FG pays marketersN338.24bn in 2012

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61702

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

SURE-P: FG rakes in N71bn from fuel price increase •P.12

Ex-CBN gov, Ola Vincent dies @ 87 •P.8

SUBSIDY CLAIMS:

FG pays marketers N338.24bn in 2012 •103 claims verified and paid •CBN debit notes not cashable — Marketers

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

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A G O S — RESPONDING to claims by oil marketing and trading companies, OM&TCs that the Sovereign Debt Notes, SDNs, given to them as reimbursement for petroleum products importated are not backed by cash, the Federal Ministry of Finance said it has paid about

Continues on page 5

State police and scare mongers 2 •P.17

Mr & Mrs

YOU WIN—From left: Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina; Vice President, Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the Presidential Launch of 2nd Edition of Youth Enterprise With Innovation In Nigeria (You Win), yesterday, at the State House, Abuja.

FG debunks rumour of Ritualists invade —P.42 &43 Lagos-Shagamu Expressway First Lady's illness —P.10 C M Y K

2— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012—3

4— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—5 TUESDA

POCKET CARTOON

FG pays marketers N338.24bn in 2012 Continues from Page 1 gust 22, 2012.

The Ministry in statistics made available to Vanguard, yesterday, titled: "Update on Payments to Oil Marketers Whose Claims Have Been Verified", said that a whopping sum of N259.34billion were paid the OM&TCs as subsidy arrears for 2011, while about N78.9billion have been paid for 2012 verified claims.

“Please note that of the total amount of N78.9 billion paid so far under this category, N34.6billion was paid on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 following a thorough process of claims verification. This is in line with the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Finance to continue the payment of marketers whose papers have been processed and cleared,” the update read in part.

It further observed that, “some claims were settled before substantive implementation of the Aig-Imoukuede Committee’s Report, which led to the suspension of payments of all 2012 claims to oil marketers under investigation for serious infractions.”

Banks are not funding importation

However, some of the marketers who spoke in confidence to Vanguard, complained that the invalidity of the SNDs has made it impossible for them to continue to import products, as “no bank is willing to finance the importation of new cargoes,” thus heightening the fears of impending fuel scarcity.

The OM&TCs told Vanguard exclusively that some of them had been carrying around the debt notes for upwards of four weeks without cash back up.

“If you have the SDN and you cannot turn it into cash, then you cannot import products because banks are not willing to finance it. So as it is two things will happen: scarcity will set in because most of the existing stocks have been exhausted, and scarcity will naturally lead to nationwide strikes,” they opined.

The development raises questions about Nigeria’s liquidity if its debit notes are no longer cashable, even as Finance Minister/Coordinator of the Economy put foreign reserves in excess of $38billion But in a quick response to Vanguard’s inquiry, the Finance Ministry released the names of the OM&TCs, whose claims had been verified and paid accordingly.

List of marketers paid It would be recalled that Vanguard had earlier exclusively reported that the marketers had dared the ministry to publish the names of those that have been paid.

Apparently pushed to the limit in

view of the claims and counter claims that have tried the subsidy hoax, the ministry is being forced to call their bluff, to state as follows: Please note that the Federal Ministry of Finance makes payments based on submitted batches by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

LIFEWORDS

D

BY PASTOR ITUAH

ON’T throw away your confidence, it will one day be rewarded. Hold on to what you have and use it well.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Love does not cost anything. Kind words and deeds do not cost anything. The real beauty of the world is equal for everyone to see. It was given by God equally to all, without restrictions — Carla Masterson

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VERYONE was given a beautiful vehicle in which to express love to others. Feelings are free to express and give to ourselves and each other through our willingness to give and care.

What is complicated about this? There is no need to make other persons feel they have to climb mountains and swim oceans in order to make a difference.

All we need to underasstand is that human life was given equally to us all, not partially but in totality. The sun was given to all. It does not shine on few. So, just as nature is indifferent to our station or situation, we need to know that we are all equal.

We need to focus on the things that are constant and not place our values on things that can be blown away with the next great wind.

Value life, for we will understand that the only law we were meant to follow, was to love ourselves and each other. Love heals and makes all things beautiful.

TABLE 2: PAYMENTS MADE BY THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE TO OIL MARKETERS IN 2012 AGAINST 2011 ARREARS.

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

DUPORT MARINE LIMITED ECO-REGEN LIMITED ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC EURAFIC OIL & COASTAL SERVICE LIMITED FARGO PETROLEUM & GAS LIMITED FIRST DEEP WATER DISCOVERY LIMITED FOLAWIYO ENERGY FORTE OIL PLC FRADO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED FRESH SYNERGY LIMITED GEACAN ENERGY LIMITED HEYDEN PETROLEUM LIMITED HONEYWELL OIL & GAS LIMITED IBAFON OIL LIMITED INTEGRATED OIL & GAS KNIGHT BRIDGE OIL LLYODS ENERGY LIMITED LOTTOJ OIL & GAS LIMITED MASTERS ENERGY OIL & GAS LIMITED MATRIX ENERGY LIMITED MOB INTEGRATED SERVICES MOBIL OIL NIGERIA NIGERIA PLC MOMATS OIL & GAS LIMITED MRS OIL & GAS CO. LIMITED MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC NADABO ENERGY LIMITED NASAMAN OIL SERVICES LIMITED NATICEL PETROLEUM LIMTIED NIPCO PLC NORTHWEST PETROLEUM & GAS CO LTD OAKFIELD SYNERGY NETWORK LTD OANDO NIGERIA PLC OBAT OIL & PETROLEUM LIMITED OIL BATH NIGERIA LIMITED ORIGIN OIL & GAS LIMITED PETROL TRADE ENERGY LIMITED PHOENIX OIL COMPANY LIMITED PINNACLE CONTRACTOR LIMITED PINNACLE OIL & GAS LIMITED PRUDENT ENERGY & SERV. LTD RAHAMANIYYA OIL & GAS LIMITED RAINOIL LIMITED ROCKY ENERGY LIMITED RYDEN OIL LIMITED SAHARA ENERGY RESOURCES LIMITED SEA PETROLEUM & GAS COMPANY LTD SHORELINK OIL & GAS LIMITED SIFAX OIL & GAS COMPANY LIMITED SIRIUS ENERGY RESOURCES LIMITED SOMERSET ENERGY SERVICES LIMITED TECHNO OIL LIMITED TONIQUE OIL SERVICES LIMITED TOP OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT LIMITED VALCORE ENERGY LIMITED VENRO ENERGY LIMITED VIVENDI ENERGY NIGERIA LIMITED XALON PETROLEUM LIMITED ZALEX ENERGY RESOURCES LIMITED ZAMSON GLOBAL RESOURCES LIMITED

TOTAL AMOUNT SETTLED: N259,339,041,657.85 S/NO NAME OF OIL MARKETER 1 ACORN PLC 2 AITEO ENERGY RESOURCES 3 AMG PETRO-ENERGY LIMITED 4 ANOSYKE GROUP OF COMPANIES 5 ASCON OIL COMPANY LIMITED 6 AX ENERGY LIMITED 7 A-Z PETROLEUM 8 BAYWOOD CONTINENTAL LIMITED 9 BRITANIA .U. NIGERIA LIMITED 10 CAADES OIL & GAS LIMITED 11 CAH RESOURCES ASSOCIATED LIMITED 12 CAPITAL OIL & GAS INDUSTRY LTD 13 CARNIVAL ENERGY OIL & GAS LTD 14 CEOTI LIMITED 15 CHANNEL OIL & GAS SVS 16 CONOIL PLC 17 CRUST ENERGY LIMITED 18 DEE JONES PETROLEUM & GAS LIMITED 19 DOWNSTREAM ENERGY SOURCE LTD

PROCESSING OF CLAIMS/SDNS

OM&TCs under the subsidy regime, file for claims for reimbursement of the difference between the landing costs for petrol and kerosene and the domestic pump prices.

Thereafter, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, will verify the documents and send to the Ministry of Finance, who in turn, invites external auditors to counter-check the documents and then forward to the Debt Management Office, DMO. The DMO, based on the auditors’ recommendations issues the Sovereign Debt Notes, which the marketers take to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for cash validation through their respective banks.

However, if the debits notes cannot be turned into cash, they remain “as good as a tissue paper.”

6—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

2015: How PDP plans to weaken Jega zI've no personal interest in INEC — Adoke

BY SONI DANIEL

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BUJA—DESPITE restriction on open campaign for the 2015 polls

by President Goodluck Jonathan, it was revealed yesterday how forces close to the administration plan to reduce the powers of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega.

According to Vanguard’s findings, powerful elements within the government had perfected a plan to replace the current secretary of the commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaugama, with a trusted ally and confer him with enormous operational powers that would make him more powerful than Jega prior to the 2015 elections.

The hawks, said to be headed by top officials of the administration, are said to be relying on the tradition of fielding INEC secretary’s position from outside the commission by previous administrations.

Incidentally, Kaugama, who is the first secretary of the commission to be appointed from within the staff pool, was named in 2008 and he is due for retirement next February.

It was gathered that some influential members of the ruling party had become increasingly uncomfortable with what a source described as ‘Jega’s overbearing powers’ , which he could use to scuttle the political ambitions of their supporters in 2015, if unchecked.

The source hinted that the protagonists of the plot, who had fallen out of favour with Jega had suggested to the Presidency that he (Jega) could not be relied upon to give them victory in 2015 and should, therefore, be stripped of some of his powers. They asserted that some of these should be given to a trusted person that could be manipulated.

“It is as a result of a highwired political agenda that you hear the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, saying openly that Jega is not the CEO of INEC and that the man should not parade himself as one.

“What they want to do is to take the operational powers from Jega and confer same on one of their own, likely to be picked from outside the INEC

anytime from now so as to protect their narrow political interests.

“These people are just looking for ways and means to protect their interests at all costs by keeping someone as their ‘operational man’ at INEC to do their biddings.

“But if they say that Jega is not the CEO of the commission, let them go to the law establishing the commission and find out if the man is not a full time chairman and the chief electoral officer,” the source said.

Attempts to confirm the receipt of the AGF’s letter by INEC were unsuccessful, as the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, did not pick his calls and did not respond to text messages sent to him.

Procurement Act and extant Financial Regulations in order to determine whether the law has expressly provided for the position of either the ‘Chief Executive Officer ’ or ‘Accounting Officer’ of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. “Regrettably, it would appear that no such terminology was used in the statutes examined. Item 14(1)(a) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the Constitution only provides that the Chairman shall be the Chief Electoral Commissioner.

The provision does not state that the ‘Chief Electoral Commissioner’ is the ‘Chief

Executive Officer.

“I have similarly examined the functions and powers of the Commission as provided for in item 15 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Electoral Act and wish to observe that these are functions and powers that can only be exercised by the Commission and not by the Chairman or any individual Commissioner except as may be delegated by the Commission under Section 152 of the Electoral Act or item 15(h) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule to the Constitution.”

“Consequently, in the

absence of any clear donation of the powers of a Chief Executive Officer or Accounting Officer by the relevant statutes, and in the absence of any evidence to indicate that these functions and powers of the Commission have been delegated to the Chairman, I am unable to come to the reasoned conclusion that the law contemplates that the Chairman of INEC shall be the Chief Executive Officer or Accounting Officer of the Commission,” Adoke stated.

But the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, yesterday distanced himself

from the development in INEC, saying that he had no hand in whatever was going on there.

Adoke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Ambrose Momoh, said INEC was an independent body constitutionallyempowered to carry out its duties without reference to his office and that he had nothing to do with the agency.

He declared: “I do not have any personal interest in what INEC is doing and that is the truth.”

The situation in the commission will become clearer in the next couple of weeks as the secretary prepares to bow out.

Incidentally, Kaugama is the first INEC secretary to be picked from within the commission. All others were nominated from outside by the government, which now appears poised to do same as soon as the current occupier of the office leaves.

Jega overbearing power One of the sms sent to the CPS at 2.05pm read, “Please confirm if the letter published in the media today about Jega not being the CEO of INEC, purportedly written by Adoke had been received.”

There was no reply to the sms at the time of going to the press.

Jega, a former Bayero University Kano Vice Chancellor, was tapped by President Goodluck Jonathan on June 8, 2010, to head the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as part of his effort to reposition the electoral body and ensure credible elections in the country.

But Jega might have played into the hands of his adversaries by sending an innocuous letter he wrote on June 19, 2012, to the AGF to clarify who was the accounting officer of the body, as part of his efforts to ensure effective service delivery.

But in replying to the letter, Adoke in a response dated July 26, 2012, bluntly declared that Jega was not the accounting officer of the body and quoted several sections of the law to buttress his position, leaving the chairman guessing on what next to do.

Part of Adoke’s reply read, “I have examined relevant provisions of the law particularly, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Electoral Act, the Public

CONFAB—From left: Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren; Bostwana Minister of Transport and Communications, Nonofo Molefhi; Governor of Khomas Region, Samuel Nuujoma; Publisher, Aviation and Alllied Business Journal, Capt. Edward Boyo and Minister of Works and Transport, Republic of Namibia, Erkki Nghimtina, during the 18th Aviation and Allied Business Leadership Conference, at Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek, Namibia, yesterday.

Corrupt, non-performing judges 'll be disgraced — NBA ...urges CJN to tackle decay in judiciary

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed its readiness to publicly disgrace any judge found to have compromised standard in the dispensation of justice.

This was even as the legal body has accused the National Judicial Council, NJC, of paying lip-service to the fight against corruption in the judiciary, noting that the council, “in that regard is part of the problem.”

Consequently, NBA while imploring the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Muktar to

quickly address the issue of institutional decay in the judiciary, said it has also resolved that from now on, “judicial vacancies be advertised so that qualified legal practitioners may apply as opposed to the current disgusting situation whereby cronies, relatives and adopted sons and daughters of a select few are appointed to the exclusion of otherwise meritorious candidates and corrosion of an effective Justice Delivery Sectors.”

In a 15-page communiqué issued at the end its 52nd annual general conference in Abuja, the legal body

decried that “there are too many cases of clear violation of ethics in the legal profession which have culminated into ambulance chasing, legal practitioners arguing their cases in the media: there is thus the urgent necessity for bad eggs in the profession to be disciplined and shown the exit door.

“That corruption in the judiciary equally connotes corruption by lawyers and there is a collective responsibility between the bar and bench to stem corruption to attain the goal of justice.

“Regarding corruption, the judges are not the sole

actors. Other accomplices or participes criminis include lawyers, court room staff, friends, family etc and any attempt by a lawyer to compromise a judge is not only unethical but criminal and amounts to corruption.

“The NJC is advised to monitor the performance of judges through input from the local NBA branches; there is a need for NBA to look into cases of frivolous filing of cases, applications or processes.

“The downward spiral in the quality of legal education offered by Nigerian universities, especially new institutions will no longer be tolerated and must be halted".

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 —7

Enugu, Delta govts condole with Vanguard over Amadi's death

BY TONY EDIKEAND

AUSTIN OGWUDA

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NUGU—Enugu and Delta State governments have commiserated with Vanguard Newspapers over the sudden death of its Entertainment Editor, Ogbonnaya Amadi last Wednesday.

GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State in his condolence letter signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said Amadi's death was a terrible loss to the organisation, the

entertainment industry and the journalism profession in Nigeria.

He described the late Editor as a resourceful professional who had helped to nurture and develop many talents in his profession and also played a significant role in the growth and development of the nation’s entertainment industry.

Chime urged the Vanguard Newspapers and the family of the deceased to bear his loss with fortitude while ensuring that legacies he had built in his life-

time were sustained.

Also, the Delta State Commissiner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, on behalf of the government and people of Delta State commiserated with the family of late Amadi, as well as Vanguard Newspapers and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, over the death.

The Commissioner in his condolence message said, “the passing on of Mr. Ogbonnaya Amadi, came to me as a huge shock. Coming at a time that he was in his prime, Mr. Amadi’s

death is a huge loss not only to his colleagues in Vanguard but the entire media industry.

Amadi had distinguished himself as a first class journalist through his reports that contributed immensely in defining Nigeria’s entertainment industry and bringing it to global limelight.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with his family, Vanguardnewspapers and the NUJ on this irreparable loss. We pray for the repose of his soul and socour for his family.”

Faulty transformer throws 50 Enugu communities into darkness

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BY TONYEDIKE

NUGU—OVER 50 communities in Enugu State that got electricity supply from the 7.5 MVA transformer of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN at Oji River substation have been thrown into darkness following a major fault in the transformer.

Mostly affected by the power outage are communities within Oji River, Udi, Ezeagu, Igbo-Eze South and Igbo-Eze North local government areas.

Residents of these communities have remained in darkness for over six weeks while those who rely on

electricity for their normal businesses have been thrown into severe hardship on account of the prolonged power outage.

The PHCN Public Affairs Manager for Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Eseme Udoh, confirmed when contacted on the development yesterday that there was a major problem with the 7.5 MVA power transformer at Oji River but added that the PHCN engineers had been working round the clock to repair it.

He said: “The 7.5 MVA transformer at Oji River which supplies electricity through 66 KV transmission line to parts of Oji River, Udi, Ezeagu and Igbo-Eze council areas is faulty and that is the cause of the current blackout in these areas but our engineers are working frantically to restore power to the affected communities.”

Abia LG poll for Jan 2013

BY ANAYOOKOLI

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MUAHIA—ABIA State government said that local government elections would be conducted in the state in January next year.

Governor Theodore Orji who made this known yesterday in Umuahia, also hinted that the governemnt would soon begin the demolition of building on drainages in Aba to create safe passge for flood which has been threatening roads in the commecial city.

He spoke during an interactive session with journalists at the Government House.

Orji also said that the governemnt would henceforth, lay emphasis on Interanally Generated Revenue, IGR, rather than depending entirely on the monthly allocations from the Federaion Account to develop the state, adding that the state cannot afford to negelct Aba. According to him, the government has taken both aerial and ground survey of Aba and would work on the drainages.

8—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Ola Vincent, former CBN Gov dies at 87

BY GABRIEL OMOH, SAM EYOBOKA & MIKE EBOH

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AGOS—A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Ola Vincent, is dead.

He died on Monday at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos after a period of hospitalisation.

One of his children confirmed his death. He was, until his death, a director at Industrial and General Insurance Plc. He served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 1977 and 1982.

Speaking to Vanguard, one of Vincent’s daughters, Mrs. Taiwo Bali said “I am one of his four children. We are twins. Papa was also survived by 11 grand children. When I went to visit him on Saturday, he smiled. That smile lasted for a very long time. I went to see him again on Sunday.

I saw that particular smile again. Then on Monday, Papa was dead. He was a very disciplined man. He was an apostle for details.

He always insisted on details. We will miss him.

He was sick for some time.

Also the wife, Mrs Edith Adenike Vincent said: “He was a loving husband. I will marry him all over again."

In the condolence register, Apostle and Mrs Hayford Alile wrote “What a celebration of life on many fronts. We will miss you”.

According to the burial arrangements, his body will be lying-in-state at his residence at 8, Balarabe Musa Cresent, Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday.

Service of songs will be held at African Church Cathedral, Bethel, Broad Street, Lagos. Final interment will be at Ikoyi Cemetery on Thursday.

Speaking on his death, pioneer Director-General of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, Apostle Hayford Alile described the deceased former CBN governor, Chief Ola Vincent as a man of proven integrity who even at old age was very wonderful in all his presentations. While Ola Vincent was in the CBN, Alile was the Director-General of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and they both worked closely at different commissions and boards even after they both retired from active service. Alile said they worked closely together right from 1976 when Chief Ola Vincent was the deputy governor of CBN and chairman of Capital Issues Commission where they both often shared thoughts on the way forward for the nation’s economy.

“Without mincing words, the man was an epitome of patriotism; he had an

C M Y K

impeccable character and I make bold to say that he was one of the very few Nigerians who I can vouch for as people so dedicated to the Nigerian project,” Alile told our reporter on telephone last night.

He added that he also worked closely with the late Vincent on the board of IGI where “we had also related very closely and I can say that his share of experience is absolutely wonderful.

The nation has missed a rare gem.

When contacted a CBN official said yes it is true that Ola Vincent is dead but no official communication has been made to that effect. He said may be tomorrow (today), the CBN may come out with a statement in this regard.

In his view, Mr. Jaiye Randle, who was one of the early callers to the family, said “He was one of Nigeria’s finest in terms of integrity, uprightness. He is also a bold and strong man.

He was an embodiment of how Lagosians used to be.

He was exceptionally respectful, even to those of us much younger than him. Tribe or religion meant nothing to him. He did not discriminate, he had a large circle of friends, despite his a g e .

Above all, he had a fantastic sense of humour. He was an encyclopedia in vitually all facets of Nigerian life, in economics, politics, social, among others. He was a man of great passion and always made allowance for human frailty. He was highly accommodating of other people’s opinion. May his soul rest in peace.”

Reacting to the death of Mr. Ola Vincent, Mr. Oluseye Adetunmbi, Chief Responsibility Officer, Value Fronteira Limited, said “He was one of the finest technocrats, one of the few who dignified simplicity by sticking to ‘Mr’ despite his huge status that could have attracted many chieftaincy titles, epitome of ‘central banker’ when things were still orderly in Nigeria. I grew up to know him through his signature in Nigerian currency note when Nigerian 60 kobo was worth more than a dollar.

"His name with his signature on the currency was synonymous to CBN for a very long time because of his unique style which underscored the virtue of modesty in his character and honourable disposition.

"It was like when their set left the key sectors of our economy; things were no longer at ease in Nigeria.

Nigeria has been depleted by one of her finest men of dignity and honour. We can only hope that those of us left can learn from the unique and towering disposition of Pa Ola

Vincent. May his gentle soul rest in peace while thanking God for the gift of long life.”

In his reaction, Mr. Remi Olowude, Vice Chairman, IGI Insurance Plc, who was one of the individuals who visited the family to commiserate with them over their loss, said “Baba was an epitome of the old national anthem that we abandoned which says, ‘though tongue and tribe may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ That was baba.

He had no time for tribal issues, all he had time for in his life were real issues.

He was a man of the highest integrity. He was a highly cerebral person, probably one of the best economist of our time. ”I used to call him a poetical economist. When he commented on national and economic issues, you would marvel. When Nigerian was on a precipice, baba gave solutions that helped the country out of the problems.

"He was practical, humble, a good listener and does not personalise issues.

During the dark days of Abacha, Baba gave solutions that helped moved the country forward. He was a moving encyclopedia, especially on corporate governance. He was a founding shareholder and director of IGI Insurance. He helped the Board of the company run what became the best company with the highest ethical standard in Nigeria.

At over 80, he was still a member of the Board of IGI till his death. May his soul rest in peace.”

Birth and education Vincent was born on May 16, 1925 in Lagos. He attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos (1936–1939).

He served in the Nigerian Armed Forces between 1942 and 1946, and then worked in the Financial Secretary’s Office, Lagos between 1946 and 1956. In 1951 he attended the Administrative Staff College in England, and from 1953 to 1956 he studied at the University of Manchester. From 1957 to 1960 he was a part-time lecturer in Economics at the University of Ibadan.

Banking career Vincent was Senior Assistant Secretary in the Nigerian Ministry of Finance (1959–1961) and then moved to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, as an Assistant General Manager, becoming a General Manager at the CBN from 1963 to 1966. He was a Director at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (1964– 1966). Vincent was appointed a Vice President at the African Development

Mrs. Adenike Ola Vincent, Widow, being consoled by Mrs. Femi Laguda, during a condolence visit to Late Ola Vincent's house, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Pix: Biodun Ogunleye

From left: Apostle Hayford Alile and his wife, Vice Chairman, Industrial and General Insurance, IGI, Chief Remi Olowude and his wife.

Bank, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (1966–1973). He returned to the CBN in 1973 as an Adviser, becoming Deputy Governor in 1975 and Governor from 1977 to 1982. Vincent was named a Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 1982.

Later career Following Vincent’s retirement from the CBN, in 1983 he recommended establishment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, which occurred in June 1988. The NDIC provides a safety net for depositors in the newly liberalized banking sector.

Vincent chaired a seminar on Ethics and Professionalism in the Nigerian Banking Industry in August 1992. In his opening remarks, he observed that banks had a pivotal role in the cash and credit economy of Nigeria, making them vulnerable to suspicion.

He acknowledged that greed was a factor in causing the high incidence of fraud and other abuses in the industry.

Speaking in April 2003, Vincent criticized the “severely flawed unitarist constitution” that the former military regime had introduced in 1999, and called for changes to “arrest the cancerous growth of corruption and corrupt practices.”

He was a director of the Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) in 2008, when he received a prestigious lifetime achievement award. He is a life member of the Nigerian Economic Society and the Society for International Development.

In May 2009, he was living in retirement in his home on Victoria Island, Lagos with Adenike, his wife for 50 years. In an interview in September 2009, Vincent was critical of the action of the current governor of the CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who had dismissed the chief executives of five bailed-out banks. He said the executives should have been given a fair hearing, and felt that the hasty action which involved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission may have undermined trust in the banking system.

FG should de-emphasize Vision 2020 – Ola Vincent Vincent, while speaking at the annual dinner of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria said that the federal government should deemphasize vision 20-2020.

“Nigeria should aim to do better than it is doing now, and not be talking about becoming one of the largest economy in 2020” he said.

He noted that the way

people talk about Nigeria achieving this feat assumes that the countries presently in the group of 20 largest economy have stopped growing, adding that this is farther from the truth. He said those countries will not stop for Nigeria to catch up with them. “They are also working to improve their economies and, hence, increase their growth. That is why achieving that feat requires urgent steps to improve the economy. My advice is that we should focus on improving on where we are today, doing better than we are presently doing.”

Citing example of the need to increase power generation, he said, “Nigeria is not going anywhere if the problem of power is not solved.

Government has been talking about increasing generation to 4000 or 5000 megawatt but this should not be the goal. We should be talking about how to generate 40,000 mega watts in three years. So, government must move quickly in the direction of producing enough power for the country.”

Vincent, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, said a critical ingredient missing in present efforts to develop the economy is planning.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—9

Okada operators sue LASG over new traffic law •NURTW demands additional motor parks

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO with agency reports

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KEJA – A group of commercial motorcycle operators in Lagos yesterday dragged the Lagos State Government to court challenging the legality of the new traffic law in the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola had on Aug. 2 signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Bill into law.

The commercial motorcyclists, also known as Okada operators, – under the aegis of All Nigerians Autobike Commercial Owners and Workers Association, ANACOWA, – filed the suit before an Ikeja High Court in Lagos.

The suit was filed on their behalf by a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Mr Bamidele Aturu.

The suit is yet to be assigned to any judge and no date has been fixed for hearing.

The defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Ade Ipaye.

Declaration on major highways in Lagos The claimants sought a declaration that “The Major Highways in Lagos listed in Items 1-11 and other parts of Schedule II of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law No. 4 of 2012 are Federal Roads within the meaning of the Federal Highways Act, cap F13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.

They urged the court to declare section 3(1) of the law which prohibits the riding, driving or propelling of a cart, wheel barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on the Major Highways in Lagos,

as unconstitutional.

The commercial motorcyclists further asked for a declaration that the defendants have no power whatsoever to make any law to regulate traffic on any of the Federal Roads.

Meantime, the national executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has asked that the government urgently construct additional motor-parks across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the union, National President of NURTW, Alhaji Najim Yasin who made this known yesterday, during a courteR-l: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN; National President of the National Union of Road sy visit to the Lagos House, Transport Workers, NURTW; Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin National Vice President of the Union; Alhaji AdegAlausa, said “it will aid ef- boyega Tomori; and Ahaji Abubakar Ali; during a courtesy call on the Governor on the new traffic law at the Photo: Bunmi Azeez fective compliance of the State House, Ikeja, yesterday. new law by the commercial drivers in the state.”

According to Yasin, “There are not enough motor-parks in the state considering the number of buses operating here. The motor-parks across the state

BY ABDULWAHAB the inquest in the coroner other reliefs from the court any form of inquisition or are congested. Many comABDULAH & ONOZURE court was illegal, null and jointly and severally inquest into the deaths mercial vehicle operators DANIA void. arising from the Dana Air cannot access the motoragainst the respondents.

In an originating sumparks. And when they do They asked the court to crash of June 3, 2012 or any FEDERAL High not have where to park their Court sitting in La- mon filed, the plaintiffs are declare that the coroner matter related to aviation buses, this if not ad- gos has been urged to nul- also seeking an order of the court presided by Magis- accident or deaths arising dressed, will make them lify all steps taken so far by court setting aside the pro- trate Komolafe and the from it.

No date has been fixed flout the new traffic law.” coroner court presided by ceedings of the coroner Chief Judge of Lagos State He, however, urged the Magistrate Alexander Oy- court already conducted till cannot exercise or carry out for the hearing of the suit. state and the local govern- etade Komolafe, making date on the ground that the ment to build more motor- inquiry into the June 3, court as presided by Magparks across the state.

2012, Dana Airline crash in istrate Komolafe lacks the requisite authority or comResponding, Governor Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

HE Lagos State gov junction being sought in Babatunde Fashola of LaThe move automatically petence to investigate the e r n m e n t , the court by the plaintiffs. gos State said the traffic law suspends proceedings be- cause of deaths occuring yesterday,filed a counter The state said, “The 1st from the June 3, 2012 Dana has not come to impover- fore the coroner court. affidavit to the motion filed plaintiff (the NGO) is a Air crash. ish the union but to ensure According to the suit filed Joined as defendants in by the Civil Aviation private company limited that the cooperation be- by a non-governmental ortween the government and ganisation, Civil Aviation the suit are the Chief Judge Round Table Initiative by guarantee with its set union continues effectively. Round Table Initiative Lim- of Lagos State, the Chief Limited and Captain Dele objectives.

It does not have any According to Fashola, “It ited and an aviation expert, Coroner of Lagos State, the Ore (rtd), maintaining is in the best interest of the Captain Dele Ore (rtd), Attorney General of Lagos that the applicants have constitutional role to play commercial drivers and the they said the proceeding State, the Attorney Gener- no locus standi to institute and has said nothing in union. It is meant to better contravenes Section 29 of al of the Federation and the any action stopping the its affidavit in support of the Originating Summons our life.” the Civil Aviation Act No. 6 Federal Ministry of Avia- coroner court.

In the counter affidavit to show that it has any He however said that the of 2006. The plaintiffs said tion.

Others are the Nigerian filed by a senior state rights that were being state government has not the way of summoning or Civil Aviation Authority, counsel in the office of the breached or likely to be banned union activities in invitation of witnesses to Federal Airports Authority, Attorney General, Mrs. breached by the exercise the motor parks. testify or give evidence in The Accident Investigation Osibanjo Olawunmi and of powers exercised by Bureau, Nigerian Air Mr. K. Akinjide Bakare, the 1st defendant, the LaSpace Management Au- counsel to the 1st - 4th gos Coroner as representthority and Dana Airlines d e f e n d a n t s ed by Magistrate Alexrespectively in opposition ander Oyetade Komolafe.

Limited. the panel. of the nine technical The plaintiffs sought six to the interlocutory inAt the public sitting yes- schools in the state and terday ,a former Director the supply of kit -less labGeneral Bureau of Due oratories to primary Process under the admin- schools and secondary istration of Prince Olagun- schools in the state that soye Oyinlola, Mr. Gbenga the project was stalled beAbiola told the panel that cause the present adminBY OLASUNKANMI with property owners, It will cost a total of N29 the failure of the incumbent istration in the state failed AKONI transport unions, commu- billion. Already thousands governor Mr. Rauf Aregbe- to advance money for it . nity leaders as well as oth- of houses have demolsola to release money for The contract which he HE construction of er stakeholders this ished fot the purpose some of the contracts is said was in four phases, infrastructure for Thursday, where the According to Managing largely responsible for their included supply of equip- the Bus Rapid Transit, project will be officially Director of LAMATA, Dr. abandonment . ment to the technical BRT extension from Mile presented to the public.

Dayo Mobereola, ThursMr. Abiola told the Pro- schools, erecting building to 12 to Ikorodu town, is Governor Babatunde day’s meeting, at Majifessor Femi Odekunle led house the equipment, ca- under way by the Lagos Fashola had earlier dis- dun, by Ogolonto juncpanel that is looking into pacity building and supply Metropolitan Area Trans- closed that the design on tion, near Ikorodu was the abandonment of the of lab less kits was award- port Authority, LAMATA. the reconstruction of Ketu called towards carrying project for the up grading ed to an Israeli company.

The agency will meet -Ikorodu Road was ready. stakeholders along.

Suit at High Court suspends coroner inquest into Dana crash A

...Lagos kicks

T

Osun probe panel starts sitting

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO – The commission of inquiry set up by the Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola which invited the immediate past governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and 69 others to appear before it to answer questions over major financial transactions and contracts awarded by that government from May 2003 to November 2010 yesterday began sitting with four people appearing before C M Y K

LAMATA starts work on BRT extension from Mile 12 - Ikorodu

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10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

2 policemen, 5 others die in Oyo road crashes I

BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN—TWO police men and five other persons died in three separate road accidents that occurred yesterday and Sunday.

Also, 17 people were said to have sustained serious injuries when the accidents occurred on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Igboora-Iseyin road and Agugu in Ibadan

North East Local Government Area of the state.

The FRSC Apata Unit Commander, Mathew Cyril Zango, confirmed the death of five persons on Igboora-Iseyin road and that 10 others were injured.

He said that those injured had been taken to Iseyin General Hospital.

He narrated that the

incident occurred at Maya Village.

Two vehicles with number plates SV 119 KJA and Peugeot 504, AJ 613 GWA (Abuja) were involved.

While the acting Police Public Relations, PPRO, in Oyo State, Daniel Oboyi, confirmed the death of two policemen at Agugu, The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Oluyole Unit Com-

mander, Sanya Adeoye, said another accident that happened on the expressway involved two vehicles with number plates LJ 39 KJA and APP 36 KA. He said six people were injured, while the remaining two persons escaped unhurt.

He explained that the Toyota SUV had tyre burst and then ran into the Toyota Camry car.

Vote out bad politicians, Jonathan tells electorate

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, called on Nigerians to vote out bad politicians in order to make them accountable and committed to their electoral promises.

He spoke in Abuja, at the inauguration of the 2nd edition of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria, YouWin. The president said his administration would ensure the sanitisation of the electoral system in the country.

Jonathan said: “We feel that for a political dispensation to be relevant to the people, to endure, the electoral process must be sanitised. The voter card of Nigerians must make them vote out the bad politicians, that is the only way we politicians will be committed and do what is right and for that we promised to change

the electoral process, we have not reached where we want to go but Nigerians and indeed, all the people that have been monitoring our elections have observed that this is a different face of Nigeria and we will continue to improve on it.”

He said his government is also tackling the issue of corruption which has bedeviled the nation for a long time, adding that “in this country, these days, people talk about corruption, sometimes those who are corrupt even shout more about corruption but we are tackling it gradually. If you look at the Agriculture sector, procurement of fertilisers and tractors and other scandal that was going on, we have stopped that, the oil sector, we are going to stop it, gradually this will thin down, we cannot change the society overnight but we have to take step it by step by step.”

Akeredolu faults Mimiko's campaign in Akoko

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RALLY: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (middle); Acting Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Osun State, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi (2nd right); ACN Chairman in Ikire, Alhaji Amriyau Owoade (left); Chief of Staff to Governor Aregbesola, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left) and Chief of Staff to former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governor in the state, Prince Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola, at the rally to commemorate the end of Ramadan in Ikire, Osun State, weekend.

Kuku hints of FG's plan to expand amnesty beneficiaries

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—THE Fed eral Government has concluded arrangements to extend the amnesty programme to additional 3,642 beneficiaries from the Niger Delta region of the country to bring the total number of beneficiaries to 30,000 Special Adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs and the Chairman of the Amnesty programme, Kingsley Kuku said this in Arogbo kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State.

Kuku spoke at a rally organised in support of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the state, Chief Olusola Oke According to him a memo to that effect had been presented to President Goodluck Jonathan for approval before the end of September.

He however said that ”the expansion of the scheme to accommodate

the beneficiaries would however be subject to the approval of the President.

Kuku said the expansion was sequel to the agitation from those that were not considered in the first phase

of the programme.

“There is agitation going on in the Niger Delta and I have always been at the fore front of the clamour that the amnesty programme has to close, the boys are unrelent-

ing and the security agencies have collected their arms.

“The only option opened to us is to return their arms, so if we are not going to return their arms, they should be included in the programme one way or the other.

Boko Haram: Northern economy bleeding, says Minister

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

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BUJA—MINISTER and Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission, NPC, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, cried out yesterday that the activities of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram have created a lot of distortions in the economic activities in the region.

Dr. Usman stated this in Abuja, while inaugurating the Central Working Group, CWG, on the review of the First National Implementation Plan, NIP, 2010-2013, of the Vision 20:2020. The CWG is an independent panel set up to conduct the review.

The minister said the activities of the Boko Haram in the North have created a lot of distortions in the growth of the Nigerian economy.

He said that the review was imperative in order to discover progress already made as well as constraints in the efforts to develop the Nigerian economy.

According to him, the implementation of the Plan which started in 2010 was on course in all sectors of the economy, adding that the implementation of the first phase of the Vision document would end in December 2013.

He said: “What gets measured gets done. We

are measuring the implementation of the First National Plan to know the achievement made and the mistakes to avoid.

“We have brought in professionals that will come up with the assessment of the Plan. The committee is to find out whether the Plan is working or not. The ultimate goal is for Nigeria to make significant progress.

He also explained that the review was necessary due the dynamic nature of the world economy, recent developments in the world economy as well as developments in the domestic economy, particularly, the security challenges facing the nation.

KURE—THE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation, ACO, through its Director Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, has carpeted Gov. Mimiko for neglecting Akoko area of the state in the last three years, after which he still went there to ask for their vote.

He said: “The people of Akoko should ask him where the roads he promised are, what happened to the Tomato paste factory in which N5.6 billion

has been committed?

“The people of Akoko should ask him which industry and how many of their youths he has employed in his three and half years in office.

What about the neglect of roads, in Ikare, Akungba, Oka among others?

"Akoko should ask him why they should support somebody who betrayed their son, late Adebayo Adefarati in 2003. The people of Akoko should not vote for a government that thrives on deceit and propaganda,”

FG debunks rumour of First had not taken a rest Lady's illness she since President

BY UDUMA KALU

A

BUJA—THE special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati has denied reports that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was indisposed and flown abroad for proper medical attention.

While responding to reports which emanated from online news platforms, Abati said the story “was a rumour and there is nothing like that.”

Earlier, First Lady ’s spokesman, Ayo Osinlu, had told the media that Dame Patience Jonathan did actually travel abroad, but she was only away to take a “moment’s rest” given that

Jonathan’s election last year.

He said: “If you look at her itinerary in August, you will be wondering how she was able to accomplish that. In the course of this week, she will be back home. But remember, it all depends on her plans.”

However, Nigerians in Germany have debunked Presidential statement that the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan only travelled abroad to rest, without indicating exactly where she is.

Media reports last night quoted the office of the First Lady of saying that Patience’s foreign trip was “to take time off to rest” and not for medical purposes.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—11

MOSOP sends notice of self-governance to FG

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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Demolition of structures at the proposed Rivers Monorail route on Station Road, Port Hracourt, Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

LG verification c'ttees uncover rot in Bayelsa councils

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE Local Government Verification Committees instituted by Bayelsa State Government to probe the finances of the eight local government councils in the state, yesterday, presented startling and disturbing revelations from the councils, including bloated staff salaries, ghost workers and lack of proper accounting in the management of funds.

The verification committees, which made public their findings in Yenagoa, were inaugurated by the state deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah (rtd) sometime in April, to review the system and suggest ways of making the local governments contribute to the development agenda of the state

government.

Vanguard gathered that the committees were set up following reports that the third tier of government was bugged by ghost workers, underaged and over-aged workers, who have not been able to bring positive development to the communities at the grassroots.

The reports presented similar conclusions ranging from cases of over

staffing, huge salary bills, over-aged workers, absenteeism on the part of staff and political heads, including elected officials.

In the Sagbama Local Government Area report, the committee chairman, Senator John Braimbaifa, who said they received several death threats and intense lobby from certain quarters, said only 556 persons were found to be

OMLs: Delta youth leaders vow to shut down oil facilities

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—DESPITE the promise of Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to take up the controversial sale of Oil Mining Leases, OMLs, in the state with President

Goodluck Jonathan, youth leaders of the affected Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities, weekend, vowed to go ahead with their planned shutdown of the oil installations.

The vending of OMLs 26, 30 and 34 by Shell

Dredging of Calabar channel on govt agenda —Minister

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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INISTER of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has assured businessmen in Calabar, Cross River State and environs, that the dredging of the Calabar channel was still on the agenda of the government, adding that issues delaying the dredging would soon be sorted out.

The Minister, who

genuine workers out of 1,257 found in the employment of the council.

In Ekeremor Local Government Area, the staff verification committee chairman, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said it was disturbing to have more staff as cleaners and clerical officers out of the huge staff strength of 1,791, adding that most workers only collect salaries without reporting for duty.

spoke when he received the governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, said government was not only going to dredge the channel but also looking for a channel manager that would manage same after it had been dredged, as was done with the Lagos and Onne channels.

He said: “In order to show the commitment of the Federal Government

to the development of the region, the contract for the feasibility studies of the coastal rail lines will soon be awarded as the job is currently undergoing due processes.”

Earlier, Governor Imoke solicited the assistance of the Minister on the request of businessmen using the Calabar Port for the granting of special concessions on port charges.

Petroleum Development Company had attracted widespread denunciation from host communities in the state since the exercise was completed.

In a statement by their spokesperson, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, the youth leaders said: “As you are aware, we told you of our planned shutdown of all oil installations in the areas over the sale of OMLs 26, 30 and 34 without due process. We wish to inform you that there is no going back, as we are going ahead with the shutdown.”

But the governor at a meeting with traditional rulers and opinion leaders from Isoko, Urhobo and Ndokwa ethnic groups, recently, said there was no need to resort to violence, as he would personally convey the grievances of the oil communities to the Federal Government.

ORT HARCOURT—FACTIONAL leader of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, has said his group had written to notify President Goodluck Jonathan of its recent declaration of political autonomy for the Ogoni area.

According to Diigbo, the correspondence to the President outlined funding sources and other options to enforce the United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous people.

He said: “Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was sent a no-

tification and consultative advisory, which outlines Nigeria’s mandatory obligations to enforce the Ogoni Self Government Declaration.”

He added that the notification was sent to the President on August 7.

“The mandatory obligations sent to the presidency constituted Notification, Consultative Advisory and Early Warning, requiring urgent actions for peaceful resolution on specific procedures expected of President Jonathan’s administration,” he said.

It will be recalled that Diigbo had, on August 2, declared self government for Ogoni area. According to him, the action did not amount to secession.

Orodje of Okpe wades into Amukpe leadership tussle

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—THE Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orue I, weekend, waded into the leadership tussle that had engulfed Amukpe community and ordered the Deacon Believe Edeki’s interim executive committee to quit office with immediate effect.

The royal father gave the order during a meeting of stakeholders in the community which he summoned to deliberate on the way out of the bitter leadership tussle, which was tearing apart the various villages that make up Amukpe community. The community had been polarised into two axis with one led by

Mr. William Ojo and the other by Deacon Edeki.

At the peace meeting, the royal father queried the legitimacy of Edeki’s interim executive and described it as “a coup detat,” and lacking constitutional backing. He ordered Edeki to vacate office with immediate effect, insisting that the administration of Mr. Ojo was still running and had not expired to warrant the constitution of an interim executive.

His Majesty also ordered that all administrative transactions, including leasehold property converted to freeholds, carried out by the disbanded Edeki executive without the consent and express permission of Ojo’s executive were null and void.

Why I released N13.3bn for construction of 473km rural roads —Imoke

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ALABAR—GOV ERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has said that he made available the sum of N13.3 billion counterpart funding of African Development Bank, AfDB, to assist in the construction of rural roads to ensure that the roads were completed before the end of 2012.

Imoke, at the presentation of success story of Cross River Rural Access and Mobility Project, CRRAMP, in Calabar, weekend, said the money was spent on the construction

of 473 kilometers of feeder roads in less than two years even ahead of what AfDB contributed for the entire project.

He said: “We must seize this opportunity on the cooperation and collaboration we currently enjoy from AfDB and hopefully, the World Bank and ensure that none of the feeder or rural roads projects we are constructing across the state gets beyond next year .”

He noted that his administration was committed to asphalt all community roads ahead of the Millennium Development Goals, 2015.

12—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

SURE-P: Fuel price increase generates N71bn in 3 months

BY OMOH GABRIEL, Business Editor

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HE three tiers of government in the country earned a total of N71.10 billion from the increase in fuel pump price in January between April and June 2012. The sum was the amount distributed as the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, among the three tiers of government and the 13 percent Derivation Fund.

While the Federal Government collected N32.59 billion, state governments received N16.53 billion and local governments got N12.74 billion, while N9.24 billion went to the 13 percent Derivation fund.

According to the 2012 second quarter review of the economy by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, N56.45 billion was also shared among the three tiers of government as

exchange rate gain. As a result, the Federal Government got N15.09 billion; states, N22.58 billion; local governments, N11.64 billion and 13 percent Derivation Fund, N7.34 billion.

NNPC's refund

The CBN reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, refunded N15.22 billion to the federation account, which was shared by the sub-national governments and 13 percent Derivation Fund as follows: state governments, N7.48 billion; local governments, N5.76 billion, and 13 percent Derivation Fund, N1.98 billion.

Following this development, the CBN report said: “The total allocation to the three tiers of government in the second quarter of 2012 amounted to

N1.739 billion. N71.10 billion was also distributed as the Subsidy ReInvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, among the three tiers of government and the 13 percent Derivation Fund; Federal Government, N32.59 billion; state governments, N16.53 billion; local governments, N12.74 billion and 13 percent Derivation fund, N9.24 billion.”

The CBN in the report on the economy said: “Available data showed that total federally-collected revenue, during the second quarter of 2012, stood at N2.596 billion, representing an increase of 7.1 and 8.7 per cent above the proportionate budget estimate and the level in the corresponding quarter of 2011, respectively, but a decline of 12.9 per cent below the level in the preceding

quarter.

“At N1.981 billion, gross oil receipts, which constituted 76.3 per cent of the total, exceeded the proportionate budget estimate by 19.4 percent, but was lower than the level in the preceding quarter by 16.6 percent.

“The development relative to the preceding quarter was attributed, largely, to the fall in the receipts from crude oil and gas exports as well as domestic crude oil and gas sales owing to the shut down and disruptions caused by maintenance works at various terminals.”

2nd quarter economy

Explaining further how the economy fared in the second quarter of 2012, CBN said: “Nonoil receipts, at N614.60 billion 23.7 percent of the total, was above the level in the preceding quarter by 1.6 percent, but below the proportionate budget estimate by 19.6 percent. The rise in non-oil revenue relative to the preceding quarter reflected, largely, the increase in Corporate Taxes and the Customs and Excise Duties during the review period.

“As a percentage of projected second quarter 2012 nominal Gross Domestic Product, GDP, oil and non-oil revenue were 19.8 and 6.2 percent, respectively. Of the gross federally-collected revenue during the review quarter, N1,400.57 billion, after accounting for all de-

ductions and transfers, was transferred to the Federation Account for distribution among the three tiers of government and the 13.0 percent Derivation Fund.

“The Federal Government received N659.75 billion, while the states and local governments received N334.63 billion and N257.99 billion, respectively. The balance of N148.20 billion went to the 13.0 percent Derivation Fund for distribution by the oil-producing states. Also, the Federal Government received N26.18 billion from the Value Added Tax, VAT, Pool Account, while the state and local governments received N87.25 billion and N61.08 billion, respectively.

“During the period under review, N21.47 billion was drawn from the Excess Crude Account, ECA, to bridge the short-fall in revenue for the period and was shared as follows: Federal N9.84 billion, states N4.99 billion.

SURE-P earnings

“N71.10 billion was also distributed as the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, among the three tiers of government and the 13 percent Derivation Fund as follows: Federal Government N32.59 billion, state governments, N16.53 billion; local government, N12.74 billion and 13 percent Derivation Fund, N9.24 billion.

“Furthermore, N56.45 billion was shared as

exchange rate gain as follows: Federal Government N15.09 billion, state governments, N22.58 billion; local governments, N11.64 billion and 13 percent Derivation Fund, N7.34 billion.

Sharing NNPC refund

“In addition, the NNPC Refund was shared by the sub-national governments and 13 percent derivation fund as follows: states government N7.48 billion; local governments, N5.76 billion and 13 percent Derivation Fund, N1.98 billion.

“Thus, the total allocation to the three tiers of government in the second quarter of 2012 amounted to N1,739.31 billion. This was higher than N3.85 billion, while the oil producing states received N2.79 billion. At N851.99 billion, the Federal Government retained revenue for the second quarter of 2012, was lower than both the proportionate budget estimate and receipts in the first quarter of 2012 by 14.3 and 11.9 percent, respectively.

“It was, however, higher than the receipts in the corresponding quarter of 2011 by 17.6 percent. Of this amount, the Federal Government’s share from the Federation Account, VAT Pool Account and FGN Independent Revenue were N659.75 billion, N26.18 billion, and N101.26 billion, respectively, while “Others” accounted for the balance of N64.80 billion.

Expenditure

“Total expenditure for second quarter stood at N1,063.76 billion, indicating a decline of 16.8 percent relative to the level of the quarterly budget estimate.

“It was, however, higher than the level in the preceding quarter by 11.4 percent. The development, relative to the quarterly budget estimate, was attributed to the non-release of capital outlay during the period.

“A breakdown of total expenditure showed that the recurrent component accounted for 72.9 percent, capital component 23.1 percent, while statutory transfers accounted for the balance of 4.0 percent.

“Further breakdown of the recurrent expenditure showed that the nondebt component accounted for 89.3 percent, while debt service payments accounted for the balance of 10.7 percent.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012—13

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 4, 2012

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Mrs. Abigel Akinpelu, Mrs Toyin Amadi, wife of the deceased, Sister Mary and Sister Mariam, during a condolence visit to the Ogba residence of late Mr Ogbonna Amadi, Vanguard Entertainment Editor, Sunday. Photos: Bunmi Azeez.

Sympathisers at the Ogba residence of late Mr Ogbonna Amadi, Vanguard Entertainment Editor, Monday.

Son machetes father to death in Enugu

BY TONYEDIKE

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NUGU—TRAGEDY struck at Obodoukwu Imoha, Nkerefi community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu weekend, when a young man allegedly went berserk and inflicted several machete cuts on his father, killing him instantly.

The suspect identified by the police as Chinedu Umahi, was said to have

killed his father, Mr. Uwanuakwa Umahi while he was resting in his house about 6 pm on Saturday, September 1, with a sharp machete with which he gave him deep cuts in his body.

The police said in Enugu that the man became unconscious following severe bleeding and was rushed to a hospital at Agbani in the neighbouring Nkanu

West Local Government Area where he died few hours later. Chinedu is now saidtobeinpolicecustodywhere hehadallegedlyadmittedkilling his father.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu,confirmedtheincident yesterday, saying that the commandhasalreadycommencedinvestigations into the incident.

He said: “We are investigating an incident in which a son gave

his father several machete cuts atObodoukwuImoha,Nkerefiin Nkanu East local Government Area of the state for a yet to be established reason. The victim, oneUwanuakwaUmahiwasalleged to have been macheted by his own son Chinedu.

“Thevictimwassaidtoberesting in his house that fateful day when his son suddenly came in and started cutting him with the machete. The man tried to escape through the window but he could not because of severe injuries he had already sustained hence he became unconscious.

The man was later rushed to the General Hospital Agbani for treatment but he was confirmed dead.”

Group lauds FG over Onitsha River Port Complex

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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AGOS—SOUTH East Forum for Development and Prosperity, SEFDOP, has commended the Federal Government for the commissioning of the ultra modern Onitsha River Port Complex, describing the development as an indication of President Goodluck Jonathan’s determination to make the South East an economic hub.

It also urged the government to intensify the dredging of River Benue and the completion of other river ports and jet-

ties, in order to improve inland water transport.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator Mr. Bonaventure Melah, particularly praised President Jonathan and the Minister for Transport Senator Idris Umar for the political will and commitment which led to the success of the project. ‘’We wish to commend the Federal Government for the rehabilitation and equipping of the ultra modern Onitsha River Port Complex. We commend in particular President Jonathan for his commitment to the completion of the project."

FG acknowledges slow pace of work on failed S-East roads

BY TONYEDIKE

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NUGU—THE Federal Government, yesterday, ackowledged the slow pace of work on its roads in the South East geopolitical zone but assured of its commitment to complete ongoing road projects which had constituted serious setback to the economy of the zone.

The deplorable condition of the roads, most of which were abandoned over the years by previous administrations, had remained an issue which the people of the zone regard as part of their marginalisation by successive governments.

Some have been grumbling aloud that President Goodluck Jonathan who had during his electioneering campaign promised to address the problem of infrastructural decay in the area, had not shown

C M Y K

enough commitment over the perennial problem of infrastructural decay in the zone.

Disturbed by the development, President Jonathan dispatched the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, to the zone yesterday to evaluate the performance of the road contractors currently handling the rehabilitation projects.

Yuguda told reporters after inspecting the Enugu – Onitsha expressway being rehabilitated by NIGERCAT Construction Company and CCC Construction that the government would complete all the road projects it awarded in the zone, adding that fund had been provided for the realisation of the projects.

He said that the government was not happy by the deplorable state of these roads especially

the Enugu – Onitsha and the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressways which had constituted death traps for motorists.

Yuguda said that bad weather had posed major challenge to the completion of the rehabilitation projects but assured that with the rainy season coming to an end, the tempo of work on the roads would be accelerated in order to complete them before December 2013.

He said: “The Enugu – Onitsha expressway is strategic to all Nigerians but we are making progress in the rehabilitation. If you are driving to Upper Iweka near the River Niger Bridge you will see the level of expansion we have made.

The major challenge on this road is being addressed. The contractors have been paid and we expect them to deliver.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012—15

16— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—17

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AST week, while address ing the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his opposition to State Police. The President, like every Nigerian, is entitled to his opinion. But in this matter, he is like the chairman of a meeting. He should have allowed himself to take in all the contributions to the debate before ruling on the matter!

The President, I am afraid, spoke too early, and that was what I referred to last week as foreclosing the debate even before it begins!

The President anchored his objection on the same fear of abuse by the state governors.

Therefore, he did not advance the debate one bit. But let me refresh the minds of Nigerians a bit. Soon after his “election” as Governor of Anambra State in 2003, Dr. Chris Ngige ran into trouble with Mr. Chris Uba, the erstwhile godfather of Anambra PDP. Ngige was reportedly dragged to Okija shrine with his Bible in his armpit and holy water in the pocket.

should derive from the type of country we want. I am thinking of a country that secures the life and property of its citizens and provides jobs for the youths.

Devolution of powers

State police and scare mongers (2) police (Daily Nation August 30, 2012, page 7). Indeed, a governor could be made to win or lose election based on how he uses state police. Writing in Daily Nation of August 31, 2012, page 20), Mr Adebanjo Saheed, among many solutions, suggested that “we may as well relieve the state police of powers over election matters”.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, speaking at the Yoruba Assembly last week (I won’t be surprised if some people see the Assembly as a secessionist move), supported the call for state police “as long as there were laws guiding the operations of state police”. There are more options we could interrogate, such as: who controls the state police, the governor or a neutral body whose head is elected by the people?

Undated letter of resignation He was kicked and slapped around and forced to sign an undated letter of resignation!

These humiliations did not mellow the goateed stubborn Ngige. One day, in July 2003, Assistant Inspector General of Police Raphael Ige drove to Awka, the capital of Anambra, all the way from his base in Umuahia, with about 300 police men, disarmed Ngige’s orderlies and informed Ngige that he was no longer Governor because he had resigned! The AIG proceeded to

•IGP M.D. Abubakar out their act of political infamy. All the above abuses were believed to have been orchestrated by political forces in Abuja!

The evidences adduced at the Supreme Court by Gen Muhammadu Buhari in 2003 and 2007 during the Presiden-

Those who argue that states that were finding it difficult to pay the minimum wage could not possibly afford state police are wrong. As I said last week, it should not be compulsory that every state must have state police if they cannot afford it

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arrest him and detained him while his deputy was sworn in as Governor! Ngige was fortuitously saved and restored as Governor.

In another instance of recklessness, Chris Uba’s convoy allegedly ran Ngige’s out of the road! Chris Uba, a private citizen, it must be recalled, moved about with almost a battalion of police escorts! At a later date, Nigeria police watched like amused children as hooligans trashed Government buildings in Awka and Onitsha!

When Governor Peter Obi was “impeached” the renegades were escorted by Nigeria police to their hideout in Asaba in the middle of the night from where they carried

tial Election Tribunals were replete with the complicity of the Nigeria Police in the alleged rigging of the elections by apostles of “do-or-die” politics. Even the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua admitted that the 2007 election that brought him to office was flawed, an obvious euphemism for scandalous rigging!

I recall all these, not really to dismiss the fear that governors could abuse state police, but to point out that we already have a culprit in the Federal Government. So when the President quickly weighs in against state police, it raises a suspicion that those at Abuja who use the Federal police for unconstitutional ends may be afraid of a

counter-balancing force in the states! Let us even accept that the fear of abuse of state police by governors is a possibility. But my question is should the nation be scared off an action that has more merits than demerits simply on account of the fear of abuse? If state police is an action that can help us stem insecurity in the land, are there no ways we can overcome the fear and get on with it? Is there any medicine without side effects?

Do we abandon taking the necessary medicine because of the side effects? Every discovery, advancement or invention in this world owes its emergence to a search for an answer or solution to a problem. We lose an opportunity for advancement every time we are scared of a problem.

So if the abuse by governors is the problem, let us find a solution to that instead of being scared by it.

Fears of abuse I am happy that a few people are looking beyond the fears of abuse by governors and are suggesting ways of avoiding such abuse. The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammed Sani was reported to have called for the impeachment of any governor who abused the use of state

Poignant observation Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, last week in a television discussion made a very poignant observation. Before we delve into the need of state police, he said, we must first ask what type of police we want. In my view, we should even first ask: This country that we fear could break up if we establish state police, what type of country should it be? What values should that country deliver to the citizens? I think the type of police we want

Right now, while we fret at every suggestion for devolution of powers, the country is degenerating, corruption is more entrenched, we are overwhelmed by insecurity, the economy is shrinking and unemployment is estimated at 24 percent! These pose greater danger to the stability of the country than state police.

My interest in state police is that we shall be killing two birds with one stone; we will provide jobs and enhance security.

Finally, those who argue that states that were finding it difficult to pay the minimum wage could not possibly afford state police are wrong. As I said last week, it should not be compulsory that every state must have state police if they cannot afford it.

First, the Federal Government had no business in a Federal State, to fix minimum wage for the states and local governments. Secondly corruption is what stands between various governments and the ability to pay a minimum wage of N60,000! Is it not from the same states we read of embezzlement of billions everyday? Was it not from a state that a Governor allegedly bribed a Federal agency with millions of dollars? Nigeria is probably the most irresponsible nation on earth in the mismanagement of her resources! Are governors not already spending enough to fund state police in supporting police commands in their states and yet not getting value for money? We should review the revenue allocation formula to give more money to the states. Cede the creation and administration of local governments to states.

Let the states assume more responsibilities for their citizens and there will be less money to steal!

Godson Offoaro and Ogbonna Amadi

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N Wednesday August 22, 2012, we had arrived Abuja airport after flight delays which are very frequent nowadays. As I was waiting for my checked bag, I saw my very good friend Godson Offoaro, a columnist of Daily Sun, sprawling on the seat, restless and ashen.

His shirt buttons were undone. I thought he was exhausted by the trauma of air travel. As we were leaving the arrival hall, I walked up to him. He barely recognised me!

What is the matter? I asked.

He motioned with his hand

towards his chest. I could not hear what he was saying. I told him to see a doctor immediately. Next day, Thursday, 23 August, Godson nwa Offoaro died!

Barely a week after I was stunned by the news of the death of Ogbonna Amadi, the electrifying Entertainment Editor of Vanguard.

This is double tragedy for the media all in a space of one week. May their souls find peace in the Lord! May the Lord comfort their families and the larger media family!

Amen.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012 UR attention has been drawn to the controversy over allegations that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, described Nigeria as “an Islamic country with the largest Christian population.” He was said to have made the statement in a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme aired in a very worrisome signal. Given the fact that Abuja on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. as the Deputy Foreign Minister of Nigeria Already, the President of the Christian Dr. Mohammed is one of the foremost offiAssociation of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo cials that represent the voice and face NiOritsejafor, has debunked such character- geria in the international arena, it is imporisation, calling for the sanctioning of the tant that we establish exactly what he said.

Minister. But in a rebuttal, Dr. Mohammed We want to know whether he actually said denied ever making such a statement. Ac- those words attributed to him or he is simcording to him, he only said Nigeria was ply being maligned or quoted out of con“the largest Islamo-Christian country in text. The NTA, fortunately, should have the the world” during the meeting of the Or- records and should be able to provide it for ganisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) independent and credible scrutiny. which recently took place in the Kingdom It will be a most unfortunate disservice to of Saudi Arabia. this nation if indeed he said so. In fact, Dr. This issue is causing quite a stir in an al- Nurudeen Mohammed’s admission that he ready super-charged atmosphere in a described Nigeria as an “Islamo-Christian country wracked by the murderous cam- country” shows he does not understand the paigns of Boko Haram extremists demand- true constitutional definition of Nigeria. Niing for the Islamisation of Nigeria. It sends geria as an “Islamo-Christian country”

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Call this minister to order

means that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has accorded Islam and Christianity the status of official state religions of the country, which is definitely not so. Nigeria has no state religion. But Nigeria has given Christianity and Islam special preferences, which account for the fact that offiicials are sworn into office with the Bible or Qur’an only because the overwhelming majority of Nigerians are followers of the two faiths. Professor Wande Abimbola once declined to be sworn in on the Qur’an or Bible, opting to be sworn in according to Ifa religion and he was obliged.

We call on the Federal Government to look into this matter and establish Dr. Nurudeen’s culpability or otherwise, as well as his motives for delving into this sensitive issue in this most inappropriate manner. If found ill-qualified or psychologically too immature to hold such a sensitive high office he should be relieved of his position immediately. We cannot afford keeping irresponsible officers on the job when we are going through the worst region-related violent threat to our national survival.

OPINION

BY TAIWO GIDADO

Down from Olympian heights

ASTOR-POLITICIAN, Rev Chris Okotie recalled recently how millions watched worldwide on television in awe as athletes from Jamaica, the tiny island nation of the Caribbean, collected medals after medals in the sprints at the just concluded London Olympics. “It all boiled down to preparation, discipline, hard work and good sports administration,” he added during a preamble to his sermon in his Church, Household of God, Oregun, Lagos.

Nigerians are shocked that our sportsmen and women went to London 2012 and came back empty handed, while smaller, poorer countries registered their names on the medals table. What does that say about the current state of our nation? When a nation declines there’s nowhere else to look but its governance structures. And that includes the sporting facilities and how the youths are engaged in the development of a healthy physical culture for the promotion of healthy mind and body.

It is amusing that even war-torn Afghanistan went away with a bronze medal in taekwondo, a sport in which we had a strong medal hope. In basketball and the sprints, our athletes were expected to, at least, win a bronze. All hopes were dashed as in the few sports in which we competed. That wasn’t the case in previous Olympics. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics was thought to herald our presence in the world’s sporting stage because our athletes gave show stopping performances in long jump and football where we won gold. But we couldn’t sustain that achievement.

Rather than build on it, we failed to develop our sporting facilities. In frustration, our best athletes moved on to compete in foreign colours, capping a long history of brain drain with this surprising brawn drain that ought to have been harnessed and developed for great competitions like the Olympics. Thus, we went to London, saw, but didn’t conquer. We merely participated as tourists or onlookers

who watched little countries like Gabon, Grenada, Latvia, Uganda and Kuwait run away with at least one medal each. Something is fundamentally wrong with our country. Otherwise, how do we explain the fact that out of 79 countries that participated in the London 2012 Olympics, Nigeria is the only country that failed to win a single medal in what turned out to be our worst outing in recent times in any international sporting engagement?

Success in sports, like Rev. Okotie said, does not really come down to economic strength of a nation but efficient administration, good facilities, long-term planning, good youth development programmes and motivation of athletes; the absence of all these accounts for our current sporting woes. We run a sports regime in which officials sometimes outnumbered athletes participating in sporting events abroad because of estacodes and other financial incentives accruable to travels.

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here have been reports of Sports Ministry officials travelling to sporting events with concubines, relations and friends while competing athletes complain of flight tickets and poor feeding and accommodation arrangements. In many occasions our footballers have been stranded in foreign lands, with some held hostage for being unable to settle hotel bills. Foreign coaches of our teams are known to have abandoned their jobs for lack of pay.

This is the signature of our sports administration.

Before we get back to the old clichés: ‘We’re going back to the drawing board’ that our sports administrators often mouth after every disappointing outing like this, let’s ask some pertinent questions. Why did we lose our dominance in Africa in sports like soccer, boxing, table tennis, athletics, basketball, swimming and lawn tennis which produced

Nduka Odizor, a former top contender in the famous Wimbledon Tennis tournament?

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e lost our competitive edge in these sports because of our poor planning, and a sudden craze for soccer, which dominated our attention at the expense of other sports. Our ministers of sports often function as Ministers of soccer. We were carried away by our initial global success in age-group football tournaments. And when competition became too strong for us in this sphere, we resorted to cheating, fielding over-aged players. We fooled an unsuspecting world for a while until bone marrow test began to expose our players as over-aged. Now, the game is up!

Like the reverend said, our sporting woes cannot be divorced from the rot in our polity, in which cheating, corruption and endemic mismanagement have become the trademarks. By their fruits you shall know them. If our politicians cheat, why won’t our athletes do the same? Our sports administrators can’t plan because they’re products of a disorganised political system. Small, less endowed nations like Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cyprus consistently produce athletes that turn out stellar performances in world sports because of sound planning and highly disciplined organisation.

We must get back to the drawing board for sure, but reviving our sport calls for deeper soul searching. Our educational system is lopsided. There’s very little attention given these days to school sports, which used to be the nurseries of our senior sports. Most of our great exploits in sports were rooted in the academicals of old. It remains the fulcrum of any genuine sporting revival we may hope to attain.

•Mr Gidado, a public analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 4, 2012— 19

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RITICISM, according to late British Prime Minister andauthor,SirWinstonChurchill, is necessary because “like a pain in human body, it calls our attention to an unhealthy state”.

In other words, the sole purpose of criticism is to enable the person that is being criticized to make amends where necessary.

But in a situation where the object of criticism is helpless because his accusers are not only to be blame for the status quo, but are also motivated by less than altruistic reasons, criticism loses its raison de’tre.

We make bold to say most of those accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of incompetence are doing so in bad faith. Any discerning mind will agree with this writer that they did n’t meant well for our beloved country, Nigeria. Our reasons for taking this position are not far to seek. We do believe it should be the collective duty and the desire of all patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to support President Jonathan to succeed in a manner that will foreclose any thought of going back to the dark days of military dictatorship.

“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official,” says Theodore Roosevelt. It is the view of this writer that unless we hold up new departures for emulation, we forfeit the moral high ground to criticize errant

and irrelevant steps on the part of our leaders. Too often, many of us behave like the automatic critic that criticizes any steps taking by those in authority whether good or bad for selfish motives. Opposition or criticism is, of course, often constructive and creative, especially in a system such as ours with a pronounced moral deficit.

What is far less edifying is oppositionalism, which makes a carrier out of constant criticism often voiced in ignorance or deliberate mischief. One of the tell-tale signs of a system in moral disrepair is that it suffers a surfeit of criticism not based on sincere examination of issues. In such a system, criticism lacks integrity because it is only a game played so that the critic can gain political relevance or alternatively reflects a naysaying mindset in which the critic would rather bring the entire roof down.

I do not subscribe to the demonology of the Obasanjo years in which the former president is presented as an ostentatious failure or an evil scheming tyrant with no redeeming features. The jury is still out on the balance sheet of those years but a careful appraisal will grant some achievements, even though there are several policy failures. When the doctrine of necessity was invoked by the National Assembly to give Acting President Goodluck Jonathan the nod to assume full

There is no iota of doubt that the President Jonathan-led administration is laying a solid, irreversible foundation for the transformation, if not greatness, of Nigeria

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control of the Presidency, many cried blue murder that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was back in power.

As far as they are concerned, Jonathan’s Presidency translates to the continuation of Obasanjo’s rule. Jonathan, they argued, is Obasanjo’s puppet since the former president is his political benefactor. Neutral observers of political events in Nigeria will agree with this writer that Jonathan has sufficiently demonstrated he is going to be his own man. Since he assumed full presidential powers, Jonathan has left no one in doubt he is now in charge.

The first strong message he sent that he is going to be his own man is the appointment of a sworn enemy of Obasanjo, Theophilus Danjuma as the Chairman of Presidential Advisory Council, PAC, immediately he was sworn in as Acting President.

We judge the performance of any government, either positively or negatively by what that government has been able to

An accountant general’s example

BY ABIODUN DINA

THE Civil Service may not be paying a fantastic and competitive remuneration, however, job security, retirement benefits, as well as access to power and pecks of office for top-echelons during the peak of their careers are perhaps some of the incentives that have made it a preferred career path for many above employment in the organised private sector.

Even successful individuals in the private sector who desire further power, control , influence or recognition usually seek authority through political control in government to actualize their ambition.

Unlike politician who exercise influence from the outset in government by virtue of their appointment or election, career public servants typically have to rise through the ranks and to acquire institutional authority and influence at the peak of their career.

Taking cognizance of this background information, it, therefore, came as a surprise to many that the Permanent Secretary, State Treasury Office and the Accountant General of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, having served the Lagos State Government meritoriously for 27 years has chosen to voluntarily retire from the Lagos State public service with effect from August 31, 2012, at a time he wields a lot of influence and affluence and still has eight more years to hold on to this privileged position of authority and

esteem.

Though I have not had the privilege of having a first hand information on the motivation for his early retirement beyond the speculation that he is going back to school to learn and refresh. This has, however, not caught me unawares, knowing him to be a guy that never stands still.

Despite the fact that the public service can make you relax and start growing roots, Mr. Ambode had always been a mobile person, if not physically , but through idea and thoughts.

He started his career in the Local Government Service in 1985 where he rose up to the post of Director, Finance and Supplies before he was appointed in year 2000 as Auditor General for Local Government. Prior to his appointment as the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance in 2005, Mr. Ambode was very supportive to me as the editor then of “Lagos State Bureaucrats”, in reviving the moribund journal. He, in fact, contributed an article entitled “Towards Probity and Accountability in the Public Service” in the renewed edition of June 2005, where he raise pertinent issues bordering on accountability and capacity building amongst others.

Walking his talk after his appointment as the Accountant General in 2006, he has put his money where his mouth is through the publication of the annual financial report of the state government in national

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BY OLAMIDE OLAYIWOLA

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Between Jonathan and his critics

achieve. I think it is a piece of ignorance when one refuses to acknowledge anything good one’s enemy has done well. The future of Nigeria cannot be great unless she can reward her sons and daughters who are doing well with thanks. It is the height of mischief for any rational mind to say Jonathan administration has no record of achievement to showcase since he came on board over a year ago.

The best form of propaganda is performance. Even though one year is too short to assess any administration, there is no iota of doubt that President Jonathanled administration is laying a solid, irreversible foundation for the transformation, if not greatness, of Nigeria. The greatest achievement of the Jonathan- led administration is its effort to institute a strict culture of respect for the rule of law, which is a sine qua non to good governance and the survival of democracy.

Record of his modest achievements are there: (i). It is on record that inspite of the pressure put on him by members of his party, President Jonathan refused to interfere with the Tribunal rulings involving members of his party, especially Ekiti and Osun governorship election debacle. (j).It is unfortunate that many who believe we practice democracy still betray a military mindset of arbitrariness. It is unfortunate that one of the greatest “sins” committed by Jonathan today, for which his traducers want him crucifyied (impeached), is his stance to adhere strictly to the rule of law in confronting the challenges of insecurity. His critics are asking Jonathan to

I believe Mr. Ambode’s decision to leave his comfort zone and do something different is unprecedented in the public service and worthy of emulation by all

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dailies to enhance probity and accountability. In the same vein, he has made the capacity building and exposure of his staff to professional training, both locally and internationally, a priority during his tenure.

It is on record that internal/employee relations was strengthened during his tenure with regular interactive sessions and retreats with staff. While some agencies consider working tools such as laptop as a luxury, the Accountant General, beyond the centrally allocated desk tops from the Ministry of Science and Technology, procured lap tops for the staff of the State Treasury Office.

Also, the State Treasury Office under his watch does not only recognise the birthdays of all its staff (both junior and senior), but also presents cakes to them. He also instilled discipline and professionalism amongst accountants and ensured

resign because he refused to heed their unwise counsel of crushingBokoHaraminsurgency the way Obasanjo did in Odi. These same set of people were the most vociferous critics of Obasanjo then. The lawful and civilized manner in which Jonathan is tackling headlong the menace of Boko Haram in order to put an end to it should be commended by all right-thinking persons. (k). It is also on record that President Jonathan restored integrity into the electoral system by conducting a free, fair and credible election in 2011. This explains why the number of electoral disputes in the court today, compared to 2003 and 2007 is very minimal. (l). Revolution in the oil sector: Many will agree with this writer that the era of short-changing the masses by the oil cabal is gone for good. Jonathan's stance to remove oil subsidy, despite strong opposition to it, opened a can of worms that made it known to the whole world that for decades, millions of dollars that would have been spent on liveenhancing projects in all sectors, which would have had direct bearing on the lives of the masses, was going into private pockets of fat cats. (j). Many will also agree with this writer that the President deserves commendation for mustering the political will to separate politics from governance by appointing opposition candidate, Nuhu Ribadu as the Chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Task Special Task Force. What further evidence of transparency and accountability did any rational mind need?

•Mr. Olayiwola, a social critic,, wrote from Lagos.

they were always appropriately dressed.

It was Mr. Ambode who pioneered the renovation of the office environment in the public service to wear a topnotch look like that of the private sector, providing a befitting reception, meeting rooms, dining area and an habitable restroom. Also, it was during his tenure that the state government fully achieved the payment of staff salary electronically.

With all these achievements and a promising career still ahead, I believe Mr. Ambode’s decision to leave his comfort zone and do something different is unprecedented in the public service and worthy of emulation by all. Truth be told, the public service at the peak of your career is a comfort zone where you feel safe, warm and dry.

Thus without prejudice to other undercurrents beyond going for further studies and other postulation being canvassed such as the possibility of being prepared to assume an higher responsibility in the future, to leave a bird at hand for an uncertain two in the bush, at least for a career civil servant still show courage. After all, we had seen career civil servants who were offered unsecured higher political positions in the past declined such offer. The lesson and moral from the Accountant General’s posture is that we should all try from time to time, to leave our comfort zone and venture into something new that frightens or challenges us.

•Mr Dina, a Public Relations practitioner, wrote from Lagos

20—Vanguard , TUESDAY TUESDAY,, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

My regrets, by man in NDLEA net over N7.4 million worth of cannabis

BY SUZAN EDEH, BAUCHI

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ANY are still reeling from shock as they ponder over the implication of 498kgs of Cannabis, otherwise known as Indian hemp, entering the drug market in Bauchi State. But this was fortunately averted, thanks to eagle-eyed operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who had risen to the occasion by impounding it in Azare, a local government area of the state. The belief is that if this huge consignment of drugs had not been detected and impounded, there was a possibility that it could have triggered an increase in crime rate in the state.

Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered that on August 17, 2012, the command made a seizure of 489kgs of Cannabis Sativa worth 7.4 million concealed inside a truck with registration number XP 67 MUS. The owner of the truck, who happened to be the driver and major conspirator in the illegal deal of the Cannabis, was arrested. The suspect, Olisaemeka Wilson Chinedu, aged 27 years, is an indigene of Delta State, but resides in Akure, Ondo State where he sources for this product of death and distributes it in the North East political zone of the country.

Parading the suspect at the NDLEA headquarters in Bauchi, the Commander of the Agency, Mr.Parah Julus Parah, told newsmen that Olisaemeka Wilson

*489kgs drug haul...seized by NDLEA. INSET: The suspect, Olisaemeka Wilson Chinedu demnable considering the fact that drug intake is a catalyst that fuels crime”.

Enumerating other ex ploits of the Command over the past two months, Mr. Parah disclosed that last month July 19, 2012, one Benjamin I. Swande was arrested with 13kg of Cannabis Sativa. He said the suspect implicated his boss, a drug

,

Although, I know it is illegal, I wanted to make more money so that I will not be looked down upon by my friends; when I receive bail, I promise never to return to this kind of business

Chinedu was arrested due to the increased intelligence gathering by the officers of the Command.

He said the suspect who was arrested during the public holidays (Sallah day), was accompanied by another drug peddler known as Mr.Okun who escaped in a bus when he saw the officers of the Command. According to the NDLEA boss: “What makes this arrest spectacular is the fact that it is the largest single seizure in the history of the command. The arrest and seizure is coming at a time when all hands are supposed to be on deck towards curbing the fragile security situation in the country. Involvement of people in drugs stands con-

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baron, Dogo Samuel, who attempted to kill the case by offering the Agency a bribe of N150, 000, but was arrested and the money seized. While saying that the suspects, their vehicles, bribe money and other exhibits are in the Command’s custody pending prosecution, he called on members of the public to collaborate with the Agency by exposing drug peddlers in the state, saying that information shared with NDLEA will be treated in confidentiality Speaking with VM, the 27-year-old suspect, Olisaemeka, confessed that the drugs belonged to his father and he was

paid the sum of N20,000 out of N120,000 by one Mr. Okun he was travelling with when they were intercepted by officers of NDLEA, adding that the said Mr Okun escaped. He, however, expressed regrets over his

actions, saying: “I regret my actions because I know that my wife and children will not be happy if they discover that this is what I do for a living. Since the drug business is very juicy, many people are doing it just

to become rich. Although, I know it is illegal, I wanted to make more money so that I will not be looked down upon by my friends. When I receive bail, I promise never to return to this kind of business again”.

Sigh of relief for Lagos residents as LCDA embarks on roads rehabilitation

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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JIGBO residents will soon heave a sigh of relief as Ejigbo Local Council Development Area has commenced immediate rehabilitation of identified 58 local roads.

Chairman of the council, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, who disclosed this during an inspection tour of the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads, said the move was in fulfillment of the promise made to residents during the recently concluded tour of community development associations.

Bamigbetan said: “With the acquisition of a new grader and an excavator by the council, and the fact that the rain is on break, there is no better time than now to work on

some of our roads, to make them motorable for our people”.

He added that the road rehabilitation which started on August 17, from Chris Oladunni Street will cover 58 roads with 16 out of the roads already graded. The roads rehabilitated so far include: Oluwoye Street, Moshalashi Street, Nurudeen Obe Street, Apana Street, Kazeem Street, Araromi Street, Alaba Street, Oyekunle Street and Surulere Street.

Others are Olorunsogo Street, Ashimiru Asiwaju Street, Hon. Ojugbele Street and Hon Ojugbele lane.

The council chief, while reassuring residents that his administration is totally committed to the provision of functional roads in the council area, expressed his appreciation to residents of some of

the roads that had been graded for their cooperation and support extended to the team of council engineers carrying out the rehabilitation work.

He added that all necessary logistics which would enable them to cover the 58 roads before resumption of the rain had been provided, and that the exercise is a continuous one and had been designed to cover all important local roads in the six wards of the council.

Chief Tasiru Rabiu who is the chairman of Bashorun Orole CDA, praised the Bamigbetan administration for fulfilling the promise he made on roads when he toured the CDA. Chief Tasiru added that Nurudeen Obe Street is now better and motorable after the rehabilitation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 — 21

FAAC shares N520.92bn among Federal, States, Local Govts in July

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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R-l: Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh when the management of SEC paid a courtesy call on Achebe during a capital market outreach organised by the commission in Onitsha

Maritime workers threaten to shut ports over midstream operations

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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ARITIME Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has threatened to shut down the nation’s ports over illegal midstream operations of some multinationals and shipping companies undermining the nation’s economy and impoverishing Dockworkers.

President-General, MWUN, Comrade Tony Nted, who gave the warning at the launch of Dockworkers’ Welfare and Loan Scheme, lamented that these multinationals and shipping companies, had not only being

Transports and NPA to no avail over this illegal mid stream operations.

They engage illegal and foreigners to do the work of registered Dockworkers who are now left idle. There was a time we had a meeting with some of the multinationals, their argument was that the place they are operating is about 200 nautical miles. But the question we ask is, this so-called 200 nautical mile, is it within the Nigerian territorial water? If the answer is yes, which we know is yes, who are those working there, are they ghosts? If the place is too far for registered Dockworkers to work, those working there illegally, how did they get there,” he queried.

164.35

+0.95

HP introduces new measure to check piracy

2,611.00

+10.00

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

19.78

+0.03

114.68

+2.03

96.48

+1.86

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

undermining the nation’s economy, but also giving jobs meant for Dockworkers to foreigners.

According to him, what is being witnessed in the Maritime industry is unacceptable, saying, “A situation where some of the shipping companies bring vessels offshore without recourse to the stevedoring contractors appointed by the Federal Government to manage it must be stopped. They do these illegal activities to evade payment of custom duty, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, charges, stevedoring charges, and other charges related to ports operations.”

“We have written several petitions to the presidency, to the Minister of

he Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, said it shared a total sum of N520.917 billion from the federation account among the three tiers of government in the month of July.

Rising from its meeting which was chaired by the Hon. Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, the committee said it considered and approved the account using 52.68 per cent for Federal, 26.72 per cent for the states and 20.60 per cent for the local government.

A statement from the committee showed that the Federal Government got N217.770 billion excluding VAT; States had N110.456 billion, while Local Governments received N85.157 billion.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) component which amounted to N53.91 billion was equally shared among the three tiers of Government.

Federal Government had N7.763 billion; States got N25.877 billion, while Local governments received N18.114billion.

Also shared was 1billion dollars from the excess crude account, while N27 billion was shared as the differential fund from the exchange rate gain. In addition, the sum of N35.549 billion was also proposed for distribution for the SURE-P programme.

“The gross revenue of N825.395 billion received for the month was higher than the N763.563 billion received in the previous month by N61.843 billion. This was due to the increased quantity of crude oil exported in the month,” the committee said. The meeting was attended by the Commissioners of Finance and their Accountant Generals from the 36 state including the Federal Capital.

154.8 245.2496 194.9087 162.2131 1.971 0.277 234.6356 24.3824 41.2745 26.1509 235.4198

155.3 246.0418 195.5382 162.7371 1.9773 0.287 235.393 24.4616 41.4078 26.2353 236.1802

155.8 246.8339 196.1678 163.261 1.9837 0.297 236.1513 24.5408 41.5411 26.3198 236.9406

CBN Exchange rate as at 31/08/2012

I

N realization of the drive to rid Nigeria of fake and counterfeited technology products, Hewlet Packard (HP) has deployed a number of measures to ensure that its customers receive only authentic HP printing supplies.

Speaking on the technology, the Channel Development Manager, HP English Speaking Africa, Ms. Rita Amuchienwa, said the innovation was to protect HP customers against counterfeit goods.

She said that HP has always taken the issue of piracy to mind and would continue the awareness on how the customers could easily identify fake products at points of purchase and as well as eradicate it totally.

According to her, Nigeria is home to the highest number of African businesses that have either been offered or unintentionally purchased counterfeit cartridges, as cited

by 50 per cent of business survey respondents, saying that printer failure was reported as the primary concern when buying printing supplies.

She noted that the negative impact of counterfeiting to any economy can be underestimated, adding that the activities of the supplies in Nigeria are increasingly undermining legitimate business standards and practices in the country and defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians.

In furtheranceof this fight against counterfeits, the HP manager disclosed that the company had spent over 5 billion euros globally for research and development and as such, strategies have been constantly evolved on the change in logos and emblems of the products package.

She added that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and the Customs are regularly trained on the detection of counterfeited products at the

point of entry into the country and point of sales.

“HP is dedicated to ensuring that customers are able to identify counterfeit inkjet and LaserJet cartridges, protecting them from unreliable and compromised print quality, both prior to and after purchase. We are happy to share that HP’s Mobile Authentication technology is now widely available for Original HP LaserJet cartridges in Nigeria. Customers can now verify the authenticity of their cartridge using HP Mobile Authentication to check the security labels of both inkjet and LaserJet toner cartridges,” she added.

She also said that HP gives enticing benefit packages and trainings to its partners, stressing that any partner caught in such deal is delisted from its partners, while advising customers to report sale of counterfeited products to HP for appropriate sanctions.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

PFAs tasked on investment in capital market

BY PETER EGWUATU

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OVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has advised the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to invest pension fund in the capital market, as this will help to create

further wealth.

He gave the advice when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) led by its Director General, Ms. Arunma Oteh paid him a courtesy call preparatory to the two day investors’ outreach pragramme in

Onitsha, Anambra State.

Continuing, Governor Obi noted the need to invest pension fund in the capital market, saying, “Pension fund should be invested to be able to generate more money that would be used to pay people that

will be retiring in the future. If pension funds are invested properly it will further create wealth so when people retire they can see something to hold on and be useful at their old age.”

According to the

Governor, the reported scam over pension monies resulted from improper investment of these funds, adding that he sees no reason why such long term funds should not find their ways into the capital market other than being in the hands of individuals for long, resulting to reported fraud.

He further urged the multinational companies across the sectors of the economy to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) so that Nigerians could benefit from such investment that makes huge profit.

According to him, Government need to create enabling law to compel multinational listing on the Exchange as this will reduce the level of capital flight.

He said making the necessary law available would not only help to deepen the capital market, like what is obtained in other economies, but would afford Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy return on investment, rather than just contributing to the growth of other economies through the multinationals.

The Governor who painted a picture of the huge profit being made by multinational companies, especially in the Telecomm industry, noted that there are so many big corporations that need to be listed on the NSE wherein small business will also leverage on for growth and development.

FG rewards Access Bank for education tax payment

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General Manager Access Bank Plc, Mr. Speedwell Ngoka (2nd left); Group MD/CEO Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig- Imoukhuede presenting the bus keys to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi and Permanent, Mr. Ezekiel Oyemomi during the presentation of 10 Toyota Coaster buses, donated by Access Bank Plc, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to boost the Federal Government Agriculture Sector Transformation Agenda in Abuja.

Red Star pursues improved profitability via strategic diversification

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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ED Star Plc has announced plans to diversify into other key sectors of the economy in a bid to strengthen its service portfolio in line with emerging opportunities in courier business.

The Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Koguna, who made the disclosure while addressing shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in Lagos, said the diversification would see Red Star going into key growth sectors such as oil and gas, trade and services, entertainment, manufacturing, as well as construction and aviation.

He said that already, the company has launched three major services in the areas of

E-Commerce, Sea Freight and Chauffeur Services in the course of the year in order to boost profitability.

“To sustain growth of the company, we ensure that we bring in new businesses where logistic market is going; we diversify our revenue base by bringing in subsidiary to look into new products and services which our dynamic societies are demanding.

“We have ventured into sea clearing and forwarding and the margin is not the same with the one in the air.

The structure of the revenue is slightly different and the sea is the direction our commerce is going. So, we have to align with the future of our logistics,” he said.

Speaking on the financial performance

for the period, he explained that despite the challenging operating environment, Red Star recorded 20 per cent increase in its turnover, while profit before tax grew by 56 per cent.

He said, “In spite of all the challenges in the operating environment, the company still recorded an improved performance in the 2011/2012 financial year under review. “the company recorded a group turnover of N5.03billion, representing an increase of 20 per cent over the preceding year ’s turnover. Profit before tax also grew by 56 per cent from N411.3 million to N640 million.”

The profit after tax declined marginally by two per cent from N333.6 million in 2011

to N327million during the year under review.

Koguna attributed the drop in profit after tax to the N131 million irrecoverable withholding tax receipts in compliance with the requirement of Statement of Accounting Standard (SAS 19).

In the area of corporate social responsibility, he said, “Red Star Foundation gave out scholarship to 20 additional scholars from different schools in Western and Northern regions. We have also commenced the ‘I Care Project’ which is targeted at poverty alleviation, skill development and environment responsiveness.”

Meanwhile, shareholders at the meeting approved N177 million cash dividends, which translate to 30kobo per share.

HE Federal Government has rewarded Access Bank Plc for consistency in the payment of education tax.

The award was presented by the Hon. Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquayyatu Ahmed Rufai at the Tax Payers’ Forum organised by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to strengthen the Fund’s partnership corporate taxpayers in the country.

In a statement signed by the bank’s Media Relations Team Leader, Segun Fafore, the recognition is a validation of Access Bank’s commitment to responsible business practice and compliance with statutory directives.

Statutory directives The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) was established with the strategic objective of using the 2% tax paid from assessable profit of corporate companies to provide focused and transformative intervention in public tertiary institutions through effective project management for the improvement of quality of education in Nigeria.

Bolaji Agbede, Group Head, Human Capital

Development who received the award on behalf of the Bank commended the leadership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the strategic intervention in the education sector.

She added that “Access Bank as a responsible corporate citizen would continue to demonstrate leadership in responsible business practice as evidenced by its compliance with statutory directives and contribution to education which is one of the 5 major areas of interventions in its corporate social responsibility strategy”.

Earlier in his address, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund had described the corporate organisations that have been paying their education tax as worthy corporate citizens and examples to emulate by others.

He said that that their contributions to e d u c a t i o n a l development have significantly impacted the economy and helped in the empowerment of our youths.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—23

B-R-I-E-F-S Tax holidays advocated for Microfinance Banks

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From left: Field sales executive, DHL Nigeria, Oluseye Akinwale; Certified international specialist trainer (CIS) Sub-Saharan Africa, Pascale Noyau;, Sales development manager, DHL Nigeria, Henrietta Olih and Field sales executive, DHL Tanzania, Ahmada Amy, during the CIS Relationship Action Session for Field Sales Executives & Major Customer Executives personnel organized by DHL Sub-Saharan Africa in Lagos.

Revisit CBN’s autonomy, investment banker urges NASS STORIES BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HE Managing Director, Investment Banking Group, BGL Securities, Mr. Wale Oluwo, has said that it was high time the National Assembly (NASS) revisited the abandoned issue of the level of autonomy the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should be allowed.

Speaking in the light of the proposed introduction of five thousand naira banknote by the CBN, Oluwo said that only monetary policy autonomy should be granted the CBN, arguing that allowing the apex bank absolute autonomy has corrupting effect.

He said, “For me, this goes deeper than the way the general public is looking at it. We had a debate about a month and half ago about the level of autonomy we should allow the CBN to have.

“This action of Sanusi has brought that debate to the fore.

I think the Senate allowed itself to be intimidated by the articulate presentations of Sanusi, Asiwaju Tinubu and other stakeholders- Ciroma and the rest of them. Ordinarily, what was at stake during that debate was not really the autonomy of the CBN. What CBN did was to cleverly clothe everything under the cloak of autonomy and started crying that they wanted to strip it of its autonomy. That was not correct,” Oluwo explained that there are different levels of autonomy, saying that while the CBN should be allowed free hand on monetary policy issues, its budget must be scrutinized.

“I don’t support the autonomy of CBN the way it is today- their budgets are not scrutinized, they

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fix their own salary; they do their own expenditure. Not only that, you have the CEO of the CBN who is the Governor of the CBN and also the Chairman of the board, and meanwhile it is this same CBN that says that for banks to have good corporate governance, the chairman and managing director must not reside in one person.

“Now to apply that to themselves has become a problem. They now have Mallam Sanusi who is the

governor of CBN being the chairman of the board. Are you saying that what is good for the Goose is not good for the Gender,” he queried.

He added, “My own position is that you have different layers of autonomy.

You have monetary policy autonomy, you have expenditure autonomy, you have human capital equipment autonomy, you have financial autonomy, and several other autonomies that you can think of.

“You can have autonomy to

fix your salary. You can have autonomy to operate and control banks. What the CBN should be guaranteed is monetary policy autonomy; it should not be a general autonomy that makes the CBN to operate like a country within a country.

“When it comes to expenditure, they must be regulated; their budget must be submitted to the National Assembly and the governor of CBN cannot continue to be the chairman of the board. That’s my position on that.”

Stanbic IBTC Bank gets NSE’s backing on Holdco structure

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TANBIC IBTC bank has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of its proposed plan to adopt a holding company structure in compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulation on scope of Banking Activities & Ancillary Matters No. 3, 2010.

Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc had also sought and received shareholders’ approval to evolve into a Holding Company model (Stanbic IBTC Group Plc) with the commercial bank ringfenced from all other noncommercial banking activities.

According to a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the bank had held its Court-Ordered meeting and obtained the approval of the Exchange.

The new structure will involve the, transfer of the

bank’s subsidiaries to Stanbic IBTC Group Plc; A cancellation of four out of every 5 shares held by Stanbic IBTC Bank shareholders and receipt of 50k for every of the shares cancelled.

It would also involve reorganization of capital and exchange of post cancellation shares for Holdco shares based on a post cancellation ratio and subsequent delisting of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc from, and listing of Stanbic IBTC Group Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

NSE said the delisting and listing of the entities would be effected upon submission of Court Sanction of the scheme and evidence of filing same with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

While addressing shareholders at the extra ordinary general meeting held recently in Lagos, the Chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside, emphasized that the

holding company structure would consolidate on the strengths and expertise of each business unit to enhance the entire group’s ability to drive growth into the future.

He added that the new structure would accrue significant benefits to shareholders from the entire business, while Stanbic IBTC Bank’s customers would not be exposed to the risks associated with the nonbanking activities of the other businesses of the group.

“A major reason for adopting the new structure is to consolidate on our goal of building Nigeria’s leading end-to-end financial services organization, leveraging on our competitive advantages in the various business segments, supported by the financial resources and global network of Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs,” Peterside said.

HE Federal Government has been called upon to give tax holidays to MicroFinance Banks, MFBs, in Nigeria in recognition of their contributions to the economy.

This was part of the resolutions at the recently concluded Nigeria Microfinance Investors’ Conference in Abuja organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Microfinance Association UK and Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN).

At the end of the two-day conference declared open by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and chaired by Gen. J. T. Useni retired, participants urged the Federal Government to set up a proper structure to attract private funds into Microfinance sector with the input of the investors.

The seven-point communique also called for the immediate take-off of the CBN/ FGN Microfinance Development Fund as a window to on-lend to Microfinance Banks in Nigeria; NISARL and NAPEP to use MFBs/MFIs and Financial NGOs to lend to agro dealers and other actors in the agricultural value chain.

Ecobank to reward loyal customers, unveils ‘Win Big’ promo

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COBANK has unveiled a promotion to reward its existing and new customers who actively operate their Ecobank current and savings accounts.

The promotion, tagged, “Win Big with Ecobank” gives each customer the opportunity to own new cars at each of four monthly draws and a grand prize of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the grand draw.

The promo is scheduled to run from September through to December 2012.

New customers who open an account with a minimum of N20, 000 will be entitled to an instant gift and also qualify for the monthly draw if they maintain the deposit for a 30 day period.

Existing customers who increase their balance by N20, 000 qualify for the draw and multiples of N20,000 give the customer more chance of winning. To be eligible for the grand prize, a customer is expected to maintain a minimum balance of N20, 000 for 4 months to give a total of N80, 000; multiple entries of N80, 000 is permissible.

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Impeachment threat: The alternative to Jonathan is chaos — Bent INSTEAD of calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign or pursue his impeachment, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, former chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, in this interview says the President needs the support of all to steady the ship of state, warning that doing otherwise would be catastrophic. Excerpts:

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N the state of the Nation: Every discerning Nigerian should be worried about the trend of events in the country within the past few months or one year, as it were. Nigeria is going through a tough time.

The nation is confronted with security breaches occasioned by the activities of terrorists. A lot of people had died in the attacks launched by terrorists, most especially in the northern parts of the country. The security problem of Nigeria, no doubt, has some untoward consequences, most especially for the economy.

I just returned to Nigeria from a foreign trip, and I tell you, the rest of the world is worried about the situation of things in our country because the people we met would ask you very probing questions pointing towards their worries about the future of the country. International investors would have been falling over one another to be in Nigeria given the increasing collapse of the economies of their respective countries, but they are being held back because of security breaches reported in Nigeria on daily basis.

Containing the crisis So, whichever way you look at it, it is a trying time for us in Nigeria. The good thing, however, is that the government is not resting on its oars towards containing the crises.

If Nigerians will give the President undiluted support whether in form of prayers, reporting crimes and activities of criminals around us, and understanding that the issue of security is everybody’s business, then we are getting close to nipping the crises in the bud. I have a feeling that the terrible phase will pass away and Nigeria would be back on the track. The advanced countries of the world including the US, Britain, France and others had experienced this kind of phase before. They survived it. We will equally survive it as a nation.

Assesment of President Goodluck Jonathan's

administration.

We have always known that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Nigeria is such a complex country, besides, those in government know many things that you and I are not privy to, so the way they will handle matters will be different from the way an ordinary person would have loved to. The President and his government have been consistent in their approach to issues and I am praying and hoping he will win the race.

Security in the country Look at the security issue in the country for instance, the government is confronted with difficult enemies in which case terrorists are ready to die just to get at you. That calls for a more intellectual and technical approach if you must tackle the problem.

What gladdens my heart now is that everybody, most especially

,

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

chaos because you cannot overwhelm a sitting President.

Come to think of it, the government of President Jonathan has been showing good promises in the area of power generation. If you observe very closely, you will agree that power distribution to your area has improved tremendously.

It means the energy sector is now surmounting its most daunting obstacles. With availability of sufficient gas to power the existing turbines in the country, electricity supply will improve greatly. Even on security, the government’s agenda for ending the challenges cannot just be set aside. The Federal Ministries have been charged now to work towards producing results in their undertakings with each Minister taking up the initiative.

That is to say that the government is imbibing a new drive to perform. You cannot just push out a government like that most especially when the period

Study the history of nations that stampeded and caused the premature exit of their leaders from power, and you will appreciate the necessity for us to have President Jonathan remain on the saddle to pilot the affairs of Nigeria till the end of his term the northern leaders are now up in arms to ensure an end to terrorism in the country. The security operatives have braced up and really building up their intelligence network; and the President has demonstrated having a listening ear by the changes he carried out in the security department. I am rest assured that time is of essence and that very soon; Nigeria will leave behind the phase of terrorism and security breaches and move on.

Nigeria needs the President more for political stability. Study the history of nations that stampeded and caused the premature exit of their leaders from power, and you will appreciate the necessity for us to have President Jonathan remain on the saddle to pilot the affairs of Nigeria till the end of his term.

An alternative to him now is

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of another transition is near. All we can do is to wait for 2015 to decide the next set of leaders we want. That is Democracy. Talking about the plot of impeachment in the House of Representatives, I want to see that as a wakeup call to get the attention of Mr. President on certain issues pertinent to the socio-economic development of the country. Our lawmakers are sophisticated enough to know the implication of impeaching the President. I pray they have a rethink and give him more time to put things right.

This is just one year into his administration. We all know that life is really very tough for the people, but it will not last for too long. Let’s keep faith alive.

State of Environment in Nigeria today The state of environment in this country calls for serious concern, I mean in terms of adapting and

*Bent mitigating the irreversible effects or challenges that climate change might pose to our environment.

We are still grossly lagging behind in preparations against possible outbreak of major natural disasters. We lack the technology and the skilled manpower as it were, to effectively handle unforeseen disasters. Of course, Nigeria has a relatively predictive technological know-how, but we do not bother to improve on what we have.

Issue of climate change The issue of climate change and its consequences are beyond mere forecasting of weather, rainfall, flood or encroachment of deserts and others. When you predict, how do you tackle? What do you do when the forecasts come into reality? The truth is that the climate changes every day and it is an irreversible trend all over the world. Most countries are bracing up aggressively to face the challenges.

Nigeria must wake up and realise that ignoring the challenges posed by environmental changes is like putting a candle light on a roof top and going to sleep. The repercussion could be disastrous.

We should start by focusing on the appalling state of our drainage system across the federation. We should pay attention to the manner we erect structures on waterways.

We should worry about lack of waste management and recycling plants. We should begin to do something about creating effective landfill system.

Level of women's participation in politics today The truth must be said that the

participation of women in politics in Nigeria is still abysmally low, although I reckon with efforts by the President to make amends.

The little regard for women in our politics is a set-back in our quest and desire to consolidate on democracy and forge a stronger nation. No democracy can genuinely thrive when about 85 percent of its womenfolk are largely left out in critical decision making process.

Currently at the National Assembly, there is a gross reduction in the number of women representatives. We really have to start taking steps towards ensuring more women’s participation in politics if only to at least, reduce the tension in the country. I strongly believe that if women were encouraged to be governors, ministers and even president, the level of gangsterism, armed robbery, terrorism, armed militancy and other vices would never have been this high in the country.

Interest of women in politics The good thing is that our First Lady, Dr Patience Jonathan has been nurturing the interest of women in politics very vigorously. She is the reason the Nigerian women have gained a good mileage in their struggle for more recognition in politics. I take pride in her avowed commitment to improving the lot of women in the scheme of things in Nigeria. The take off point of 35 percent affirmative action is a success story that should be celebrated. Mr. President, Dr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan has in the process, broken the jinx to such an extent that he has actually appointed 13 credible women into his cabinet and other major government agencies.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 — 29

DR. Sylvan Ebigwei is president, Aka Ikenga. In this interview, he discusses Nigeria’s security challenges, the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference and other national issues. Excerpts:

Confab is solution to our problems — Ebigwei We are a federation but there is no f i s c a l federalism there because the centre collects all the collectables in this country and give handouts to states

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BY TONY NWANKWO

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KA Ikenga canvassed for the success of President Jonathan at the elections. He is President for a year now. Any regrets?

We cannot have regrets for backing Jonathan. Knowing full well that it is only a mad man that dances to the same beats for more than 40 years.

The power has been resident in a particular region of this country for more than 40 years.

So, I believe that it is time for a change and we believe that a citizen from a minority group in this country should come on board. Those are some of the factors that made many of us become interested in him, and supported him to rule this country.

But the man is barely one year as elected president, and we have this clamour for 2015?

The President has not said he is going to contest in 2015. But that should not be the bone of contention. A macabre dance, within the political scene now is so dirty because people think only about taking power from who is holding the power, they don’t think about this nation.

Nigeria is bedeviled with a motley of problems of which the least a Nigerian politician

,

*Ebigwei should be thinking about should be 2015. It shouldn’t come into play. What should be on the scene now, is how do we amend the economy of this nation? How do we unite Nigeria to ensure it is not dismembered? How do we tackle the security challenge

that is facing the nation?

Poverty is rife, we have health challenge, transportation challenge and a litany of challenges that are facing the nation now. This should be the main issue that should be confronting the National Assembly, the Executive and

other Nigerians, not who governs in 2015.

Where do you stand on the Sovereign National Conference?

The Sovereign National Conference is the answer to the problems of this nation. As far as I am concerned, Nigeria’s federation is a lie. We call it federation, but what are the powers of the federating units?

Zero!

Everything is concentrated on the centre, and this started during the military era. Many who lived in Nigeria during the precolonial period knew how Nigeria was governed. Each of the three regions was self sufficient in terms of

development funds, in terms of income generation and expenditure. There was competition. The North was competing through groundnut pyramids, East through palm produce and the West had cocoa. So, money accruing to them was internally generated.

They had enough to feed their people, give scholarships, fund education, fund health structures, fund their local governments, and take care of the elderly.

But during the military regimes, they collapsed all these regions and concentrated everything at the center as if we are a federation.

We are a federation but there is no fiscal federalism there, because the center collects all the collectables in this country and give handouts to states.

The SNC should address the issue of the Residency Clause, etc. If you don’t bring money for fiscal development to my area, you shortchange us, if I decide to leave my region to go to another region, where you are spending money, what will be my take? If I live there for three years, can the people accept me as a citizen of that area. No, they cannot accept you. Only an SNC can address all that. The Nigerian constitution is just a contraption of issues pieced together by the military that is being addressed by the National Assembly now. The present National Assembly cannot do anything because they will be protecting their own interests.

Awoniyi: A worthy support at 52

BY MIKE ABU

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TOIC perseverance in the face of unprovoked adversity as well as calmness in situations where others would easily lose their cool, could be among the guiding principles, indeed the staying power that have so far paid off handsomely for Arc. Abayomi Sunday Benjamin Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor at 52.

The route to greatness as defined by William Shakespeare is a three – way course. It could be by birth. It could be by attainment. It could be also by recognition. In this journey of life, Yomi Awoniyi has been able to bestride these three paths and he is still ascending the pedestal of greatness.

Little wonder he is been celebrated as a worthy support to his principal, Capt Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor. Once, he wanted to be a Senator. He lost but fate was not through with him. Just when he least expect, fate thrust upon him, a bigger responsibility. In the face of stiff political challenges Arc. Yomi Awoniyi soldiered on like the proverbial patient dog and the rest is now history. If you believe

in destiny, then perhaps you will not wonder what bound Architect Awoniyi, to his boss, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada. Both are children of destiny. It is destiny that catapulted both men to the corridors of power.

However, what further helped Architect Awoniyi’s choice as Captain Wada’s running mate is his rich background in the private sector. Architect Awoniyi is known for his quiet mien and unassuming posture and these have earned him the confidence of his boss and associates.

Born in Lagos, September 4, 1960, Awoniyi’ attended Government Secondary School Okene, between 1971 and 1973 and thereafter moved to Barewa College, Zaria, where in 1976, he bagged his West African School Certificate (WASCE) Grade one. He was subsequently admitted into High School of Basic Studies, Zaria for his Higher School Programme. That was between 1976 and 1978.

He completed the programme in flying colours and got admitted to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study Architecture. In 1981, he bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture and proceeded to

bag a Master of Science, Architecture in 1983, also from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Determined to be a core professional, he moved onto University College, London in 1983 and by 1984, he had bagged a Master of Science Degree in Urban Development Planning.

Arch.

Professional bodies Yomi Awoniyi, son of the late political icon and seasoned administrator, Chief S. B. Awoniyi, a member of several professional bodies including, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and Nigeria Institute of Management, established Awoniyi Associates, a firm of Architects and urban planners in 1988.He was on the board of several companies including Candid Oil Service Limited, Boja Industries Limited, Bold Concept Construction Company Limited and Howas Services Limited before becoming Deputy Governor.

An Architect with vast exposure and experience, Architect Yomi Awoniyi, actually

participated in some key National projects. Some of these projects are; The National Library Project, Abuja; an official residence in the presidency, Abuja; The Millennium Tower Project, Abuja; CAC Prototype office buildings in different states across the country; the Abuja Light Rail project; Itakpe Iron Ore project; Ajaokuta Steel Company projects; construction of sailor for Grains storage in different locations across the country; and The Lagos - Ibadan expressway project among others.

He had other major corporate projects involvement. These include; development of Wema Bank Plc office Complex in Abuja; development of Housing Estate for National Intelligence Agency, Abuja; development of several Bank premises for Union Bank Plc, Lagos; support services to Shell Petroleum Development Company also in Port - Harcourt; support services to Mobil Nigeria Unlimited at the QIT, Eket; Development of Kwara State Liaison office Complex, Abuja, Development of Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja, development of Kabba - Ogidi Ayere Road, Kogi State, Rural

*Awoniyi Electrification Project at Kabba Olle - Iluke axis of Kogi State, etc. He is vastly traveled having visited over 12 countries across the continents of the world for both business and leisure.

Architect Yomi Awoniyi, is also a philanthropist.

* Abu, Chief Press Secretary to Arc. Abayomi Sunday Benjamin Awoniyi, the Kogi State Deputy Governor, wrote from Lokoja.

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Nasarawa: Al-Makura, PDP in war without end Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-makura recently ruled out the possibility of his return to his former political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dashing the hope of some PDP faithful.

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

G

PDP fights back Following his statement, the PDP leadership has swung into action with a view to reclaiming the state from him.

State chairman of the party, Chief Yunana Illiya while receiving the report of a committee he set up to restructure the party ahead of the 2015 general election, boasted that the party was on ground to reclaim the state AT the polls, saying his optimism was based on his findings in the three zones of the state the committee visited.

The committee had attributed the party's loss of the last governorship election to aggrieved party members, who were dissatisfied with the performance of former Governor

Grouse of the lawmakers *Gov Al-Makura

Aliyu Akwe Doma.

Headed by a chieftain of the party in the state, Alhaji Tanko Baba Abdullahi, the committee,equally fingered internal wrangling among members, which it noted, led to the defection of many members to the CPC while some who were left behind worked for the CPC at the polls.

Commending the party chieftains for what he described as thorough job Chief Iliya assured that he would do his best to ensure the implementation of the committee’s report, a development, he noted, would restore the party's glory in the state. He said that an expanded meeting would be held to to hammer out the panel's recommendations would be implemeted.

This development, it was gathered is giving the governor a great concern, especially since the CPC is partially in control of the state. The PDP still parades 20 members in the state’s 24member legislature. This has indeed made the governance of the state difficult for the governor in the past months he has been in power.

Frosty relations with legislators Most of his policies and programmes have not been without challenge. In fact, his first action and singular act

courted him his first ‘baptism of fire’ with members of the Assembly.

When he nominated new administrators for the local government and 16 Development Areas, the legislators refused and instead sought to re-instate the administrators whose tenure had

,

OVERNOR Al-Makura did not only boast of his opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he also dashed the hope of some of his political associates who were expecting him back in his former party.

“I will be the last person to go to PDP. Even if I have to be the last person, before I will go, the sun will rise from the West and set in the East, which is an impossibility”, he had said The governor, who emerged to rule the 15-year old state on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), was reacting to media reports suggesting that he was likely to return to the party he abandoned prior to his election.

This was when Mr James Angbazo, factional leader of PDP in Nasarawa State had led a delegation of some of PDP members to tell the national leadership of the party in Abuja that the governor remained a party member at heart but was bidding his time to return as soon as the internal crises in the state party’s chapter were laid to rest.

“I was ostracised by the party and was treated unfairly without taking into consideration some of the rights and privileges that I deserve. As far as I am concerned, I bade them farewell since the end of 2010 when I joined CPC”, he insisted.

Governor Al-makura defected to the then opposition CPC in the twilight of 2011 general election, when he could not secure the PDP governorship ticket. The then sitting governor, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, got the ticket.

development gave the governor sleepless nights as he had to go through highly placed people in the state including royal fathers and political stakeholders in both the ruling CPC and PDP before the other three nominees were cleared. The same thing happened in the screening of Special Advisers. Among the 20 names submitted by the governor, the legislators reduced the number to 18; saying 20 was equally on the high side. The governor had no choice; he swallowed his words and accepted the lawmakers’ choice.

Again, when Al-Makura submitted names of persons to be promoted from Director of personnel Management (DPM) to Sole Administrators of the 16 Development Areas and 13 local government areas of the state, the legislators put their feet down.

The matter took the intervention of national representatives of the PDP and CPC to be resolved.

It ended withan agreement that the governor should appoint 60 percent of the appointees while the legislators hold on to 40 per cent.

The grouse of the lawmakers was that the governor singlehandedly picked his appointees,without their input.

The fight lasted for some months with each arm claiming superiority until the state’s royal fathers waded in at the instance of some concerned elders in the state.

With this intervention, observers believed the executive/ legislative differences were over but they were wrong. When the

I will be the last person to go to PDP. Even if I have to be the last person, before I will go, the sun will rise from the West and set in the East

elapsed and had been dissolved.

The lawmakers called for a sitting to re-instate the dissolved transition committee chairmen and administrators which had ran contrary to the passionate appeal of the governor. But this was averted as thugs and security agents took over the premises of the Assembly before the arrival of the lawmakers.

Again, when he submitted the names of 18 commissioners and 20 Special Advisers for screening and approval as commissioners, the lawmakers cut the number to 15.

It did not stop there, of the approved 15 nominees, only 12 nominees were screened and approved for the governor. This

,

governor extended an invitation to the legislators to join him for a state dinner held at the Presidential Lounge, Lafia, they shunned him.

A few weeks after, the governor took a very decisive decision in which he sacked all sitting 28 permanent secretaries including some that were barely two months old in their positions. His major reasons for this action were that he wanted to over-haul the civil service and inject new ideas in the system. But to his uttermost surprise; the lawmakers were quick to rise in condemnation of this action. They openly told him that he lacked the constitutional power to arbitrarily relinquish the permanent secretaries of their

seats. The stiff opposition from the legislators emboldened the sacked permanent secretaries the to drag the governor to the Lafia High Court. But the permanent secretaries later withdrew the suit following their meeting with the governor at the instance of traditional rulers.

Watchers of politics of the state believe the leadership of the state chapter of the PDB is behind the governor's frosty relations with the legislators.

People are worried that as the 2015 elections approach and with the PDP’s determination to regain political power in the state from the CPC, the cat and mouse relationship between the governor and the PDP members in the state House of Assembly may become worse, thus preventing the governor from focusing on delivering his campaign promises to the citizenry.

Allegation of poor performance Allegation of poor performance was one of the resons that sent Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma parking from Nasarawa State Government House, thus preventing him from realizing his second term ambition like some of his contemporaries. So, Governor Al-Makura must be focused to improve on his achievements since he came to power.

Among others, after one year in office, the governor has paid attention to healthcare due to his staunch belief that health is wealth. He started a free medical scheme for the state where people with various health problems, especially eye problems were treated free. Here, some foreign health experts and organizations were drawn in to render this assistance. It was indeed, the first time it was happening in the history of the state.

He has also made tremendous efforts in construction of road network across the state among others.

In the area of road construction, he has so far awarded contracts for construction of asphalt access roads within the state capital as parts of efforts to give the state capital a new face lift. These include 4km Kurikyo road, 1.4km Alkali Road Street and 1km Ministry of Information Ado Muazu Road. Other roads awarded for construction include 900m Abdul-Shitu-Ministry of Information-Kurikyo road junction and Abdulkura Street.

The 4.8km Lafia EastGovernment House-NADP Quarters towards Makon-Giji Shendam road junction and 1.2km peoples Bank-new market roads as well as the 1.5km Agwai junction Anguwan Nungu junction was also awarded. Most of the roads have been completed while others are 80 per cent completed days in office

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—31

Fresh concerns over multi-billion dollar Eko Atlantic City project

BY JUDE NJOKU

GOSHEN and Alpha Beach Estates were developed as highbrow residential estates in the Lekki Peninsula axis of Lagos. But the once serene neighbourhoods have been hit by coastal erosion which has forced some of the residents to relocate to more secure areas. One of such residents is Mr.Azuka Ezemakam who relocated to the mainland because of the coastal erosion that ravaged Alpha Beach Estate. Ezemakam told a one-day Roundtable on Climate Change Adaptation in Lagos: Eko Atlantic City- Dream for Few or Nightmare for Many? organisedbyHeinrichBollStiftung in Nigeria in January, that water from the Atlantic ocean was just pushing and taking over the estate whenworkstartedonthefirstphase of Eko Atlantic City project.

E

KO Atlantic is promoted nationally and internationally as a model Public PrivatePartnershipbetweenLagos State Government and South EnergyXNigeriaLimitedtoprotect Lagos from flooding and ocean surge, to offer new habitable space forresidentsandbusinessesandto create new employment opportunities. It is expected that an imposing skyline of towers housingtheheadquartersofbanks, insurance companies and hotels will remind visitors and investors of the successful development of Dubai. But does this project really provide the necessary answer to the approximately 15 million inhabitants to achieve sustainable economic growth for all under increased climate stress? These issues took the front burner when environmentalists drawn from the Community Conservation and Development Initiatives, CCDI, Environmental Law Research Institute, ELRI and Heinrich Boll Stiftung, HBS as well as

HIGH POINTS •The current stock of offshore sand would be inadequate for such a project •The offshore dredging can increase the energy of the ocean waves which will be diverted to the eastern coast when hitting the new “Great Wall” •‘The EIA was submitted three years after the commencement of dredging activities •The affected communities were never involved in the project plans •The project is likely to increase social differences within the Lagos society and might create deeper divisions between rich and poor with all its attendant consequences

•Artist's impression of Eko Atlantic City professionals in the field of environmental law, architecture, and urban planning, marine research and oceanography, came togethertoexaminethe“DraftFinal EnvironmentalImpactAssessment Report” submitted to the Federal Ministry of Environment by the developersoftheluxurycityin2011.

The experts included Mr. Ako Amadi, of CCDI who gave a brief description of the communities threatened by coastal erosion and displacement and also spoke on Eko Atlantic City, a sustainable development project for coastal states – Best practices from other countries; Prof David Areadeon who focused on “Eko Lagos City and the new Eko Atlantic City: A case study in development issues” and Profs Margaret Okorodudu and Lanre Fabgbohun who delivered a paper on “Eko Atlantic EnvironmentalImpactAssessment: Legal Issues”’.

The experts were unanimous in declaringthattheEkoAtlanticCity project lacks transparency, participation and doesn’t always

adheretotheruleoflaw.Saidthey: “The approach taken so far by the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and South EnergyX leaves room for doubt.

Current stock of offshore sand Research,accordingtothemhas shown that the current stock of offshoresandwouldbeinadequate for such a project. “Over the years, the offshore sand bed of the ocean in the Lagos area has not been replenished naturally. This is due to factors such as the sand drifts alongtheWestAfricancoastwhere -amongst others, the port constructionsatLomeandCotonou have reduced the amount of sand deposited in the Lagos area. The sand and block digging for the projects needs to be closely monitored by the appropriate government authorities,” a facts sheetreleasedbytheexpertsnoted.

Accordingtothem“Theoffshore dredging can increase the energy

of the ocean waves which will be diverted to the eastern coast when hitting the new “Great Wall” The environmentalists raised these posers: “Have the tide and wave strength undergone a long term monitoring before the commencement of the project? On which data do the foreign experts simulations rely on?

They stressed the need for a provision that would hold the developers responsible for long term negative impacts caused by the project.

They further noted that the late submissionof theEIA totheFederal Ministry of Environment contravened the EIA Act of 2004. “‘TheEIAwassubmittedthreeyears after the commencement of dredging activities. This is a contravention of the EIA Act 2004, ThereisnoevidencethattheFederal MinistryofEnvironmentapproved the construction.

The EnvironmentalImpactAssessment of 2004 provides that an EIA must be carried out before embarking

upon any developmental project” they experts who stated that the EIA was only submitted in November, 2011 said..

The stakeholders regretted that the affected communities were neverinvolvedintheprojectplans.

Meanwhile, serious erosion is happeningalongthecoastalareas identifiedasvulnerableinthedraft finalEIA. “Theaffectedareashave tobeprotectedimmediately;atthe same time, a consensus is needed to find alternative solutions to the proposedhardcoastalstructures,” they posited.

They further noted that the sustainability concept of the developers does not seem to includecoreissueslikerenewable energy, energy efficient building, wastetoenergy.“Itisnotclearwhich kind of permanent jobs the project will create. Neighbouring communities will have difficulties to cope with with increased infrastructural pressure caused by the project.

HAZARDS

How to make your dry cleaning kit at home

M

AKE a 1:20 solution of unscented laundry detergent and water.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and lightly spray spots or stains.

Dab spots with a paper towel or clean cloth to break up and remove stains.

Next, place your clothes in a barely damp pillow case. If desired, add a few drops of an essential oil for perfume.

Tumble in a low dryer (no

heat) for 20 minutes to freshen, then hang up.

Finally, do what the pros do: inspect the garment for tears or lost or loose buttons and make repairs.

If you still have a few items you don’t trust to hand-ashing or at-home dry cleaning, here are some ways you can cut down on the number of times you take these clothes to the dry cleaner.

To reduce trips to the dry

cleaner, try hanging up your garments as soon as you are done wearing them.

Also avoid hanging items in crammed closets that don’t allow the item to breath and air out after use.

Try not to store your clothes in damp or humid areas.

Remove dry cleaned items from plastic bags as soon as they get home, as the bags retain humidity and moisture

and also make comfortable homes for unwanted pests like moths.

Some dry cleaners will meet the prices of their competitors. Bring in coupons as proof.

Opt for a press instead of a clean. If your dry clean only garments are wrinkled but not in need of a cleaning, request a steam or press at the cleaners instead of a full dry cleaning. This can significantly lower your dry cleaning bill.

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Crossover Savings, US developer sign pact to build affordable houses

BY JUDE NJOKU

C

ROSSOVER Savings & Loans Limited, one of the new players in the Nigerian mortgage industry, has signed an agreement with an American Construction Company, Messrs Frontera Global Company, to develop affordable houses in the country.

The US company which is also developing similar housing projects in Kenya, will build the houses in the form of community estates on a contractor-finance arrangement. These facts were disclosed by the Vice Chairman of the primary mortgage institution, PMI, Mr. Bode Akinboye in a chat with Vanguard Homes & Property. The estates would be built on the outskirts of Lagos – Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu and along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway axis.

Further to this, the PMI which acquired the former Pacific Savings and Loans, is also collaborating with some indigenous developers to provide housing to the numerous home seekers in the Lagos area.

The Crossover vice chairman gave details of the agreement with the offshore developers. “We have signed an agreement with a foreign company that is bringing multi-million dollars loan to Nigeria but not in form of cash but in form of contractorfinance plan. What this means is that they are coming to Nigeria to be build houses with their own money provided there is a guaranteed list of people that will take these houses as they are building them.

Refinancing of the loan The multi-national company can build houses fast with their money but want an assurance that when they build, they will be able to collect their money at the end of the day. And this loan can go as far as ten years. At the end, we have the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN that can now refinance the whole loan for up to 30 years,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “They are bringing a building design that is engineered but is concrete to the extent that you can churn out about 50 houses in a day. The building design is already engineered in form of a model formwork. Once the foundation is laid, you just put the formwork on the foundation which is either raft foundation or pile foundation depending on the nature of the soil. Once the normal foundation is made, you just bring the structure on it and then pour the mixed concrete on it and within 48 hours, the concrete will cure.

You now take out the form and put on another foundation; there is no need for plastering. The house is already engineered with

Building materials watch Cement Dangote cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Burham Cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Elephant cement per bag of 50kg ---N1,800.00 Sandcrete Blocks 6 inches vibrated per block---N130 9 inches vibrated per block---N150 6 inches hand mould per block---N80 9 inches hand mould per block---N90 Sand Soft per tipper load ---N13,000 Sharp double tipper load---N23,000 Gravel double tipper load---N25,000 Gravel single tipper load---N18,000 Granite per tipper load----N120,000 Reinforcement 8 mm (153) pieces per ton ---N125,000 10 mm (153) pieces per ton---N136,000 12 mm (93) pieces per ton---N161,000 16 mm (93) pieces per ton---N172,000 20 mm (53) pieces per ton---N122,000

•Mr Akinboye piping, electrical, everything is put in place before you pour in the concrete. So, it is a fast-build technology that will offer employment to a lot of Nigerians” Mr Akinboye said the PMI is also setting up a workshop where

the various artisans -plumbers, electricians that will be involved in the construction work, will be assembled and further trained to be able to cope with the large number of houses that would be Continues on page 33

PW bags contract for replacement of Ilasamaja pedestrian bridge

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE Lagos State Government has awarded the contract for the replacement of the failed pedestrian bridge at Ilasamaja on Oshodi- Apapa Expressway to Messrs P.W. Nig. Ltd . Skeletal work has already begun on the reconstruction of the bridge which for some time now has constituted a serious problem to pedestrians around the ever busy Ilasamaja area of Lagos metropolis.

The project which would gulp about N400 million, is expected to be completed within the stipulated period of four months.

The failed structure was pulled down on Saturday.

The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, an engineer, who disclosed these fasts while on inspection of some ongoing projects by ministry within Lagos metropolis, said ‘’we have done the soil test. The construction method for construction has changed. You might not see the contractor on site until after they have done the concrete work in their yard and they will come here to mount. ‘’We assure people that the contract for the bridge has been awarded and very soon they will see the contractor at work here.

We want to ensure that people are safe, and looking at the bridge with the holes, its stability and integrity is in doubt and this is why we had to seal it off until it is

reconstructed.

The bridge, like any other one in the state is quite strategic and this is underscored by the safety of lives we want to ensure.

This is a federal road but we did not say that because this is a federal road, we will not rebuild the bridge. We are concerned about the safety of Lagosians and this is why the state government

Woods Timber (hard) 1x1x12---N1,000 Timber (hard) 2x2x12---N800 Timber (hard) 2x4x12---N700 Softwood 2x2x12---N260 2x3x12---N300 Plywood 3x3x8---N3,500 2x4x8---N2,400 Roofing Sheets Corrugated iron sheets per bundle---N10,000 Asbestos (Super) 4x8 per piece---N1,600 Asbestos (Solo) 4x6 per piece---N1,500 Wall tiles (ceramic) 6 x 6 per square metre------------------N1,200 20 x 20 (China) per square metre----------N1,100 20 x 25 (China) per square metre---....N1,400 Floor tiles (ceramic) 14 x 14 (Spain) per square metre------------N1,800 14 x 14 (Brazil) per square metre------------N1,420 13 x 13 (Spain) per square metre---------N1, 550 45 x 45 (Spain) per square metre------------N1,900 40 x 40 (Marble Spain) per square metre--N3,800 30 x 30 (Marble Spain) per square metre----N2,000 Plumbing Materials Galvanised conduit pipes per length 20 mm diameter -----------------------N170 25 mm diameter---------------......N170 PVC conduit pipes 20 mm diameter per length -------N120 25 mm diameter per length------N130 Source-----------Cement tiles and building materials market along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

Continues on page 33

Voda Paints boss lauds Archibuilt as meeting point for building professionals

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE Managing Director of Voda Paints Ltd, one of the leading paints manufacturing companies in Nigeria, Mr. Rotimi Aluko has described Archibuilt as a good meeting point for building professionals and practitioners as well as regulatory institutions and potential clients to rub minds.

Archibuilt is an annual exhibition of building materials and services organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, NIA. Mr. Aluko, who stated this at the just concluded Archibuilt in Abuja, said the forum also serves as a platform for companies to demonstrate to architects that their products are of high

standards.

According to him, Voda Paint has actively participated in Archibuilt since 2004 not only as a producer of high quality products but as one of the companies whose products meet the requirements of the building industry.

The Voda Paints boss noted that this year’s event with the theme ‘’Viability and Sustainability of Africa’s Future Cities’’ provided his company another opportunity to showcase their irresistible range of decorative products to the world.

“The company used the event to demonstrate the latest innovative and uncommon decorative products to Architects who have responsibility conceptualizing, designing and supervising

projects, building industry professionals and members of the general public”, he stated.

According to him, the top range decorative paints of the company are the finest and widest range of plaster finishes products in the country at the moment. He added that plaster finishes offer the combined qualities of leveling, smoothening and sealing wall surfaces to hide maisons’ plastering imperfections while protecting and beautifying the walls at the same time resulting to a more perfect-looking wall.

He added that plaster paints provide a much better-looking surface finish owing to their more even light reflection consistency which plays a very important role in individual’s eventual colour and sheen level perception and appreciation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—33

ENVIRONMENT WATCH

Toilets of the future compete for Bill Gates Foundation prize T

HESE aren’t your typical loos.

One uses microwave energy to transform human waste into electricity. Another captures urine and uses it for flushing. And still another turns excrement into charcoal.

They are part of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation competition to reinvent the toilet for the 2.5 billion people around the world who don’t have access to modern sanitation.

Scientists from around the world have taken up the challenge, and the foundation announced some projects last week that will be getting more money to take their ideas from the lab to cities.

There, local entrepreneurs will use thenewtechnologytoturnpollution into cash. ”We couldn’t be happier with the response that we’ve gotten,” Bill Gates said.

To pass the foundation’s threshold for the world’s next toilet, it must operate without running water, electricity or a septic system, not discharge pollutants, preferably capture energy or other resources, and operate at a cost of 5 cents a day.

The United Nations estimates diseasecausedbyunsafesanitation results in about half the hospitalizations in the developing world. About 1.5 million children

By LAIDE AKINBOADE

dieeachyearfromdiarrhealdisease.

Scientists believe most of these deaths could be prevented with proper sanitation, along with safe drinking water and improved hygiene. The Foundation expects tofieldtestitsfirstprototypeswithin the next three years.

Most of the prototypes recently displayed in the open courtyard of the Foundation’s Seattle headquarters, turn solid waste into energy.

Pragmatic solution This is both a practical and pragmaticsolutiontothesolidwaste puzzle, said Carl Hensman, programofficerforthefoundation’s water,sanitationandhygieneteam.

Many recycle waste into other usable substances such as animal feed, water for irrigation, or even just energy and water to run their own systems.

Some, like the winning project from Caltech, use chemistry and engineering to completely transform the waste.

Clement Cid, a Caltech grad student from Trouillas, France, said ithasbeenintellectuallyrewarding toworkwithscientistsfromavariety of specialties. ”You can come up with great

T

•Toilet of the future ideas,”hesaid,addingthatthetoilet fair offered more opportunities for idea sharing.

Other projects on display were not so high-tech, including one from theLondonSchoolofHygieneand TropicalMedicinethatsendsblack soldier fly larvae inside latrines and even home toilets to process waste, resulting in high quality, environmentally friendly animal feed at a cost of a penny a day.

The fly larvae project is already being field tested in Cape Town, South Africa, and the inventors are working on a kit to sell to entrepreneurs. They have had inquiriesfromHaiti,Sudan,Kenya and Ghana about adopting the

approach.”

At the end of the day it will look very low-tech, but there’s a lot of science behind it,” said Walter Gibson, a medical biochemist who is part of the development team.

The Gates toilet focus started just about a year ago, and including grants announced Tuesday, $370 million in foundation dollars have been committed to reinventing the toilet.Hensmansaidthefoundation decidedtoholdatoiletfairthisweek to show how far the scientists have gotteninthattime,andtogivethem an opportunity to learn from each other and potentially collaborate. some of these designs would also be solutions for rich and m

Crossover Savings, US developer sign pact to build affordable houses Continued frompage 32 built.

“The first project we will do will be very critical. We are in touch with some Federal government parastatals and cooperatives of oil and telecoms companies that can take between 800 – 1,000 housing units.Therearesomecooperatives that have already acquired land in the Lekki axis that can take about 800 houses. We are talking with them to finalise the agreement.

Onethingcriticalwiththeseestates isthattheycomewithindependent power, waste management, good roads network and street lighting becauseoneofthemajordrawbacks to housing is lack of infrastructure.

If you go into the bush and build houses and there are no access roads to the houses, there are no security and lights, nobody will go and live there. Because this one is partly a US fund, there are minimum conditions that must be met – we are building community estates that have schools, sporting facilities and green areas,” Mr. Akinboye clarified.

Themortgagefirm,Mr.Akinboye said, is also partnering with some Nigerian developers who have large expanse of land for housing development and some building materials suppliers.

“We have an agreement with a

developer on the Lekki axis called Gioni Homes. They have about 40 hectaresoflandaroundSangotedo and they have churned out the first set of bungalows which we intend torolloutwithinthenexttwoweeks.

While we are perfecting the arrangements with the foreign funders, we want to work with the developer to offer those houses on mortgage to intending buyers. The houses will be under N15 million,” he said.

Crossover Savings and Loans has also financed the construction of 24 flats along the LASU -Iba Road, Igando. Christened Dominion Court, the flats are now ready for occupation.

PW bags contract for replacement of Ilasamaja pedestrian bridge Continued frompage 32 has taken it up. ‘’The state government is going to spend about N400 million on this project. The bridge can be repaired but you are not sure what will happen after its repair and this is why we are settling for its outright reconstruction. We have started the sub-soil investigation and this is what will determine how long it will take to finish the project. We have about 10 such bridges to construct in the state.

Lagos-Abeokuta expressway alone has three and in all we have awarded contract for about nine.

As for Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Federal government is about to reconstruct it and so it does not make any sense to do anything on it until after the reconstruction’’, he noted.

Explaining challenges in construction projects with bridge

FG inaugurates committee on management of PCBs in Nigeria

components with particular reference to Adisa Ajibulu and the Isheri-Osun –Jakande road projects, Hamzat said the need to put several piles in place and the nature of the terrain explains delays. He added that the road component cannot be awarded without the completion of the bridge, stressing that the state government usually does its projects in phases to ensure proper funding and adequate time frame for each of the projects.

The Commissioner also disclosed that with the completion of the Isopakodowo market at Osodi, the enclosed market comprising mainly lock up shops of various sizes will soon be allocated to targeted beneficiaries with adequate mortgage facility to enable them repay the cost of purchase for between 15 and 20 years.

According to him, ‘’anybody

who comes here will be secured, and that was the aim of the government. The place is meant for people who want to secure shops. One of the provisions of the state’s traffic law is that people should not display their wares on the road. That provision is to discourage people from selling on the road. We want to do mortgage here with which it will be easy for people to buy the shops and repay at regular intervals for as long as 15 years. The mortgage also allows the owners to go to banks to do their business. We are discussing with banks to create the mortgage. Our role as government is to create access for people to get the mortgage. ‘’By the time you have a shop with good documentation, it means you have a title, something that could be collaterised because your shop will serve as collateral in this transaction.

HE Federal Government has inaugurated an interministerial steering committee for the management of polychlorinated byphenyl, PCBs, in Nigeria.

Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, who was represented by Dr. Mrs. Uju Okoye, a deputy director in the Ministry said that the PCBs are a class of organic compounds found to be fire resistant, stable, non-conductive to electricity and has a low volatility under normal conditions. These characteristics have made them ideal for industrial application and consumer products.

According to her, “The country has never been known to produce PCBs; however the country has imported between 1940s and early 1980s a good deal of PCBcontaining equipment such as transformers, capacitors and ballasts, as well as additives and hydraulic fluid additives.

The power holding company of Nigeria, PHCN, has been adjudged the largest Nigerian consumer of dielectric fluids and owns a large number of equipment that contains PCBs. Due to toxicity characteristics and classification of PCBs as persistent organic pollutants POPs, their production was banned globally in early 1980s.

They are one of the 21 classes of POPs targeted for elimination by the 2001 Stockholm Convention on POP due to their potential damage to human health and environment.”

She stressed that, “ Nigeria stands by Stockholm Convention to eliminate the use of PCB- containing equipment by 2025 and will make determined efforts to enthrone liquid PCBs, and equipment contaminated with PCBs will be subjected to environmentally sound waste management not later than 2028.

The financial support from the World Bank’s executed Canadian POP’s Trust Fund carried out PCB inventory in the electric power generating, transmitting and distributing facilities spread across 10 states of the federation.”

She said that the project captured 10 percent of potentially contaminated electrical equipment in the power sector; the total amount of PCBcontaminated waste was estimated to be 3,400 tons. As a follow up, the Canadian Trust fund on POP financed another study in 2009 called the ‘Location and Assessment of the status of PCB-contaminated equipment in all power holding company of Nigeria facilities. It reveals that an estimated conservation amount of 421tons PCB oil and 1,061 tons of PCB contaminated equipment found.

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

PROPERTY BRIEF Club donates staff quarters to Osun community

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• UK Apartment

Olympics lettings demand in London ‘never materialised’

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HE summer of 2012 will be remembered as the year London welcomed the world to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but for many estate agents it would be the “hype that never materialised”.

Most estate agents in London “jumped” on the short-term lettings bandwagon, Peter Savage from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) said.

But many were left with expensive empty properties gracing their websites long after the Games were over.

Mr Savage, who represents the City, Docklands and Stratford, said it was difficult to quantify the extent of the loss suffered due to the number of unregulated agencies, but cited ARLA member Knight Frank as an example.

The company’s Canary Wharf branch advertised 60 properties, several at the high-end of the market, of which only 29 were rented during the Olympics.

Mr Savage said: “The consensus was that there was a huge oversupply.

“Many [agents] were not even aware of what was involved in short-term lets as some unregulated agents wouldn’t bother with details like permission from the lender [if the landlord has a mortgage], the freeholder or the building society and the council.

“Another factor is people staying there expect serviced apartments. Any short-term gain would be outweighed by providing the costs of the shortterm market and the later void periods - which is happening now.

“The demand that was expected never materialised.”

‘Big miscalculation’ An industry source said as many as 2,000 properties on the market were not taken up.

This sense of “over-hype” is corroborated by Joanna Doniger, who has been in the short-term lettings market for

the past 20 years, focussing on visitors to Wimbledon.

One would think her firm Accommodate London has had a good run with 250 properties let around Stratford and Victoria Park, which range from £30,000 per week for a 10-bed house with a swimming pool in north London to £840 per week for a one-bed flat in Stratford.

And another 20 flats have been booked for the Paralympics. during the Olympics But 270 is slim pickings when about 500 landlords had offered their homes.

Ms Doniger said: “There were a lot of hotel rooms available and if visitors were coming for the Games they will be here for a few days.

“For an apartment, it has to be rented for at least a week or 10 days to make it worthwhile. It’s not worth renting for three days.

“I think there was a big miscalculation by several estate

agents as to just how high the demand was going to be for upscale private accommodation and as to who would rent.”

Most of the tenants were from foreign media companies, security firms and some families of athletes, including those of gold-medal winning US athlete Allyson Felix and tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams.

Ms Doniger said they did their own research to “ignore the hype”, but it was difficult at times to convince interested homeowners.

“It was galling when owners told us that one of the big estate agents had priced their rentals far higher than AccommodateLondon.com and showed us the door.”

Another estate agent based in east London, who did not want to be named, said his agency was “inundated with over 100 rentals from owners but only two were let”.

ORRIED by the absence of key medical personnel to attend to the indigenes, especially at night and weekends, the Pacesetters Club of Otan Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of in Osun State has decided to build staff quarters for health workers of the town’s Comprehensive Health Centre.

The modern staff quarters is to provide accommodation for doctors and nurses, who before now were commuting daily to Otan Ayegbaju from places like Osogbo, the state capital, and Ikirun. The property comprises five bedrooms with en-suite conveniences, a living room and three kitchens, all furnished for the use of doctors and nurses, who had hitherto attributed their

inability to stay overnight in the community to the absence of comfortable accommodation.

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola while commissioning the staff quarters last week urged other associations to emulate the Pacesetters Club’s commitment to raising the standard of living of the town’s residents, pointing out that the club’s its efforts were well appreciated by the state government.

He used the occasion to appeal to the residents to live a clean and healthy lifestyle by planting flowers and nurturing the green vegetation that defined the entire landscape, as well as embracing habits that would promote good health and reduce illness.

Lagos partners Ogun on three link roads

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HE Lagos State Government has commenced the redevelopment of the KetuIkorodu Road, just as it announced that it will partner with Ogun State to redevelop three federal roads linking their border communities.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated this at the Ikorodu Township Hall where he led other members of the State Executive Council to represent State Governor at the Lagos East

Senatorial District presentation of the last100 days of Governor Fashola in office.

He disclosed that the redevelopment will cost the State Government N29billon with the road having 6 lanes and an integrated median dem a r c a t ion for the BRT buses to ply. Other features are the pedestrian bridges designed to allow ease of access for commuters while preventing access by non users and barriers that ensures un hindered movement for the buses.

FG considers cement-based construction for Nigerian roads

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

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HE Federal Government is considering exploring the option of cement usage in construction of roads in the country. Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, an architect, who disclosed this at the weekend said his ministry will understudy the proposal submitted by the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria CEMAN, on the use of cement in road construction in the country, which he noted came at the time the ministry is reviewing its road sector design manuals.

Onolememen told the visiting CEMAN chairman, Mr. Joseph Makoju, an Engineer, and the groups’ and Executive Secretary, Mr. James Salako, that cement based roads are remarkable for their durability and resilience. Ac-

cording to him, cement based roads can last twice the lifespan of asphalt based roads but that the high cost of the product in the past had given rise to the choice of asphalt in road construction.

Makoju who noted the price of cement is falling and described this as good for the industry.

The CEMAN boss further stated that until now, the use of asphalt in road construction was considered cheaper but as at today, cement is at par with asphalt and cheaper in terms of cost effectiveness, durability of the roads, maintenance and most of all, environmentally friendlier.

He added that limestone which is the raw material for the production of cement is readily available in the country which now accounts fo r the massive production of over 28 million tonnes across

the country. He promised that the product unlike kerosene and premium spirit will never be in short supply should road construction companies commence its usage. He therefore urged the Federal Government to reassess the cost implication of both materials so as to know where to place tax payer ’s money for maxi-

mum benefit.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary and Director, Highways Planning and Development, Bala Danshehu, an engineer promised that the government will explore all options especially now that the cost of road construction is on the high side.

•Ongoing road construction project

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—35

In the valley of darkness

THE expectation of every woman after marriage is that she would be blessed with the fruit of the womb.

But when this refuses to come to pass, it brings about some other problems; some as fundamental as to cause the collapse of the marriage. My inability to conceive a child brought so much trouble and heartache that it finally came to a point where I was prepared to do almost anything just to wipe the sniggering off the faces of my in-laws and those who had began to conclude that I was des-

tined to be barren.

My husband and I are blessed with so many gifts from God that could make life comfortable for us. But, something, that precious little cry was missing and it was causing a lot of frictions and problems.

This became a big challenge for us as there was

,

HI. Without much rhetoric, I will go straight to the crux of the matter today. The story you are about to read was narrated to me by a woman I met a couple of weeks ago. For the sake of this publication, we will call her Monica. Monica just recently gave birth to a bouncing, healthy, baby boy after almost a decade in a childless marriage.

One would think that she ought to be the happiest woman on the planet right now, but Monica’s situation is far from this as she is deeply depressed and almost mentally unstable right now. Her story in fact, raises a number of questions which I’m hoping we will be able to analyse and put in proper perspective.

Please do write in to for possible solution or simply contribute to this interesting and mind blowing story.

The deed has already been done, but there ought to be a way out for Monica.

Our addresses remain: The Human Angle, Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos and e-mail, humananglepage@yahoo.com Hoping to read fro you soon.

Cheers!

devoted to the service of the Lord and became more prayerful waiting for the day God would fulfil His promise.

This meant that I became more visible in the Pentecostal church we attend and whenever I was not doing anything important, I will be in the church taking part

She therefore advised that if I want her to take me to see the pastor, I must promise never to tell anyone, not even my husband, of course I knew the implication of what she was saying

no limit to the baseless accusations and condemnation that were being heaped on us. My in-laws soon became hostile and insensitive to my plight. They insisted they wanted to hold their grandchild before they die and that I was the obstacle to their joy. They were therefore resolved to change the situation with or without my co-operation.

They tried all they could to get another woman for my husband, but he would always reject their offer.

Eventually, they concluded that I must have bewitched their son, which was why he would not listen to their advise and suggestions. They insisted that I must either be an Ogbanje who has all her children in the spirit world, or I must have been a wayward girl in my younger days who has aborted all her children while messing around. But I was consoled in my husband as nothing they did could turn him against me.

Rather, he was more determined than ever to wait for God’s time. He would tell me it was those whom God wanted to give special children to that he delays.

With his encouragement and support, I became more

,

in one programme or another, or engaged in committee activities, all in a bid to remind God that I was still waiting for Him. Most times, I had to go to church activities without my husband, but he was always aware of my movement. Due to the nature of his job, he travels a lot leaving to my own device. In the course of my active participation in the church, I met a woman, a member of the prayer group, whose husband happens to be a pastor too.

We developed a mutual interest in each other, more so, because they had gone through a similar experience that we were going through. I would always share my problems with her, while she would always console and encourage me that there would soon be a solution. One day, after one of our prayer sessions, she told me that she has a Pastor who is much stronger in the works of God and whom God was using seriously to perfect His wonders. She said that one miracle or another takes place at the church almost on a daily basis.

That she would not have told me but for her love and

pity for my situation. She therefore advised that if I want her to take me to see the pastor, I must promise never to tell anyone, not even my husband. Of course I knew the implication of what she was saying.

If others were to know, it might send a wrong signal that there was little or no powers in the church and that might mean the end of all they had invested in setting it up.

But even with this, I never considered turning her down. I was only thinking about the miracles attributed to this strange man of God, the number of miracles she said he performs on a daily basis and the hope that he would be able to perform mine. With these, I agreed to go and meet the pastor.

On the appointed date, we travelled to a village in Ekiti State to see the prophet.

She drove and it took us about six hours to get there.

On arriving there, we still had to climb a mountain to get to where the prophet was. I had assumed that it was one of those churches where the pastors are said to go into trance or travel to some spiritual realm on mountain tops. But to my greatest surprise, I was shocked when we finally got to the top of the mountain. I met a herbalist and not a prophet as I had been made to believe. On realising where we had come, I turned to look at the woman with fear and query in my eyes.

At first, she winked at me to be quiet and not make it obvious to the man that I was afraid or disinterested in his activities. But when she realised that I would not relax, she excused us from the presence of the man and we stepped outside.

I asked her why she’d brought me to a herbalist when she’d said the man is a pastor. She was angry and asked if that was a serious problem. Was I interested in who the man is or what he could do for me? Have I forgotten all the problems my in-laws were giving me and how it could finally end if I did not find a solution?

To be continued Asisited by Onozure Dania

Friends Searching Males

•Goodluck, handsome and resides in Warri, needs a tall, beautiful, sexy and God fearing girl,aged 18-25, for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage.08039216094 •A guy, 23, from Delta state, needs a comfortable lady, for a serious relationship. 08134625327 Emmanuel, 30, employed, needs a girl, for a relationship.08131268174 •Sweep, 34, tall, fair in complexion and resides in PH, needs a sexy and busty lady, aged 25- 40, who is financially ok, for a relationship.

08033732916 •Komolafe, 28, resides in Lagos, needs a devoted Muslim lady, who is God fearing, for a relationship that would lead to marriage. 07032660032 •Prince, 33, employed, gentle, cool, educated, God fearing and from Warri, needs a girl who is God fearing, employed and educated as a wife, aged 20-27.08063512749 or email princeawhotu1@yahoo.com

•Casmir, reside in Port Harcourt, needs a cool and decent female for a relationship.08032911168 •Richy, 32, light in complexion, resides in Lagos, needs a lady from any tribe, for a serious relationship, that can lead to marriage.

•Dear readers, please note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests on the Lovezone that may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public.

Also note that we do not run any match-making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with anyone claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk.

Henceforth, only messages sent through the numbers readers want to be contacted on will be published.

This notice is necessary in order to serve you better in our refreshingly different style. To get your requests published, just text it to the code number 33055. For further enquiries, call 08026651636. Cheers!

Boundaries in relationships

BY ONOZURE DANIA

friends and neighbours.

Always remember that a relationship can work only if both parties respect the boundaries set by them.

Domestic abuse whether physical or mental is as a result of the lack of boundaries not being set in a relationship.

The oppressor takes it for granted that his or her partner should follow the instructions and stop his or her individual thinking process.

The mistake that the victim commits here is staying quiet and letting the oppressor cross the line.

Most of the time, the victim keeps quiet because of the intense fear and worries of what would happen if they react.

How can you build a healthy relationship if you keep mum?

Victims who do not talk or express their feelings always end up ruining their relationship.

What they should do is learn to say no when their partner’s actions are irrelevant.

While establishing boundaries, one ought to communicate with their partner in a very straightforward way.

Lay down a pact, be firm when placing your demands, give reasons and justify how you feel before you set a boundary. Do not go ahead with the relationship until you get an affirmative answer from your partner.

Make sure that this person will honour and consider the agreed upon b o u n d a r i e s .

The main goal in any relationship is for both parties to feel calm, loved, cared, appreciated, respected, centred and focused.

To balance and survive, we set healthy boundaries for us to feel comfortable and safe in each other’s company.

In any case, these bound08092927653 ariesstate, are applicable both •Chris, 28, from Warri Delta needs aforlady, aged 30-40.07032615816 you and your partner and so you should also patient•A guy, fun loving and handsome, needs a nice girl 4rm a reasonable lyhome, 20-25. listen to aged what your part07052103246 ner wants from you. See •A guy, needs a tall and good looking, a whether you lady, agreewho to the graduate, tall, employed and down to earth, aged terms put forth by them and 20-29.08085837772 then take a decision.

•Kings, 34, dark in complexion from Delta state, needs a lady, aged 35, for a serious relationship.

08139760839 •Nathan, 30, average height, from Akwa Ibom, employed and resides in Ghana, needs a very fair lady, aged 25-35, for marriage.08069795318 •Emma, needs a lady that can assist my schooling, and i will make her happy.

08064646109 A man, 48, handsome, driver, but unhappily married and resides in Benin, needs a pretty, elegant, rich and matured lady, for love. 08105682274

D o you know that s e t t i n g boundaries in a relationship is extremely essential to protect yourself physically and emotionally? It is also to ensure that your freedom is not compromised.

It is importance to set a healthy boundary in any given relationship, either with your partners, friends or parents. It is necessary that you learn to treat yourself decently first, be confident, understand your true worth or else you will end up attracting narcissists who will misuse you, ill-treat you or trick you.

Creating boundaries in relationships mean being very clear about your likes and dislikes.

You have to make others aware that you are an independent person and would not tolerate any excessive interference in your life.

If you do not set proper limits, the other person might feel that you don’t have any opinion of your own and can be easily handled.

Nobody wishes to be treated abusively, misled or deceived.

We all want to be handled with care, respect and love. Therefore, it is fundamental to interact, communicate and share your thoughts with the other persons.

These boundaries will indirectly tell others who you are and what you need. It’s your right and obligation to be accountable for how you let others treat you.

Establishing boundaries will not only ensure we learn about self control and respect, but also help us produce mature relationships on the basis of trust with our family,

36—Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Kia Sorento Kia Sportage

Series production of Skoda rapid starts •VW Amarok

Kia Rio

Š

KODA launches the series production of the new compact sedan in Mladá Boleslav. 173 individual projects will be realized; numerous new facilities optimize the assembly line. ŠKODA Rapid to celebrate its motor show premiere in Paris – market launch to begin in the fall of 2012. ?ŠKODA AUTO launched the production of the new compact sedan ŠKODA Rapid

Kia flaunts all ranges at Media Test-Drive

BY THEODORE OPARA

I

F there is an award for the most improved auto brand in this millennium, such award should probably go to Korea’s first automobile manufacturer, Kia Motors.

The auto brand has shown what it takes to move a brand forward with its captivating designs and innovative engineering, which have ranked it among the leading auto brands of the millennium.

It should be recalled that Kia was a laughing stock some years back but constant innovative and planning have pushed the brand to become a threat to even the Japanese, Koreans and American car makers at the moment.

Korean auto maker To start with, the Korean auto maker, six years ago, grabbed former Audi and Volkswagen designer to transform its models and the results has placed Kia where it is presently – one of the leading auto makers in the world with many awards to show for it.

The Sportage, Cadenza, Rio,

Optima and Cerato reflect the new Kia Spirit. They are trendy and a closer look at them reveals that they share much with the Volkswagen and Audi siblings. Yet Kia is not slowing down, they are promising more in the near future with their new models.

Only last Saturday, Kia Motors representative in Nigeria rolled out the Kia models at the Peninsula Resort Lekki for a media test-drive to expose the latest innovations in the all-new Kia models especially the new Kia Rio, Optima Cadenza and Sportage. Also available for the test-drive were the Mohave and Sportage SUVs, as well as the Cerato and Picanto.

The barely four hours exercise from Lekki Peninsula, kilometre 25 t the second toll gate revealed the huge improvement in Kia models in terms of road handhug, engine

performance comfort and safety.

Speaking shortly before the test-drive, the newly appointed chief accountant officer for the brand, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra pointed out Kia’s outstanding qualities, which include excellent designs, strong powerplants, fuel efficiency, comfort and safety. According to Malhotra, the company is committed to giving their customers excellent products and services. “We have strong

Skoda Rapid

commitment to the Kia brand in Nigeria as we believe strongly in customer first philosophy”, he said.

He further explained that their spread across the country is the reflection of how seriously they take their customers adding that more outfits would be opened to serve the customers better.

He described the Kia range as where durability and innovation combine to minimise depreciation and maximise style and performance.

in Mladá Boleslav. At the end of September, the ŠKODA Rapid will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The newest model series is of central importance for the ŠKODA Growth Strategy and will be introduced in European markets beginning in October of this year.

The launch of the series production of the ŠKODA Rapid is a special moment for us,” emphasized ŠKODA’s chairman of the board, Prof. Dr. h.c.

Winfried Vahland. “Today, we give the green light for the series production of the new class of ŠKODA. The car sets new standards in the compact class and is an important pillar of our Growth Strategy 2018. The entire ŠKODA team has worked with great commitment toward this day – starting today, the new Rapid will roll off the assembly line.

This car will highly appeal to our customers and strengthen the position of ŠKODA in the international markets even further,” according to Vahland.

The ŠKODA Rapid will roll off the assembly line at Mladá Boleslav as the third ŠKODA model next to the model series Fabia and Octavia. At the current time, ŠKODA modernizes and expands essential production areas in its main plant for the production of the Rapid and the future new Octavia.

Thus, the production capacity of Assembly Line I in Mladá Boleslav will be increased successively from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day in the future.

“This expansion, while production continues simultaneously on both lines, is a logistical and engineering masterstroke of our production, planning and logistical teams,” says Michael Oeljeklaus, the ŠKODA board member for Production and Logistics.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 —37

Honda celebrates 30 yrs of U.S manufacturing with new Accord

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Audi R8

Stallion woos visitors to Best of European brands motor show” S

TALLION Motors, foremost Nigeria’s automobile dealership would next week showcase some of the world’s best engineered European automobiles at a twoday ‘Stallion European Motor Show’ slated for 8th and 9th September 2012 at the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island Lagos.

The show which promises to be an assemblage of various models from the quartet of Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda brands of automobiles is expected to help discerning motorists rediscover impending values of European designed vehicles.

Mr. Julian Hardy, deputy managing director, European Brands, Stallion Motors who recently gave this hint in Lagos at an inaugural meet with Nigeria automobile media said: “European engineered vehicles are value-driven cars with exceptional inputs to deliver optimum value with reassuring comfort and sophistication.”

He said Stallion Motors under the respective dealerships of these brands would create niche market for Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda brands of automobiles in Nigeria keenly competitive auto market.

Already the company has announced free service clinic for Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda vehicles at its workshops across the country especially for discerning drivers looking for appreciable information and expertise on how best to derive value from their European brands of cars.

M r. Hardy said the initiative was aside raising awareness for European quartet of Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda also aimed to “help us reunite with old and

new customers who are in need of vital information and expertise to fix whatever challenges they may have encountered.”

The Stallion European Motor Show is an initiative of the European Automobile Division of Stallion Motors, which is eager to rekindle interests of patrons in European vehicles with reputation for durability, quality and performance.

He said “Top European car manufacturers like Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen produce some

of the best performing vehicles on the road and are evidence in many consumer reports’ which have lately shown how sturdier in design and build strength European brands of vehicles are.”

He enjoined motorists, prospective customers, parents and their children to take advantage of the show to learn new technological advancement in precision engineered European quartet of Porsche, Audi, VW and

Skoda.

The Porsche stand according to the director will feature the new Panamera Turbo S, 911 Carrera, new Cayenne S, new Boxster and the Boxster S while Audi will showcase A4, A5, A6, A8 and Q7 and Volkswagen will parade Polo, Passat, Scirocco, new Tiguan and Touareg. The commercial arm of VW will on the other hand lead the pack with VW Amarok Pick Up.

Customers laud Coscharis aftersales, services

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OSCHARIS Motors, a leading automobile marketing company in Nigeria has been lauded for improved aftersales services by its customers nationwide.

Coscharis Motors represents Ford, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover and host of other Chinese brands in Nigeria.

The customers were thrilled by the detailed attention by Coscharis technicians and the low charges at Coscharis workshops.

According to A l h a j i Mohammed Hayatu-deen, founder and CEO of Alpine Investment Services and f o r m e r Managing Director of F S B International Bank, one of the long standing customers of the company, his aftersales experience BMW X6 with the

company recently is exceptional compared to his entire experience in the previous twenty years.

Reacting to these commendations, the Group Managing Director, Coscharis Motors, Josiah Samuel, said he was humble by the customers response to their services, promising to do more.

“This is cheering news for Coscharis Motors given that our efforts to scale up after sales services are yielding quick

results than we expected.” He further noted that the customers response “can only spur us towards delivering more after sales improvements to our highly valued customers.”

As part of Coscharis Motors’ commitment to professional after sales services delivery, the company has set up a new training School exclusively for after sales in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, a Public Private Partnership initiative.

HIS year marks the 30th anniversary of Honda’s first U.S. manufacturing plant, located in Marysville, Ohio, and the automaker recently celebrated in ideal fashion. Late in August, the much-revised Marysville facility built the very first all-new 2013 Honda Accord for this country’s retail customers, with millions likely to follow. After all, the Ohio plant already has assembled more than 9 million Accords since it first went online in 1982, with continued success likely in the cards.

“This new Accord excels in all areas, and it’s being built in a plant that excels in all areas as well—including flexibility, efficiency and quality for the customer,” said Hide Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg. “For 30 years, the Accord has been the signature vehicle from Honda, and it remains the industry benchmark in a very competitive segment.”

Slated to go on sale in September, the ninthgeneration Accord also will be the first with Honda’s new “Earth Dreams” powertrain technology.

Skoda sweeps Auto Express car awards

Š

KODA has swept the board at the 2012 Auto Express Car of the Year awards, winning five categories – including the prestigious Car of the Year title for the new Citigo. For the third year running, the Superb triumphed in the Best Family Car category, while the Estate version took the Best Estate Car award – an achievement no other brand has equalled in the magazine’s history. ŠKODA also won the Driver Power Award for the third year in a row. The brand has finished at the top of the magazine’s annual satisfaction poll for the past three years.

The 2012 featured three ŠKODAs in the top four, with the Yeti voted the number one car for owner satisfaction.

Commenting on the haul of five honours, ŠKODA Brand Director Alasdair Steward said: “We’re delighted to receive these honours from Auto Express. To get such recognition for our products, both new and established, demonstrates how strong the brand has become. And to win the Driver Power Award for the third year in succession shows that we’re doing a great job of keeping buyers happy, too.”

38— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—39

C M Y K

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42— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

Ritualists invade Lagos-Shagam •Kidnap Uniport student, remove tongue, breast

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

R

ITUALISTS may have taken over Ogere, Ogun State, on the Lagos-Sagamu expressway as a female victim on her way to Lagos from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was interdicted, kidnapped and taken away at gun point for slaughter.

Her fresh corpse was to be found close to the point where she was kidnapped two weeks later, with vital organs of her body, including tongue, breasts and private part missing. Vanguard gathered that this is the second of such incident occurring in the area in three weeks The victim, Miss Tonia Ibelefa, 25, was travelling in company of two male relations in a private car when the incident occurred.

An eyewitness told Vanguard the armed ritualists blocked the expressway, dragged the University of Port Harcourt graduate out of the car and took her into the bush, adding that the two male family members with the girl surrendered her at gun point.

“She is the one we want and you

must surrender her,” the ritualists told the two men, according to the witness. The witness said the matter was immediately reported to the police in the area who launched a manhunt for the criminals to no avail.

Messages were also said to have been sent to the girl’s family in Port Harcourt who also reported the case to the police who immediately declared a case of missing person.

Thinking that it was a case of kidnap, the family waited to hear from the abductors but got no information about her whereabout.

Recovery of corpse However, the ritualists last Thursday called the parents through the number obtained from their victim’s phone, advising them to pick up the corpse of their daughter at a junction very close to where the incident happened.

Elder sister of the deceased confirmed that that family had since recovered the corpse, which still looked very fresh at the time of

recovery, giving an indication that she was not killed immediately she was kidnapped.

The Lagos Ibadan expressway has become notorious for violent crimes.

For example, a retired Army General, Sylvester Iruh, was attacked and killed by suspected herdsmen on the same Lagos Ibadan express way on Saturday, July 7.

The General was returning from a burial ceremony of a member of his church on that Saturday evening when he stopped on the long bridge to change a flat tyre. Before anyone could stop it, two men came out from under the bridge and shot him with an arrow, after which they pounced on him and stabbed him to death.

The attackers later robbed and injured other occupants in the vehicle the general had been traveling in.

General Iruh was the commander, Army Records, Lokoja, Kogi State and was at a time the Chief Security Officer of Kog State. He retired in 2009.

•Ogere, Ogun State, on Lagos-Sagamu expressway

•Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Lagos airport now hub of crafty drug peddlers

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

S

INCE the beginning of this year, 2012, drug trafficking and smuggling have taken a sophisticated dimension at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, despite effort of the National C M Y K

Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to nip the illicit business in the bud. Cunning dealers in narcotics have also devised new ways of concealing and smuggling hard drugs out of the country.

The trend has gone beyond suspected drug dealers

swallowing hard drugs like cocaine.

The sophisticated methods of smuggling hard drugs in and out of Nigeria has changed drastically from hiding drugs in hand luggage, baggage or sandals to a hi-tech method of importing liquid cocaine perfectly

concealed and neatly ingested and wrapped inside male condoms, liquid cocaine well packaged as wine in well designed bottles as red wine, liquid cocaine concealed as ice cream to recent times when a widow suspect was arrested for

hiding 66 wraps of hard drugs in her private part as well as concealing cocaine in metal pipes.

Other sophisticated methods of concealing hard drugs include using spare parts, hiding hard drugs in hair wig, in brassieres, concealing hard drugs in big tomato puree and other food items, hiding the drug in handles of suitcase amongst others.

The recent arrest by the operatives of the anti-narcotic agency was that of an auto-technician Mr. Vincent Chegini Chinweuwa over the weekend for allegedly smuggling about 2.655kilogrammes of cocaine tactically concealed inside roasted chicken at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Since the beginning of 2012 suspects arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for smuggling drugs in and out of the country in various sophisticated methods and concealment include a 32 years old man, Mr. Patrick Chukwuemeka who packaged 7.1kilogrammes of liquid cocaine as wine worth N63.9million on an Emirate flight

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012— 43

Did you know that... ?

T

HE city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea. It lies west of the Niger River delta, located on longitude 3° 24' E and latitude 6° 27' N. On this stretch of the highrainfall West African coast, rivers flowing to the sea form swampy lagoons like Lagos Lagoon behind long coastal sand spits or sand bars. Some rivers, like Badagry Creek flow parallel to the coast for some distance before finding an exit through the sand bars to the sea.

The three major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges. However the smaller sections of some creeks have been sand filled and built over.

Lagos Island contains many of the largest markets in Lagos, its central business district, the central mosque, and the Oba’s palace. Although largely derelict, Tinubu Square on Lagos Island is a site of historical importance; it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South took place in 1914.

Ikoyi Island, situated to the east of Lagos Island, housed the headquarters of the federal government and all other government buildings. It also has many hotels, and one of Africa’s largest golf courses.

Originally a middle class neighbour-hood, in recent years, it has become a fashionable enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class.

Ikeja houses the state government buildings and state parliament. The Victoria Island, situated to the south of Lagos Island. It boasts of several sizable commercial and shopping districts (including Nigeria’s largest mall and movie theatre) and several trendy beaches.

u expressway

from Brazil.

Other suspects also arrested were two Nigerians, Christian Chidi Ejimbe and Innocent Oluchukwu Egbo who were found to have ingested liquid cocaine neatly wrapped inside male condoms on their way from Venezuela with Emergency Travel Certificate aboard South Africa Airline flight.

Another suspect arrested was that of the 50 years old unrepentant drug trafficker, Mr. Martin Ikechukwu who perfectly concealed 9.500kilogrammes of cocaine in creamy form like ice cream and was being smuggled into the country in four coolers down to the arrest of a 26 years old man, Mr. Afunaya Thaddeus Izunna who sells phone accessories in Ikeja with 8.5kilogrammes of methamphetamine tactically concealed inside metal pipes before the recent arrest of Mr. Vincent Chegini Chinweuwa over the weekend for allegedly smuggling about 2.655kilogrammes of cocaine tactically concealed inside roasted chicken.

•Oniru Private Beach

Tourism boost in Lagos as firm revamps Oniru beach

M

R. Sola Oniru, the Managing Director, Oniru Private Beach, Victoria Island, said, yesterday, that the company has injected more than N55 milllion into revamping the beach.

Oniru said in Lagos that more development was ongoing to make the beach an attractive centre for fun seekers.

He described the ongoing facelift of the beach as a step

in repositioning Lagos as one of the most secured places for tourism to thrive, adding: “The sum of N15 million was recently spent to equip the beach with necessary facilities as part of the facelift.”

Oniru said that among facilities provided were maximum security, five more bars, one additional hall, two extra beach houses and more life guards.

“We have provided the

necessary equipment to safe lives, in case of emergency,” he said.

He advised government to revamp the Lekki Beach, so that it would serve as an additional tourist centre in the state that would fetch the government huge revenue.

“The tourism sector is a major player in growing the economy.

“We will ensure that Lagos becomes one of the most

attractive tourist centres in the world, “ he said.

“More facilities would still be put in place to make the beach more befitting for relaxation and more safety measures would be provided soon,” he told NAN. He commended the efforts of Gov. Raji Fashola of Lagos State in supporting growth in the tourism sector.

C M Y K

44—V anguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 44—Vanguard, TUESDA

Polio eradication:

CDC tasks Nigeria on hard-to-reach areas

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

A

S the global push to eradicate polio from the surface of the Earth, slowly approaches the finish line, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, is set to release a new study mapping the Fulani settlements and nomadic routes in selected wards of Nigeria’s high-risk polio states.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan are conducting Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) to reach more children with polio vaccine this September.

Polio incidence has dropped more than 99 percent since the launch of global polio eradication efforts in 1988. According to global polio surveillance data from August 28, 2012, 128 polio cases were reported from four countries, the bulk of which (96 percent or 123 of the 128 cases) are from the three remaining endemic countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. This figure is the lowest number of cases globally to have been recorded during a seven-month period in the last 10 years.

The CDC study, it was gathered, remains vital to eradication efforts considering that the hard-to-reach groups such as the Fulani are not currently incorporated into the Federal

Ministry of Health and local government planning processes, leaving a great number of Nigeria’s children routinely missed during polio campaigns.

Findings show that the same argument is true for routine maternal and child health services, leaving these populations disproportionately disadvantaged and without access to basic health services.

Indications from the CDC study, revealed that while nomadic populations were very accepting of polio vaccinations and wanted to be included, they simply had never been reached by vaccinators in the past.

This is a situation which differs from other communities with chronically high levels of refusals and noncompliance which the polio programme has yet to really research and better understand in order to respond and hopefully change this behaviour more effectively).

Nigeria remains the most polio endemic country with over 70 cases of new infections by the end of August 2012. Although the country has reached an estimated 90 percent of all children at risk in the country with polio vaccinations, diffi

Continues on Page 45

•Nigeria will have to reach every last child to be able to stop the transmission of the wild polio virus. Photo: Courtesy UNICEF.

African malaria ‘super pill’ on the horizon

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

A

S clinical tests for a potential single-dose, resistant-proof "cure" for malaria begin by the end of 2013, millions of lives are expected to be saved from the menace of malaria infection if the drug gets the green light for commercial production.

The potential cure, which is based on a compound from the aminopyridine class, was an-

nounced last week by researchers at the University of Cape Town’s Science Department Professor Kelly Chibale, who led the research team, said unlike conventional multidrug malaria treatments, the trial drug killed the resistant parasites instantly over the 18 months of trials. Animal tests also showed the drug was safe and effective and had no adverse side effects.

Medical experts believe that

Experts call for synergy between medicine, religion

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

H

EALTH professionals have emphasised the need for a greater synergy between the medical profession and religion to ensure effective results in the administering of health care delivery services in the country.

The medical experts who gathered at the 5th Ordinary General Meeting & Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Branch, LASUTH –ARD, with the theme:

•Governor Fashola.

C M Y K

“Beyond the Stethoscope; Links and Limits” were of the view that strong collaboration between medical practice and religion would ensure better healthcare delivery in the country.

In his lecture entitled; “Practicing Medicine in the context of religion”, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, said religion and medicine respond to human predicaments of illness, injury, disability, suffering and defects in myriad ways.

“Religion, on things that cannot be proven scientifically through the application of unswerving faith while medicine on evidence based on empirical science with an attendant measure of predictability in outcome,” he said Olugbile, who was represented by, Dr. Ojelade Longe, acknowledged that religion and spirituality generally viewed by physician as a barrier when it impedes medical recommendations; and as a bridge when it helps families answer questions medicine inherently cannot.

The Permanent Secretary noted

that in the middle ages, Churches licensed physicians to practice medicine, while religion and medicine in modern times has become largely separate, adding that, there are inklings of change even as atheism continues to rise especially in the United States.

“Poll shows that 95 per cent of Americans still believe in a higher power, 70-85 per cent pray for their own health and family while 72 per cent believe God can cure people outside of medical science.”

He lamented the negative impact to health by extreme religious practices such as refusal of blood transfusion, rejection of drug intake, consumption of certain foods, women in purdah, laying of hands, non-use of modern family planning methods which largely exposes patients to HIV and AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, maternal mortality, polio and poverty.

Olugbile however called for collaborative efforts between the religious bodies and medical practitioners, as there abound in most

hospitals, churches and mosques facilities not only for the benefit of their staffs but also for the patients and their relations.

He further called on religious leaders to assist to disseminate government programmes and projects especially those of public health significance such as safe motherhood, ante natal class attendance, nutrition in pregnancy, breastfeeding, discrimination against PLWHA’s, support for orphans and widows of HIV and AIDS, environmental sanitation amongst others.

Dr. Olukayode Akinlade, Chairman Management Board, Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ekiti, said doctors should recognise and respect the faith of their patients, and not to impose their own belief.

“Religion cannot be separated from the medical practice, because the health care services were provided in colonial days by the religious bodies, and in the case of extreme religious beliefs the health personnel should use counselling to resolve and get the desired result,” he added.

approval of the new drug would save millions of lives in Africa, helping to prevent 24 percent of child deaths in the sub-Saharan region.

“This is the first ever clinical molecule that’s been discovered out of Africa, by Africans, from a modern pharmaceutical industry drug discovery programme. The potent drug has been tested on animals and has shown that a single oral dose has completely cured those infected with malaria parasites,” Chilbale explained.

He said the “super pill” could potentially cure millions of people every year, and save the lives of over one million people from around the world. "This 'cure' will most likely save health care systems throughout the developing world billions of dollars and open new areas for development and settlement.

South African Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor described the candidate molecule as “novel, potent, and has the potential to have a significant impact on global malaria control and eradication.’ and as a “powerful demonstration of how much can be accomplished when openminded researchers come together for the sake of the greater good of humanity."

Pandor added that the discovery was a significant victory in the battle to alleviate the burden of malaria in Africa.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, lists malaria is one of the world's most lethal disorders, killing 1.2 million people every year, including children below five years old and pregnant women. Nigeria has the world's greatest malaria burden with an estimated 300,000 deaths occuring annually.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 — 45 TUESDA

Exercise made easy L

AST week I left off with a list of poss i b l e excuses for not exercising and a promise to dispel those excuses by continuing to answer the list of questions I posed.

Let’s continue with question 3: What is your current level of exercise?

Zero, 1 hour/week, 20 min 2 - 3 days/ week; 20 min/day (6 days), 30 min or more/day (6 days). If you are exercising at all then you fall into answers b – e and that’s ok to excellent depending on where your level is at. According to Cancer Research UK even moderate exercise is enough to reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Below is an excerpt from the article: “By being physically active, you can reduce the risk of breast, bowel and womb cancer. Keeping active could help to prevent more than 3,000 cases of cancer in the UK every year. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, five days a week, can have a positive effect on your health.

And the more active you are, the more you can reduce your risk of cancer.

Moderate activity doesn't have to cost you money or too much time. It includes anything that leaves you warm and slightly out of breath, such as brisk walking, gardening, dancing or housework.

Even small bits of activity are beneficial, and can add up over the course of a day.

It sounds like a cliché, but you can increase the amount of activity you do by making small changes like taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking some of the way to work, school or the shops.

Even if you have been inactive for years, becoming more active now will have a positive effect on your health.”

For more information about the organization and to read the complete article visit the following link:

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/ healthyliving/exerciseandactivity/physical-activity-exercise-and-cancer.

I highlighted some of this article to illustrate that with a little creativity moderate exercise is achievable in the home and the workplace – no excuses, get out and start exercising. Let’s look at question 4: What do you consider proper exercise?

This is an important question for you to answer because understanding what exercise and how to incorporate it into your schedule. Again look at the above article.

You don’t need a gym or a track to get fit.

All of us have busy lifestyles so look at what you’re doing and modify it to an exercise routine. If you work at a desk, get a set of smart bells (5 lb. or so) and use them to stretch or do isometrics to tone.

When taking the stairs, quicken your pace

Julia Oyefunke Fortune

The Cancer

FIGHTER

juliafortune@hotmail.com

a little and feel your heart rate increase.

If you like watching TV, do sit ups and pushups or get a treadmill. It’s amazing what is available just by opening your mind to possibilities.

On to questions 5 and 6: Where and when do you exercise?

Hopefully by now you can see that the trend here is to abandon the excuses and adopt the attitude that “I need to exercise and I can exercise anywhere and anytime”. And this is place where you really need to be: knowing that you can be free

to shape up and trim down with no restrictions.

Next week I will cover the four remaining questions dealing with some lifestyle choices and how they affect your workout, lifestyle, and health. Until then – stay healthy!

You can read more about exercise in my book “Chronicles of a Cancer Survivor”.

Available at Glendora International Bookstores – Ikoyi, Alausa-Ikeja & Abuja; All correspondence to juliafortune@hotmail.com

Polio: Nigeria focuses on hard-to-reach areas Continued from Page 44 rus. Close watchers of the health industry say scaling up to reach and cover the hard to reach settlements and nomadic populations in the next six-12 months would have a huge impact, but again, would not necessarily be an easy task as the polio programme is facing shortcuts in funding globally, especially in view of the global economic crisis.

As of early 2012, the world was not on track to eradicate polio by December 2012, yet the world remains closer than ever been to the eradication target.

In the final push toward global polio eradication, CDC continues its close collaboration with partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Rotary International, and the

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ensure a coordinated global and countrylevel response.

Already, CDC polio eradication activities and staff have moved into the EOC operational structure to ensure maximum use of CDC resources to support polio eradication, and to scale up timely technical expertise and support for the remaining polio-endemic countries including Angola, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. Countries at risk of polio outbreaks are also under observation.

According to the a CDC statement issued weekend, a total of 402 personnel have worked in the EOC and in the field since the activation on December 2, 2011, to support CDC’s headquarters polio eradication efforts. Of these, 98 employees have completed 169 field deployments

to Angola, Chad, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and other areas. On a daily basis, an average of 80-90 CDC personnel are working in the EOC. Several new vaccination campaigns have been planned including launch of new GAVI programmes in September and October: On February 25, 2012, WHO removed India, one of the four remaining endemic countries, from the list of countries considered to have never interrupted the transmission of wild poliovirus. India has not had a case of polio since January 13, 2011 and no recent environmental samples have detected wild poliovirus.

Without eradication, a resurgence of polio could paralyse more than 200,000 children worldwide every year within a decade.

Foundation reaches out to the disabled

T

• Cross section of the Lagos Chesire Home inhabitants during the visit by GAHF.

BY EBELE ONUORA

HE Lagos Chesire Home for the Disa-bled, Mushin, Lagos, came alive weekend during the visit by guests from the Global Ace Hope Foundation, GAHF - an NGO, that was on a courtesy visit as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and a way of reaching out to some of the disabled and less privileged in society.

The President, GAHF, Christian Odey said the Foundation is devoted to the development of youth especially the physically challenged and for the gen-

St. Ives Foundation slashes IVF treatment cost

S

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

UCCOUR has come the way of less privileged Nigerian couples yearning to have their own children as St Ives Hospital Foundation - a branch of the St. Ives Hospital in collaboration with its partners, introduced its heavily subsidised Invitro Fertility, IVF, treatment package.

The cost of one IVF cycle is now N400,000 at the Centre.

Cost has remained a major challenge for couples seeking assisted reproduction technology service worldwide. One IVF cycle costs £5,000-£10,000 in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America it is about $10,000 to $20, 000 but averagely in Nigeria it is about N1 million.

Addressing journalists on why St Ives

Foundation decided to subsidise the cost of treatment, the Medical Director, Dr Tunde Okewale said despite the increasing problem of infertility in the environment, government is yet to recognise it as a disease process.

Okewale who lamented that many childless couples have been denied opportunity to have their own children due to the prohibitive cost of ART said the special offer would run through October was to respond to the cries of couples who seek IVF treatment but could not afford to pay for it.

Further, he explained that for couples to enjoy the discounted rate, they must register for treatment from September 14 -29, 2012 after which the former rates would apply.

“It was aimed at alleviating challenges of couples in achieving pregnancy as well as raising the bar in infertility treatment.”

This is the third price slash; the Foundation has had over the last three years.

Okewale said 100 couples are expected to benefit from the exercise hinting that during the last two promotions which he described, as “successful” as the hospital recorded around 30 per cent success.

“The turn out in the last two promos which prompted this one show that truly people needed a form subsidy to be able to achieve a pregnancy through IVF which they could not afford and government is not ready to subsidise. Many of the women came from as far as Maiduguri,” he added

eral growth of the home and commended the management of the home saying: “We understand and believe that it is important to take time to be with the less priviledged and let them know that there are people out there that still love and care for them.

We also appreciate the hard work of the founders and management of this home in keeping it alive and running for over 50 years and still counting.”

Explaining the rationale behind their visit to the home, he said that children are a blessing from God and did not put themselves in the condition; he assured the home that they would continue to see to the growth of the home Dr Aig Esekhade, Coordinator of Cheshire home disclosed to journalists major challenges in the management of the home to include but not limited to lack of accommodation, funds, infrastructure, facility and transportation(bus) needed to enhance the activities in the home that are necessary for the physically challenged persons.

Esekhade urged families with physically challenged persons to identify with the Home but noted that the the Home could not accommodate the large number of people on the list.

He encouraged Nigerians to bring and end to marginalisation and stigmatisation of disabled persons in the country and however called on the government to come to their aid and also implement inclusive Education for the disabled in the country.

46 — V anguard, TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 Vanguard TUESDA

Rebels bomb arm armyy HQ in Damascus S

YRIAN rebels said they planted bombs inside the Syrian army’s General Staff headquarters in central Damascus on Sunday as President Bashar al-Assad’s forces bulldozed buildings to the ground in parts of the capital that have backed the uprising.

Syrian state television said four people were wounded in what it called a terrorist attack on the General Staff compound in the highly guarded Abu Rummaneh district, where another bomb attack killed four of Assad’s top lieutenants two months ago. But oppositio forces said Violence is continuing in Syria, with opposition activists saying that a warplane may have killed as many as 25 people in a strike in Aleppo province.

In Damascus, a bomb left at least five people dead and many more wounded in the Jaramana area of the city. “The operation targeted officers in the Assad army who have been planning and giving the go ahead for the massacres against the Syrian people,” said a video statement by the Grandsons of the Prophet brigade, a division of the Free Syrian Army. As

the uprising in Syria has spread, it has taken on a more sectarian bent, with activists saying Assad’s best trained forces from the mostly Alawite Fourth Division and the Republican Guards are spearheading the fight in the capital.

“Bombs were planted inside the army headquarters,” said the video

statement, which was broadcast on Arab satellite channels. But as the rebels demonstrated they could strike at the heart of the security apparatus, residents said army bulldozers moved on alZayat and Farouk neighborhoods to the west, and destroyed at least 20 buildings in the Sunni Muslim areas that have sheltered the insurgents.

Polls draw Obama, Romney level

P

RESIDENT Barack Obama enters an important campaign week tied with Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, a Reuters/ Ipsos poll found on Sunday, leaving the incumbent an opportunity to edge ahead of his opponent at the Democratic National Convention.

With the Democrats set to nominate Obama for a second term this week in Charlotte, North Carolina, the race to the presidential election on November 6 is tight with 45 percent for Obama and 45 percent for Romney among likely voters, the survey found.

The findings were from the seventh day of a roll-

ing online poll conducted for Reuters by Ipsos to judge voters’ attitudes around the political conventions.

Obama campaigned in Boulder, Colorado, the state where he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination four years ago, while Romney was off the campaign trail in New Hampshire, about to begin preparations for three debates with Obama in October.

The Democrat is seeking to generate the same kind of enthusiasm that propelled him to the White House in 2008, a task that is much more difficult this time with Americans struggling under 8.3 percent unemployment.

S/African police teargas miners as unrest spreads

S

OUTH African police fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse striking miners at a gold mine near Johannesburg yesterday, in the latest

outbreak in a wave of labour militancy spreading from platinum mining into other parts of the sector.

The unrest occurred

Brazilian naval ship visits Nigeria barely a week after a US

BY EVELYN USMAN

I

N an apparent adher ence to the legal framework provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea in combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, a Brazilian Navy offshore Patrol Vessel “AMAZONS” P120 is scheduled to pay a three-day Port call to Nigeria for an antipiracy training.

The Ship which will arrive and berth at Apapa Port today, is coming

Naval Ship, HSV 2 SWIFT had a one week joint training exercise with the Nigerian Navy.

Describing the visit as part of the bi-lateral relationship between the Brazilian Navy and the Nigerian Navy, the Western Naval command Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara explained that the ship would also be involved in other professional training programmes with the Nigerian navy during the visit.

less than three weeks after police shot dead 34 striking miners at Lonmin’s Marikana mine, the deadliest security incident since the end of white-minority rule in 1994. The Marikana shooting shocked South Africa and marred the image of the continent’s biggest economy, as the full extent of a breakdown in labour relations in the mining sector became apparent.

The latest round of crisis came as South African prosecutors provisionally withdrew murder charges on Sunday against 270 miners who had been accused of killing 34 striking colleagues shot dead by police, but said they could be recharged when investigations are complete.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—47

Why Nigeria’s borders are porous,

by NIS

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

DONATION: From left: Prince Adesupo Adetunji, patron, Lagos Cheshire Home, Mushin; Mr. Jimmy Evbuomwan, President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi; Mr. John Senaya, immediate past president of the club and Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, District Governor, Rotary District 9110, at the donation of industrial shoe sewing machines and other materials to Lagos Cheshire Home, by the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Idahoise David, MD, Route 712 Agency; Miss Evelyn Igbe, Director, Miss Motors International, Nigeria; Miss Taiwo Amusa, Miss Motors Nigeria and Mr. Ekogbemi Omoniyi, Director, 2013 Miss Motors Nigeria Pageant, at the media briefing to unveil Miss Taiwo Amusa, Nigeria's representative to Miss Motors International Global Rivals 2012, held in Lagos.

BUJA—NIGERIA Immigration Services, NIS, has identified inadequate logistics and poor road network as the major factors inhibiting the service from protecting the country’s porous borders.

Controller General of Immigration, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, at a three-day Illegal Migration Awareness Project, I-MAP, organised by Prisoners Rehabilitation And Welfare Action, PRAWA, yesterday, in Abuja, said NIS was working on immigration booklet that would assist Nigerians if they run into problem, when they travel out of the country.

Represented by the Controller in charged of Immigration, Mr. Mohammed Babandede, she noted that poor state of road infrastructure across the West African border countries was not helping the service, adding that there was need for NIS to be properly equipped.

She said: “We are producing an information booklet which is called

CLO to Jonathan: Explain whereabouts of N15.2trn crude oil earnings

BY INNOCENT ANABA

C

IVIL Liberties Or ganisation, CLO, yesterday, called on the President Goodluck Jonathan's administration to explain to Nigerians, the whereabouts of the difference of N15.267 trillion the country is earning from crude oil sale which was not captured in the 2012 federal budget.

Executive Director of CLO, Mr. Ibuchukwu Ezike, who briefed newsmen at the organisation’s head office in Lagos, yesterday, also called on Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, to save Nigeria and Nigerians further embarrassment and shame by refusing to investigate and prosecute only the oil marketers without including those in government, who collaborated with them to plunder Nigeria, noting that this would make it impossible for the government to find an escape route for these thieves using the

machinery of the law courts.

Ezike, quoting Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, noted that “Nigeria generates a total monthly income of $8.475 billion from crude oil alone. Our yearly proceeds from oil alone stand at $101.7 billion judging from the above. The naira equivalent of the proceeds is $101.7 billion multiplied by N160, which comes to N16.272 trillion per year. The difference between the annual oil in-

come of N16. 272 trillion and the 2012 budget is N15.267 trillion.

“CLO’s questions are these: What happens to the over N15 trillion generated from the oil sector alone, which was not captured in the 2012 national budget? Where has the amount flown to or what was it used for? We totally reject this fraudulent process and haphazard implementation of the anti-corruption law, moreso as it relates to the stink-

ing frauds in the oil and gas industry, and, therefore, demands: “That the Federal Government shows seriousness, for once, in the execution of its anti-corruption crusade by ensuring that all those who are involved in the oil frauds, be they politicians, workers, oil marketers and institutions or agencies are diligently prosecuted, and if found guilty, be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the anticorruption law."

SPN flays Osun govt's Swift Anti-Robbery Squad

BY EBELE ONUORAH

S

OCIALIST Party of Nigeria, SPN, has condemned the conducts of the Swift Anti-Robbery Squad, SAS, recently launched in Osun State, claiming that they are rude and undemocratic.

State Secretary of SPN, Mr. Adegoke Alfred, yesterday, accused the spe-

cial anti-robbery response force, comprising police and military men, of assault on citizens, especially ladies under the guise of imposing virtue and moral conduct on youths and workers in major cities of the state such and Oshogbo, IleIfe. He said: “In some instances, ladies who were perceived to be wearing

“provocative” dresses have been stripped naked and assaulted while young men wearing different hair-cuts were assaulted. Some who drove cars were also assaulted and put through terrible traumatic experiences.

“The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression and movement, including the right of citizens to express their fashion instinct."

passport to self migration. The Controller General of the Services is spearheading this to provide information for Nigerians, so that you travel with the knowledge and this will be available at the point of collecting your passport, to be available with the embassies, when people are applying for visas and at the point of departure.

“You know many Nigerians travel and end up being victims of trafficking or smuggling, be-

cause they do not have knowledge or if they are stranded, they don’t know where to go. This booklet will provide that information.

“The challenge we have with the borders, if you look at the borders all the way from Nigeria to Cameroon, is mountainous in nature. If you look at the border between Nigeria, Niger, Chad, it is all desert. As you are aware, it is porous at large, so what we are doing is to work towards assessment."

Co-operative societies told to be self-efficient

U

GHELLI—DI RECTOR of Cooperatives in Delta State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr. C. Onyekpe, has stressed the need for cooperative societies across the country to be self-efficient in the business.

Onyekpe, who declared open, a two-day seminar organised by the Ughelli zonal office of the ministry in collaboration with Synthesis Management Consult, said: “In a time like this,

when the world is experiencing economic crisis, the cooperative society is a strong tool to improve standard of living in society.”

He said the seminar, which was aimed at enhancing financial management and accountability, entrepreneurship development and risk management, among others in a corporative business, was timely and urged participants to take advantage of same to improve on their cooperative societies.

MTN launches Ultimate Wonder promo draws

M

TN, one of Niger ia’s leading telecommunications companies, has launched its Ultimate Wonder promo draws with a press and stakeholder parley and the unveiling of its new corporate marketing communications campaign at an impressive event in Ikeja, Lagos.

In addition to the draws and New Value Proposition campaign, MTN also used the occasion to explain why it was shelling out so much to its subscribers, especially the grand prize of the Ultimate Won-

der promo, a 2010 brand new Cessna Aeroplane.

Addressing a packed hall at the Protea GRA venue of the event, Kola Oyeyemi, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, said: “As market leader, MTN is committed to enriching the lives of its teeming subscribers through innovative and exciting value propositions. This new exciting offering gives every subscriber an opportunity to connect to their loved ones in so many ways by encouraging Nigerians to live and love more."

S-Africa to host N-Delta confab

A

N international conference of Niger Delta comes up November 22 to 24, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The conference with theme From Crisis to Chances, will address some pertinent questions as they relate to the Niger Delta. It will also afford stakeholders the opportunity to make presentations on the different dimensions of the

Niger Delta crisis with focus on an overview of the Nigerian state, the political economy of oil in Nigeria as well as the emergence and role of social movements in the Niger Delta.

Guest lecturers include Professor Amos Utuama SAN, Deputy Governor of Delta State and the convener, Professor Victor Ojakorotu of North West University, Mafikeng, South Africa.

48— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

V anguard , TUESD AY , SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 —49 Vanguard TUESDA

50— V anguard Vanguard anguard,,

TUESD AY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 TUESDA YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today.

It’s good to secure support of your spouse LEO; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

VIRGO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image LIBRA; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

SCORPIO; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

O

UR elders say ‘a man does not wake up in the morning and start pursuing rabbit’. In other words a man does not start the day with some level of unseriousness.

For a good morning portends a good day.

How is your morning?

If I may ask you, how is your morning like? What are your programme for the day? Or do you just wake up as a matter of course without a well laid out goals for the

TERROR MUDA

day? No objective, no direction, wherever the wind blows you, there you go? Haba!

You can’t afford to live your life this way. You can’t be a victim of anything goes.

in “Never say goodbye”

Define your day. You can do this by charting a programme of action for your day, daily. This you can do a day before the day of execution. Some even plan weeks and months ahead. You can.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS ; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?.

CAPRICORN; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but, you’ll succeed.. Entertain no fear, and take advantage of your sex-appeal for love.

AQUARIUS;. Placement of the Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed PISCES; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powers-thatbe, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation ARIES; Tomorrow is your better day. But you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS; If what you’re doing today ’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now. Even things may not go according to your personal plans today.

Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now GEMINI; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being cooperative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble

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,

Basic characteristics of Sagittarius Sagittarius is a mutable sign by its quality. It ‘s element is fire, symbolised by half horse half man and/or an Archer aiming at the sky. Mutable means changes and experimentation, while fire is all about enthusiasm, taking of the initiative and leadership ability. Thus, you are the type that will exhibit strong interest in an important project that catches your fancy and you will not mind to experiment with ideas just to achieve your objectives and aims. Sagittarius is 9th of the twelve Zodiac signs that rules philosophy, RELIGION, law, foreign land, higher mind/higher institutions, lawyer, long (distance) travelling, in-laws, future, optimism and bluntness. Major problem or weak points of Sagittarians are excessive openness/bluntness and sometimes fanatical approach to religion.

Being a born adventurer, you are not afraid of exploration and new beginning. Sagittarians are incurable optimists and ever ready to listen to and eager to believe others. Honesty is truly in your inner self You are a tolerant person but you are not ready to compromise your FREEDOM Sagittarius as a fire sign can make you a quick tempered person. Half horse half man as the symbol, of Sagittarius indicates dual (double) personalities known in different circles with different personalities. Yet, you are not a pretender. As the Archer aims arrow into the sky so also Sagittarians have many lofty ideas and ambitions. But sometimes their ideas and/or ideals are not practical enough for realisation. Many times, they start too many things at the same time only to .either forget or lose view of their original target. Development of practical approach is more important for Sagittarians this is in order to make success of many of their brilliant ideas, otherwise they tend to become dreamers. In reality, Sagittarians are dreamers (by this 1 mean real dream many use to have at night when sleeping) and many of their dreams usually come to pass.

Sometimes their dreams are vividly prophetic.

Sagittarians are born philosophers. That is why they have well developed minds indispensable to rare wisdom, Then, they are humorous, lively, sports loving out going, energetic, good hearted, in love with change/experimentation, ever willing to co-operate, socially inclined, enthusiastic and highly intelligent. Ironically as intelligent as they are, they can surprisingly appear fanatical about their convinction and/or views.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012—51

by Ayo Onikoyi sayojugbele@yahoo.co.uk

T

Upcoming Yoruba actress Seun Ogunlade dead

HE singing sensation known as Wizkid, Ayodele Balogun, has continued with his streak of good fortunes as the 24year-old singer clinched two awards at the annual Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York City on Sunday, September 2, 2012.

Wizkid, who was on tour of the United States of America with his EME crew, including Banky W. Young Skales and others ended the tour on a high note when he took home Artist Of The Year and Best Album Of The Year awards.

The event which held at the Skirball Centre for Performing Arts, New York City was hosted by duo of Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele and super comedian, Ayodele Makoun, simply known as AY. The award which is the th 7 edition is a brainchild of Iman Entertainment and proudly supported by Arik Air, Federal Palace Hotel, Moneygram, BellaNaija among others The awards would be the third in the coffer of the ‘Pakurumo’ crooner in less than 1 month after he took the ‘Musician of the Year’ award at the Future Awards which held in Portharcourt, Rivers state on 26, August 2012.

Seun Ogunlade

D

AYS after we lost our ‘unforgettable’ entertainment editor, Ogbonna Amadi, news of another death has hit the entertainment industry and it was fast rising Yoruba actress Seun Ogunlade who was reported dead in the early hours of Monday.

Beautiful and talented Seun is said to have been ill for just about three days before the cold hands of death snatched her away from her family and fans. Since her death, reactions

have been pouring in from different corners with some even insinuating that there was a certain cloud of mystery regarding her demise.

Seun was known as ‘Effizy’ a Yoruba uptown slang meaning ‘the radiant or flamboyant’ because of the sexy and glamorous way she loved to carry herself.

She was a 2008 graduate of Mass Communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Van Vicker chases colleagues for contacts G

HANAIAN superstar and sex symbol, Van Vicker is a man known and respected for his looks and talent both in Nigeria and Ghana. Since arriving on the landscape of acting he has left a mark, big marks, steering roles after roles his way. Based on his popularity it is somewhat out of place to hear of the actor chasing his colleagues for contacts.

It was almost like a joke or better still, like someone else operating his Twitter account when the actor tweeted colleagues to send him their Blackberry pins and numbers.

The actor claimed he lost his contacts and therefore needed to get the contacts he had back.

He tweeted Uche Jombo and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde but the real drama was when he tweeted Uche Jombo who replied he must be joking. The one he tweeted Omotola reads “Omosexy DM for BB pin pls, I lost all my contacts”.

More tributes for Ogbonna Amadi Ex-Minister, Gen Olanrewaju, Nwokedi, Kola Animasaun, Mr. Latin condole Vanguard

By Bashir Adefaka

F

IVE days into the death of Vanguard Newspapers’ Group Entertainment Editor, Mr. Ogbonna Amadi, tributes and condolences continued, yesterday, from very eminent Nigerians.

Former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, topped the list of those that sent their words to commiserate with Vanguard Media Limited over the death of the man he described as a journalist with a difference.

General Olanrewaju, presently in England, said: “Mr. Ogbonna Amadi’s departure at this time is not a good omen for Vanguard and the entire entertainment journalists community in Nigeria,” adding that the late Amadi would be greatly remembered for his excellent work and ability in entertainment journalism.

Amadi was a fantastic journalist -Nwokedi In the same vein, veteran journalist and one time Press Secretary to a former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Igwe Alex Nwokedi, said Mr. Amadi’s death news was saddening.

The sitting Utokpo Na Eze Achalla, who was immediate past chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the late Amadi as a guru in entertainment journalism and expressed the hope that his good work would be carried on by whoever succeeded him.

Nwokedi said in a chat from his throne in Achalla, Anambra State: “For one, I have never taken the time to meet him personally but I can tell you that Amadi was a fantastic entertainment editor. I have been following his work and I pray that his gentle soul will rest in the Lord.”

Rest in peace my son, friend – Kola Animasaun Meanwhile, immediate past Chairman Editorial Board of Vanguard, Chief Kola Animasaun, had to drop all schedules to personally visit the headquarters of Vanguard Media Limited, weekend, to pay his tribute.

In his message dropped in the condolence register, the veteran journalist, Animasaun, wrote, “I have ceased to be amazed by death. Particularly of the young. Did it not say that, Igi to ba to, kii gbe nigbo.” I shall always remember you, Amadi. Rest in peace my son and friend.”

We’ve lost a rare journalist – Mr. Latin Also, former Governor, Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP), Ogun State Chapter and film producer, Otunba Bolaji Amusan, popularly called Mr. Latin said with the passage of Mr. Ogbonna Amadi, that Nigerian entertainment industry has lost a rare journalist.

Van Vicker

52— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 —53

European Soccer Show......European Soccer Show......

Southampton rue Man U win

S

OUTHAMPTON midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was in despair following his side’s last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. “It’s my first Premier League goal and my first one at St Mary’s as well, so that’s good, but I’m gutted that we lost the game and that’s the only thing in my mind right now,” he told the Southampton website. ”We gave everything for 87 minutes and in five minutes we lost the game.

That’s what we need, to learn now to win games, because that’s the second time we’ve been 2-1 up now and finished 3-2 so all the effort we have put in has been for nothing,” he said,

R

EAL Madrid’s Cris tiano Ronaldo admitted he was unhappy with the club after he refused to celebrate his goals in the win over Granada.

The Portuguese was the catalyst behind his side’s first win of the new La Liga season on Sunday but his lack of elation on the back of two landmark strikes was the main talking point after the game, a storyline he developed on after full time. ”I’m sad because of a professional issue and the club know why. That’s why I didn’t celebrate the goals, because I’m not happy.

The people [at the club] know why.” he told reporters after the match.

•Van Persie

Ibrahimovic tips PSG to fire

Z

LATAN Ibrahimovic feels that things will only become easier for Paris Saint-Germain after they defeated Lille on Sunday. ”We’re improv-

C M Y K

Ronaldo unhappy at Real Madrid

ing every game and every training session. We are getting used to each other and things are getting easier. Things were becoming a bit difficult af-

ter three draws as we lacked a bit of confidence. However, things will only get easier for us after this win.''

Rodgers admits Carroll mistake

B

RENDAN Rodgers has admitted he expected to recruit a replacement for Andy Carroll after allowing the striker to leave Liverpool.”I was very confident I had a deal sewn up but it has gone and I can’t do anything about it There’s no point me crying about it or wishing we had or hadn’t done this or that.”

•Ronaldo ”It’s nothing to do with Iniesta [winning European player award]. I won’t talk about this any more and I will concentrate on Portugal for now. There are more important things [than this].” ”The people at the club know about this. I can’t say any more.”

Ronaldo wasn’t the only one unhappy after the Granada clash, with manager Jose Mourinho also unable to crack a smile in his post-match interview.

54— Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTENBER 4, 2012

Vanguard, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 — 55

We'll overpower USA — Okon

By KATE OBODO, Japan

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OACH Edwin Okon knows what it takes to have come this far in the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Having piloted the team to the semi-finals, he is aware of what awaits him against the United States of America today.

For him, it is a dream come true as he hopes to surpass the feat attained by the team that attended the 2010 tournament in Germany. To achieve

that, however, Okon and his girls will have to beat the USA. At the 2010 tournament, the Falconets knocked out USA in a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals before making their way to the final. “ It was a great feeling to beat them,” said Okon, “this time. It’s going to be very tough, because they’re quick, strong and skilful – so we’ll have to be very smart to neutralise them.”

Okon, however, add-

A

ed, “but this tournament is certainly bringing back a lot of memories. I

just hope that the end result is different and goes our way.”

Nigerian breaks world Falconets practice penalties record The Chinese officials Continues from BP in the women 75kg power- lifting event of the London 2012 Paralympics Games, but she failed to win the gold medal.

Chinese Fu Toaying won the gold that should have been Olufemiayo’s medal.

The cheering crowd rooting for Olufemiayo couldn’t believe she won silver after she lead with her two previous attempts. However, Nigerian officials cried blue murder at the high level politicking, but their ineptitude was also blamed for the loss that left Olufemiayo in a river of tears.

played a fast one, by having their athlete come first for the final and third lift, when it became clear that Olufemiayo who was scheduled to come out first would win on the final attempt.

Taoaying with a body weight of 72.53kg went on to lift 146kg in her final attempt, to set up a near world record; Olufemiayo stepped out and reproduced the 146kg. Officially, after the three attempts the competition was over, but the athletes continued with the battle for supremacy and Olufemiayo lifted 148kg in her final attempt to set a new world record, but it wasn’t going to count.

Bankers Games: Skye Bank in good start between the Insurance

S

KYE Bank began their defense of the Bankers Games football title on a flying start with a 1-0 defeat of a resilient Stanbic-IBTC on the opening day of the 2012 Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG). The official opening match came on the heels of a novelty All-stars match and a parade of colours by the participating teams in a ceremonial march past at the University of Lagos Sports Complex on Sunday.

Industry chiefs including the Managing Director of Clearline Medical Insurers, Mr. Segun Ogundimu, Mr. Emeka Onodiugo of Chi Pharma and Barbara Harper of First Bank were on hand to witness the ceremony which was kicked-off with a match C M Y K

All-Stars and the Telecom-All Stars. The Insurance-All Stars were the surprise 2-1 winners of the tie with goals from Thompson Friday of Union Assurance while Yusuf Abubakar nicked the consolatory goal for Telecoms All-Stars from the penalty spot.

Skye Bank’s quest to establish dominance in the opening game of the tournament met a steely resistance from a determined StanbicIBTC until late into the game when Alex Ude turned in an own goal off a Samaila Sanni cross with just two minutes left to play. For his efforts and daring saves, Stanbic-IBTC’s goalkeeper, Azeez Owolewa was voted the Most Valuable Player of the game.

Moses, Ike Uche, Echejile hit Eagles camp

P

ENALTY shoot-out dominated Monday ’s training of the Nigeria U-20 Women National Team ahead of Tuesday’s (September 4) semifinal clash against the United States of America at the on-going FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan.

The Edwin Okon led coaching crew are not taking anything for granted since it was through penalties that Nigeria defeated the Americans two years ago in Germany.

”Anything can happen at this stage even though we have always practiced penalties during our training sessions.

But this time we felt it was pertinent to step up the tempo because of the possibility of the match going into extra time,” he said at a Pre-Match Conference on Monday.

Okon who has continued to hinge the team’s success on determination and a renewed spirit said most of the mistakes observed in the previous matches have been corrected.

T least four for eign based players arrived the Super Eagles Bolton White Apartment camp as at 6pm Friday, as the team defied the heavy downpour in the nation’s capital for its first training session with stars from Europe on Monday evening.

The torrential rainfall had started about two hours to training time and was sustained but subdued as at 4pm, when players and officials started strolling into the team’s bus for the day’s business, which held at the training pitch of the Abuja Na-

Caf amends rules of presidency contest The new rules have put

T

HE Confederation of African Football congress in Seychelles has voted to adopt controversial new rules that will bar anyone outside the executive committee from contesting the organisation’s presidency.

Naomoto ready for Germany challenge

J

APAN’s progress to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012 has been in no small part thanks to the efforts of tireless defensive midfielder

Hikaru Naomoto. The host nation face a daunting last-four encounter with Germany, but Naomoto is confident the Young Nadeshiko can defeat

American Chioma Continues from BP but strikes as good as the one that Chioma got in the nerve-jangling quarterfinal against North Korea, is one that will live long in the memory of football fans, especially Nigeria.

Ubogagu, whose parents are Nigeria, peeled off her marker at the back post and headed home a perfectly flighted Dunn cross. The goal was enough to see the US through to the semis.

Born in London, England, before moving to the U.S. at age 3, Ubogagu. carried a weighted GPA of 4.975 in high school. Her grandfather played for

the English side Tottenham Hotspurs as well as the Nigerian national team.

She is a dynamic striker, with great speed and skill, who has the ability to beat defenders one on one. She is a proven goal scorer, who is expected to lead the attack of the Yankees in the match set to hold at the Tokyo International Stadium.

USA coach, Steve Swanson is counting on the Nigerian-born player to wreck the Falconets.

“I hope my strikers would score the goals that would qualify us for the final”, said Swanson.

tional Stadium.

As has now become the tradition, Chelsea’s new acquisition Victor Moses, was the first to arrive camp and was closely followed by another stickler for time, Obiorah Nwankwo, who plays his football in Italy. The duo were the only foreign based that trained with the 13 home based stars in camp in Monday ’s evening training.

By the time the team reached camp, hotshot, Ikechukwu Uche, had reached the apartment, same for defence ace Elderson Echejile. Many more were expected before dinner time.

the reigning champions and book a spot in the final for the first time.

“Germany play with power and speed. If they get the upper hand, it could be a tough game for us, because we’ve got a lot of smaller players,” she told FIFA.com. “But if we can move the ball around and start taking control, I think we’re capable of beating them.”

paid to Jacques Anouma’s ambitions of dethroning long-serving Caf president Issa Hayatou next year.

Under the new rules brought in on Monday, South Africa’s 2010 World Cup chief Danny Jordaan is also ineligible to run for the continent’s top football job.

The controversial amendment states that anyone seeking the presidency must be a voting member of the executive committee.

Hayatou’s critics say the express intention of this amendment was to bar Anouma from challenging him.

Anouma is one of Africa’s representatives on the Fifa executive committee by virtue of which he sits on Caf ’s Executive Committee as an ex-officio member.

Legendary Gohary dies at 74

E

GYPTIAN football coach Mahmoud el Gohary has died aged 74 after suffering a brain stroke in Jordan, the official MENA news agency said.

El Gohary is considered one of Egypt’s greatest football icons and was in charge of The Pharaohs in their last World Cup finals appearance in 1990.

He inspired a pop song after his name for taking the team to tournament in Italy, where his side

•el Gohary famously held thenEuropean champions Netherlands to a 1-1 draw.

Known for his resolute defensive tactics, El Gohary also steered Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1998.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

American Chioma warns Falconets STORIES BY KATE OBODO, Japan

W

HEN the Falconets step on the field this morning to play USA in a FIFA U-20

Women’s World Cup semifinal match, one player who the Coach Edwin Okon-tutored girls would be wary of is Nigerian-born Chioma Ubogagu, who strikes for

We’ll overpower USA — Okon

the Yankees.

Any goal scored in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal is an important one, Continues on page 55

Egyptian coach Mahmoud el Gohary dies at 74 — P.55

Today's matches Tokyo Tokyo

Nigeria Japan

vs vs

USA Germany

8 a.m.

11.30 a.m.

•Falconets practice penalties •Naomoto ready for Germany challenge Details inside Paralympics

Nigerian breaks world record, but can’t get gold

BY BEN EFE, London

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IGERIAN powerlifter, Folashade Olufemiayo yesterday set a new world record Continues on page 55 TODAY'S

•HOT SHOT — Ordega

Moses, Ike Uche, Echiejile hit Eagles camp P55

PUZZLE

•NIGERIAN-AMERICAN — Chioma

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Loft (5) 9 Enjoy (6) 10 Bloated (6) 11 Cost (5) 12 Exchange (4) 15 Cupola (4) 17 Relationship 20 Conflict (3) 21 Subject (5) 23 Mount (4) 25 Thump (4) 26 Pattern (5) 28 Excavated (3) 30 Madman (7) 33 Dash (4) 35 Timbre (4) 36 Ground (5) 38 Unroll (6) 39 Alcove (6) 40 Foreign (5)

DOWN 1 Agile (5) 2 Gather (5) 3 Serpent (3) 4 Gullet (6) 5 Irritation (4) 6 Hint (3) 7 Radiant (5) 8 Viper (5) 13 Desirous (7) 14 Hymn (5) 16 Fuddled (7) 18 New (5) 19 Intelligence (3) 22 Deceive (5) 24 Hew (3) 27 Glean (6) 28 Object (5) 29 Blunder (5) 31 Pulled (5) 32 Stop (5) 34 Dance (4) 36 Age (3) 37 Fowl (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Despot 5, Sketch 9, Drape 10, Agenda 11, Remand 12, Scrap 14, Trek 17, Key 18, Here 20, Hired 22, Talon 23, Tubular 24, Peace 26, Pedal 29, Etch 30, Jab 32, Male 33, Mural 35, Louder 36, Buckle 37, Tower 38, Tether 39, Leaned.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Dearth 2, Skewer 3, Odds 4, Track 5, Spray 6, Keep 7, Travel 8, Hidden 13, Regular 15, Rivet 16, Ketch 18, Harem 19, Royal 21, Due 22, Tap 24, Pillet 25, Acquit 27. Darken 28, Legend 30, Juror 31, Babel 33, Mete 34, Lure.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K