed a strategic agreement that will strengthen existing ties between both companies.

Both companies said the agreement will grow the existing strategic alliance by offering seamless insurance services to Ecobank clients across selected countries where the two groups have operations. Clients will benefit mutually though access to a range of financial services that include life insurance, savings and short-term insurance solutions across a greater network on the African continent.

Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ayeyemi said plans for the integrated model include providing access to Old Mutual solutions for Ecobank’s banking operations in selected countries.

“This is a productive and valued partnership between two panAfrican institutions to provide complete financial services solutions to our customers,” he said.

On his part, the CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, Ralph Mupita, , said it is in the interest of mutual interest to ensure that the alliance grows from strength to strength, adding that the company look forward as it intends to complement the bank’s range of banking services to its customers with Old Mutual’s trusted financial products across the Ecobank network on the continent.

OMEM currently has a bancassurance partnership with the Ecobank Group.

36 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—37

How Pencom is undermining FGPL —Chidi Duru Former member of the House of Representatives, Nze Chidi Duru in this interview gives his view on the issues at play in the struggle for control of the First Guarantee Pensions Limited.

Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken

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ELL us about the First Guarantee Pensions Limited (FGPL). How did it come about?

The license of First Guarantee Pensions Limited (FGPL) was given to me in recognition of the work that one did in bringing to fruition the Pension Reform Act of 2004 which could be said to be my Bill in the National Assembly.

I championed, promoted and canvassed it and I got my colleagues to buy into it even though it was an executive Bill.

It was passed and Fola Adeola who was then the chairman of the steering committee of the National Pensions Committee was so excited and so pleased with the hard work that was done in bringing this to fruition that one was encouraged to consider the possibility of also being a player in the industry.

I chose the Pension Fund Administration arm of the industry because there were basically two arms that one could participate in – the Pension Custodian for which you were required to have about N1 billion to be a Custodian or you become a Pension Fund Administrator for which the share capital was N150 million.

shareholders that came took the number of shareholders to 37.

So, what is the problem bedevilling FGPL all about?

When did it start?

The problem began in 2010 when in my view, the FGPL became a profitable business.

Before then, it was struggling because, we did not have the required assets under management and asset under management is what will make you to receive the necessary return on commission for managing those assets. So, it was a long process of having a large pool of assets under management to be able to become profitable.

We invited a group from South Africa, Novare, to invest in FGPL and they invested a total sum of N224 million staggered over a period. But what was more important was the technical skill that was also brought into FGPL and with my help in bringing in contributors, in 2010, the business became profitable and paid its first dividend.

On February 23, 2011, PenCom presented to us in our Board meeting what is usually their annual report which is their annual view of the performance

Generation of shareholders I applied and was granted a license as one of the players in the PFA industry and the name of my company then was the First Guarantee Pension Limited and we had first, second and third generation of shareholders.

Eventually, we were 37 shareholders that I brought together to be able to promote FGPL as a business.

Who were the first generation shareholders and when did they buy into the company?

We started the process of incorporating FGPL in 2004. Our original document will show myself as the promoter, Nnamdi Anama, Mrs Opara, who is the wife of Austin Opara, Dr Abba Aji, who was my colleague in the National Assembly (a Senator), who was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Labour and finally Tsegba Terngu. These were the five initial names that were part and parcel of the startoff of First Guarantee Pension.

Incidentally, Senator Abba Aji did not eventually invest in the business. So, the next generation of shareholders took the number to 31 and the third generation of C M Y K

The problem began in 2010 when in my view, the FGPL became a profitable business of each PFA and we were categorized as the most improved PFA for the preceding year which was 2010 and every Director was very happy with that and we took the good news to the shareholders that not only were they having dividend for the first time, but the PFA has been categorized as having massively improved.

To our surprise, on March 22, 2011, the same PenCom wrote us a letter that they would like to undertake what they call target examination. That was barely one month after and that was very strange. Our managing director then, Mr. Wilson Ideva, had been relieved of his office for acts

Chidi Duru that bordered on insubordination.

And they did the target examination and when they wrote the report, which they presented to the board in June 2011, the board members queried it and brought to their attention that under the Pension Reform Act, what is required is that if a report is done by the regulator, that report will be submitted to the directors, and the directors are bound under the law to submit that report to the shareholders.

And the shareholders would vote on it and whatever is the outcome of that vote becomes the decision of the company. But they didn’t allow us to go through that process. They wanted to ram the target report down the throat of the shareholders.

What was in the target report?

The target report queried the way and manner First Guarantee Pension Limited was being run.

They also reported that one of the committees, Executive Management Committees, that the board used to have an oversight function management was one committee too many and was getting more involved in the oversight of the company which was not true because the oversight function of the management committee was to help the management to become profitable, well run and organized and the result began to show in 2010 when the company for the first time became profitable and the company was categorized as the most improved PFA. One other thing that was contained in the report has to do with the issue that the meetings of the board were becoming too many, that we had six meetings.

It also said the chairman of the company could not have been chairman because he had insignificant shares which we didn’t think was necessary because that is why we have independent directors but the chairman who has over N20 million worth of shares of the company could not be said to be a chairman with insignificant shares. The article and

memorandum of association didn’t provide for a share qualification to even be on the board not to talk of a share qualification to be the chairman.

These were some of the things that were contained in the report which we did not agree with and we went to court in August 2011 and effective August 11, 2011, Justice D U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an ex-parte order restraining Pencom from implementing that target report pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. Notwithstanding this clear ex-parte order, PenCom still went ahead on August 15, 2011 to dissolve the board of First Guarantee Pension Limited and appointed an interim management, which is still running the company till today.

Interim management We felt outraged. My partners from South Africa felt outraged and the shareholders were bemused by this current state of affairs and petitioned the office of the Attorney general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, in this disrespect for court order. The Attorney General then wrote two letters on August 18, 2011 and September 8, 2011 to PenCom telling them to obey the orders of Justice D.U. Okorowo and revert back to status quo, allow the board to continue to function, and more importantly dismantle the interim management that was appointed in FGPL. But like the fate of the ex-parte order, the two letters from the Attorney General were also discountenanced and no step was taken in that direction to reverse those decisions.

However, on June 18, 2012, Justice Okorowo, having now heard all the parties gave a full judgment, 132 pages, on the matter that was before him and upbraided PenCom for acting above the law and not obeying

court order and now ordered that the interim management be removed and specifically requested the office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos where we have our head office and the Police Commissioner in Abuja to enable the board members to move back and take over their business.

As I speak with you today, that order has not been implemented, and the original directors are still operating outside the company, just as the shareholders and we have not had any annual general meeting of the company in the last six years. PenCom is still managing the company as it is.

So, why was your sister arrested and detained by the EFCC? Has it anything to do with this crisis?

On October 3, 2011, which was a public holiday, EFCC operatives invaded my house and requested my presence in their office. I never received any invitation from them before then.

And I was taken to their office and there I was presented with a petition written by Kashim Ibrahim Imam, asking the EFCC to implement the target report that was written by PenCom. For me, that was a surprise because here was a target report for which Justice Okorowo had given an order of court saying, do not implement this report pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Side-stepping a judgment And it was also very interesting because in the same August, Kashim and five other shareholders out of the 37 shareholders had also gone to a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking for an order of mandamus to compel the EFCC to investigate the target report issued by PenCom and the court in its wisdom suspended that application as being an abuse of court process since there is already a judgment of the court.

The court told them that they cannot side-step a judgment of the court to now order EFCC to investigate the target report that the court had already said was ineffectual, ineffective pending the determination of the case.

I was kept there overnight and on October 4, my sister, Mrs. Christy Ekweonu, and Mr. Ken Nwanze came to bail me. We thought that was the end of the matter because the panel that the EFCC set up to look into the matter concluded that it was actually a business transaction among partners that had gone wrong and has no business being before the EFCC. However, we now realized that in 2012, immediately Justice Okorowo gave the full judgment nullifying the target report and mandating PenCom to hand back the business to the original directors and shareholders, and we were poised to take over the business and indeed did apply to the Commissioner of Police Lagos and Abuja as was contained in the judgment of Justice Okorowo to help us take back our business, a lot of activities began to happen.

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

•Kenneth Imasuagbon, the Rice Man in action

Edo 2016: Imasuagbon’s imaginations

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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O some, he is Nigeria’s version of Donald Trump, a rich man using his wealth to achieve political ends. To others, he is a Mother Theresa, identifying with the poor through his periodic gesture of rice to the downtrodden.

Whatever depiction, lawyer, educationist, philanthropist turned politician, Kenneth Imansuagbon is unbending in his political pursuit and trouble to the political establishment in Edo State.

As Mr. Trump has come to upset the establishment in America’s Republican Party, Mr. Imasuagbon has become a sort of trouble to the political establishment in his native Edo State with his unwavering pursuit for the governorship contest.

Governorship ticket The contests of 2007 and 2012, somewhat left an unsavoury taste in the mouth of many enthusiasts of Imansuagbon after what they alleged as conspiracies against him.

Imasuagbon was one of the first promoters of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in Edo State. However, in the quest to grab the state from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party leadership in Abuja and Edo State reportedly sidelined him and offered the governorship ticket to the former unionist turned politician, Adams Oshiomhole.

Peeved, Imansuagbon moved over to the PDP and contributed his success to the defeat of the ACN in the

2007 election. That result was, however, upturned. In 2012 still in pursuit of his goal, Imansuagbon by now popularly hailed on the streets as the Rice Man on account of the periodic handout of uncooked rice to the people was a major contender for the governorship ticket of the PDP. The primaries ended on a note of controversy leaving almost everyone else but the winner, the former army general, Charles Airhiavbere, dissatisfied.

Hours after the primaries, Oshiomhole who was seeking reelection on the ticket of the ACN was reported to have visited Imasuagbon who came second to woo him and cause him to rebel against the PDP leaders who supposedly fixed the primary contest. Imasuagbon, however, bided his time and did not defect to the APC until two

years ago.

In his third outing, he is about the most experienced on the field having sought the governorship ticket two previous times.

Since his first and second outings, he has added another moniker to himself. Besides being hailed as the Rice Man, some students especially those from the University of Benin also call him as the i-pad Man, upon his gestures of the Apple device to students.

Ordinarily, Imasuagbon is entering into the contest with a major disadvantage that he is bereft of a godfather unlike some of his fellow contestants some who have the advantage of receiving the support of the incumbent or of party leaders in Abuja.

Another seeming challenge for Imasuagbon is that he is from Edo

Ogbemudia’s EMM weighs options

Besides being hailed as the Rice Man, some students especially those from the University of Benin also call him as the i-pad Man, upon his gestures of the Apple device to students has been spending his time and his resources to pay attention to this kind of people, and I believe that this is the main philosophy of government and stands to represent a modern administration that cares for those

who are deprived by the dynamics of a competitive and neo-capitalist society.”

Osifo also throws up the fact that electing Imasuagbon would also help to achieve political balance in the state.

“I believe that we in Edo State must not ignore the importance of political balancing in our society, and that is reflected by the principle of zoning. By zoning if it is the issue some are canvassing, I think Ken Imasuagbon is the only one that is qualified to have the governorship because of zoning because Edo North has had eight years, Edo South has had eight years; it is now the turn of Edo Central Senatorial District.”

Political player Another political player from the Bini speaking Edo South, Orobosa Omo-Ojo who held three cabinet positions in the Oshiomhole cabinet gives reasons why the momentum in his perspective is with Imasuagbon.

“First and foremost, Edo people are supporting Kenneth Imasuagbon because he is the man that can win the election.

Let’s not forget that after the primaries there will be the general election and it will be eight weeks for us to campaign and we don’t have time for people like Obaseki who are strangers politically to start learning the ropes and Oshiomhole is not as popular as he used to be for him to take somebody’s hand and climb the soap box and introduce him.

“So we need somebody who has political followership of his own and Ken has been around since the inception of APC. And his philanthropic gestures are such that if he stands by the roadside now Okada riders, market women, bread sellers will would be very interesting to students in Edo State. “

PDP leadership crisis affecting governorship guidelines

By Gabriel Enogholase

By Chinwe Emeluwa

B

T

HE quest by the Dr. Sam Ogbemudia led Edo Mass Movement, EMM to influence the outcome of the September 10 governorship election could take a decisive step next Wednesday when the leadership of the body takes its position.

Ogbemudia, however, told Vanguard that the choice of the EMM could come after the parties hold their respective primaries and the organisation then decides to project any one of the nominees. He, however, affirmed that the choice of the EMM would be based on

Central, the smallest of the three senatorial districts in the state. The assumption is that the next governor should come from Edo South, the largest of the three senatorial districts.

Associates of Imasuagbon, however, do not see any disadvantage in his place of birth.

Even more remarkable is the fact that some of his most vociferous supporters come from Edo South among whom is Dr. Isaiah Osifo, who served as chief of staff in the Oserheinmen Osunbor administration.

In throwing his support for Imasuagbon, Osifo told Vanguard: “Governments all over the world is about catering for the vulnerable. The essence of government is to care for those who are not able to care for themselves. The man has that vision to care for the weak, to care for the vulnerable in the society, orphanage children, the poor and the low class in the society. He

•Ogbemudia: To show his hand soon criteria. Asked of the criteria, the two time former governor, however, demurred, saying it would remain the preserved property of the EMM.

ENIN – THIS is not the best time for the PDP in the state as stakeholders are in quagmire over the conduct of the governorship p r i m a r i e s apparently due to the crisis at the national level.

Although the party may have fixed the 15th of June, 2016 for its •Anenih governorship primaries, there has been no guideline on how the contest will be fought.

That is quite unlike the APC

which has issued the guidelines and commenced the sale of nomination forms to

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016—39

40 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

By Wahab Abdulah & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

U

NDOUBTEDLY, PresidentMuhammadu Buhari’s 365 days in office has been an eventful one for the judiciary. For most trial Judges, it was quite a very busy and tiring period.

The reinvigorated Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, initiated proceedings against some highprofile politically exposed persons, while the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, ordered day-to-day trial of such corruption cases.

The CJN further barred Judges from granting applications aimed at staying proceedings on criminal matters. He said the measure became necessary in view of mounting criticisms against the Judiciary.

It was President Buhari himself that fired the first salvo against the Judiciary which he accused of aiding those that looted the national treasury.

Speaking at the opening of the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on August 21, 2015, Buhari frontally attacked the judiciary, saying corrupt lawyers were sabotaging his efforts to rid the country of corruption.

Leadership of the judiciary He urged the leadership of the judiciary to support his administration’s war against corruption and help the country return to the path of rectitude by making Nigerian courts functional and effective.

He said: “Corruption and impunity become widespread when disrespect for law is allowed to thrive in society. Disrespect for law also thrives when people get away with all sorts of shady deals and the court system is somehow unable to check them.

“Ability to manipulate and frustrate the legal system is the crowning glory of the corrupt and,

EDITORIAL Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

•President Muhammadu Buhari

•Mahmud Mohammed, CJN

Judiciary under Buhari: So far, so busy as may be expected, this has left many legal practitioners and law courts tainted in an ugly way.

“In a gathering such as this, I do not need to elaborate on the way that corruption and impunity have damaged our economy. But I would like to say more on what, I believe, should be your role as legal practitioners, in helping us back to the path of rectitude.

“First, we need to make our courts functional and effective again. This means that we must have lawyers who take the ethics of the profession very seriously; lawyers who will not frustrate the course of justice, even though they defend their clients with all legitimate means and resources.

“Nigeria needs ethical lawyers who always keep the end of justice in mind and will never sacrifice the integrity of the legal system to cover the misdeeds of their clients, no matter how lucrative the brief may be”.

As if that did not sink in, President Buhari took another swipe at the judiciary while flagging-off the 2015 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented at the event by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, lamented that “allegations of judicial corruption have become more strident and frequent”.

According to him, “There is both local and international dissatisfaction with the long delays in the trial process. In the past few years, this has become especially so for high-profile cases of corruption, especially where they involve serving or

former political office holders.”

Besides, in one of his foreign trips, President Buhari told the world that the judiciary was his major headache.

Meanwhile, the recurring umbrage against the Judiciary by the Executive did not go down well with key stakeholders in the justice sector, including the CJN himself and the Nigerian Bar

Experience within the Judiciary shows that there is abject lack of political-will to prosecute some of those cases pending before our various courts almost a decade in some instances Association, NBA. At a meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the CJN noted that it was unfair for Buhari to constantly attack the judiciary when in actual fact the Executive arm of government seemed to lack the political will to prosecute high-profile criminal cases.

The CJN maintained that the lacklustre attitude of government towards the prosecution of such criminal cases, “especially those involving politically exposed persons or political party family members,” was a major factor that stalled trial of so many corruption cases.

Abject lack of political-will According to the CJN, “Experience within the Judiciary shows that there is abject lack of political-will to prosecute some of those cases pending before our various courts almost a decade in some instances. It is not because there are no special courts, but mostly for reasons of political expedience and other ancillary considerations.

“There is the need for seasoned prosecutors to prepare and file charges before courts of competent jurisdiction so that criminal matters are timeously determined.

Quality of prosecutions must be improved upon, the quality of prosecutions presented in courts by our prosecutorial agencies must be improved upon, as they are sometimes of a standard that will never found a conviction in any court anywhere, yet, a well prepared prosecution can see to the determination of criminal matter within a month.

“Of course, no competent prosecutor who has filed valid charges would permit an accused to mount an interlocutory appeal, to the extent of going forth and back, sometimes twice or more to the Supreme Court, since such

lapses could be injurious to the dispensation of justice.”

Apparently embarrassed by Buhari’s criticisms, the CJN vowed that the National Judicial Council, NJC, would descend heavily on any trial judge found to have stayed proceeding on any criminal matter before his court.

He stressed that the essence of the newly enacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, was to forestall situations where accused persons use frivolous interlocutory applications to frustrate their trial.

“My lords, as you all are well aware, the Judiciary has had to endure intense, largely unjustified and grossly uninformed criticisms regarding delay in the administration of justice. “However, I am proud that the Judiciary was well ahead of the curve when the 2013 Practice Directions on Serious Crimes were adopted as the Directions were aimed at reducing criminal trial delays.

“Nonetheless, the new Act strengthens our resolve as it provides that applications for stay of proceedings shall no longer be heard in respect of a criminal matter before the court. This unprecedented provision puts a stop to the delays occasioned by interlocutory applications to stay proceedings pending appeal on preliminary matters when the substantive issues are yet to be tried on the merits.

“Upon arraignment, the trial of the defendant shall proceed from day-to-day until the conclusion of the trial, while each party is entitled to only five adjournments not exceeding two weeks each.

Where the trial is still not concluded, the interval for adjournments will be reduced to seven days each.

Economic crimes “As such, the Act provides a chance for all Judges to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and I expect that the provisions will be fully utilized.

“I must similarly urge your lordships to treat cases related to economic crimes and corruption with the necessary urgency that the previously mentioned 2013 Practice Directions mandate us to apply”, the CJN charged Judges.

Meantime, among the highprofile cases that have so far enjoyed fast-tracked proceeding in-line with the directive of the CJN included the case against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who is facing an amended 16-count criminal charge before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT. Charge against Saraki borders on false/anticipatory declaration

Continues on Page 41

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

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By Ebun OluAdegboruwa

N May 29, 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari marked his one year anniversary, as civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was an anniversary of unfulfilled expectations, especially in relation to the manifold promises made by the President, during his campaigns for the votes of Nigerians, in 2015.

The anniversary speech was the same rendition of promises and states of intention, without any concrete action plan. As some have called it, it was a pure disappointment. While I may not entirely agree with such school of thought, it has however become important to situate the performance of the President in the past one year, within the context of the rule of law.

A better way to answer the question of whether this administration is following the rule of law is to begin by examining what law itself is. Law is a collection of rules, guidelines and directives adopted to regulate human conduct. We adopted law in order to abolish anarchy, confusion and chaos, as properly captured by Thomas Hobbes. With law therefore it becomes easy to predict human conduct and not to be governed whimsically, arbitrarily, capriciously or according to the dictates of whosoever is in authority for the time being.

The rule of law then is a situation whereby the totality of law is embraced as the common choice, a system by which law is upheld and respected. The rule of law is the method of law, its documentation, implementation

Buhari and the law: One year, so far, so? and preservation.

Democracy on its own is a system of choice through which a people elect their representatives, freely determine their system of governance, how to sustain such government when it delivers on contract and to replace same when it fails. Thus, Thomas Jefferson concluded that democracy is a government of the people for the people and by the people, the main characteristic being to uphold the will of the people.

Having examined all the above, one can then proceed to x-ray the impact of the rule of law on democracy. No doubt, democracy thrives on the rule of law. The method by which people choose their leaders are already coded in a statute, in most cases named ‘The Electoral Law’. Then there is a body of laws establishing and defining various organs of government, their functions and their relationship one to the other, in most cases called The Constitution. Following this closely are other mini regulations adopted to govern generally human conduct in specific areas, in most cases called Statutes.

Standing on its own, the rule of law connotes three situations; (1) equality before the law, (2) a sound and transparent method of interpreting and enforcing law and (3) respect for law and the due process. The rule of law presupposes that the law is no respecter of any person and so

Judiciary under Buhari: So far, so busy Continues from Page 40 of assets, his alleged operation of foreign account while in office as governor of Kwara State between 2003 to 2011, as well as allegation that he continued to receive governorship salary; four years after his tenure had elapsed.

Seven-count charge Other high-profile trials currently before the judiciary are the cases involving the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh who is answering a 10-count charge involving alleged N3.9billion fraud, Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh who is facing sevencount charge over alleged N400million fraud.

Similarly, the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki who is facing 47count charges before three different courts and the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar who is facing seven-count charge before

the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N4.8bn fraud.

There is also alleged corrupt case of the former director general of the Nigerian Maritime Agency and Safety Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Likewise, some former governors are currently facing criminal charges before different courts. Some of the erstwhile governors on trial include former Benue governor, Gabriel Suswam, Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Ikedi Ohakim (Imo).

More so, among high-profile cases the judiciary was saddled with by the Buhari administration in its first 365 days in office included the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu on treason charges.

As we enter the second year of Buhari’s administration, there are pointers to the fact that it will even be a busier period for the judiciary.

everyone is equal before the law.

In this regard, it is expected that the same standard will be prescribed for A and B in all cases with the same set of facts.

Equality before the law means that law does not respect status, race, position, wealth, sex, etc but

The rule of law presupposes that the law is no respecter of any person and so everyone is equal before the law

rather it prescribes the same conditions for all manner of persons irrespective of their personality or rank.

Even when citizens are equal before the law, the rule of law prescribes an additional scenario in which cases of breach of law are dealt with transparently, speedily and efficiently. Thus, there must be an independent judicial system by which law is interpreted and enforced. In this regard, law becomes useless if its breach cannot be sanctioned. Put differently, what is law if it cannot be enforced?

Additional scenario Assuming now that all citizens are equal before the law, the judiciary is independent and active, the rule of law requires that the process created for determining the issue of equality before the law and for interpreting and enforcing law are strictly followed. For instance, no one can be allowed to claim that since the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement then criminals should not be arrested or that suspected criminals should be arrested and executed on the spot without trial. The rule of law therefore requires due process and that all things pertaining to law must be pursued systematically and methodically.

Thus, even when one perceives a right, it must be pursued rightfully, following and adopting the prescribed processes and procedures for the ventilation of grievances.

Once the rule of law is disregarded or discarded, then democracy is in danger because the latter survives on the former.

In this regard, respect for the rule of law is crucial to the sustenance of democracy.

It is proper now to examine the ways in which this administration has fared. The general feeling in

Nigeria presently is that might is right and that you are guilty as alleged until you are able to prove your innocence. In other words, the Constitution has been turned upside down, because of an alleged war against corruption.

Without any doubt whatsoever, the president deserves commendation for his boldness in confronting the forces that have held us down as a nation, and no word can be spared to laud his efforts in this regard. The point being made however is that as it is under the law that a citizen can ever be accused, arrested, detained or arraigned for an alleged offence, the same law should be followed if it gives room for the release of such an accused person.

In the past one year, what we have witnessed under the Buhari administration cannot be short of abuse of the rule of law. Examples abound in the summary execution of the Shiites in Kaduna, illegal demolition of their houses,

— 41

crackdown on peaceful protesters in the virtually all states of the South East, leading to the death of so many citizens, wilful disobedience to orders of the court, especially in the forceful implementation of the electricity tariff increase, various court orders for the release of suspects in custody, abridgement of citizens’ rights, deliberate suppression of all voices of dissent and opposition, intimidation of judges and lawyers and so on.

Good enough, my friend Emeka Umeagbalasi, of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, has compiled 127 breaches of the Buhari administration.

Disobedience to orders of court is condemned mainly because of its unsavoury implications for the polity. The rule of law thrives mainly on precedents such that once it is possible to cite instances where even the government itself is guilty of disobedience to order of court, then it becomes a licence for citizens to brazenly tow the line of disrespect, which indeed is dangerous.

In most cases, it is the executive arm of government that is found wanting in the area of obedience to orders of court. Because of its involvement in the formulation and implementation of policies, it is the executive arm that is directly dealing with the general populace of the people such that it is mostly the actions of the executive that comes up for interpretation in the court of law. between the old and the new order. It is therefore rare to hear of a regime sacking all judges, magistrates, khadis, alkalis and other judicial officers. So if the judiciary is so important to the sustenance of democracy and indeed the stability of the nation, we all have a stake to ensure that such a vital institution is not compromised or rubbished by transient functionaries of government such as the executive and the legislature.

Set code of ethics for retired judges, Lawyer urges CJN

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ORMER chairman Nigeria Bar Association Ikeja branch, Mr Dave Ajetumobi, has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, to enact a code of conduct to regulate what retired judges can consult on and to which level, even as he denied casting aspersion on the judiciary.

According to him in a statement, he explained that “there is a need for stakeholders to interface with the authorities of the highest court of the land, in particular, the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, who has done much to restore public

confidence in the justice sector, to enact a code of conduct to regulate what retired judges can consult on and to which level”.

Ajetumobi who was the branch chairman between 2008 and 2010, when there was a face off between the judiciary and the executive in the state, resulting in strike by the magistrates in Lagos, led a peace initiative that eventually culminated in stakeholders meetings which later resolved the impasse.

He added that “I owe the judiciary and the legal profession in high esteem” and would not do anything to denigrate them.

42 — Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016 — 43

44 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

North Korean media back Trump •AS Republican nominee visits UK June 24

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ORTH Korean state media have hailed US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as a "wise politician" who could be good for the North.

The editorial in DPRK Today said he was a "far-sighted presidential candidate".

Mr Trump recently said he would be willing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and has also proposed withdrawing US troops from South Korea.

It is not considered authoritative on the views of Pyongyang, and the author of the article is previously unknown.

Another editorial in the official Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday referred to Mr Trump as "vulgar".

Thewriter,HanYong-mook - described as a Chinese North Korean scholar - said Mr Trump's policy on US troops would make the North's "Yankee Go Home" vision come true.

"The day when the slogan becomes real would be the day of Korean Unification," said the editorial, first reported by website NK News.

It suggested Mr Trump's statement that he did not want to get involved in any conflict between North and South Korea was "fortunate

from North Koreans' perspective".

The writer also said US voters should reject Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, calling her "dull" "The president that US citizens must vote for is not that dull Hillary, but Trump, who spoke of holding direct conversation with North Korea," said Mr Han. Meanwhile, Trump said yesterday that he would visit Britain for the opening of his ScottishgolfresortonJune24, his first trip to the UK since a spat with Prime Minister David Cameron over comments he made about Muslims.

VIP tunnel excursion (clockwise from left): Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Swiss Federal President Johann Schneider-Ammann, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande at the commissioning of the world’s longest rail tunnel yesterday in Switzerland

BATTLE FOR FALLUJAH: 20,000 children trapped in ISIS-held city

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HE U.N. children’s fund on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Iraqi troops and Islamic State militants in the battle for Fallujah to spare the children, the most vulnerable among tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the city west of Baghdad.

Iraqi forces backed by U.S.led airstrikes and mainly Shiite militias launched an operation more than a week ago to recapture Fallujah, which has been held by the extremistgroupformorethan two years.

More than 50,000 people are believed to be trapped inside the Sunni majority city, about65kilometers(40miles) west of Baghdad.

Government forces have imposed a tight blockade on

the city and IS militants are reportedly preventing residents from leaving.

UNICEF estimated the number of the children trapped with their families

inside the city at about 20,000, warning that they face a dire humanitarian situation, in addition to the risk of forced recruitment by IS.

EU puts brake on visa liberalisation amid immigration fears

E

UROPEAN Union states held off agreeing to ease travel rules for Georgia on Wednesday, and Turkey, Ukraine and Kosovo should also expect more delays in visa waiving as the bloc turns more cautious amid immigration fears, EU delegation sources said.

The EU is already making it easier to suspend visa-free travel before it grants a right to more states, most notably Turkey, whose help it needs to control immigration after some 1.3 million people

reached Europe last year.

While Brussels says Turkey, with a population of 79 million,ismakingprogresson 72 criteria to win the EU visa waiver, Ankara is seen missing an end-June deadline.

EU envoys in Brussels discussed a similar deal for GeorgiaagainonWednesday but there was no decision, with Germany and France among countries opposed, diplomats said.

“We don’t want to stop the whole process. We just want to be more cautious,” said a diplomat.

World’s longest, deepest rail tunnel opens in the route by a million lorries a worldandpushedthe50.5km Switzerland

year will go by train instead. Channel Tunnel linking the HE world’s longest and The tunnel has overtaken UK and France into third deepest rail tunnel has Japan’s 53.9km Seikan rail place. officially opened in tunnel as the longest in the Switzerland, after almost two decades of construction work. Mexican teachers have heads forcibly The 57km (35-mile) twin- shaved for not striking boreGotthardbasetunnelwill DISSIDENT faction of Comitan on Tuesday. They provide a high-speed rail link Mexico’s teachers’union weremarchedbarefootthrough undertheSwissAlpsbetween is under fire for publicly town with signs hanging northern and southern humiliating teachers and aroundtheirneckssayingthey Europe. administrators who defied its were“traitorstothecountry.”

Switzerland says it will The hair was forcibly cut off strike. revolutionise European several of them as a crowd Several school workers were freight transport. watched.

Goods currently carried on seized in the southern town of

T

A

ISIL losing in Iraq, Syria; gaining in Libya

T

HE Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group is losing ground in Iraq and Syria, but Libya may be the group’s next key battleground, according to a UN report obtained by Al Jazeera.

The report on the threat of ISIL, also known as ISIS, which has not been publicly

released yet, says the global threat emanating from the armed group remains high and continues to diversify.

In the aftermath of the Paris attacks last year, the UN Security Council asked for regular reports on ISIL from Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General.

According to the findings,

French ship picks up EgyptAir black box signals

E

GYPTIAN and French investigators have said a French ship picked up signals from deep in the Mediterranean Sea, presumed to be from the flight recorders of the EgyptAir planethatcrashedlastmonth.

Search teams are working against the clock to recover the two flight recorders that will offer vital clues to the fate of the plane that crashed en route from Paris to Cairo on May 19, killing all 66 people on board.

Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday cited a statement from the committee investigating the

crash as saying the vessel Laplace was the one that received the signals.

there have been military setbacks for ISIL in Syria and Iraq, two countries where it has seized territory.

Oil revenues the group earns in these countries have significantly decreased as a result of the air strikes by the US-led coalition.

Ban says in the report that ISIL continues to earn money through taxation in the areas it controls and extortion of civilians in the two countries.

The report also suggests that ISIL is looking for potential alternative regions and one of those places is Libya.

Drowned migrant baby was probably Somali— Italian Police

A

DEAD baby plucked out of the sea whose picture sparked international outrage this week was probably a six-month-old Somaliboywhosemotheralso most likely died in the shipwreck, Italian police said on Wednesday.

Like the photograph of the three-year-old Syrian boy Aylan lying lifeless on a Turkish beach last year, the image put a human face on the more than 9,000 people

who have died in the Mediterranean since the start of 2014.

The baby was pulled from the sea last Friday by a German rescuer working for humanitarian organisation Sea-Watch after a wooden boat carrying more than 400 migrants capsized and sank some 58 km (36 miles) off the Libyan coast.

Sea-Watch immediately handed the boy’s body over to the crew of the Vega, an Italian navy ship.

Garissa University attack plotter Mohamed Kuno dead

T

HE leader of the attack on Garissa University in Kenya has been killed, officials in Somalia say.

Kenya’s government said Mohamed Kuno was behind the attack in April 2015 that killed 148 people.

Regional forces in Somalia said he was one of 16 people killed in an overnight raid on their convoy in Kismayo, a port city in southern Somalia.

Four of those who died were reportedly senior members of the al-Shabab Islamist militant group.

The BBC’s Africa security correspondent,TomiOladipo, said the news comes as a

huge boost for Somalia and its allies in the fight against al-Shabab.

However, at least 10 people were killed on Wednesday by a car bomb outside a hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, that was

claimed by al-Shabab.

The news of Kuno’s death was confirmed in a press conference held by Abdirashid Janan, the securityministerintheSomali region of Jubaland.

Kenyan govt urges end to protests, opposition defiant

K

commission, but opposition leaders said protests would continue if their demands for dialogue were not met.

To help ease tensions, Kenyatta on Tuesday met his political rival, the leader of the Coalition for Reforms and DemocracyRailaOdinga,but the rare meeting between the two appeared to have little impact.

Police in Nairobi fired tear gas at people leaving a rally of the Coalition that was fully authorised and had passed without incident, a Reuters reporter at the scene said.

The opposition wants Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission scrapped, accusing it of bias. The commission’s electronic identification system collapsed during the 2013 presidential election that brought Kenyatta to power.

The opposition cried foul but a court declared the result valid and Odinga, who was also running for president, accepted the ruling.

In a speech at a separate event, Kenyatta said the •Kuno, leader of the attack on Garissa opposition should use legal University in Kenya, was one of 16 people killed channels to seek changes to in an overnight raid on their convoy in Kismayo, institutions, rather than Somalia. demonstrations.

ENYA’S President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy on Wednesday urged the opposition to end weeks of demonstrations against the electoral

Vanguard, THURSDAY JUNE 2, 2016 — 45

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Rio 2016: NOC inaugurates Team Naija media project

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

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ITH barely two months to the beginning of the Rio 2016 Olympics, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has launched the Media Project of the Team Nigeria.

President of the NOC, Engr. Habu Gumel who

carried out the inauguration in Abuja yesterday said the idea was to bring the Olympic experience to every Nigerian home which he added was to foster peace around the world.

Meanwhile, the NOC equally used the opportunity to announce that the Olympic Day Celebration for the year has been scheduled

Luxembourg win has revived hope in Super Eagle - Glo

A

MAJOR sponsor of the country’s nationalteams,Globacomhas said that the Super Eagles’ win over Luxembourg on Tuesday was a good stimulant that will energise team as they prepare for the qualifying matches of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Super Eagles defeated the Red Lions 3-1 on their home turf, the Stade Josy Barthel, in Luxembourg City.

Globacom in a statement released in Lagos tasked the

Enyimba slip as Wikki go top

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HAMPIONS E n y i m b a Wednesdayslippedintheirtitle push in the Nigeria league after they lost 3-1 at Wikki Tourists,whohavenowshotto top place in the standings.

ThehomewinmeantWikki toppledRiversUnitedtothetop on 31 points, while Enyimba slipped to third place on 30 points with a game at hand.

EnyimbafellbehindatWikki after 18 minutes when Abubakar Lawal headed past goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhaioffafreekick.

Super Eagles to build on their current form after winningtheirsecondstraight game in international friendlies played in Europe in less than one week.

Both international friendliesaretune-upsaimed at preparing the three-time African champions for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers which will begin in October.

The statement from Globacom commended the team for reviving the faith of Nigerians in the Super Eagles. “Now, we have further assurance that the Super Eagles, our precious national team, can fly again...” the statement said.

According to Globacom, the team showed resourcefulness, taking their chances and making use of theopportunityofthefriendly to test their skills and technical capacity. The firm also congratulated the interim handler of the team, Salisu Yusuf, for a job well done, and encouraged the team to learn from the friendly match and correct its weakness.

to take place on July 2nd across the country.

The NOC boss explained that the event which was earlier scheduled to hold on June 25 was postponed because of the monthly national environmental sanitation exercise which coincided with the date.

Gumel explained that the Olympic Day Celebration is the day sports is used to bring together millions of people from across the world adding that over the past two decades, the event has helped in spreading the Olympic ideals to every part of the world.

•Gumel – NOC boss

Injury knocks Oduduwa out of Rio Olympics

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IGERIA U23 defender Segun Oduduwa has been effectively ruled out of the

•Oduduwa

2016 Rio Olympics as he will be sidelined for at least eight months after he dislocated his knee in training with the

national team last week.

Sports ministry’s medical director Abdulkadir Muazu said Oduduwa will be out for a minimum of eight months after he and several top officials visited the player at his hotel room in Abuja Wednesday.

Muazu was the ministry’s delegation led by permanent secretary Christian Oha who visited the injured player to assure him that the federal government will ensure he receivesthebesttreatmentas he suffered the injury while on national service.

Oduduwa from Nath Boys FC of Lagos has been an integral part of the Dream Team VI as they won the U23 AFCON in Senegal in December and also finished third at last year’s All Africa GamesinCongoBrazzaville.

The highly-rated central defender was dropped from this week’s trip to an invitational tournament in South Korea on account of the injury.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 — 47

Messi valued as world’s most expensive player at £163m B

ARCELONA superstar Lionel Messi is valued as the world’s most expensive player at £163m, pipping club team-mate Neymar to top spot.

Cristiano Ronaldo is third, in the list provided

by CIES Football Observatory, while Antoine Griezmann and Tottenham striker Harry Kane make up the top five.

The values of the

players are based on several different variables including age, length of current contract and potential suitors.

All 100 players in the list are employed by clubs in Europe’s top five leagues - Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

Kane’s inclusion in the top five comes after a hugely successful season at White Hart

We’ve to keep winning – Iheanacho

S

UPER Eagles man of the match against Luxembourg Kelechi Iheanacho has charged the team to keep winning after they won again 3-1 at Luxembourg City on Tuesday in a friendly.

The Manchester City starlet scored his second goal in as many games as Nigeria maintained a perfect record.

“Great team performance today (Tuesday) let’s keep winning,” he tweeted.

The FK Haugesund captain Ekong equally appreciated the team work.

“Great win tonight (Tuesday) against Luxembourg.

Happy with another start and another good team performance,” he tweeted.

Lane.

The 22-year-old, who has attracted interest from Manchester United, is valued at £87m in CIES Football Observatory ’s latest findings.

Kane played a major role in helping Tottenham compete for the title by scoring 25 goals to win the Premier League Golden Boot.

•Neymar

NFF Continues from BP ambitious group that we can be proud of,” said Green.

“With the exception of two or three people, this is the Super Eagles’ team going forward. I am happy at the output of the squad in these two matches.”

Green also expressed delight with the Super Eagles coaches led by Salisu Yusuf, with his introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho (against Mali) and Odion Ighalo (against Luxembourg)

paying off big time.

“I am also happy about the technical crew.

The changes they made in both matches turned both games around.

“The NFF will ensure that the coaches get good exposure and necessary education to become even better managers,” Green concluded.

Green watched the match alongside NFF Executive Committee members Ahmed Yusuf Fresh and Sharif Rabiu Inuwa.

Serena Continues from BP get on court for the past two days for her fourthround clash against Elina Svitolina, conditions were finally dry enough on Wednesday to allow play to start on time.

And defending champion Williams needed just 62 minutes to beat 18th seed Svitolina 6-1 6-1.

Conserving energy could well be the key to winning this title, with

whoever reaches the final from the top half of the women’s draw having to play four matches in four days.

The sky was resolutely grey and the court damp and heavy, not conditions Williams favours, but she was in total control from the start.

Svitolina is being coached part-time by four-time French Open champion Justine Henin, who twice beat Williams at Roland Garros.

Benzema Continues from BP “He has to know that in France the extremist party reached the second round in the last two elections.

“I do not know, therefore, whether it is a decision only for Didier because I’ve gotten along with him, with the president, everyone.

“I would have liked to play for my country, but unfortunately that’s impossible.

“Missing the 2010 World

Cup in South Africa was a setback but the European Championship at home is even harder.

“This is one of the biggest disappointments I have had, without a doubt.”

Manchester United and French legend Cantona last week said Deschamps had left out Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa — who has Tunisian roots — because of their North African heritage.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Messi valued as world’s most expensive player — Page 47

Benzema accuses Deschamps of ‘bowing to racists’

K

ARIM Benzema has accused Didier Deschamps of bowing to racist pressure by not picking him in France’s Euro 2016 squad.

The Real Madrid ace has echoed Eric Cantona by questioning whether his Algerian heritage counted against him when France’s head coach picked the 23 names for the European Championships in his home country. Benzema told Marca: “He has bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France.

Continues on Page 47

•Messi

TOP 20 PLAYERS 1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - £163m 2. Neymar (Barcelona) - £155m 3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) - £106m 4. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) - £93m 5. Harry Kane (Tottenham) - £87m 6. Anthony Martial (Man United) - £86m 7. Luis Suarez (Barcelona) - £81m 8. Paulo Dybala (Juventus) - £80m 9. Sergio Aguero (Man City) - £75m 10. Paul Pogba (Juventus) - £70m 11. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) - £62m 12. Eden Hazard (Chelsea) - £60m 13. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) - £58m 14. Dele Alli (Tottenham) - £58m 15. Thomas Muller (Bayern) - £57m 16. Raheem Sterling (Man City) - £56m 17. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern) - £52m 18. Alvaro Morata (Juventus) - £50m 19. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) - £48m 20. Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) - £47m

NFF upgrades ‘Luxembourg’ Eagles for 2018 W/Cup •Benzema

HAIRMAN of the C NFF Technical and Serena D e v e l o p m e n t Barrister roars past Committee, Chris Green has hinted that at least ninety Elina percent of the Super

Skipper Mikel Obi and his deputy Ahmed Musa were excused for both friendlies to enable them feature in the Joseph Yobo testimonial, and it is a foregone conclusion that they will be recalled to the team barring injury or serious dip in form.

“I can say that now, we have a young and

Continues on Page 47

Continues on Page 47

Serena Williams made up for lost time by racing into the quarter-finals of the French Open.

Having been unable to

Eagles players that prosecuted the two friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg will be called up to the national team for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

•Iheanacho

•Iwobi

•Ighalo

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Vestige (5) 5 Undress (6) 8 Command (5) 10 Obtain (6) 11 Start (4) 14 Corsair (6) 15 Bloom (7) 18 Jewel (3) 19 Fixed (3) 21 Adroit (4) 23 Sea-dock (5) 24 Yielding (4) 27 Brown (3) 29 Beam (3) 31 Fortunately (7) 32 Stripped (6) 34 Otherwise (4) 35 Unfastened (6) 38 Fundamental (5) 39 Rue (6) 40 Bottle (5)

DOWN 2 Fish-eggs (3) 3 Path (6) 4 Stray (3) 5 Fall (4) 6 Swerved (6) 7 Gift (6) 9 Lodged (7) 12 Hog (3) 13 Call (4) 16 Swimming-pool (4) 17 Decoration (5) 20 Flimsy (7) 22 Filed (4) 24 Meal (6) 25 Liberate (4) 26 Higher (6) 28 Drawing (6) 30 Aye (3) 33 Liability (4) 36 Pinch (3) 37 Epoch (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Mirror 5, Clap 8, Angle 9, Dog 10, Evil 11, Anon 12, Rigid 13, Agreed 16, Dire 18, Echo 20, Hem 22, Son 23, Dry 24, Hide 25, Term 28, Damage 30, Adore 32, Pail 33, Tall 34, Use 35, Deter 36, Need 37, Advent.

DOWN: 1, Madman 2, Regarded 3, Opened 4, Enlivened 5, Claimed 6, Lend 7, Pant 8, Air 14, Distorted 15, Shy 17, Roe 19, Creature 20, Hit 21, Meddled 26, Mauled 27, Recent 29, Span 30, Aide 31, Ear.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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