National confab not diversionary—Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61992

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Ethiopians •Back page stone Eagles

CAN, Osun govt •P.9 disagree over alleged Islamisation bid

Eid Mubarak!

Vanguard wishes all her readers a blissful Eid-el-Kabir

National confab not diversionary—Jonathan •Nwabueze rallies 13 lawyers, political scientists to produce blueprint •Presidency lampoons Tinubu, says he is mischievous and off target

By CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, BEN AGANDE & HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, hit back at critics of his decision to hold a National Conference.

His critics said the Na

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President, govs mourn Omoruyi •P.13

COLUMNIST:

•P.17

EID EL KABIR: Pilgrims perform noon prayers outside the Namira Mosque near Mount Arafat yesterday. Some 1.5 million

Mr & Mrs

pilgrims thronged Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for the high point of the annual hajj, praying for an end to disputes and bloodshed. AFP PHOTO

Kidnapped judge tortured by abductors over ransom •P.7 before release

Lagos-Ibadan expressway rehabilitation through in 2 weeks •P.10

Jonathan, govs, lawmakers harp on unity at Eid-el-Kabir •P.8

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6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 POCKET CARTOON

L-r: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha; Senate President David Mark; President Goodluck Jonathan; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Gov Theodore Orji of Abia at the precentenary national praise and thanksgiving service in Abuja on Sunday.

National confab not diversionary—Jonathan Continues from page 1 tional conference is diversionary and a waste of time.

But in a message to Muslims on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, President Jonathan while urging Islamic faithful to offer special prayers for peace, harmony, unity, security and progress in the country said the proposed dialogue will rather promote and enhance national peace, stability and progress.

President Jonathan said: “My administration remains fully committed to the implementation of measures and policies that will further promote

and enhance national peace, stability and progress. It is in keeping with that avowed commitment and my firm belief in the right to freedom of expression and the right of all people in a democracy to make choices on how they wish to live and be governed that I recently announced plans for an orderly national conversation on our problems and challenges.

“Those who continue to say that the initiative is diversionary or aimed at promoting certain political ambitions are in error. Our sincere objective is to create an acceptable and workable platform for a national dialogue or con-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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OMPASSION also brings us into the terri tory of mystery encouraging us not just to see beauty, but perhaps also to look for the face of God in the moment of challenges, in the face of a stranger, in the face of another being — Krista Tippett Krista Tippett also says that compassion can be synonymous with empathy. It can be joined with the harder work of forgiveness and reconciliation, but it can also express itself in the simple act of presence.

It’s linked to practical virtues like generosity and hospitality and just being there, just showing up. I think that compassion also is often linked to beauty - and by that I mean a willingness to see beauty and goodness in others.

I’m not sure if I can show you what tolerance looks like, she says, but I can show you what compassion looks like - because it is visible. When we see it, we recognize it and it changes the way we think about what is doable, what is possible. It is so important when we’re communicating big ideas - but especially a big spiritual idea like compassion - to root it as we present it to others in space and time and

ference that will help us to resolve the issues that still cause tension and friction in the polity, reinforce the ties that bind the country’s many ethnic nationalities and ensure that Nigeria’s immense diversity continues to be a source of strength and greatness.

“Our desire is for the greatest possible majority of Nigerians to key into the process and agree on the best way forward for our dear nation. We have been greatly encouraged in this regard by the very positive reaction of various national interest groups to the initiative and I seize the opportunity of this occasion to urge all other Nigerians to give their fullest possible support to this renewed effort to harness the efficacy of dialogue and consensus-building for the future well-being and progress of our beloved nation.

“I assure all Nigerians that going forward, my administration will continue to give very focused and purposeful leadership to the nation. We remain committed to achieving significant improvements in the living conditions of all Nigerians through the diligent implementation of our agenda for national transformation. We will also remain very proactive in taking all actions deemed necessary for the restoration and sustenance of peace and security in all parts of our country."

Nwabueze rallies 13 lawyers, political sci-

entists to produce blueprint

Elder statesman and chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), 83, has written 13 prominent lawyers and political scientists to join him in a committee to prepare a Draft People’s Constitution that will be submitted for deliberation at the Uyo National Summit when it re-convenes and thereafter present same to the Presidency and the National Assembly as a working paper for the National Conference proper.

The legal luminary, who opted out of the Senator Femi Okurounmu-led Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference/Dialogue on account of ill-health and medical treatment in London and nominated Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN), said he considered his appointment inappropriate because of age and ill-health.

Although, the Presidency did not accept his nomination of Asemota to replace him in the committee, he nevertheless assured that The Patriots would work with the Okurounmu panel to hammer out water-tight modalities for the national conference, if invited. In a statement he wrote on October 13, Nwabueze said, “I cut short my stay in London for medicals and returned to Nigeria on Saturday, October 12, 2013 to keep a longstanding commitment to chair the Anambra Literary Creativity Festival at Awka on October 15. It may be necessary for me,

after my Awka engagement, to go back to London to continue my medicals.

“It is not generally known to people that I have been fighting prostrate cancer for some years now, and have been kept going by consultations from time to time with, and treatment by, a Consultant Oncologist at Charing Cross Hospital, London. My appointment with the Consultant Oncologist had been shifted many times because of several postponements in the dates of The Patriots meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Summit at Uyo, both of which eventually took place on August 29 and September 3/ 4, respectively, leaving me free at last to travel to London on September 8 for my medical appointments.

“After The Patriots' fruitful meeting with the President, a member of our team who has access to him on a personal basis was mandated to go back to get him to set up the Committee on the National Conference of which he had earlier given a hint.

Nomination of The Patriot member to the confab My understanding from the contacts with him was that The Patriots would be asked to nominate a member to the Committee. I never expected to be appointed chairman or member of the Committee, and would, quite frankly, have considered such an appointment inappropriate in the circumstances. It is an appointment for a younger person, not for an old man of 83 years afflicted by ill-health. But The Patriots remain willing to work with the Presidential Committee, and to give it all necessary assistance, if called upon to do so.

“This is the area in which I think my contribution to the work of the

Conference would be particularly useful, and I do not see this as in any way conflicting with the terms of reference of the Presidential Committee, although they (i.e. the Terms of Reference) contain a somewhat vaguely worded item, to wit, “to advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/conference into the constitution and laws of the nation.”

Presidency lampoons Tinubu over comments, says he is mischievous and off target Meantime, the Presidency has lampooned former Governor Bola Tinubu over his comments and opposition to the proposed convocation of a national dialogue, saying that his description of the conference as a Greek Gift

by President Goodluck Jonathan was not only shocking and disappointing, but mischievous, just as it said that the Dr. Femi Okurounmu’s committee will not be teleguided.

The Presidency which also attacked Tinubu on his criticisms of the Government’s Subsidy Re-investment Programmed (SURE-P), alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC leader was ignorant of the programme, adding that he ought to have been informed, rather than what it termed his falsehood, just as it challenged governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC controlled states to, as a matter of urgency publish how they have so far spent the funds that accrued to them from the Subsidy Re-investment Programmed (SURE-P).

Addressing journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said that of the N582.2 bil

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Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—7

Market women protest ASUU strike at N-Assembly

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & LEVINUS NWGUHIOGU

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BUJA— PROTESTING traders, under the aegis of National Market Women Association, yesterday, stormed the National Assembly, demanding that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, call off its more than three months old strike.

The protesters, who had been at the Ministry of Education and Office of the Head of Service, arrived the Assembly complex at 11.30a.m.

President-General of the group, Mrs Felicia Sani, who led the more than 200 protesting women, said: “We are tired of seeing our children at home. We want our children back in school.

Enough of this cheap blackmail.

“We all know what they do with our year-one daughters in the university. We equally know that they sell handouts and handbooks.

“Is this not worse than corruption of the highest order?”

On FG/ASUU agreement Asked why she did not criticise the Federal Government for failing to reach an agreement with ASUU, Mrs Sani said: “Which

agreement? How do you expect lecturers in state universities to earn same salaries as Federal ones? That is impossible.

“We are not educated, but you do not expect a hotel in my village to cost same price as a hotel in Abuja.

“They are located in different places. So how can a state university lecturer earn same salary with his federal counterpart?

“We are begging them for the last time. If we come out again we may have to chase them out of this country and replace them with so many jobless Nigerians.”

Edo Police parade 55 kidnap, robbery suspects zKidnappers may have chopped off judge’s finger, NBA extends boycott

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—EDO State Police Command, yesterday, paraded 55 suspected kidnap-

Fire guts 86 POWA shops in Lagos ating set kept close to a cookBY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—NO fewer than 86 lock-up shops of Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, shopping complex at Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, were gutted by fire, Sunday night.

Although no life was lost in the inferno, about 48 shops were completely burnt down, while 38 others were said to be partially damaged.

Eyewitnesses, who were in the area at the time of the incident, said that the fire started at 9.30p.m., from a power gener-

ing area in the market.

It was gathered that the property destroyed in the incident were worth millions of naira, before a combined team of police and fire service men from Alausa and Ikeja area of Lagos put out the fire.

Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, said that the call came in at 21:21 p.m. on Sunday.

He said: “Two water trucks of 10,000 litres each were deployed to combat the fire. 48 shops were razed by the fire, while 38 were only mildly affected.

Police nab suspected robber of newspapers' offices in Anambra

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA— POLICE in Onitsha, Anambra State, are interrogating the suspected ring-leader of a four-man robbery syndicate that stormed the circulation office of The Sun newspapers and other adjoining offices, yesterday, in Onitsha and allegedly carted away over N400,000.

The suspect, whose identity was yet to be ascertained as at press time, was apprehended in

ASUU STRIKE: The National Market Women Association protesting the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, strike at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. INSET: President-General of the Association, Chief (Mrs) Felicia Sani (left); Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (middle), Directors in the ministry and executive officers of the association, during the protest. PHOTOS: Gbemiga Olamikan.

the Fegge area of Onitsha, near the Onitsha drugs market, while three of his gang members escaped arrest.

According to the source, the four suspects, who operated on two motorbikes, had stormed the one-storey building office of The Sun office at 57, Old Market Road, opposite Onitsha General Post Office.

They robbed three offices: The Sun, Complete Sports and Canefield Investment Limited, a stock broker.

pers and armed robbers, including two alleged kidnap kingpins, Emmanuel Otono and David Osamu, who have been on the wanted list of security operatives in the state due to their involvement in several kidnap operations in the state.

Edo State Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, who paraded the suspects, including one Oyigbe whose house in Sabongida Ora in the state, was used by kidnappers to keep victims.

Among the 55 were also armed robbers, child defilers, cultists and car snatchers. Ammunition were also recovered from them.

Adebanjo said: “We have arrested some of the kidnap kingpins. Some are still being interrogated. They are the ones involved in the kidnapping of some persons in Benin. I can tell you that the war against kidnappers in ongoing.

“We are doing everything to make sure that the state is safe. We have a lot of them that have been arrested.

Some are being investigated.

We 're ready— Police

“We are not relenting. The job of protecting our people is a tough one. But we are doing our best to ensure we work day and night. Even though these criminals are giving us a lot of problems, we will continue to pursue them until we apprehend them.”

Speaking on the preparedness of the police to check

kidnapping ad other violent crimes this Sallah, Adebanjo said: “As for Sallah, the police is very ready. We had a meeting with all the Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, weekend.

“I have directed special security in all the mosques.

I will be out there with my men to ensure we have a hitch-free Sallah in Edo. We are battle ready for any thing, including the kidnappers.”

NBA boycott

Meantime, members of Benin and Ekpoma branches of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, have extended their boycott of courts for another week to protest what they described as incessant kidnapping in the state.

The association had stayed away from court sittings since last week, to protest the kidnap of Justice Daniel Okungbowa, who was released last Sunday.

Vanguard learnt that the kidnappers of Justice Okungbowa may have cut off one of the fingers in his left hand.

Though this was yet to be confirmed, it was learnt that it might be one of things that angered members of the association into prolonging the court boycott for another one week.

It was learnt that officials of NBA informed their members of Okungbowa’s release at a meeting on Sunday in Benin City and that was where they lamented the harrowing experience he

went through in the hands of his kidnappers.

Efforts made to reach the judge proved abortive. Vanguard was informed at his Benin residence, by security operatives that he was not in town.

NBA chairmen react

However, chairman of the Benin branch of NBA, Mr. Oriame Akere, told Vanguard : “In our monthly meeting, yesterday (Sunday), we agreed that we should boycott court till Monday next week.

“The reason is that we are protesting the insecurity in Benin and along the BeninAbuja road. The judge has been released and we are happy for that. But we are not happy with the general insecurity.”

Also, chairman of Ekpoma branch, where Justice Okungbowa sits, Bola Adelanke, said: “We have passed a resolution that we will be on strike until he is released and we thank God he has been released.

“But the major thing is that security agencies have to do more so that the issue of kidnapping is solved permanently. Government should empower the youths so that they can be gainfully employed and take their mind off crime.”

Asked to confirm if the judge’s finger was chopped off, Adelanke said: “I have not seen him but I also heard it. I cannot confirm that now because I have not seen him personally.”

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

BY BEN AGANDE, HENRY UMORU, ANAYO OKOLI, JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPHINE ERUNKE

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, lawmakers and other eminent Nigerians, yesterday, called on Nigerians to make the needed sacrifices and work for the unity and progress of the nation as Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-elKabir.

President Jonathan in his message said, “I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you all as we celebrate Eidel-Kabir. I also congratulate Nigerians who have been able to undertake the Hajj this year in fulfillment of their religious obligations. As they undergo the rites of the Hajj in the Holy Land, and celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice here at home, I urge our Islamic faithful to offer special prayers for peace, harmony, unity, security and progress in our fatherland. I also implore them, as always, to find time in the midst of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to meditate on the immense benefits our nation can derive from a greater exhibition by its people of piety, honesty, selflessness, tolerance, peaceful co-existence with others, equity, fairness and justice for all, which are an integral part of the message of the Holy Prophet."

He said: “My administration will continue to promote and encourage the teaching of these commendable virtues of Islam and other religious beliefs in the knowledge that a greater manifestation of such virtues and ideals by our people will stand our country in very good stead as we strive to overcome the challenges of development and build a great nation.

“We will also remain very proactive in taking actions deemed necessary for the restoration and sustenance of peace and security in all parts of our country.

Work for unity, progress of Nigeria — Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tamuwal, urged Nigerians to redouble their efforts and work for the unity and progress of the country.

He said the occasion of the Eid el-Kabir celebration calls for repentance and forgiveness of one another, especially now that the country is facing numerous challenges.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal enjoined Nigerians to be

Jonathan, govs, lawmakers, others harp on unity as Nigerians celebrate Eid-el-Kabir steadfast in love to one another. He said that it is by so doing that we can be committed to what is just and right for our nation.

Tambuwal urged the Muslim faithful to intensify their prayers for peace in the country, and admonished religious leaders to lead their followers properly so that they do not depart from the truth. The Speaker assured that the National Assembly would continue to be guided by the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians in the onerous task of making laws for peace, unity and good governance of the Nation.

Tukur, Bala Mohammed call for Peace, reconciliation, sacrifice

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed in seperate messaged called for reconciliation, peaceful coexistence among ourselves as well as sacrifice to reflect on the lessons of the festival and the teachings of the doctrine of Islamic faith, which was premised on sacrifice and peace.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Prince Oliver Okpala, the PDP National Chairman called on Nigerians to “live in peace and love and eschew all forms of violence, strife, insecurity, corruption, indiscipline, disrespect for constituted authority, and all forms of criminality and social vices.

“All Nigerians must love one another and the nation. At all times, we should put the nation first before self. As we have no other nation which we can rightly call our own, it behoves us all to join hands with government to move this country forward and actualize the dreams of the founding fathers of our Nation in our life time.”

The FCTA Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed who congratulated Muslim faithful, especially those resident in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as they mark this year ’s Eid-el-Kabir, specifically recalled the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s attempt to sacrifice his only son, which culminated into the celebration of Eidal-Adha to commemorate his (Ibrahim or Abraham) willingness to follow Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son.

Senator Mohammed who appealed for greater unity, love and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians as well as total support for the Federal Government as it strives to improve their well being, however emphasised that the occasion should be used to foster unity by making exemplified sacrifice amongst all in the spirit of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim culminating into the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

Baraje led nPDP calls for sacrifice, prayers

The Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, in its

EID-EL-KABIR—People travelling from Lagos to different destinations to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival with their families at Oshodi motor park, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

message stressed the need for Muslims across the country to pray for Nigeria, just as it called for total sacrifice from all.

According to the group, “We are confident that with prayers and the needed sacrifices, Allah will show us mercy and intervene to solve our current economic and political challenges.”

In a message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze yesterday, the Baraje-led PDP said, “the new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje wishes to congratulate Nigerian Muslims and other faithful across the world on this occasion of the 2013 Eid-elKabir.

“However, as we celebrate Allah’s benevolence, it is important for us to pause and reflect on the significance of this celebration, which highlights the need for sacrifice and the benefits thereof.

Oshiomhole tasks Muslims

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State urged the Muslim Ummah to harness their thoughts and energies towards the development of the state and country.

The governor in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, congratulated the Muslims on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. He said: “As we celebrate, I urge the Muslim Ummah and indeed all people of goodwill to remember the lessons of the celebration which is sacrifice,

obedience and love.

“I urge you to channel your thoughts and energies in a positive direction to help the government realize its dreams of a better state and country for us all. The Muslim community should continue to join hands with people of other faith to maintain the peace in the state, as peace is a precondition for development.

“I pray that Allah in his abiding mercy will grant journey mercies to all faithful who are in the Holy land for the Hajj.

Amosun calls for total obedience to the will of Allah

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his message called on all Muslims to demonstrate at all times total obedience to the will of the almighty Allah so that they can receive bountiful reward from Him. He noted that the unconditional obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son and the teachings of the Holy Qur ’an offered a guidance on how the faithful could receive abundant blessings and favour from Allah.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, Senator Amosun said, “Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and attain its goal of a developed and prosperous nation if all citizens live in total obedience to the will of the Almighty.”

Fayemi urges Muslims

to be steadfast at Eid-elKabir Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also urged Muslims in the state to remain steadfast in their faith in the Almighty Allah who has given them opportunity to witness another Eid-el-Kabir.

The governor in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, also implored Muslims not to relent in their prayers for Ekiti as the state inches nearer to the 2014 governorship election.

Abia state Governor, Chief Theodore Orji urged Muslims to use the period of Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, Orji urged Muslims to use this period to pray for peace, unity and progress of the nation.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu also advised the Muslim Umah to emulate the virtues of total obedience and selflessness service as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

Senator Ekweremadu in his Eidal-Kabir message to the Muslim Umah said that Nigeria’s major challenge was not lack of virtuous religious injunctions, state laws and regulations, but willful disobedience and poor attitude to the rule of law as a key democratic principle. l focus on service and mandate delivery among the political elites.

“The apparent preoccupation with the politics of 2015 at the expense of service is a sad commentary on our democracy and an apparent disregard for the teachings of our religious faiths which stipulate that power comes from God alone”, he added.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—9

CAN, Osun govt differ on Islamization of state

BY LEKE ADESERI, S-WEST REGIONAL EDITOR & CALEB AYANSINA

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BUJA—THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, hinged its allegation of Islamisation of Osun State against Governor Rauf Aregbesola on a security report by the Department of State Services, DSS, which the body claimed indicted the governor over the issue.

According to CAN, the DSS report dated March 19, 2012 to the Chief of Army Staff stated in part: “There are indications that Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State is nursing the ambition of Islamizing the state. Already, he has taken control of the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Society of Nigeria, TA’AWUN, now spearheading the use of hijab in public schools in the state and serving as bodyguards to the governor and making frantic efforts to dislodge conventional security operatives from the Government House.”

General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, who made the observation also alluded to several reports in the dailies against the governor, which he said were yet to be denied.

Asake spoke to newsmen in Abuja, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing reclassification policy of public schools, which he described as ‘ill mannered’.

He noted that apart from the governor being accused of creating something similar to Boko Haram, there were strong indications pointing directly to the fact that Aregbesola was pursuing islamization agenda.

First was the Islamic bond (SUKUK), an investment instrument of about N11.4billion that was taken in December 2012 by the governor against wise counsel in an effort to change the identity of Christian schools.

“The implication of this is yet to be known. Taking an Islamic loan called sukuk in the name of a state with plural religion in a secular country like Nigeria can only mean that one religion is favoured above the other,” he said.

On reclassification of public schools, the CAN scribe said: “By this reclassification schools like Baptist Girls Secondary School now has boys sent to it and Moslem girls in the school can now continue their agitation for the wearing of hijab as the uniform will be changed. The confusion that will ensue can be better imagined than experienced.

Asake further noted “with grave concern the governor’s love and open support for idolatry, we were all shocked to hear his declaration of a public holiday (Isese Day), set aside to celebrate the ancient idols of the land, Obatala, Sango, Yemoja, Ogun, etc, to which he credited the peace and tranquillity prevailing in the state.

“On the issue of Ifa, we in CAN believe that its introduction is a

superb confrontation of tradition, modernity and religion. Why Ifa in this century?”

It will be recalled that the Osun State chapter of CAN in a letter to the governor by its Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, dated October 9, issued seven days ultimatum to the state government, started from Friday last week, said failure to stop the new education policy would be met with “appropriate actions.”

CAN will appreciate our efforts later—Osun govt

Responding to the allegations yesterday, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Osun State’s Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy said; “We in Osun are not interested in joining issues with CAN either at the National or state level because we are convinced that

in the final analysis, CAN will come back to salute the courage of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration to give Osun and indeed, Nigeria, one of the best solutions to salvage the nation’s rotten educational standard. We are consoled by the fact that no Nigerian, no matter how uninformed he is, is happy with the state of education at all levels. This is the trend Osun is striving to arrest.

“We must however remind CAN that the so-called DSS report which it is referring to never existed. For CAN to make reference to that imaginary report more than a year after is an indication that those working against the interest of the people of Osun and this

NCAA to carry out safety audit on domestic airlines

administration have exhausted their arguments and are now clinging to just anything to sustain their campaigns of calumny.

“It is for the same reason we believe that CAN would want to demonise the Sukuk bond, another financial instrument to accelerate development in the state. The Sukuk bond is a veritable avenue to assess capital to develop our state. In name, it only sounds Islamic but it has all the conventional bond characteristics.

“We are convinced that the leadership of CAN should rather bother about the use to which the bond will be put rather than the nomenclature and the seeming Islamic outlook of it.

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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INAUGURATION—From left: President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NIRA, Mrs Mary Uduma; immediate Past Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, Dr. Adeola Odeyemi; New Chairman, Mr. Chima Onyekwere; and Secretary of the Board, Mrs; Ibukun Odusote; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, at the inauguration of the NIRA Board of Trustee members in Abuja.

150,000 barrels of crude shut in at Shell facility

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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IGERIA crude output dropped by an additional 150,000 barrels per day, as Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, yesterday, shut down a section of its Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, due to a fire outbreak along the pipeline’s right of way.

The Federal Government, as a result of the shut down, is losing about $16.05 million (N2.568 billion) daily, going by a crude oil price of about $107 per barrel.

According to a statement by the company, the fire outbreak was reported yesterday, within the SPDC Joint Venture right-of-way at Patrick Waterside, Bodo, Ogoniland and close to the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, even as investigations and repair work continue on last week’s spills in the area.

Mr. Precious Okolobo, Corporate Media Relations Manager, Shell, who signed the statement, said, “The entire TNP system, comprising the 24-inch line and 28 inch line had been closed on

October 9 as a precautionary response to the spills, but the 28” TNP was reopened after investigations established that the leaks were on the 24 inch line only.

“However, the 28-inch TNP has now been shut in again due to the fire at Patrick Waterside.

The fire has now gone out but the 28-inch will remain closed until checks are carried out. “This means that the entire TNP is shut-in, resulting in production of 150,000 barrels of oil per day being deferred. The force majeure on Bonny Light exports remains in place.”

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday, said it would carry out both economic and safety audit on domestic airlines in the country following recent air accidents in the country.

The regulatory body also said it was now mandatory for local airlines to carry out the International Air Transport Association, IATA, Operation Safety Audit, IOSA. Director General of NCAA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu who made this known at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, insisted that the essence of the audit was to ensure that domestic airlines were not only safe but also financially sound.

According to him, “we are going to audit all the airlines .We will be doing a joint audit with a foreign firm to reassure the public of the safety of our domestic airlines.”

On the allegation that some airlines owe their workers’ salaries, he said that NCAA would not allow airlines that were not financially sound to operate.

He said: “We will not allow airlines that are not financially sound to operate.

We are here to ensure growth in the industry. We are not here to stiffen the industry but to make airline business in the country grow.”

He said NCAA was putting in place plans to bring about interlining among domestic airlines, explaining that when in place, it would allow a passenger to use airline A while holding the ticket of airline B.

Mo Ibrahim African leadership prize not awarded again

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HE Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership — the world’s biggest individual prize — has no winner for the fourth time in five years, it was announced yesterday.

Founder Mo Ibrahim, the Sudan-born telecoms tycoon, defended the decision not to give out the award, telling AFP he would not compromise on the “excellence” required to secure the lucrative prize.

The award, established by Ibrahim in 2007, carries a $5 million (3.7 million euro) prize

paid over 10 years and $200,000 annually for life from then on, with a further $200,000 per year available for 10 years for good causes backed by the winner.

The award goes to a democratically elected African leader who demonstrated exceptional leadership, served their mandated term and left office in the last three years.

“It’s a prize for excellence, and excellence by nature is rare,” Ibrahim told AFP. “What is important here is credibility. To set a really high standard of credibility.

Suggest me a name of an excellent European leader who changed his country.

Berlusconi?” he asked rhetorically, referring to former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

“You see?

Excellence is rare.”

He added: “No compromises!

This is a prize for people who inspire, who really change the course of their nation.

“By not giving the prize, there is also a strong message behind, which says that there’s no exceptional leader. And that’s a very strong message.”

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Judiciary reporters hold lecture

Robbers disarm officers in Kaduna police station attack

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HAIRMAN, BOARD of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, LACN, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, yesterday, called for the independence of the judiciary to enable it act as the last hope of the common man.

Speaking at the 2013 Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, NAJUC, in Ikeja, on the theme: 'The Woes of the Bar in the Face of Corruption on the Bench,' Ayorinde argued that the legal system in the country had suffered from severe corruption through official and private influence.

On the way out of corruption in the judiciary, he posited that there must be executive determination and political will to have a fully independent judiciary.

Chairman of the occasion, Prince Segun Ajibola, SAN, described the event as a very positive one that dealt with a topic that affected the general public.

Late Peter Obe's final journey

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ATE PETER Obe, a photographer, who died September 1, 2013 will be finally laid to rest on October 25, 2013 at Igbara Oke, Ondo State.

According to a family statement, service of songs will hold on October 21, 2013 at Calabar Hall, Ajao Road, off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos at 5p.m.

Moreover, the Christian wake-keep for the veteran photo-journalist, will commence on Thursday October 24, 2013 at Peter Obe’s compound, off Akure-Owo Expressway, Igbara Oke, Ondo State at 5p.m.

Before interment, on Friday, October 25, funeral service will hold in his honour at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Igbara Oke at 1a.m.

BY LUKA BINNIYAT & MAYEN ETIM

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ADUNA — A gang of armed robbers, yesterday, attacked Makarfi Divisional Police Station, in Makarfi, the headquarters of Makarfi Local Government Council of Kaduna State disarming all the policemen at the station.

SWEARING-IN: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), assenting to According to a policeman, the oath of office certificate of Mrs. Josephine Oluseyi Williams as the 17th Head of Service who spoke to some reporters, (HoS) of Lagos State, during the swearing-in of the HoS, at the Exco Chamber, Lagos House, but pleaded for anonymity, the Ikeja. With them, is the Chief of Staff, Mr. Lanre Babalola (middle) robbers numbered between 25 and 30.

Said he: “I was just about to go in and check some detainees when I heard gunshots. I rushed out to be face-to-face with bandits in flowing caftans, and some in tattered army heavy traffic on the ever Olutoyin Obikoya who engineers’ representa- uniforms shooting

BY KINGSLEY ADEGmade the promise, yes- tive on the reconstruc- into the air and orBOYE busy dual carriageway.

Commuters and motor- terday, stated that the tion of Lagos-Ibadan dering us to come out and lie down AGOS — THE Fed ists plying the express- Federal Ministry of (section I), explained on the road. eral Government way complain of spend- Works hd mobilised that the work would be “They then has promised to com- ing long hours while Reynolds Construction done to ensure the road started throwing plete, within two weeks, driving through some Company, RCC, to carry remained in good condi- explosives into the the ongoing rehabilita- sections of the road in out urgent rehabilitation tion for a long time. police station. The works on the bad secMovement on the road, ground was shaktion of failed sections of recent times. he said, was also being ing. They later The Federal Controller tions within two weeks. the Lagos-Ibadan ExObikoya, who is the slowed down by the con- moved to the bank of Works, Lagos State, pressway that cause struction of an additional (about 100 metres lane on the Ibadan- away) and started and bound stretch and the shooting mounting of concrete me- throwing explosives. Some of the dian at some points. robbers were According to him: standing over us, its sitting.

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI “These activities require The governor at the occasions said: “Af- traffic diversion when while the rest were at the bank.

AGOS — THE Tribunal of Enquiry ter the submission of the report, there is necessary and work is “I don’t know the into the December 26, 2012 fire- yet more work to be done on our part on carried out on five kilo- time they all left because they left crackers explosion headed by Justice the report submitted by the tribunal. metres at a time.

"We will look into the content of the Sunday Ishola has recommended that “The ministry has been one after the other. the state government should put in place report, accept what we are able to ac- carrying out palliative They may have a new law to control the storage and use cept and issue a white paper to declare works on the road and it been there for an the parts of the report that have been is this construction work hour. Later, we of fireworks within the state. saw a military veAccording to the report submitted to accepted by the government, the action that is causing the traffic hicle with soldiers the state government has recommended Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos problem. They are work- and Mobile Policestate, yesterday: “This will forestal fu- and the agency that will be saddled with ing on the road and once men. We told them ture occurrence. The law should also the execution of the legislation.” it is done, movement will what happened “Due to the nature of the report, we be better.” specify the date and location where fireand they drove works can be used. This law is distinct will immediately set up a committee that The construction com- eastwards, also from the law on the control of importa- will include the new Head of Service, pany, he said, would not shooting into the tion of fireworks under the exclusive act, HoS, Mrs. Josephine Williams, to look work during the public air,” he said.

“As far as I know, cap E18 of 2004, which is a federal law.” critically into the report, to assist the holiday, that is today and no one was instate government to present a white Receiving the report, Governor tomorrow, but that after jured, though they paper on the submitted report.

Fashola, assured residents of speedy imthe holiday work would "I want to assure you and residents of be intensified to ensure beat up some of plementation of the recommendations. us. I also heard It would be recalled that the commit- Lagos, we will speed up our work on the job is completed they could not get tee was inaugurated on February 18, the report and hopefully before the end within two weeks. any money from 2013 and was to submit its report after of this year to precipitate the season the bank.

“I want you to three months of the commencement of when this risk is at its highest.” please tell government to give us surveillance and communication equipment. We are just here facing

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE Founder of the Odua Peoples in Nigeria.

Congress, OPC, Dr. Fedrick Fasheun affirmed that the Na- danger everyday.

Fasheun, at a briefing in Lagos, tional Conference was necessary If the armed robAGOS — THE Odua Peoples bers had wanted, Congress, OPC, yesterday, ex- said the insurgents and other and lessons could be learnt from they could have pressed optimism that the proposed aggrieved groups would use the Ethiopia which had one in a 1994 killed all of us, beNational Conference would bring an conference as a recipe for peace constitution and gave room for the cause they had betend to the activities of the Boko when everyone came together federating ethnic units to ventilate ter arms, and were and discussed about their status their disparate aspirations. more in number.”

Haram.

Lagos-Ibadan expressway rehabilitation through in 2 weeks — FG L

Committee recommends new law to curb firecracker’s use

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Confab will stem Boko Haram insurgency — Fasheun

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Late Peter Obe C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—11

Sallah: Transporters increase fare as Ibadan experiences gridlock

BY OLA AJAYI with agency report

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BADAN — TRANSPORTERS in Ibadan, yesterday, hiked up transportation fares as travellers throng motor parks and train station for transportation to various destinations for today’s Eidel Kabir celebration.

According to reports, the city also experienced traffic congestion with travellers moving around with their luggage to motor parks and train station.

Transportation fare increased by about 30 per cent, depending on the destination while limited services were being rendered by transporters.

A trip from Ibadan to Lagos that used to cost between N800 and N850 is now between N1, 300 and N1, 500 depending on the type of SHOPPING:People make last shopping for Eid-il Kabir in Oshodi Market in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Aregbesola defends schools merger programme

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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C M Y K

SOGBO — OSUN State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has debunked insinuations in certain quarters that the ongoing education reforms in the state are aimed at obliterating the heritage and changing the identities of the affected schools.

Aregbesola said the school re-classification of government hinges on total re-engineering of the state education sector to make it functional so as to be able to produce a total man.

The governor said contrary to insinuation in some quarters that the identity, heritage and tradition of some institutions are at risk of being distorted or totally changed, his administration has no plan, either in the immediate or remote period of time, to change any school’s tradition.

The governor, who spoke in Osogbo, yesterday, at this year’s World Global Hand Washing Day Celebration, said government would not relent in its effort at providing the best education system for the state.

He reiterated that gov-

ernment would retain identity and heritage of the schools regardless of their previous inclination.

He said: “Let me state categorically that our administration has no intention whatsoever to change the character, heritage and the identity of any school.

“A good example, which is not far to seek, is the recently completed school in Alekuwodo. We have retained the name of the school, Salvation Army Middle School.

“I don’t think that any-

body, even the founder of the school, would be dissatisfied with what we have done to that school.”

Aregbesola averred that the example of Salvation Army Middle School, which name is retained by government, was a testimonial that all the negative campaigns by some individuals amounted to sheer hypocrisy and pure lies calculated to derail the good policy of government.

Meantime, Aregbesola, has called on all adherents of Islam to live in peace

and exhibit religious tolerance towards people of other faiths.

This is contained in a message the governor sent to Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid elKabir celebration.

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said what the nation needed at this critical moment were peace, security and cooperation among the diverse people of the country.

vehicle.

Also, Ibadan to Ilorin that was normally N850 is now N1, 100, while the fare for Ibadan Ogbomoso which used to be N700 is now N800.

A commuter, Mr. Lukeman Nureni, aboard an Ilorin-bound bus, said the increase was normal as it was expected because of the Sallah celebration.

A driver at Lagos Park, who pleaded anonymity, said the fares could increase further before the end of the day as more passengers were expected.

Also, the train station was filled with passengers jostling to purchase tickets for their journeys to various destinations.

Mr Sefiu Ajibade, who is visiting his home-

Kuku tackles Tinubu over attacks on Amnesty Programme

BY SONI DANIEL

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HE PRESIDENCY, yes terday, tackled former Lagos State Govenor, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinibu for daring to describe the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government as a drain pipe and a means of siphoning money for the boys.

Tinunu had while reviewing the atmosphere for the proposed National Dialogue, lampooned the idea of conference at this time of the nation’s life, saying that it was a deception put in place by President Jonathan to buy time for his 2015 re-election bid.

The former governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain also lamented that the funds meant for the Amnesty had been hijacked by the President’s clique.

Tinubu said: “The amnesty conceived from inception has been corrupted and hijacked by the President’s clique. It is one of Nigeria’s drain pipes and a slush fund for political expeditions and a conduit to siphon money for the boys.”

In his response, Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, described the claim by the former governor as regrettable and a clear at-

tempt to distort facts and cause disaffection among Nigerians.

While challenging the former governor to substantiate his claims with evidence, Kuku wondered why Tinubu had always taken it upon himself to politicise every decision of the Jonathan administration for unknown reasons.

Kuku noted that as a security stabilisation programme for the hitherto restive Niger Delta, the amnesty programme had achieved its objective through well thought-out vocational training and formal education schemes for the former agitators in the region.

town, Ilorin, with members of his family, said he wanted to travel by train since the fare was reasonable and cheaper.

“I decided to go by train for many reasons: first, because it is cheaper and the other reason is that I want my children to experience train services.”

Mr. Francis Unyimadu, Public Relations Officer, Railway Western District, told NAN that the corporation increased its services because of the celebration.

“Actually, the Lagos to Kano route, which used to ply between Wednesday and Friday, now operates on Sundays too due to the increase in passengers.”

Unyimadu said large number of passengers could also be attributed to the free train services provided by the Osun government to enable his people travel for Sallah.

“There is a free train service from Lagos to Oshogbo, courtesy of the Osun government.

“The Osun government has subsidised Ibadan-Osogbo fare and train commuters need not pay, ” Unyimadu said.

....Ajimobi, Alaafin, Adedoja urge peace at Eid-el-Kabir

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OVERNOR Of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja have admonished Nigerians, especially Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love, togetherness and peaceful coexistence as they mark Eid-el Kkabir.

Ajimobi said with an atmosphere of peace that Nigeria could achieve the desired greatness.

Oba Adeyemi urged them to embrace the culture of love, tolerance and live peacefully among themselves.

Prof. Adedoja charged all Muslims to abide by the spiritual lessons of the period.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Edo SUBEB boss assures on even distribution of teachers

Edo group flays attack on Oshodin by sacked UNIBEN staff

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—EDO State Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Chief Stephen Alao, has said that the board would look into the distribution of teachers to primary schools in the state to ensure that qualified teachers were deployed to teach in primary schools in the rural areas unlike in the past, when teachers avoided teaching in rural schools.

Chief Alao, who was responding to questions from reporters, shortly after an assessment tour of primary schools in Benin, yesterday, said unlike in the past where teachers avoided being posted to the rural areas, said the new SUBEB, under his leadership, would ensure that teachers, who have spent some years in the urban centres were sent to the rural areas.

According to him, “If it is my son that is involved, I will post him to

Delta monarch resolves rift with subjects

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BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—THE lingering crisis in Igbodo community in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, has been resolved, as the traditional ruler, Obi Nkeobikwu Osadume I, has agreed to marry a wife, who is an indigene of the community as demanded by the custom of the people.

The monarch, who is a lawyer by profession, had been at loggerheads with his subjects who invaded his palace on December 27, last year in protest over a purported marriage between the Obi and a woman from Ebonyi State.

After that incident, the community was torn apart as the palace chiefs boycotted the palace.

The monarch, weekend, married an indigene at a colourful ceremony held at the ancestral palace.

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ART EXHIBITION: From right: Mrs. Sokari Davies, Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Rivers State, Grace Akpughunum-Okwulehie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Rivers State; Pastor Patrick Jumbo, Chairman, Rivers State Indigenous Visual Artists and Amasebo Deede Baede, Executive Director, Rivers State Arts and Culture Council, during the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the art exhibition tagged "Which Way," at the Rivers State Council of Arts and Culture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Derivation: Oil bearing communities warn against payment to govs

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—FRESH crisis is brewing in the oil bearing communities of the Niger Delta, as the people have warned the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, that anything short of direct allocation of the 13 per cent derivation through the National Derivation Board was unacceptable to them.

They faulted the present arrangement, whereby the 13 per cent derivation fund is paid to the governors of the oil producing states, insisting that it has to be paid to the oil bearing communities.

In a position paper presented by Chief Wellington Okirika, leader of the Oil/Gas Producing Communities of Nigeria, to the Engr. Elias Mbam-led RMAFC, zonal hearing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, they argued that if the constitution of Nigeria was truly supreme, then section 162[2]of the 1999 Constitution was clear enough for anybody to know that 13 percent derivation belongs exclusively to the people of the oil/gas bearing communities as compensation and reparation for loss of their productive farmlands and fishing rights, and not for state governments to use as they please.

The position paper, also signed by Chief William Igere for Delta, Mr Sam Ebiwanno for Ondo, Princess Nomwen Uhunmwangho for Edo, Chief Onyema Olujie for Abia, Chief Brisibe Opukime Nabena for Bayelsa, Chief Appolos Emenike for Rivers, Alhaji

Abrahim Ikansin for Cross River and Mr. Temple Okonji for Imo, warned that unless the constitution was respected fully, the people will have no choice but confront the government directly.

The oil/gas producing communities stressed that the state governors were not entitled to receive and manage the 13 percent derivation.

They insisted that “it is lucid that the principle of 13 percent derivation is firmly entrenched under the proviso to Section 162 (2) above.

Accordingly, in whatever formula, the National Assembly adopts, it must constantly reflect 13 percent derivation.”

Consequently, the leadership of the oil/gas communities said, 13 percent derivation is prior charge on the Federation Account and/or and revenue formula under Section 162 thereof and enacted at any time. They said that it was a mandatory provision and/or a condition

precedent to the constitutionality of any revenue formula in Nigeria.

“Thus, where there is no provision for 13 percent derivation in any revenue formula, such a law will be null and void for violating a mandatory provision of the constitution. This principle has been notoriously applied by the apex court of Nigeria. The 13 percent drivation is not part of Consolidated Revenue Fund of any tier of government nor does it form part of funds to be included in the Joint State and Local Government Account. Indeed, having clearly set aside the mandatory 13 percent derivation under the proviso to Section 162 (2) thereof, it becomes an entrenched right standing on its own.

“Accordingly, it must be treated sui generis of its own kind and specially, too. Thus, it does not form part of any Federal Government or State Government’s Consolidated

ENIN—THE Edo Unity League, EUL, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, has described as unfair and “cheap blackmail,” attacks on the person of the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin, UNIBEN, Prof.Osayuki Oshodin, by some staff of the institution, who were sacked by the Governing Council of the institution over alleged misconduct.

It said that rather than accuse the Vice-Chancellor of being responsible for their sack, the sacked lecturers should prove their innocence in court and stop distracting the management of the institution and the university community through misleading reports.

It will be recalled that the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Oshodin, had accused some staff of the university, who were among the 44 people sacked by the Governing Council of engaging in what he described as campaign of calumny and threatening his life over their sack.

Meanwhile, in a statement by Mr Efosa Nehikhare, EUL pointed out that Prof. Oshodin has so far performed creditably well in both academic and infrastructural development of the university more than any of his predecessors “and that is why we wish to dismiss the vituperations expressed by those who are victims of the recent sack by the institution.”

PDP chieftain ascribes Delta Central senatorial poll victory to Uduaghan

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HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, victory in the Delta Central senatorial by-election is a reflection of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s developmental strides in the state, says Mr. Basil Ishiekwene, a party chieftain in the state.

Ishiekwene, while reacting to the landslide victory of PDP at the senatorial election that took place in the area on Saturday, noted that what

happened during the election showed that the good performance of the government of the day can change voting pattern in the state.

He said: “What happened at the election is a complete deviation from the voting pattern in the last senatorial election in the state. This time around, it was PDP all the way.”

He said that the PDP administration in the state had succeeded in endearing the par-

ty to all Deltans, adding that Governor Uduaghan has performed creditably well in the area of education, transportation, road construction, electrification and returning peace to all parts of the state.

Ishiekwene noted that Governor Uduaghan has succeeded in erasing opposition in the state and urged all Deltans to continue to give their support to PDP in all elections in the state.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—13

Jonathan, govs, others mourn Omo Omoruyi z He was a perfect husband and father —Widow

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, expressed sadness over the death of renowned political scientist and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Professor Omo Omoruyi, who was also former Director General of the Centre for Democratic Studies, CDS. Prof. Omoruyi, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and died in Benin City, Sunday night, at a private hospital, aged 75. Sympathisers thronged his GRA residence, when Vanguard visited, just as his widow, Joan, told newsmen that the family will miss everything about him.

Meanwhile, prominent Edo State indigenes led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former governors of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and others, also mourned the late Prof. Omoruyi, describing his death as a great loss to the country and the state in particular.

Similarly, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, also described Omoruyi’s death as a big blow to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

President Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that Nigerians will always acknowledge and honour the late professor ’s significant contributions towards laying an enduring foundation for the current democratic dispensation in the country through the work of the Centre for Democratic Studies, which he served as pioneer DirectorGeneral.

He commiserated with Prof.

Omoruyi’s family and the government and people of Edo State on the loss of the very distinguished academic and illustrious citizen, whose contributions to the nation’s political development would be long remembered.

The President joined Prof.

Omoruyi’s family, relatives, friends and associates in praying for the peaceful repose of the eminent intellectual’s soul.

The widow said: “It is shocking, a big shock to us. I was with him most of the day before he died Sunday night. We were married for more than three decades. He was always doing his best as a husband and a father. I will miss everything about him. He came back three weeks ago from America but you know, while he was here, his health failed him. He was a perfect hus-

zI’ve lost a confidant —Oshiomhole

band and father.”

A family member, Dr Festus Imuetinya, said: “It is no longer news that he had been battling with cancer, this time around after series of check ups in America, he came back, even when he returned, he was not strong. We tried to manage it until Sunday, when he had a crisis and could not survive it. For the family, it is going to be a big loss.”

Oshiomhole laments loss

In his condolence message, Governor Oshiomhole lamented that he had lost a great confidant. His words: “Prof.

Omoruyi’s death is particularly painful because he was a personal friend and confidant.

I will always remember his unqualified contributions to my gubernatorial campaign in 2007 as Director-General of my campaign organisation and as governor, I was also able to tap from his wealth of knowledge in the governance of the state.

“His death has robbed Edo State and Nigeria of a forthright man, a great intellectual, a man who gave his all in his service to the country. His contributions to the development of our democracy remains indelible. We feel pained that death robbed us of Prof. Omoruyi at this point, when his voice and contributions to burning national issues would have carried immense weight.

“Even as we mourn, the people and Government of Edo State are proud of Prof.

Omoruyi’s contributions to the country, as he was one of our greatest gifts to Nigeria.”

On his part, Chief Oyegun, said: “I will not call it a shock because we all knew he had been ill. His death is a great loss. He was one of those very intelligent and resourceful persons we have in this country. But I believe that he really never achieved his true potentials because he was a very gifted human being. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort his family. He deserved a lot more in this country, he was a very brilliant Nigerian, a man we are all proud of.”

Former Governor Igbinedion noted that Prof Omoruyi fought cancer gallantly “but lost graciously.” He described him as a “perfect gentleman, who contributed immensely to our democratic process. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

In his reaction, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party and former governorship aspirant of the party in Edo State, Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon, described the late Prof.

Omoruyi as a democrat and scholar, who struggled for the entrenchment of democratic culture through CDS. He said:“He was a detribalised Nigerian and a man that wanted democracy to grow, a lover of the people and a complete democrat.”

He urged both the state and Federal Governments to give him a befitting burial. Prof Omouyi left behind four children and wife.

He was a committed patriot—Fayemi

Governor Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, noted that Omoruyi served humanity and his country to the best of his ability as a democrat, researcher, teacher and administrator.

He described Omoruyi as a committed patriot, who toiled to ensure the return of democracy during the Ibrahim Ba-

bangida administration, when he served as the Director General of the then National Centre for Democratic Studies.

The governor added that Omoruyi acquired international fame as a global scholar in the field of Political Science and served as mentor to the younger generation in the academia.

He described the loss of Omoruyi to cancer as very painful, saying that his administration’s inauguration of a Cancer Diagnostic Centre, built in memory of his late former Deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, was a step to fight the scourge.

Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, Late Prof. Omoruyi’s younger brother and Mrs. Joan Omoruyi, widow.

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Sympathizers at the residence of Late Prof. Omo Omoruyi. Photos

by Barnabas Uzosike.

Owie congratulates Aguariavwodo over victory in senatorial election

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ORMER Senate Chief Whip, Senator Roland Owie, has congratulated Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on his victory in Saturday’s by-election for Delta Central senatorial district.

Owie, in a statement, yesterday, said: “I congratulate Aguariavwodo on his election

as the Senator representing Delta Central senatorial district. I congratulate Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the state Chairman of PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Dr. Steve Oru, the National Vice Chiarman of PDP, South-South, and all members of PDP in Delta State, on this victory and I thank God, who gave Governor Uduaghan

and our father, Chief Edwin Clark, the spirit of forgiveness that brought back the PDP family, Delta State, together, which contributed in no small measure to this victory.

“May God grant PDP in the state stronger bond of unity as we march towards 2015 general elections.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 —14

Sallah: Chime tasks Nigerians on peace

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—GOVER NOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to seek values and virtue that would promote peace and unity among all groups in the country.

The governor who stated this in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said: "The celebration offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on Allah’s love and compassion for mankind with a view to extending same to one another."

He urged people of all religions to continue to pray for the unity and progress of the nation while eschewing any act or practice that would undermine her integrity.

Glo-sponsored Ofala ends with music festival

BY ANAYO OKOLI

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NITSHA—GLOSPONSORED Ofala ends with music festival A first year student of Imo State University, Miss Nweje Ifeoma won this year ’s Miss Ofala 2013 crown while Nwabuzo Vivian and Chukwura Nonyehian came second and third respectively to round off the Ofala festival celebrations organised by Globacom, the festival’s official sponsor.

This year’s celebration in the commercial city of Onitsha ended on Sunday with a music concert and beauty pageant organised by Globacom, The concert was anchored by comedian Okey Bakassi, and it featured two of Nigeria’s hottest musical artistes, MI and Flavour who were performing in the city for the first time.

The two Glo ambassadors gave rave performances which showed why they are easily crowd favourites in any part of the country..

Artistes such as T Stay and Elixir as well as up-and-coming musicians like R. Rider and Kilo X Stand, a dance group, also played their part to round off this year’s Ofala Festival in a memorable way.

Okorocha declares state of emergency on failed Naze-Obinze road

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—IMO State Gov ernor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has declared a state of emergency on the NazeNekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road, describing it as “worse than hell fire.”

Okorocha, who made the declaration during an assessment tour of the deteriorated road, also confirmed that he had received several complaints on the bad state of the road.

“I have received several complaints about the bad state of this road. Honestly, I never envisaged that it was as bad as what I am seeing now. It is worse than hell fire,” Okorocha said.

He assured the people that trooped out to welcome him at Nkwo Ukwu Ihiagwa market square that the contractor must start work on the road as soon as the rains stop.

“I assure you that the contractor will resume work on this very important road as soon as the rains stop. The suffering of the people of this area must stop”, Okorocha said.

He, however, warned that people must be prepared to make some sacrifice, pointing out that those whose stores, kiosks or

buildings were built along the way, which equally obstructed free flow of flood water, will be demolished in the process.

The governor also warned the people to also resist the temptation of building their houses close to major roads, adding that such

development impedes expansion of the road whenever government was ready to do so.

Speaking also, traditional ruler of Ihiagwa, Eze James Muruako, commended the governor for coming to see things for himself, pointing out that his

people have suffered more than enough as a result of the bad road.

The royal father pleaded with the governor to ensure that only a reputable contracting firm was given the assignment of doing the road.

PROMO: From left: Mr. Obinna Aniche, General Manager, Brand Asset, Airtel Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deepak Srivastava, COO/Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria Limited and Mr. Emeka Oparah, Director, Corporate Communications, Airtel Nigeria Limited, during the launch of Airtel's Red Hot Recharge and Win Promo in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Retired teachers protest non-payment of pensions in Imo

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—SCORES of re tired primary school teachers and staff of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board have protested non-payment of their pensions and other entitlements by the state government.

The senior citizens who defied the heavy rain and protested peacefully, processed from Owerri Municipal Council Headquarters along Douglas Road to Government House.

The grouse of the retirees, which was put together in a six-point statement by the state chairman and secretary, Chief R. O. Onyebarachi and Nze A. N. Amadi respectively, and addressed to Governor Rochas Okorocha, accused the state government of abandoning them to die of hunger and disease.

According to the senior citizens, their pension arrears as at September 2013, stood at 10 months, adding that they had not been paid the backlog of 12 years arrears of monthly pensions from 1992 to 2003, as well as the federal share from 1992 to 2013.

“We insist that the above debt be paid to us forthwith, while adequate arrangements be made on when to clear the pro-

tracted arrears therein”, the pensioners demanded.

However, the governor, who was driving out at the

time the pensioners arrived Government House, addressed the protesters.

Community sends SOS to Obi over erosion menace to school while the residents 10,000 people. And if this reBY ENYIM ENYIM

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NITSHA—THE people of Ndiaguikenga Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government have sent a save-our-soul appeal to the Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi to rescue them from a widening gully erosion threatening the area.

Speaking to reporters on the erosion problem, the chairman of the landlord association in the area, Prince Chukwuma Ojukwu said the appeal for government's assistance became very urgent because of the seriousness of the problem.

He said if no urgent and immediate action was taken next week by government the people would be completely cut off from their neighbouring communities, saying that the development would equally affect their children from going

would have no means of going out for their businesses.

He said: ” We call on Governor Peter Obi to at least make this road passable as it is the only access road to our community that has more than

quest is met, we assure the governor that we will vote massively for our APGA candidate, Dr. Willie Obiano and ensure that he came out victorious in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.”

Cross River deputy gov’s dad regains freedom

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ROSS River State deputy governor ’s father, Etubom Essien Efiok, abducted a few days ago by gunmen, has been released.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr. Christian Ita, announced the release of Etubom Efiok.

According to the statement, the quick release of the deputy governor’s father, who was abducted in his village, far from Calabar, has

brought to an end, the unfortunate event which he said was alien to Cross River State.

The statement used the opportunity to assure residents and visitors to the state, of their safety.

It said: “Despite the unfortunate incident, Cross River State remains the safest state in Nigeria. And the state government has taken steps to ensure that no ugly incident of this nature ever occurs again.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—15

Shun dictatorial acts, opposition govs warn FG

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL

EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA—GOVERNORS on the platform of the All Progressive Congress have asked the Federal Government to desist from dictatorial acts capable of adding more pains to the suffering of Nigerians.

The governors, under the aegis of The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, said that Nigerians had already borne a lot of pains and agony arising from government failure to meet their basic needs despite being asked to be patient and make sacrifices over the years.

The PGF position was contained in their Eid-el-Kabir message, signed by its Director General, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, and made available to Vanguard last night.

The PGF said: “We also wish to call on the federal government to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and shun all dictatorial tendencies such as the arbitrary sealing of the Adamawa State Government lodge in Abuja.

“The PGF not only finds this attitude condemnable but also demands the immediate opening of the lodge to enable it conduct its normal business.

“Similarly, the PGF notes with concern, several acts of intimidation of opposition parties by the state government and the PDP in Delta State in the recent run-off election.

“This is a very dangerous trend that cannot be allowed to continue because it has grave consequences on our democracy. Freedom of choice and right of association, which are enshrined in our Constitution and must therefore be allowed to flourish, and not

sacrificed for undue electoral advantage.

“We call on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to allow Nigerians to freely and fairly elect candidates of their choice in every part of the country.

“One of the most important lessons of Eid-el-Kabir is the need for patience and sacrifice. However, it is the view of the PGF that Nigerians have been asked to make painful sacrifices too often without anything to show for their patience.

“For that reason, it is time for Nigerians to demand better service, accountability and recompense for years of patience. It is our position that any government that fails to be accountable to the

electorates has lost its legitimacy.

“Sadly, Nigerians have been compelled to deal with lack of services, which has made life unbearable for all Nigerians and the resultant worsening security, poverty and unemployment situations in the country.

“Without question, any form of celebrations at this time should be marked by thoughts about our fellow countrymen and women that have lost their lives or livelihoods to one form of avoidable conflicts or disasters.

“The PGF appreciates that times are particularly difficult, and calls on Nigerians not to despair; hope is around the corner. We pledge to work with Nigerians towards finding and implementing poli-

cies that promote security of lives and property, employment generation and stimulation of economic activity so that all Nigerians would benefit from our human and materials resources and convert potentials to real benefits.

“Finally, the PGF assures Nigerians that we feel your pain and suffering and pledge to do everything we can within our powers to promote open and transparent governance at all levels, and work to develop our country based on policies and programmes that would promote security, end poverty, create jobs, guarantee the rights of every Nigerian as contained in the laws of the land.”

PRESENTATION: From left: Senator Bukola Saraki, former Kwara State governor, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, presenting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag to Moro Local Government chairmanship candidate, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Owolabi Ajibola in Ilorin.

Revocation of Kwankwaso’s plot vindictive —Kano Govt

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL

EDITOR, NORTH ANO—THE Kano State Gov ernment said yesterday it was studying the reported revocation of a plot of land allocated to the state governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, by the Federal Capital Territory, over alleged misapplication.

A top official of the administration, who spoke to Vanguard in confidence, said it was unheard of in the history of the FCT that a minister would single-handedly embark on revocation of plots properly allocated to allottees without any infraction.

The official, who did not want to be named, pointed out that it was also wrong for the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, to revoke plots of some targeted governors while they were away on religious pilgrimage.

The official said: “As we speak, my governor is outside the country and no notification has been

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given to him or any official of the Kano State Government on why it became imperative for the FCT to revoke the plot duly allocated to the governor.

“We are seriously disturbed by the way the FCT minister is politicising the issue of land allocation and revocation just to be seen as being supportive of his paymasters.

“What we are seeing is nothing

more than what el-Rufai calls kindergarten administration and it is becoming clear to all that the action is politically motivated and not driven by any altruistic motive.

“We challenge the FCT administration to publish what the governor has done to warrant the revocation of his plot if the motive is not politically induced.

Revocation of Kwankwaso’s 2,500-square metre plot is coming on the heels of the closure of

the Adamawa Governor’s Lodge, also in the urbane Maitama District of Abuja, where most powerful and influential Nigerians live and do business.

Although the FCT has sought to defend the action, many see it as a vendetta against the G7 governors, who took up issues against the leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party and broke away from the party on August 31, 2013.

Jonathan tasks EITI on crude oil theft

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BY BENAGANDE

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI, to do more to support efforts by the Federal Government to stop the exportation of stolen crude oil from Nigeria.

He spoke in Abuja during an audience with the Chairperson of EITI, Ms. Claire Short.

The President called on EITI to join the Federal Government in

working to ensure that refineries that receive stolen crude oil from Nigeria are identified and punished.

“The efforts of EITI in criminalizing ‘blood diamonds’ from African mines have helped in curtailing that illegal business.

I urge you to also support Nigeria as we confront the forces stealing Nigerian crude oil.

“The theft of crude oil from Nigeria involves the collusion of foreigners and the stolen crude is refined abroad. EITI can use its

mechanisms to help us track down the thieves and those who receive the stolen crude oil,” the President told Ms. Short.

President Jonathan who observed that Africa was losing a lot through leakages in the mining and extractive industry, also urged Ms. Short and her colleagues at EITI to help in ending the exploitation of Africans and African nations by multinational companies engaged in the extraction of the continent’s immense natural resources.

Lebanese remanded over N19m dud cheque

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

L

OKOJA—A Lebanese businessman in Nigeria was yesterday remanded at the Lokoja Prisons for allegedly issuing dud cheques to two Nigerians in a business deal.

Shahimi Talal, who owns Lama Cocoa Processing Nigeria Limited, is to remain at the Lokoja Prisons in Kogi State till December 2, when the court will rule on his bail application.

The Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had dragged the businessman before Justice Alaba Ajileye of the Kogi State High Court on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and issuing dud cheques.

The two offences contravene Section 1(1)a of the Advance Free Fraud and other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same law.

Talal, who is managing director of the firm, is alleged to have issued three cheques in the sums of N1.5 million and N8.5 million and N9 million respectively which were returned unpaid upon presentation by the duo of Arogundade Adedayo and Dele Kirin Samuel who had invested N27 million in the business with the hope of being paid with interest on maturity.

The court was told that apart from the bounced cheques, the two investors were not paid their interest as and when due, thereby subjecting them to further losses.

One of the charge count reads: “That you, Shaimi Talal, being the Managing Director of Lama Cocoa Processing Nig. Limited and Sharu Dynamics International Ltd. between May and September, 2008 at Obajana in the Lokoja Judicial Division of the High Court of Kogi State, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N10 million from one Kirin Dele under the false pretence that you are going to invest the said amount for him in Lama Cocoa Processing Nig. Limited and to pay him an interest of 10 per cent each monthly on the said principal sum invested, which you knew is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the EFCC Act of 2004.”

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 17

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NAUGURATING the organizing committee for the proposed Sovereign National Conference, President Goodluck Jonathan said: “I will, therefore, like to allay the fears of those who think the Conference will call the integrity of Nigeria into question. This National Discourse will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, and are too frequently ignored.” In spite of the non ambiguity of this brief, the chairman of the advisory committee, Dr. Femi Okurounmu, nevertheless commended the President for establishing no “no-go” areas for the committee.

One of the requirements of being the chairman of such an important committee is the ability to listen. Dr. Okurounmu apparently did not listen to the President.

In the brief the President gave him, there is a clearly defined “no-go” area. The conference is not to be about how to dismantle or break up Nigeria. The conference is about how to strengthen our union. The division of Nigeria is a “nogo” area. Those who asked for the conference conceptualized it as a Sovereign National Conference. That is entirely different from a conference of Nigeria’s nationalities.

Dismemberment of Nigeria That means for a start, people like Femi Fani-Kayode, who are calling for the dismemberment of Nigeria and the establishment of a Yoruba state, should not be included among the delegates to the conference. The Fani-Kayodes must be “no-go” delegates. That also means those who are still hankering after the establishment of a Biafran state should understand that the conference is not designed to actualize their dreams. The conference is designed to ensure that issues militating against a more perfect Nigerian union are addressed and put to rest.

Here are some of the issues that should be of major interest to the conference.

Inalienable rights: We need to agree on the inalienable rights of Nigerians. These should include the right to life and liberty; the right to free speech; the right to religious freedom; the right to live and work in any state of the federation without hindrance.

Issues before the sovereign national confab federalism. State governments currently receive roughly 26 percent of the federal budget, relative to roughly 52 percent for the federal government. The allocation to the states needs to go up considerably to between 30 and 35 percent.

The biggest corruption in Nigeria comes from the local governments. They receive roughly 20 percent of the budget and the councilors simply pocket most of the money. The activities and performance of the local government authorities in Nigeria have been dismal. There should be greater accountability structures put in place to ensure that the functions of the local governments are performed with little scope for embezzlement, and without undue interference from state governments.

National Constitution: The Nigerian constitution is a colonial document. The colonialists, in this case, were the military.

They seize power, abrogate the constitution, and then impose new ones that reflect their narrow points of view.

Thereby, they imprison the country in their inadequacies by instituting very stringent means by which the constitution can be amended.

The military constitution of Nigeria should be thrown out of the window. We, the people of Nigeria, need to sit down and write a Nigerian Constitution that truly reflects the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians. We should not have a

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By the end of the century, the U.N. projects that Nigeria’s population would be between 900 million and 1 billion, nearing that of China and making it the third largest country in the world

Resource control: A situation where some states generate scanty resources and, nevertheless, come forward every month with outstretched hands for money to be allocated to them from the proceeds of oil from the oil-states is unproductive and unacceptable.

There should be a tie-in clause between productivity and financial bailouts from the center. Some percentage of monies receivable must be matched by local income. Every means must be employed to discourage indolence. The Nigerian union must of necessity be an economically productive union.

Devolution of power: The centre is too strong. A lot of the power struggle for control of the presidency would recede with greater devolution of government to the states. It is clear now that the states are where the real action is. Whatever strides Nigeria is making today is coming mainly from the states. Therefore, there is need for further review of Nigeria’s fiscal

to spend all of our resources on paying salaries and for administrative purposes.

The United States is the richest country in the world. It has 300 million people but only 50 states. Nigeria is one of the poorer countries in the world. We have roughly half of the American population but fourfifths of the states. The United Sates has 100 senators; Nigeria has 109. This is wasteful.

The issue of state of origin should also be addressed. A Nigerian born in a state should be adjudged to belong to that state.

A Nigerian who lives in a state for more than a year should have a right to become an indigene of that state. That means he can vote and be voted for. This will go a long way to promote national cohesion.

Big government: The government of Nigeria is too big. A disproportionately large amount of money is spent just paying salaries. When CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi pointed out the need to down-size the civil-service, he was shouted down. But we cannot continue to waste over 70% of our income just on recurrent expenditure. Why for heaven’s sake, must we have 19 ministries with 36 ministers? In big United States, there are only 15. Why must we have Ministers and then Ministers of State?

What is the job of a Minister of Information?

Not many countries in the world have such a useless ministry.

Countries with far more resources than ours do not have half the size of the Nigerian Map of Nigeria government.

Oil-producing states: The oil-states Power-sharing: Certain designated public offices, such as the presidency and cannot continue to be made to suffer the vice-presidency, must be rotated among consequences of environmental the regions of the country on an equitable degradation and oil spillages without basis. The modalities for this process adequate national compensation. should be ironed out in the interest of national peace and security.

National National productivity: National compensation productivity should now take greater precedence over federal character. For the Adequate compensation must also be advancement of the Nigerian union, made for the fact that the oil comes from Nigeria has to become far more their area. In this regard, a 13 percent economically productive. derivation in the federal budget for the oil states is not enough. It should be at least Economic 20 percent percent. Such compensation decisions will encourage other states to look for resources in their own states and to benefit A situation where all emphasis is placed from them. Let the West re-energise cocoa on the division of the national cake and production once again. Let the groundnot on the baking and growing of the cake nut pyramids reappear in the North.

Conclusion: It is generally agreed that should no longer be acceptable.

The location of economic units should Nigeria is a frontier country with huge follow economic logic. Economic decisions potentials. Our tragedy is that we have cannot be subject to federal character if they failed to realise our potentials over the last are to make sense. If it is not advisable to 50 years. The next 50 years should not be use federal character to choose a national allowed to be the same as the last 50. We football team, neither should we use are fast running out of time.

By 2050, Nigeria’s population is federal character to determine the location projected by the United Nations to be 389 of a refinery.

If the Lagos-Ogun axis is the million, rivaling that of the United States powerhouse of Nigerian industrialization, at 403 million. By the end of the century, then that axis needs to be allocated a the U.N. projects that Nigeria’s population disproportionate amount of the electricity. would be between 900 million and 1 billion, If states create schemes to increase local nearing that of China and making it the electricity generation, they should be third largest country in the world.

Such a huge population offers great allocated the requisite increase in electrical power from the national grid. Everything promise for Nigeria if it can be harnessed should be geared towards the for economic growth and development, just determination of Nigeria to become an as happened in China. But it also portends advanced economic giant within the next great social upheavals if it is not more than matched by economic growth. The generation.

State-creation and origin: The issue of economic opportunities that are now further states-creation must be buried. opening up in Nigeria are unparalleled There are already too many states in anywhere in the world. It is time to take Nigeria. State creation cannot be based the Nigeria project seriously by mapping on the desire for access to wealth out how we can effectively leap-frog as a generated from elsewhere. State creation nation into the 21st century. The Sovereign must be based on economic viability and National Conference is a useful platform economic productivity. We cannot continue for doing precisely that.

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constitution imposed on the country through the illegality of a military coup.

One of the things that should be in the Nigerian Constitution is that the abrogation of the Constitution by a gang of soldiers is unlawful. Any group of soldiers that presume to abrogate the Constitution should be sentenced to life imprisonment whenever the Constitution is reestablished.

Fight against corruption: Corruption remains a major problem in Nigeria. It is an incubus that ravages virtually all aspects of the polity. However, there is near universal agreement that corruption should be fought vigorously. A situation where corrupt politicians hardly ever go to jail for stealing public finds in Nigeria needs to be redressed. This can be done through the creation of special courts to try public officers who are accused of embezzlement. Minimum years of imprisonment, such as seven years, should be imposed for those found guilty.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 HE state of the economy is discussed in muted tunes. Nigerians have not been parties to the economic decisions that they bear the brunt. Public funds are essentially seen as the property of those who preside over them.

Poor legislative oversights and the embarrassing refusal of the authorities to note the difference between public and private resources have resulted in economies that are States are still owed portions of their July, August and September allocations, projects in the pockets of the elected.

They have run matters as their personal in- are not being funded. Things are not getting clinations dictate. From the local govern- clearer as the controversies range about what ments, through the states to the federal, there has happened to the money.

Increase in oil theft is loudly blamed for the is hardly any difference in the management drop in revenue. Why is government unable of the economy.

Whatever the public has gleaned about the to stop oil theft? The Nigerian National Penational financial crisis is from the inability troleum Corporation, NNPC, gets generous of governments to pay bills, especially work- mentions about its opaque management of ers’ salaries that have been delayed in most oil funds, deciding when and what it pays into states. Oil sales that fuel the economy have the federation account.

NNPC always owes the federation account. been high. At a consistent price of over $100 The controversy is the exact figure. The Fedper barrel, the country is supposed to be doing well on the budget benchmark of $79 per eral Government’s connivance with NNPC barrel, with production steadily hitting over ensures accounts of the federation remain mysterious. Figures as high as N2.3 trillion, 2.4 million barrels per day.

Things have never been worse for a while. about half of the 2013 budget, have been men-

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Where’s our money?

tioned as unremitted NNPC obligations to the federation account.

There are cover-ups and the National Assembly is responsible for them. NNPC accounts should be audited. Section 85 (4) states: “The Auditor-General shall have power to conduct checks of all government statutory corporations, commissions, authorities, agencies, including all persons and bodies established by an Act of the National Assembly.”

Is NNPC not a statutory corporation? Does the provision exclude the Central Bank of Nigeria, which takes autonomy as a blank cheque for lawlessness?

Annually, since 1999, the National Assembly approves budgets for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Why has the National Assembly not held the Auditor-General responsible for not sanitising public accounts? Sub-section (5) expects National Assembly committees on public accounts to consider all public accounts.

Nigeria may not be broke, but its loose accounting, if not checked, would keep her perpetually poor, and under-developing.

OPINION

BY AHMAN SULEIMAN

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N the order of importance, housing comes third after food and air. Most governments in the modern times have been evaluated by their scorecards in these sectors.

Nigeria’s housing problem has been nagging for decades now. It is akin to a monster that has continued to rear its ugly heads irrespective of the temperature. Efforts of successive administrations in Nigeria, both military and civilian, to tackle it have so far hit the rock.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in his electioneering campaign, did not mince words in his determination to address the peculiar housing problems in Nigeria for good.

His administration has indeed demonstrated immensely its commitment towards providing affordable and qualitative shelters for Nigerians.

The Jonathan administration, via the National Housing Fund, has at the last count, completed over 61,800 housing units equitably spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country. This giant stride no doubt makes the present administration the most proactive in the history of Nigeria when it comes to the housing sector.

The administration, quite aware of the challenges posed by this sector, has seen that its efforts and dreams for adequate housing for the Nigerian citizenry can only be achieved through a private sector-driven participation to complement government’s efforts Commercial banks in Nigeria have also not helped matters when it comes to the housing sector. This is because they do not invest in long-term projects.

To crown the anticipated success stories of the MRC, and above all, the Federal Government, the World Bank, having evaluated the efforts of the Jonathan administration in the provision of housing for the citizenry, has agreed to support the government with investment of up to $300 million at zero interest.

The agency, which has become the flagship of President Jonathan’s pivot in providing Nigerians with adequate housing, has become more result-oriented and proactive,

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FMBN and the housing sector reforms and may simply be adjudged the pride of Nigeria’s housing institution.

The FMBN’s role in this sector has been significant because the bane of the housing sector in Nigeria from the onset has been access to funds. The gap has been abridged by the FMBN in the current dispensation.

The near moribund National Housing Fund, NHF, established by Act 3 of 1992, is now resuscitated to serve as the live-wire of the Jonathan administration in the provision of affordable housing for the citizenry. This is through its proper management and administration of the contributory savings scheme, which has continued to mobilize long-term funds from Nigerian workers, banks, insurance companies and the Federal Government to advance loans at soft interest rates to its contributors.

The scorecard of the Jonathan administration in the housing sector shows that there have been tremendous improvements. The improvements, which are the first of its kind, have propelled significant growth in the mortgage sector and aroused the interests of several international investors.

Apart from the NHF scheme, other themes that have come on board are expanding the Frontier of Mortgage Banking in Nigeria, review of the Housing Finance Sector in Nigeria within the global context, Financial Strategies to Boost Longterm Funding for the Sector and Technology Alternatives to aid Reduction in Housing Costs.

The significant achievements of the FMBN in the recent time are enormous. There has been a large scale automation of the bank’s operation to eliminate inefficiencies of the previous manual mode of operations. There is also an expansion of the coverage of mortgage services to the informal sector which constitutes about 85 per cent of the Nigerian working population. Probably, one major breakthrough of the FMBN in the present dispensation is its profitorientation posture, which has not been the case in the past 56

years. The NHF collection has also geometrically risen to almost 300% from the average monthly collection of N730 million to over N2.1 billion. Within 30 months in office, the NHF has posted over 53% of cumulative its collections of N110.79 since 1992.There has also been an unprecedented and sporadic improvement in NHF refund of contributions.

It grew by 196% from N990m to N1.94b within 30 months.

This is attributed to a 7,527% increase in the rate of monthly refunds from N440,000 to N33 million.

Statistics indicate that as at December 2010, only one transaction was recorded by the bank in the capital market being Series 1 - Mortgage-Backed Bond (MBB) N26 billion issued in May 2006. Between December 2010 and April 2013, however, two additional issuances under the MBB transaction totalling N32 billion were successfully concluded. These are Series 2 - MBB N6 billion issued in April 2013 and Series 3 MBB N26 billion issued in April 2013 (to refinance Series 1) Over the recent 30 months under review, N26.3 billion and N18.5 billion were disbursed as estate development (construction) and mortgage loans, respectively. This translates to 41.8% and 42%, respectively of the cumulative loans of N62.7 billion and N44 billion recorded in 257 months since commencement of the NHF scheme. By aggregation, the total disbursement of N44.8 billion recorded in the past 30 months constitutes 42% of the N106.7 billion to date.

The quantum of EDLs delivered 37,020 housing units, of which 10,015 [27%] was in the last 30 months. Also the quantum of approved NHF loans to deliver 21,974 mortgages, of which 6,800 [31%] were in the last 30 months.

May be one area that the Jonathan administration may look into is to recapitalise the FMBN to the tune of N100 billion to enable it to sustain the current tempo in the housing sector.

•Mr Suleiman, a built-environment expert, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—19

A

S we mark this year’s edition of World Standards Day, let us take some time to reflect on where we were before now in terms of our level of awareness with regards to product quality in the country, and where we are at this present time.

We can rightly conclude that we have come a long way in our quest for quality and standardisation, and we still have many miles yet to go in our journey towards excellence.

The issue of product quality and international standards was hitherto taken lightly and casually in many less-developed and developing nations, but the trend is rapidly changing to give way to a new dispensation of intentional standards awareness and quality consciousness.

Some years ago, while serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of May and Baker Plc, I was rudely awakened to the stark reality of how international standards could determine the fate of an entire organisation. With a heart burning with the desire to contribute further in the pharmaceutical world by taking our company’s products to a greater number of people through participating in international tenders, the company and I embarked on an unprecedented scale of activities targeted at achieving this goal.

In contrast to our earlier drive, our hopes and high aspirations

melted with each passing day, as we realised that the more we tried to succeed in international bids, the more we became aware of an underlying challenge which was not yet known to us. Our suspense became fact when we realised that the quality of the company ’s products, though of very high and internationally competitive standard, was not all that we needed to become successful players in the international bidding process. The production facility and by extension the products first had to be certified to meet the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, WHO. In response, we commenced the construction of a new, WHOstandard production facility for May and Baker Plc in Ota, Ogun State, with the aim of equipping this new plant with the necessary infrastructure needed for international standards to be met.

This landmark achievement was the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. The facility, which is now known as The Pharma Centre, was completed and commissioned in 2011 by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and is undergoing certification to meet the guidelines of the WHO. The end of the expedition was a sad-happy one for me. On one hand, I was sad that the products are yet to gain international acceptance, while on the other hand the experience provided me with the opportunity to learn a new requirement and a new way of doing bigger business. The

Today, manufactured products tested in Nigeria are not accepted anywhere; where they do, it would be on the terms of additional testing

,

principal requirement for international trade had been revealed: International standards was the watch word.

In my tenure as the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, I have once again, come face to face with this same situation, although on a higher scale, the national one. The scenarios may differ, but the underlying challenge remains the same. Today, manufactured products tested in Nigeria are not accepted anywhere. Where they do, it would be on the terms of additional testing by certified laboratories in other parts of the world. To a large extent and to the best of my knowledge, we may not yet boast of accredited laboratories in Nigeria.

International standards enhance environmental sustainability. These benefits and many more, attest to this year’s World Standards Day theme which is International Standards Ensure Positive Change.

The adoption and customisation of the theme to reflect the critical needs of the Nigerian economy, led

Dangers ahead

BY HAKEEM BABA-AHMED “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”Walt Kelly 1971

P

OLITICS is threatening the fragile Nigerian democratic process in a manner that is likely to create unprecedented levels of crises. Overheating the polity is the popular phrase Nigerian politicians like to use against opponents. In this context, this is an appropriate description of the cumulative effect of the utterances and manouvers of elected leaders and others with responsibility for managing the democratic process. At no time in its history has this nation needed more cohesion and consensus around vital matters on politics, governance and security at its leadership levels than now. Rather tragically, at no other time has the nation been more exposed to damaging absence of unity and commitment to national interests as it is today, 53 years since politicians quarrelled and squabbled over dates and duties, but settled around the fundamentals of political independence from the British.

It is difficult to see how the nation can be freed from the depth of despair and paralysis which its leaders have plunged it. Democracy is many things to many people, but at its barest minimum, it is a social framework for resolving basic human challenges such as conflicts over social goals, leadership and allocation of resources. It becomes a threat to social existence when its operation becomes the source of massive quarrels over leadership and security of communities and citizens. The failure of democratic institutions and leaders to resolve conflicts opens up the nation to opportunistic threats.

These compound the weaknesses of the state, and expose it to more serious threats.

Many things can, and do go wrong with democratic systems. Elected leaders fail to

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lead well, and nations pay a huge price for inept or corrupt leadership. Many elections are rigged, or widely disputed, and governments limp on through terms battling to justify mandates and acquire some credibility and influence. Voters and citizens are quick to judge, and difficult to please, so leaders are often stampeded into taking decisions or adopting policies which create solutions that compound problems.

Not all inter-related democratic institutions work well, or together, all the time. Failure of one or all to operate above the most minimal levels of integrity and competence compromise the entire system. Viruses such as corruption and endemic insecurity infect the entire system, and although nations can be substantially rid of corruption in vital organs of the state, this can only be achieved under very strong and committed leaders who enjoy high levels of support from critical political sectors, and who operate within a consensus framework that identifies the fight against them as national priorities.

Precisely because democratic systems are both instruments for conflict resolution and sources of conflict, they are designed to operate with flexibility and adaptability.

Values which keep the system working include broad and sustainable consensus among the political elite over the mode and goals of exercising power; inclusiveness which reduce the potential damage of partisanship and vulnerability and weaknesses of those without power; respect for laws and rules for political competition and the deployment of political power; and above all, a recognition of the fact that power does belong to the people, and the people have interests that transcend those of politicians at any time.

The Nigerian democratic system is gradually losing all the elements which should make it work. The damaging quarrels within the Peoples Democratic

to a supporting theme, which is, "International Standards: A Wheel of Transformation". Every sector in Nigeria has a uniform challenge in the area of standards.

Under this realisation, SON successfully brought down the level of substandard goods in the Nigerian market from a frightening 85% to below 50%. In May 2013, with the approval and active support of the honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, SON inaugurated a committee to midwife a National Accreditation Body with the aim of ensuring accreditation of products were done based on global standards.

The committee will facilitate persistent monitoring of the market to ensure adherence to global best practices.

Sequel to this, the National Quality Policy Committee was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister on September 26, 2013 in Abuja. This committee aims to nurture and grow the practice of standards as a way of national life. With a clear definition of government’s commitment to create the environment that promotes best quality practices in all sectors of the economy, and an obligation to develop strong quality infrastructure through strengthening and upgrading metrology, standardisation, testing and conformity assessment, formulation and effective enforcement of technical regulations, the committee lies strategically in the development of a quality creed in the country.

All stakeholders will collectively work to ensure the entrenchment of true standards in every area of endeavour, so as to facilitate Nigeria’s ability to fully benefit

,

BY JOSEPH IKEM ODUMODU

,

International Standards: A wheel of transformation

With incumbency, massive resources, control of security assets of the nation and a morbid fear of life in defeat, Jonathan’s people will throw everything into the fray for another term

,

Party, PDP, represent a disastrous failure of a major pillar which supports elite consensus, and both for good and evil, has kept the quarrelsome and cumbersome democratic system in Nigeria ticking since 1999. The edifice which has provided a platform for power sharing and economic appropriation by the largest segment of the elite is being assaulted by a leadership which appears bent on destroying the legacies of the party. These legacies include the creation of a broad elite concesus around a Yoruba president in 1999; the creation of expertise and competence around the manipulation of the electoral process which got more sophisticated with every election; the generation of sufficient levels of elite support and commitment to stick together in spite of serious assaults from the opposition; the establishment of a veritable resource base which target and manipulate ethno-religious and other security faultlines of the nation towards retaining power; and huge experiences in the use of state resources to weaken the opposition and compromise other vital organs of the democratic process, such as the judiciary and the legislature.

This party which had pulled many chestnuts out of its own fire now seems incapable of overcoming its problems. It appears to have boxed itself into a corner, and there is very little room for manoeuvre.

from international bilateral agreements and trade relations.

Physical infrastructure has not been left untouched, as SON’s laboratories in Enugu, Kaduna and Lekki in Lagos have been refurbished.

A landmark achievement was witnessed on October 3, 2013 when Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commissioned a four-storey, world class laboratory facility which is under construction by our agency, and is located in Ogba, Lagos State. This awesome project is a direct response to a long-standing key requirement of direct participation in international trade, as it is endowed with 20 modern laboratories comprising testing rooms, training rooms with diverse administrative functions; a research faculty for the activity of research organisations; conference rooms and facilities for support staff.

Such infrastructure will put an end to samples of products imported into Nigeria being taken out for testing in laboratories in Ghana and South Africa. The laboratory, which will be ready in 2014 will ensure that goods produced in Nigeria are within the borders of the country tested once, certified once and accepted everywhere in the world. Imported goods will also be tested and in a reverse of current practice, testing services will be rendered here in Nigeria to other nations that do not have such testing facilities. *Dr. Odumodu is the DirectorGeneral of SON and President of Africa Organisation for Standardisation.

President Jonathan, whose candidature for the 2015 elections is at the heart of the battle cannot step back, or out. He has to run in 2015 because not doing so will expose him as weak and intimidated by Northern pressure. He will be powerless for the rest of his presidency, and will be fair game beyond 2015. His considerable army of beneficiaries will not hear of it anyway. Where will they go with their largess after 2015? What will be their fate under a different administration which may have a huge appetite for inquiring into the management of national resources under this administration?

Without Jonathan in power beyond 2015, what will be the fate and role of the new billionaires from the Niger Delta who have the nation’s substantial oil and gas assets in their custody today?

If Jonathan does run, the split in his party will be well and truly sealed. The PDP governors who are rebelling against his ambition will have nowhere to run under a new and improved Jonathan, post 2015. He won’t run without winning, whatever the ballots say. A stronger opposition and the rump of the PDP rebels can defeat him, provided there is a credible election in 2015.

But the stakes will be too high to be left to the electoral process to decide. With incumbency, massive resources, control of security assets of the nation and a morbid fear of life in defeat, Jonathan’s people will throw everything into the fray for another term.

The opposition will also fight like it has never fought before. Starting from those rebelling against his ambitions in 2015, it is becoming clear by the day that an acceptance of reconciliation on their part will amount to the most foolhardy capitulation. It will say only one thing: they are now well and truly part of his plans for another term in 2015.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 *Dr Ahmed, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 21

Nigeria Internet Group seeks establishment of ICT research fund

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he President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr. Bayo Banjo, has urged the Federal Government to establish a research fund for the development of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the fund would support local technologists and savvy ICT individuals to improve and commercialise their works.

“Nigeria should establish a national science foundation, a national science technology innovation fund or a national research fund for research and development,’’ he said.

Banjo said the Federal Government should institute the fund so that all sectors of ICT such as hardware engineering and software development would benefit from it.

“The government and the private sector, which are involved in sponsoring tertiary institutions, should also ensure that all ICT institutions are better funded.’’

Banjo also urged all ICT institutions in the country to provide wellequipped laboratories and ensure that only qualified lectures were employed.

“This can only happen if the Federal Government shows the political will to invest more in science and technology and ICT,” he said.

He urged the government and stakeholders to organise workshops, seminars and exhibitions to showcase the country’s potential in technological development to the world as well as improve the profitability of local ICT products.

116.85

+2.45

2,744.00

+15.00

18.63

0.04

110.06 +0.38 101.78 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR 154.77 247.2451 POUNDS EURO 210.0384 FRANC 166.4336 YEN 1.5737 CFA 0.3003 WAUA 236.4638 RENMINBI 25.285 RIYA 41.2665 KRONA 28.1554 SDR 237.4791

-1.23 SELLING

155.27 248.0438 210.7169

155.77

171.0022 1.5787

171.5529 1.5838

211.3955

0.3103

0.3203 237.9916

25.3671

25.4493 41.5331

238.2463

Unemployment: Expert urges more investment in human capital

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

A

business consultant, Gregory Azemebor, has urged the federal government to invest more in human capital development in order to tackle the menace of unemployment in Nigeria.

He stated this while speaking to Vanguard on the sideline of a Youth Empowerment Seminar organised by Wealth Academy Global Initiatives in Lagos.

He said government needed to take a critical look into the unemployment problem in the country by investing more in the creative potential of people to make them problem solvers and job creators.

According to him, “It is high time government looks into effective human capital development. And that has to do with quality education and of course we must as a matter of urgency carry out a surgical operation on our current school curriculum. We must begin to have a school system that sees education as a training of the mind to solve problems not to memorize

28.3373 239.0135

CBN Exchange rate as at 11/10/2013

facts. We must begin to redirect the paradigm of our educational system to empower the creative capacity of people to solve problems.”

Azemebor, who is also the founder of Voice of Change Initiative, a non-governmental organisaton, noted that there are countless opportunities for self employment in the country but laments the inability of young people to exploit such opportunities due to poor training in schools.

“There are no real employment problems in the country. What we have is scarcity of paid employments. The reason is because we do not have enough entrepreneurs because it is entrepreneurs that create paid employments. But as far as opportunities for self employments are concerned, they are in abundance. There are lots of problems to solve in Nigeria. In that regard you discover that the only challenge we have is that people are not trained to become self employed. People are trained to take up paid employments and there must be a paradigm shift. And that means that we must have a school system that

trains people to begin to use the power of their minds to develop solutions in the form of products and services to solve problems in Nigeria that we can even export,” he said.

He however enjoined graduates who are still in search of jobs to embrace the reality of labour market and acquire skills that will enable them become self employed and create jobs.

“Graduates should be frank with themselves because a situation where you see the reality and you still pretend as if it is not there is self deceit. They need to understand the reality of the labour market.

There are no paid employments out there but they should not lose hope. Because, if there are no paid employments, it means there are opportunities for self employments,” he said.

He added that, “They should understand that their real schooling starts from the day they graduated from school, because the challenge now is for them to create jobs for themselves since there are no jobs out there.”

Maritime security, flood control tops agenda at Nigeria, Netherlands business dialogue Royal Netherlands Navy and its

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

248.8426

237.2277

41.3998 28.2463

LAUNCHING: From left: Executive Director, Burj Petroleum Corporation, Dubai, UAE, Engr. Henry Henry with the General Manager, International Patient Services, Apollo Hospitals, Mr. Jithu Jose and the Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Khrisna Hariprasad, at the launch of Apollo Global Doctors Network-West Africa, in Lagos.

T

he Kingdom of Netherlands and Nigeria will engage in a business dialogue where Nigeria will be exposed to dynamics of flood control and maritime security.

This will be made possible when the Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Rotterdam visits Lagos as part of the military exercise ‘African Winds 2013’ from

15 to 19 October, 2013.

The HNLMS Rotterdam will conduct joint trainings with African partners, and also function as a platform for high level business events in West Africa’s main ports, presenting opportunities for African, as well as Dutch businesses, thus increasing regional prosperity.

In addition, the ‘African Winds 2013’ deployment highlights the importance of regional security, as served by the

international partners.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, H.E. John C.M. Groffen, says, “For the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, strengthening our bilateral economic ties is a top priority. This visit is characterised by the combined focus of strong economic relations, and constructive cooperation in the field of regional security. These are core topics of this Embassy.”

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Beware of ‘One-Chance Investment’

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

O

ne of the noticeable features of complaints received from investors over time is that many have fallen victim of what can be described as ‘one-chance investment’.

For the benefit of those not familiar with the term onechance, it is a term created by commercial busses in Lagos.

For example, when 13 passengers have boarded a 14 seater commercial bus, the bus conductor, in a bid to attract the last passenger will began to shout, “ Oshodi, Oshodi, onechance”. Meaning it remains just one more seat to be occupied. If you are in a hurry, you would quickly jump in, so as to save time. But later on, fraudsters using commercial busses to operate began to use the term. The fraudsters would occupy 13 spaces, using the last space (one-chance) as bait.

Once the unsuspected passenger hops in, the fraudster-filled bus takes off, and somewhere in the middle of the journey, the unlucky passenger is robbed. Hence the term, one-chance became synonymous with fraud in Nigeria.

There are also one-chance investments, and many have fallen victim, not only in the capital market, but also in the financial sector generally. Onechance investment is an investment where the investor

is dealing with and depends on just one person for investment transactions. Onechance investment comes in various forms and shades, but it is the deliberately ignorant investor that usually falls victim.

The commonest type is the one perpetrated by fraudulent staff of companies floating shares or an investment scheme. Recall that during the boom in the capital market, there were deluge of share

offerings and investment schemes. Most times, the companies behind these offers send out staff to market the offers, or sometimes contract other companies as agents to market the offers. So, the staff of either the company selling shares or its agents go out, (to traders, artisans e.t.c) encouraging them to invest.

What some people erroneously did is that they just give the money to the staff, complete the offer application forms and go

to sleep or just rely on the staff for update on their investment.

But some of the marketing staff with fraudulent mindset, once they are sure that the investor is so ignorant and rely on them for updates, they just pocket the cash, and give the investor falsified documents as evidence of investment.

Sometimes, an individual with some knowledge of the market sets up a company, not a stockbroking company, but an investment advisory

BELL RINGING CEREMONY: Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke (left), and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, at the Bell Ringing Ceremony at the Exchange, in Lagos.

company. There operation is to offer assistance to individuals vis-à-vis buying and selling shares. They don’t go to the educated and enlightened individuals, but the unenlighten people. They convince them about the benefits of shares and promise to assist them with respect to the processes and procedures.

So, these people hand over their money and rely on the investment adviser for updates.

There are many cases of these investment advisers playing games with the investors’ money and eventually bolting away. Another type of onechance investment is perpetrated by fraudulent staff of stockbroking firms. They encourage the investor to give them the cash, or the investor in an attempt to escape the inconvenience of going to the bank to pay into the account of the firm, prefers to hand-over the cash to the staff of the stockbroking firm. In a lot of cases, the staff uses the cash to help themselves and generate reasons for the investor why the shares have not been bought.

And many have fallen victims and most of the victims are resident outside the major cities. How do you avoid falling victim of one-chance investment? Or if you have fallen victim, or you think you have made a one-chance investment, what can you do?

Watch out for the next edition next week.

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

N the top ten performing stocks last week were International Energy Insurance Company Plc, IEI, Forte Oil Plc, Wema Bank

Plc, UTC Nig. Plc, John Holt plc and AshakaCem Plc. The rest were Wapic Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Mobil Oil Plc and Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. International Energy Insurance, which was the second top gainer in the penultimate week, appreciated by 32.39 percent or N0.23 to lead the gainers. It started the week at N0.71 and closed at N0.94 per share. IEI is one of the few insurance stocks that has broken into the two digit (in terms of share price)

region after the blow dealt on the sector by 2008 meltdown.

Available financial result for the year ended 2011 indicated a loss after tax of N4.7 billion. It also reported a much lower Gross Premium Earned of N5.28billion in 2011 compared to N5.34billion in 2010. The result showed that total assets nose-dived from N8.9billion to N3.7billion.

Forte Oil Plc advanced by 21.89 percent or N8.62 from N39.38 it started the week at to N48.00. Forte Oil is one of the companies that successfully acquired one of the generating plants in the recent privatisation exercise of the power sector by Bureau of Public Enterprise, where it secured ownership of 434MW Geregu Power Plant.

The company recently revealed plans to extend its operation to other West African markets including Liberia, Togo, Sierre Leone, Chad and Niger Republic. The half-year financial statement for the period ended 31st

June, 2013, showed 63 percent increase in profit after tax to N1.39 billion from N855.64 million in 2012, while revenue for the same period rose by 21 percent to N59.69 billion as against N49.7 million in the

same period of 2012. The stock price has witnessed tremendous improvement within the year as it has risen by huge 520.96 percent from N7.73 to the present market price.

Wema Bank followed with 19.61 percent or N0.20 price appreciation from N1.02 to N1.22. Following a successful Tier 1 capital raising exercise where it raised N40 billion, the bank said it would seek regulatory approval to upgrade to a national bank status. It presently

operates as a full-fledged commercial bank in two contiguous geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory. Wema Bank closed the 2012 financial year with net loans and advances of N73.75 billion. It recorded a 9.6 percent growth in loan volumes in the 2012 financial year, while nonperforming loan ratio was down from 15 percent to 14 percent.

Gross Earnings increased by 19 percent to N30.4 billion from ?25.6 billion in 2011 largely driven by income from money market investments (Treasury Bills and Placements). The bank’s Net interest margin averaged eight percent in the 2012 financial year; this was down from the peak of 8.9 percent in 2011. The bank projects profit before tax of N1.757 billion, N2.734 billion, N4.515 billion, N11.768 billion and N24.17 billion for the years ending 31 December 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 in that order. So far, the stock

price has risen by 144 percent from 50kobo at the beginning of the year to current market price. It had risen to N1.88 per

share before slowing down again.

UTC, a leading processor and marketer of meat and baked products advanced by 14.75 percent or N0.09 from N0.61 to N0.70. , UTC is the market leader within the food sector across the Nigerian market. So far, the share price has risen by marginally by 40 percent from 50kobo year low to the current market price.

John Holt added 14.04 percent or N0.16 to its share price to close at N1.30 from N1.14; Wapic Insurance appreciated by 12.94 percent or N0.11 from N0.85 to N0.96.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 23

INVESTORS SPEAK

SEC should ensure proper utilisation of newly acquired Growth Fund Hannah Isibor, Paul Metu & Zino Magbegor Elder Ade Oduntun: I think it will bring about more investments. This is a civilized country, and we need to enlighten people. Even SEC has told us that it needs so many shareholders’ associations; that the ones in existence are not enough. With the international Growth Fund it has acquired, we only pray that it would be used for the purpose it is meant for, which is for the development of the capital market.

It will not make sense if they keep acquiring fund and we don’t seeing the benefits of the fund.

Mr. Boniface Okezie: Well for me, if they’ve acquired an international Growth Fund, it depends on those deploying the money if it is meant for the purpose of the capital market? If it’s not meant for the capital market, then there’s no way it can boost the capital market. We’ve not seen any money deployed. Who is managing the fund? I ask because SEC keeps talking about foreign investors even though the market is nose-diving on a daily basis. Few months ago, the market went up and we thought that it has bounced back

probably because of the return of the so-called foreign investors, who are not real investors anyway, because once they see about 30 to 40 percent price increase, they will sell and go back to their country and the market keeps suffering.

What SEC should be talking of is how we can

cannot comment much on that. Is it a fund that Nigerians can have access to? Or is it for institutional investors? Or is it a pension fund? SEC should define the role of the fund, otherwise there’s no way it can boost the market. (Mr. Boniface Okezie is the president of P r o g r e s s i v e Shareholders Association of Nigeria)

Pastor Williams Adebayo: I don’t have much to say, just that the reason why they acquired the fund should be seen with the growth of the capital *Boniface Okezie *Pastor William Adebayo market as evidence. It will be useless to get fund and then the get retail and local investors back into enlightenment campaign so as to win the market? These are the people who Nigerians back into the capital market fund remains unfruitful. If the market stay for long, unless something serious because that’s the only way the market is not stable, there’s no improved happens that will warrant them to sell can be sustained. Initially, when the efficiency and transparency from the off their shares. You will hardly see a market was emerging, I asked them governing council; we don’t have Nigerian shareholder dispose his or ‘’is it sustainable?’’ that’s the question investors’ protection, policies, her investments because they invest for I put across. It’s not sustainable. Yes regulations and infrastructure which a long time. The reason why they the market can nose-dive, that’s what are required in order to encourage invested is to be able to reap dividend; makes it a capital market. It cannot be people to invest are not there, then the some of them can afford to sell their stable all the time but then again, it acquisition of the fund will be bonuses and retain the main principal cannot continue on the magnitude at meaningless. Let them acquire, but let investment. But with the foreign which it’s going today. If things are us see the growth in the capital market investors, it’s not the same. The market running well in the capital market, let since it’s because of growth that the is nose-diving because of profit taking; the Growth Fund be deployed; let us fund was acquired.(Pastor Williams people are maximising their see the impact how it’s going to affect Adebayo is the president of Greenwich opportunity. So, SEC needs to have the market. Until that happens, I Shareholders Association of Nigeria)

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS Kudos to Vanguard Investors Forum Dear Investors Forum, thank you so much for championing my struggle to have DataMax Registrars pay my controverted GTB dividend. Your publication of my case in the Vanguard edition of Tuesday, Sept. 17 woke them up from their reverie of false sense of victory over me. After a flurry of telephone calls following the publication, DataMax finally admitted their crime or offence or error and lodged my money on Friday last week.

Yes! Vanguard’s ink of altruism has proven mightier than DataMax’s sleight of the accounting pen! I can truly, deeply appreciate you for I am in the news media myself; I work for a private TV station in Anambra State. I can’t thank you enough, my brethren, our print media ambassadors. God bless u all. -UDENTA CHRIS C. I need update on Oceanic Bank shares I bought Oceanic Bank shares dated 5th March, 2007 and after a year, they sent my share certificate to me. But, as I am writing to you, I have not gotten any information regarding my shareholding i.e. no dividend, no bonus. (Oloyede Akinkunmi Amos Adigun) Investors Forum Oceanic Bank was acquired by Ecobank Plc. For information on the status of your shareholding contact

ESL Registrars Ltd, 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. 08034550924, 07042952312 I need update on DVCF Oil & Gas I bought shares from DVCF Oil and Gas Fund six years ago. Till now, I have not heard from them. ( Egbonodje E.D from Ughelli).

Investors Forum Please contact Deap Capital, the company that floated and operates the Fund. It is located on 14TH Floor, Saint Nicholas Building, 6 Catholic street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Tel: 01-4622755 or 014622756. Meanwhile, both Deap Capital and DVCF are being investigated by the SEC over alleged mismanagement of clients’ funds.

No certificate from Transcorp My wife and I bought some shares from Transcorp when it floated its shares for the first time sometime ago.

We have not received our certificates or any dividends from them till date.

Please help. (William K. Mensah & Mrs. Olufunke A. Mensah) Investors Forum You need to first verify if indeed you are a registered shareholder of the company. But note that the company is yet to declare dividend since its initial public offer. Please contact Africa Prudential Registrars Plc at

220B, Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove, Lagos. You can call 01-8401153, 018931501, and 01-4606460 or send message to info africaprudentialregistrars.com.

No communication from Linkage Assurance Plc I have shares with Linkage Assurance Plc since 2005, but I have not seen anything. No message, call, or dividend has come to me. Also I invested with mutual foreign Exchange investment scheme since 2009 but up till now no interest, no capital.

Similarly I have Zenith Bank shares but no dividend up till now.

Investors Forum If you have shares of any company and you have not received any communication from the company, you should contact the registrar of the company. For Linkage Assurance Plc, contact Diamond Securities Limited via Diamond Securities, 33B Cameron Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. For Zenith Bank, contact Zenith Registrars Limited at Plot 89 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos. Tel: 234-12708930-4.

E-mail: enquiry@zenithregistrars.com Guinness, PZ has stopped my dividend For some time now, I have not received my dividend from both P.Z. Industries (Cusson) Plc Ilupeju Lagos and Guinness Nig.Plc Ikeja. Please I

want to know if my shares with the two companies have been wished away. I received my dividend from P.Z. Industries last on 6th Dec 2004 while that of Guiness Nig.Plc was on 8th Dec 2010. (S.O.C Okoroego) Investors Forum If you changed address and did not inform the registrars, they may still be sending the dividend to your formal address. But if you did not change address, we suspect foul play. Contact the registrars of the companies to verify the status of the dividend. For Guinness, contact Zenith Registrars Limited at Plot 89 Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-2708930-4. E-mail: enquiry@zenithregistrars.com For PZ Industries contact First Registrars, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 08033018295, 08191410456

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Nigeria loses $32m daily as Shell shuts in 300,000 barrels … Declares force majeure on Bonny light exports

N

igeria is losing up to $32.1million (N5.13 billion) daily for as long as the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd, SPDC, shuts in up to 300,000 barrels of oil per day from repeated closures of two key pipelines.

At the cost of $107 per barrel, at the international market, it means that the Federal Government apart losing $32.1million daily, may not be able to fully execute its capital budget for the rest of the year, or even save up enough for the 2014 financial projections, already under deliberations.

This is because under the shareholding structure, government with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as the concessionaire, bears 55 percent of these losses, which amounts to $18.15million daily.

Shell blamed the production deferment on the increasing trend of crude oil theft, which has witnessed multiple production deferment by different oil majors since the year began.

As a result, the oil major has declared force majeure on its Bonny Light exports effective from noon (Nigerian time),

October 10, due to production deferment from leaks observed on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) at B-Dere, Nonwa – Tai and Bodo West.

A statement from Shell said it conducted an investigation visit on Friday, comprising regulators, SPDC and members of the community and

discovered that the spill at BDere was caused by unknown persons who drilled holes on the line. Similar investigation visits are being organised for Nonwa – Tai and Bodo West.

“The entire TNP system, comprising the 24-inch and 28-inch has been closed down at least five times since early

July this year due to multiple leaks from crude theft connections. The downstream section of Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL) between San Barth and Bonny was reopened on August 6, after the removal of 60 crude theft points, but was shut again in September, with the discovery of seven additional connections. Repair of the line is progressing,” the statement said.

Shell also complained that a total of 189 crude theft points have been repaired on the TNP and NCTL between January and September this year.

DPR tasks staff on safety, regulations From left: Amina Oyagbola, Human Resources Manager, MTN Nigeria, Julius OmodayoOwotuga, Group Chief Financial Officer, Forte Oil, Michael Ikpoki, CEO MTN, Akin Akinfemiwa, Forte Oil GCEO, and T’sola Barrow, Sales Director, MTN, at the launch of Forte Oil and MTN partnership, held at Forte Oil Service Station, Ikoyi, Lagos.

NERC warns investors against transfer of power licences …To screen executive officials, new shareholders

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

he Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has warned investors in the power sector against ceding their licenses, transferring their undertaking and changing their ownership structure without securing the necessary approval.

The NERC, in a circular obtained by Vanguard, also stated that henceforth, individuals interested in occupying an executive management position in a licensed power firm as well as individuals interested in acquiring a minimum of five per cent stake in any of the licensed power firms will be made to undergo a strict screening procedure.

“We’re dealing with a social tragedy, an environmental crisis and a sad waste of resources,” said SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu.

“We find it difficult to safely operate our pipelines without having to shut them frequently to prevent leaks from illegal connections impacting the environment. Ironically, it appears the crude thieves use repair windows to prepare and quickly launch fresh illegal connections when we restart production.

“While SPDC continues to play its part in combating crude oil theft by amongst other things, increasing surveillance of pipelines and organising daily helicopter over-flights of pipeline routes, the experience of the past few months requires more concerted efforts by all stakeholders, including Government and communities, to address what is turning out to be a dangerous development in the Niger Delta.”

This, the NERC said, is to prevent technical and managerial deficiencies that might harm the power sector in the long run.

The NERC also issued guidelines for the transfer of undertaking and change in shareholding of licensed entities, saying henceforth, all present and future applications or requests for approval for such purposes shall be in strict accordance with its recently released requirements.

Quoting Section 69 (1) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, Dr. Sam Amadi, Chief Executive Officer, NERC, who signed the circular, said: “A licensee shall not, except as provided in section 26(7) assign or cede his license or transfer his undertaking, or any part thereof, by way of sale,

mortgage, lease, exchange or otherwise without the prior consent of the Commission, provided that, should the Commission determine that in any instance the circumstances so require, it may establish licence terms and conditions providing its specific or general consent for any or all of the foregoing.”

The NERC also warned licensees against acquiring the license or undertaking of another company or person in the business of electricity generation, transmission, distribution, trading or systems operation.

To prevent these, therefore, the NERC issued a number of guidelines stipulating the ‘Requirements for approval of assignment/ceding of licenses, Transfer of undertaking and

changes in the shareholding of licensed entities.’

Others are: The know Your Licensee (KYL) Forms; Curriculum Vitae Forms for executive management staff and the Asset and liability declaration form.

The NERC also introduced a ‘Fit and Proper Principles’ and ‘Assessment criteria for Fit and Proper Persons’, for individuals interested in operating and occupying certain positions in the power sector.

According to the NERC, the ‘Fit and Proper Principles’ and the ‘Assessment Criteria’ are for persons interested in undertaking any regulated activity and are parts of the necessary frameworks to effectively regulate the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.

T

he Director of Petroleum Resources, Mr. George Osahon has advised staff of the regulatory agency to mandatorily comply with safety laws, regulations, standards and procedures as part of their personal responsibility.

Osahon, who stated this at the launch of the 2013 DPR HSE week in Lagos recently, also noted that health, safety and environment are as critical as other core industry businesses like exploration and production.

Therefore, DPR as industry regulators must demonstrate good example in HSE practice, adding that the theme of the HSE week, “Improving Personal Safety in the work Place,” should be imbibed by staff in their work culture so as to guarantee overall safety.

He declared that HSE in DPR is a core value which must guide in helping the Department deliver on Government’s aspirations for the Oil and Gas Industry.

Osahon also gave the assurance that management will continue to provide resources to ensure that Health, Safety and Security of staff are protected at all times and appealed for active participation in the weeklong activities.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,OCTOBER 15, 2013—25

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA- MINISTER of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Musa Sada, said about 500 million metric tonnes of the nation’s iron ore is quoted on the Australian Stock Exchange, ASE, according to a data recently released.

The Minister disclosed this at the inauguration of the Inter-ministerial Committee on the KCM Mining Company, scoping studies on rail and waterways infrastructure for the Agbaja mining site, Kogi State.

He said the information was made available to the government by KCM Mining Company following a maiden, Joint Ore Reserve Committee, JORC resource announced at the Australian Stock Exchange.

Sada said: “Messrs. KCM Mining Limited is an Australian firm that has extensively carried out exploration activities in its Exploration License No. EL1212, in Agbaja, Kogi State.

“The firm has drilled over 600 boreholes and processed over 1,700 samples. It has recently announced a maiden Joint Ore Reserve Committee, JOCR, resource of about 500 million metric tonnes of iron ore at the Australian Stock exchange.

“The quantity is obtained from only 18 per cent of the Agbaja Plateau Project area.

The firm is now proceeding to prepare the necessary studies for final project development.

It is expected that the mine will last for 20 years at a production rate of 20 metric tonnes per annum.”

Meanwhile, Sada said the inauguration of the 9-man committee, which is chaired

by Mr. Abdullahi and cochairman, Mr. Barau Gafai, was to place the mining sector in its proper place in the economic development of the country, as government was doing everything to diversify the economy.

He said the ministry was collaborating with the Ministry of Transport in line with the current effort by the government to initiate a master plan that will transform the sector.

“I had said earlier that we will collaborate with Ministry of Transport, and also discuss with operators in the industry in line with the current effort

by Federal Government to evolve a National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).

NIGERIA - Cold Facts of Crude Oil Theft FELIX AYANRUOH

T

here is a troubling, perceived pertinacious inaction by the government to curb the problem of oil theft that is bedeviling our nation’s economy. According to the London-based research group - Chatham House, “Oil is being stolen on an ‘industrial scale’ in Nigeria, the world’s 13th largest producer, and the country’s politicians and security officials are among those profiting...” The group went further, by stating that an estimated average of 100,000 barrels are stolen daily, and that by a hypothetical perbarrel price of $100 would mean an annual loss of $3.65 billion.

It’s as if very little was learned during those forlorn years of debilitating confines of the oil subsidy scam. It is common knowledge that billions were paid and are being paid for services not rendered, the effect of which is still strangulating the economy. Forget about the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a panacea to the industry shortcomings and its proposals to shore up the nation’s economy, or protect the environment, or do something real about human rights abuse in the oil producing region. The question is what has been or can be done to curb this crisis now.

Many have attributed the major cause of crude oil theft to pipeline vandalism. As to the root cause of our nation losing $3.65 billion annually

,

Nigeria’s iron ore quoted on ASE

Shell, lost $700 million in second quarter 2013, due to crude theft is incorrect.

The statement went on to indicate that the actual amount lost to o p e r a t i o n a l difficulties in Nigeria was $250 million.

The popular narrative of crude oil theft as it affects the country today is not entirely true. Its focus is too narrow when it seeks to hold the J o n a t h a n administration as the sole culprit. Such a narrow focus fails to account for the astonishing impact from previous administrations. Yes, the impact is getting worse because of stakeholders who are not just shortsighted but at times embarrassingly incompetent and corrupt.

And, yes, we now have an administration that for the first time is doing something about this problem. Few people say it today, but Goodluck Jonathan is the first Nigerian president to really use the levers of the Presidency to try to correct the problems in the energy sector – from power sector reform, oil subsidy scam prosecution, and a national gas plan to the PIB. However, a lot needs to be done when it comes to fighting the problem of crude oil theft.

Suffice to state the solution to this problem requires both national and international efforts. It is noteworthy that the European Union, in this regard, is putting in motion a procedure that will require sellers of stolen crude to produce the certificate of the origin for their products.

Oil is being stolen on an ‘industrial scale’ in Nigeria, the world’s 13th largest producer, and the country’s politicians and security officials are among those profiting...

,

to oil theft, this assertion begs the question. The problem of oil theft is more than pipeline vandalism. As reported by Chatham House and the Ribadu committee, the problem transcends pipeline vandalism.

We don’t hear a lot that is serious about the real cause of the problem or what

stakeholders in the industry are doing to stem this endemic disease that is ravaging the nation’s economy. Crude oil theft involves a convoluted and complex web of relationships, spanning all levels of the society – involving diverse relationships.

These relationships are alleged to include highly connected people in and outside government (members of the executive and legislative arms of government), oil companies including (Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC) businessmen, retired and serving military officers, and militants among others.

Also, it has been alleged and corroborated by some that some of the figures out there – oil theft is unrealistic and exaggerated. Take for example Shell Nigeria recent rebuttal of claims that its parent company, Royal Dutch

FG records success in Zamfara lead poisoning

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA- THE Federal Government said its intervention in the Zamfara State lead poisoning has yielded remarkable achievements since 2010, when it carried out the cleaning of the affected areas.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Linus Awute, said the intervention made by the government in the areas of environmental remediation and sensitisation on safer mining practice, and treatment of the affected victims have brought relief to the affected communities by lead poisoning.

Awute said: “We are scaling up our programme of sensitisation on safer mining

to prevent future occurrence of lead poisoning in Zamfara State and in other states of the country. Accordingly, we have lined up some ambitious programmes for the effective implementation of our work plan on a sustainable basis.

“The Ministry ’s 2013 budget has a funding window for use in widening the scope of our mining extension services and inspectorate activities which are on-going.

“The Ministry has plans in its future budgets to extend the safer mining programme to other states of the federation beyond Zamfara State to build mineral processing centres among other things.

“All these are the painstaking efforts of Government towards ensuring that avoidable

environmental and health disasters are prevented in Nigeria’s mining industry.”

Awute stated that the Ministry had intensified efforts to consolidate on the achievement by procuring safety kits and wears for safer mining. These are distributed to artisanal and small scale miners at the critical flash points in Zamfara State, where field demonstrations on best mining practices were being carried out by field officers of the Ministry.

He also stated that wet milling and igoli machines for safer mining programme ordered from South Africa, would arrive the country soon, and will provide a safer alternative equipment for processing of gold ores, and will be installed in three mineral processing centres in

Bagega, Kwali and Maru .

Awute commended efforts of the Ministry ’s partners, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) and TerraGraphics International Foundation in tackling Zamfara lead poisoning.

Speaking during the visit to the ministry of the Director of Field Operations, TerraGraphics International Foundation, Mr Simba Tirima, said that the essence of their visit was to inform the ministry that the remediation exercise at Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State has been completed.

Tirima said it was important for the Ministry to further strategise and discuss alliances to prevent future occurrence of lead poisoning in Zamfara or any other state in the country.

26 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

T

he performance of Marginal Fields operators (MFOs) has been of great concern to industry regulators and the operators alike. Over the years, efforts were made to strengthen their operations, but not much success was achieved in this regard.

Having assessed the developments, the management of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, felt the need for a different approach in other to realise the Federal Government’s set objectives for MF operations.

Parts of these objectives include: to attain oil production 4,000 barrels per day daily production and 40,000 barrels in reserves in order to maximise Nigeria’s petroleum wealth.

Accordingly, MFOs were expected to complement existing capacity in unlocking Nigeria’s stranded oil and gas resources, while also boosting indigenous capacity in exploration and production activities.

DPR intervention In this regard, DPR, the petroleum industry on August 29 th , organised a one-day forum on the most recent Bid Rounds held in Nigeria between 2005 and 2007.

Issues focused on: · Resource volumes of oil and gas which awardees of blocks in the 2005 – 2007 Licensing rounds failed to unlock; · Challenges facing these investors and how the DPR can assist · Funding of exploration activities and the role of Banks and other Financial Institutions.

To forum was meant to offer operators the opportunity to interact with one another, share experiences and ideas as well build relationships with prospective investors and financial institutions also present.

To underscore the importance of the forum, the DPR held special sessions with the MFOs three days in a week for three weeks to discuss individual challenges with a view to helping the operators overcome them and to achieve their operational objectives.

Specifically, operators were encouraged to approach the DPR with their challenges as well as answers to their poor performances, 30 years after government approved operations in the sector.

Where possible, the regulator helped to address specific operational challenges, while maps and other related materials for the respective oil blocks were made available for purchase to operators.

Preparing marginal field operators for industry challenges Operational challenges At the forum, the Director, DPR, Mr. George Osahon, in his presentation on: “A Review of Performance” identified many possible challenges hindering the performance of the 77 blocks awarded during the bid rounds held for MFOs. These include partnership and partner relations, financing, technical challenges and date availability, security issues, limited capacity and packaging issues.

He juxtaposed these against government’s concerns for the MF programme such as: · Inability to meet industry targets for reserves and production capacity, · Limited activities in the industry and implications for industry vitality and social challenges, · Inability to establish national competitive advantage in the global energy scene, and · Wrong impression about investment the climate Osahon told participants that topics for discussions were deliberately chosen to centre on: “Government’s expectations and potential resource volumes of oil and gas

,

CLARA NWACHUKWU

George Osahon, Director, DPR

However, the two pioneers did not do much with the assets awarded. The efforts fizzled out in the late 80s without fan fare

which awardees have failed to unlock. Others are the challenges of developing stranded marginal gas fields and the nature of assistance the operators may require; funding of exploration activities and the role of banks and other financial institutions.” Issues on service leveraged development as well as Gas commercialisation and joint utilisation of facilities were also discussed.

Historical background From the first award (1974), of Oil Prospecting Licence, OPL 89 now OPL 467 to Henry Stephen Westates, and OPL 469 now Oil Mining Leases OMLs 112 and 117 in 1979 to Nigus Petroleum, government has done three licencing rounds for MFOs to maximize oil production in Nigeria.

According to Osahon, “The award of blocks to Ado Ibrahim’s Nigus and Fajemirokun’s Henry Stephen Westates in the middle to late 70s are testimonies to this novel idea.

“However, the two pioneers did not do much with the assets awarded. The efforts fizzled out in the late 80s without fan fare.”

Undeterred, government

,

tried again in 1990, when it introduced the Indigenous Operatorship Programme, IOP, which witnessed the allocation of several blocks held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. The same year, government also carried out the first Deepwater Licensing Round in the country during which 19 blocks were awarded, 12 of which went to foreign companies while the remaining seven were awarded to indigenous operating companies. These included: · OPL 242 – Petronas(OP) 75%/Obekpa 25% · OPL 320 – Oranto (OP) 65/Orandi 35 · OPL 324 – Petrobraz (OP) 75/Horizon 25% · OPL 229 – Emerald (OP) 55/Amni 45% By year 2000 there were more than 30 oil blocks in the kitty of Nigerian companies, most of which were awarded on sole risk basis.

However, following their poor performances, on February 1, 2000, government was forced to revoke a good number of the indigenous

blocks. This was the first time such action would be taken against erring companies.

But two months after the revocation, another licensing round was carried out with several blocks going to indigenous players.

The second main attempt at increasing indigenous participation in upstream operation came by way of allocation of marginal fields.

By the time the exercise came to a close in 2004, 24 fields had been allocated to 31 indigenous operators Of the 24 fields only eight of them are on production, with additional three very close to production.

Incidentally, all the fields on production seem to have added significantly to the tentative reserve given at the time of award in 2004 The scenarios under does not in any way mean that it

has all been tails of woes for the indigenous operators.

Indeed, many of them have made giant strides in with their assets particularly in the areas of: · Involvement in gas commercialisation · Establishment of the first topping plant in the country and the only refinery built since the late 80s · Aggressive participation in the acquisition of divested assets · Strong collaboration among some operators to address concerns of common interest · Relatively hitch-free operation and limited issues with the Communities, and · Strong CSR initiative on the part of some operators.

Stakeholders perspectives At the DPR’s Forum, a number of operators expressed their opinions with regard to some of the concerns raise. For instance, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Del-Sigma Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Dr. S.M.O Amachree, spoke on the challenges of meeting up with work programme obligations. Del-Sigma is the operator of the Ke Marginal field in OML 55, a field which was discovered by Chevron in 1955.

Some of the challenges identified by Amachree included delays in approval processes; fluctuating assistance from foreign and local investors, oil theft; unfavorable tax regime and multiple taxation; and local content development policy amongst others.

He then suggested that efforts should be in the areas Funding, where he proposed the establishment of ‘Energy Bank’ to be funded by 20% of Excess Crude Account; prompt statutory approvals by DPR and the ministry; and Synergy amongst marginal field operators.

In a presentation titled, “Field Acquisition: Commercial and Tax considerations for Marginal

The third attempt: 2005 – 2007 Licensing Round was the most ambitious as shown in the table below: LICENSING ROUND YEAR

FOREIGN

INDIGENOUS

2005

9

35

2006

2

15

2007

2

14

13

64

Total

About 77 blocks were given out during the period of which about 83% went to indigenous companies while the remaining went to foreign entities.

Of the 77 blocks, only one is producing while a few others are in various stages of activities and a large majority yet to find their feet. Incidentally, the only company on production is a foreign entity.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—27

FG begins full payment to 38,000 PHCN workers …Verif ying cases of 6,700 other staff

By CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA: The full payment of entitlements to 38,000 workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, has commenced.

The Director General the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki, disclosed this during the visit of the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation to the agency.

Dikki explained that some 6,700 staff that had issues during verification are being sorted out, while another 2,500 casual staff were expected to be regularised by the PHCN management before the payment of their entitlements On the power transaction, the BPE boss informed the lawmakers that the Bureau had received full payment for 14 power generation and distribution companies from the core investors.

He further informed the lawmakers that the Bureau was in the process of constituting a Privatisation Tribunal to handle privatisation cases expeditiously, adding that the Tribunal will also assist the Bureau in enforcing privatisation contracts.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the House Committee, Hon. Khadijat Bukar Abba-Ibrahim, commended the giant strides made by the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, in the power sector reform and privatisation which has seen the successful handover of 14 generation and distribution companies to the core investors.

Abba-Ibrahim, who led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the Bureau, appealed to the agency and the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, to at all times, “Operate in strict compliance with the Public Enterprises Privatisation and Commercialisation Act of 1999.”

She also urged the Bureau to strictly follow the laid down guidelines as approved by the NCP in all its transactions for transparency and credibility.

Consumers be rate PHCN over pre-paid meters

By SEBASTINE OBASI

S

ome industrialists in Lagos have criticised the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, for failure to supply them pre-paid meters after they had applied for the meters some years ago.

They alleged that some PHCN officials told them that their electricity consumption would still be based on estimation.

Some of the industrial customers told Vanguard that some PHCN officials had refused to change their stance on the issue.

The Managing Director, Exi-tol, a Copper Manufacturing Company in Ijora, Mr Rajack Chilop, said that PHCN officials were in the habit of sending estimated bills without reading their meters.

Chilop, an Indian, said that in spite of the series of letters the company had written to the management of the Eko Electricity Distribution Zone, their request to have pre-paid meters is yet to be granted.

“It is bad enough that people hardly enjoy electricity, but it is most dehumanising when they have to pay for energy they did not consume.

“This issue of over-billing and sometimes crazy bills has been a battle between officials of PHCN and consumers over the years,’’ he said.

A frozen food seller at Ijora, Mrs. Simbiat Opeloyeru, said that PHCN had failed to fulfill its promise to install the meters within two weeks after the payment of N25 000 for the meter. She also said that she had paid for the meter over a year ago, but she was still waiting for the PHCN officials to come and install the meter.

“I have been paying estimated bills, which is wrong. When I complained, the manager told me that they had no meter for now. He assured me that once there is meter, I will be the first to be reckoned with and this was last year.

“The latest information is that management has stopped distributing the meters, but introduced the new Credit Advance Payment Metering Implementation Scheme,” Opeloyeru said.

The Chairman of Silberg Industries in Ojota Industrial Estate, Mr Chibuike Simon, also complained that most industries in the area were yet to have pre-paid meters installed in their premises.

“Nigerians welcomed the introduction of pre-paid meters with open arms, but

have to gasp and groan when they can only see and cannot have it.”

The Managing Director, Surry-bee Pure Water Manufacturing Company, Okota, Mr Kolapo Desmond, said, “We have heard that one can actually monitor how much he spends on electricity, but here there is no such luxury.

“Look at the situation now, in the last five months we have been having electricity for just about three to four hours per day. Some days, there will be no power supply at all, but our bills have been almost constant. PHCN brings

a bill of not less than N35, 000 per month without meter.

“There was a month our transformer was out for 16 days, meaning there was no electricity for two weeks, but when it came to the bills nothing reflected on it. The amount is as constant as ever.

PHCN still brings a bill of over N24, 000,’’ he said.

The Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Ademola Adegoke, however, denied the allegations. He said that no industrial company is billed on estimation.

According to him, “It is not

true that we don’t have meters for our industrial customers.

The truth of the matter is that except in rare cases when an industrial customer ’s meter may be temporarily bad, no industrial customer is supposed to be billed on estimation.

“Even if the meter is faulty, estimated billing can only be for a few months pending when replacement is made for the faulty meter. It can thus be safely said that more than ninety five per cent of our industrial customers are metered.

“Going by the huge quantum of energy this category of customers consumes, we cannot afford not to have fool-proof method of billing them.

Adegoke also said that an objective random sampling of the Industrial and commercial customers would confirm his stance on the issue.

L-R: Mrs The Human Resources Manager of Techno Oil, Victoria Nnaji, Executive Director Finance/Admin, Mr. Godfrey Okigbo, Executive Vice Chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Obi and the Managing Director Techno Oil Gas Power, Mr. Collins Onyeweama addressing news men in Lagos on the unveiling of the company’s 20 new mega stations across the nation.

FG woos Brazilians to invest in power

By CHRIS OCHAYI ABUJA: To ensure rapid development of electricity distribution, the Federal Government has appealed to the Brazilian Government to invest in Nigeria’s power sector with a view to revamping the ailing sector.

The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo who said this while receiving a Brazilian delegation led by Vice-Minister of Development, Industry and International Trade, Mr. Ricardo Shaefer, said the government needs assistance from around the world to revamp the ailing power sector.

The minister also requested for synergy and co-operation of the Brazilians in Nigeria’s quest to ensure all her nationals are connected to electricity.

According to him, “Brazil has not penetrated enough in our ongoing sales of power assets. We are prepared to link you with Nigerian partners, so that we can benefit from your expertise in generation, distribution,

technology access and capacity building.”

He added that “Brazil has done well in many aspects of electricity especially in big hydro, biomass, solar, wind and coal. Nigeria intends to learn from the experience of Brazil, as the country has already leap frog in the attainment of development goals.

On Rural Electrification, Prof.

Nebo said, the leadership shown

by Brazil to other countries in the so called Third World has provided the ray of hope that soon Nigeria will outcome her developmental challenges.

He also spoke about the challenges Nigeria is facing in addressing the metering gap, this, he said, has become a problem against the backdrop of the fact that over 50% of electricity consumers have no meters.

In a privatised electricity market, prospective investors will be scared, as this may translate to their inability to recoup from their investment.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power,

Amb. Godknows Igali, said that opportunities in the power sector is in mega dimension. He added that the nation’s target of moving from over 4,000 mega watts to 40,000MW in the next seven years would require double efforts from Nigeria’s friends abroad.

He noted that there are opportunities in the planned expansion of generation capacity, which will attract specialised companies interested in cables, switches, transformers are all welcome, describing the market as huge.

“We are interested in Brazil; we want to share from the knowledge and experience of Brazil, in renewable, the reform process and training of our young engineers.”

Speaking earlier, the Brazilian delegation commended Nigeria’s commitment to the revitalisation of the power sector.

He said the mission of the group is to identify the challenges faced

by Nigeria in the sector with a view to assisting in proffering workable solutions.

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 —29

By Theodore Opara

Kewalram targets 20% truck market share with FotonDaimler brand K

EWALRAM Nigeria Limited has launched the FotonDaimler range of heavy trucks and buses into the Nigerian market. The renowned automobile marketing company, recently presented the range to motoring journalists in Lagos.

Speaking at the presentation, at their Oshodi Apapa expressway office, the executive director, Mr. Raju Sawlani who briefed the press with the General Manager, Mr. Anil Saghal and other management staff of the company explained that the decision to introduce the Foton-Daimler brand of trucks and commercial vehicle into the Nigerian market was informed by the quality of the brand which ranks among the best around the world.

He described the brand as one of the fastest growing in the country with the Germany technology behind it. “It is a Chinese brand manufactured with European technology,” he said.

Though a Chinese brand, the executive director disclosed that the brand is a joint venture between Daimler Ag of Germany and Foton Motor Company of China which invested heavily in the company, thereby raising the quality of the trucks to European standard.

Trained technicians With over 500 units of the FotonDaimler Auman heaux trucks delivered to customers in less than two years, Kewalram said it is targeting 20 percent of the Nigerian truck market in the new future. “We have layed the foundation and with our trained technician and support from our partners we shall achieve this, says the executive director.

Apart from the Foton Daimler heavy duty trucks, Kewalram also introduced the Foton K-1 series commercial vehicles which he described as very efficient and economical range of buses. They are available in 16seater with high roof, midroof or standard roof like the Toyota Hiace buses.

On the success of the brand in less than two years, the executive director who has many years experience in automotive business in Nigeria said that their after sales support put them ahead of competition. “Supplying the vehicles is not the issue but the right service backup which we offer to our customers is what stands us out,” he said.

Apart from strong after sales support the executive director said that the technology of their trucks is comparable to EuropeC M Y K

an brands because of the Daimler technology. In addition to these, he also noted that the brand is cheap and easy to maintain, thereby guaranteeing value for money.

To ensure high quality, Mr Raju disclosed that they are bringing in only FotonDaimler heavy trucks with brand name ‘Auman’ which is tropicalised for Nigeria road conditions.

Some of the Foton-Daimler range include Auman 14 ton rigid truck, single axle trailer head, double axle trailer head for 50 tons and 45 tons as well as 20 and 30 tons tippers.

Two new models join Tata line up in Nigeria D

ETERMINED to com pete favourably in the Nigerian passenger car market segment, Tata Africa Services Nigeria Limited recently added two new car models, Indigo Manza and Indica Vista to its product line in the country.

The two new models with their captivating designs come with array of modern features and are targeted at increasing Tata market shares in the passenger car segment in the country.

Speaking at the launch, the executive director, Tata Africa services, Mr. Sudeep Ray said, “we are here to celebrate the new generation Tata cars – vista and Manza” which will set new standards in the passenger car market in Nigeria.

According to him, the new Tata cars boast next generation engines which give better power, torque and mileage.

In addition to this, the Manza and Vista also offer unprecedented fuel efficiency and smooth ride with convinient

features that rivals high end luxury sedan.

Also speaking at the occasion the General Manger, Tata Africa services, Mr. Gerard Nayagam explained that the Manza (saloon) and vista (hatchback) are next generation cars

with the latest technology in the automobile world to meet Nigeria customers high taste.

Though the cars are loaded with premium features, Mr. Nayagam said they are competitively priced.

According to him, the Manza and Indica vista will give customers value for money and will be pocket friendly in terms of maintenance,which is what Tata products are known for. He described the Tata Manza as a car that has been designed hi-tech to rule its class with its array of features and advanced technology.

The Manza comes with a captivating design and generous interior space like a car in the

mid-size segment.

“It is one of the most spacious sedans in its segment with large boot of about 460 litre. Ride comfort is guaranteed as Tata employed independent lower wishbone McPherson strut type suspension in front and semiindependent, twist beam with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers suspension at the rear, coupled with the powerful engine.

“The new Tata Manza introduces you to the highest level of in-cabin luxury. Ergonomically designed seats,a two DIN music system and hand-free communication ensure that every drive is relaxing in every way.”

With the launch of the new models, Tata is reinforcing its commitment to win more share of the passenger car market in Nigerian as the executive director disclosed tht over 5500 vehicles has so far be sold by the company in the last five years in Nigeria which includes passenger cars, buses and trucks. The company has many workshops spread all over the country.

African Tyre Village for commissioning Dec

T

HE Association of Nigeria Tyre Marketers has so far awarded One Thousand certificates of Allocation (C of A) to deserving members and investors who meet its requirements of completing all the necessary payments for each shop at their new “AFRICAN TYRE VILLAGE” permanent site.

This was disclosed by the President of the association Alhaji Issa Mohammed Akanbi during a monthly general meeting of the traders held at the ultra modern tyre market at the Lagos International Trade Fair complex. Speaking at the occasion, the president said “I wish

to inform our members that we all are leaving Idumota unfailing by December this year. There is no going back in this promise, and we are carrying everybody along. You can see the painting and shop numbering are almost completed, and we are starting interlocking stones by next week. Your shop keys will be handed over to you by October ending, while relocation begins gradually from November . so far, we have issued certificates of Allocation (CofA) for the one thousand shops to all deserving members and investors“.

In his remark, the Vice President Okechukwu Ezeifeoma disclosed plans by the

association to assist members who have not completed payments for their shops, “We will pair them in groups where they will be provided with free shops for six month period during which they are expected to pay up and be equally allocated with their own shops in phase two of the project. He also called on interested investors to hurry and take part in the second phase.

Also speaking, Alhaji Sefiu Olaiya the association’s Secretary commended members for their support and belief in the project. According to him, “we wouldn’t be here today, without your support and cooperation."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—31

By Theodore Opara

CFA Motors launches ‘Mitsubishi Young ‘N’ Strong drivers training' initiative C

FAO Motors distributors of MITSUBISHI and FUSO vehicles, has introduced a training programme for young and matured motoring Nigerians on new techniques for handling the vehicles.

Coming on the heels of its commitment to the 2013 Gulder Ultimate Search, NBPlc’s adventure reality TV show for young and strong Nigerians, the training initiative is designed to engage undergraduates

C M Y K

currently on forced vacation as well as those in need of professional internship on how to drive and maintain MITSUBISHI and FUSO vehicles distributed by CFAO MOTORS nationwide.

Other beneficiaries of the training initiative are dealer technicians, drivers of major fleet customers, and professional contract drivers.

The initiative, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, is also designed to further reduce the alarm-

ing rate of automobile crashes on Nigerian roads.

According to CFAO MOTORS’ After Sales Manager in charge of MITSUBISHI and FUSO vehicles, Mr. Avinash Ghogardare, all trainees, technicians and drivers are introduced to the company’s automobile insurance recovery support system, its modern spare parts on-line ordering technology, an inventory of N750 million original parts, express serv-

ice facilities, exclusive tyre repair centre and “S5” After Sales application software. He said the initiative was so coined because MITSUBISHI and FUSO are adjudged all over the world as the strongest and most durable vehicles; and thus preferred by drivers and technicians.

Expressing high hopes on the positive impact of the initiative on the Nigeria’s automobile industry and the motoring public in general, Mr. Ghog-

ardare referred the idea to the unmatched professional experience of CFAO MOTORS gathered since 1920, which has ensured that it is the longest surviving and one of the most successful automobile companies in Nigeria today. He recalled that CFAO MOTORS is a foremost auto subsidiary of the CFAO Group, which is one hundred and eleven years old in Nigeria this year.

He said that CFAO MOTORS’ international-

ly-trained officers, executives and technical staff are always on stand-by to warmly receive all owners and drivers of MITSUBISHI and FUSO vehicles for cost-effective after sales maintenance and technical advice throughout the country.

He implored motoring Nigerians to avoid unprofessional and deceptive providers of substandard after sales services and sellers of fake parts of MITSUBISHI and FUSO vehicles and entrust their vehicles in CFAO MOTORS, who he called “the only professional MITSUBISHI and FUSO people” in Nigeria.

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

A housing construction site.

Quantity surveyors hone skills; explore new frontiers •Make case for transparency in project procurement

F

ACED by increasing complexity of modern construction projects, clients’ high expectations and industrialisation, construction cost experts have been charged to hone their skills and knowledge base with a view to offering better services to their clients.

The charge was given by resource persons at the annual conference of registered quantity surveyors put together by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS.

Quantity surveyors Setting the tone for deliberations at the two-day forum which had ‘Quantity Surveying profession: Unbundling latent competencies and developing new frontiers’ as its theme, the President of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, Mallam Hussaini Adamu Dikko said the conference was “designed to bring all registered quantity surveyors who practise the profession in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy under one roof to brainstorm on how they can use the tools of the profession, knowledge and intellect to promote and contribute to the strategic reforms of the Federal government of His Excellency, President Goodluck E. Jonathan”.

The conference, he said, was also put together to “create the

institutional platform for the quantity surveyor to adapt the robust knowledge base of the profession to meet the challenges which will come from higher clients’ requirements through increasing complexity of modern construction projects and industrialisation, impact of computerisation and competition from other professionals”.

Mallam Dikko noted that the “training of the quantity surveyor and the body of knowledge of the profession predisposes the practitioner to function seamlessly on building, engineering and other projects in the built environment sector of the economy”.

“It is therefore important that to survive and grow in the future, the QS profession must respond quickly and creatively to the challenges of accelerating social, technological, economical and environmental change,” he said.

In his own remarks, the President of the Nigerian

Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Mr. Ajele John Alufohai, enjoined quantity surveyors be maintain the highest level of transparency in the discharge of their duties. He charged the cost experts to brace up and face the challenges that would arise from public-private partnership in infrastructure procurement.

“Nigeria is required to invest about 2.9 trillion USD to close its infrastructure gap-which we need to become more productive, diversity our economy and create jobs. It’s not very sensible exclusively to rely on oil export receipts to finance the infrastructure we need, more so at a time when even more endowed countries are turning to PPPs to finance their infrastructure and when we urgently need to spend on social sectors such as health and education in which the reach of private capital is more controversial if not impossible to rapidly extend. If we create the right legal, regulatory and socio-

political environment for investment in PPPs, a significant portion of our infrastructure needs can be privately financed.

I firmly believe that the skills of Quantity Surveyors are required to create the trust and

,

BY JUDE NJOKU

that as more public and private sector clients begin to make use of quantity surveyors’ services, they should expect to be often summoned to probe panels and commissions of inquiry.

“The public ought to be keenly interested in and be confident that every Naira of public funds invested in public infrastructure or related procurement is fairly and efficiently utilized. As Ministries, Departments and Agencies increasingly realize the centrality of engaging Quantity Surveyors, expect names of Quantity Surveying firms to be cited in newspapers-as some auditing firms are cited in relation to the finances of some public companies –in the media. Expect to see the names of some Quantity Surveying firms to be invited to the Senate or House of Representatives in relation to budget and oversight functions in respect of project. I have no doubt that we will continue to preserve our reputation for enabling transparency and for integrity. My point-and warningis that we must be prepared,” he said.

A senior lecturer in the Department of Quantity Surveying, Imo state University, Owerri, Dr. SIJ Onwusonye called on the Government to exhibit transparency in its policies especially on budgetary affairs so as to inject desirable

The public ought to be keenly interested in and be confident that every Naira of public funds invested in public infrastructure or related procurement is fairly and efficiently utilized

transparency –between Government and investors, between investors and financiers and between infrastructure project companies and communities-that sustainable Private-Private-PublicPartnerships require.

As Nigeria turns a corner in privatizations, it will surely turn a new leaf in PPPs. Quantity Surveyors need to be prepared for this new frontier,” he said.

The NIQS President explained

,

macro economic activities in the construction industry.

“These will release appreciable financial empowerment to quantity surveying practice to enable them update their competencies and virtually eliminate identity crises.

These are relevant as non release or late release of funds from the budge will be counterproductive to the objectives of infrastructure development,” he said.

N69bn Abuja Millennium Tower gets Oct 2014 completion date

By HENRY UMORU

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, weekend, said the N69 billion Millennium Tower and Cultural Spine being built at the Central Area of Abuja, the Federal Capital City would be completed

by December next year, 2014.

The Director, Enginering Services of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Mr. Abu Alfa, an engineer who disclosed this, noted that a total of N34 billion has so far been spent on the Millennium Tower

project leaving a balance of N35 billion. He stresed that work on the construction of the monumental project has gone very far. According to him, some components of the project would be ready this year while the rest are billed for completion by October next year subject to budgetary allocation.

Alfa however listed those to be completed next month to include the National Square and the underground parking system, adding that the rolling restaurant would be completed

by June next year while the cultural centre, museum, five-star hotel, auditorium, swimming pool and the botanical garden components of the project would be completed by October next year (2014).

Millennium Tower and Cultural Spine has a total height of 110 meters and is being built in such a way that security considerations have been factored in. In the 2013 budget only a paltry N2 billion was allocated for the project.

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

By Theodore Opara

New S-Class to premiere at Abuja Auto Fair T

HE all new Mercedes Benz S-Class will be premièring in Nigeria later this month at the Abuja motor show. The new S-class which was the talk of the town the last Frankfurt Motor show last month where it debuted will be paraded along side other Mercedes Benz siblings like the all-new Mercedes Benz A-class, B-class, E-class full range of and Mercedes Benz sports utility vehicles.

The all-new S-Class, described by the German Luxury car marker as ‘vision accomplished’ due to its technological breakthrough and innovations extends the boundaries of technology in every sense.

“It is not just a ethnological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz, but also for the automotive development as a whole and certainly the global benchmark for luxury motoring says a Mercedes Benz source.

“Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect. No other car stands for the MercedesBenz brand promise more than the S-Class” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Manage- architecture, the interior ment of Daimler AG and design of the S 500 Head of Mercedes-Benz embodies a classic, supeCars. This pursuit of the rior, cutting-edge saloon. best or nothing is The interior’s expressive particularly noticeable in character derives from a the interior: whether it is uniquely fluid, the seats or the front and sensuously elegant style. rare air conditioning, the It combines ride comfort, controls or the design, the spaciousness and userinfotainment or the friendliness to the very comfort and safety in the highest standard. There is rear.

A whole host of new systems makes the new S 500 even safer, more ISSAN and West comfortable and efficient.

A f r i c a n By realising “Efficient Technology”, it has almost conglomerate Stallion halved fuel consumption Group have announced in the 150 kW output their intention to jointly category to 4.4 litres per launch vehicle assembly 100 kilometres, while the in Nigeria.

The announcement is in drag coefficient of expectation of final cd=0.24 clearly undercuts the previous model’s approval by the Federal figure and sets a new Government of the new standard in this segment. Automobile Industrial The sophisticated Policy, designed to design of the S 500 has encourage development always been an of the auto industry in expression of luxury and Nigeria, and would see automotive grandeur, and Nissan become the first international the new S-Class continues major this tradition. With its manufacturer to launch classic architecture and vehicle assembly in the flowing silhouette, it is a country following the new modern embodiment of legislation.

The parties have signed sensual clarity. “Stylish sportiness and sensual a Memorandum of forms in synthesis with Understanding which will timeless clarity and result in Stallion – already exclusive effortless superiority Nissan’s make the S 500 a true distributor in Nigeria – design icon,” says design increasing capacity at its existing plant, VON chief, Gorden Wagener.

With its clear Automobile Ltd in Lagos.

Stallion currently

generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console, as in the Exclusive Package.

Passengers in the rear are also seated in first-class – the design and exclusivity of the seats, door panels and all controls are to the same, high standard as

the front plus. As an additional individualisation feature, the “FirstClass rear suite” incorporates a Business centre console combining personal comfort with practical convenience (integration of a telephone handset, additional cooling box/ stowage compartments in

the arm rest of rare seats, folding table, etc.).The occupants of the new S 500 benefit from the moderate increase in vehicle size by an improvement in all the interior dimensions.

The aim in the design is to group controls and display functions together in a coherent manner in terms of both design and functionality. Thanks to the fine structuring on the metal surfaces, each individual control has the sound, feel and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes-Benz so special.

As alternatives to the standard sound system with ten loudspeakers, two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: the Burmester® Surround

Sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D- Surround Sound system, while the multiuser system e.g. DVD Changer 6, allows independent access to the sources of media entertainment from any seatboth front and rare i.e. TV Tuner. This is evident in the Rare Seat Entertainment Package.

With numerous world firsts such as the ENERGIZING massage function or active seat ventilation with reversing fans, Mercedes-Benz has raised seating and climatic comfort in the S-Class to a new level. During the systematic further development of the entire climate control system, a particular focus was placed on the development goals of performance, air quality, precise regulation, noise level and efficiency.

Nissan to set up first Japanese auto plant in Nigeria N

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produces commercial vehicles at the facility. The plant’s annual capacity will be expanded to 45,000 units to assemble a range of cars, light duty trucks, pickups and vans.

Full details of the product lineup will be confirmed at a later date. However it is anticipated the first product to be introduced will be the iconic Nissan

Patrol SUV in spring 2014.

Capacity at the plant will also be opened to Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault, to be utilized according to future business needs.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “We welcome the proactive measures being taken by the Government of Nigeria to encourage

inward investment and job creation driven by local auto manufacturing.

Together with our local partner, Nissan is preparing to make Nigeria a significant manufacturing hub in Africa. As the first-mover in Nigeria, we are positioned for the longterm growth of this market and across the broader

continent.”

Sunil Vaswani, Chairman of Stallion Group said: “The new automotive policy spearheaded by His Excellency The President and Commander–inChief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister Olusegun Aganga is a laudable Government initiative aimed at making Nigeria the regional leader in the industry. Our group is committed to invest in a fully integrated automobile industry that fosters the creation of several ancillary industries with associated socio-economic benefits.”

He added: “We value our partnership with Renault and Nissan immensely and are aiming to deliver their world class expertise to Nigeria.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 —33

Ikoyi Caterer’s Court redefines luxury with burnt bricks •Targets corporate tenants

By JUDE NJOKU

I

N a move apparently aimed at giving Caterer’s Court Ikoyi a unique outlook, the owners of the luxury edifice, Messrs Afriland Properties Limited, remodelled the property, using burnt bricks akin to the brick houses in Britain.

The Court which sits on approximately 1.5 hectares parcel of land at Onitana Street, (former Lees Road, Ikoyi) shares close proximity with the 18th hole of Ikoyi Golf Club. Chief Innocent Meckson Okoro whose firm, M.I. Okoro & Associates, is the Court’s lead marketing consultant, told newsmen who were on a facility tour of the complex, that “the exterior was carefully finished in ceramic tiles to add to the beauty of the Court”.

“The durability is such that we may never paint it forever, like the burnt brick houses in Britain. That is the concept we have tried to adopt within certain levels of modernisation

Caterer's Court, Ikoyi. the domestic staff of the occupants.

Okoro who said they are targeting corporate tenants,

The durability is such that we may never paint it forever, like the burnt brick houses in Britain

,

to achieve supreme aesthetics.

It is a masterpiece that blends aesthetics with enormous facilities,” he said.

Caterer’s Court comprises 30 units of luxury flats in six blocks of four floors, numbered Blocks A -F. A 36-unit boys quarters , BQ on two floors was built behind the main building for

,

explained that its proximity to Ikoyi Club 1938 Road, makes it ideal for those who want to play golf or other sporting activities. “ The idea is to house prominent corporate organisations especially those who like a kind of living style in old Ikoyi who perhaps would want to play golf or other

sporting activities. From this house, you can oversee the 18th hole of Ikoyi Club golf course. In terms of facilities, we have Blocks A to F. Each Block has its own lift and we have a total of 30 flats with 36 units of boys quarters. We have a swimming pool that is almost Olympic size with party facilities where occupiers of Caterer’s Court can assembly to have their Christmas parties or other ceremonial activities within the pool side without having to discomfort other occupiers of the Court,” he said, adding that a gym house has also been provided for the use of residents.

On the security of the residents, Chief Okoro explained that a 24-hour security arrangement has been put in place. “We already have a very good security outfit whose duty it is to ensure that lives and property are properly secured. We have about four security posts lined in front of the Court,” he said, adding that a police station which is located a few metres away, would help to complement the private security arrangement.

Flaunting the features of the Court, Chief Okoro who midwifed the construction of the popular Auto Spare Parts Market, ASPMDA located at

the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, likened the its living area and the adjourning dining to a town hall. “ It is for people that appreciate luxury; it is not a place for everybody I must say with due modesty. Talking about lighting, we will provide 24-hours non-stop electricity.

We will back up supply from PHCN with two high capacity generators ( over 1,000 KVA generators already installed).

We also have a mega-water scheme treatment plant,” he said. According to him, adequate car parking spaces have also been provided for residents and their guests.

FG seeks integration of transport and land use planning CALEB AYANSINA

T

HE Federal Government has called for the integration of transport and land use planning with a view to addressing the problem of urban mobility.

The Supervising Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Musa Sada, an architect, explained that addressing the two issues exclusively, had not yielded the desired results.

The Minister who spoke at an event to mark the 2013 World Habitat Day in Abuja, observed that “in the past we addressed these two issues as if they were mutually exclusive, resulting in the building of cities with less concern about accessibility, but more about elongating the capacity of urban transport infrastructure”. ”The consequences have been higher costs in terms of

travel time, safety, environmental pollution arising from carbon/ particulate emissions, and other health hazards, which we now need to avoid at all costs,” he said.

Continuing, Arc. Sada opined that “we need to pursue a wholeof-system approach rather than continue to concentrate on one individual solution of upscaling the provision of transport infrastructure, particularly roads”. ”In this regard, emphasis has shifted to ensuring integration and interconnectivity aimed at delivering a multimodal, integrated and sustainable transport/mobility system, especially in the larger cities, including operational and fare integration,” he said The minister said that his doors were open and ready to embrace a new way of doing things,

stressing that “transforming urban areas on a sustainable basis requires development of new capacities through the infusion of knowledge. ”The Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development will continue to collaborate with all key stakeholders to ensure aimed at transforming our urban space in order to positively harness their huge potentials for rapid national development,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon has described urban resilience as a sustainable development that authorities of each country and their stakeholders must prioritise.

Ban Ki-moon, who spoke through the UN Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr Daouda Toure at the commemoration of the 2013

World Habitat Day, noted that disasters were inevitable, hence”planning is essential” to mitigate its effect on the poor, who were most vulnerable.

The UN Scribe noted that the only antidote to ongoing expansion around the city centre is proactive development strategies, coupled with commitment on the part of all actors in the housing sector, particularly the government. ”Planning is essential. When settlements expand around older city centres, communities can become more vulnerable. One answer is to reverse the trend of urban sprawl. Rejuvenating city centres with more dense development can address a number of urban challenges.

Instead of hosting slum, floodplains and steep hillsides can be left intact to provide valuable ecosystem services such as flood

control and protection from landslides. Alternatively, they can be sustainably farmed,” he suggested.

Speaking on the theme; ‘urban mobility’, Ban Ki-moon, challenged theleadershipofdevelopingcountries including Nigeria, to take proactive measures to address ‘transport poverty’, adding that, women, children and the physically challenged persons were those who bear the brunt. ”The challenges of pollution and congestion are especially pronounced in developing country cities. These areas will see 90 percent of global population growth in the coming decades. Cities in developing countries already struggle to meet growing demand for investment in transportation.

They must also face the issue of transport poverty.

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 35

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Opposition between the Moon and Pluto may induce personality clashes you don’t need at lest for now. What can help you now is love and your being persuasive. Think of the future.

GEMINI: Positive events that started yesterday will continue today. Rely more on your ability to be as bold as necessary so that you can get things done your own way at work.

CANCER: Good luck will smile at you. Romantic interlude that started last yesterday may become excitingly louder and melodious to the satisfaction of your soul.

LEO: If you allow domestic pressure to affect your working pattern, your senior colleagues may not understand and make things a bit more difficult. IF you’re stable, you will have more to gain financially.

VIRGO: After snappy aggressive approach exhibited by you yesterday ,you are back at your being pleasant self to the admiration of others. This is the wrong time to take law and it’s agents for granted. Youngs-at-heart are favoured so also commercial activities.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

AM sure if you ask ten of the people in leadership positions in our politics today why they are vying for such position, not less than eight, if they want to be honest, will tell you, they are gunning for the position for what they can gain

Nigeria: Spare a thought and not in the interest of the people. Everybody wants to share the national cake and no one wants to first bake it. Pity! Where on earth is a country developed that way? And

this is why corruption has become a national etho today.

We all want to grab everything for ourselves alone. Yet, the holy writ tells us such wealth acquired dubi-

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

ously will dwindle away. For example, we all know panadol or paracetamol cures headache but why is it that it does not cure that of the rich in Nigeria except they go abroad for treatment?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Some of you will wake up from slumber and realise mistakes about your finances early enough and make amendment but those who are reckless will commit more blunder. Beware of joint venture.

SCORPIO: Although erratic people from unexpected quarters may oppose you openly, your being self assertive will earn you both victory and financial success.

Then tomorrow will prove more successful.

SAGITTARIUS: The more ambitious you are the better for you. Then you will need to ignore those with queer characteristics within your working arena.

CAPRICORN: Mixed trends are indicated. If you take good advice from your cool headed friends, you will benefit more than you imagine, but if you take to unpredictable attitude, you will today start fire that will burn with great intensity tomorrow.

AQUARIUS: If you take the veterans within your base for granted, they will fail you painfully. Yet here is a lucky day for you when your being secretive and self reliant will earn you success. Be more ambitious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic”

By Andy Akman

PISCES: Some of the people around you may get on your nerve via careless remarks, you must not allow them to disorganise your plans. The closer you are to the influential people the better for you.

ARIES: “Money is the root of all evils” says an adage.

And if care is not taken, money may set you and some other people fiercely against each other to the detriment of your cause. Be cautious.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What is my luck?

Dear Joshua,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

I am deeply interested in Astrology: and the way you analyse people is great, keep it up.

Kindly tell me whatever you think I should know about my life together with my luck, social life and my lucky number.

Gbenga, Abuja.

Dear Gbenga, Thank you for your words of encouragement. Too many things are important but I think what both your immediate and far future have for you must be revealed to you so that you will be prepared.

Mars in Aquarius together with Uranus are pointers to an active social life. The more influential social circle you belong to, the better for you. You’re the cool-headed type beloved by many but once your anger manages to fly off, it can be very difficult if not dangerous; it’s because of your natal Pluto. Yet they keep coming your way.

Saturn can not help forcing challenges on your way, luckily for you however, you have what it takes to live up to the challenges. And as Saturn will never deny it’s worthy native the deserved success, it also gives recognition.

Saturn or no Saturn, good relationship bet Mars and lucky Jupiter when you were born, are green tumb for WEALTH; you will be wealthier more than having liquid cash; nobody can stop your becoming wealthy.

Best colours for you include YELLOW, golden, black but not coconut white. Your sleeping posture should be on East/West axis with your head to the West.

5 is your destiny number, 9 is your ambition, 8 is your expression, your other numbers are 1, 6, 7 & 11. Thus, they are as superior as listed.

Between now and your 42th year on earth (three and half years) women, money, youngster will greatly feature in your life and a few publicity cum commercial success equally indicated for you.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Edo PDP group to national leaders: Respect Lar, reconcile

NAT'L CONFAB: Urhobo group cautions against marginalisation

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE Edo Mass Movement, EMM, a political group within Edo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has counseled warring leaders of the party at the national level to show respect to late former national chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Lar, by reconciling their differences ahead the 2015 presidential election.

Publicity Secretary of the group, Prince Omo-Osunde Iyasere in a statement, described the demise of the elder statesman as a “big loss to the party and Nigeria,” saying his spirit can only be happy if the warring leaders of the party find solution to the raging crisis rocking the party.

Iyasere said that Chief Lar was instrumental to the formation of PDP in Edo State and other states in the country.

He said: “Lar, as one of the founding fathers of PDP and pioneer chairman of the party, was one of those that midwifed the merger of Edo Mass Movement and Edo Peoples Congress into what is today known as Edo PDP. “He was a dependable, fearless and compassionate leader, who lived and died for the people. He was a man of peace whose leadership style was instrumental to the success the party recorded in

T

HE Urhobo Peoples Integrity Organisation, a socio-political pressure group in Delta State, has said that membership of the proposed national conference be based on equal representation of all the ethnic nationalities, to allay fears of marginalisation.

Briefing newsmen in Warri, Delta State, weekend, President of the Organisation, Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, described the proposed national conference by President Goodluck Jonathan as a lofty idea and a bold step in the right direction.

Okorodudu, a former Delta State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that unless there was equal representation, the entire process “could be hijacked by the three dominant tribes of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa/Fulani to the detriment of the minority tribes.

“It may defy political logic for these dominant tribes to overshadow others with the politics of ethnic chauvinism during the proposed conference.”

the formative years and thereafter.

“He was a quintessential statesman, bridge builder, a

political strategist and one of the finest with abilities to mobilise people.

“EMM sympathises with

Social security: Catholic priest advocates legal backing for indigent

BY FESTUS AHON

A

SABA—A catholic cleric, Rev. Father David Dibiem has called for the establishment of legally backed institutions to provide adequate social security for the underprivileged in the country.

Dibiem made the call in Issele-Uku, yesterday, while receiving various materials, including food items donated by the Diamond Ladies of Onicha-Ugbo led by its President, Lady Bridget

Nwaozomudoh, to the Lumeh Christ Orphanage IsseleUku, Delta State.

He regretted that millions of orphans in the country were experiencing untold hardship because they were mostly left at the mercy of people, who are not often obliged to take care of them except for the good nature of few philanthropists.

Rev. Dibie said that the lessprivileged would surely have better and improved social security if there were institu-

S reactions continue to trail the recent classification of schools in Osun State by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Old Students’ Association of Baptist High School, BHS, Iwo, has asked

the governor to have a rethink on the recent education policy.

The association said that the policy had become unpopular because it was not subjected to public debate before it was implemented.

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—DELTA State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, has said that his command had reduced crime in the state to the barest minimum, from March 13, 2012, when he assumed duty as the state police boss.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of Delta State chapter of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, in Asaba, Mr. Aduba gave a breakdown of police performance in the state.

He said suspected robbers/ kidnappers arrested were 925; kidnappers/armed robbery suspects, who died in battles with

National President of the association and an Associate Professor of Education at the University of Ibadan, Oyesoji Aremu, spoke to newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo State, weekend.

He said that while the asso-

ciation supports the policy if it would enhance education in the state and not in anyway put avoidable burden on the parents, the peculiarities of schools, culture, tradition and orientation must not just be jettisoned.

the police, 223; kidnapped victims rescued, 158 and arms recovered, 338.

He added that ammunition recovered were 9214; suspected stolen vehicles recovered, 230; suspected cultists arrested, 252; suspected stolen motorcycles recovered, 59; suspected pipeline vandals arrested, 18; suspected PHCN vandals arrested, 20 and suspected NITEL vandals arrested, 15.

According to him, cases charged to court were 276, while between February 1, 2012 till date, 90 suspects had been convicted, as 180 are awaiting trials.

He added that N3.17 million was also recovered within the same period.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

tions created by law to ensure good education, among other things, for orphans in the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Social Welfare Officer of Diamond Ladies, Mrs Agatha Mekwunye, said that the society must make it a responsibility to take care of orphans.

She added that “such action would surely reduce the number of street urchins from our communities and ensure a safer society.”

We've done well in Delta— CP Aduba

Baptist Old Students task Aregbesola on school policy

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the family of the elder-statesman and pray that God almighty will comfort them as they mourn his death.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On the proposed national conference

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HE national conference should help us as a country to make necessary adjustments— structurally and politically— that will ensure we remain one in whatever form. Basically, the conference is a good thing for the country.— Miss Ilokoli Augusta, Student.

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F I may ask, what will happen to all the democratic structures across Nigeria? I am so sure that this is not the first time this country is walking this path. But my fear is that some politicians may hijack the core idea for their selfish interests.— Miss Blessing Ubah, Student.

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ELL, the conference could make us revert to our four-region structure: North, West, East and MidWest. It can either decide to remain federal or choose a confederal system. But I think the latter is the beginning of dissolution.— Mr. Martins Ifeanyi, Businessman.

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HE conference is indeed good, especially if it will bring to an end issues that cause strike in the education sector. Students that are tomorrow’s leader have been disappointed with the ongoing ASUU strike. The end is still unknown.— Miss Chioma Ani, Communicator.

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HY are we talking about national conference again? OBJ organised a rag-tag “conference.” Abacha too!

IBB is not left out. If previous leaders had done it right, there would be no need to do it again. Let us first define the motive?— Mr. Onwuchekwa Martins, Broadcaster.

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HE call for national conference is not a call for the working class to take over government. Rather, it is for regions and ethnic nationalities to determine their future. Some people have chose guns to achieve their aim. We chose dialogue.—Miss Blessing Ezeokoye, Student.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—37

Communities threaten to shutdown NPDC over MoU

PDP calls for dialogue over proposed sale of Edo House

BY FESTUS AHON

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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GHELLI—NO fewer than 18 oil producing communities under the Ughelli South Cluster 1 Development Board, Delta State, have vowed to shut down the operations of National Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in the communities, should the company fail to address critical issues of the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, it entered into with them within seven days.

The communities, Agbowhiame, Edjophe, Ekakpamre, Ekrejegbe, Egbo-Uhurie, Ekrokpe, Erhuwaren, Effurun-Otor, Eyara, Imode, Iwhrekan, Iwhrekreka, Obi-Ayagha, Otor-Edo, Otu-Jeremi, Owahwa, Ughevwughe and Usiefurun, said that NPDC was reneging on the GMoU. The communities in a letter by its chairman and secretary, Olorogun Benson Kupa and Olorogun Alledey Nuwawan, said; “our decision to shut down the operations of NPDC in our area in the next seven days is as a result of NPDC’s refusal to pay the 2012 second tranche, first and second tranche 2013 PGMoU and steady state GMoU fund.”

Delta NUJ Chairman tasks journalists

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—DELTA State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Norbert Chiazor, has called on journalists in the state to avoid blackmail and sensationalism, but to offer constructive criticisms when necessary with high sense of professional standard, especially as the country moves towards 2015.

Commenting on the recent training in London of some journalists, he said “we as the watchdog of the society must live up to ethical and professional standards.

“We cannot afford to be left behind in developing this country. I commend the journalists that attended the investigative journalism course at Reuters, which is the largest independent international news agency in the world. I am urging the participants to put the knowledge acquired from the training into practice now that they are back."

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MEETING—From left: Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Bank PLC; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister and Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, President, SouthEast/South-South Professionals during the IMF-World Bank annual summer meeting in Washington DC.

NHRC begins audit of prisons, detention centres in South-South

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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HE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has commenced audit of Prisons, Police and other detention centres in the South-South zone, with a commitment to forward appropriate and far reaching recommendations to the Federal Government for the improvement of the condition of prisons in the country.

Speaking at the flag off at Uyo prisons, Awka Ibom State, Executive Secretary NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe explained that the purpose of the exercise was to ensure the effective compliance with the minimum standard for the treatment of prisoners.

He said, ”the accommodation, food and facilities in prisons must be continuously improved towards achieving the minimum standards.

We also have to ensure that inmates who are not suppose to be in prisons are not allowed to

languish in jail.”

He expressed dismay over the detention of two nursing mothers awaiting trial in the prison on bailable offences, noting that the prison was not a place for babies.

He directed the State Coordinator of the NHRC’s office in Uyo, Mr. Tony Iji to facilitate their release on bail to protect the rights of the children.

In his remark the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Ummaru Dahiru, who led members of the National Assembly to the ceremony observed that many of the inmates were in prison due to avoidable delays in legal processes and called on Chief Judges to pay regular visits to prisons to address such challenges.

He expressed the commitment of the Senate to

support the prison reform process through appropriate legislation that will reduce the number of awaiting trial inmates in the prisons.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Inang expressed disgust over the large number of awaiting trial inmates in the prisons and charged the state’s Director of Public Prosecution, Mr C.J. Udo, who represented the Chief Judge on the occasion to take proactive measures to reverse the situation.

Senator Inang also restated the commitment of the Senate to appropriate adequate funds for infrastructural development of the prisons, which he said are in dire need of rehabilitation.

Uyo prisons, built in 1954 with a lock up capacity of 613 inmates, had 818 inmates at the commencement of the audit, 622 of which were awaiting trial.

Our energy reforms yielding positive results — Lagos govt

BY LAJA THOMAS

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AGOS State Government has said that its energy reform initiatives are yielding positive results following series of energy conservation campaigns at various city malls during the dedicated month of Energy Conservation, October 2013.

The awareness campaign, which took place at the Mega Plaza, Victoria-Island, Lagos, has members of the Lagos State Electricity Board on ground to enlighten residents on the benefits

of conserving energy in their homes and offices The campaign which is an initiative of the state Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through its implementing arm, Lagos State Electricity Board, LSEB, is aimed at cultivating energy conservation behaviour amongst residents of Lagos.

At the energy conservation awareness campaign venue, residents had the opportunity to calculate their energy consumption with the energy calculator and could see how

much money they will be saving if they turned off appliances when not in use, at home and work places. Participants in the campaign were incentivised with a raffle ticket to win prizes and energy conservation goody bags.

Lagos State residents were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities of the energy awareness campaign to conserve energy and save money. The next activation will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the e-Centre, Yaba Lagos.

ENIN—AS controversy continues to trail the planned sale of Edo House, Victoria Island, Lagos by the state government, the state Peoples Democratic, PDP, has called for dialogue with Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

However, Governor Oshiomhole had insisted that the decision to put up the property for sale was taken in the best interest of the state, explaining that proceeds from the sale would be used to built a five- star hotel and a state of the art shopping mall at the King square of the state.

Chief Dan Orbih, Edo State PDP Chairman, in a statement addressed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: “It will appear that efforts to dissuade your administration from selling this property are yet to yield any positive dividends.

We hereby, proposed a meeting for October 14, 2013 between your good self and our party, PDP, with a view of settling this matter amicably.

We believe that at such a meeting, we may be able to persuade your government from going ahead with your proposed sale. We believe that a dialogue on this issue would be preferable to avoidable litigation.”

2015: Group drums support for Jonathan

BY STARRYS OBAZE

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ELTA State Central senatorial district chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Youth Transformation Forum for Nigeria, has expressed its support for President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the 2015 presidential election.

The district Coordinator of the forum, Mr Clerkson Ukuwrere, in his address to delegates in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, noted that with the moribund railways now breathing life in the Lagos and Kano axis of the country, the hope of the ongoing privatisation of the power sector and the numerous road projects embarked upon by his administration most of which had reached advanced stages, allowing Jonathan to complete these good works will remove Nigeria from the era where abandoned projects dot the country’s landscape.

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

CBN gov, Sanusi bags award

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HE GOVERNOR of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has been conferred with the 2013 Emerging Markets Central Bank of the Year Award for Sub-Saharan Africa at Washington DC, USA. In a citation, the Managing Director of the Emerging Markets Magazine, organizers of the award, John Orchard, acknowledged the outstanding feat of Mr. Sanusi in driving down inflation from the double digit to single digit of about 8 per cent.

When Sanusi won the Award for the second time in 2010, the publishers and the organisers of the award noted that winning a second time was a rare event.

Responding, the elated CBN Governor attributed his success to the efforts of the 6000 workforce of the Bank.

He thanked the Government of Nigeria for the confidence reposed in him by giving him the responsibility. He also thanked the Finance Ministers with whom he had worked during his tenure, including the incumbent Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Mansur Muhtar, who were present at the occasion.

New internet 234Radio debuts

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—A new inter net radio station, 234Radio, has begun operation in Nigeria.

The station which focuses mainly on entertainment has started webcasting with the best of entertainment from Nigeria, UK, Jamaica, USA and other parts of the world.

The new web radio station is set to redefine radio broadcasting with a mix of DJs putting some touches into the station and quality radio programming, bringing unparalleled entertainment to the general public.

The new station is the brainchild of aNigerian youth, Disc Jockey, DJ, O’kay Megamixer.

O’kay, is a seasoned DJ with over a decade experience in radio programming and entertainment across radio stations in Nigeria.

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ASUU strike: UNIZIK teachers protest over non-implementation of agreement by FG

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA—MEMBERS of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday, in Awka took to the streets on a peaceful protest to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the agreement it reached with the union in 2009 on the proper funding of the country’s public universities.

The lecturers gathered at the popular Aroma junction in the Anambra State capital as early as 8. 00am, displaying placards with some inscriptions as ‘Kill education, kill development’; ‘Fund education, fund development’; ‘ASUU for quality education’; ‘FG: agreement is agreement’; and ‘Nigeria needs quality education’.

UNIZIK ASUU chairman, Professor Ike Odumegwu, who addressed the lecturers among others, accused politicians and some wealthy Nigerians of deliberately trying to kill education in the country so that their private universities could make education beyond the reach of the poor people.

He said: “The implementation of the agreement borders on morality. We are neither negotiating, nor renegotiating with the Federal Government, but only asking government to implement the agreement it signed with ASUU in 2009.

“In that agreement, government agreed with ASUU on the needs assessment of the universities and agreed to release money for its implementation only for it to turn round now to say that ASUU strike is politically motivated.

Government has said ‘no work, no pay’ and ASUU is saying ‘no pay, no work’. Our demand is that our universities should be made to compete with others in the

world.

“A situation whereby our rich people send their sick ones to India for medical treatment because our teaching hospitals are in shambles due to lack of proper funding is no longer acceptable.

“Our government is budgeting N3.2 trillion for the building of centenary village, but it cannot release N400 billion to upgrade

facilities in the nation’s public universities. If this strike fails, it will result to a number of negative consequences for Nigerian education, including the fact that an average Nigerian student in a federal university will be paying at least N200,000, while over 80 per cent of parents can no longer afford to send their children to the university.”

AWARD: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (2nd right), receiving an award of ''Icon of Public Service'' from Lady Adanma Iheuwa, Permanent Secretary, Abia State Planning Commission (left) during a grand civic reception organised by state public servants in honour of the governor in Umuahia. Watching are Mr. Godson Adiele, Head of Service (middle) and Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity (right).

Why security agents stopped Okorocha in Aba —Orji’s aide

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MUAHIA—ABIA State gov ernment has dislcosed that the aborted rally organised by Imo State governor, Mr. Rocha Okorocha was stopped because of the failure of the oganisers to obtain clearance from appropriate authorities.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Communication, Mr. Ben Onyechere, said: “It is unsavory for a sitting Governor to come into

another state without proper publicity as such a move is not only subterraneous but also with a high potency to cause a breach of peace. ‘’President Goodluck Jonathan for obvious reasons clears with appropriate authorities whenever he is travelling to any state particularly when his trip is bound to attract a large gathering for which reason every other person should follow suit’’ In addition, he said, ‘’Abia State will continually seek to promote

a peaceful, mutual, and respectable relationship with Imo which is its sister state but that notwithstanding, the state will remain at alert in defense of its territory against any move by anybody to destabilize the sustaining peace in the state which was earned with high prize especially in Aba with its inherent high volatility and in any other part of Abia State for that matter. ‘’Therefore politicians should learn to adhere to the rules of the game as we approach 2015 since

PENGASSAN kicks against planned sale of ConocoPhillips oil blocks to Oando

BY VICTORAHIUMA-YOUNG

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AGOS—PETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has petitioned the Presidency, asking it not to grant approval for ConocoPhillips to sell its oil blocks to Oando, without resolving pending labour issues, threatening to shutdown the oil industry should the sale go.

In a petition to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, PENGASSAN, equally warned Oando Nigeria Plc, the prospective buyer of the oil blocks not to sign any agreement on acquisition process until

ConocoPhillips finally and conclusively settled all labour issues.

The association insisted that should Oando decide to ignore its warning, Oando should be prepared to settle all liabilities, including labour issues especially payment of severance package and sales bonus to Nigerians working in ConocoPhillips.

PENGASSAN in the petition by its Public Relations Officer, Seyi Gambo, said the association was ready to use all mechanisms within the ambits of the law to ensure that ConocoPhillips respected the extant labour laws and other international conventions regarding severance of employees.

The association claimed that all

expatriates in the employment of ConocoPhillips in Nigeria had been settled and redeployed to the company’s operations in other countries, while the Nigeria nationals were neglected.

The petition reads in part: “We are aware that ConocoPhillips will be completing the process of outright sales of its operations in Nigeria to Oando in the next one or two months and that the company will be approaching the Minister of Petroleum Resources and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, for approval for the sales of the oil blocks to Oando next week.”

INEC has not given the go ahead for politically motivated rallies.’’

Anambra: Group counsels youths against thuggery

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BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

WKA—AS Anam bra State prepares to hold its gubernatorial election next month, an Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ndigbo Unity Forum, NUF, has urged the youths to resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians as political thugs for short term pecuniary benefits.

In a statement by its President, Augustine Chukwudum and Secretary General, Chinedu Onyebuchi, NUF also urged all the 23 contestants not to see the election as a do or die affair.

The association called on the Professor Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, “to once again prove sceptics wrong by maintaining its stand as an impartial umpire. We call on traditional rulers, leaders of thought, the civil societies and other stakeholders to sensitize the electorate not to sell their right to elect their choice.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 2013—39

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INAUGURATION: From left, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Chairman of the occasion; Dr. Femi Olugbile,Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, and Dr. Yetunde Onajin, Managing Director, Nature's Crest Home, at the formal inauguration of HAJJ: From left, Senators Mohammed Saleh (Kaduna Central), Ibrahim Nature's Crest Home and Rehabili tation Centre, at Oto-Awori Town, Ijanikin, Musa (Niger North), 'Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) and Mudashiru Husain Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye (Osun West), at the Holy Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, performing 2013 Hajj, weekend.

WEDDING: From left, member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Uzor Azubike; former Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha; PDP Chieftains: Chief Mao Ohuabunwa and Chief Charles Ahinze, after a wedding ceremony between Nonyelum Ubah and Anyim Udeh Jr., at the ICC Abuja, weekend.

PRESENTATION: From left, Mr. Oludare Kafar, Marketing Manager, GOtv; Mrs. Oluwakemi Chijioke, winner of GOtv Decoder, and Mrs. Busola Tejumola, Consumer Insight Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the presentation to winners of the MultiChoice Nigeria @ 20th Anniversary Promo. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

EMPOWERMENT: From left, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, representing First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, and Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, First Lady of Delta State, during the kick-off of empowering women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola,Photo Editor.

LAUNCH: From left, Mr. Adetunji Adeola, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria; Mrs. Aramide Oduntan, Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, cutting the tape, at the launch of Iconic Retail Kiosk, in Lagos.

LAUNCH: From left, General Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Mr. Steve Ryu; Managing Director/CEO, Nike Art Culture Foundation, Chief Nike DaviesOkundaye; Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Mohammed Fouani, and GM, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri, during the official launch of LG 55/65-inch ultra high definition television, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe C M Y K

EVENT: From left, Mr. Sunday Daniels, Mr. Jonah Ubong, President, KMG (standing behind); Mr. Victor Bisong, and Mr. Hope Opara, President, Eko International Film Festival, during KMG bi-monthly networking event, at Protea Hotel, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Femi Davies, member of the Planning Committee; Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, and Chief Muyiwa Osinaike, President, Francosh Entertainment/Chairman, Organising Committee of Olokun 2013, during the press briefing on the festival, organised by Odua Peoples Congress, at White House Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

NMEC canvases state of emergency in education sector

EID EL KABIR:

ACF cautions muslims

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REWA Consultative Fo rum, ACF, has urged Muslim faithful to live up to the tenets of Islam as a religion of peace in their daily lives as they celebrate Eid el kabr. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, ACF said “The celebrations of Eid el Kabr symbolize absolute submission to Allah through personal sacrifices in promotion of peaceful coexistence, perseverance, tolerance, love and accommodation of our neighbors, reconciliation and forgiveness.

“One way of demonstrating total submission to God is for all those who profess true Islam to live up the tenets of Islam as a religion of peace in their daily lives. This is because few things are less pleasing to Allah for any faithful to play havoc to His sacred injunction of inviolability of the individual. Worst still when such inviolability of individual right is said to be perpetrated in God’s name.

“That is why ACF cannot be tired of praying to God for the peaceful celebrations of the Sallah and prays to Allah to provide us with all that it takes to help promote peaceful coexistence among groups and among individuals for the good of all Nigerians as well as for unity of the country."

••SCDC advises Plateau residents

By MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

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OS—AS Nigerian Mus lims join others across the globe in the celebration of the eid-el-kabir, the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has advised residents to be law-abiding and avoid any acts capable of breaking law and order in the State.

The Corps’ State Commandant, Vincent Bature said in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Naomi Cishak, that the Corps and other security agencies had put in place all necessary strategies to ensure a peaceful celebration.The statement said, “As muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, we wish all faithful a rewarding and peaceful celebration. We assure the general public that the corps and other security agencies have put in place all necessary strategies to ensure a peaceful celebration. We hereby advise all citizens to be lawabiding and avoid any act capable of breaking law and order as any defaulter will be brought to book”.

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (third from right) and other Nigerian pilgrims near Mount Arafat, at the ongoing Muslim Hajj, in Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

National dialogue should strengthen unity—NLC

BY VICTOR AHIUMA YOUNG

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BUJA— NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, said it was not opposed to the planned National Dialogue by President Goodluck Jonathan, in as much it was aimed at improving the quality of life of Nigerians; strengthen the bonds of unity among others.

In a statement entitled “We are not opposed to national dialogue”, NLC through its acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, insisted that the dialogue should also advance the cause of democracy, build the economy, create an enabling environment for the expression of shared values and common heritage as well as defend the nation’s sovereignty.

The statement read “The Nigeria Labour Congress has found it necessary to state in unambiguous terms its position on the proposed national conference. The Congress is not opposed to any form of national

dialogue or conference or conversation as long as it is geared towards improving the quality of life of the Nigerian people, strengthen the bonds of unity, advance the cause of democracy, build our economy, create an enabling environment for the expression of our shared values and common heritage as well as defend our sovereignty.

“The labour movement has been part of national dialogue, from colonial times to postcolonial Nigeria. It was part of the dialogue leading to the country’s independence and its acquisition of the status of a republic. The labour movement played a leading role in the process and subsequent protests that culminated in the repudiation of the Anglo-Nigeria military pact that sought to make Nigeria an out-post of the British shortly after independence by way of establishing military bases in the country.

“The Congress was not only part of the national

“conferences” or dialogue contrived by the military and even the civilian government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, but played a significant role, offering in the process alternative views or development agenda. It has no reason to shy away from any conference now. For the avoidance of doubt, the Congress believes Nigerians should regularly talk to themselves as well as talks to one another. The constituent parts should as often as practicable sit down to talk, to address the ills that plague our socio-economic and political well-being, not only at the federal level but right to the village square.

“The Congress holds the view that in as much as time or timing is of essence, motive is even more significant. Congress also believes that a meaningful dialogue can be achieved by men and women of character, wisdom, integrity, patriotism as well as courage, and not charlatans or hirelings.”

Boko Haram: Borno CAN seeks compensation from govt

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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ORNU State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on Governor Kashim Shettima to revisit the issue of compensation to victims of the February 18, 2006 sectarian crises and the Boko Haram attacks.

Chairman of the state CAN, Rev. Titus Pona, who spoke during the commissioning of the new CAN office complex in Maiduguri lamented that during the February 18 sectarian crises while several lives were lost, no fewer than 158 churches were destroyed as well as property worth

millions of naira.

He said though a committee headed by the then secretary to the Borno State Government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda was set up to ascertain the extent of damage with a view to compensating victims, till today nothing had been heard about recommendations of the committee.

While he commended the Governor for demonstrating genuine interest in the restoration of peace in the state, Pona commiserated with victims of the two crises.

The CAN chairman appealed to the governor to allow Christians to teach Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK, in public

schools and also provide worshiping places for Christians in the government’s housing estates in the state to ensure stronger sense of belonging among the various faiths and ethnic groups in the state.

In his address at the occasion, Governor Kashim Shettima who was represented by his commissioner for special duties, Joshua Ishaku Sharah, congratulated the Christian community in Borno State for staying back to develop the state despite the security challenges which had forced many to flee the state.

HAIRMAN of the Board of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, NMEC, Dr (Mrs) Esther Uduehi, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria by the year 2015.

Uduehi, in her speech at the inaugural meeting of the board in Abuja said that with various survey reports by EFA Global Monitoring and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, placing Nigeria’s literacy population at 35 million and 40 million respectively, there was need for some drastic action to redeem the sector. She also expressed concern about the recent UNICEF survey which indicated that Nigeria, with an estimated population of 160 million people, had over 10.1 million outof-school children, representing about 10 percent of the global total and the largest number in any single country. According to the former Presidential Liaison Officer (PLO) to the House of Representatives (1999-2003) and educationist, “The picture painted here is that one out of every five Nigerian children is out of school and except a drastic action is taken, these out-of-school children will come to join and swell the number of illiterate adults."

Council chief lists achievements

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HAIRMAN of AdoOdo Otta Local Government Area of Ogun State, Comrade Rotimi Rahmon, has said that he was committed to the provision of qualitative and affordable education, quality health care delivery system, provision of social amenities, quality roads, and potable water..

Comrade Rotimi, who disclosed this while commemorating his one year in office of administration, described the achievement as laudable in areas of education, health care delivery system, social amenities, portable water, rural electrification, agriculture and project vehicle.On youth empowerment, Rahmon said the state has a skill acquisition programme that sponsors participants adding that the physically challenged in the Local Government have been considered with a lot of materials such as grinding machines, bikes, sewing machines etc and money for trading.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 41

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—43

National confab not diversionary—Jonathan Continues from page 6 lion that accrued to SURE-P between 2012 and 2013, the Federal Government got N255 billion while N219 billion went to the 36 States. He added that the balance of N108.2 billion went to the 774 local government areas.

Okupe said: “It is heart-warming that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally made a seeming volte-face on his initial opposition to the convocation of a national dialogue/conference by President Goodluck Jonathan in his October 1 National Broadcast. It is obvious that his initial reaction on arrival from overseas medical trip was not wellthought out and was roundly opposed, rejected and condemned by a clear majority of the Nigerian people, in particular, the authentic Yoruba leadership in the South-West.

“It is, therefore, crystal clear and unarguable that whatever position the APC leader holds on the issue of the National Conference does not represent the views of the majority of Yoruba people in the South-West. In his initial reaction, Senator Bola Tinubu rejected the National Dialogue outrightly and called it a “Greek Gift”, diversionary and an act of public deception, which according to him was also ill timed because of the supposed closeness to the forthcoming 2015 Elections.

Ulterior motives “His assertion that there is an ulterior motive for the conference is purely conjectural and speculative; and has no foundation in any reasoning or logic. The onus is heavily on him to prove this; hence we will not dwell too much on this unjustifiable conclusion. We wish to state categorically that President Goodluck Jonathan has shown convincingly that he is a credible, reliable and capable leader by his unprecedented achievements in such a short space of time. He most certainly does not flip flop as the opposition politician insinuates.

“President Jonathan promised to embark on electoral reforms with the sole aim of giving Nigerians the full value of credible elections. It will be recalled that the very first general elections under the watch of President Jonathan was adjudged by both local and international observers including leaders of foreign nations such as America, Britain and France, as being one of the best ever in Nigerian history. This fact is further confirmed by a monumental reduction of almost 70% of litigations arising from the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“Another pointer to his commitment in this regard are the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections where the Presi-

dent’s party, PDP lost and the entire process was commended by all Nigerians including Bola Tinubu’s party, the then ACN. One therefore wonders the mischief that Bola Tinubu intended to play by the alleged nonimplementation of reports of the Justice Uwais committee on electoral reforms. Therefore, contrary to Senator Tinubu’s position, Mr President has demonstrated reliability and capability in his handling of his electoral reform promise to the Nigerian people.

“The President promised that he will deliver power to the Nigerian people through a wellplanned Power Roadmap. To date, all the 10 previously comatose NIPP Projects capable of adding an additional 5000 megawatts to our National Grid have been virtually completed by this administration. Two weeks ago, in order that even the most cynical of all can see and confirm that these are not political gimmicks, the Geregu NIPP Power Plant with 434 Megawatts was commissioned by the President to the admiration and appreciation of the entire citizenry and in a few weeks from now, Omotosho Plant with 450 MW will also be commissioned. Surely and steadily, Nigeria is moving towards the provision of uninterrupted power supply to the citizenry."

Attacking the former Lagos State governor on his position on SURE- P, Okupe said, “Amazingly, Senator Bola Tinubu spoke ignorantly on the issue of the Sure-P. He ought to have been better informed rather than the shameful falsehood he tried to disseminate on the utilization of the Sure-P funds.

We submit for the records, the allocation to Sure-P and the projects to which the Federal Government has applied them.

These are verifiable facts.

Utilization of SURE-P funds “The Federal Government receives 41% of the total Sure-P funds while all the States and Local Governments receive the remaining 59%. The utilization of the Federal Government Sure-P funds in 2012 and 2013 are stated below: “The leader of the APC should publish the total amount of money received by the APC States and the projects for which they were used for Nigerians to see who is reliable and capable and who is not.

“Tinubu’s myopia and beclouded diatribe on this matter reveals the narrow mindedness of a local politician totally insensitive to the genuine sensibilities of other sub-nationalities within the polity. The results of the various programmes of the Amnesty Office are self-evident and have definitely impacted

positively on the lives and wellbeing of the Youths and Communities in the Niger Delta Region. Finally, the reference to the fact that Mr President is calling for a National Conference at a time when his party, the PDP seems to be having an internal crisis is plainly mischievous and dishonest.

“The APC leader, as usual, is completely off target. Desperate politicians and self-seeking political leaders tend to believe that their quest for power or insatiable appetite for wealth accumulation through politics is superior to the genuine desires and innate aspiration of the ordinary Nigerians. While the Bola Tinubu’s of this world focus only on the 2015 general elections, most patriotic ordinary Nigerians are more concerned with the emergence of a true united Nation, based on equity and justice to all its component parts, devoid of schisms and rancour which has made it impossible for us to benefit from the full potential of all the Godgiven resources of our great Nation.

“Senator Tinubu in his criticism of the conference asked “Where is the capability, where is the sincerity?” He also queried “Will this president have the guts to implement fully all final resolutions of the conference without fear or favour?”

On all these queries, we state that for the first time in the history of post-independence Nigeria, a Federal Government took a bold initiative to call for a National conference without the obnoxious “no-go-areas” so that Nigerians can once and for all have the opportunity to address all pertinent issues regarding the polity and has also given the advisory committee freewill to determine its nature and/or structure. This is a definite demonstration of boldness and sincerity by the administration of President Goodluck

Ebele Jonathan.

“Our dear Senator Tinubu wants the Yoruba Nation and indeed the people of Lagos State to believe that he is sincere in rendering public service to the state and the people, whereas he has heavily garrisoned the state political apparatus with a sizeable number of his immediate family members. Nigerians should ignore the vituperations of so-called leaders who don’t see anything good in anyone or any programme except they are either in control of it or that it is tailored to satisfy their inordinate desires and greed.

Like Mr President said at the inauguration of the Advisory committee on National conference, “Let us move forward with honest conviction and patriotic courage to strengthen this Republic and get it to work better and brighter, for all of us, to the glory of God.”

National dialogue should involve all ethnic groups, not only the major groups—Middle Belt Forum The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, yesterday, said that if the national conference must be a success, there must be no restriction of any ethnic group, just as it warned that attention must not only be focused on the major ethnic groups in the country.

In a statement signed by the forum’s President and Secretary, Professor Jerry Gana and Mr. John Dara respectively, the group suggested that every ethnic group must have at least one representative before proportional seats were allotted to the bigger ethnic groups and other interests.

While commending President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the dialogue, the MBF stressed that it was also satis-

fied with the quality and composition of the newly inaugurated advisory committee on national dialogue, even as it urged members of the committee to ensure that the national dialogue was truly representative, credible and patriotic insisting it must also be orderly, peaceful and productive.

The forum said, “We also hope that the conference will focus less on politics and posturing, and avoid reckless brinkmanship. We must proffer workable solutions to the developmental problems facing our country. We need urgent solutions to the problems of poverty, unemployment, low productivity, insecurity, corruption and the re-occuring mismanagement of our resources and opportunities.

“The leadership and members of the Middle Belt Forum commend the wisdom and political sagacity of President Goodluck Jonathan in acceding to the vociferous calls for a National Conference. This is a further confirmation of his responsiveness to the yearnings of the public. While we had advised against a Sovereign National Conference because of the obvious institutional conflicts, we also firmly took the position that national discourse, dialogue and conferences are indeed necessary democratictools for promoting national understanding, harmony and cohesion. We are therefore enthusiastic about this proposed conference, and we salute the courage of Mr. President in boldly convening it.

“We need to see this Dialogue as an opportunity for national reconciliation, restoration of trust and rededication to the onerous task of accelerated national development. The time has come for us as Nigerians to rise above debilitating self-criticism, self-doubt and self destruction. We must learn to support whoever has our mandate to govern by being more charitable while giving constructive counsels.

BIRTHDAY: From left, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM /Editor in -Chief , Vanguard, Mr Victor Gotevbe, Admin Manager, his wife, Franca, Mr Sola Ojo, Acting Internal Auditor and Mr. Emeka Nkwocha, Advert Manager , at the cutting of Mr. Gotevbe's 37th Birthday cake.

Photo Diran Oshe.

44— Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 TUESDA

FCTA commissions DNA lab

BY HENRY UMORU STATE-OF-THE-ART analytical laboratory where DNA tests can be carried out has been commissioned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA. Drugs meant for hospitals in the FCTA are also to be screened at the facility.

Secretary, Human and Health Services Secretariat, Dr. Ademola Onakomaiya who opened the Centre at the Abuja Central Medical Stores, Jabi, said its establishment was informed by the need to ensure that drugs meet the requisite standard quality criteria of safety and efficacy. The new lab has a Truscan Machine and Mini-Lab Test Kit. "This a project as a result of Public Private Partnership. It has no cost to government, what we did was that we signed an MoU with the company Medilab that we are going to collect their products for five years,’ he stated.

A

Oshotimehin speaks at 3rd ICFP

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NFPA Executive Director Prof Babatunde Osotimehin and African Women’s Development Fund CEO Theo Sowa will be speaking alongside other global leaders including Malawian President Joyce Banda, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chair Melinda Gates to urge “Full Access, Full Choice” at 3rd International Conference on Family Planning, ICFP, coming up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in November 2013. The meeting will call attention to wide-ranging benefits of family planning and highlight efforts to provide voluntary contraceptive information and services.

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle) washing his hands. With him is his wife, Serifat (left) and others, at year 2013 global hand-washing day celebrations, held at the Freedom Square, Osogbo, Osun State

Why underage marriage is a national problem — REPORT

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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NDERAGE marriage, early-age child bearing and poor educational attainment for girls, have remained issues of national significance because the Presidency, the State Governments, National and State Houses of Assembly and other arms of government are yet to expedite action to address the worsening problem.

Human development and health advocates, who made the assertion over the weekend, hinged their argument on the just released results of the Federation Special Scorecards - a set of indicators that underline the link

between poor educational attainment of girls, forced marriage of underage children and under age child bearing in the country.

The scorecards, published by Africa Health, Human & Social Development Information Service (Afri-Dev. Info) in partnership with Africa Coalition on Maternal Newborn and Child Health, and Pan African Campaign Against Forced Marriage of Under Age Children, underline that although worst performing states are from the North, the issue of low girl child education and poor health indices for the girl child, is a serious national problem affecting all States of the

Hospital saves 200 preterm babies

BY WILLIAMS JIMOH

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O less than 200 preterm babies have been cared for and restored to full health at the Outreach Children Hospital, Lagos. Disclosing this during the nation’s 53rd Independence Day anniversary, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, said many of the babies were in critical state when brought in. Every year, thousands of premature babies die due to lack of equipment notably incubators.

"We are celebrating the lives of these premature babies becasue we feel that

celebrating them on Independence day is worth it because, saving their lives is an achievement. We want to remember and make them realise they indeed remembered and cared for."

Outreach Children Hospital is a paediatric, neonatal and maternal medical service provider with keen interest in other areas of medical value such as continuous professional development, medical equipment supplies and research.

"In 39 months, we have received 18,000 children, from General Hospitals and private hospitals and others who just

walked in on their own. The greatest challenge we had was that out of the 600 children from the General Hospitals, we were able to save 430 because 170 died before they got to the hospital. Fewer deaths were recorded from the other 17,400 children because they arrived the hospital in time,” she noted Dosekun pointed out that efforts were in place to set up another Centre in Badagry and Agege. “This is because timely intervention is very important.

Babies have different health issues. Some do not breathe well or may have jaundice, so timely and prompt response is needed for them to be alive.”

Federation.

Findings from the Report show that more adolescent girls are in marriage in Bayelsa State (23.8 percent) than Adamawa 20.4 percent; Benue 20.2 percent; Taraba 18.1 percent; and Nasarawa 16.1 percent. Bayelsa also habours the highest number of females (aged 20 to 24 years) that have had at least a live birth before attaining the age of 18 years with 31.7 percent, compared to Adamawa, 30.5 percent; Taraba, 29.3 percent; and Niger ,24.9 percent. The three Northern states in turn score better than Delta, 22 percent; Rivers, 19.9 percent and Anambra, 18.9 percent.

According to the Report, Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, and Gombe States not only have the lowest girl child education in the country, they also have the highest female illiteracy, highest adolescent girl marriage, highest under-15 and under-18 child bearing placing them in the highest risk category for maternal death and injury.

“The education theme of 2013 day of the girl child is crucial. The basic ability to to read and write is absolute minimum condition to function in a modern society, to escape from poverty and to contribute to community, national and African development,” Mr Rotimi Sankore, spokesperson for the groups said in a statement.

“Even in the best performing states there is still cause for

concern - Edo and Ekiti states with the best secondary school attendance for girls still have up to 16 percent of girls not in secondary education; Lagos, Ekiti and Imo states with the least number of under age girls forced into marriage still have over 1 percent of girls in this terrible condition of forced domestic work, and sexual abuse; and Imo, Abia, Abuja, Enugu and Edo with the least number of under age child bearing still have between 0.8 percent and almost 6 percent of under age girls giving birth.”

Observing that the scale of the problem is self evident, Sankore urged the Governors' Forum to give it their most urgent attention, especially from the eight Northern states where it is obvious that the educational, health and overall human development of girls is key to their development.

“The evidence also underline very strongly that poor educational attainment for girls, under age marriage and under age child bearing is not a northern or religious based problem – but a national problem.

“If 65 percent of teenage boys were forced into under age marriage with women old enough to be their grand mothers as in the worst performing state, there would be a national emergency.

If 66 percent of teenage boys were forced into fathering

Continues on Page 46

Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—45 TUESDA

Psychiatrist seeks supportive policies for treatment of mental disorders

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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ORRIED by the high incidence of mental illness among the aged, coupled with the high rate of under-diagnosis and undertreatment of mental disorders within primary care settings, a medical expert has called for the setting up of sustainable policies on long-term and palliative care. The expert is also seeking development of age-friendly services to meet the specific needs of older populations.

Making the call in Lagos on World Mental Day, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, said the elderly is at greater risk of mental disorders and complications than the young.

Kadiri who is Medical Director, Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos, however noted that mental health problems should not be seen as a normal incidence in older persons.

“Depression is both underdiagnosed and under-treated in primary care settings.

Symptoms of depression in older adults are often overlooked and untreated because they coincide with other late life problems, she said.”

In Nigeria, many families are helpless when they are faced with an older and mentally challenged relative. “For most

• Dr Maymunah Kadiri of them, traditional healers or prayer houses is where they go for help. Unfortunately, there is no mental health bill and mental health receives only a small part of the annual budget in Nigeria. There are few mental health specialist hospitals in the country and are not affordable and/or accessible for more than half of those who deserve professional help.

“There is a demanding need in Nigeria for structure and comfort in the activities of the elderly that they will find enjoyable and hence convey a

sense of joy and pleasure in them. An appropriate and supportive legislative environment based on internationally accepted human rights standards is required to ensure the highest quality of services to people with mental illness and their caregivers.

Kadiri noted thatmental health of older adults can be improved through promoting active and healthy ageing. “We need to identify and treat mental disorders among the elderly as early as possible. It is important to improve the social capital and involve communities and families in supporting the older adults.

“Many older adults still follow a life style that aggravates a lack of mental wellbeing. They need to be encouraged and educated do more physical exercise, keep socially connected, keep their brains active, reduce their weight, stop smoking or the harmful use of alcohol, and control their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Most of these are plausible interventions for a good proportion of the older adults in the world,” she noted.

Heart attacks: Defibrillators to the rescue

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

I

N the wake of rising incidences of sudden death arising from heart attacks and cardiac arrests in the country, Nigerians have been urged to take advantage of automated external defibrillators to check the trend.

About 50 percent of the Nigerian population is believed to be at risk of heart-related diseases, acording to the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA. An automated external defibrillator, is presently one of the fastest means of resuscitation for a patient who might have suffered cardiac arrest.

The device is capable of delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heartand can be used effectively with little or no training at all.

Telefunken recently manufactured special cardioverter defibrillators small devices placed in the chest or abdomen. In a presentation, Chief Executive Officer, Healthpro, Shade Odebiyi, said doctors use the device to help treat irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

“The device uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control life-threatening arrhythmias, especially those that can cause sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. Blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs causing death if not treated within minutes,” she stated.

Experts say the heart has its own internal electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of heartbeat. A problem with any part of the heart's electrical system can cause an arrhythmia and while most arrhythmias are harmless, some can be serious. “Defibrillators use electrical pulses or shocks to treat life-threatening arrhythmias that occur in the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers). When ventricular arrhythmias occur, the heart can't pump blood well.

“To prevent death, the arrhythmia must be treated right away with an electric shock to the heart. This treatment is called defibrillation.”

A defibrillator has electrodes on the ends that connect to the heart chambers. It monitors the heart rhythm and if it detects an

irregular rhythm in the ventricles, uses low-energy electrical pulses to restore a normal rhythm.

“If the low-energy pulses don't restore your normal heart rhythm, the defibrillator will switch to high-energy pulses for defibrillation.

‘Adopt culture of voluntary blood donation’

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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CLARION call has been made to Nigerians to imbibe the culture of voluntary blood donation in order to prevent avoidable deaths, arising from non-availability of safe blood. A medical doctor, Dr. Samuel Dare Alori, who made the call in a presentation during the voluntary blood donation drive of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, LSBTC, at the Lagos State College of Health Technology, Yaba Lagos, stated: “If we intend to have a state where only safe blood is transfused in all appropriate health facilities in Nigeria, we must embrace the culture of voluntary blood donation.”

Advocating voluntary blood donation against commercial blood donation, Chairman Gov-

erning Council, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, disclosed that most commercial blood donors engage in unhealthy activities that expose them to infection, making their blood unsafe for transfusion.”

Voluntary blood donors, on the other hand, have nothing to lose because the exercise helps their body produce new blood cells, and reduces the work load on the heart.

President of Club 25, Lagos State chapter, Shogo Oloshunde, who has donated blood 19 times over a period of five years, encouraged students of the Institute to donate voluntarily as a humanitarian gesture. Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the club 25 at the institute, which allows members to donate 25 unit of blood in their lifetime.

Telemedicine Centre opens in Abuja

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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TELEMEDICINE Centre has been launched at Hassan’s Clinic and Diagnostic Centre, Abuja. In a statement, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Mahesh Sachdev, said India had made use of such facility to meet the health demands of the country’s 1.2 billion populace.

“Telemedicine is essentially an exercise to provide enhanced healthcare and assistance. It has enormous platform to launch various devices and methodology ranging from consultation with the doctor to the diagnostics.

"So if we can have a finite of daily medical care extended to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria in Telecoms and broadband, to the remote areas of the country, things will inevitably become better to also help Nigeria use its healthcare facilities more efficiently”,

Sachdev stressed.

National President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Godswill Okara, said the intention was to gather the best team of intellectuals, scientists and clinicians that can provide first class health care service to Nigerians at all levels.

“What we do is get the doctor outside the country to see the patient through this facility. It reduces cost for the patient because they have seen their doctor here and have been given the necessary advice.

“The Tele – medical facility gives the opportunity of consulting with specialists around the world, you can have an x – ray done in Jalingo, it is sent online, and then, the doctor probably has a printed copy. This makes the medical process faster and you bring the medical facilities together, everybody around the patient,” he reiterated.

Why 3 scientists won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology

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INNING the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is no mean feat. Ask James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof who have been jointly awarded the prestigious prize for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in human cells.

In layman’s terms, the 2013 Nobel Prize honours the three scientists for solving the mystery of how the cell organizes its transport system.

Each cell is a factory that produces and exports molecules. For instance, insulin is manufactured and released

into the blood and signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are sent from one nerve cell to another. These molecules are transported around the cell in small packages called vesicles.

The three Nobel Laureates discovered the molecular principles that govern how this cargo is delivered to the right place at the right time in the cell.

Schekman discovered a set of genes that were required for vesicle traffic, while Rothman unravelled protein machinery that allows vesicles to fuse with their targets to permit transfer of cargo. On his part, Sudhof revealed how signals instruct

vesicles to release their cargo with precision.

Through their discoveries, Rothman, Schekman and Sudhof have revealed the exquisitely precise control system for the transport and delivery of cellular cargo.

Disturbances in this system have deleterious effects and contribute to conditions such as neurological diseases, diabetes, and immunological disorders.

The three Nobel Laureates have discovered a fundamental process in cell physiology discoveries that have had a major impact on understanding on cell function with timing and precision.

46—Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 TUESDA

Medical tourism:

New frontiers for Nigerian healthcare delivery

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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OWARDS enabling the average Nigerian patient access to the most advanced and effective healthcare services in the world, Apollo Hyderabad Group, the largest group of hospitals in Asia, recently teamed up with the Nigerian medical industry, to establish the Apollo Global Doctors Network- West Africa.

“We have good doctors in Nigeria, what is lacking here is infrastructure.

With infrastructure and constant repetition of procedures, doctors here can become super specialists, said Dr. Ufuoma Okotete, Medical Director/CEO, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance, Lagos, one of the partners initiating the Network.

“The Global Doctors Network is for second opinion. What we are creating is a platform for regular international exchanges with hospitals in India, the US and Germany.”

Okotete, an expert in medical tourism, explained that one of the requirements of Nigerian patients is superspeciality care. “This is a platform for expanding networking opportunities for local

doctors to engage in scientific discussion with foreign doctors. Majority of the doctors are Indians practicing at Apollo Hospitals, but the initiative is

• Dr. K. Hari Prasad

to get a platform where we can upgrade doctors to sort out simple procedures and also provide opportunities to and create platforms of exchanges where they could travel out for trainings to improve the health sector,” she explained.

“Through the platform, doctors would be having regular exchanges for trainings and updates.

For instance, If you see a

patient and you are not very sure about the diagnosis, you just send the report, and a doctor in that particular speciality would take a look at the

the belief the country would benefit from the healthcare model established by India.

“While we continue to keep the patients who

• Dr. Ufuoma Okotete

case, make recommendations and respond. It is like a friendly cycle of exchange from which the patient is the overall beneficiary.

The CEO, Apollo Hyderabad Group, Central Region, Dr K. Hari Prasad, who led the Indian medical team to the official launch of the Network, said Apollo had established relationships with the people of Nigeria,and they were of

come to India, take care of them, we are also looking into how we can come here and support the Nigerian government, and private institutions and the people of Nigeria in developing their own health care infrastructure, and the skills of their medical personnel so that we would assist Nigeria to have a trained system of health care that will provide everything the people of Nigeria and

West Africa require.”

Prasad explained that the cost efficiency and quality of healthcare services available in Indian hospitals, come from the way the hospitals are planned, built and run.

“One important factor in Indian health care is that 90-95 percent of the budget is actually spent on clinical care of the patient, while in some other developed countries of the world like the US, hardly does 20-30 percent of the amount spent on health, actually reaches the patient because of administrative and banking processes.

“First thing Nigeria should learn is that there

is a different model of health care apart from the British and American model. This third model is good for developing countries like Nigeria where resources are minimal and the challenge will be to maximize the outcome of resources used.”

Prasad argued that Nigerian government should create platforms to enable doctors operating outside the country exhibit their skill here.

“If Nigeria created the platform, you will be certain that Nigeria doctors from all over the world will come back to Nigeria. We have been seeing this happening in India.

Finally, it is beneficial for Nigerians to have a Public Private Partnership, PPP, to inject a catalytic effect in development of health care in Nigeria.”

Underage marriage Continued from page 44 The device also will switch to high-energy pulses if children for older women in the worst performing state, your ventricles start toas quiver rather than contract there would be a national emergency.

The hypocrisy on strongly.”

Once see a severe case, the development goal is to saveneeds the life. genderweequality and women’s to We value life and will continue to cater and do our end.“ own part to change the increasing rate of infant mortality inCalling Lagos."for urgent action on girls education, health, human and socialcalled development, Sankore argued: “We She, however, for development of a strong need evidence based policy making in Nigeria.

The health system through innovative dissemination of problem goes beyond Senator Ahmed Yerima. People like health information. him only make headlines because we expect a former Attributing severe health problem inthat infants to state Governor and Senator should dedicate himself to illiteracy rather than insufficient funding, she called creating environmenton that protects under age girls for more an enlightenment prevention. from abuse and exploitation, rather than facilitating a negative environment.”

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—47

Dismantle police check points in Rivers State Dear Sir, B ARELY two years after the present Inspector General of Police, Mr Abubakar Mohammed ordered the dismantling all illegal police check points along the country ’ s highways, and pronouncing strict punitive measures on any police officer who returned to the ignoble act of extorting money from motorists, the Aba/ Port Harcourt expressway has been taken over by illegal police check points From Imo River Bridge in Rivers State to Alaoji in Abia state, over ten police check points have been mounted.

attached to these police officers have joined the bandwagon. The Police officers collect the toll themselves, but the soldiers engage the services of civilians who collect on their behalf.

This evil practice being perpetrated at this time that Nigeria is trying to forge ahead with the advanced nations should not be swept under the carpet by the Federal Government. There is therefore the urgent need to nip it in the bud before it spreads over to other parts of the country.

Against this backdrop, I call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Abubakar

,

,

The Police officers collect the toll themselves, but the soldiers engage the services of civilians who collect on their behalf

On Bareje- led PDP office When will politicians learn to do the right thing in Nigeria? Factions are never recognised in law. If one is dissatisfied with a group, you have a choice to opt out and form your own group but in a new name and seek for recognition and registration.

The police has a duty to take action against any person whose actions may lead to breakdown of law and order in the society including sealing up of any building in use for an illegal purpose.

Bar. A.O. Obi 08056009586 ASSU strike Have you ever heard that universities in UK or US are on strike? It is only in Nigeria that precious times of undergraduate students are wasted in the name of ASUU strike .

A striking worker is dissatisfied with his work and is asking to quit.

Labour matters are first deliberated upon by concerned parties and if there is any

Mohammed to detail his men to patrol the Aba / Port Harcourt expressway with a view to arresting these policemen and their military counterparts. He should also and mete out adequate disciplinary measures to them to serve as deterrent to any intending defaulters.

Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt 0 8 0 7 2 2 5 7 3 6 0 gabchiz56@yahoo.com

unimplemented agreement, the aggrieved party can go to court. It is high time ASUU is abrogated while the Minister for Education as well as the governing Board of the Uni-

Dear Sir, AS the nation continues to grapple with persistent power outages and unreliable electricity supply, the Federal Government is currently beset by the twin problems of theft and vandalisation of its power equipment / facilities. So endemic is the occurrence of vandalisation of electricity equipment that except drastic action is taken to contain the menace, the muchtouted reform of the power sector may be no more than a mirage.

There is no doubt that the incidents of theft and equipment vandalisation are really costing the nation huge money. The immediate consequence is that life is made more difficult for law abiding citizens who are thrown into darkness due to erratic and unreliable power supply occasioned by the activities of the vandals. Also, the nation’s economy is seriously threatened as industries are being shut down and employees laid off because companies cannot meet production targets as many operate below their installed capacities. But why steal power equipment? from the onset based on religious extremism and sentiment is what is seriously affecting the North today.

Illiteracy, poverty, almajiri, unchecked population, selfishness, wickedness, terrorism and corruption by our past and present leaders are some of the negative effects.

We (Northerners) should rethink and stop making unnecessary accusations against anybody but ourselves. We should stop deceiving our-

,

This development is not abnormal if they are there to oversee the security of life and property of the people, but they compel motorists, especially the commercial ones to dole out cash at every check point.

Over the years, the Nigerian Army has never been involved in this extortion syndrome, but surprisingly this time around, the Army officers

Protecting electricity equipment from vandals

When will politicians learn to do the right thing in Nigeria? Factions are never recognised in law; if one is dissatisfied with a group, you have a choice to opt out and form your own group but in a new name and seek for recognition and registration; the police has a duty to take action against any person whose actions may lead to breakdown of law and order

,

versities should do their job.

Bar. A.O. Obi 08056009586 Backwardness in the Northern region The Northerners should not blame President Jonathan for their blunders or wrong doings. Total rejection/ opposition of Western education

selves.

Alhaji.

A.M. 089038235199

Transformer oil, copper and aluminum are the main targets of the vandals. Transformer oil mixed with diesel is sold as fuel, especially for industrial furnaces and as cooling for welding sets.

It could be mixed with vegetable oil and sold as cooking oil. It is also used as a cosmetic and treatment for wounds.

Copper and aluminum on the other hand, have been in the past used on a minimum scale by the informal sector for welding sets.

But now it is mainly exported as scrap.

In the past the problem of vandalism was attributed to socioeconomic conditions. But this has now changed. Vandalism is now largely driven by the soaring values of copper and aluminum in the international metals market due to increased world market demand fuelled by China and India’s growth in industrialization.

Consequently, the vandals now operate in well organised syndicates complete with offices and hierarchy and accumulate large volumes of stolen materials which they eventually consign for hope it wouldn’t get to the extent of pursuing each others’ soul.

The latest problem may not be far from the oil pipeline protection contract . Both parties should take it easy so that it does not degenerated into another problem.

Anonymous 08103142615 Lamido’s liberation crusade Recently, Gov. Lamido stated that he will not stop his crusade for justice and fairness in Nigeria until he gets it.

One begins to wonder who and what i s unjust here? For him and his fellow Northerners, it is only fair for them to rule Nigeria; it’s fair for them to go to Abuja monthly to collect national cake without con-

export as scrap.

In Akwa Ibom State, vandalism of power equipment is prevalent and such incidents have escalated in recent past to unprecedented levels. This formed the main point of discussion at the recent periodic meeting between the Senior Special Assistant, SSA to the Governor on Power, Dr. Victor Udo, and the stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State Power Sector.

According to Dr. Udo, “no other state in Nigeria does as much rural electrification as Akwa Ibom state. Therefore legislation is needed to prohibit theft of electricity equipment because it undermines the efforts of the Government when electrification projects are implemented and afterwards people vandalise electric facilities that have been installed”.

It is unfortunate that despite the heroic quest by the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for improved and steady power supply in the State, there are some unpatriotic elements hell-bent on sabotaging government efforts and throwing their fellow citizens into hardship.

Relevant punitive laws should be put in place by the State House of Assembly while the security agencies on their part should be up and doing in apprehending these hoodlums and bringing them to justice. Host communities should be encouraged to provide assistance by way of intelligence and information to the security agencies so as to check the menace.

Albert Akpan +234 – 7067 – 354 - 622

tributing to its making. It’s fair for them to disrupt governance with Boko Haram because a Southerner whose region is the sole financier of their empty states is ruling.

Gov. Lamido should know they have lost it. People are wiser now. For Gov. Amaechi, he is being over ambitious.

He is like a young lady dating a married man, praying that God kills the wife of his date so she can move in.

God does not answer such prayers because he is a just God. He shouldn’t be deceived by fake prophets who are bent on destroying him. Gov. Amaechi, Lamido and others should wait and stop distracting the president.

Clara 08078210057

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.You have to know when to stop and let go of somethings for they say "A stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave"

Shehu

Gani Adams alleged comments on Dr. Fasheun The rivalry between the two factional leaders of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, is taking a new dimension. I

Simon Adewale08056180103, Lagos State .

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

48—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Ben Obi chides parties over violation of zoning •Charges candidates to focus on issue based campaigns

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

S

PECIAL Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, has expressed regret that various candidates in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State failed to adhere to the zoning arrangement put forward by the state governor, Mr Peter Obi. He said adherence to zoning would not only have reduced the current political tension in the state but also created an understanding among the various stakeholders in the politics of the state.

The presidential aide, who expressed worry over the development, reasoned that there was nothing good in politics than for key players to shift ground on certain issues, saying such was necessary for rapid socio-economic development of any society.

He spoke in Abuja, at a colloquium organized for candidates of the forth coming governorship election, by two groups under the aegis of Anambra State Towns People

Association, ASTPA, and Anambra State Public Officers and Elders Forum, ASPOF. “Although the issue of zoning in the coming governorship election in Anambra is belated as the various candidates are already in the ring but I wish they had reasoned with the state governor ’s advice for zoning of the governorship seat,” he stressed.

Obi assured that the Federal Government would support efforts to ensure credible polls.

“You recall that the candidates that emerged from Edo and Ondo states were all opposition candidates. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Olusegun Mimiko, from Ondo State emerged from the opposition and after their victories, the first congratulatory messages for them were all from Mr President.

“As far as this administration is concerned, we are committed to conducting credible

TMG promises to deploy 600 election monitors STORIES BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, a coalition of over 400 civil society groups, is to deploy about 600 observers to all the 21 local government areas of Anambra State during the November 16 governorship election.

TMG chairman, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who spoke during

an advocacy visit to the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu at the weekend in Awka said that the observers would be trained on how to transmit their information to the TMG headquarters in Abuja from the field for prompt collation on Election Day. He said that a situation whereby reports of election

Obiano flaunts 4Cs A

PGA candidate, Chief Willy Obiano says he has come up with a four – dimensional approach to governance, which, according to him, would take the state to the next level.

Addressing reporters in Awka, Obiano said the 4Cs stand for: continue the great work being done by the Obi administration; complete these works; commission them; and commence a set of new revolutionary initiatives that will lift Anambra State into the status of the leading investment and leisure destination in subSaharan Africa.

•Obiano: APGA flagbearer “My vision is for Anambra State to become the first choice investment destination and hub for industrialization and commercial activities, while my

Accord party candidate, Igwebuike pledges to make the difference

T

HE candidate of Accord in the governorship election, Mr. Hygers Igwebuike, has said that his reason for joining the race is to offer service to the people with a remarkable difference.

Speaking during a dinner he hosted for members of the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Igwebuike, a retired military officer, said that after implementing what he has in his manifesto, it would be very difficult for any other governor to equal his achievements after

elections at all levels in this country. That is why on the 21st of October we are going to organise a sensitisation worksho.The candidates have been involved, the parties have been involved for this sensitization exercise,” he stressed. Obi, who insisted that the candidates must engage in politics of issues, added that they must have the mindset of coming to government to surpass Governor Peter Obi in terms of good governance after

emergence at the poll just as he noted that Anambra State has the greatest entrepreneur in the southern region of the country. “We have to engage in politics of issues, we have to engage in politics of understanding, selfless service.

Anambra is a state that produces the greatest entrepreneurs in this sub region of the country. We are not expecting anything less than what Mr Peter Obi has done. Anybody that comes up after Mr Peter Obi has to do double what he has done."

his tenure.

He explained that he is not in the race to advertise himself as God has already done that for him, adding that while some of the people vying with him may be learning on the job, he already knows what to do to move the state to the next level.

He warned the electorate against succumbing to the temptation of monetary inducement, noting that anybody who offers money to buy votes is not fit to govern the people.

mission is to create a socially stable, business friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in Anambra State,” the APGA candidate said.

Obiano said he has evolved a comprehensive blueprint for accelerated development covering key areas, including education, health, agriculture, environment, infrastructure development, commerce and industry, housing and urban planning, security and social welfare, as well as tourism, sports and youth development.

observers came weeks after the election when somebody would have been declared winner was not acceptable.

“TMG will use a new and innovative approach to citizen non –partisan observation, utilizing statistics and Information and Communication Technologies, ICT. As opposed to the conventional monitoring method, ICT will make it possible to report •Jega: Chief electoral umpire incidents to the relevant agencies as they parties were not prepared to happen. It will also make it play by the rules.

He regretted that some possible to have pictorial candidates were inducing the records of incidents.”

According to him, TMG electorate with money and would collaborate with other materials, which, he said relevant national agencies to contravenes the provisions of ensure that urgent action was the Electoral Act. He said further: “There is no taken on incidents reported, adding that any person who doubt that Anambra State is a engaged in any form of hot spot state whenever there malpractice during the election is election. The state has a record of having the highest would be prosecuted.

He observed that from reports number of contestants for any so far received in Anambra elective post and the sheer State, it would appear that number of candidates for the politicians have learnt nothing forthcoming governorship and forgotten nothing, as some election poses logistic of them and their political challenges to INEC.

Keep hope alive, Nwoye tasks supporters

W

HILE many of those who won their party tickets are on the field campaigning, Comrade Tony Nwoye, who was once flaunted by the PDP as its candidate is lamenting the litigation he has had to contend with.

After overcoming the initial tackle from his one-time associate, Senator Andy Uba, Nwoye was two weeks ago displaced by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who came

through the courts to grab the ticket.

Speaking yesterday on his situation, Nwoye who expressed optimism that the ticket would be returned to him by the court, however, lamented that time that otherwise would have been spent on the campaign field was now being wasted on litigation.

He, nevertheless, called on his supporters to keep hope alive.

•Nwoye

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013—49

Jonathan’s national confab is a scam — Sen Ojudu SENATOR Babafemi Ojudu (APC, Ekiti Central), in this interview with Vanguard Politics takes a swipe at President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to set up an advisory committee for a national conference describing it as a sham. Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

M

IXED reactions has welcome the setting up of an advisory committee for a national conference. The Senate has approved...

(Cuts in) Not the Senate but the President of the Senate.

But some Senators are welcoming the development For me, a national conference is desirable. As an individual, I started campaigning for a Sovereign National Conference as far back as 1990 when Alao Aka-Bashorun and his group, the Campaign for Democracy, wanted a sovereign national conference. At that time, I was working with National Concord but I took three months leave of absence from my job to be organizing secretary for Campaign for Democracy and I was the principal organizing secretary for that conference. You see it is desirable, we have talked about it, campaigned for it but the one they brought now is a scam.

We have not been asked to discuss it as a body in the Senate. In the past, the President of the Senate was opposed to it while some of us were in support of it. Now there is this turn around, he is in support of it.

For me, I am against it not because there is something

come out with this conference.

It is a strategy to resolve all the conflicts within their party.

It is not because of the clamour or genuine cry over the years for a national conference.

You are a member of the Senate Committee on Defence and you recently visited the North East, would you say Nigeria is winning the war against Boko Haram?

We spent three days on the ground, we went to Yobe and Borno states. What I saw shocked me. In some places we visited, we saw some towns devastated, all the buildings set on fire, schools destroyed, police stations, telecommunication masts destroyed and people were slaughtered.

,

For me, I am against it not because there is something wrong with it fundamentally but because I happen to know and I have insider information that it was just meant to be a diversion. It is a scam

wrong with it fundamentally but because I happen to know and I have insider information that it was just meant to be a diversion. It is a scam.

How? They are not serious about it.

They have a problem in their party, the PDP. The party is disintegrating and they are looking for a diversion so that people’s attention will be diverted to something else. The noise will subside, they will bribe whomever they can bribe and pacify whomever they can pacify and then move on with the 2015 elections. That for me, is the only reason they have

Ethnic nationalities

Biggest market There is a particular market which is the biggest market of water melon in the whole country, it was ransacked and destroyed. For me, we are in a state of war. Now, after seeing all of these, I thought I had seen enough, until we went to the barracks of the Joint military Task Force in Maiduguri. We were shown videos of innocent people been slaughtered.

These videos were seized in

,

the camps when soldiers raided the Boko Haram hideouts.

We saw people with their hands tied behind their backs and their throats slit. I saw five policemen that were arrested by these militants. As one of the terrorists was pronouncing death sentence on them, two of the policemen dropped dead, they still went ahead and slaughtered them. The policemen were in uniform.

I saw video recordings of traders, who left Ibadan to the North to buy beans, they were arrested. I saw their hands tied behind their backs and they were slaughtered one after the

environment and neglect of so many years.

People have left school, they have been educated and they could not get jobs, they are frustrated, they have no hope and whatever it is that can occupy them and give them that sense of fulfillment is what they are going to do. That for me, is one of the reasons behind this cause. If it was about religion, they would not go about killing people who are Muslims like themselves.

But some have argued that a national conference will address all these issues...

I hope so, but that will be a conference that is genuine. The government cannot convene a national conference. It is not for the government to do; it is the people who are outside government, the stakeholders, vigil societies, in consultations with all organs of government that can convene it.

•Ojudu: Boko Haram insurgency beyond religion other.

As they were slaughtering one person, others were made to watch them. Those who could not stand it, buried their faces in the ground but the terrorists still went ahead to slaughter them.

Does that mean that the state of emergency declared in these troubled states is not yielding results?

We are talking of terror, about guerrilla warfare, it is not a conventional warfare. You cannot say you are condemning the soldiers for not quickly routing the terrorists. It will take a long time because they (terrorists) have embedded themselves in that society and what we are told is that they have close to 6,000 soldiers in Sanbizar forest in southern Borno state. We are also told that they have bunkers there.

We saw several other incidents like that. We were in a village where 50 students were slaughtered. For me, it is gruesome, I wish Nigerians could be shown those videos to see the extent of the calamity going on in the North East of Nigeria.

Having seen this, how can this be addressed as quickly as possible?

It is a question I have asked

myself several times, it is also a question that those of us in the committee for Defence and Army have asked ourselves. It is a very knotty issue. From what I have seen and what is happening now,I am beginning to see that this matter may not be about religion, it may be economic, social dysfunction that people are reacting to; the

He did not consult the major sectors of the society, he did not consult ethnic nationalities, he did not consult the National Assembly. If had consulted the National Assembly, then, he would have brought the matter before us, we will debate it, we will vote if there is need to vote and agree to it. We will also discuss the modalities.

But Senator Femi Okurounmu, a staunch member of Afenifere, is chairman of the committee.

Which of the Afenifere? If he belongs to Afenifere, it is must be the conservative section of Afenifere. For me, this so called national conference lacks credibility, it lacks originality and it is short of sincerity. It is not going to work, it is a sham and it is dead on arrival.

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 2013

Shutdown: China calls for ‘de-Americanized’ world T

HE political standoff in Washington has spawned frustration and growing worries in China, which remains the largest holder of U.S. government debt, as the clock ticks down to a possible U.S. debt default this week.

The crisis shows that China and the rest of the world should start to “de-Americanize,” according to a strongly worded commentary from Xinhua news agency, China’s leading government-controlled news outlet.

“The world is still crawling its way out of an economic disaster thanks to the voracious Wall Street elites,” the commentary said. “Such alarming days when the destinies of others are in the hands of a hypocritical nation have to be terminated.”

“The congressmen are behaving irresponsibly not only for other countries but also for its own creditors,” said Mei Xinyu at the Chinese Academy of Interna-

sharply as a proportion of total reserves in the past decade.

Meanwhile, Japan — the second-largest holder of U.S. debt with $1.14 trillion — has expressed similar concerns. “The U.S. must avoid a situation where it cannot pay, and its tripleA ranking plunges all of a sudden,” Japan’s finance minister, Taro Aso, said last week.

For China, a U.S. default

BRIEFS Libyan al-Qaida suspect arrives cade. He’s expected to US

Russians protesting killing of a migrant yesterday. tional Trade and Economic Cooperation, which has ties to China’s Ministry of Commerce. “They are gambling the U.S. future on their political struggle interests.”

Others have gone further, such as Zhao Xijun,

deputy dean at Beijing’s Renmin University School of Finance, who likens Congress to kidnappers holding global investment for ransom.

“The two political parties in the U.S. have disregarded the interest of the rest

of their country and the world,” he said.

China is the largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasury bonds, with roughly $1.28 trillion, although holdings have declined slightly in absolute terms in the past year, and more

U

.S. officials say a Lib yan terrorist suspect who was held aboard a U.S. warship is now in the United States.

The al-Qaida suspect, known as Abu Anas alLibi, has been under federal indictment in New York for more than a de-

C M Y K

HE head of a UN watchdog on Monday slammed Republicans over the US government shutdown, after a planned review of the country’s rights record became the latest casualty of the budget impasse.

Nigel Rodley, a British expert who chairs the UN Human Rights Committee, lambasted the Republicans for allegedly ripping up their own history as they keep up their battle against President Barack Obama’s signature health care law which aims to bridge the insurance gap for Americans.

“The political party of Abraham Lincoln that, in fire and blood ended slavery and gave freedom to millions of people of African descent, seemed now to have party members who thought that wealth did not just rhyme with health, but should also determine access to it,” Rodley told the UN committee.

“To achieve its aim it had brought the government of the United States to a

Rodley lamented that his committee had had to postpone to March 2014 a review of the United States

egation from the United States was not unwilling to come, but was seriously unable to do so, for reasons

countries, the United States is meant to submit to periodic reviews of its rights record.

Charles Taylor prefers Rwandan jail to UK

E

X-LIBERIAN Presi dent Charles Taylor has asked to serve his 50year sentence for war crimes in Rwanda, rather than the UK. In a letter sent to the court that convicted him, he says it would be easier - and less expensive - for his family to visit him in Africa.

He also said he feared being attacked in a British prison.

Taylor was convicted of aiding rebels who committed atrocities in Sierra Leone during its civil war.

Last week, a UK minister confirmed that Taylor would be transferred to a British prison. He was convicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), but his trial was held in The Hague in case it sparked renewed unrest in West Africa.

The Netherlands only

agreed to host the trial if he was imprisoned elsewhere. In a letter seen by the BBC, Taylor wrote: “My position is that serving my sentence in Rwan-

da, in my home continent of Africa, would be substantially more humane not only on my own account, but also on account of the impact on my family.”

Moscow arrests 1,200 migrants the man they blamed for

M

OSCOW police rounded up and arrested more than 1,000 migrant workers at a vegetable warehouse on Monday, the day after Russian rioters staged the most violent nationalist unrest in the capital in three years.

Riot police battled and arrested hundreds of Russian nationalists on Sunday night after they overturned cars and raided a warehouse used by migrants in search of

stand trial over whether he helped plan and conduct surveillance for the bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa in 1998.

The officials insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.

US trio win Nobel Economics

UN rights monitor slams Republicans over US Prize and to the brink which had been scheduled that had been widely covshutdown standstill HREE US academics of defaulting on its nation- this month. ered in the media,” he Tgot the Nobel Econom“It was clear that the delal debt,” he added. said. Like all UN member ic Prize Monday for re-

T

could mean a shock to China’s assets, effects on its currency issuing, and exchange rate fluctuations, Mei said.

Reaction in China’s financial world, however, has stopped well short of panic, with many believing that last-minute negotiations will defuse the crisis.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anger, said Chinese experts.

the murder of an ethnic Russian.

Police on Monday responded by arresting more than 1,200 migrant workers in what was called a “pre-emptive raid” on the warehouse where the rioters believed the killer worked.

There were another 80 arrests of migrants at a warehouse in northern Moscow, while the Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin has ordered checks on other market places.

search on financial markets, an area of immense real-world implications following the crises rattling the global economy in recent years.

Robert Shiller, Eugene Fama and Lars Peter Hansen won the coveted award

for groundbreaking work on spotting trends in markets, the jury said.

The three “have laid the foundation for the current understanding of asset prices. It relies in part on fluctuations in risk and risk attitudes, and in part on behavioural biases and market frictions,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Zimbabwe police beat protesting miners’ wives

B

ATON-wielding Zim babwean police beat up more than 100 women protesting against the nonpayment of their husbands’ wages by the country’s largest coal miner last week, a rights group said Monday.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the police assaulted the women for staging a protest march after their husbands, who are employed by Hwange Colliery Company in western Zimbabwe, went for several months without pay.

Man with knife arrested in Buckingham Palace

A

44-year-old man who was carrying a knife has been arrested after he tried to enter Buckingham Palace, Scotland Yard has said.

It said the man tried to enter via the palace’s north centre gate at about 11:30

BST but was stopped immediately.

He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site and possessing an offensive weapon and was taken to a London police station

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013 —51

In life there are so many things that we don’t get to choose.

Some of them are: our origin, the parents we have, our physical appearance in terms of defects, the latter however to a large extent, sometimes defines who we are only if we allow it to. For families with a special need child or children living with either, Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, or any kind of disability, any of these developments comes with its attendant demanding challenges. In this edition of The Human Angle, Esther Onyegbula brings you true life experiences of some individuals with special needs, parents and relatives with a special need children, as they share their experiences, challenges, aspirations and how the society due to lack of understanding or sheer ignorance compound their lives. What has the government done to help reduce the burden of persons living with disabilities?

They say, when life gives you lemon, you simply turn it into lemonades. Some of these individuals will inspire your mind beyond measure. If you are an individual with special needs or parents with a child living with special need, feel free to share your experience with us so that others can learn to deal with the problem better and ultimately improve the quality of life of these people. Our address remains: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com Happy reading!

B

ARRISTER Helen Mbak we is a mother whose child is living with Autism. Last Thursday, Helen told the story of how her daughter was diagnosed. She concludes her story below. ”We also had to take her abroad to run some test and go through some therapies. I went with her to all the hospital appointments.

I never missed a question that will help us to get a solution. And I did that for a long time. It was when she clocked ten that I began to realize that it was a condition that we have to learn to live with. It is something that we need to be following like that and not that after a while she was going to get healed and get normal.

It was at ten years that I decided to settle and treat it as Autism.

I had to adjust my life and that of

my family life to be able to live with a child with Autism.

First of all, I stopped making plans. I had to make adjustments, along with the family to be able to live with a child with Autism. First I stopped putting off my life till tomorrow. Because I kept saying if she gets well today, I will do this tomorrow, if she gets well by the end of this year, by next year, I should be able to pick up a job.

I had many job interviews lined up for the next year, then the next year, until she was ten.

After ten years with no solution I realized I had to get a job. I had to start getting things done. And the fact that she had some special foods to eat which were quite expensive made me realise that I needed to pick up a job.

I had to rearrange my life to be able to live with her. I have to be

able to afford living with a child with Autism. She had to go on therapies, which doesn•ft come cheap. And my husband alone working in the family is not going to achieve this. Because she is the middle child we needed to have a meeting with her siblings.

We are a family of five, we have three children. I had to explain to her other siblings that their sister will not all of a suddenly become normal, you need to start accepting her the way she is and begin to learn to help her with a few things. You need to understand that when she is playing differently, she is also having fun her own way. Just like you don’t understand what she is doing, she doesn’t understand what you are doing too, so give her, her space when she begins to act funny.

They should enjoy her being funny and when she wants to mix, please, also come back and mix with her. Accept her when she wants to be accepted.

We had to streamline our travels, I have to be available for the travels and there is no way I can ask her to travel without me being there. She has to be managed in a particular way. It just changed our lives completely. So while we tried to tackle it ourself as a family, we discovered it was bringing a strain on us and it also made us know that if we were feeling that way, other parents in similar situation will also be feeling that way too.

So as we reached out to people, we realized that a lot of people were concerned, even they did not really know what Autism was. So we felt that if these few who have heard about Autism can be this concerned,

,

Living in slow motion (2)

then we should reach out to more people out there. The more people understand what Autism is, the more people will show love and care and the more the society will be able to provide avenues for people living with Autism to be able to get help and relief.

Anna Abayomi (not real names) a full time working mother discovered that one of her twins is on the Autism Spectrum several years back. Since then she has been fighting tirelessly to retrieve her child from the clutches of Autism. She speaks from the perspective of how having a special need child affects the other siblings and what government can do to assist parents with special need children.

As a mother of a special need child, I have realised that siblings of special needs children are the segment that we forget. Unfortunately they are affected directly too. If you look at it you will notice that the sibling is usually the older one, or the younger one. In my case its one of my twins that is living with the condition. For the younger or older sibling, twin or triplet as the case might be, they know no other life, except that which has been affected by Autism.

The life of a family with a child living with Autism is not the same as a typical family without Autism. So the siblings tend to suffer from low self esteem, they are

properly.

I had to start encouraging her siblings so that they understand the situation on ground. I had to allow them have their own time; so that they can have a life of their own. I had to start spending quality time with them as well, because I believed that they deserved to know a life without Autism at times. They should be able to go out sometimes without their sibling with Autism, because they too are children and they need their own childhood too.

Not quite long after my daughter was diagnosed with Autism, I realized that caring for a child living with Autism is extremely expensive and can be a life time of continuous expenses for medicals and education.

Her therapies are very expensive because there are very few people that provide the services in the country and because they are on for an unspecified period of time it is very difficult to get into it. It is not something you can begin and stop, because you are not doing the child any good by starting and stopping. Most times I have to travel outside the country with her for her therapies. Unfortunately for us in Nigeria we don’t have a system. My husband and I can afford to take care of our daughter even though it is very expensive, but it is not the same with other parents with special needs children.

Apart from a few States like La-

I am looking at a situation where the States and the Federal government will start to look at the possibility of giving parents with special needs tax exemption

bullied, they are anxious because they see the fear, and they worry with their parents. And also invariably see themselves as being the next of kin. They feel if these children don’t recover, when the parents die, the lot falls on them.These parents most likely lived their childhood and young adulthood unaffected by Autism but the siblings of person living with Autism do not have that opportunity.

It is important that we start to put in place processes that can make sure our children are well settled and balanced to live life

,

gos and Plateau States that have put in place the disability act, and are doing some things for special needs, nothing is happening in other States of the country. Since there are no special services for persons with disabilities they don’t get any breaks. I am looking forward to a situation where the States and the Federal government will start to look at the possibility of giving parents with special needs tax exemption. Because if you can’t help them, at least reduce their burden. I think that is one of the easiest things that can be done.

Dirty secrets from your past ONOZURE DANIA

W

E all have dirty secrets and even dirtier exes! But should you reveal all your secrets to your woman or your man and come completely clean? Is it good to confess or is it better to bury your secrets and forget all about it? You are totally in love with this girl and you have been seeing her for the past few months.

She loves you a lot, and thinks you are one of those guys who are clean. Everything’s just perfect. But there is one small stain.

You are not as clean as she thinks you are. So what do you do? There is no peace of mind and you are wondering if you should reveal your sordid past to her. But then

would it really help you, or would she just detest you? This thought can haunt you forever. More than the way she will react to what you have to say, you might be worried about what would happen if she finds out about your deeds from some other source.

It is scary because this little thing that you overlooked could drive a deep wedge and cause a huge breach of trust. But at the same time, if you don’t say it soon enough, she might just end up uncovering your deepest secrets and scream those words you wish you would never have to hear, “Why did you hide them from me for so long?!”. There’s not much you can say when she says this, nor can you do anything to

smoothen her creased brows.

Should you tell her? Now before you open your mouth and strengthen your relationship with your honesty, you need to think about a few things. Will your saying this improve your relationship and help her trust you more, or would it just make things worse?

Would she be devastated if she heard this piece of information from someone else? Does she have a right to know this or can it pass? Once you have answered these questions truthfully, then it’s time to make your decision.

If you are suffering from an STD or something along those lines, then it’s obvious she should know all about it. Do you have some sort of a secret addiction? Or are you overdrawing off an empty

bank account and on the verge of bankruptcy? These are definitely things she should know since it’s not just your life you are taking to the guillotine. On the other hand, a drunken snug with a girl you met before you started seeing each other can pass. Unless that encounter girl is your sweetheart’s best friend!

Basically, tell her anything that you know she should know about and would be hurt if she heard it from anyone else.

Now this is the tricky part, but yes, you definitely have to avoid telling your woman everything.

Perhaps, at times you should even completely shut them out of the conversation. Intricate details have to be skipped at all costs. The more specific you get,

the worse she feels. And no, she’s definitely not interested in visualizing your sordid affairs. So keep it simple and real.

Tell her just how much she needs to know, without divulging all the secrets. No relationship is built on the cleanest of foundations. There is bound to be dirt somewhere or the other, from both of you. But if you think the dirt is going to start stinking soon, let her know all about it so you can chuck that garbage out before it’s too late.

Drop all talks about your exes and one night stands, unless they are interfering with your present. Other than that, if there are things coming in between both of you, she should definitely know about it, but without the details.

52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 53

Keshi: How Eagles will play in Calabar S

UPER Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi says the team will play as if it had not played a first leg encounter when both teams clash November 16, in Calabar.

Keshi said he was not disappointed by the gritty display of the host and praised the resilience of his players in rebuffing them.

“The Ethiopians were very good and tactical and that shows how good their coach is, but we were the more experienced side and it showed at the end of the day."

The coach said the impact of the Eagles’ second half substitutes was massive as it had immediate impact on the match and eventually gave the team the upper hand.

FCMB Gov’s Cup: Three Nigerians in, three out

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

I

ALL CLEAR.....Eagles goalie Vincent Enyeama (L) punches the ballin front of Ethiopia’s Shemeles Bekele in Addis Ababas. PHOTO: AFP

T was a day of mixed fortunes for Nigerian players on the opening day of the Governor’s Cup Futures I as three men qualified for the second round, while their female counterparts bit the dust of defeat yesterday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

First to reach the next round was Sani Adamu, who defeated Davis Cup member, Shehu Lawal in three sets of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The result came as a surprise to tennis faithful who watched the match on the Lord Rumens

Centre Court.

Next to qualify was Clifford Enosoregbe, who faced little resistance from compatriot John out, who was forced to retire in the second set. Enosoregbe won the first set 6-1.

And for Nigerians ladies, the story was that of pain as three of them crashed out on day one of the tournament.

Zarah Razafmahatratra of Madagascar defeated Idia Amen in straight sets of 6-3, 6-2 Top seed from Slovakia, Tadeja Majeric did not drop a point in her 6-0, 60 demolition of Blessing Samuel.

You can be like me – Ajunwa tells Makoko students

BY JACOB AJOM

O

LYMPIC gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa-Opara has told pupils from Makoko community, a slum in Lagos to be determined and resolute in their bid to become successful in life.

Speaking at an event marking the 2013 International Day of the Girl Child, the first Nigerian Olympic gold medalist said, “I was like every one of you, from a

very poor background and less privileged, but with determination and with God behind me I achieved what I least imagined.”

She said her successes in sports were as a result of her will to go to school.

Chioma was a versatile athlete. She excelled in track and field and also played good soccer.

“You can combine education and sports. You don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you do sports and read hard you

Ethiopia

C M Y K

Continues from BP manner of soft drink bottles were hauled at Nigerian players and supporters, when the Ethiopians thought that they had scored an opener in the first half.

Television replays later showed that Godfrey Oboabona cleared the ball off the line.

It did not end there.

When the Nigerian team was returning to its Saro Maria hotel abode after the game, some fans ambushed them and started hauling stones at the team’s bus. One of the heavy stones shattered the rear windscreen of the bus, sending all inside the bus scampering for safety. With all taking cover. Real Betis star, Nosa Igiebor was the

unlucky one as the stone slashed his right palm and he bled profusely before team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran attended to him.

NFF Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, said the matter has been reported to the FIFA Security team at the match venue and he hopes action will be taken. The Ethiopian Police were also intimated with the ordeal of the Nigerian delegation by Eagles CSO, ACP Baba Abubakar, even as the NFF has promised that it will give the Ethiopians the best of hospitality when they come to Nigeria in November for the return leg.

can always complement one with the other, she told the kids who were joined by students of SOS, Isolo.

The event which was put together by a media

personality and head of sports, Radio Nigeria, Nneka Anibeze, was aimed at encouraging the female pupils and students to take to education, possibly using

sports as a platform. It was generally to make them aware of the opportunities education and sports could create for them to achieve life time ambitions.

Earlier, former President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Chuka Moma delivered a lecture on the benefits of resilience and hard work.

Ovtcharov, Li win European Table Tennis titles D

I M I T R I J OVTCHAROV (GER) and Fen LI (SWE) are the respective men’s and women’s champions at the LIEBHERR 2013 European Championships which concluded today in Schwechat, Austria.

The London 2012 bronze medalist OVTCHAROV showed nerves of steel in the final, as he powered past three-time champion Vladimir SAMSONOV (BEL) 4-0 (114, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8) to clinch his first ever European crown.

With this victory, the 26 year-old and world number six finally outshone his teammate and six-time European Champion Timo BOLL, who had to withdraw

•DIMITRIJ from the event due to injury.

“I was ready for Samsonov since he always played very well against

Eagles

Continues from BP

thought the referee did not give them many of the advantages.

“We badly needed a win at home, but we have

lost. We need to go back to the drawing board and work hard to be able to win away from home,” added the skipper.

me,” said Ovtcharov “However, I think today he was little bit tired after the semi final. It has

been long tournament for both of us. I played much more aggressive and it proved as good tactics.”

Ghana

Continues from BP

tough game. The Egyptian team is very strong,” he concluded.

The Pharaohs are eyeing their first World Cup appearance since 1990,

while Ghana are seeking to reach the tournament for the third consecutive time, having reached the quarter-finals in their last appearance in 2010.

54—

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 2013

Black Stars look to shine over Pharaohs

Eagles win thrills Odegbami

F

ORMER Green Ea gles forward Segun Odegbami was thrilled with the Super Eagles’ performance on Sunday as their 2-1 win in Ethiopia left them on the verge of a place at the 2014 World Cup finals.

A second-half brace from Emmanuel Emenike cancelled out Samson Asefa’s opener in Addis Ababa to take two vital away goals back to the Eagles Nest in Calabar ahead of the second leg on October 16.

And Odegbami, part of the national team setup between 1976 and 1982, was delighted with the side’s turnaround, which marked a new record of 27 World Cup qualifiers without defeat for the Eagles.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria: “It was a fantastic display of soccer by Coach Stephen Keshi-led national team.

They played up to my expectation.

“Surely, Nigeria is unstoppable in the qualification struggle for the Brazil 2014 World Cup tournament.”

•Gyan

G

BATTLE......Super Eagles’ John Obi Mikel (R) contests for the ball with Ethiopia’s Asrat Megersa during their match in Addis Ababas on October 13. Eagles won 2-1. Photo: AFP

England v Poland:

No World Cup play-off talk — Hodgson face a two-legged play-off against another of Europe’s runners-up but Hodgson refused to contemplate a second-chance saloon scenario.

“No, I don’t think the playoffs will ease any fears over qualification,”Hodgsonsaid.

“I’m not thinking of the

play-offs. This is a game we want to win. I don’t think I will be satisfied if we don’t win.

“This is our game, our stadium, our fans, and we’re pretty sure we’re going to win - that’s how we are approaching the game.”

E

C M Y K

NGLAND will not let the security blanket of the play-offs distract them frombookingtheirWorldCup ticketatthefirstattempt,manager Roy Hodgson insists.

Hodgson’s side will be assured of their place at Brazil 2014 if they follow Friday’s 41 win over Montenegro with victory over Poland at Wembley today.

Should they slip up and the Ukraine, as expected, beat San Marino, England would

I

VORY Coast striker Didier Drogba said that the Ivorians are happy with their 31 World Cup Qualifier win over Senegal.

Drogba scored from the penalty spot while Gervinho and Salomon Kalou added the other goals before a late Papiss Cisse goal gave Senegal something to sheer about.

The result puts the Elephants in a very

strong position ahead of the return leg in Senegal in midNovember.

“We are happy with

World Cup ticket in 2006.

They however face a tough challenge in the name of Egypt.

American coach Bob Bradley rebuilt the team from the ashes of the golden generation that won three consecutive Afcon titles from 20062010.

If stalwarts like Mohammed Abou Treika still have a part to play in the team, the baton has been past to the new generation that is epitomised by Basel striker Mohammed Salah who is one of the hottest prospect in European football.

Egypt would be buoyed going into the clash as history favours them with nine wins in the last 18 encounters for just 4 defeats and 5 draws.

Today’s World Cup Qual. Fixtures •Hodgson

Drogba: We are happy with 3-1 win •Sturridge

HANA would be looking to secure their third consecutive World Cup participation when they host Egypt today in the first leg 2014 World Cup qualifier playoffs in Kumasi.

The Black Stars have been on the ascendancy ever since they qualified for their first World Cup in 2006 and would be looking to make it a habit of honouring the World’s prestigious football tournament when they face Egypt.

For that to happen, head coach Kwesi Appiah has dug deep to bring back some of his experienced stalwarts like35year old goalkeeper Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien who have been there since their first

that victory. OK, we conceded that (late) goal, but we cannot be too fussy,” Drogba said.

“Now we have another match to play and we are going to focus to secure our qualification. ”I don’t think a lot of people would have bet for this score. In the return leg, they (Senegal) will take their all and try everything, but we have a team able to score at least once in 90 minutes.”

Aserbaijan Israel Portugal France Spain Hungary Romania Turkey

v v v v v v v v

Faroe Islands v Republic of Ireland v Sweden v England v Montenegro v San Marino v Serbia v Belgium v Scotland v Bulgaria v Denmark v Italy v Cyprus v Norway v Switzerland v Greece v

Russia Northern Ireland Luxembourg Finland Geirgua Andorra Estonia Netherlands Austria Kazakhstan Germany Poland Moldova Ukraine Macedonia Wales Croatia Czech Republic Malta Armenia Albania Iceland Slovenia Liechtenstein

6pm 6pm 6pm 8pm 8pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7.15pm 7.15pm 745pm 5pm 7pm 7pm 6pm

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 2013 — 55

We’re locked out in the rain, intimidated •Supporters Club recount ordeal in Addis Ababa •Praise President Goodluck

BY TONY UBANI

T

HE Nigerian supporters Club recounted their ordeal in the hands of Ethiopians in Addis Ababa yesterday, claiming that they were locked out of the stadium and made to stay in the rain before they finally allowed only 400 members to provide support for the Eagles in their 2-1 win on Sunday.

But the President General of the Nigerian supporters, Dr Rafiu Ladipo vowed yesterday that they would not pay back the Ethiopians in their own coin when they come calling on November 16 in the reverse fixtures to be played at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

“We’re not going to pay them back in their

own coin. Instead, we will show them love, hospitality and to teach them that violence is not a good in football.

They locked us out but it did not last long.

They tried to intimidate us but we refused to bow ”, L adipo the leader of the Supporters said.

Despite his ugly experience, Ladipo said that he brought home a lot of positives from Addis Ababa which Nigerians must emulate and display in the second leg.

“The whole country came out in their country’s colours and it was amazing. They came with big flags and their support was total.

I was moved by their patriotism and support.

Why cant we emulate Ethiopians and support our Eagles the way they

support their team?’’, Taking a cursory look on the match, the PG, confessed that the Ethiopians nearly gave them a heart attack in the first half with their fluid display but attributed the Eagles colourless play to the effects of altitude. ‘’Altitude didn’t allow Eagles to play well but they showed that they were more experienced and beat them at home which was no child’s play’’.

Ladipo also showered encomiums on President Goodluck Jonathan for making it possible for the supporters to be in Addis Ababa to support the Eagles.

“That he came to visit the team in Addis Ababa was so motivating and that fired up the zeal to win. He has done so well and we are proud of his love for sports’’, Ladipo trumpeted.

Ladipo and his supporters

Ethiopian fans

Jamaica’s drug testing policy to undergo an ‘extraordinary’ audit •Wada says island is ‘a high priority, they’re on our radar’ •There was ‘significant gap of testing’ before Olympic Games

T

•Veronica Campbell-Brown C M Y K

HE World’s Antidoping Agency is to launch an “extraordinary” audit of Jamaica’s drug-testing agency following allegations that its policing of the island’s track athletes all but collapsed in the months before the London Games.

“It’s an extraordinary visit,” Wada’s director general David Howman said. Jamaica is “a high priority, they’re on our radar”. The investigation comes after the former executive direc-

tor of the Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (Jadco), Renee Anne Shirley, revealed a near complete breakdown in the island’s out-of-competition testing from January 2012 to the July opening of the Olympics.

Wada confirmed that there was, as Shirley asserted, “a significant gap of no testing” as Jamaican athletes trained in the months ahead of the Games, and that it would investigate.

International Olympic Committee medical offi-

cials, Wada and Britain’s anti-doping agency, which also worked on London’s huge drug-testing programme, revealed that they were kept in the dark about the Jamaican testing lapses that Shirley exposed in an August letter to The Gleaner.

“There was a period of, and forgive me if I don’t have the number of months right, but maybe five to six months during the beginning part of 2012 where there was no effective operation,” Howman

said. “No testing. There might have been one or two, but there was no testing. So we were worried about it, obviously.”

Jamaican runners did not go completely untested into the Games. Track and field’s governing body, the IAAF, says it extensively tested the elite Jamaicans and that Usain Bolt was tested more than 12 times last year. He has never failed a drug test.

In London, Jamaica won eight of 12 individual sprint medals. Bolt became the first man to win both the 100 and 200 metres at consecutive games and anchored Jamaica’s relay victory in worldrecord time.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2013

Today’s Match v Egypt

Ghana

5pm

..Full fixtures inside

Ethiopians stone Eagles, Igiebor injured •NFF reports attack to FIFA MARCHING ON …... John Obi Mikel (L) beats Ethiopia’s Behaslu Assefa in Addis Ababa. PHOTO: AFP

T

HE Super Eagles and the Nigerian delegation led by NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari returned to the country early Monday morning at about 4:30am with tales of ill-treatment from Ethiopian fans in the 2-1 win over the Walyan Antelopes on Sunday.

It would be recalled that on arrival, the Eagles were given a bus infested with insects but the team remained calm.

When it was time for training, the police team attached to the team deliberately took routes that were jammed up by traffic.

Matters came to a head on match day, when all

Continues on Page 53

PUZZLE

E

GYPT coach Bob Bradley says the Pharaohs will be looking to defeat Ghana in Kumasi today in the firstleg of the 2014 World Cup play-offs.

The Black Stars will host the first of the two clashes to decide which country qualifies for the tournament to be held in Brazil next year.

Despite Ghana’s home advantage and the presence of top players like Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah

and Andre Ayew, Bradley insists they will fight for a win in Kumasi.

“I only want a win; I will not be satisfied with a draw or a loss,” Bradley told Al-Jazeera Sports.

The American coach played down Ghanaian reports that a win against Egypt should be easy, stressing that the Black Stars will have a tough mission on Tuesday.

“They only know their team. It will be a very Continues on Page 53

Eagles will fall in Calabr — Debebe

E

THIOPIA skipper Degu Debebe has said despite the 2-1 loss to Nigeria Sunday they could still turn the table in the 2014 World Cup play off.

The return leg match will be played in Calabar on November 16 with the overall winners qualifying for next year ’s World Cup in

Brazil.

“We missed some good scoring chances today, but we are capable of going to Nigeria and also winning,” said Debebe after the tough encounter at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa.

After a barren first half, the hosts took the lead through Behailu Assefa in the 57th minute, be-

fore Emmanuel Emenike levelled matters 10 minutes later.

But the Super Eagles put showed more aggression and got a penalty that Emenike made no mistake converting for the match winner.

Debebe said although they lost the game which was very unfortunate, he

Continues on Page 53

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

•INJURED — Igiebor

Ghana Vs Egypt: Kumasi on fire

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Aspersion (4) 4 Confer (3) 6 Rule (4) 9 Bench (3) 10 Innkeeper (8) 11 Slender (4) 14 Vigour (3) 16 Seatter (5) 19 Unseemly (8) 21 Languished (5) 23 Charm (8) 24 Larceny (5) 27 Shelter (3) 31 Plunge (4) 33 Placard (8) 34 Title (3) 35 Remain (4) 36 Born (3) 37 Lascivious (4)

DOWN 2 Oaf (4) 3 Anger (4) 4 Infirm (8) 5 Group (4) 6 Cleave (5) 7 Tiny (3) 8 Alert (5) 12 Call (5) 13 Steeple (5) 14 Explosion (3) 15 Punitive (5) 17 Spacious (5) 18 Incorrect (5) 20 Demote (8) 22 Expire (3) 25 Raise (5) 26 Ardent (5) 28 Avoid (4) 29 Image (4) 30 Nibble (4) 32 Through (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Outset 5, Splice 8, Submerge 9, Seal 10, Alb 12, Swank 15, Sew 17, Rue 18, New 19, Foe 20, Vista 21, Era 22, Axe 23, Vie 24, Lam 26, Rinse 29, Try 33, Zone 34, Goodwill 35, Pellet 36, Figure.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 2,Usual 3, Same 4, Throw 5, Skein 6, Lush 7, Craze 10, Awful 11, Bream 12, Sever 13, Arson 14, Knave 15, Sweet 16, Weary 25, Above 27, higot 28, Spoof 30, Ruler 31, Meal 32, Twig.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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