Oil subsidy must go— Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61755

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Gunmen kill family of six in Kaduna •P.7

Nollywood Actor, Pete Eneh, dies •P.14 in Enugu

Oil subsidy must go — Jonathan

“Why is it that people are not building refineries in Nigeria, yet it is a big business? It is because of the policy of subsidy and that is why we want to get out of it”.

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan declared, yesterday, that fuel subsidy must be removed, arguing that this was the only way to encourage private investment in the nation’s refineries.

The president made the declaration just as the report of a study commissioned Continues on Page 5

Irrational remedies •P.19

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Deepening debt profile in a •P.56 worsening security

DONU KOGBARA: •P. 17

Mr & Mrs

RARE ROYAL VISIT— Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Erediauwa 11, CFR, when the royal father paid a rare visit to the Governor to congratulate him on his re-election and 2nd term inauguration, yesterday in Benin. With them are Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (2nd right); Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon (3rd right).

4 feared dead in fresh Lagos multiple auto crash •P.9

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 3

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

Subsidy must go — Jonathan Continues from page 1 by the government indicated that unless fuel subsidy is scrapped, the government will not be able to attract the investment it needs to get the refineries work.

The president spoke in Abuja when he met participants of the 2012 Senior Executive Course, 34 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS. He said looking at what obtains in other countries, Nigeria stands to gain more if she allows market forces to determine the cost of petrol.

Citing the example of Canada, President Jonathan said the North American country has 16 functional refineries that are performing at optimal capacity because all the refineries in Canada are privately-owned.

He challenged participants at NIPSS to come up with policies that would advance good governance in all sectors of the economy.

“Why is it that people are not building refineries in Nigeria, yet it is a big business? It is because of the policy of subsidy and that is why we want to get out of it”, Jonathan said.

He predicted that if allowed to operate, the removal of subsidy could engender a turn-around within 10 years with the commitment of government and strong political will once the right policies are put in place.

“I believe that you do not need a lifetime to change a nation. Under 10 years, Nigeria can change and people will not even believe that this is Nigeria again. Immediately you come up with strong policies in key sectors of the economy and keep it for 10 years, the change will be astronomical,” he said.

Fuel subsidy must be scrapped - study Meanwhile, the Federal Government will struggle to attract the investment it needs to get its refineries working unless it scraps a fuel subsidy that keeps domestic fuel prices artificially low, a government commissioned report said.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke ordered the report earlier this year in a bid to find

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first —Williams Shakespeare. You will always get to the top if you keep climbing.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Until you make peace with who you are, you’ll never be content with what you have — Doris Mortman Ann Brashares shared her thoughts on the state of happiness being just the ability in recognising the small moments in our lives; it did not have to be about the big, sweeping circumstances, or about having everything in your life in place. Maybe it was about stringing together a bunch of small pleasures. Wearing slippers and reading your favourite book.

Eating a brownie with vanilla ice cream, although I would apply caution with the latter, the most important thing is doing whatever catches your fancy.

Maybe happiness was just a matter of the little upticks- the traffic signal that said “Walk” the second you go there and downticks- the itch tag at the back of your collar- that happened to every person in the course of the day. Maybe everybody had the same allotted measure of happiness within each day.

Maybe it didn’t matter if you were a world-famous personality or a geek. Maybe it didn’t matter if you are facing challenges. I have learnt this too, maybe we just have to come to a better knowing of being, and be grateful for every moment when the clouds give way for the rainbows in our lives to shine.

solutions to fix Nigeria’s three refineries, which operate at only 20 percent capacity.

The unpublished report leaked to Reuters said current plans to repair dilapidated refineries will most likely fail, because the government will struggle to mobilise funds and vested interests will try to thwart its efforts.

It proposes that the Federal government privatises its refineries, as it is doing with the also moribund power sector, but warned that getting investment will be a tall order while motor fuel prices remain controlled.

“The regulated pricing policy of the Federal Government for petroleum products is the most widely adduced single reason by prospective investors for the lack of investment in new refineries in Nigeria in recent years,” the report said.

It was presented to President Goodluck Jonathan earlier this month but never published.

President Jonathan attempted to remove the popular fuel import subsidy in January, but a week of strikes and protests forced him to partially reinstate them.

The report was among a raft of committees set up in the wake of January’s protests. They include a probe into oil and gas production leaked to Reuters last month that showed Nigeria lost billions of dollars in cut price deals with oil majors.

The latest one said Nigerian refineries were the worst in Africa at using their capacity, which is officially 445,000 barrels per day.

Alison-Madueke said in October that Nigeria would spend $1.6 billion on turnaround maintenance to get the refineries operating at 90 percent capacity by 2014.

“Laudable as the plans may be, they are not likely to deliver the necessary solution,” the report said, adding it was doubtful the government would be able to raise that money.

“In the event that the work gets going, it will be very difficult to steer it clear of obstructive political and bureaucratic influences,” it

said.

Several contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars have been given to companies doing maintenance on Nigeria’s refineries over the last 15 years but with little impact on output.

“They have not operated as performance-oriented businesses and are plagued with severe plant integrity issues,” the report said. A parliamentary probe in April found that graft in the fuel subsidy scheme cost Nigeria $6.8 billion in three years.

The report said in order for the refineries to

work, government should sell at least 51 per cent of its share in the operations to competent private partners, which, it said, could restore them to 90 per cent capacity by 2016.

It also said the government must “rise up to its responsibility” to protect pipelines from rampant oil thieves, which by some estimates drain a fifth of its output.

RIBADU REPORT: Wogu heads white paper review committee Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed the Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu as the chairman of the white paper review committee on the Nuhu Ribadu-led committee on the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force committee.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said the president had also constituted members of the other two committee on refineries and good governance and control.

He said the committees have two weeks within which to submit their reports.

The statement reads: “In furtherance of his declared commitment to doing all within his powers to ensure greater accountability, probity and transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan today established three committees to prepare draft White Papers on the reports of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, the National Refineries Special Task Force and the Governance and Controls Special Task Force.

“The Committees are to study the reports, review the issues raised, and prepare draft White Papers for the consideration of the Federal Executive Council within two weeks.

“The White Paper Committee on the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force Report will be chaired by the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, with the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II: Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed as members.

“The White Paper Committee on the report of the Governance and Controls Special Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple. Other members of the committee are Minister of State, Defence, Erelu Olusola

Obada, Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mallam Bukar Tijani.

“The White Paper Committee on the report of the National Refineries Special Task Force has Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Mohammed Sada as Chairman, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate and Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike as members.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will provide secretariat for the Committees”.

Fuel scarcity to linger over importers’ debt burden — IPMAN

BY MICHAEL EBOH With Agency Report

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AGOS—THE cur rent fuel scarcity witnessed in major cities across the country may linger on for a prolonged period of time due to difficulties experienced by fuel importers in accessing credit and the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s, NNPC, to meet demand, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Asso-

ciation, IPMAN. According to spokesperson for IPMAN, Mr. Taofik Lawal, many fuel importers are no longer credit-worthy and cannot finance new orders.

“The current fuel scarcity may not be over soon, since there is still disruption in supply. No bank will want to give you access to funds if they know that you have problems with government with regards to your previous imports,” he maintained.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

FG won't dump Ribadu c'ttee report —Presidency

BY BEN AGANDE & HENRY UMORU

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BUJA — AFTER picking holes in the report of the Nuhu Ribadu-led committee on petroleum revenue, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, yesterday, said the Federal Government has no intention of dumping the

Nuhu Ribadu report as being speculated by a section of the media.

In a statement in Abuja, Okupe said because the report was hurriedly put together and submitted the government would have to waste a lot of time and money putting together machinery to verify the document before a white paper would be issued.

According to him, gov-

ernment would definitely take good look at the recommendations and comprehensively verify every data, noting that the government would verify data as recommended which does not mean the report would be thrown away, it is not true.”

He claimed that “since the committee’s report on its cover letter insisted the government must conduct necessary verifications

and reconciliations before any action was taken, it would be wrong for the government to do otherwise.

He said at no time did he or any official of government suggest the report should be dumped because even though the data was yet to be verified, there are several issues raised by the committee that would never be swept under the carpet by the

Jonathan’s administration.

Okupe at a recent media briefing rubbished the report submitted by Nuhu Ribadu, accusing the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of politicising the report.

Okupe’s comment drew criticisms from several quarters with some critics alleging that his comments were a prelude to

government’s plan to dump the report.

The Special Adviser to the President on Communications, Dr Reuben Abati, however, defended government’s position on the report, saying President Jonathan was not ready to protect any wrong-doer as those who have been found to be on the wrong side of the law would be made to face its full wrath.

N93bn fraud: Court okays ex-Gov Haruna for trial zDeclines to quash charge

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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From left: Chairman, South-West Zone, Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon; Senate President and Special Guest of Honour, Senator David Mark; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during a zonal public hearing on the proposed alternation of 1999 Constitution, in Lagos, yesterday.

Contract scam: How ex-Works Minister diverted N75bn, EFCC tells court

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, narrated before a Federal High Court in Abuja, how a former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal, diverted over N75 billion meant for the construction of a bridge across River Benue.

The anti-graft agency which made the disclosure shortly after it re-docked the ex-minister on an amended 44-count criminal charge bothering on conspiracy, money laundering and breach of public trust, noted that the diverted funds were earmarked for building a bridge that would link Nasarawa State to Kogi State through River Benue.

It told the high court that the Gutto-Bagana bridge project contract was thwarted following a conspiracy between the 1st accused person, Lawal, and four others, who it said used five separate companies to sequentially siphon the funds raised for

the project under the Private-Public-Partnership, PPP, initiative of the then Federal Government under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The other accused persons who equally took turns to plead not guilty to the charge, yesterday, were the Managing Director of one of the indicted companies, Dr Adeogba Godwin Ademola, Dave Enejoh, Okala Philip Yakubu and Thahal Paul.

Likewise, the five companies accused of complicity in the fraud, Digital Toll Company Ltd, Swede Control Intertek Ltd, Proman Vital Ventures Ltd, Wise Health Services Ltd and Abbey Building Society, were also charged by the EFCC. Testifying in court, yesterday, a lead investigator of the EFCC who is a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Chike Nwibe, told the court according to the terms of the contract under PPP, whereas the Federal Government contributed 40 per cent of the looted funds, both the Nasarawa and Kogi State governments,

each raised 10 per cent of the fund. He said that though one of the indicted companies, Swede Control Intertek Ltd which was awarded the contract, was meant to provide the remaining 60 per cent of the fund, it failed to do so, but rather connived with the former ex-works Minister to divert monies that were contributed by the various governments.

He said the company had agreed to build the bridge within 24 months from the date the contract was awarded, manage it for 25 years after which it must have recouped its investment, and then hand it over to the government.

Nwibe told the court that though the company failed to fulfill its obligation, in conjunction with the 1st accused person, the company “simply disappeared from the radar, only for another company, Digital Toll Ltd, to emerge from nowhere and started collecting huge sums of money direct from the Federal Ministry of Works.”

Firm registered a

day before contract was awarded According to the witness, Digital Toll was discovered to have been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, a day before the said contract was awarded on May 16, 2007, adding that investigations further revealed that it was the 2nd accused person, Ademola, that ran the two companies.

EFCC further told the court that it discovered that the companies used fake bank details to secure the contract, adding that part of the project earlier executed by a company, Nairda Ltd, for N2.6 million, was however reawarded to another company, Sirage/ GIS Transport Nigeria Limited, owned by a Lebanese, for N438 million, despite that the project had already been executed and certificate of completion tendered.

Meanwhile, trial Justice Adamu Bello, yesterday, adjourned further hearing on the matter till February 4 and 6, 2013.

BUJA — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the nod to go ahead and prosecute the former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, for allegedly pilfering over N93 billion while in office.

Justice Adamu Bello okayed the ex-governor for trial after he dismissed an application that sought to quash the entire 28-count amended charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency.

Haruna who is facing trial alongside his former Special Assistant, Mohammed Inuwa Bassi and two others, John Babani Elias and Al-Aakin Investment Nigeria Limited, had in his application for quash, challenged the competence of the charge against him, contending that the proof of evidence tendered in court by the EFCC, failed to establish a prima-facie criminal case capable of warranting his prosecution.

Besides, he queried the jurisdiction of the trial court to try him in Abuja over an offence he said was allegedly committed in Adamawa State, even as he accused the EFCC of abusing judicial process by filing a similar suit against the 3rd accused person before a High Court in Lagos State.

Describing the charge as vague and grossly lacking in substance, the former governor, via the application he filed on June 27, 2011, insisted that the evidence adduced against him by the anti-graft agency was devoid of essential ingredients to nail him to any known offence.

EFCC opposes application

Meanwhile, his application was opposed by the EFCC, which maintained that it had garnered enough evidence capable of securing his conviction, just as it urged the court to discountenance the preliminary objection and proceed with hearing the criminal case on its merit.

Ruling on the application, yesterday, Justice Bello, said he was satisfied that the former governor has a case to answer, noting that rather than address the substantive charge against him, the accused person chose to concern himself with peripheral issues bothering on jurisdiction and where ought to be the appropriate venue for his trial.

The court held that going by the provision of Order 33 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Procedure Rules, the EFCC has the powers to try the matter summarily without even adducing any proof of evidence, adding that under section 285(1-6) of the Criminal Procedure Act, CPA, the court has no power to quash a charge when witnesses have not been heard.

CORRIGENDUM We inadvertently omitted the name, Ray Ukueku, in the publication of 10 th November, on page 38, entitled 'Silver Jubilee of Priesthood.'

We are very sorry for the omission and embarassment it might have caused.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—7

CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT:

Fashola canvasses state police, special status for Lagos zNo hidden agenda —Mark

BY DAPO AKINREFON, OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS— PRESIDENT of the Senate, Senator David Mark, and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State have agreed on the need to give Lagos State a special status in the President Goodluck Jonathan (5th right); Director General, National Institute for Policy and Startegic constitution.

They said this, yesterday, Studies, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande (2nd left); Vice President Namadi Sambo (4the left) and others during a courtesy visit by the Senior Executive Course 34 of the institute on the President at the at the South-West zonal Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. public hearing on proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution, in Lagos.

Also, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (ACN, Lagos East) justified the need to accord Lagos a special status, saying: “From the opinions of the people of this district, there is no going back on our resolve that Lagos be given Special Status. I have continually stressed that Lagos remains the

BY LUKA BINNIYAT Buhari.

Maduachi youths came out in large is truly saddened by the commercial and industrial & NDAHI MARAMA incident of capital of Nigeria in spite of village is about two numbers this morning gory Wednesday 14, 2012 in Abuja. It is also the largest kilometres from Zonkwa. and protested the ADUNA — THERE murder. It was a very Madauchi, Zangon employer of labour in was palpable Local Nigeria, a situation, which tough task calming them Kataf tension in Kaduna State, ...Kill three in Government.

But even only a special status can down.

I am told that the yesterday, as hundreds Maiduguri sustain and enhance for the in the face of such attackers are being The Kaduna killing of youths protested the and benefit and welfare of all alleged killing of six came against the trailed. It was indeed a unwarranted deliberate attempt to Nigerians.” gory sight to see these members of a family at backdrop of reports that This came as Mark incite and create chaos, corpses,” Yahaya said, Maduachi village in unidentified gunmen dismissed insinuations that the state government Another resident of the suspected to be members Zonkwa area of Zangon Emmanuel will not be deterred in the leadership of the Kataf Local Government of Boko Haram Islamic area, Danboyi, said the its quest of ensuring a National Assembly had a in the state by suspected sect, yesterday, trailed incident allegedly secured and united hidden agenda in reviewing three Igbo traders to their Fulani herdsmen. the 1999 Constitution. happened at about Kaduna State. respective shops in The youths carrying He explained that the "The state green leaves matched Maiduguri, capital of 11p.m. public hearings being held government, while He said: “In the day through the heart of the Borno State and shot across the six geo-political totally condemning the time, we saw a trailer town, condemned the them dead. zones of the federation, were killing as an act of parked but at about The death of the traders killing of the members of in the Bulabulin ward of 11p.m. when we had barbarism, sympathized aimed at ensuring that the family.

Nigerians make Another eyewitness Biafra area of the state gone to bed, we began to with the families of the contributions to the departed, His hear gun shots for told Vanguard that the capital, brings to seven, constitution amendment gunmen numbering the number of people so several minutes. By Highness, the Agwam about 20 invaded the far killed in Maiduguri in then, I had to evacuate Bajju, Mallam Nuhu my family to a safe place. Bature, the Local village and shot the last four days.

The Chairman of Later, we discovered that Government Council sporadically into the air Zagon Kataf Local all the people in the and the entire people of for over 30 minutes

BY BEN AGANDE Government Area, Mr house had been killed the state. before entering the Meanwhile, in the and burnt beyond Yahaya family compound of the Dominic BUJA — A National Maiduguri killings, the confirmed the incident in recognition.“ victims to kill them.

Policy on Public-Private State Police Public gunmen stormed the National President of a telephone interview Partnership (PPP) to Bajju Youth Association, with Vanguard, saying: Relations Officer, Deputy traders’ shops in a complement the tricycle, chanting God is Superintendent Aminu Gad Ezekiel, in his “The attackers came in Infrastructure Concession great and started firing Lawan, while confirming account said the the early hours of today incident on gunshots into the air to Regulatory Commission attackers killed all the (yesterday) and shot the the (ICRC) Act of 2005, has been said scare people away. members of the same family of one Yakubu telephone, approved by the Federal Vanguard learnt that investigation had family, leaving behind a Kayit. They killed Government. the Bulabulin ward, commenced, adding that little girl with bullet members of the family The guideline, according and burnt their corpses. no arrest had been made. facing the eastern flank wounds. to Vice President Namadi of popular Maiduguri Governor Patrick A little girl with bullet Sambo, is to provide the Monday Market, Yakowa of the state, wounds was the only Yakowa condemns legislative, regulatory and MMMK, has been killings however, condemned the survivor. institutional framework for off by However, a condoned killing, describing it as Public-Private Partnerships Government House men of the Joint Task saddening. Yakowa Tension as youths to thrive.

Force, JTF, to prevent statement, yesterday, spoke through his Senior protest Sambo who disclosed this “There was really read in part: "The further attacks and while declaring open the Special Assistant (Media), Mr Reuben tension here when the Governor of Kaduna State killings.

Gunmen kill family of six in Zangon Kataf

zThree killed in Maiduguri zYakowa condemns killing as youths protest

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exercise.

No hidden agenda —Mark

Dismissing allegations of a hidden agenda, Mark said: “The Senate and indeed, the National Assembly has no hidden agenda. Nobody can say what will happen and what will not happen. There are so many topics that are before us, but we may not be able to take all of them in one single sweep."

Fashola restates need for state police On his part, Fashola restated his stand on the need for a state police and a special status given to Lagos State.

He said: “As far as Lagos State is concerned, its strategic importance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be overemphasized; its contributions in terms of GDP, political, social and economic development cannot be argued. All those who have defined themselves in this country can call Lagos their first or second home.

“Lagos is a place where you would see somebody who looks like you, who dresses like you, who eats your kind of food and who speaks your language.

Lagos State was a federal capital of Nigeria but this is the only former capital that has been left on its own.

And I think that in the national interest, Lagos now deserves and should be treated as a special state."

FG okays national policy on PPP

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fourth annual African Public-Private Partnership Conference, in Abuja said "the Federal Government is firmly committed to the promotion of PPP as a viable business model’.

According to him, "this administration’s transformation agenda places a high premium on public-private partnership for the rapid modernisation and expansion of our country’s infrastructure," noting that "our goal has been to work with the private sector to close the capital investment and financing gaps."

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Ukiwe tasks Nigerians on war against crime

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ORMER Chief of General Staff (CGS) Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), has called on Nigerians to join hands with government in the fight against all forms of crime now ravaging the country.

Speaking in his office in Lagos when members of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Ni-

geria paid him a courtesy visit, Ukiwe noted that the present state of insecurity in Nigeria called for the cooperation of all well meaning persons in efforts to reverse the trend.

“We cannot go on like this. Much effort is needed from all because no social or economic development can take place in the face of the present insecurity,” he said.

Oil spill: Mobil commences clean-up in A-Ibom

BY YEMIE ADEOYE LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Ye Aimin, Sales Manager, Sany; Mr. Taiwo Shittu, CEO, Lanre Shittu Motors; Alhaji Rasak Lanre Shittu, Chairman, Lanre Shittu Motors; Mr. Oiu Jimn, Chief China Consulator and Mr. Yao Yao, MD, Sany Nigeria, during the launch of Sany of Nigeria Lanre Shittu trucks motors Leadreship 2012 in Lagos yesterday at Lanre Shittu Motors in Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

CBN lambasts telecom operators over poor services

BY PETER EGWUATU

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, lambasted telecommunication operators in the country over poor services, saying there was need for them to invest more in their facilities given the huge money they earned from Nigerians.He also criticized the use of dollar as a second national currency for the country.

The apex bank also advocated the need for

banks to establish consumer protection units as part of measures to address some of the challenges of its cashless initiative.

The CBN called on banks to lend to the real and agric sectors of the economy, while allowing the capital market to play its role of providing long term funds, saying there was a mismatch of funding in the Nigerian financial system. According to the bank, this does not augur well for the growth

Ijaw youth distribute empowerment tools

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JAW Youth Develop ment Association, IYDA, has distributed various empowerment items to hundreds of Niger Delta youths in Lagos. The items include Pop-corn machines, sewing machines, power generating sets, clippers, and hair dryers among others.

At the presentation, IYDA president, Mr. Daniel Amassoma, thanked the beneficiaries of amnesty among the IYDA membership for their selfless service to Niger Delta by donating parts of their allowance for the items.

He stated that IYDA members under Berebigha Camp, had given non-direct beneficiaries of the Amnesty the opportu-

nity to key into the programme, adding that sharing the allowance with their brothers and sisters had strengthened Ijaw unity.

The event was witnessed by some Niger Delta leaders, such as PresidentGeneral of Ijaw Communities Leadership Forum (South West), Chief Shedrack Agoro.

and development of the economy.

Governor of CBN, Lamido Sanusi, who stated this at the 2012 forum of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) in Lagos, said: “ If I was the regulator of the telecom industry I would not renew the licenses of telecommunication operators because of their poor services until they were able to invest more on their facilities. These operators are making

much money from Nigerians and are giving us poor services. It should not be allowed to continue in this way. There should be condition of guarantees in terms of their services if their licenses should be renewed.”

Commenting on the use of dollar as second national currency for Nigeria, he said, “It is very bad and improper for Nigerians to use dollar as second national currency."

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OLLOWING the oil spill reported at Mobil Producing Nigeria’s Qua Iboe terminal in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State, teams of responders have been mobilized to commence clean-up of areas along the affected coastline of the state.

This is coming on the heels of the oil release

which occurred on November 9, from the NNPC/MPN joint venture’s pipeline system.

A statement issued by the company’s General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mr. Paul Arinze, said: “Mobil Producing Nigeria regrets this incident. Our teams are being mobilised to clean up the area.”

Madam Ekoh passes on @ 95

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RS. Elizabeth Ey anbugbe Ekoh (Nee Okoukoni), is dead, aged 95.

A statement by the family said funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony Cathedral Mission, Uromi, Edo State, today, followed by interment at her father ’s compound at Idumodion Ukoni.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grand children, in-

cluding Mrs. Franca Gotevbe, wife of Vanguard Administration Manager.

Late Madam Ekoh

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 9

4 feared dead in fresh Lagos multiple auto crash

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—AT least four unidentified persons lost their lives in a fatal multiple accident that occurred again on Otedola Link Bridge, along Lagos Ibadan Expressway when an articulated tanker vehicle carrying 33,000 litres of petrol reportedly lost control hitting four other vehicles.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened at about 5.30 pm and resulted into a gridlock on the expressway as travellers got stuck on the road.

It was gathered that

men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA; Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA; fire fighters, among other rescue teams arrived the scene but were unable to retrieved the body of one of the male unidentified persons from one of the four vehicles that reportedly fell into a nearby ditch when the tanker with combustible content overturned, spilling its content on the road.

At press time, rescue operation was still ongoing as no fewer than 10 people were said to still be trapped in the vehi-

cles.

The LASEMA team were seen erecting illuminating devices to allow for better vision for the retrieval of the trapped victims. A crane was also brought in to lift the vehicles According to the Lagos Sector Commander for the Federal Road Safety Commission, Charles Akpabio; “There was a multiple road traffic crash on Otedola bridge yesterday.

“The make and numberplates of vehicles involved are; Skoda saloon car - FKJ 167 AX; Land Rover SUVAH 723 SMK; Volvo truckKSF 806 XC; a tanker laden with 33,000litres of petrolXB 166 NGL. There was another vehicle in the ditch which number could not be

ascertained immediately. “ I have ordered diversion of traffic to IbadanLagos side of the road with FRSC patrol teams deployed to the scene of crash and Nigeria Police teams also involved in joint rescue operation."

According to the head of operations, FRSC, Mr. Irele Wuyi, “for now, we can confirm that two persons died but more may be confirmed dead or alive later.

“The accident happened when the brake of the petrol tanker failed, making it to collide with the other five vehicles on the road.

“Since the incident occurred, we have removed some of the vehicles, but one of the vehicles whose number-plate cannot be ascertained for now is still trapped.”

EFCC re-arraigns Ebong, ex-Union Bank MD, others

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE

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AGOS—FORMER managing director of Union Bank Plc, Barthlomew Ebong and five other executives of Falcon Securities Limited, a Subsidiary of Union Bank Plc, were yesterday re-arraigned before a Fedral High Court sitting in Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged money laundering.

Ebong is standing trial alongside Mr. Henry Onyemem, Mr. Niyi Albert Opeodu, Managing Director of Falcon Securities Limited, Mr. Samuel Anyininuola and Falcon Securities Limited.

The prosecutor, Mr Nkem Okolie had told the court at their arraign-

ment, that the accused were charged with unlawfully granting loan facilities to themselves without security, above the approved limit, and without lawful authority from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. According to the charge, “the alleged offences contravened section 2(3) (4) of the money laundering (prohibition) act 2004, and punishable under section 2(5) of the same act."

However, they all pleaded not guilty to the 20 count charge preferred against them.

The accused were rearraigned before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia who will now be the trial judge following the transfer of Justice Binta Murtala Nyako, former trial judge, from the Lagos Division.

NDLEA destroys N13.6bn drugs in Lagos of the drugs was put at

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

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BRIEFING: From left: Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Mr. Hakeem Bamigbola; Chairman, Association of Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, Mr Sulaimon Akeem and Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LCDA, Mr. Ayodele Adewale, during briefing on the restriction of commercial motorcycles and tricycles rrom major roads in the state.

Photo; Kehinde Gbadamosi.

LG bosses offer loans to dislodged Okada riders in Lagos

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—As part of ef forts to cushion the effects of the restriction on activities of commercial motorcycle operators otherwise known as ‘okada riders’, chairmen of the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Area, LCDAs, in Lagos State, under the eagies of The Conference of Chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs, have offered to provide soft loans to the affected riders to enable them

key into the transport master plan of the state government.

The chairmen have, therefore, directed relevant officials across the councils to enforce the Road Traffic Law on the restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators.

Speaking on behalf of the council Chairmen, Mr. Hakeem Sulaiman, of Bariga LCDA, expressed the group’s support for the restriction on okada riders from plying 475 roads in the state, adding that the restriction will not affect the coun-

cils’ Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. They said the decision was in the overall interest of security of the people of the state and asked the riders not to only comply but avoid being misguided on the order by disgruntled elements in the society.

Sulaimon disclosed that the 30 armed robbery cases recorded between July and October this year within the metropolis, 22 were carried out through the use of Okada.

He also explained that 619 Okada accidents were recorded in the state in the last two years in which 107 people lost

their lives while 512 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Sulaiman said: “By interpretation, this means that 73 per cent of armed robbery cases in Lagos State involve motorcycles and tricycles. No sane government or people can sit back, watch and maintain a criminal silence over this menace to the society.”

The chairman, therefore, appealed to the state government to encourage Okada riders who have embraced the restriction order with loan facility to procure buses and cabs in order to key into the state transport master plan.

AGOS—HEROIN hidden in woollen carpets and footballs as well as other forfeited narcotics were, yesterday, publicly destroyed by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in Badagry, Lagos State.

Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade who supervised the exercise where over 12.6 tons of illicit drugs were destroyed said that any society that fails to destroy drugs will end up being destroyed by drugs. The street value

13.6 billion naira.

The destroyed drugs include 12,543.260kg of cannabis, 76.341kg of heroin, 43.770kg of cocaine, 3.600kg of methamphetamine and 9.15kg of amphetamine.

Giade said: “Any society that fails to destroy drugs will end up being destroyed by drugs.

Drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine has serious consequences on health, economy and security of a nation. We shall not take any decision that will ruin the future of our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

PRONACO chief wants ACN as only opposition

BY FREDRICK OKOPIE

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AGOS—A former Di rector of Security and Logistics in the Pro-National Conference Organisation, PRONACO, Mr. Linus Okoroji, in Lagos, called on all NGOs, Labour and Civil Society Organisations to collaborate with the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, as the only opposition party in the country.

Okoroji said this during his 62nd birthday anniversary organised by Humanity Service Project, HSP, with the theme: Towards a Working, Progressive, Development and People Ori-

ented Nigeria- Change 2015.

He said: “The HSP indeed is recommending collaboration between a vibrant, vocal and leading opposition party in Nigeria today and the NGOs, Labour, and CSOs coalition to bring about the needed change.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the shortest and easiest manner to achieve change in 2015 is for the NGOs, Labour, and CSOs coalition to collaborate with ACN. In our considered opinion, ACN remains the most vibrant vocal and leading opposition political party in Nigeria today.”

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

7 injured as ACN, PDP clash in Ekiti state woke up yesterday,

BY GBENGAARIYIBI DO-EKITI—NO fewer than seven persons were seriously injured in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, as supporters of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and those of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, clashed over the pasting of the posters of former governor of the state, Mr Ayo Fayose.

Members of the political parties had been engaged in bloody clashes in different parts of the state in recent times.

Residents of Ado-Ekiti and other towns in the CONFERENCE: Financial Advisor, Deloitte, Alpha Amadou Barry (left); Group Head, EcoBank Capital, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi and Chairman, Bi-Courtney Ltd, Dr. Wale Babalakin at the 4th Africa Public Private Partnership Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

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to see the posters of Fayose tagged ‘Restoration 2014’ flooding the streets.

Fayose who is said to be warming up to contest the 2014 gubernatorial election in the state under the banner of the PDP had in the past raised an alarm that supporters of the ruling ACN had been trailing him.

Vanguard reliably gathered that Fayose’s supporters were pasting his posters when they were suddenly accosted by some people in Irona area of the state capital.

We'll continue to reward excellence —Amosun

Grandfather makes first class in law at UI A I

BADAN—A grandfa ther, Mr. Aderemi Alli, was among the 21 first class graduates produced by the University of Ibadan, UI, at its convocation yesterday, in Ibadan.

The university graduated a total of 1,582 students for the 2011/2012 academic session with 243 graduating in Second Class (Upper Division) and 920, Second Class (Lower Division).

A total of 135 of the students graduated with Third Class and 203 Pass.

Alli, 57, was among the

three first class graduates produced by the institution’s Faculty of Law. He had a first degree in economics education 31 years ago.

Alli, whose last child is studying electrical engineering in the same university, told journalists at the ceremony that he was motivated to study law because many of his schoolmates had become Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“I feel I can still participate in the society in spite of my age. I am using this medium to advise others that they can do it,

If I can do it,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that of the 21 first class graduates, one was produced by the Faculty of Arts and 17 came from the university’s affiliated institutions.

He expressed regret that the university did not produce many first degree graduands due to the disruption of the 2011/2012 academic calendar which prevented some final year students from completing their courses.

Adewole urged the graduating students to

Accord Party expels Ondo guber candidate

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—THE Na tional Secretariat of the Accord Party, yesterday, expelled the party's governorship candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Olawale Ige for gross misconduct.

Ige's expulsion was announced in Akure, by leaders of the party including the South West National Vice-Chairman, Prince Ojo Kayode, state chairman, Dr. Ajibola Falaiye and state chairman of the party in Lagos State, Mobolaji Olugbodi.

The candidate had filed a petition at the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, in the October 20 governorship election.

Ige complained that INEC omitted the party’s logo on the ballot paper used for the Oct. 20 governorship poll in the state.

He said this is contrary to the 2010 Electoral Act and prayed the tribunal to order INEC to conduct fresh poll that would allow him to participate.

But the National Secretariat at a press conference said that the party did not field any candidate for the Oct. 20 election in the state and that Ige was allowing himself to be used for commercial purpose.

Dr. Falaiye said that INEC did not clear the party hence its inability to present a candidate for the election.

According to him, INEC after attending its congress said that it was irregular because the national leaders of the party

were absent.

He added that the said candidate never paid the nomination fee of N1.250 million expected of him and that he was elusive before the election only to surface after the election to embarrass the party.

He said that it is the responsibility of the party to file a petition if not satisfied with election result and not that of the candidate.

The party therefore pledge her support to INEC and congratulated it for conducting free and fair election.

Leaders of the party commended President Goodluck Jonathan for allowing democracy to thrive and also Dr. Mimiko for his victory at the poll noting that; “it is victory for democracy.

The people of the state have spoken.”

be relevant to their society. “There is no doubt that the University of Ibadan has laid the foundation that will enable you to face the challenges of the 21st century and the demands of the present-day labour market.

“It is, therefore, your responsibility to prove that the education you have acquired is worldclass,” Adewole said.

The vice-chancellor gave the assurance that the university would continue to lay the foundation for life-long learning.

Meantime, Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, of Lagos State, yesterday decried disconnect between the training Nigeria students are receiving in the higher institutions of learning especially Nigeria universities and training needed to grow the nation’s economy.

Governor Fashola lamented this in Trenchard Hall of University of Ibadan, UI, while delivering the institution’s 2012 convocation lecture, tagged, “Framework for Re-Inventing Higher Education for Nigeria’s National Development” to kick start its 64 convocation expected to be concluded next Saturday.

“It is unforgivable, therefore, if we fail to understand that our economy has changed, and that the training of our human capital must change, not only as a response to the present, but also as a strategic plan to control the future,” he said.

B E O K U TA — OGUN State Government has assured that it will continually reward hard work and excellent performance to serve as motivation to others to be committed to their duties.

The State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, gave this assurance, yesterday, at the Obas’ Complex venue of the grand reception organised by the State Government to honour the six award winners of the just con-

cluded 2012 President’s Teachers and School Excellence Award.

Senator Amosun stated that his administration has a firm belief that education remained as the catalyst for socio-economic, political, scientific and technological growth and development of any nation, pointing out this is one of the reasons why the government was committing huge resources to the development of the sector in the State.

NASS states posture won't stop us —Ibadan agitators

BY OLAAJAYI

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BADAN—THE Cen tral Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, an umbrella body of all sociocultural organisations has said the recent comments by the National Assembly on creation of state would not discourage it from its clamour for Ibadan State.

This was disclosed by the council’s Chairman, Prince Oluwayemisi Adeaga, while speaking with newsmen on the ac-

tivities lined up for Ibadan Week festival.

He said: “If you want something in life, you go all out for it, especially when you know there is possibility you could get your desire met.”

He said they would continue to clamour for it.

Also, the council hinted that it had shifted all its activities as a mark of honour for the departed former governor of the state, Alhaji Lamidi Adesina who died on Sunday.

Ondo oil communities devt gulps N600m ing its Annual General

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—THE NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture efforts to ensure sustainable development and maintain peace in the oil rich communities in Ondo State has gulped over N600m in the last seven years.

This was disclosed while presenting the annual report and financial statement of Ilaje Regional Development Committee IRDC dur-

Meeting held in Akure .

IRDC Chairman, Jackson Nomiye, said while presenting the report that about 15 per cent of the funding was for general administration expenses while the remaining amount was for project execution Nomiye said that about N80 million was expended on the construction of 3,000 meters of wooden footbridges in 34 Ilaje RDC communities to stimulate development in the areas.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—11

Airhiavbere vs Oshiomhole: A'Court orders Tribunal to commence fresh trial

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Femi Ajala, Product Manager, OTC Fidson Healthcare Plc; Mr. Ola Ijimakin, General Manager, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Mr. Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, during the launch of new products in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo, Editor.

Constitution review: Senate makes u-turn on state creation

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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A L A B A R — CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Constitution Review and Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, has debunked reports credited to him that the National Assembly had ruled out the possibility of creating more states and was pursuing special agenda on the matter.

According to him, National Assembly has no such powers to stop creation of states.

N-Assembly's position Senator Ekweremadu, who refuted the report while declaring open the two-day zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution for the South-South geo-political zone in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday, said the position of the National Assembly was to ensure that every request for state creation was treated on its merit.

He said: “It is not true that the National Assembly has ruled out state creation. It is also not true that it is pursuing any special agenda on the matter. We have no such powers.

“Rather, the position of the National Assembly is that while it is committed to ensuring that every request is treated on its merit, taking consti-

tutional requirements, good governance, justice, and national development into account, Nigerians need to understand that the processes for state creation is slightly different from that of conventional constitution amendment.

Requirements “It is very important that those agitating for new states thoroughly understand the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the 1999 Constitution which spells out the requirements and processes for the task.

“While state creation under the military was an event as states were decreed into existence by fiat, state creation in a democracy, especially

going by the provisions of Section 8 (1), is a long and cumbersome process requiring the inputs of every part of Nigeria.

“It is not an entirely National Assembly affair, but a process that should, in fact, originate and be driven by the people, local government councils, members of the state Assemblies, and members of the National Assembly, from the areas seeking to be created into new states.

N-Assembly's role “Our role at the National Assembly is to provide leadership, moderate the process, and ensure compliance with legislative due process.

For instance, the onus lies on the areas seeking

new states, not the National Assembly, to generate the requests and reach out to other parts of Nigeria to see reason with them and support their aspirations.

“Thus, a people seeking an additional state to be carved out from the present Ondo State, should also bear in mind that such requests must receive the blessing of Sokoto State and Abia State, among others, to scale through.

“A referendum is also required with the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. But whereas the processes are obviously cumbersome, it is certainly not an impossible task. All that is needed is political maturity, consensus building, patriotism, enlightenment, and a sense of justice.”

Itsekiri demand creation of Warri State

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ALABAR—AS the National Assembly continues with the process of amending the 1999 Constitution, there was a strong presentation by the Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Delta State, yesterday, with a call for the creation of Warri State, just as the people stressed that it would put an end to the age-long marginalisation.

Presenting the position of the Itsekiri nation in a memorandum at the twoday zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution for the

South-South geo-political zone in Calabar, Cross River State, the people also canvassed for the creation and recognition of Mid West Zone, to be carved out of the SouthSouth Zone to comprise Edo and Delta States and Middle Belt Zone from North Central.

In the memorandum presented on behalf of the Itsekiri nation by Mr. Edward Ekpoko, Assistant Secretary of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, the people said it was their inalienable right to preserve and control their land, language and their traditions and to participate in the government of the coun-

try at all levels.

He said: “The area of the proposed state should be conterminous with the old Warri Division, Itsekiri homeland (now Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State).

“The Itsekiri produce over 30 per cent of the oil and gas that sustain Nigeria and sadly, they have no representative at the Senate of 109 members because of their minority position. It has only one member in the Federal House of Representatives of 360 seats and of the 29 members of the Delta State House of Assembly, it has only three.”

ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, yesterday, ordered the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State to commence fresh trial in the petition filed by the gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, against the reelection of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Chairman of the threeman panel of the court, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, who read the lead judgment, disagreed with the lower tribunal which had earlier ruled that the issue of Oshiom-

hole’s educational qualification was a pre-election matter.

According to the court, the lower tribunal, by the provision of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, has jurisdiction to entertain Airhiavbere’s petition bordering on Oshiomhole’s educational qualification because the court can hear pre-election and election matters on qualification.

But Counsel to Governor Oshiomhole, Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN), and Counsel to ACN, Ken Mozia (SAN), said they would open their eyes and study the judgment carefully before taking the next step.

Bayelsa partners Sidoni foundation on youth empowerment

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AYELSA State Gov ernment has announced its intention to partner Sidoni Foundation in its drive to sustain the youth empowerment programme in the state.

The government also announced that it had commenced the process of resettling some of the internally displaced persons from the various relief camps to their respective communities.

Secretary to Bayelsa state Government, SSG, Professor Edmund Allison-Oguru, said though the state government was

working on the modalities to be adopted for the fumigation of the flooded areas of the state, the flood management committee had commenced arrangement for the provision of transport arrangement for the displaced persons that might be willing to return to their homes.

The SSG, who disclosed this while receiving a truck load of relief materials from Sidoni Foundation, led by the founder, Ambassador Selekaye Victor-Ben, said the evacuation process had started.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Delta Speaker warns agitators

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PEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, has asked those agitating for the stoppage of the implementation of the 13 per cent derivation policy through the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, to retrace their steps in the intrest of peace and development of the com-

munities.

The Speaker made the call when the executive of host communities in Ndokwa-Ukwani Federal constituency paid him a courtesy call in Asaba.

He said since the law has been passed and was being implemented, it would be unthinkable for anyone or group of person to agitate for its reversal.

Justice Maidoh passes on

F PRAYER: Senator Bukola Saraki (left) and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, offering prayer on behalf of the late Dr. Olusola Saraki. Photo: Dare Fasube.

Oba of Benin pays royal visit to Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—IN a rare show of public appearance and support, the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday, paid a visit to the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at Government House, Benin City.

The Oba, who is rarely seen in public, arrived Government House in the company of some senior palace chiefs and Enogies and urged the governor to keep up with his good work.

The royal father said: “I came to congratulate you on your swearing-in. I watched it on television and it was very impressive. You have done well. Keep the flag flying”.

Aligning himself with prayers offered, His Royal Majesty noted: “My chief broke kola and said, may God continue to enrich the treasury with the wherewithal to do what you are doing.

Please finish the projects. Thank you very much.

“My brother traditional rulers are waiting for you to continue work in their domains.”

The Oba praised the governor for speaking ex-tempore at his inauguration, saying, “ you are a wonderful man.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole expressed deep gratitude to the Oba for his support and

prayers.

He said: “I am deeply indebted to your Majesty. Your Majesty has been a father to me and to all of us in Edo State.

“My own biological father would not have done better for me than what you have done.”

Outlining his vision for the second term, the gov-

ernor noted: “I am determined to do more than what I did in the first term. We have overcome our learning curve.”

Oshiomhole listed the next phase of work to include aggressively reclaiming the moat and sustaining the work on the Benin Masterplan, adding that over the next two years, it would be

completed.

He explained: “Your Majesty, we would restore the beauty of this great city. This is the capital of this kingdom, this is the capital of Edo State. I am indebted to the Bini for accepting me as a son and a brother.

By their votes they spoke very loud and clear ”.

ORMER President of Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (rtd), Justice Augustine Maidoh, is dead, aged 80. years, he died on October 26, 2012.

Justice Albert Maidoh on behalf of the family said the burial rites of the late justice will begin on November 26, with service of songs at his residence at Ogbeakwu Quarter, Onicha-Ugbo to be followed next day with a valedictory ses-

sion at the State Customary Court of Appeal Asaba, with interment at his residence.

He is survived by his widow, children, grand children and many relations.

Late Justice Maidoh

LOSS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT A LEBANESE INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT BELONGING TO MR. TANNOUS KHATTAR, A LEBANESE NATIONALE, IS MISSING. THE PASSPORT NUMBER IS RL2011355, ISSUED IN BEIRUT, LEBANON.

IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT MR. TANNOUS ON 08138074030.

Rivers spends N7.2bn on new model PUBLIC NOTICE schools —Amaechi KINGDOM HOPE BIBLE CHURCH

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IVERS State gover nor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has said that his administration spent well over N7.2 billion in the building of new model schools in Etche Local Government Area of the state.

Amaechi spoke at a town hall meeting with the people of Etche at Etche Local Government Council Secretariat, Okehi.

He said all schools still under construction in Olakwo I, Ndashi, IgboEtche, Obibi, Ekem and other communities in Etche, would be completed soon.

He said: “Let me assure you that all schools still under construction that I have mentioned would soon be completed. The Commissioner for Education has told you the problems and challenges involved, so you need not worry, the projects will be completed.”

Amaechi, while taking enumeration of beneficiaries of overseas scholarship, said about 78 students of Etche ethnic nationality had benefited

from the scheme in the current political dispensation to promote quality education, human and manpower development in the state.

Kidnapped Vanguard reporter’s wife freed

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—KIDNAP PERS of Mrs. Marian Onoyume, wife of Vanguard correspondent in Rivers State, Mr. Jimitota Onoyume, released her on Thursday, after she had spent three harrowing nights in their den.

Mrs. Onoyume, a teacher, was seized, on Monday, at Eku, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, from her residence, as she was driving her two daughters to school in her Nissan Quest bus.

A joyful Onoyume in a

text message confirming her release, said: “I announce the safe release of my darling wife, Mrs. Marian Onoyume, who was abducted on Monday.

“They said they were misinformed by their linkman about my financial capacity. They were very considerate. My wife said they were very kind-hearted. They had planned to delay the release till 8.00 pm today (Thursday) because of heavy presence of security men in my community and the entire Ethiope East Local Government Area.”

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Peter Asomoku - President 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Asomoku - Vice President 3. Pastor Robinson Egoba - Secretary Aims And Objectives: 1. Primarily for the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

2. Winning Souls to Christ and entrenching the gospel through evangelical, outreach, schools for theological purpose and others ancillary thereto.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Pastor Peter Asomoku President

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE CARPENTER’S CHURCH This is to inform the General Public that the Trustees of the above named Church have applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the removal of the name of late Mr. Joseph Armah Tagoe as a trustee and to replace him with the name of Bro. Emeka Chikezie Ene. The trustees are: 1. Pastor Charles Ehidiamen Omofomah - President 2. Nkechi Mercy Chijioke - Secretary 3. Pastor Albert Omofomah - Trustee 4. Bro. Emeka Chikezie Ene - Trustee Any objection to the above addition should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: HON. CHIABU ONUOBIA PP: CHIABU ONUOBIA & ASSOCIATES 20, Onne Road, G.R.A. 11, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

08023138813

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 13

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Nollywood actor, Pete Eneh said, the celdies in Enugu Mbaka, ebrated actor died around

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU & FLORENCEAMAGIYA

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VISIT: From left; Mr Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Brian Munro Limited; Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, and Mrs Omolara Erogbo, Perm Sec, Lagos State Ministry of Education, during a visit by the firm to the ministry in Lagos, Wednesday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

WAEC withholds 101,398 results for malpractices

BY IKENNAASOMBA

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AGOS—WEST African Examinations Council, WAEC, has said that 101,398 candidates who sat for

the 2012 May/June West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, will have their results withheld for alleged involvement in examina-

tion malpractice.

Addressing newsmen yesterday, shortly after the 54th meeting of the Nigerian Examinations Committee, NEC, Hajiya Fatima Abdulrahman,

National President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, on behalf of the NEC said: “In deliberation on the conduct of the Council’s May/June examination diet, the Committee considered all the cases of examination malpractice presented by the National Office and took appropriate decisions in line with the policies of the Council.

“Having considered malpractice cases, about 101,398 candidates out of the total number of 1, 695, 872 candidates who sat for the May/June WASSCE in Nigeria would have their results withheld based on reports of their alleged involvement in examination malpractice.”

NUGU—THE Nige rian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood recorded another setback, yesterday, when it lost one of its veteran actors, Pete Eneh to the cold hands of death.

Pete died few days after he had one of his legs amputated due to infection , at Park Lane hospital in Enugu. His health was said to have deteriorated after the amputation.

Confirming the news of his death to Vanguard, former Chairman of Enugu State chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Mr. Ofiafuluagu

FLOOD: Why we 're taking proactive measures—Imo govt

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO WERRI—IMO State Government has said it was taking proactive and adequate measures to mitigate the effects of future natural disasters on the people whenever such occurence as flooding and erosion happened.

Chairman of Imo State Flood Disaster Relief Committee and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obi Njoku, stated this while taking delivery of

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BUJA—FRONT line leaders of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh and a member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Tim Menakaya yesterday exchanged fireworks over the true ownership of the party following ongoing crises rocking it with Umeh claiming he was never deposed as chairman by any court of law and Menakaya insisting that Umeh is a former National chairman.

Speaking separately in Abuja, Dr. Menakaya accused Chief Victor Umeh of running a one man show in APGA noting that he worked against the reconstitution of the Board of

relief materials donated

by Chevron Nigeria, MTN Nigeria and UNICEF at Ikemba Ojukwu Centre, Owerri.

According to him, the government has embarked on a long term preventive plans to ensure that disasters as the flooding that ravaged parts of the state recently, did not happen again.

He noted that even when they occured, the effects would be minimal on the people.

Olajumoke assures Navy of school's devt

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—A member of Peoples Demo-

APGA crises: Umeh, Menakaya in war of words

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

1 pm yesterday, in Enugu, though he could not give more details about his death.

The infection, according to reports, started last year, after he had an injury on his leg.

His case got worse when he couldn’t get proper medical attention. The actor was said to have been amputated to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of his body.

Eneh was a vsisible member of Nollywood.

He featured in hit Nollywood movies such as “Lonely Life”, “Divided Kingdom”, “Prince of Ignorance”, “Heavy Rain”, “NaomiI”, “Not Your Wealth”among otherS movies.

Trustees of the Party, the National Working Committee of the party while the National Executive Committee led by Umeh sat as a colossus over every other organ of the party.

On his part, Chief Victor Umeh expressed surprise at the allegations of Dr. Menakaya saying “It is unfortunate that he has brought so much hardship and destabilisation to the party which appointed him to its BOT in 2005.”

Accusing Menakaya of being sponsored by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State to disorganize the party, Umeh said: “Until now, Menakaya has never criticized the leadership as he frequently meets them to collect money for his expenses."

cratic Party Board of Trustees, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, has assured the Naval authorities that the newly established Nigerian Navy Secondary School, NNSS, located in Imeri, in Ose council area of the state will witness unprecedented development within a short period.

He spoke at a reception he hosted in honour of the first Commandant of the school, Commander Sam Ogwu in Imeri his Country home.

Olajumoke was instrumental to the establishment of the school in the area of the state while he was the chairman, Senate Committee on Navy.

He said that the people of Imeri community will ensure that the school grow and that the environment is conducive for both the pupils and Naval officials.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 15

Halliburton scandal: Panel cleared me —Shinkafi

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

F

ORMER Head of National Security Organisation, NSO, and one-time presidential candidate, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, has denied having anything to do with the Halliburton bribe scandal for which he was accused of receiving $1.65 million gratification.

Shinkafi, who was reacting to reports linking him with the scandal, said he was cleared by Commissioner of Police, Ali Amodu’s Panel, which investigated the case, but wondered why reports of his clearance was not made public by the panel.

He expressed surprised that despite taking up the matter with the panel and three successive Inspectors General of Police, including the incumbent, his clearance was yet to be made public.

He denied ever having anything to do with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, company since his retirement from public service in 1984.

Shinkafi, who is also the Marafan Sokoto, said though the panel investigated him, it found that money paid into his accounts between

April1999 and June 2000, totalling $195,000, had nothing to do with the Halliburton scandal.

He said those found wanting in the investigation were charged, while himself and a few others that were exonerated were given a clean bill.

Shinkafi said: “It is correct that the panel, headed by Mr. Ali Amodu, CP, interviewed me in connection with the reckless and malicious involvement of my name with the Halliburton bribery scandal.

“I took pains to explain the source of the payment of $25,000 in April 1999; $150,000 in September 1999 and $20,000 in June 2000 into my account.

“I submitted documents and named living witnesses to corroborate my submission to the panel that those payments had nothing to do with Halliburton.

“I left public service early in January 1984 and aside from a short stint as chairman of Afribank, I had no involvement with NLNG or the public service for that matter.

“I am aware that the panel cross-checked my story and called at least one key witness that corroborated my denials.”

Ex-Eagles clash with entertainment stars for World AIDS Day

C

OME December 1, a day marked globally as World AIDS Day, exNigerian football stars and entertainment stars will play a novelty match aimed at drawing attention to, and identify with Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS. Jay Jay, Celestine Babayaro, Da Bull, Tijani Babaginda, West and Tony Bafo (Ghana) are some of the players confirmed to file out as Team Eagles.

Team celebrities include MI, 9ice, Segun Arinze, Gordons, Afeez Ayetoro (Saka), Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) Wande Coal, ID Cabasa, Nonso Diobi, among others.

Emmanuel Babayaro, in conjunction with Friends

Africa, a non-profit organisation, is putting the event together to, according to Arinze, “move away from paying lip-service to issues of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.”

At a briefing on Monday in Lagos, attended by Charles Novia, Kingsley Ogoro, Segun Arinze and Dr. Akudo Ikemba, CEO/ Founder of Friends Africa, Celestine Babayaro said the only stars that will shine on the match day are those discriminated against because of their HIV status.

On the fun side, Arinze wondered what Saka would do with a football, hoping the Campos Stadium venue wouldbeabletoholdwhatever the stars would be up to.

DRAWS: From left— Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN; Mrs Chimezie Okeke; Mrs Amadinochi Confidence, winners of two million naira each; Mr. Larry Annets, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and Mrs Ugonwa Nwoye, GM Products Service, both of MTN, at the draws for MTN Ultmate Wonder promo in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

Reps halt N3.7bn ecological project

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—HOUSE of Representatives, yesterday, passed a resolution urging the suspension of work on the 17 ecological projects across the country worth over N3.7 billion.

In the motion sponsored

by Sekonte Davis (PDP, Rivers State), the House resolved to direct the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to suspend all action and readvertise those projects in line with the Procurement Act of 2007.

It also mandated the Committee on Environment to ensure compliance and evaluate the state of the environmental problems in line with the current realities and report back to the House in four weeks.

Projects

The projects include those located in AkwaIbom (N1.31 billion); Zamfara (N412 million); Lagos (N258.46 million); Gombe (N383.75 million); Borno (N289.76 million); Delta (N308.49 million).

Defending the motion

earlier, Davis informed his colleagues that “17 Ecological Fund Office projects for which procurement processes started in 2006/2007 are still undergoing various processes of procurement as late as year 2012 contrary to provisions of the Procurement Act of 2007.”

He expressed sadness that “about six years after these projects were adver-

tised, they are still awaiting ministerial approval.

Deficient

He said: “Some of these projects have recently found their way to the Office of the SGF and Minister of Environment for signing preparatory for execution.

“These procurement processes have been timebarred, having been mori-

bund for that number of years, because ecological problems are time-related and progress with changing years and weather.

“The projects, if allowed to commence now, would be deficient in current status of the extent of the ecological problems and will, therefore, add to the number of abandoned projects in the country.”

Women advocate constitutional recognition of First Lady's Office

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—EXPERTS in gender issues, yesterday, canvassed an amendment of the constitution to give equal gender representation in political offices and give legal backing to the office of the First Lady.

At a one-day’s National Multi-stakeholders Dialogue on Enhancing Women’s Political Participation Through Constitutional and Legal Reforms in Nigeria, in Abuja yesterday, the speakers also flayed the recent refusal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Muktar, to swear in

Justice Ifeoma JomboOfor as a justice of the Court of Apeal, based on her state of origin.

The conference was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, through its Democratic Governance for Development, DGD, project.

Professor of Political Science at Loyola University, Chicago, Richard Martland; Professor Sam Egwu of UNDP Nigeria; Dr Mourtada Deme, Project Director, Democratic Governance for Development and Dr. Grace Ongile, Country Representative UN Women, Ni-

geria, were among the experts, who presented different papers at the occasion.

The experts said if the office of First Lady was given constitutional recognition, it would help in the mobilisation of women for participation in the political process.

They took a swipe at what they termed “nonrecognition of foreigners that get married to Nigerian women,” saying citizenship be granted foreigners who get married to Nigerian women so they could equally participate in the decision-making process in Nigeria.

Industrial Training Fund targets 250,000 youths

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—INDUS TRIAL Training Fund, ITF, is to train 250,000 youths across the country before 2015, Director-General of the agency, Prof. Longman Wapmuk, has said.

Wapmuk, who disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday, said the fund was determined to address the dearth of indigenous technical skill in the oil and gas sector.

Wapmuk explained that the agency had been directed by the minister of trade and investment to

collaborate with all the state governments on the training of youths.

He said: “What we have done is to have a phase programme whereby we will be having training with the people in the state gradually. This year we are starting with about 10 states and next year we

will have 20 more states.

“If fund permits, within two years we will be able to train at least 10,000 people per state.

“We have signed a contract with the minister to train at least 250,000 youths. This is not a small number and we are trying to see how to partner with the state.”

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

We've killed Boko Haram Commander— JTF

BY NADAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI— JOINT Task Force, JTF, in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, yesterday, said it killed a Boko Haram Commander for the NorthEast and North-West of Maiduguri and his lieutenants, who allegedly killed General Mamman Shuwa three weeks ago.

The name of the Commander was given as Ibn Saleh Ibrahim.

A statement by JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, said troops from the JTF, 333 Air Defence Regi-

ment, the Department of State Security, SSS, with the support of a helicopter, conducted major offensive operations against some suspected terrorists in Nganaram, Bulabulin and Bayan Quarters in Maiduguri metropolis.

Sagir, however, said the operation was still ongoing at press time, pointing out that the late Ibn Saleh was confirmed to be responsible for the recent killing of the Nigerian Civil War hero, Gen. Mamman Shuwa through the orders of the sect’s leader Abubakar Shekau.

‘Let peace reign at NCC'

C

RITICS fueling the perceived cold war raging within the leadership of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, have been admonished to allow peace to reign and to stop the undue criticism of commission’s affairs.

Speaking on this development in a statement in Lagos, the Managing Di-

rector of Procomtel Limited, Mr. Henry Ojogho called for a truce in the NCC, while also condemning those he referred to as unfair critics who are only out to create problem for the commission rather than been constructive critics.

Ojogho appealed to top management within the NCC to allow peace reign.

Atiku, Makarfi mourn Saraki

BY EMEKA MAMAH & DEMOLA AKINYEMI

F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and textile workers, yesterday, joined other Nigerians in mourning the former Senate leader and strongman of Kwara State politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, describing him as a “politician of the heart.”

Atiku said late Saraki was an uncommon politician with forgiving spirit, adding that “with my 24 years relationship with Baba in politics, I have never heard Saraki saying I will pay you back for doing me bad.”

Makarfi said Saraki “lived a good and eventful life, and left for us legacies and lessons in selfless service and uncommon identification with the common man that would do us a world of good to learn from and imbibe.”

Textile workers said Saraki “truly served hu-

manity in spirit and out of his abundant Almighty Allah-given knowledge and wealth.”

In their tribute, signed by the General Secretary, Issa Aremu, the textile workers described the former Waziri of Ilorin Emirate as “a pan-

Nigerian politician.”

They said in a country where the political elite strive for what they could grab for self in terms of money, property and vain tittles, Saraki’s almost philanthropy was legendary.

Aremu quoted Saraki

as having said “I will like to be remembered as that man who helped the sick get treated; the man who helped put a child in school; the man who helped that poor woman pick her life after losing so much in business or whatever.”

UNIJOS students protest hike in fees

BY TAYE OBATERU & UTIBE-ABASI OKON

J

OS—STUDENTS of the University of Jos, yesterday, staged a peaceful demonstration against alleged 150 percent increase in fees by the school’s management.

The placard-carrying students took over the main gate of the Bauchi Road Campus of the university as early as 8am, condemning the increase and demanding a reversal.

Some of the placards read: Daylight rape; Our

parents are government workers and have not been paid; Many parents cannot afford the increase, among others.

Acting President of the Student Union Government, SUG, of the institution, Nanlop Maya, who led the protest, said the increase amounted to “commercialisation of education” and a demonstration of “the insensitivity of the school management to students’ plight.”

She said efforts to meet with management to discuss the matter were rebuffed, adding “I led a delegation of the students’

union body to negotiate with the deputy vicechancellor, academics, over the increment in fees.

“However, we were denied audience. To my surprise, he said a mere student cannot interact with him.”

Registrar of the university, Mr. Jilli Dandam, who addressed the protesting students, promised to take their grievances to management.

He said: “I am speaking to you in my capacity as a father and the registrar of this institution. I will take back your protest to management.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 17

It came from Otunba Abiodoun Abbey Olufowobi (pabiekun@yahoo.com), a Lagos-based lawyer

T

HANK YOU to all the Vanguard readers who kindly sent commiserative emails and text messages when they discovered, via last week’s column, that I had been very ill. Many comments were made about the fact that I only started to recover from my ailment when I was flown out of Nigeria and handed over to British doctors.

Find below the most comprehensive and thoughtprovoking reaction I received.

DK, Na wa o. We thank God for saving your life o! About 10 years ago, I went out with some friends, including one who was visiting from abroad.

While we were eating pounded yam, a morsel got trapped in his throat, so we took him to the General Hospital in Ikeja. He was not attended to in the four hours he was there and the poor soul was lost!!! Many such sad and incredible stories abound in Nigeria.

No gainsaying that the state of healthcare in Nigeria is in dire straits. The prognosis is fearful. I will not want to take much from our medical practitioners but it is a fact that they do not have the basic tools of their trade.

For whatever reason, most of the diagnoses are faulty and cases of mis-diagnosis are rife and I will not be surprised if medical negligence becomes the next money spinner for the legal industry – once the Nigerian Bench

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Nigeria’s Health Minister

Reactions to ‘Near death experience’ agrees that a medical personnel owes the patient a special duty of care - since human life is involved.

For a long time, the bottling industry stood their ground and evidence of even a full

OPINION

The Ribadu Report and Oronsaye: Matters arising I

N life, only very few things are as painful and psychologically enervating as the experience of being vilified by the public for taking a position which you know is right while the criticizing majority is gullibly led in the opposite direction which you know is patently wrong. That was the kind of experience one of Nigeria's most accomplished technocrats and bureaucrats, Mr. Steven Oronsaye, was made to go through recently. He was the butt of cruel jokes and acerbic criticisms for disowning the report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force of which former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was Chairman and Oronsaye was Deputy Chairman The committee was set up to, among other things, look into the various sources of revenues from the petroleum sector in the last 10 years and see if all monies that should accrue to the Federal Government actually got paid and, if not, recommend ways of plugging the leakages. Long before the committee concluded its work, Nigerians were regaled with reports in the media with headlines like: "Ribadu Vows to Nail Oil Thieves" and "Ribadu Gives Oil Thieves Red Card".

,

BY ATIKU ATAGUBA

Oronsaye's action was seen as a confirmation that there was indeed a conspiracy to kill the report; he was dubbed an 'agent' who had been 'settled' to blow the report into smithereens

,

These and the reputation of Ribadu as an anti-corruption czar helped to raise expectations about the committee's report.

So when the report of the committee found its way to the media with a hint that it had earlier been submitted to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, who appeared not to be enthusiastic about its implementation, it immediately caused a hoopla which made President Goodluck Jonathan to direct that the report be formally submitted to him by the committee. During the report submission ceremony on November 1, 2012, at the

Presidential Villa, Oronsaye publicly disowned it, arguing that due process was not followed in compiling it.

For a report that had already been leaked to the media on the assumption that the powers that be want to consign it to the shelf to gather dust like most others before it, Oronsaye's action was seen as a confirmation that there was indeed a conspiracy to kill the report. He was dubbed an 'agent' who had been 'settled' to deliver the bomb that would blow the report into smithereens.

To make the toga of a 'settled agent' fit well on Oronsaye, Ribadu went ahead to point out that he (Oronsaye) was appointed into the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC a few months after the Task Force was inaugurated. Ribadu further insinuated that Oronsaye refused to attend meetings of the committee and only turned up once when the issue of Addax's alleged financial malfeasance was to be discussed and that he (Oronsaye) apparently turned up for the meeting because of his perceived interest in the company which Ribadu accused him of defending spiritedly throughout the session.

Continues on pg 18 •Mr. Ataguba, a quantity surveyor, wrote from Kaduna.

cockroach in a bottled drink will not avail any pecuniary damages compensation and also the “almighty” PHCN and its precursors could do no wrong in the eyes of the law– all until recently when the Nigerian Bench started to yield to the logical and lawful mantra of consumer protectionism.

On a personal note, I was almost sent to an early exit from this world sometime ago when, contrary to the will of God, a medical specialist misdiagnosed me with a chronic kidney condition.

I faulted this “diagnosis” because I felt it was predicated on a faulty indication – the consulting room blood pressure machine was returning a strange measurement of my BP level – I knew the measurement was wrong and contended so but the specialist, who appeared not too comfortable with my temerity to challenge his judgement (an inalienable right of every patient but which you are readily denied here) maintained his diagnosis.

The BP machine is not onefor-all time measurement equipment but one that is needed to be calibrated regularly for them to return correct results but how many facilities ever do that in Nigeria? It’s akin to keeping a fire extinguisher in your car for years without recharging it – the potency may not avail you when fire strikes.

I had to run many parallel tests in Nigeria and when it appeared there was a conspiracy of strange results, I sought solace overseas namely in Israel and the USA. At the end of my “medical tourism”, my fear

was confirmed – the faulty regime of inefficient tools misled the Nigeria specialists into palpable error of diagnosis(misdiagnosis) and I can only offer my pity for a system where academically sound professionals were hindered by the lack of an efficient basic tool for saving lives (diagnosis).

Both in Israel and in the USA, I met Nigerian medical practitioners who held very high positions at the medical facilities.

The laboratories that abound in Nigeria lie prostrate to fake reagents and the dearth of the other current tools, hence a routine test may not yield the correct result. I am currently pursuing some cases of misdiagnosis on behalf of my clients – some had died from these grave and fatal error of judgement and those who survived did with sheer providence and the fact that they were able to afford a second opinion and treatment overseas.

Was our First Lady not flown overseas for undisclosed treatment recently?

The Senate President was in Israel about the time I visited and many others would rather do the medical tourism to other climes rather than die a cheap death in Nigeria as a result of medical negligence. Cases of mis-diagnosis abound in Nigeria today, especially with the influx of the “Asian tigers” into the business and it appears government can do with the looming population reduction through avoidable medical negligence, hence its criminal abdication of its responsibility to its citizens.

Finally, a last word from V.O. Efeakpor (+2348023018952): DK, Sorry for the near death experience you had in PortHarcourt. Thank God you are opportuned to have access to health facilities abroad. l want to seize this opportunity to beg the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to ban government officials from going for treatment abroad.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 IT is a great idea to restore civil rule in Mali. Promoters of the idea must fund it as well as send their own troops to Mali.

It is no time to shift the burden to Nigeria as has been the case in the past 20 years.

Nigeria has no obligations to bear the burden of another intervention. Nigerian troops fought in Somalia, providing cover for escaping US troops in 1993. Records of that operation are replete with the success of the Americans in Somalia – Nigeria did not get any credits. Another 140 Nigerian troops are currently in Somalia to stabilise a country without a central government since President Siad Barre fled to exile in Nigeria in 1991.

Since 1989, Nigeria has funded military missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, hosted thousands of refugees from both countries, lost its troops who fought until elected governments were restored in both countries.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Chief Tom Ikimi in 1998 put Nigeria’s expenditure in the wars at $9 billion, a big waste, at a time her economy was haemorrhaging. Credits for ending the strife in Sierra Leone and Liberia do not

No Nigerian Troops To Mali mention Nigeria.

Missions in Darfur, Sudan cost us lives as well as resources that could have been used in battling the internal security challenges we face.

An intervention in Mali should be out of the question for Nigeria. The coup plotters in Mali teamed up with Tuareg nomads to save their country from Amadou Toumani Toure, a paratrooper, who came to power in 1991 through a coup. Those who say Toure’s was a democratic government are giving democracy new meaning.

A decision on Mali would be tough and

Nigeria’s tough decision is to keep its troops out of Mali. The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, does not support coups. Will ECOWAS not be supporting the junta if it joins it to rescue northern Mali?

The other claim is that it is a war against terrorist and criminal groups in northern Mali. Again, Nigeria has to weigh its own local situation. The global community can muster the resources to fight terrorist groups, our concerns should be dealing with our internal security issues for which we get little assistance. Our ailing economy dictates so.

Mali is a testy case. Former Libyan rebels have joined the separatists. Algeria supports them. Mali needs no military intervention. The global community should sanction supporters of the separatists and ask Mali to return to civil rule.

Any support for the junta in Mali, whatever the reasons, will set dangerous precedent in dealing with prospective coup plotters and Nigeria should not risk lives of its troops in unappreciated interventions.

OPINION

BY ATIKU ATAGUBA

Continued from pg 17

O

RDINARILY, these allegations are enough to sway anyone that Oronsaye delivered his disclaimer on the report for rather selfish and unpatriotic reasons. But the facts that are beginning to emerge about the report as the dust of sentiment begins to settle down indicate otherwise.

I must confess that I was one of those who believed that Oronsaye was guilty as charged, especially as his position that due process was not followed in compiling the report was endorsed by only one other member of the Task Force, Mr. Bernard Oti, who incidentally was appointed as Group Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and member of the Corporation's Board a few months after the inauguration of the committee. To me, this showed a clear pattern of settled men were working hard to earn their pay.

But having taken the pain to study the report, I am persuaded that Oronsaye has been vindicated and that he may have been moved by patriotic zeal to stick his neck out to disown the report. Oronsaye may have carefully considered how disappointed Nigerians would be when they would discover that the report did not so much as hold the so-called oil thieves by the elbow not to talk of catching a single thief. Or how else do you describe a report that contains the most damning disclaimer of its essence in paragraph 4, page 2 of the report which states: "The data used in this

The Ribadu Report and Oronsaye: Matters arising (2) report was presented by various stakeholders who made submission to the Task Force in the course of our assignment at various dates, which have been disclosed in relevant sections of the report. Due to time frame of the assignment, some of the data used could not be independently verified and the Task Force recommends that the Government should conduct such necessary verifications and reconciliations."

If the statement quoted above is not a disclaimer, then somebody needs to explain to Nigerians how it differs from what Oronsaye said at the report submission ceremony. In fact, I tend to believe that Oronsaye was being euphemistic in stating that the Task Force did not follow due process in arriving at its report because what Ribadu and his fellow committee members tell Nigerians by the above statement is that they did not do the job for which the committee was set up. And to my mind, not doing the job for which the committee was set up is definitely worse than doing it but not following due process.

Not verifying the data submitted to the committee and recommending that "government should conduct all necessary verifications and reconciliations" is like pushing the job back to the government that set the committee up in the first place to thoroughly appraise data and figures with a view to determining where there are

revenue leakages in the system. If the data and figures were not verified as admitted in the report then on what basis did it arrive at the conclusion that some companies and agencies did not pay what they ought to pay to government? How did the Task Force expect the government to prosecute those it indicted? On the basis of unverified and unreconciled figures?

The point that Oronsaye was trying to make at the report submission ceremony has now become very clear: The Committee did not do what it ought to have done; if it was because of time constraint, it should have asked for more time to do the right thing.

L

ooking back now, it is also getting clearer that all the allegations against Oronsaye that he disowned the report because he has been settled with appointment to the Board of NNPC and that he has interest in Addax are mere attempts to tarnish him and render his observation about the report questionable.

If in spite of Oronsaye's appointment into the Board of NNPC he was insisting on getting a better report done that could nail all those who shortchanged the country in one way or the other, then it is safe to conclude that he is a patriot.

On the allegation that Oronsaye has interest in Addax because he turned up for meetings after a long period of absence

from the committee's meetings and insisted on the right process being adopted in appraising data that pertained to the firm, that argument is neither here nor there. In fact, it could be argued that Oronsaye's action was consistent with his position that the committee's work be properly discharged and above board. He has since denied having any interest in Addax. What we know about Addax in Nigeria today is that it has been bought over by Sinopec. It is left for those who made the allegation to substantiate it by coming out with facts.

The Presidency has challenged Ribadu to name those whom he claimed tried to compromise him. It will be just fine for him to tell the Nigerian public all he knows about Oronsaye's interest in Addax so that we can appraise him appropriately.

But from all that we have seen in the report so far, there is no ground to impugn on Oronsaye's integrity. In fact, the only thing the report has done very well, as far as one can see, is that it has vindicated the man.

What we have seen in the report is another betrayal of our hope by Ribadu and his committee members who clearly abdicated their duty and wanted to blame it on the man who had the courage to publicly disown what they themselves had disowned secretly.

•Mr. Ataguba, a quantity surveyor, wrote from Kaduna.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 19

, EFORE the tragic South African Police Ser vice shooting of 34 miners at Marikana, there had been a gathering the night before.

Preceding the gathering, there had been the murder of two police men and two security officers at the hands of some of the miners or their supporters or some third force wanting to escalate the ongoing tension in the mining industry in South Africa. At that night gathering, there was a sangoma or two, babalawo or dibia with evil intensions who had come to administer some remedies to the miners. The claim of these remedies is that they would dissolve bullets and ensure that machete attacks glide off the skin like water off a duck’s back! The miners took the remedy. Faced with the soldiers the following day, 34 of them died, not believing

that they were being killed by bullets that should have no effect on their human frail bodies.

There is the story I was told some time ago about a muti (a relieving remedy) which would bring thousands of shoppers to your spaza (little shop) as soon as you bury the muti in front of the shop. To prepare the muti, the potential customer must acquire two live human legs which will be used for the muti. Why legs? To ensure that other legs would come to the spaza! But why live legs, Mos? Why not?

Because, Mos, most people who go shopping these days go by pleasure cars or by public taxis. So, what’s it with human legs? Why not tyres?

Why not use what modern shoppers go about with rather than human legs since nobody goes walking to shopping malls anymore?

,

Akin Isola once told the story of a man who came to tell him that he could procure a medication remedy that would totally and completely make bullet effort useless. No matter where the rain of bullets was coming from the medication remedy would disgrace the bullets and turn them back to the shooter! Is that not dangerous?

I

mean the boomerang option? That’s the problem of the shooter, said the fellow with the remedy. Not really because we are going to try it out first on a goat. And you will be the shooter. So, you must take out the boomerang option

Healthcare: Anenih’s hand to the geriatric

BY SUFUYAN OJEIFO

T

HE University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, is not new to scoring “first”. Apart from maintaining the enviable record as the premier teaching hospital in Nigeria, having been established by an Act of Parliament in 1952, it has scored several other “firsts” and has, over the years, built a tradition and legacy of excellence in healthcare service delivery to its numerous patients and/ or clients.

Although, the hospital was, from the outset, primarily conceived to train healthcare professionals for Nigeria and the countries in the West African sub-region, it has, in addition to the training of the needed manpower and cutting-edge research, offered unparalleled clinical services to the nation and other nationals in the subregion. Such has been the beautiful narrative of the 55-year-old institution.

The story continues. The prospects of many other great accomplishments are bright. As they come, they should be celebrated at any rate. This is why the UCH, at this time, is being celebrated for blazing the trail in the establishment and commissioning of a Geriatric Centre, the first of its kind in Nigeria, for the treatment of persons aged 65 and above.

It is something akin to the Medicare (public health care for senior citizens) in the United States of America in the form of a health insurance programme under which medical care and hospital treatment for people over 65 is partly paid for by the government. But here, it is not about part payment for healthcare. It is about providing the

necessary infrastructure and facilities for healthcare delivery.

Indeed, given the peculiar mess that has characterized the nation’s socioeconomic and political sectors, it is gratifying that a facility for the geriatric in Nigeria has been built at the UCH, Ibadan. The most difficult part of the problem has been solved with the building of the centre. The Federal Government plans to spend a princely N275 million for equipment and furnishing of the two operating theaters at the centre.

This is a good development which can incrementally be replicated in all the states of the federation. Other teaching and non-teaching hospitals can emulate the UCH paradigm by seeking out Nigerian philanthropists, especially the elderly, who are concerned about the healthcare of members of their generation, to endow such geriatric centres.

If wealthy Nigerians, even if they are not old yet but share in the philosophy of providing good medical care for the elderly, key into the vision, the prognosis is that, in the next decade, there will be great improvement in the provision of healthcare to the teeming number of geriatric clients nationwide.

To kick-start the ambitious project, the management of the UCH, Ibadan, checked the record of hospital attendance in the past 10 years and discovered an upsurge in the number of geriatric patients in the clinic register, admission records and among patients requiring various surgical procedures.

According to the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Temitope Alonge: “These findings informed the choice of the construction of a Geriatric Centre (as part of our

,

Irrational remedies B

Western scientists have taken the dreams and imaginations of their artists and writers and backed them with scientific support; in the process they have made what seemed delusions reality

to the shooting, right? The goat was procured and the shooter was invited on a Saturday to demonstrate his muti. The goat was prepared.

It was only natural that there was a taxidermist in waiting to ensure that none of the muti got in the way of preparing the goat for higher service later.

The remedy did not work and the goat died in the way of scientific research and was joyfully celebrated by those who were present.

People are prepared to give reasons why these remedies do not work anymore. The fact of the matter is that our people believe that these things worked before, when people were more trusting of the efficacy of their cultures, when they did not doubt themselves but believed that their own remedies were the working remedies. Now doubts have been planted in the minds of all, especially our highly educated elite. They have been the greatest promoters of the White man’s remedies.

Were you to point out that these things do not belong to the White exclusively, they would smile knowingly and ask what has any dusky coloured person done for the world before?

My feelings about this are that nothing can persist so long among so many people without having a iota of truth in it. Yes, we encountered the White man and he bested us

The acceptance, according to him, is predicated on the conviction that the only life worth living is the life lived in the service to God and humanity

,

2011 capital project) that will provide outpatient and in-patient services for our teeming number of geriatric clients.”

To drive the project to the point of commissioning, the management had taken to the advice of the Health Minister, Professor C.O. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during a recent visit to the hospital, to leverage on the Federal Government’s commitment to Public Private Partnership, PPP, in government institutions, including endowment of government projects by well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists. The idea is to ultimately name such projects after the endowers.

T

hat was how the Geriatric Centre, which is being commissioned on Saturday, November 17, 2012, was christened: “Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre.” Alonge explained: “At the core management meeting of the hospital held in July 2012, management unanimously agreed on the choice of Chief Tony Anenih, CFR, (the Iyasele of Esanland) as the most suitable Nigerian to endow this centre, the very first of such in Nigeria.”

Apart from the fact, obvious to the

and dragged us into colonialism and our mutis did nothing to help us to overcome them. An idea does not come from out of emptiness. There must have been people in the old days in the old ways who could make enemy weapons go against their wishes and the wishes of their wielders.

Perhaps that was before the importation of the gunpowder driven bullets? Or perhaps the bullets go faster than the conjuration and the incantation can go? Who knows? Yet I believe that if it can be thought, it can be done.

How many people laughed at the idea of H.G. Wells and his journey to the moon? Today Cape Canaveral exists and has been the platform to lift up rockets bound for the moon and beyond. Go to Florida and listen to the rockets lift up. Go to The First Men in the Moon

by H.G. Wells and read the noises a rocket makes before and during its lift up and they are identical to those that rockets make today on their journey to the moon. All that has happened is that Western scientists have taken the dreams and imaginations of their artists and writers and backed them with scientific support. In the process they have made what seemed delusions reality. Scientific research is already underway on the idea of time travel. Why are we not doing the same with our imagination madnesses?

public, that Anenih is 79 years old and, therefore, eminently positioned to empathize with his generation of the elderly, the management was moved to draw from the fountain of his charity works which University of Benin, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, among other institutions, had benefitted from in the past.

Besides, it takes two to tango.

Anenih had responded to his choice by the UCH, Ibadan, with an acceptance to endow the centre and the acceptance, according to him, of the request of the management “is predicated on the conviction that the only life worth living is the life lived in the service to God and humanity.”

He alluded to his charity works in the past, most of them in the academic environment, a few with religious inclinations, and declared that none of them “gives me as much joy as the Geriatric Centre because anyone can choose not to be religious or have formal education, but no one can choose not to grow old.”

What the acceptance also means is that the influential politician has taken up the gauntlet to mobilize the much fund he can to assist the centre. And as he gives a hand, he is also relying on the support of his family and friends to ensure that the centre is put to use in record time.

After Anenih’s endowment of the Geriatric Centre at the UCH, the question arises as to which teaching or non-teaching hospital will follow suit (to give a compassionate thought for the provisions of special healthcare services for the elderly) and who will be ready to give a helping hand in the way the Iyasele (prime minister) of Esanland has amply demonstrated at the UCH, Ibadan? Nigerians are keeping their fingers crossed.

*Mr. Ojeifo, a journalist, wrote from Abuja.

20

— Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, NOVEMBER 16,

2012

Relocation of LG secretariat, destruction of mosque: Ikoyi elite berate Lagos Govt

BY VICTORIA EDEMA

HE decision to move the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area Secretariat in Lagos State from its present location in Ikoyi to an area near the Obalende bridge is the cause of a festering discontent among some elites in the highbrow Lagos community. The grumbling elite, mostly politicians and members of the Islamic faith, are pointing accusing fingers at the Babatunde Fashola-led administration for embarking on an action which, they said, has grave political, religious and even religious implications.

The council’s secretariat was recently relocated from the Brazilian architecture that hitherto accommodated both the administration and workers’ mosque at the Glover/Kings Way junction in the area. But the elite are saying that the decision, which they attributed to the state government, was ill-informed.

Their contention is that the relocation will translate to the loss of the mosque which has for long been approved for Muslims working and living in the Ikoyi area. The impending destruction of the mosque, which is also said to be the only Muslim worship centre for Jumat and Asalatu functions in the area, derives from the purported leasing arrangement allegedly orchestrated by a former governor of the state who they accused of being behind the development.

But the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, although admitting the need to upgrade the old fashioned building housing the council administration, denied that the state government was behind the relocation of the council secretariat.

“Before the relocation, that building was a one-storey structure with planks decking.

We can’t say all here, but those accusing the state government of interference in this matter are ignorant of local government administration. The government has got nothing to do with local government properties.

The local government is recognised constitutionally as an independent tier of government.

Even if you look at the law that established the new ones in 2003, it didn’t put Ikoyi/Obalende headquarters at Obalende. We don’t ask them to relocate, we don’t ask them to stay,” Mr Kuye said.

A

side the political impli cation, the Workers’ Mosque in the already carved compound serves very eminent Nigerians, including top military icons, serving and retired, and high profile civil servants.

One of them who spoke to Vanguard Metro under anonymity said: “Even though the Workers Mosque therein is seen as council mosque, it serves various categories of people from military, security to shots and top civil servants in this area. And it is called Workers’ Mosque so approved a long time ago.

“The same thing happened to Lagos City Hall and Lagosians are not happy with losing their monumental structures. The Ikoyi Building from where the council secretariat has just been relocated is a colonial building that destroying it is like destroying the cultural heritage of Lagos,” the source said.

A

ccording to other agita tors, the impact of that decision on the social and religious life of people in Lagos State is not far-fetched. It is said to have underlined the class of people very close to the famous Ikoyi Club.

The elite are also worried that

,

T

The Ikoyi Building from where the council secretariat has just been relocated is a colonial building that destroying it is like destroying the cultural heritage of Lagos

,

while people gather at Ikoyi Club to recreate, dine and wine, the Ikoyi/Obalende council secretariat (Ikoyi building) is also for Ikoyi people to gather and think about development of Ikoyi and Lagos.

“The same thing happened to City Hall such that the architecture they erected there did not match the one they destroyed. Even if you want to relocate the council, you could have retained the building and

*The secretariat was housed in a colonial style structure such as this which informed its relocation use it for more meaningful thing. It is a Brazilian architecture that would have helped in promoting the cultural heritage of Lagos and Nigeria. By what you have

done, you are destroying the same monument you claim to promote.

“The new progressive renewal in Lagos believe in land for money and not land for pres-

ervation of cultural heritage to reflect the culture and history of Lagos. And if you destroy your cultural values, your future is blank,” the elite said.

For Lagos communities, a time to cheer, courtesy of lawmaker

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

G

OVERNOR Babatunde of Lagos state has often passionately made a case for well to do individuals and corporate organisations to give back to the society and in the process complement government’s efforts at enhancing the quality of lives of the citizenry, particularly the masses. This was a request that Otunba Yomi Ogunnusi, an Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, member in the Federal House of Representatives recently heeded and acted upon.

Ogunnusi is said to have, in the last two years, showered items worth over N45 million on communities in his constituency. Apart from that, he is reported as having donated several boreholes to provide pipe-borne water, patrol vehicles to the Police Force and funded the construction of blocks of classrooms for people in his constituency.

Last week Friday Ogunnusi

took time off to make another round of donation to IfakoIjaiye community. He donated three coaster buses to various groups which include the League of Imam and Alfas, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, as well as five tricycles to community development associations at Ifako –Ijaye Ojokoro Federal Constituency as part of his empowerment programme.

The Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of the House, while speaking with Vanguard Features, said the initiative was in fulfillment of his electoral promises to personally contribute to the overall welfare and development of the people that he represents.

Ogunnusi said: “I believe wealth is not to be accumulated and amassed for selfish interest.

Almighty God placed me in whatever position I find myself to enable me assist my fellow human beings. My people have always been my back bone.

They believe in me and I must give back to the people who

have been supportive. I cannot ride on their back to political office and dump them. That is not proper”.

The lawmaker, who is also a fellow of the Institute of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, said the empowerment programme would be on a yearly basis, and urged the beneficiaries- the youths, traders, artisans, among othersto use the items to improve their lives and their families.

According to him: “These vehicles are given free of charge but I assure you that whoever judiciously utilizes his or her funds shall receive more packages.”

According to the philanthropist, the funds used for the empowerment programme came from his salaries and allowances, including his personal savings.

Ogunnusi, who proffered solution to the problem of insecurity in the country, said the rate of violence is alarming because the youths have become agents of criminal activities.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 21

Utomi confident on Nigeria’s economic recovery

Fashola seeks increased investment in Agricultural sector

...charges advertisers on cashless policy

By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

P

ROF Pat Utomi, an economist and co-founder of Lagos Business School, has expressed optimism that Nigerian economy will recover faster than expected despite its overbearing socio-economic and political challenges.

His confidence is based on Nigerian stakeholders whom, he said, will quickly realise themselves and the deep mistakes over the years, especially in the face of growing competitive economic neighbours around Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

Citing the development that is taking place in Asia and the theory of the ‘Flying Geese, Utomi, who delivered a lecture at Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), said South East Asia saw that one country – Singapore, was getting things right and its neighbours were embarrassed and tried to behave like Singapore. “And before you know it, there was a collection of flying geese flocking together”.

The flying geese phenomenon, he said, defines why the East Asia flocked away from poverty. “As I look around me, I see Ghana rising, I see Angola becoming major player in the oil industry of Africa. I am certain that we will wake up one day and decide how we can load machine gun and shoot ourselves in the foot. In fact, it is inevitable. It will happen. As it happens, Nigeria will be going up like a rocket. In Nigeria, things are about to get bright” he said.

U

tomi also said about 30 years ago, economists used to be upset with large population as a problem. “They believed that if a country is going to have economic growth and for the quality of life of people to improve, then the country needs to reduce population growth. They argued that part of the reasons Africa is poor and in trouble is that its population is growing too fast, but today, economists are reversing themselves and they are now talking about democraghic dividends.

Population is now seen as an advantage.”

He believed that as ‘Nigeria economy explodes’; Nigerians in Diapora will begin to return to contribute to the growth.

The renowned economist was also hopeful that as the world’s pessimism about Africa fizzles out and the continent increasingly becomes the centre of economic attraction, Africa would no more drop from the world map as anticipated.

“Today, the world is about Africa rising. I want to assure

you that if you are not ready and as business gets up and it will get up, you will be left behind”. He said, today, five of the fastest growing economies are located in Africa.

Utomi who blamed the misbehavior of the leadership in the past for where Nigeria is today, strongly advised that it is time Nigeria and other

African counties take advantage of its real strength and go on a growth trajectory The economist who spoke on ‘Managing Challenges of Communication of the Cashless Economy ’ at the forum said if Nigeria is to lead the flying geese phenomenon, one of the key issues is transaction in the economy.

From left: Felix Edionwe, Group Head, Corporate Services, Unified Payment Services Limited receives an award for the Most Consistent Company in Manpower Development within Victoria Island for 2011 from J.K Ayo, Apapa Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Lagos.

Institute of shipping calls for open ship registry

By GODWIN ORITSE & MAIMUNA MOHAMMED

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HE Nigeria Institute of Shipping, NIS, has called on the Federal Government to consider the operation of an open ship registry with a view to develop local shipping in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 6thAnnual General Meeting, Sir Chief Caleb Okoye, immediate past president of NIS, said that since government has realised that it cannot single handedly fund the development, there is need to create an enabling environment for the local shipping industry to strive.

Okoye explained that an enabling environment will also enable Nigerians to own and operate bigger vessels.

The NIS boss who commended the government for revamping the railway system within the port added that the effort will enhance the movement and speedy clearance of goods from the ports He, however, frowned at the treatment of indigenous shipping firms by government in the carriage of the

nation’s crude, adding that if the situation is not reversed, the economic benefits of such business will continue to elude Nigerians.

He said “We also note the efforts federal government is making to revive the railways system. It is important that the Apapa port rail system should be restored so as to assist in movement of containers to northern states. It may be an opportunity to restore the old inland container Depots at Kano and Kaduna.

This would be a big relieve to our roads.

“As we know, shipping is a very capital intensive venture whose profit margin is not very attractive .This may be the reason why Nigeria investors are not in a hurry to invest in shipping business. After the demise of the Nigeria National Shipping Line, government realised its inability to fund shipping development alone. We still believe that government should create good environment so as to encourage indigenous operators to own bigger vessels as hundred percent of our crude oil and containers are lifted by foreign flag vessels.

…Flags off first Lagos seafood festival

By MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos has stressed the need for Nigeria to develop the agricultural sector, especially the sea foods business, saying “the promotion of the seafood business is an opportunity to promote something indigenous and create relief from dependence on oil.”

Fashola who made the remarks at the flagged off of the first Sea Food Festival, tagged Lagos seafood festival in Lagos, said that the encouragement of seafood is one critical area which the country must develop due to its closeness to the ocean and its reach water ways.

He stated that the potentials in the seafood business prompted the state government to embark on the festival, adding “The festival is an opportunity to showcase the enormous entrepreneurship, hard work and resourcefulness of the people who live in the coastal areas in the state.”

Fashola argued that the Lagos Sea Food Festival is being linked with Kuramo because the present administration believes that the exportation of local Nigerian and African cuisines would be one of the milestones that would be recorded and exported to the world in a short while.

147.9

+1.9

2,466.00

+71.00

19.34

-0.01

110.11

+1.85

86.46

+1.08

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

154.75 246.2227 196.9194 163.359 1.9453 0.2804 235.6144 24.8541 41.2623 26.4002 236.1795

155.25 247.0183 197.5556 163.8868 1.9516 0.2904 236.3756 24.9349 41.3956 26.4855 236.9426

SELLING 155.75 247.813 198.1919 164.4147 1.9579 0.3004 237.1369 25.0157 41.5289 26.5708 237.7057

CBN Exchange rate as at 15/11/20127

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

CBN, SEC to examine financial state of stockbroking firms

Standard Chartered opens new branch in Lagos

S

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, have perfected plans to examine the activities of stock broking firms in the country.

The Director of Banking Supervision of the CBN, Mrs. Agnes Olatokunbo Martins, disclosed this yesterday at a press conference at the end of the bankers’ committee meeting in Abuja.

Martins said the examination activities of stockbrokers would be a joint effort of both CBN and SEC aimed at maintaining financial stability.

“The CBN will be working with SEC to carry out joint examination of stockbroking firms. Presently, we supervise the banks, but in the interest of financial stability, we are going to be working closely with SEC to supervise stockbroking firms, especially those that are owned by holding companies that are under the new banking reforms,” said Martins.

The process, according to her, is to ensure that financial

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

D

ANGOTE Flour Mills Plc, Unity Bank Plc and Prestige Assurance Plc have been added to the list of market making stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The new addition brings the number of stocks that have been rolled out by the initiative to thirty-three. The additional stocks were selected from Consumer Goods and Financial Services sectors respectively.

The inclusion which became effective yesterday, according to the NSE, was in line with the planned phased introduction of stocks to the market from the baskets of Market Makers on The Exchange.

The roll period for all the stocks quoted on the Exchange is six months. This takes place every fortnight since inception September 18, 2012.

The thirty-three stocks covered by the programme now are: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc, Presco Plc, International Breweries, Lafarge Wapco, Fidson Healthcare Plc,

stability is maintained, adding that it is all part of the banking consolidation exercise geared towards ensuring sound financial system.

She noted that the joint examination and supervision of the stockbroking firms is to prevent “a situation where there will be loopholes and

gaps that might be exploited.

So when we carry out these examinations jointly, those kinds of gaps can’t be exploited. That’s the reason behind it.”

The decision, she said, was taken in the course of the meeting and the modalities will be spelt out later.

It was also revealed that all

the banks in the country have “decided to stop forthwith charges for usage of ATMs.” Also speaking, the Managing Director of First Bank, Mr Bisi Onasanya, said they have worked out modalities to stop account holders from bearing the burden of N100 charge after using the ATM of a bank other than their own banks.

From left: Vice President, Mr. Tola Odukoya; Mr. Malcolm Gilroy, Head, Sales & Trading, both of Dunn Lorren Merrifield and Mr. Bola Adeeko, Chief of Staff & Head of Corporate Division of Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, during the Capital Market Correspondent Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) monthly forum tagged ‘Opportunities in the Nigerian Bond Market.’

Dangote Flour Mills, Unity Bank join NSE market making stocks Redstar Express Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, D.N.Meyer, Diamond Bank, FCMB, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and UAC Nigeria Plc. (UACN).

Others are: Bank, Academy Press, Custodian & Allied Insurance, First Bank Plc,

Dangote Sugar Plc, Union Bank Plc, NASCON and Nestle Nigeria Plc as well as AIICO Insurance Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, 7Up Bottling Plc, Ecobank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and UAC Property.

It would be recalled that the NSE had through Mr

Olumide Lala, Head, Transformation and Change of the NSE, explained that the Market Makers would play a central role in the provision of two-way quotes (comprising of buy and sell prices) for the securities they are making markets on.

Geo Fluids set to list 100m shares on NSE

BY PETER EGWUATU

A

RRANGEMENT has reached an advanced stage for Geo Fluids Plc to list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Managing Director/CEO, Geo-Fluids Plc, Mr. Ala Ibanibo, in an interview with Vanguard, said, “The Company is set to list its 100 million units of shares at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at a price of N5.00 per unit as approved by the regulatory authorities” According to him, “The price of the shares for listing is to the advantage of shareholders because the company has great potentials. We are going to pay dividend to the shareholders for the current

financial year because the third quarter result is very promising. We will soon release our result and we also hope that the last quarter of the year will be favourable as well.”

On why it has taken long for the company to list on the Exchange after its private placement exercise, he said, “The delay in listing the company was exigent upon factors beyond our internal control e g. the global economic meltdown which affected literally all economies and businesses worldwide. Some of these companies are yet to recover from the downward spiral. This is in addition to the escalation of violence in the Niger Delta which resulted in compression of exploration activities by the oil companies which are our primary market.

TA N D A R D Chartered Bank Nigeria officially opened its new branch located in Apapa, Lagos. The opening of the branch is as a result of the Bank’s strong business growth in Nigeria and its strategic expansion drive in the country.

Lagos presents the Bank with tremendous opportunities in a country which is central to our business footprint in Africa. The strength of the Nigerian market has been reflected in our Bank’s business growth which has been exponential, said the bank.

The branch was declared open by the Bank’s Regional Head for Consumer Banking in the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa, Raheel Ahmed.

RenCredit targets middle class, SMEs with N1bn credit loan

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

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enaissance Credit said it planned to lend about one billion naira over the next six months to medium income earners and small and medium scale enterprises The bank, in its newly introduced consumer credit facility, said that much of the lending would be based on business needs.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, Mr. Segun Akintemi, Chief Executive Officer of the bank, said “Renaissance Credit’s entry into the Nigerian market will help to professionalise the consumer finance sector, and speed the country’s evolution from a cashbased economy to a transaction-based economy.

“The entry of our consumer finance business is an exciting moment; not only will it bring about financial freedom to Nigerian consumers, it will also create employment opportunities as we build the Renaissance Credit team in Nigeria.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—23

EDC provides $30m credit to Afreximbank to boost Africa-Canada trade

BY PETER EGWUATU

E

XPORT Development Canada (EDC) has announced that it has provided a USD 30 million five-year line of credit to the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank), the proceeds of which will be used to provide financing to African companies procuring Canadian goods or services.

According to a statement made available to Vanguard, Stephen Poloz, President and CEO, EDC, and Jean-Louis Ekra, President of Afreximbank, signed the agreement for the line of credit at a ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday.

“Afreximbank’s business

interests align very well with those of EDC, particularly Afreximbank’s focus on the private sector and creating trade opportunities. While the line of credit is intended to facilitate business in all sectors, we see significant opportunities in ICT and extractive already developing,” said Mr. Poloz.

“Adding financial capacity for African-Canadian trade across 33 African countries through Afreximbank meshes very well with EDC’s partnership preferred philosophy,” the statement noted.

“This facility provides an opportunity for us to promote

trade flow between Africa and Canada as well as deepen the business relationship between Afreximbank and EDC,” said Mr. Ekra. “The goods and services that are expected to be imported into Africa under the facility will serve to boost export diversification and enhance the economic growth and development of the continent.”

According to the President, Afreximbank plans to use the facility for medium term financing to support purchases of Canadian goods and services from a broad range of sectors, including mining, telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing, energy and agro-industry.

B-R-I-E-F-S Former employee threatens to sue Access Bank

By ONOZURE DANIA

A

LEGAL practitioner, Mr D. Onietan has threatened to sue Access Bank Plc for not paying his client, Mr Okechukwu Nwaogbo, his gratuity.

Onietan, said Nwaogbo, who was forcefully relieved of his appointment in January 27, 2012, has not been paid his gratuity, eight months after.

In a letter, dated June 29, to Access Bank’s Managing Director, Mr Aigboje AigImokuede, urging the bank to pay up before July 7, 2012, the bank he said, is yet to reply his letter or pay the gratuity.

Onietan said, “I was informed by my client that the bank made payment of some of his terminal/disengagement benefits but leaving his gratuity unpaid.

“Your refusal and failure has made my client to embark on about four journeys to your Lagos office all to no avail.

His letter of 22nd instant to your Divisional Head, HR & Risk Management attests to this.

“We are surprised that five months after you laid off our

client, you still do not consider it well to reduce the hardship that the sudden loss of his job has foisted upon his family and other dependants by promptly paying his gratuity. “You made him to waste what he should have used to maintain his family on needless and very risky journeys to Lagos. The delay to us is unacceptable as it is inexplicable.

“We do not want to have to write a reminder on what we regard as peanut to your bank and expect that you will use your good offices to ensure payment of this claim not later than the 7th of July, 2012, in default of which we shall embark on litigation in the appropriate court to recover this money from you.

Onietan, further added that the payment, being expected by his client is with interest at the commercial bank rate from the date that same has fallen due up to the time you eventually make payment.

He said he hopes that access bank will toe the part of honour by crediting his client’s account with the appropriate amount within the period herein stated to avoid the unpleasantness of litigation in court.

Unity Bank to hold final promo draw in Abuja From left: Mr Michiel Soeting, Global Head, Energy and Natural Resources, KPMG; Mr Femi Adeyemo, Chief Financial Officer, Oando Plc; Bisi Lamikanra, Partner & Head, Management Consulting, KPMG and Mr Victor Onyekpa, Partner and Head, Tax Regulatory and People Services at the KPMG Oil and Gas Breakfast Seminar, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

ICAN sets criteria for admitting foreign trained accountants …Inducts 36,890 members in 50yrs

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has announced a new condition of admitting foreign trained accountants into its membership.

Also in the last 50 years, the institute’s membership has grown in addition to the 1,096 new inductees from 35,794 before the November 2012 induction to a total number of 36,890.

Speaking during the 50th induction ceremony for new members in Lagos, President of the Institute, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi said, “The Council of our Institute has considered for some time the modality of admitting foreign trained accountants into the membership of ICAN; and has decided to subject the practice to a review. Consequently there-

fore, the inductees from the last exercise held in October 2012 who are being inducted today (Wednesday) will be the last set to be offered direct membership of the Institute. Subsequently, holders of foreign qualifications will be expected to write examinations in specific papers for the Nigerian needs.”

Owolabi, also the 48th President of the Institute enjoined the inductees to live above board, saying, “The recent incidents in our banking sector have again re-echoed the need for transparency in our corporate activities. Professionals across a wide spectrum of professions have demonstrated indiscretion in their application of regulatory

and ethical standards and within the accountancy profession;ther.e is concern of inconsistencies and failure to comply with accounting and other regulatory requirements.

“As you are no doubt aware, it is the prevalence of corruption and sharp practices in low and high places in the nation that has contributed to the slow pace of development of this richly endowed nation.

This is exacerbated by the absence of transparency and accountability.

“Indeed, financial improprieties by persons in position of trust have been a recipe for under-development, increased suffering of the citizens, unemployment, hunger and anger of the poor and insecurity for all.

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

U

NITY Bank Plc has announced plans to bring to a climax, its Aim Save and Win Promotion which has been running in the last seven months.

According to the bank, “The grand finale to bring to an end this year ’s promo will hold on Saturday November 17, 2012 in Abuja.

At the grand finale, three customers are expected to go home with brand new Hyundia Vena Car each, with others going home with various gift items.

The promo, being the first of its kind in the history of the bank, is designed to reward customers of Unity Bank for their confidence and patronage over the years.

The zonal and national draws so far held has turned three customers into owners of Hyundia vena car with many going home with consolation prizes of Okada, Refrigerators, Generating Sets, LCD Television, Bicycles and Telephones, among o t h e r s .

In his words, Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Sani Zaria assured customers of transparency and fairness during the grand

finale which according to him, the bank has not compromised in the various draws held in the past, “therefore this Grand Finale will not be an exception, he stated.

Apart from the cars to be won, Zaria explained that prizes such as N1, 000,000 scholarship for kids, refrigerators, generators, motorcycles, plasma television, bicycles and handsets would also be won at the grand finale draw adding that the prizes will be won based on customers who have save within the minimum of 45 days under the N75, 000 and N5, 000 saving categories.

“Various prizes have been given away by the bank to lucky customers during the monthly draws and more customers stand a chance of being rewarded in the quarterlies.

“Government functionaries such as representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Consumers Protection Council (CPC) traditional rulers, the business community and other dignitaries are expected to join customers of the Bank to witness the final draw,” he said.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

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28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Unilever, Omo detergent & Golden jubilee promo

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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EFORE now, Omo detergent had embarked on series of marketing campaigns, the most popular, the ‘Omo Stains Challenge’ The essence of the campaign was to protect the future of children who are the leaders of tomorrow.

This underlines the philosophy of Unilever Nigeria Plc in taking interest of consumers into consideration in its plans to deliver quality products to the market. That is why in celebration of its 50 years presence, precisely 1962, when it was first manufactured by Lever Brothers Nigeria, now Unilever Nigeria Plc. The brand says its consumers will travel to Dubai if they meet the condition of its ‘Omo one step to Dubai promo’ An all expense paid trip for 50 customers, as the brand will also give out N50,000 shopping vouchersto100persons,150 washing machines, 100 LCD TVs and other consolation prizes.

Accordingly, the national consumer promo aims to reward loyal consumers for standing by them all through these years. The promo, the company said will only be on the Omo 250g, 500g, and 1kg pack, with an Open and Win concept.

ListingthebenefitsofOmo detergent, the Brand Building Director, Unilever Plc, David Okeme had pointed out that Omo is effective in removing dirt and stains on clothes.

Whether the detergent is used for hand washing or machine washing, dirt on clothes are easily removed.

Omo washing powders are also great for soaking. Tough food stains for example can easily be removed by soaking the fabric first before actual washing. He went further to say that Omo is mild on the skin and any type of fabric On why the brand is celebrating with a promo, Okeme, said “as at the last count, Omo sales were in excess of 40 billion mark” and therefore, has a reason to celebrate, thereby using promo to reward loyalty .

The citing of Omo factory in Aba was Unilever’s first show of confidence in a young nation (Nigeria) that had just been born. “It was right here at the beginning and it’s still going strong.

Omo has grown with the crop of our leaders today. It

was about bright sparkling fabrics”. The DNA of the Omo brand, according to Okeme, is children development and this is about nation building, he emphasized.

In line with the claim that the brand has grown over the years helping men and women to make their lives better, the company led by the Managing Director, Thabo Mabe, unveiled what the management

referred to as ‘a new mix of this great brand in the gold year of Omo”.

According to the Managing Director, notwithstanding the 80 years of Unilever in Nigeria, the company will continue to create great heritage brands. “In Unilever, the consumer is the heart of our strategy. We work every day to create better life for everyday’s activity”.

Latina fetes Ibadan consumers

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HE La Casera Com pany Plc has taken the Sugar-free, Real Fruit proposition of their Latina range of Carbonated Soft Drinks to Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

With a massive experiential campaign, the La Casera Company treated students of the University of Ibadan to the unique taste of the Latina Spanish Pear and Latina Cocktail Drinks also with performances by the talented LATINA dance crew.

According to the Brand Activation Manager, Mr. Mohammed Elkash, the Latina range was being introduced to the people of the city as they were known to be selective in their choice of drinks and knew a good thing when they saw and tasted it.

“The residents of Ibadan are quite enlightened and picky about

what they eat and drink – this is why we believe the Latina Spanish Pear and Cocktail Drinks with their sugar free, real fruit content will fast become popular with the city’s largely youthful and professional population. The health and fitness angle is also bound to appeal to young and older persons who actively check their sugar and calorie intake”, he said.

He further explained that the LATINA roadshow and sampling activation shows the company’s sincerity in delivering on its promise to provide a 360 marketing approach and campaign to create the necessary awareness and ensure that LATINA is readily available at every POS outlet, roadside shops and distribution outlets.

'Cadbury Bournvita begins N200 ‘Yummy promo’

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ADBURY Nigeria Plc,said its beginning a N200million promo tagged; Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life promotion courtesy of its flagship brand; Bournvita to reward consumers.

Speaking, at a media briefing in Lagos, Mr. Dele Anifowose, Marketing Director, Cadbury Nigeria said the Bournvita promo will be a distinctive reward promo where every consumers is a winner, because every purchase of 450grams or 900 grams promotion jar from now till January17, 2013 becomes a winner.

According to him, every jar of the grams mentioned above bought will have an additional 10grams which is expected not attract extra

cost form the retailers he assured. He went further to say that the promo aims to delight, reward and to provide a superior life for its customers who are expected to enjoy an instant 10 percent extra free product and stands to win Yummy prizes worth n200 million.

Explaining the promo mechanics, Chioma Afe, Cadbury Nigeria’s, Marketing Manager, Foood Drinks, of the said consumers are expected to to buy the 450grams or 900grams Bournvita jar, open and peel off the foil to reveal a special code which will be sent via an SMS to a short code provided will will be seen on poster, billboards TVCs and other means of communication.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2012—29

Tattooed girls vs non-tattooed girls

Kelly Jossi blasts Uche Elendu F

ROM Nollywood to Hollywood, actresses wear different types of tattoos, either for show or for effect. For some of these beauties, it has become more than fair share of natural beauty. Yet, others believe that carefully chosen tattoos can add attraction and arouse interest to even the most curvaceous body while others feel it is just a way of spoiling God’s gift, lacerating what nature has made perfect.

Idowu Philips, commonly known as Iya Rainbow has said that she does not trust any one who mutilate her body with any form of tattoo while the likes of Iyabo Ojo, Rukky Sanda, Shan George and other celebrities believe their tattoos have certain engraving meanings to them.

However, top actress cum singer, Uche Elendu who recently starred in a Nollywood blockbuster ‘’In Too Deep’’ slammed tattoo girls on social network-Twitter. She tweeted “Classy girls don’t have tattoos, reason is no one will intentionally scratch a Bentley, a Range Sport or a Private Jet”, drawing ire of another actress.”

Angered by the comment, Kelly Jossi Ede responded her in her own tweet, “well, I’ve got one so wat say ye ?.

“I got a tattoo because I see some, not all as a piece of artwork to be appreciated. My first tattoo was made by my then boyfriend to tell me he would love me forever. When he left, I got another one which is ‘a flower with wings’, signifying my freedom from him because I made it over his,’’ she explained.

•Kelly •Uche

Ice Prince & S.African model, Bonang ‘We feel honoured to host Channel O Awards’

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•Ice Prince

•SA mode

IGERIA’S superstar, Ice Prince and South Africa’s ‘It girl’, Bonang have been named as hosts of the 9 th annual Channel O Music Video Awards.

According to the , the duo will bring their unique individuality to bear on the Africa’s most prestigious music awards’.

The ceremony billed for tomorrow, at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto,will be broadcast live on Channel O. This is to ensure that fans throughout the continent get a taste of the magic that Bonang and Ice Prince are set to bring in the event as well as the many unique live performances that are lined up. From Botswana, rapper Zeus to Nigeria’s Mo Cheddah, multi-nominees Khuli Chana (SA) and Campa Mulla (Kenya), M.anifest (Ghana), Pro, Mi Casa,

DJ Zinhle, Bucie and many more. The 9th Channel O Music Video Awards, is sponsored by DStv and DStv Mobile.

Meanwhile, 13 Nigerian artistes received nods this year. They included, pop singers 2face, D’banj, P-square, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Davido, Mo’Cheddah, Brymo, and Orezi.

Highlife evangelist Flavour, R&B star Tiwa Savage and rappers Naeto C and Ice Prince are also up for nominations.

Speaking on the hosting of the event, Ice Prince said, “I feel really honoured and super excited. I think I am more excited than anyone who has ever hosted/co-hosted the show because it’s a huge privilege to be hosting the biggest award show in Africa.”

Ice Prince’s mega hit “Oleku”, featuring Continues on page 30

INSIDE Who emerges the Gulder Ultimate champion ?

Genevieve, Omotola go head to head at FABS award

I am learning to live as a queen — Tobi Phillips

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Who emerges the Gulder Ultimate champion?

Synopsis

Movie of the week

Okon Goes to School ‘Okon Goes to School is a sequel to the hilarious and commercially successful film, Okon Lagos. The movie is set to hit cinemas today. It is written and produced by Uduak Oguamanam. The story centres on the life of Okon, the hunter who after squandering his fortunes on wine and women decides to go back to school to start all over again. He enrols in the university to learn money management. What he didn’t bargain for were cultism and women’s wahala. And what school doesn’t bargain for is Okon and his crazy antics.

How does a hunter from the interior part of Akwa Ibom survive in a formal learning institute? Is it ever too late to go back to School? Should Okon have remained cocooned in the forest of Ikot Okut? Find out in this heart-rendering comedy.

The movie was shot in Ibibio but as English subtitles and is sure to be a cracker!

The movie was directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and starred notable actors and actresses like Imeh Bishop Umoh, Moses Armstrong, Belinda Effah and a host other actors.

Movie Schedule from 16th November – 23rd SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, LAGOS

The last four contestants standing

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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HE stage is set again for the crowning of Gulder Ultimate Search 9 ‘Ultimate Champion.’ This evening,in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, one of the four finalists,including James Adah, Nuhu Zigwayi, Paschal Eronmose and Onyinye Udodi will smile home with the whopping sum of N9 million, N500,000 swagger allowance and a brand new SUV as the star prize for the reality show.

Recall that more than 33,000 people applied to partake in this year ’s edition. Thirty applicants made it to Lagos for the grand selection. Twelve qualified to enter the Usaka jungle.

As the reality TV show progressed, eight were evicted, leaving only four to vie for the coveted prize.

Onyinye Udodi who happens to be the last female contestant standing is already assured of N1million for making it to the finals.

However, three more contestants will be evicted tonight, paving the way for one of them to emerge the Ultimate Champion.

Other contestants who have been evicted were Kofya Brown, Ayo Ojueromi, Patience Bornford, Ujam Emmanuel, Ogbuefi Michael, Priscillia Ezeh, Ifet Iniobong and Uzor Osimpka.

The four surviving contestants have overcome several challenges to get to the final stage. But the question is ; who emerges the ultimate champion?

Adah James is considered the strongest contestant, while Nuhu’s aggressiveness paved the way for his

emergence as one of the finalists.

Onyinye Udodi’s emergence as the last female contestant standing turned out to be a walk in the park. Uzor Osimpka, who was expected to engage Onyinye for the title, got herself evicted when she disobeyed the laws concerning the Stump of Shame.

Just before they commenced the search for the Gatekeeper ’s fortune, Chidi Mokeme had a tête-à-tête with the contestants. He took them down memory lane as they reminisced over their aspirations and experiences on Gulder Ultimate Search 9. All remaining warriors made no pretensions about their desires to become the Ultimate Hero.

James Adah said he grossly underestimated the level of discomfort the GUS 9 contestants had to bear while in the jungle. James thought they would be starved for a day or maybe two. They had to go three days without food and two days without water. They were also not allowed the luxury of their toothbrushes.

They resorted to chewing sticks for mouth hygiene.

Nuhu Zigwayi said the fact that they had to embark on tasks in the night, changing camps on several occasions and rationing of the little food made available to them, beat his imagination.

Onyinye said she wants to make history as the first ever heroine to find the fortune.

She was bent on going through all the tasks, adding that the journey has been strenuous. She stated: “I have bruises all over my body, I have pains.

The rainy days were nothing to write home about. They were cold days and they made my bones very stiff. The

Ice Prince & SA model, Bonang Continued from page 29

Brymo, won him Most Gifted Newcomer Video at last year ’s edition. His current chart-toppers “Superstar ” and “Magician (Remix)” featuring Gyptian have also seen the artist earn a nomination for Most Gifted Hip Hop Video as well as Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video, respectively in this year ’s edition.

“Hosting an awards ceremony of this magnitude is a first for me and a great honour. The Channel O Music Video Awards will be broadcast to over 40 African countries. I’m really honoured to be part of it.

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Twilight Saga: Breaking dawn part2: 11:00am, 1:10pm, 6:10pm, 8;30pm.

Dredd in 3D: 10:30pm Sparkles: 11:00am, 1;20pm, 6:20pm, 8:40pm.

Bond23: Skyfall: 10:30am, 1:20pm, 3:30pm, 4:10pm, 7:00pm, 9:20pm Single & married: 7:20pm Bourne legacy: 3:50pm, 10:10pm.

Movie Schedule SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Twilight Saga: Breaking dawnpart2: 12:00pm, 2:20pm, 4:50pm, 7:10pm,9:30pm Sparkles: 11:20am, 1:40pm, 4:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:50pm.

Bond23; Skyfall: 12;40pm, 3;30pm, 6:20pm, 9;10pm Ted : 6:00pm, 8:20pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution 2:40pm, ;6;40pm.

Savages 12:20pm, 3:00pm, 5:40pm, 8:30pm.

Bourne legacy: 11: 50am, 2:50pm,5:30pm, 8:10pm The Dictator: 12:50pm, 4:40pm,8:40pm, .

Single & married: 11;10am, 4;10pm,98:00pm Mirror Mirror: 2;00pm, 6:50pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Sparkle: 11:50am, 2:10pm, 4;30pm, 6;50pm, 9;10pm Bond23:Skyfall: 12;50pm, 3:30pm, 6;10pm, 8:50pm Safe: 5:00pm, 7:00pm Single and Married: 12:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Twilight Saga: Breaking dawn part 2: 1:00pm, 3:20pm, 5:40pm, 8:00pm Okon goes to school: 12:20pm, 2:20pm, 4:20pm, 6:20pm, 8:20pm.

Sparkles: 12;10pm, 2;40pm, 5:10pm, 7:40pm.

Bond23 Skyfall: 11:10am, 2;00pm, 5;00pm, 7:50pm.

English Vinglish( bollywood) : 11;30am, 2;10pm, 4;50pm, 7:50pm.

Savages 12:50Pm,5:50pm. .

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Sparkles : 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm Bond23: Skyfall: 12;50pm, 3:45pm, 6:30pm Stepup4: 4:55pm, 6:55pm.

Udeme Mmi: 1:30pm, 5:20pm.

Total recall: 3:55pm, 6:40pm.

Single& Married: 11:30am, 3:20pm, 7:10pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Twilight Saga: Breaking dawnpart2: 11:10am, 1;35pm,3;55pm, 6;20pm, 8:45pm.

Okon goes to school: 4:00pm, 5:45pm Sparkles : 2:05pm, 4;30pm Skyfall : 2.20pm,5.05pm,7.55pm The Dictator: 9.00pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution 10:10am.

Stepup4: 12:15pm Bourne legacy: 1:30pm,.

Madagascar 10:20am.

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Twilight saga breaking dawn part2:10::30am, 12:55pm, 3:20pm, 5:45pm.

Sparkles: 10;20am, 12;50pm, 3:15pm, 5;45pm, 8:15pm, 10:15pm Bond23:Skyfall: 10;15am, 1;40pm, 4:35pm, 7:30pm, 10:25pm Single and Married: 10:05am, 12;35pm, 3:10pm, 8:40pm, 11: 15pm.

GENESIS CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Twilight Saga: Breaking dawn part2: 9:50am, 1:55pm, 4:15pm, 6;30pm, 8:45pm Sparkles: 9:50am, 12:05am,4:15pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm Bond23: Skyfall: 9:40am, 2;15pm, 5:00pm, 7;45pm, 9:30pm Safe: 12:00am, 2:20pm, 5:55pm, 10:00pm.

Single and Married: 10;00am, 7:50pm.

Resident Evil: Retribution: 11:05pm Step UP 4: 12:45pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS ENUGU Bond23: Skyfall: 10;00am, 12;45pm, 2;00pm, 3;30pm, 6:15pm, 9;00pm Single and Married: 12:35pm,8.00pm Resident Evil: Retribution: 6:05pm STEP UP4: 4:00pm.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—31

Off-Camera

Genevieve, Omotola lock horns at FABS award

Unveiling Breezy:

The new kid on the block

Breezy

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•Omotola

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ENEVIEVE Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde are arguably the two leading ladies of Nollywood, not only do the duo dictate the pace in

•Genevieve the industry they also take the biggest cuts when it comes to charging for roles. The two beautiful ladies who hardly

le g in s w e n s p ro d i m u w a Om UNJIMI

BY OPEOLUWANI OG

unmi is no olific singers, Omaw NE of Nigeria’s pr r chosen career. Few days back, he doubt doing well in igerian artiste chosen from to N ly on the singer was the N draw witnessed by South Africa CO AF e ternational perform at th and other leading in standing t, en id es Pr F CA t, d got a Presiden proved her mettle an e sh l, ua us As s. ht lig ccess recorded ovation in return. rs after the great su ess is poised oa r he on ng sti re str Not ttom Belle, the song by her last single, Bo e titled, Stay Alive in a matter of gl to drop her new sin ich will be released in audio and wh e gl sin e Th . ys da e from the waveother creative piec video format is an new song from making singer. thrilled with this al to people to be n ai ag ll wi ns pe Fa e wants to use to ap Omawumi which sh easy despite the hustle and bustle gs relax and take thin of life. in the song is that “What I am saying relax and take you need to just some people things easy because y, yo u se e da y er do n’ t. Ev ac qu ire pe op le try in g to el where lev a to t wealth or ge th ei r th ey ca n fo rg et about g in th e troubles. But th need to it is that you just As long . slow down a little ba si c e th ve as yo u ha three e th of ts en m require alive y sta to square meals, try out ab d ne er nc and be co re fo be your well being on te tra en nc yo u co ”, ac qu iri ng we al th d. ale ve re Omawumi r Stay Alive is anothe e th si ng le fr om d sophomore album an t lis ca vo ile at rs ve the y gl sin ea who has incr ce proved her competen t ye is rld wo ic us m e in th an ot he r m ak e to k. landmar

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•Omawumi

have their paths crossed are not the best of friends and they have never been spotted together at any social event. Whether they would admit it or not, every follower of Nollywood know they are far from being chummy-chummy and there is this unresolving air of rivalry between the heavyweight actresses.

The age-long feud once played out two years ago, at the set of Chineze Anyaene’s award-winning movie, “Ïje: The Journey” which starred the two actresses. The silent rivalry,WG gathered nearly ruined the production of the big budget movie.

Now the old flame is about to be reignited and the battleground is at Landmark Village, Victoria Island. The event is the FAB awards night, holding on December 2nd, where the two actresses are expected to vie for the coveted crown of Most Stylish Actor (Female) award. Though there are other nominees like Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe Etim and Beverly Naya but the real hype is being built around Genevieve and Omotola.

The fuss about the two actresses became more intense when both of them failed to turn up for the nominees’ party which held at the De Marquee Penthouse some weeks back.

Even though, the showdown between Omotola and Genvieve is billed to steal the show at the event, there are other ties that are worth looking up to. One is the award of Most Stylish Actor (Male) where the lots have been drawn up among Gideon Okeke, Ramsey Nouah, Mike Ezuruonye, Joseph and Benjamin.

ITH a trendy outlook, Odunola Thomson a.k.a Breezy is certainly on a mission to redefine the Nigerian music scene.

He is one of the new kids on the block who holds a lot of promises for his generation.

Though he plays hip-hop and Rn B, Breezy’s music kind of music is a blend of English and local flavour.

Born by an American based Nigerian preacher, Dr. K.O Thomson, Breezy’s recently released his single, “ High Key ” which is receiving massive air plays online and downloads.

Having done many

collaborations with renowned international acts, Breezy reiterates his readiness to take the nation’s music scene by storm. He did his first collaboration with Tom P, a wave-making act and co-owner of Giant Comfort company. The rising star also did another collaboration with a Nigerian born German musician, Don Habi which is titled “ Kosowo lode” and Lori Aja, featuring Wura Samba.

For the rising act, the sky is the beginning as long as he lives. He hopes to use his music to redefine the nation’s music scene. “I’m stepping out to make an impact on the Nigerian music scene,” he said.

Interestingly, apart from singing, Breezy is also an accomplished actor. He was part of the fast reigning reality TV soap called Supermom season 2 which was directed by Wale Adebayo(Sango) where he acted as the principal. He also acted in the movie titled “Alani Baba Labake” produced

by Cooperate Pictures Films and many others.

Kunle Afolayan, Stephanie Linus collaborate on ‘Short Film Competition’

BYAYO ONIKOYI

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NE-time Glo Ambassador, actor, and film-maker, Kun le Afolayan and Nollywood’s damsel, Stephanie Linus don’t exactly run in the same crowd but the two top Nollywood faces share one thing in common- film making and the duo have been pitched side by side just by that reason in a short film competition that was launched to the public on Thursday at the Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Both Kunle and Stephanie are billed to add the values they have garnered over the years in film-making to driving the competition which parades other notable names in the local and international film industry. These other people are to act as judges and they include Tunde Kelani, Femi Odugbemi, Tolu Ogunlesi, Franklin Leonard, Obi Emelonye, Emem Isong, Carol Kathurima, Mahen Bonetti, Bongiwe Selane and a host of others.

The ‘short film competition’ is a video based initiative created by Afrinolly and powered by telecom giant, MTN Nigeria and it is targetted at budding film-makers and documentary/animation content creators. Candidates are expected to submit a sub-15 minutes film that cab be easily assessed on mobile devices. The competition is expected to run for three months and submissions are to be made online through the Afrinolly website.

According to Chike Maduegbuna, the CEO, FansConnectOnline Limited who developed Afrinolly and creator of the concept “ with this competition, we aim at showcasing African talent online.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

By AYO ONIKOYI E-mail: sayonikoyi@gmail.com

DIS N ‘ DAT With Laju Arenyeka

ROYALTY OF REALITY ou’ve gotta be thankful for reality shows. When you put your criticisms and fears aside, you’ll wake up to the amazing realization that reality shows have brought to the limelight some of Nigeria’s biggest stars either in music or on the silver screen. Step into the kingdom of reality royalty and we retrace the roots of some the big stars you love.

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Uti Nwachukwu

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his model, actor, MC, Jara tv presenter, and all around handsome hunk tops our reality pyramid. Although Uti was not quite lucky as one of the 12 housemates on the third season of the reality television competition Big Brother Africa (BBA3) in 2008, he won the hearts of fans across Africa during Big Brother All Stars (BBA5) in 2010.

Uti even got a congratulatory message from President Goodluck Jonathan. On Uti’s behalf, and for all his fans out there, it’s only natural to say ‘Thank You Big Brother!’

Chidinma Ekhile

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ords like ‘Jankiloko’ and ‘Kekekedike’ are now household names because of this 23 year old beauty, who became a household name herself at last year ’s MTN Project fame. After the competition, Chidinma did not rest on her oars, and has already released two hit singles. Now this singing sensation combines her career with spending time with her boyfriend, Sound city presenter, Adams, and pursuing a degree at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. There’s room in journalism for stars like you Chidinma!

Timi Dakolo

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his 31 singer won the first season of Idols West Africa. He was declared the winner on May 26, 2007 at the home of Idols, Planet One. He beat out runner-up, Omawumi Megbele getting 63% of the votes. With his victory, he took home many prizes including a recording contract with Sony BMG. Timi Dakolo released his first single comprising three songs in October 2009, but it was Heaven Please that made the fans go gaga.

Omawumi Megbele

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hat would be different if Omawumi actually won idols West Africa in 2007? It definitely wouldn’t have made her more popular or more successful than she is now. This singer, mother, fashionista and brand ambassador is anything but second runner up in life. Project fame could be described as project accomplished as far as she’s concerned.

Photo: omawumi

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—33

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , NOVEMBER 16, 2012

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airdressing business is one of the fastest growing businesses in the world, Africa and Nigeria.

This is because the numerous beauty needs of women have the health and beauty of the hair at the top of the list.

Several options in hair styling has made the beauty choices of women simpler, while hair concerns such as hair loss, split ends, dandruff and others continue to be general challenges.

For this reason, over 1000 hairdressers, hair care providers, manufacturers and marketers of hair products, bankers, models and producers of general women’s products last weekend converged on an events Centre in the Adeniyi Jones area of Lagos for lectures, exhibitions, sales, networking, motivational speeches, refreshments and lots of entertainment.

owered by Hair Media and partners too numerous to mention,, the hair conference was a full day event that had as chairman dr. Mrs. Osisanya, JP, OON, MD/CEO Elegant Twins school of cosmetology; and the deputy governor of Lagos State Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulure as the special guest of honour.

Among the speakers was mike Chris, owner of a beauty academy in Lagos who gave a talk about the protection of the natural hair even with the fixing of weave-ons or braids.

He decried the trend whereby ladies ignore their own hair in favour of attachments, while their hairdressers tend to support them in this rather than advising and helping them to culture their own hair.

While describing the scientific structure of the hair, he talked about hair loss in women and various causes and treatments for the condition.

According to him, the more common type of hair loss is Alopecia Ariata, which occurs when the immune system, turns against the hair which is distinct from hormonal hair loss that usually occurs during pregnancy and other seasons of hormonal change.

He described Alopecia Ariata as shiny bald patches with normal surroundings. He bemoaned the fact that 70 million black women suffer from over processing of their hair, revealing that they lose an average of 100-150 strands each time. He also enjoined hairdressers to differentiate between lace week glue and

Experts call for natural hair care As first Hairdressers’ Conference holds in Lagos

,

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Other ailments that can be caught in the salon apart from HIV/AIDS includes hepatitis and Ecoli, which can be caught from infected towels

,

bonding glue, which are often used interchangeable, albeit wrongly. Mike Chris closed by identifying lace wigs and Ghana weaving as the biggest culprits in hair loss and condemned hair business operators who persist in doing these hairstyles for clients who showed evidence of Alopecia.

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nother industry speaker shared findings from a research in which samples of water used in various salons

were tested and most was found to be full of germs. She said this was also true for tools used by make up artistes, and cited the example of her daughter who caught herpes from a make up brush.

Other ailments that can be caught in the salon apart from HIV/AIDS includes hepatitis and Ecoli, which can be caught from infected towels. She enjoined practitioners to practice with the ethics of the profession in mind, including keeping all combs and brushes sparkling clean, keeping nails short and hair always packed back. She also enjoined practitioners to always wear aprons and avoid low necked tops and bushy armpits.

Sponsors included Power Horse, Kanekalon, Diamond bank, Amigos, Nestle, Black Opal and Maggi amongst

numerous others. The Diamond Bank representative Ogechi Altraide said the bank was proud to be part of the Hairdressers’ conference.

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ddressing hundreds of hairdressing business operators, she said the conference will empower hairdressers and beauticians as well as providing networking opportunities. In addition, it provides the bank the opportunity to further

demonstrate its commitment to grow Nigeria, having given out more than 65billion naira in loans to more than 35,000 businesses across the country. Stressing further, she said: “We continue to support these businesses as SMEs (Small and Medium Scale Enterprises) are engine rooms of the economy, and there is no doubt the beauty industry will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 35

God has been faithful –Evelyn Urhobo

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• Dr. Evelyn Omawumi Urhobo...God granting me more years, I still have a lot to do

By EBELE ORAKPO

D

r Evelyn O m a w u m i Urhobo is the President/Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Smart Development Foundation who has made her mark in both the public and private sectors of the economy. It is often said that it is not how long, but how well a person has lived. The success or otherwise of a person’s life is not so much in the wealth he has acquired but in the number of lives he has impacted. Based on these, Dr. Evelyn Urhobo is set to roll out the drums with friends and family on November 19, 2012, to celebrate her 60th birthday and retirement from public service. In this chat with Vanguard, Urhobo speaks on the celebration as well as her plans for the future.

Excerpts: Why the celebration?

On November 19, 2012, I

I have a lot of young people I have mentored that look up to me

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will hit the magical age of 60. I have so much to be grateful to God for. I am alive and I am going to celebrate my 60th birthday, the thought of it alone is great. I know it’s because God has been faithful in my life, it’s not because of my power or my might or anything and because of course, some people who are younger and older, have all gone but I am still here. And then to also crown it, I am going to retire from public service after 32 years. Again, it’s like wow! this is happening to me!

So I think I am a very appreciative person, I have always been so thankful to God. I like to celebrate every milestone in my life.

When I hit 40, 50 years, 55, I celebrated, so 60 is a big one for me and I really want to go out and thank God with all my friends and family. I have a lot of young people I have mentored that look up to me. I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate them because a lot of them have gone on to become very great, doing very well in life. So it is a time to say thank you to Jesus for what He has done for me.

Can you recall your earlier years?

I was born in Warri and before I was nine years old, my father died. My mother was a 23-year-old woman that had to bring up two children alone. It was by the

hat are your achievements so

far?

I am actually doing a book which I thought I would be able to launch with my 60th birthday but of course, there is so much to do that I just said, ‘no, I really want to do a good memoir so let me postpone it.’ I can also see my progress in terms of being able to impact people’s lives. When I joined the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it was my passion to work in the Niger-Delta and contribute my own bit but I felt that there was a vacuum there because there were lots of little

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grace of God that she had to put her hand to the plough to work and put us in good schools. After that, it was scholarship all the way because really, we did not have much money.

As a single parent, I have been able to bring up my three children so it’s just like, why me? I know that it is not even over because God granting me more years

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things that had to be done that were not being done. I endowed a foundation,Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF), in memory of my late father and that foundation is also 10 years this year and I know what the foundation has done in terms of touching people’s lives.

So these are the things I really think God has used me to achieve. I did not reach the peak of my career in public service but you cannot win them all because I also used my time to achieve some other things. But I think the icing for me is the privilege to go to the American Congress to advocate on behalf of the women of the Niger-Delta.

In-between, I have been able to even pack some educational qualifications in my old age like going to Harvard, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University,Durham,North Carolina, USA. I just concluded a master ’s degree in corporate governance in the University of Leeds. I got a PhD from Evangel Christian University in Missouri, USA. As a single parent, I have been able to bring up my

three children so it’s just like, why me? I know that it is not even over because God granting me more years, I still have a lot to do and to even go into the service of God. I think I have cause to be proud of myself at 60 and that is why I am celebrating.

Where will your birthday celebration take place?

The programme is going to take place in Warri because that is where I have worked these past 10 years and made a lot of friends, my family is there, I have very vibrant women groups, I have had a lot of relationships with the youths so I think I really want to do the celebration in Warri to bring all these people together so that I can, in my own way, say thank you to them for the support over the years and also to celebrate together.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Spot a Psychopath before you give your heart to him

A

s Laila Jean St. Matthew Daniel (the biological mother of Funke Kuti) last week walked alongside celebs against domestic violence as one of the different activities organized by her ACTS Generation against the scourge, it is heartening to know that it’s not so difficult to spot a man who is likely to hit you before you jump the broom or commit to a long term relationship.

The event which took place last weekend, was tagged ‘Stomp Out Domestic Violence and Abuse’ awareness walk, and had entertainers such as Funke Kuti, Weird MC, The Engager, Kate Henshaw and Funke Akindele walking with other women and men.

The majority of abusive men have psychopathic tendencies and there are a number of “if you see

this, get the hell out” qualities that everyone should be on the lookout for, according to experts .

Lying: The lies can start out rather innocently, but can then snowball into fullblown attacks of deception aimed at manipulating the other person.

There is reflexive lying (“they’ll just come up with a story), and predatory lying, which is more aim-based.

Abuse: Physical abuse is an obvious red flag, but verbal abuse is often just as big, if not a bigger indicator.

Insulting and demeaning comments can often be aimed at preventing a partner to grow within the confines of a relationship.

Blame: Not accepting responsibility for one’s actions demonstrates the social detachment often

found in psychopaths.

Look out for excuses such as, “ I was late because someone screwed up at work...”

That whole pattern of blaming other people for their own mistakes and problems.

Meanness:

Meanness to you, to a clerk at the store, to the waiter...a callousness and indifference to the feelings of other people.

Lack of Remorse: It’s easy to tell when someone truly feels sorry for something. Empty words aren’t uncommon

amongst almost psychopaths, but they are often simply that.

Perception of Right and Wrong: Blatant disregard for what is right and wrong relative to the decision that benefits them. Even if the situation deals with something outside the confines of your relationship, it can only be a matter of time until the same thought processes applies to something involving you. This is perhaps one of the more telling signs.

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36—Vanguard, FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 16, 2012

World leaders extol Oritsejafor's virtue

BY SAM EYOBOKA

T

HE celebration of multiple jubilee by the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, provided an opportunity by eminent Nigerians including President Goodluck Jonathan; ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senate President David Mark; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and several other political juggernauts within and outside the country to extol his virtues.

Goodwill messages also came from Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and wife international quarters as Tony Blair Faith Foundation; renowned televangelist, Dr. educational sector, providing quality Morris Cerullo; traditional rulers education for numerous children across the including the Olu of Warri, Orodje of country.”

Okpe; Gbong Gwong Jos, Ovie r’Uvwie Senate President said Oritsejafor’s life Kingdom as well as colleagues on the of mentoring at the Word of Life Bible pulpit including the General Overseer of Church in particular and the Christian The Redeemed Chrustian Church of God, Association of Nigeria in general “is a clear RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Dr. Uma testimony of your great zeal and Ukpai; Archbishop Margret Benson- commitment in advancing the gospel of Idahosa of the Church of God Mission; light to liberate the troubled world.” the presiding bishop Delta State governor, of The Redeemed Dr. Emmanuel Your leadership Evangelical Uduaghan, in his letter, Mission, TREM, Dr. of the Body of has reasons to thank God Mike Okonkwo considering the Christ in our among others. m o n u m e n t a l nation as president contributions of Pastor Other corporate organisations that of CAN has been Oritsejafor to the growth extolled the virtues and development of the marked by of the celebrants Christian faith in Nigeria exceptional i n c l u d e d and indeed globally, inspirational courage and adding that the cleric had satellite broadcast positively influenced the forthrightness in stations, Trinity society and his fighting for the Broadcasting administration.

Network, TBN; entrenchment of In a letter, Mr. Tony D A Y S T A R Blair congratulated peace, security, Television; African Oritsejafor for the rich justice and equity Broadcasting harvest of the vibrant and Network, ABN, and for all growing Word of Life several other Bible Church, praying religious bodies and that his works may bear organisations. fruit in the future so that “the peace and Pastor Oritsejafor is celebrating 40 years love of our Lord Jesus Christ prevail over in ministry, 25th anniversary of the Word dissension, intolerance and hatred, and of Life Bible Church and his birthday in respect and understanding be given to the addition to the annual convention of the different faiths that enrich the life of Word of Life Bible Church at the church Nigeria.” headquarters in Warri, Delta State. The President/Founders of TBN, Paul and Jan 10-day spiritual event scheduled for Crouch commended the celebrant for his November 9 to Sunday, November 18 outstanding service to the Body of Christ, actually kicked of with a novelty football certain that his many sacrifices and match featuring retired Super Eagles untiring service in God’s Kingdom are very players against some lads at the Warri much appreciated by all those who have Township Stadium on November 3, benefited from his ministry. “Thank you In his goodwill message on behalf of the for your faithful proclamation of the “glad government and people of Nigeria, tidings of good things,” throughout your President Jonathan said the CAN many years of service. president had remained unwavering and Marcus Lamb, founder/president of unrepentant in confronting every Daystar Television Network, said in the last manifestation of evil in our land with holy 40 years of visionary leadership, the boldness. charismatic preacher had done what He said: “Your leadership of the Body of Apostle Paul admonished those preachers Christ in our nation as president of CAN to do. “You have been faithful in your has been marked by exceptional courage devotion to the Lord and your calling in and forthrightness in fighting for the regard to the ministries of caring for entrenchment of peace, security, justice God’s people and leading them and equity for all. Your venture into the Godward to healing and wholeness. The realm of philanthropy has seen you evidence of your faithfulness are seen positively touch and bring succour to in the blessings that you and your countless lives. You have also invested people have experienced over these 40 enormous energy and resources into the years.”

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State Police: An appraisal with Bishop Eyitene

BY CHINENYE FRED

B

ISHOP Eyitene was a Police Commissioner in old Anambra State.

Within minutes, the great dream of a people of Ovwian in Udu LGA of Delta State and the scores of under privileged are rested.

He was neither an ecclesiastical prelate nor Bishop as the name sound. Bishop E. Eyitene popularly called and referred to as “Head of State” of old Anambra State (comprising the present day Enugu and Anambra States) in the Second Republic is gone. Like a dream, Bishop Eyitene rose from the depths of obscurity to become a household name in Nigeria during the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Within his life time, he had groomed his children, affected humanity in many positive ways, actualized his dreams in the spatio-temporal world and within that space of time; he left to where all mortals will one day go.

Bishop Eyitene died in the wee hours of Thursday, September 27, 2012 in his residence in GRA Benin City, the Edo State capital, at the age of 79. He hail from Ovwian in Udu local government area of

,

40 YRS IN THE MINISTRY:

Within his life time, he had groomed his children, affected humanity in many positive ways, actualized his dreams in the spatio-temporal world

,

Delta state. The light upon which dark pathways were illuminated is no more.

On why he was called and referred to as “Head of State” of old Anambra State, Chief Benson A. Ezema, a native of Nsukka who was in Enugu at the time in question had said that the Commissioner of Police had series of celebrated confrontations with the then Governor of the state, Chief Jim Nwobodo from December 10, 1980 to December 19, 1982. While Chief Jim Nwobodo was intent on using Police Commissioner Eyitene as a tool to feather his political nests and intimidate his political opponents in the then Anambra State, Mr. Eyitene refused to be embroiled in the political machinations of the Governor (Jim Nwobodo). This triggered off a celebrated confrontation of unprecedented proportions between Mr. Eyitene and Jim Nwobodo.

In early 1981, Chief Nwobodo submitted a list of 64 policemen to Bishop Eyitene requesting him to send them as police guards to Government House, Enugu but Police Commissioner Eyitene turned down the request, on the grounds that the Governor had no right to determine the names and number of the policemen to guard the Government House. Jolted by Mr. Eyitene’s refusal to accede to his request, the embittered Chief Nwobodo went to court to secure judicial endorsement of his request. As it were, he clinched the case at the Anambra High court only to bow to the Police Commissioner at the Federal Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Maman

Nasir.

It was victory in style for Police Commissioner Eyitene as all the seven justices of the Court of Appeal unanimously declared that the Governor’s instruction that Police Commissioner Eyitene deploy 64 named policemen to guard the Government House was not proper and Police Commissioner Eyitene was not bound to obey such an order. The judgment in favour of Bishop Eyitene at the Federal Court of Appeal provoked a legendary and seemingly unending struggle for power between the twosome that metamorphosed into cover story news during the regime of the then President and Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Smarting from his judicial defeat at the hands of Police Commissioner Eyitene, Chief Nwobodo, through the State Attorney General at the time, Hon. Barr.

Rob. Iweka and Justice Okadigbo of the Anambra High court attempted to invite Mr. Eyitene to the Anambra State High court to humiliate him.

The attempt to disgrace Police Commissioner Eyitene in the High Court of Anambra State also hit the rocks as President Shagari intervened and asked Mr. Sunday Adewusi, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the time to instruct Mr. Eyitene not to appear in court knowing that it was merely a ploy by Chief Nwobodo to humiliate CP Eyitene in the court of law.

Undeterred by yet another legal loss to Police Commissioner Eyitene, Chief Nwobodo once again, through Justice Okadigbo of the Anambra High Court, intensified his efforts to get Police Commissioner Eyitene to appear in court but the CP again refused to appear in court prompting Justice Okadigbo to ask the Inspector General of Police at the time – Mr. Sunday Adewusi to bring police commissioner Eyitene to him in court. The order by Justice Okadigbo was not heeded

by Inspector General Adewusi and the case which had exploded into a national affair at the time was eventually brought to a halt in Mr Eyitene’s favour by the then chief Judge of the state – Justice Emmanuel Araka after an unprecedented twelve futile attempts had been made to get Mr. Eyitene to appear in court.

In the course of the two-year struggle for supremacy, the source further said during a quiz competition between students of two secondary schools in the state a question was asked by the quiz master, “ Who is the Governor of Anambra State?” Most of them answered,” Mr. Bishop Eyitene”. However, Chief Ezema said that no person should have blamed the students for failing such a simple question. This is because at that time it was like there were two governors in the State. Indeed during the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and apparently due to the conflict and tussle for supremacy between him and the state governor, Mr. Bishop Eyitene was the most heavily guarded police officer in Nigeria.

Eyitene’s residence was intimidatingly guarded with a record number of armed to the teeth mobile policemen, ceremonially dressed policemen, fierce looking and action hungry police dogs that were alert at all times and horses. His office at the police headquarters in Enugu was more than a fortress.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 37

38 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Continued from last week HERE was a gang of nine men in the city causing corruption in the land and not putting things right. They said, “Let us make an oath to one another by Allah that we will fall on him and his family in the night and then say to his protector, we did not witness the destruction of his family and we are telling the truth.” They hatched a plot and We hatched a plot while they were not aware. (Surat anNaml, 48-50). So, the fact that people do things “in the name of Allah” or even swear by His name does not mean that what they do is in conformity with the religion. On the contrary, what they do are against the will of Allah and the morality of religion. As it is in Islam on this matter, so it is in other religion.

Therefore, the actions of these terrorists should not be accepted as representing Islam in any way. It contradicts the teachings of all religions; human and moral values.

Non-Muslims are quick to refer to Islamic term of Jihad. Not many of them read the Quran or the hadiths to know exactly what the term means. Those of them who take Comparative studies or those who assume to know usually have a warped knowledge of the term as a result of sentiment of ‘mine is the only way’. They have refused to be guided by the substance in what they read; rather, they twist it, and allow themselves to be ruled by sentiments. You will be surprised by the idea of a Pastor on Jihad, or the meaning a student at the seminary will give to Jihad. Even when you explain to them, they still hold firmly to what they think they know because it serves them a purpose. I have had to explain ‘Jihad and the virgins’ a number of times to some of my nonMuslim colleagues, yet, it has not changed anything; they still hold on to their idea.

Islam is all about mercy, about virtue, about sacrifice and about duty to humanity. It encourages moral perfection and any activity that is far from these, no matter the colouration, is not Islam. As Muslims, there is no room for fanaticism, for hatred, for racism, for terrorizing or killing innocent people in Islam, even in a state of war. Shedding innocents’ blood constitutes a form of injustice that cannot be tolerated by Islam. The Qur’an states that to kill one innocent person is like killing all of humanity. Now, for the umpteenth time, Jihad, which literally means ‘struggle,’ has an internal, societal and combative dimension. The internal dimension of Jihad encompasses the struggle against the evil inclinations of the self, and the spiritual project to adorn the self with virtues such as justice, mercy, generosity and gentleness.

Secondly, the societal dimension includes struggling against social injustice and creating a communal identity based on charity, respect and equality; while the third aspect of jihad is only to be used as self-defense against aggression or to fight oppression, and, even at that, it is strictly within the limit of good

Verdict on 'Sabaka night'

T

By Harun Rasaq abaka night is usually a party organized by some so-called Hujaj in Nigeria after returning from the holy l a n d .

Religious scholars has condemned the practice and declared it harram stressing that it is alien to Islam because it involves great sins such as riya (showing off), israaf (extravagance), singing, dancing accompany with alcoholism etc.

No doubt, it is the worst mode of Hajj celebration that was introduced in recent time by some ignorant Muslims in Nigeria. Alhaji Moshud Olanrewaju Adepoju (formal Ewi King and now eminent Islamic scholar in Nigeria) claimed that sabaka night was introduced by Alhaji Abdul Jabar (a.k.a Oko Osho Oko Aje).

Prominent in Sabaka night celebration are musicians, actors and actresses, area boys and other so-called M u s l i m s .

Some Muslims erroneously claim that the art of celebrating the return from Hajj is the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). This claim lack authentic evidence from shariah. Although, it is good for that the hujaj expresses gratitude to Allah through: Nafila Shukur (two raka’ats of thanking Allah), Sujud Shukur (prostration of thanking Allah), Azkar (words for thanking Allah) etc.

Also, it is permissible to just gather to welcome a pilgrim when he returns, to walk with him, to visit him and say Salam to him, to congratulate him, ask him to supplicate on one’s behalf and it is recommended to prepare a feast as an act of being grateful to Allah. Indeed, the scholars mentioned the food that a returnee prepares for his guests.

Unfortunately, after the Salaf, a lot of customs and rites have been attached to the practice which lack evidence from Qur’an and Sunnah. It is nothing but sheer ignorance. This practice varies culturally and socially from place to place and country to country. For example in Egypt Edward William writes around 1833 that “Egyptians would decorate the entrance to the home of Hajj three days before his return.

The door and the stone around it are painted in red and white camels and are drawn in green, black or red.

The Hajj in question may write to his relatives in advance to commission the paintings. On the night following the his return, he usually throws a party for his friends, called the Nazla: Furthermore, the habit of celebrating the return of pilgrims is contrary to the dictates of Shariah. But as said earlier, Sabaka night is the worst mode of it in Nigeria.

The act of rejoicing is innate but Islam has laid down how it should be done. Therefore Al-Hujaj are expected to increase in righteous acts and move away from what Allah has forbidden except if they chose to be of those who answer the call of Shaetan.

S

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Why Saudi Arabia for peace talk?

•Jihad and Paradise (2) conduct, justice and preservation of life of the innocents and the sanctity of the environment. For those who don’t know, this latter type of Jihad can only be declared by a legitimate, recognized religious authority, not any individual or a group of people with no legal identity or acceptability.

think in a way that is diametrically opposed to the moral values of the religion. In any case, professing Shaadah or being a Musa, or Abdullahi, or Abubakar does not totally make one a true Muslim. Just as I said above of hypocrites, only Almighty Allah knows who serves Him rightly. The Prophet said: “The most excellent jihad is

In any case, professing Shaadah or being a Musa, or Abdullahi, or Abubakar does not totally make one a true Muslim. Just as I said earlier of hypocrites, only Almighty Allah knows who serves Him rightly

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,

Some have asked that those involved in the act of terrorism are nominal Muslims and I said to them: it is not impossible but sincere Muslims who fully abide by the Qur’an will not be a part of such repressive act of killing innocent people. The people who carry out this oppression are the followers of shaytan. They are people who foolishly attempt to apply their aberrant ideas in the name of Islam, and who

that for the conquest of self.”

“Whoever suppresseth his anger, when he has it in his power to show it, God will give him a great reward.” “Do you love your Creator? Love your fellow beings first.”

On suicide, he says: “Wish not or supplicate for death before its time cometh.”

According to the Qur’an, war is only possible for defensive purposes, when property, lives or virtue are in danger. But

even then, Muslim are warned never go to excess, and have a responsibility to treat the captives kindly. We read several examples of early Muslim who even gave their prisoners food while they themselves go hungry. They established peace without delay and to protect the innocents. It is clear from the life of our Prophet (s.a.w) the kind of behavior in this regard that Islam demands.

Throughout the 13 years they lived in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and the Companions were subjected to terrible torture, attacks and slanders; they were forced to leave their homes when they were threatened with death. But they never resorted to violence despite all these aggression and oppression. When the oppression in Makkah became unbearable, they migrated to Madinah, and during the Madinah period they only engaged in wars that were unavoidable and for defensive purposes.

For example, the Battle of Badr began when the Makkah pagans gathered their armies and attacked the Muslims, intending to exterminate them. The Muslim erected obstacles around the city in order to protect themselves, and the fighting was purely defensive. In short, none of the wars in the past was offensive. All of them were the result of direct and ferocious attacks on Muslims by the pagans.

From left: Alhaji (Imam) Ishaq Folorunsho Fagba, Missioner, NASFAT Ibeju Lekki; Sheikh Alhaji (Imam) Lukman Al-Mubarak, Chief Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Igbogbo- Ikorodu; Alhaji Moshood Funmi Ogunlowo, Partner, Ernst & Young, Nigeria and Alhaji (Imam) Tirimisiy Olawale, Missioner, NASFSAT, Igbogbo, during the 8th Day Fidau Prayer of Late Alhaja Safurat Orojoju Ogunlowo held at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 39 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 VIRGO; Success is within your reach but you must do away with mental arrogance and take good and practical advice from the professionals. Work harder.

LIBRA; Your being enterprising will go a long way to further enhance your prospects and if financial advancement is your priority you will fare better. Be more loving.

SCORPIO; Prepare to take the lead and exhibit your special talent. Advice from younger people may look good but not practical enough thus if you must take advice today take it from matured personality who may appear authoritative.

SAGITTARIUS; Element of luck will work in your favour, however that is not to say you can not back your reasonable plans with practical action. Keep your secrets.

CAPRICORN; You will have your ways; much will depend on how ambitious you are, the bigger your aspiration the better. Take your tried and trusted friends seriously.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

guess the vast majority of the people will chorus the university is the best school in the world. This is not necessarily so.

Experience has shown that the best

The best education education has nothing to do with formal education. If you think that the university alone has a monopoly of quality education, I want to

TERROR MUDA

ask you, which university did Bill Gates, the computer wizard who established Microsoft computer graduated from? It is a well

in “Never say goodbye”

known fact that he is a school drop-out.

The best form of education is that which you gave yourself because you want it. This can only happen through commitment, dedication and discipline...

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Here is an ambitious day for many of you and with moderation things will go according to your plans.

Financial success is actually close to you than you think.

PISCES; Make sure your plans for both immediate and far future are legal friendly. This is day of success you will need to savour with your partners/spouse.

ARIES; Even if you think your health is ok you better make sure you confirm your fitness from your doctor before giving in to strenuous activities. Success at work indicated for those of you who are truly healthy. Be practical please.

TAURUS; It will not be a bad idea trying to consolidate on progress made recently. And the more co-operative you are today the better it will be for you..

GEMINI; You will be in good position to take good advantage within your working arena.. Don’t wait till tomorrow before you make important future plans.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

CANCER; Tomorrow may bring more challenges than anticipated that is why you will need to prosecute your plans now. Lovers are fairly favoured.

LEO; Those of you who are moderate and practical with their financial plans are in for a good day. Live up to expectation within your family circle.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Why all these?

Dear Joshua, I am not having any terminal disease but some times am afraid of life. Bluntly ‘am I meant for early death? What are my weak points health-wise? Please tell me about my career line.

Adebayo, Lokoja.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Adebayo, You are not meant for sudden death but that should not be a license for reckless life style. Although Cancer is said to be one of weak Star signs, with potent and positive aspects the Sun and Mercury got from planets in Virgo and more powerful Scorpio yours is a strong constitution meant for good health. .

Certainly you must have gone through rough times when you were younger, once you are out of it your health path is clearer.

And nothing is pointing to early death.

Naturally Cancer born people must be more careful about their tummy (stomach related ailments) and you are not an exception. Other thing you will need to watch carefully include the circulatory system (because of Aquarius influence). Your sense of taste is distinctive and capable of making you a little bit stout as a result of little enlargement of liver because of your sugar intake, which you can control perfectly. As a tropical man fever can come and go, but nothing fatalistic here please..

If you notice toothache symptom do not ignore it.

But yours is a sound and good health, astrologically.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career. Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why?

Because Aquarius is equally political.

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

AWARDS: From left— Otunba Lamidi Gbadamosi, Chairman, Ikorodu Oga Development Association, IKODASS; HRM Oba (Dr) Salaudeen Oyefusi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu; Olori Muibat Oyefusi and Chief Owolabi Salis, IKODASS 2012 Role Model Awardee, at the awards presentation during the IKODASS Youth/Role Model day in Ikorodu, Wednesday. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

Isoko Union raises alarm over oil wells' sale

I

SOKO Development Union, IDU, has accused Shell, in collaboration with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, of selling oil wells OML 26 and OML 30 located in Isokoland without the consent of host communities.

The union urged state government to prevail on Shell and the new buyers to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the host communities to avoid another round of violence in the area.

Describing the development as unacceptable, IDU President-General,

Dr. Gregory Akpojene, told Isoko lawmakers in Asaba, that indigenous companies and the sons and daughters of Isoko deserve “to be given the first right of refusal before oil wells are sold as Isoko nationalities deserve to have a minimum of 10 percent in the management of their Godgiven resources.”

Also pointing out the need for infrastructural development in the Isoko region, Akpojene called on the government to tar link roads, provide portable water and provide more school structures and empowerment for Isoko youths.

NGO wins 3 Stevie awards

F

RIENDS Africa, a pan-African nongovernmental organisation, NGO, has emerged Gold Stevie winner of the Organisation of the Year award in the non-governmental and non-profit category at the Stevie Awards dinner in New York.

Friends Africa’s CEO, Dr. Akudo Ikemba, was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Female Innovator of the Year in Europe, Middle East and Africa, clinching Gold and Silver Stevies, respectively.

The NGO has led the

Meeting

T

HE annual couples’ breakfast fellowship of Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowojo, Lagos, holds tomorrow at the Blue Pearl Hall, Toyin Street, Ikeja, at 7am.

The theme of the programme is Nakedness, while the guest minister is Pastor Bukkie Gbenro.

fight against AIDS, TB, and Malaria on the African continent, taking the initiative to be the first to comprehensively involve the African private sector and African leaders, past and sitting, in its projects and activities when other NGO’s were skeptical about it.

Ikemba is currently a World Economic Forum Young Global leader and sits on the Roll Back Malaria board.

Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (middle), President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), with participants at a Top Executive Leadership Programme, TELP, of the Institute at Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA.

We don't want Kalu back— PDP

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—PEO PLES Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders and leadership in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have directed all its ward leaders in the council to reject any move by the former governor of the state, Chief Orji Kalu, to return to the party.

Rising from a meeting held at Bende town, the party’s chairman in the council, Mr. Ihendu Eke, said the party was ready to readmit all its former members, who had left, except those he said were infected with political disease or virus.

According to Eke, the meeting was called because of alleged move being made by the

former governor to rejoin the party.

He claimed that rumours were on that the National Executive of the party wants to readmit Orji at the national level.

Party constitution

Eke, who faulted the alleged move, noted that the party’s constitution stipulates that members can only come into the

Ijaw call for 10-zone structure

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—IJAW Na tional Congress, INC, has advocated the creation of 10 geo-political zones as a way of addressing the injustice done to minority ethnic nationalities in the country.

In the same vein, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama advocated for state police and backed the call for 20 percent oil derivation formula.

The proposed zones include Upper-Northern, Middle Belt, Western, Eastern, Niger-Delta, North-West, North-East and the Mid-West regions, among others.

Speaking through its le-

gal adviser, Mrs Veronica Bamuza-Mutu, during the public hearing on review of the 1999 Constitution organised by Mr. Nicholas Mutu, member representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, INC said the present six geo-political zones arrangement amounted to injustice to the minority ethnic groups.

Bamuza-Mutu lamented that the six-zone structure had not provided same level of political opportunities to all the ethnic groups, adding that the creation of 10 zones would provide level playing ground for all.

Meanwhile, the people of Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Con-

stituency, weekend, called for the establishment of state police. They also advocated for 20 percent oil derivation.

Stating this during the People’s Public Forum on the review of the 1999 Constitution at Udu, Udu Local Government Area of the state, they said 20 percent oil derivation was the least they could ask for in the reviewed constitution.

The state Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, in his remarks, said the establishment of state police would pave the way for the states to function properly.

On the oil derivation formula, Utuama said the decision of the people should be upheld.

Local content: Firm targets 50,000bpd

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

O

NE of Nigeria’s lead ing indigenous oil firm, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited, FHN, has announced an increase in the oil reserves in the two fields, Ogini and Isoko, it was currently exploring in the Niger Delta, and estimated production target at 50,000

barrels per day in 2013, in response to government’s new local content policy.

The increase brings to 205 million barrels from both fields, comprising 129.3 million barrels for Ogini and 75.7 million barrels for Isoko.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, ‘Labi Ogunbiyi, who disclosed this in a statement in La-

gos, said the increase was a testament to the opportunity onshore resources in the region offered.

He said aside from the reserves the two fields offered from oil block OML 26, three proven but yet undeveloped fields of Aboh, Ovo and Ozoro had an estimated reserve of 144 million barrels.

He added that OML 26 also had enormous gas reserves his company would explore in partnership with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, operator of the block.

Ogunbiyi said: “The increase in reserves on the Ogini and Isoko fields is a further testament to the scale of the opportunity in onshore Niger Delta.”

party from their political wards.

He, therefore, directed all the ward chairmen and their secretaries in the area to scrutinise anybody seeking to come into the party and get approval from the stakeholders and leaders before such person or persons would be admitted into the party.

He said: “Any group has the right to choose those it would want to associate with, as it should not be an all-comers affair.

“We do not want to admit those who will come in and give us the virus they left with, as we are now virus-free.”

Eke claimed that it was such moves in the past that made the party at the council level to withdraw party registers from the ward chairmen, saying the registers were still at the party headquarters in Bende to avoid problems of wrongful admission of those he referred to as “unwanted politicians.”

He said: “We had earlier taken the party registers from our ward chairmen because of such unwarranted rumours and up till now, after going through the registers, we have not seen any such names like Orji Uzor Kalu in any of our registers and we want it to remain like that.”

Protest

Eke also alleged that party members in Igbere, the former governor ’s native home, have protested alleged moved by the former governor to return to the party.

The meeting later resolved not to allow the former governor to be readmitted into the party.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 41

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 43

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 45

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

KWARA: After Oloye, what?

•Ahmed: Is it one term?

•Bukola: The new leader

SENATOR Olusola Saraki who died of complications due to cancer built a strong political machine that was arguably unmatched in dexterity and delivery. But as with all things human, that machine had begun to choke before the death of the political titan last Wednesday. Nevertheless, the implications of the exit of the titan could throw the house on fire.

A

FTER Governor Bukola Saraki made history to become the first governor in the history of Kwara State to secure a second term, his father, Senator Olusola Saraki, who had until then stopped all other elected governors from a second term practically, withdrew from the political arena.

His withdrawal some of his associates now claim turned into a double edged sword. His son who he installed in no time emerged to take the father’s place in the political space.

Despite a last minute fight back last year, and a plea to his numerous supporters not to disappoint him one last time, his son, Bukola prevailed in the battle of political wits, triumphing over father and sister, Senator Gbemisola Saraki.

Many say that despite assurances to the contrary, that the elder Senator Saraki never recovered from that battle.

Saraki who reportedly died of

complications due to cancer may have left a legacy that many say would be very difficult to fill. One legacy unmatched in Nigeria, is that his lineage is the only one in the country with three senators.

Himself as second republic senate leader, his daughter Gbemisola who occupied the Kwara Central Senatorial seat for two terms and his son, Bukola, the immediate past governor who is now occupying the senate seat first occupied by father and sister.

His commanding control of the politics of Kwara could not be matched in any other part of Nigeria. No godfather, kingmaker, master or any of that sort, could match the command and control political apparatus that the late Saraki exerted in the political space.

That was until last year when his son grew up to formally dislodge his father. In the political battle, Bukola leading the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP stood against the desire of his father and his sister Gbemisola who was the

gubernatorial flag bearer of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN in the gubernatorial

,

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor & DEMOLA AKINYEMI

With Bukola turning 50 next month and matured in every respect , and his father no more around, perhaps Oloye’s absence may not be totally felt. After all, the leader’s name remains Saraki.

,

election.

Bukola prevailed gaining all three senate and House of Representatives seats from Kwara State and the governorship leaving his father and sister, Gbemisola biting the dust.

After the elections there was a semblance of reconciliation as Bukola and the new governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed made a show of appeasing the elder

•Gbemisola: Still lying low

Saraki.

In a gesture of sportsmanship and family unity, the elder Saraki ordered his supporters to return from the ACNP to the PDP. However, political hurts in Nigeria go deep. So, given the exit of the elder Saraki, observers would be looking to see how the new political leader of the state, Bukola is able to cohabit

with his former adversaries that went with his father.

Remarkably, the symbol of that quarrel, Gbemisola has not be known to visit Government House since the inauguration of Ahmed as governor and neither has she been seen around officials of the administration.

If the father could not make Gbemisola to walk with BukoContinues on page 47

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012—47

THE OIL CURSE:

Ezekwesili’s prayer and answer N

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

OT many would have been shocked by the prayer offered by Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili for Nigeria ’s oil to dry up at a talk shop in Lagos last week.

“I am one of those Nigerians who are praying for Nigeria oil to dry up so that our government can quickly take immediate actions towards diversifying the nation’s source of revenue,” Mrs. Ezekwesili reportedly said last week.

A former World Bank senior executive and before then, a senior player in the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs. Ezekwisili’s supplication is indeed not a new dimension to the troubles that have characterised the country’s crave for sanity in the oil industry.

While many Nigerians and state government officials have remained stuck to the politics of sharing the revenue from oil, many have shied back from helping in the problems accruing from producing the oil and even the local distribution of the commodity.

It is as such lamentable that today even in the federal capital, petroleum queues have become the order of the day. But it was not meant to be so especially after the inauguration of a new team at the Products and Pipeline Marketing Company, PPMC at the beginning of 2011.

To its credit the new PPMC management had been able to stabilise products supply to many areas of the country at the beginning of last year. It was as such not surprising that ahead of the general elections that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP could use availability of petrol at the price of N65 per litre in many parts of the country as one of the achievements of the Jonathan administration. That campaign boast was against the background of the bottlenecks, hoarding, scarcity and inflation in the cost of the product across the country prior to the inauguration of the new PPMC team.

In turning the supply side around, the new team focused on the rehabilitation of the nation’s network of product pipelines which currently runs for more than 5,000 kilometres across the country. The pipelines connect the nation’s 21 loading depots and 19 pumping stations spread across the country.

A COMMODITY that ordinarily should be a blessing to a country is pilloried for its poor political management. The renewed scarcity of petrol in the country despite acclaimed efforts in the rehabilitation of distribution infrastructure again draws the question, Is there really an oil curse?

•Ezekwesili: Her prayer is that of many The pipelines and associated infrastructure estimated to cost more than N1.4 trillion despite their advantages are, however, not easy maintaining or rather protecting.

The alternative to using the pipelines is to put almost 2,000 tankers on the road at the same time to carry the products to the

Continued from page 46 la’s men in government while he was alive, many doubt the ability of any other person to bring her to do so after Oloye’s death.

At the burial yesterday most members of the family put up a show of unity and there is no doubt that it was all in reverence of Oloye. What happens after that remains an issue that many would be waiting to see play itself out.

In less than three years when the next round of elections in the state is due eyes would be looking towards the new political leader of the state to see how he would manage the political assets he now controls.

Would he like his father follow the practice of allowing his protégées to serve only one term in office?

different sections of the country.

For a country of a landmass of 910,770 sq kilometres and an estimated population of more than 150 million that would be no easy task. That option is also worsened by the difficult road network across the country and the poor state of insecurity as evidenced by Boko Haram in

the Northeast and kidnapping and armed robbery in many other parts of the country.

It was as such gladdening that the NNPC and PPMC have re-commissioned most of the product pipelines across the country. Among those reportedly re-commissioned and now in use are the Kaduna-Suleja line, KadunaKano line, Suleja-Minna line, Kaduna-Gusau line, KadunaJos line and Port Harcourt-Aba line and Warri-Benin line.

It is reported that the recommissioning of the above pipelines has now led to renewed activities at depots in the far North and Southeast.

Depots in Suleja, Kano , Minna, Jos, Gusau and Aba which have laid fallow for more than a decade and in some cases even before the return to democratic rule in 1999 have now received products. The advantage is that the expenses on hauling fuel from Lagos and other refining centres in the country should have been largely removed.

“The successes achieved with the re-activation and rehabilitation of the above mentioned lines is rooted in the strong belief that the pipelines are by far the safest, most efficient, quickest, cost effective means to distribute products especially for a country as large as ours,” the PPMC is quoted as saying.

“Once the pipelines are available, PPMC is ready to pump all products to the Depots located in all regions of the country. It is only when the pipelines are not available that they are compelled to use other methods to make the products available,” the source further elaborated.

But with all the advantages, protecting the pipelines is no simple effort. Vandals in every section of the country have turned it not just into a pastime, but a lucrative venture, the practise of sabotaging the pipeline network for tier own

gains.

The present petrol scarcity in many sections of the country is reportedly traceable to the sabotage of the pipeline at a point near Arepo in Ogun State , near Lagos .

“Three PPMC Engineers who went for repairs were shot and 3 of them are confirmed dead,” the company claimed adding that “The said point is along the Atlas Cove-Mosimi line that feeds five (5) Depots and accounts for products supply to the whole of the Southwest region and also contributes to about 60% of total bridging to the North.”

The NNPC is also faced with the problem of profiteering especially by kerosene marketers who buy the product at N40.90 per litre but go on to sell at N90 to retailers who in turn sell for any price as much as N150.

It is an issue that is again galvanising the pro-subsidy lobby in the industry. But how far they can go is another issue.

Remarkably, much of the products sold at the government subsidised price do not get to the masses as much of it is reportedly diverted to aviation, manufacturing enterprises and other industrial concerns.

Even more probing is the question of the continued reliance on kerosene for domestic use given the abundance of gas and its cleaner implications for the environment.

With a per capita consumption of 0.75 kg of gas, Nigeria is reported to have the lowest consumption of gas compared to some countries on the West African coast and that is despite the fact that Nigeria is the fourth leading country with the highest proven gas reserves in the world.

That is typical of what is described as the oil curse on the country. Whatever prayer that is needed to remove it is undoubtedly welcome!

KWARA: After Oloye, what?

Suggestions to this effect have been the tale in Illorin for sometime now with some alluding to the fact that Governor Ahmed would be replaced with another candidate. Even if that is being planned, there is every possibility that Governor Ahmed could decide to fight back and in doing so he could win the sympathy of many and possibly, Gbemisola and her followers.

However, Bukola’s mastery of the political arena and with that, an ability to fight and triumph over an incumbent can not be compared with that of his father.

His father’s ability flowed from his wide and extensive contact with the ordinary folks built over several years. The elder Saraki

had a canny ability to relate with all classes, rich and poor, literate and illiterate. It is an advantage that the father has over the more elitist son.

Speaking on the direction of politics in the state without Oloye, Alhaji Shehu Usman Mustapha said Bukola had before the father’s death taken over the political leadership role of the elder statesman as he was being publicly addressed the leader by his admirers including himself.

Renowned legal icon, Alh Yusuf Ali SAN on his part said the people of Kwara will always decide their leader.

“The issue of what happens to Kwara after the death of Dr

Olusola Saraki cannot be a problem, people have been choosing their political leaders based on certain indices, so they will always decide, Kwara is moving, it was not like this”.

Engr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former gubernatorial aspirant of PDP in Kwara State in the last election believe that people will always chose their leaders as long as their hopes and aspirations are met whenever the time presents itself.

With Bukola turning 50 next month and matured in every respect and his father no more around, perhaps Oloye’s absence may not be totally felt.

After all, the leader’s name remains Saraki.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

M

ANY Nigerians have expressed dismay on the strange attitude of the Federal Government increasing reliance on foreign loans to finance some infrastructural development projects in the country.

A few months ago, the Finance Minister and her team went to China to negotiate for loans to develop some agricultural projects and railroad developments in some parts of the country. I n fairness, the government is trying to free domestic capital for other areas while relying on foreign loans for projects which would demand foreign capital and expertise.

Whatever may be reason, the foreign loan under any circumstance, if not free, would require certain commitments.

One that is certain is the repayment of the loan.

If I could remember vividly some years after independence, a Nigerian team led by its flamboyant Minister of Finance, late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh led a delegation to Cyprus (a tiny British Colony) to seek for a loan. The laughable event caused much embarrassment to many Nigerians because of the choice of the place and the failure of the mission.

Many people often forget, in a moment of stupidity, that a foreign loan which represents the savings of others, is not a Father Christmas cake to be given to children but a hard cash that would be repaid with interest, however small. Thus, after the loan comes the

07059197616

Deepening debt profile in a worsening security environment repayment of the capital and the interest arising from the utilization of the sum borrowed.

It is surprising that after cumulating payments of about $40 million on a loan carelessly entered into by President Obasanjo many years before, the Federal Government, under the same lady who got us out of the debt valley seems to be leading us back into the deep pit of debt, gradually. The foreign loan debt is increasing under the guise that the country is under borrowed in the financial market. At the same time; the domestic borrowing is becoming another stomach ulcer. Thus, once again, we are becoming an embarrassing debtor at home and abroad.

In principle, foreign loan is

not a bad thing if it is wisely and efficiently used. If a foreign loan is used to open a new line of economic activities, it is certain that such loan would be beneficial to the recipient country and also to the lender who would constantly enjoy the payments of its capital and interest.

Many countries are wary of foreign loans to develop social services, and in such areas where corruption through consumption is possible. In a situation where external loan is directed towards balancing the budget, or where foreign loan is employed to import luxuries, it may lead to serious financial problems when it comes to repayment.

Therefore, the foreign loan requirement of $9.3 billion

before the National Assembly should be viewed with great concern. It is the belief of many that funds for “Pipeline Projects” and turn-around maintenance of the four refineries do not come under serious project that would require foreign loan.

It has been argued that the procurement and supply of petroleum products should be the responsibility of the private sector.

If the Federal Government is sincere about the policy of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry, it should not be thinking at this time the procurement of a foreign loan for what the private sector is well equipped for.

The Federal Government has been advised in this column to enter into dialogue with oil marketers (with foreign connections) on the sale or lease of its facilities. It is reasonable and profitable for the Federal Government to allow the private sector to control the downstream sector of the oil industry as it was being done before the civil war.

This government seems impervious to practical ideas, but always relying on one committee or the other to perpetrate its hold on important segments of the economy.

As the appeal is being made to the Federal Government in its approach to external loans, we agree also with the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala on the advice to State Governors to curb their nasty propensity to accumulate

debts. The domestic debt is becoming alarming at a frightening figure of about N6 trillion in June 2012. This ugly scenario does not fit a nation which consumes almost all its income from oil.

The allocation of N560 billion for debts services is an invitation to economic jeopardy. If there should be a serious case for loan or investments, it should be for petro-chemical industrial development or investment in electronic and communication industries.

Security

As it was reported, a spokesman in the ANPP attributed that the killings of its members in Bornu State was an act of political terrorism.

This has put another dimension into the terrorist attacks by suspected Boko Haram sect.

While it is possible for political agents to wish to affect political changes in Bornu State, it is incomprehensible to decent human beings that churches would be bombed causing the loss of lives of worshippers who were mostly Southerners.

As I have noted before, the Boko Haram insurgency should not be treated as an isolated case, but a very serious issue that affects the structure of Nigeria.

It should be viewed as a national affair. Now it is a time for Southern and Northern political leaders, all religious practitioners and all others who believe in the course of cooperative endeavors, to come together and face the common scourge of insurgency. The act of delay is a dangerous experiment.

Delta lawmaker, Nani, delivers democracy dividends to constituents

BY EMMA AMAIZE, SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL EDITOR

I

T was an unforgettable day for the people of EthiopeWest Local Government Area of Delta State, recently, as the member representing them in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon John Obukohwo Nani, distributed 250 bicycles, 5 motor cycles, 10 welding machines, 20 hair dryers, 10 sewing machines, amongst other things, to the people, as part of his constituency projects.

The eventful ceremony, which took place at Idjerhe (Jesse) Grammar School, Idjerhe, attracted prominent politicians in the area and royal fathers, including Chief Ighoyota Amori.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Nani said he had already built, within this year, a six-classroom block at Okunigho Grammar School and Edjera Grammar School, both in Jesse, while another four-classroom block was underway.

He said the bicycles, which were particularly for women, was to teach them how to fish, and not just given them fish that would be consumed in no time, adding that the dryers and welding machines were to en-

able the beneficiaries open their own shops, instead of depending on others for survival.

Nani recalled that not long ago, he had built mechanic workshops for some persons who have equally been feeding themselves and families, revealing that the gesture would be extended to different persons annually across the local government area.

He explained that the sum of N6.5 million used to purchase the various items were jointly contributed by him and his aides, saying, “I know that I am merely a trustee of the dividends of democracy in my constituency and I am duty bound to report back to my people”.

He advised the beneficiaries to put what they received from him into good use, adding, “I am doing so for you to do same to other persons and affect their lives positively, nothing that he would not comment on the issues of a second tenure since power dwells in the hands of the Almighty God”.

Delta state chair of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, who witnessed the event, commended the lawmaker for his

brilliant gesture of bringing democracy dividends to the doorsteps of his people across the entire Ethiope West local government constituency.

C h i e f Nwaboishi, who was represented by Chief Author Akpowowo, said what Nani did was s wonderful and unexplainable to the people and

*Amori with a beneficiary

thanked him on behalf of the party for removing his people from the unemployment market and idleness.

He said what Hon. Nani had just practicalised was what his people and PDP stand for empowerment of the people and massive development of the entire state.

His words, “What Nani did is visible for everybody to see.

It is a clear indication that no other party can compete with PDP in Ethiope West Local Gov-

ernment Area and I appeal to all Ethiope West people to support the party at all levels for more dividends of democracy to come their way, especially Ethiope West being a PDP local government area”.

The Otota of Mosogar kingdom, Chief Ighoyota Amori, in his remarks, said Hon. Nani did not disappoint PDP because since his election, he has lived up to expectation of his people, assuring that the law-

maker would do more for his people within his remaining years.

He said as a rural area, most people in the area needed bicycle than anything for their farming and trading activities, and urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of what have been given to them.

Chief Amori revealed that shortly, local government elections would be conducted in the state, and enjoined the people of Ethiope West to vote for the PDP candidates.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 49

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

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Gaza rocket fire kills Israelis T

HREE people, according to BBC report have been killed as rockets fired from Gaza struck southern Israel, amid escalating violence.

The affected people, the report said died when a four-storey building in the town of Kiryat Malachi was hit.

This marks the first Israeli fatalities since Israel killed Hamas’ military chief in Gaza on Wednesday.

Fifteen Palestinians, mainly militants but also children, have reportedly been killed in the continuing Israeli operation. About 200 rockets have been fired into Israel, the army says.

It says that 145 of them were destroyed by Israel’s Iron Dome interceptor system.

Hundreds of rockets were fired into Israel by

militants in Gaza, and Israel carried out numerous air strikes as cross-border violence soared in recent weeks.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that “Hamas bears principal responsibility for the current crisis”, also urging all the sides involved to “avoid any action which risks civilian casualties or escalates the crisis”.

Meanwhile, Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi condemned the air strikes, after recalling his ambassador from Israel.

Dozens of anti-Israeli protesters held a rally in the capital Egypt.

Hamas’ political leader Khaled Meshaal vowed to continue the “ resistance” against Israel, Reuters news agency reported.

In a separate

development, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly cut short a trip to Switzerland and was returning to his base in the West Bank to deal with the growing crisis.

The three Israelis - two women and a man - died when a rocket hit the top floor of the building in Kiryat Malachi, about 25km (15 miles) north of Gaza. Three other people - a four-year-old boy and

B

P is set to receive a record fine of between $3bn and $5bn to settle criminal charges related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, the BBC has learnt.

F

•M23 rebels have been fighting the government since April fight.

People are fleeing southwards towards the government-controlled areas, carrying their belongings on their heads, our reporter says.

Some were going towards a large refugee camp at Kibai on the northern outskirts of Goma, he says.

two babies - were injured, Israel’s foreign ministry said.

The building’s residents were warned by

On Tuesday, Uganda closed the Bunagana border crossing into DR Congo.

This followed a request from the DR Congo government, which said M23 was illegally raising money from people travelling between the two countries to finance its operations.

It will be the biggest criminal penalty in US history, BBC business editor Robert Peston said.

The settlement with the Department of Justice involves BP pleading guilty to criminal charges.

It is thought that up to four BP staff may be arrested, Robert Peston says.

BP is thought to be relieved that it has reached a settlement, because the potential liability was unlimited ” Details of the settlement are expected to be confirmed by the Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d Department of Justice later.

Earlier, BP said it was in advanced discussions” with US agencies about settling criminal and other claims.

BP said that any deal would not include a

HINA’S ruling Communist Party, yesterday unveiled an older, conservative leadership line-up on that appears unlikely to take the drastic action needed to tackle pressing issues like social unrest, environmental degradation and corruption.

New party chief Xi Jinping, premier-inwaiting Li Keqiang and vice-premier in charge of economic affairs Wang Qishan, all named as expected to the elite

decision-making Politburo Standing Committee, were considered cautious reformers. But the other four members have the reputation of being conservative.

The line-up belied any hopes that Xi would usher in a leadership that would take bold steps to deal with slowing growth in the world’s secondbiggest economy, or begin to ease the Communist Party’s iron grip on the most populous nation.

range of other claims including individual and federal claims for damages under the Clean Water Act, and state claims for economic loss.

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 workers and released millions of barrels of crude into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.

The settlement is much bigger than the largest previous corporate criminal penalty assessed by the Department of Justice, the $1.2bn fine imposed on drug maker Pfizer in 2009.

The oil giant has been selling assets worth billions of pounds to raise money to settle all claims.

The company is expected to make a final payment of $860m into the $20bn Gulf of Mexico compensation fund by the end of the year.

EU endorses training mission for Mali

F

OREIGN and defense ministers from five EU states have backed a proposed European mission to train Malian forces

Xi-Jinping becomes China new leader

C

sirens about the impending attack, but did not have enough time to escape, reports said.

BP to get record US criminal fine over Deepwater disaster

DR Congo: Fighting erupts near Goma city RESH fighting has broken out in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between UN-backed government troops and M23 rebels, forcing people to flee.

A BBC reporter at the scene says he has heard heavy gunfire and shelling north of the regional capital, Goma.

Nearly 500,00 people have been displaced since April when the rebels mutinied from the army. The UN accuses Rwanda and Uganda of backing the rebels allegations they both deny.

The BBC’s Gabriel Gatehouse says the fighting - around the village of Kibumba about 30km (19 miles) north of Goma - is the most serious since July.

The government has sent reinforcements, including helicopter gunships, to the area, he says.

Army spokesman Col Olivier Hamuli said more than 10 people had been killed in the fighting, with casualties on both sides.

Our correspondent says it is not clear who started the most recent clashes.

But he says when he was in rebel territory on Wednesday, he saw the M23 - also known as the C o n g o l e s e Revolutionary Army redeploying their forces and preparing for a

•Violence between Israel and militants in Gaza escalates.

“We’re not going to see any political reform because too many people in the system see it as a slippery slope to extinction,” David Shambaugh, director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University ’s Elliott School of International Affairs, said, adding that , “They see it entirely through the prism of the Soviet Union, the Arab Spring and the Colour Revolutions in Central Asia, so they’re not going to go there.”

struggling against Islamist fighters.

Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and France issued a statement in Paris endorsing the plan for Mali.

West African states intend to send a force to recapture northern Mali from al-Qaeda-linked Islamist groups.

Troops would be in Mali within weeks of UN approval, Nigeria’s army chief has told the BBC. The proposal for the intervention is due to go before the UN Security Council for approval before the end of the year.

The African Union has already backed the plan to send 3,300 troops under the banner of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 53

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012 — 55

I

’M sure Stephen Keshi must be savouring the 31 victory against Venezuela in an international friendly in Florida Thursday morning.

Venezuela were semifinalists in the last Copa America. They lost the third place match to Paraguay on penalties. They are, therefore, no minnows in football.

The good thing about that victory was the withdrawal of Mikel Obi and Victor Moses from the match. It afforded Keshi the chance to try other players who probably might not have played. Mikel and Moses, for now, would always win first team shirts in Eagles. But no one could say so of Brown Ideye and Ogenwo Onazi who scored brilliant goals. Nosa Igiebor stood out in Liberia in the 2-2 draw in the Nations Cup qualifier and lived up to expectation in Calabar. But in Florida he seemed to have sealed a regular shirt in the Eagles. Many will tell the story of his superb goal for long. Not to forget the performance of debutants Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike. Keshi described Ameobi as awesome and said that Dike played as if he had been part of the team for long.

They all made a tonic out of the match and now the talk is on returning to the glorious past. But I’m also happy that Keshi is not over celebrating.

He warned that the Eagles were still work in progress. This is simply the truth especially knowing that in Africa, it’s always a different ball game. They have the Nations Cup in South Africa and the World Cup qualifiers to contend with.

Games in Africa are usually tougher. Style of play, the grounds, the weather and other circumstances make it so. African football is different. Ever wondered how Cameroon were knocked out in the first round of the Algiers ’90 and went to Italia ’90 World Cup and got to the quarter finals? Those who make a case for the return of the likes of Osaze Odewengie to the Eagles do so on the basis that they are still playing for their clubs. It doesn’t follow. Osaze was so awful against Guinea in Abuja

Keshi, be ware bew last year that many, including Kashimawo Laloku, accused him of sabotaging the team. He had issues with then coach Samson Siasia and Laloku feared “he was vengeful.”

But Keshi took him to Rwanda and he appeared worse than he was in Abuja. Surprisingly, Osaze laid bare his heart to Keshi in a recent well publicized chat. Did you read about Osaze’s feelings? He was not happy that he was substituted in Rwanda. He told Keshi that he helped Nigeria qualify for the World Cup but found himself on the bench in South Africa. He queried that and blasted Lars Lagerback for benching him, the same man he

had praised to high heavens while condemning Shuaibu Amodu. After the World Cup Osaze regretted that Nigeria signed Largaback and said that Amodu should have continued. His tone in the discussion with Keshi appeared to be spelling some conditions or warnings before he could return to Eagles. His place is not on the bench, Keshi must know. Osaze once excelled in Africa. But he seems to be losing the power and character of African football. Space constraints would not allow me to go into technical details but I just want to warn Keshi to beware of certain players who may not give the best on the field and would cause confusion in the team. Even if you single-handedly qualify a team for a tournament you may not make the team for the tournament if you lose form at crucial time.

Football is about current form. And no matter your status or position in a team you may be substituted on a day you are not playing well. In fact, after reading the comments attributed to Osaze I wondered if he ever wanted to play for Eagles again.

Keshi replied him that if he had his way the entire team in Rwanda would have been changed but that the rule allowed only three changes.

Keshi has been diplomatic in the management of players in Eagles and interaction with the media.

While I urge him to continue in such mature manner he should be ready to be blunt in some absolutely necessary cases before some people rock the boat.

400 golfers jostle for CBN Gov’s Golf

BY SONI DANIEL, Abuja

N

O fewer than 400 golfers are expected to compete in the 6th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria

Governors’ Golf Tournament, which kicks off at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, at the weekend.

The two-day sporting event, will start on Saturday and end on Sunday with a live performance by music star, Onyeka Onwenu and Kukere creator, Iyanya.

CBN Director of Corporate Communications, Ugo Okoroafor,

announced that several prizes had been lined up for the winners in several Categories and Handicaps.

Okoroafor disclosed that the organisers had gone a step further to make the 6th edition of the event, which has been tagged, CBN Governor’s Golf Cup, a memorable one in the annals of golf competitions in Nigeria.

He stated that the interest of the bank was

not limited to Golf, as it was also involved in the sponsorship of the All Financial Institutions Football Competition, the CBN Senior Lawn Tennis Open Championship and the CBN Junior Open Tennis To u r n a m e n t .

The apex bank’s spokesman said, “I want to re-affirm that the sponsorship of the CBN Governor ’s Golf Cup Tournament has come to stay.

Eagles e xcit eK eshi ex cite Keshi Continues from B/P progress and we can only get better”, he said.

Keshi also had special words for Eagles debutants, Shola Ameobi, who does not speak a word of Yoruba and Bright Dike, who is also handicapped in Ibo. “Shola was awesome the moment he got into the pitch. He showed his experience in the game and even when he was provoked his calmness was amazing. He was talking to the other players on what to do at a time we were under pressure and he was resilient, we sure need his experience for big tournaments. Look at the way and manner he shielded the ball, evaded being brought down before passing to Mba, who also gave it to Onazi for our third goal, Shola is a special player”.

On Dike, he said the

power playing forward has a future with the national team. “He’s quick, aggressive and always coming back to defend and it was difficult for anyone to say this was the first time he was playing for Nigeria.

I’m so happy that Bright did not disappoint and we will see when camp opens what he can do for the team.

Keshi also applauded the entire team but noted that his defence line was a bit shaky, because gangling defender, Azubuike Egwueke was suffering from back pains. “We just asked him to hand on and he did very well, otherwise every other person in the defence line was very good.

Nigeria, Keshi noted was gradually returning to the days of honour in football and he’s happy to be part of the rebuilding process. “Let us all join hands to

return the game to the height that it was when we were playing, no matter the grouse we may have”, he said.

Ameobi Continues from B/P Sport.

Ameobi earned special praises from fans and officials after helping set-up the third goal and the 31-year-old insists he has nothing but respect for his teammates.

“We played good and made life hard for them,” he said.

“It was nothing personal, we fought hard and gave our everything.

“They had great support here but we took the game to them.

The lads were superb and I’m delighted to have contributed to a good win.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012

•Venezuela 1 Nigeria 3

Eagles excite Keshi • Obafemi disappoints, Ejide, Onazi, Igiebor, Ameobi shine

S

UPER Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi was in his boisterous best at the end of the friendly encounter between his team and the Venezuelan national team, which was won 31, by the Nigerians.

Speaking at the post match conference, Keshi said he was simply excited by the performance of his players especially the newcomers to the team.

“But look at that goal by Nosa Igiebor, it was a television goal and I was TODAY'S

excited when it came, it shows we can do great things if we psyche ourselves up very well.

At half time, I told them, put the ball on the ground and play quick

and the goals will come and I was not surprised that once they did that the goals started to come. Like I will always say, its still work in Continues on page 55

•••debut thrills Ameobi N

EWCASTLE United striker Shola Ameobi was delighted with his international debut for Nigeria as they beat

PUZZLE

Venezuela in Florida on Wednesday.

“It’s my first game, I just feel honoured to play international football,” he told BBC Continues on page 55 YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

AERIAL TUSSLE ••• Nigeria's Igiebor Nosa (10) fights for the ball with Venezuela's Cesar Gonzalez during the friendly at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on November 14, 2012. Nigeria won 3-1. Photo: Getty Images ACROSS 1 Athwart (6) 5 Ridicule (6) 8 Deter (8) 9 Plot (4) 10 Fuel (3) 12 Stupid (5) 15 Barrier (3) 17 Equality (3) 18 Fasten (3) 19 Hatchet (3) 20 Fragrance (5) 21 Swab (3) 22 Sprite (3) 23 Also (3) 24 Counterfeit (3) 26 Tint (5) 29 Bow (3) 33 Leave (4) 34 Ban (8) 35 Frail (6) 36 Gaudy (6)

DOWN 2 Porcelain (5) 3 Evict (4) 4 Step (5) 5 Attire (5) 6 Mature (4) 7 Play (5) 10 Majestic (5) 11 Rate (5) 12 Guile (5) 13 Ornament (5) 14 Condition (5) 15 Fiend (5) 16 Pined (5) 25 Normal (5) 27 Mean (5) 28 Apparition (5) 30 Willow (5) 31 Staunch (4) 32 Opinion (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Stud 4, Vie 6, Rave 8, Raffle 9, Impure 10, Rot 12, Chant 14, Endow 15, Caber 18, Bolero 20, Arrest 24, Genie 26, Verse 28, Plait 30, Set 32, Escort 33, Unable 34, Mean 35, Pen 36, Earl.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 2, Teach 3, Defence 4, Veer 5, Exit 6, Ripen 7, Various 11, Ode 12, Cob 13, Tar 16, Bog 17, Ran 19, Oversee 21, Rip 22, Release 23, Tot 25, Eye 27, Swoon 29, Idler 30, Stop 31, Turn.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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