24th oct 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Friday, October 24, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 248

/newtelegraph

@newtelegraph1

www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Nigeria’s oil revenue crashes to N502bn

lApex bank vows to defend naira Ayodele Aminu and Adeola Yusuf

il price volatility has continued to take a toll

on the Nigeria’s economy, crashing the country’s revenue to N502.09 billion in September, down 16.5 per cent from N601.65 billion

in August. This gloomy development came hours after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) pledged to keep sup-

porting the naira after the currency approached a record low amid declining oil prices and the end of the United States monetary

stimulus that bolstered emerging-market assets. The country’s crude oil exports are also set to drop to about 1.7 million bar-

rels per day in December from about 1.91 million in November, shipping lists indicated yesterday. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Jonathan set to run lHaliru Bello, Alison-Madueke, Obi, Mimiko, Shema, others on declaration committee lTo declare between Nov 7 and 15 }3

Quick Read L-R: Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and President Goodluck Jonathan at a workshop on civilian military cooperation in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Reps reject CBN’s N50bn contribution to sinking fund lOrder IG to probe attack on Ekiti judges Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday

kicked against an amendment to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, which proposed a yearly

payment of N50 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into the Resolution Cost Fund. The principal bill pro-

vides the N50 billion is paid “from time to time” as determined by the CBN board. The Contributory

Fund, also known as a ‘sinking fund,’ was created by AMCON to bail out distressed banks and CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Editorial

The protracted political violence in Edo state }19

Fire guts Lagos airport }7 50 injured in Onitsha traders’ clash }6

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Jonathan ready for 2015 race Anule Emmanuel and Onyekachi Eze Abuja

day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave President Goodluck Jonathan and other party members aspiring to run for elective offices in the 2015 general election a one-week deadline to indicate their interest, the president yesterday finally decided to seek a second term in office. Jonathan, bowing to several calls from associates and organised political groups, also announced the setting up of a committee, headed by former Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, to coordinate his formal presidential declaration, fixed for between November 7 and 15. The president has also constituted a fund-raising committee, headed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, to source funds for his campaigns. A top presidency official told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the president would pick the nomination form before the expiration of the one-week deadline given by PDP to all aspirants vying for various political offices to buy the Expression of Interest and nomination forms by October 30. Other aspirants of the party have also besieged the party’s secretariat to obtain their forms in a bid to beat the deadline. The source, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said membership of the declaration committee, chaired by Mohammed, comprised representatives of governors, National Assembly members and other groups. Other members of the committee are former Senate President Ken Nnamani (deputy chairman); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (Secretary); Special Adviser (Political Matters) to the president, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali; Mr. Julius Imagwe and Dr. Baraka Sani. The membership of the committee also included six governors representing the six geographical zones. They are Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross River (South-South), Chief Theodore Orji of Abia State (South-East), Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State (South-West), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State (North-Central), Alhaji Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State (North-West)

and Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (North-East). The National Assembly will be represented on the committee by Senator Hosea Agboola (Oyo), Senator Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Hon. Bitrus Kaze (Plateau) and Hon. Salmat Badru (Ogun). Members representing the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the committee are: Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed. PDP will be represented by its Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Chairman, Benue State chapter, Chief Emmanuel Agbo; National Women Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe and North-West Zonal Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibra-

him Kazaure. Other members also include Senator Stella Omu, BoT Secretary, Senator Walid Jibrin; Alhaji Ibrahim Bunu; former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame; former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; Senator Aniette Okon; Mrs. Remi Adikwu Bakare and PDP National Youth Leader, Gen. A. B. Mamman. Other members appointed at the discretion of the president are: Halima Alfa; Nigeria’s Ambassador to The Netherland, Dr. Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi; Mr. Micah Yohanna Jiba and Hon. Sam Ikon. Members of the committee are to choose a convenient date between November 7 and 15 for the president to make a formal declaration. It was learnt that the president yesterday met with some members of the PDP at the State House where he told them that following his adoption by the governors of the PDP, the

National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, he had accepted to heed their calls to contest in the 2015 election. The source said some of the party officials at the meeting included PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and Senate President David Mark. “President Jonathan met with key party members where he thanked them for giving him the opportunity of first refusal. He thanked them for adopting him as the candidate of the party and formally informed them that he has accepted to run and would be purchasing the nomination form before the expiration of the one-week deadline given by the PDP for all its aspirants to pick nomination forms within one week. “In order to ensure a smooth formal declaration ceremony, the president has constituted a commit-

tee that would prepare the logistics for his formal declaration, which will be between the 7th and 15th of November,” the source added. It was gathered that the president had also constituted a fund-raising committee to source funds for his campaigns. The fund raising committee is headed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, while other members are yet to be named. Meanwhile, PDP governorship aspirants yesterday made frantic efforts to beat the October 30 deadline for the close of sale of nomination forms for aspirants. Many of the aspirants were at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to collect the forms. Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari and former Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Sam Ortom, were among those who picked their nomination forms

for the governorship of their states. Shagari, who won the PDP ticket for Sokoto State before he was prevailed upon to be running mate to the incumbent, Governor Aliyu Wamakko, promised that he will not disappoint the party leaders who had endorsed his candidature almost eight years ago. Shagari said he had cordial relationship with the governor despite the fact that Wamakko had defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC). On his part, Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, who is aspiring for the Zamfara State governorship, remarked that PDP had never won election in the state but he would turn the tide. Ortom, who is running for Benue State governorship, promised to galvanise the organised private sector to attract more investors to the state, especially in the areas of agriculture, commerce and general security of lives and property in the state.

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and his Benue State counterpart, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Court fixes Nov 27 for judgment on confab resolutions Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed November 27 for judgment in a suit filed by a constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, seeking to void the resolutions of the national conference. The trial judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, fixed the date after listening to sub-

missions of all parties in the suit. In his submission, Abayomi had insisted that the conference was illegal and hence its resolutions should be nullified by the court. The plaintiff joined the president and six other defendants in the suit. Abayomi had filed the suit before the commencement of the conference but the matter is still pending before the court even after the conference

had been concluded. Abayomi further contended that the conference did not have a legal backing, and hence should be stopped as it would constitute a waste of taxpayers’ money. Joined alongside President Goodluck Jonathan in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of

Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; the chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd), the deputy chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, and the secretary, Dr. Valerie Azinge, as 2nd to 7th defendants. Counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), noted that he thought the plaintiff would have come to withdraw the suit since the subject matter of the suit, which is the Nation-

al Conference, has been concluded. He added that the suit has become an academic exercise. Falana, however, prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety. Objecting to that line of argument, Abayomi in a chat with New Telegraph stated that if the suit sails through, all the resolutions made by the conference will become a nullity.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50

L-R: Group Managing Director, Dangote Sugar, Mr. Graham Clarke; Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Latif Busari and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at a forum in Lokoja, Kogi State…yesterday.

Five killed, 12 injured in Bauchi bomb blast

lBoko Haram marries off abducted Adamawa girls

o fewer than five persons were killed and 12 others injured in a bomb explosion that rocked Azare, Bauchi State, after suspected Boko Haram members targeted a bus station in the town. Azare is the secondlargest town in the state.

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

30oC

25oC

Partially Cloudy

ABUJA

24o C 17oC Rain Showers

PORT HARCOURT

24oC

15oC

Mostly Sunny

KANO

36oC

21oC

Mostly Sunny

ENUGU

31oC

23oC

Thunder Storms

IBADAN

25o C 15oC Rain Showers

CALABAR

27o C 22oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

37oC 23oC Partially Cloudy

25o C 15oC Rain Showers

Boko Haram militants have attacked the town several times, especially in 2011 and 2012. The militant group, which aims to institute Sharia law, has targeted northern areas, including Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Kaduna States. A resident of the area, Musa Babale, told the Agence France Presse (AFP) that the blast “shook buildings” and sent locals rushing for shelter. “The whole place was a mess,” he added. Babale said locals were fortunate the blast went off later at night, as the Azare station is packed with commuters earlier in the evening and the toll could have been much higher. Several witnesses said they believed the bomb had been embedded in a parked car and was detonated remotely, but police

did not give details on the nature of the explosive device. Bauchi State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, said the five persons were burnt beyond recognition and the injured victims were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare for treatment. The PPRO further added that all the corpses have been evacuated to the mortuary. It was learnt that the entire surrounding had been cordoned off and the scene secured by the Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit from the Command headquarters, Bauchi. However, no arrest has so far been made, but investigation had commenced to ascertain the cause of the incident. While there was no im-

mediate claim of responsibility, Bauchi has been one of the hardest hit areas in Boko Haram’s five-year uprising against Nigeria. Bus station bombings have also become something of a hallmark for the insurgent group after twin attacks at a terminal on the outskirts of Abuja earlier in year killed over 100 people. Meanwhile, Boko Haram has married off some of the 45 females recently abducted in Madagali and Michika Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. It was learnt yesterday that the abductees who were abducted on Tuesday had been wedded to fighters of the Islamic sect. The insurgents have also turned some of the abducted girls to maids to take care of their food and other house materials of

the fighters. Many of the relatives of some of the abducted girls who were later released because of ill health by the insurgents told newsmen in Yola that they had been told that some of the girls had been turned to cooks while others were married off to some of the insurgents. A relative of one of the women released by the insurgents said, initially, the insurgents had rounded off about 80 girls and women whom they later loaded into their vans and zoomed up with them into the bushes. He added that later in the night, the insurgents separated the elderly women from the girls and released them and they were roaming the forest as they could not find their way back to the towns because the insurgents had bruatalised them.

Reps order probe of attack on Ekiti judges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

financial institutions. The House took the position after considering the report of its committee on banking and currency on the amendment of the AMCON Act, 2010. The lawmakers, however, approved amendments to Sections 2, 16(5), 22(2), 34(1)-(2), 35, 46(2), 48, 57, 60 and 62 of the AMCON Act. Leading the pack of the opposition against the proposed amendment to Section 61(2), Hon. Sekonte Davies (APC, Rivers) and Hon. Asita Honourable (APC, Rivers) said making the CBN pay N50 billion yearly into the sinking

fund would encourage corruption in the banking sector. “There is no provision showing how the money will be recovered. Are we saying that the Federal Government has become Father Christmas? We are creating room for massive corruption,” Davies stated. Chairman of the House Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Jones Onyereri (PDP, Imo), however, stepped down the proposed amendment to enable him to do more legislative work. Recently, it was reported that the CBN deducted N111 billion as contributions to the Sinking Fund of AMCON.

Stakeholders, particularly shareholders, have argued that this money would have been used for other profitable ventures by banks or better still paid to investors as dividends. The CBN contributes N50 billion and banks contribute an amount equivalent to 0.3 per cent of their total assets. Meanwhile, the House has also directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, to order a thorough investigation into the attacks on Ekiti State judiciary by thugs on September 22 and 25 with a view to arrest and punish those involved in the invasion of the courts.

At its sitting yesterday, the House also ordered its Committees on Judiciary and Police to liaise with the National Judicial Council (NJC) to set in motion a process of investigating the invasion of the courts and assault on the judicial officers in the state. The lawmakers condemned the development, which they described as “scandalous” assault on the High Courts and two judicial officers, Justices Isaac Ogunyemi and John Adeleye. These decisions were consequent upon the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ifeoluwa Arowosoge (APC, Ekiti).

AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Passengers scamper to safety as smoke engulfs Lagos airport Wole Shadare

assengers yesterday scampered to safety when thick smoke billowed inside the terminal building of the Murtala Muhammed International

Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The development forced intending travellers and other users of the facilities to rush out of the building. Spokesman for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Yakubu Dati, said the smoke was traced to the electric panel

room on the second floor of the terminal. An official of FAAN, who witnessed the situation, said that the fire might have been caused by power surge from the electrical installations at the terminal. The fire started at

11:50a.m. and lasted for over 15 minutes before it could be put out by the fire fighters. The source told our correspondent that the fire broke out from the basement of the terminal and spread to the fifth floor. The source noted that

before the arrival of the fire fighters of FAAN, some staff of the agency tried vigorously to put out the inferno with fire extinguishers while some of them scampered for safety. “No one knows the cause of the fire outbreak today (yesterday) in the ter-

L-R: Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc, Mr. Olusegun Odubogun; Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management, Felicia Obozuwa; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Group Managing Director, FCMB Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, at the graduation of participants of the Management Development Programme (MDP) in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

minal. We just discovered that a thick fire came out from the second floor of the terminal and people started running helter-skelter for safety. Later, someone said the fire was from the electrical installation on the fifth floor. “This is not the first time such a thing would be happening here. The only thing I want to say is that the management (FAAN) should replace most of these electrical fittings. They are old and need urgent replacement,” the source said. New Telegraph observed that FAAN used the Public Address System (PAS) to allay fears of the users and instructed them to go about their business normally. A statement by FAAN said there was a minor smoke incident at the departure hall of the international terminal. According to the agency, “The smoke was quickly traced to the electric panel room on the second floor of the terminal by a combined team of FAAN’s electrical engineers and fire officers. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the incident was caused by a short circuit at the panel room which was quickly arrested by the engineers on duty.”

Why Amaechi nominated me Constitution: Ekweremadu, Ihedioha differ on labour’s status as minister, by Wike Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he immediate past Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday shed light on why Governor Rotimi Amaechi nominated him for federal appointment. Wike said that the governor made him minister against his (Amaechi) wish, so as to make him lose political relevance in Rivers because “I was becoming too powerful than the governor, and should be hauled out of the state.” Wike, who spoke on a television programme on AIT, said that having spearheaded the re-election bid of Amaechi in 2011, he was nominated for ministerial appointment in bad faith. He said even though he eventually became minister, he never left his constituency. Wike, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that if he loses the party primaries, he was ready to be the campaign manager of whoever wins. He urged those who lose

to support him and the party to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said: “Amaechi was told that if he wanted to have a successor, without anybody disturbing him, there was the need to push me away from Rivers State, to go and be a minister, so as to reduce my influence. It was not a promotion for me, rather it was a strategy to make me less influential and to lose base. “Amaechi never discussed with me that he was nominating me for ministerial appointment. Ten persons were nominated to be minister from Rivers State. I was the second person on the list. Atedo Peterside was the first person on the list. Tonye Cole was the third person. “Amaechi said he was going to scrap the Office of Chief of Staff and I said I was no longer going to occupy it again. I was the Director-General of his campaign organisation in 2011 and having seen what had happened, it would no longer be conducive for me to work in an environment of hostility.” He also said that only a strong PDP candidate can defeat whoever gets Amae-

chi’s backing for the APC governorship ticket. He said: “On zoning, I am a party man. I stand by what the PDP in Rivers State has said; no to zoning. The State Executive Committee of the party has said in view of the peculiar circumstances we find ourselves, where the PDP won the election and the governor (Amaechi) has defected to the APC, which will lead to a real battle. “Some persons are saying upland/riverine, ethnic group or senatorial district, depending on where they find themselves. Delegates will cut across the 23 councils of Rivers State, involving many ethnic groups. PDP leaders from the 23 councils bought the nomination and expression of intent forms for me. All the PDP leaders in Rivers are with me. “PDP has offices in the 319 wards in Rivers State. I do not know of any state that can boast of that. Rivers is a PDP state. In terms of resources, Governor Amaechi has it, but these elections have nothing to do with resources. How many times will Amaechi deceive Rivers people?”

Philip Nyam and Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

wo arrowheads of the ongoing constitution amendment, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday disagreed on the status of the National Minimum Wage. While Ekweremadu said the committee put the matter on concurrent list, Ihedioha said Labour was on the exclusive legislative list. Also the organised labour has threatened showdown over the concurrent listing. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Ihedioha said: “It has become necessary to clarify that the conference report of the Constitution Review Committee recently adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives did not remove Labour from the Exclusive Legislative List.” He further explained that the Senate had earlier put Labour on the Concurrent List but the House retained it in the Exclusive

List. He said: “During the Harmonisation of the reports from the two Chambers, the Conference Committee adopted the House version and retained Labour on the Exclusive List.” According to him, both the Senate and the House have now adopted the Conference Committee Report which retained Labour on the Exclusive Legislative List. Ekweremadu, however, explained that the Upper and Lower chambers agreed to send the minimum wage issue to concurrent list in the interest of the Nigerian workers. Ekweremadu, who stated this in Abuja, said both chambers jointly carried out the amendment in the constitution because of their realisation that all states were not financially equal. The Deputy Senate President added that his colleagues also took into consideration, the fact that the issue of minimum wage was in the concurrent list of other countries practising a federal system of government, across the world. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),

the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday expressed disapproval to the planned move. NLC vowed to mobilise its affiliate unions to protest the planned scrap, describing the development as an act of treachery, allegedly being masterminded by conservative governors and their cohorts in the National Assembly, which it said, would do the polity no good. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson said Labour has fixed an emergency National Executive Council (NEC)meeting for Monday October 27, to mobilise workers for the protest. Also, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has vowed to resist the attempt by the National Assembly to remove the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive List. NUT also insisted that payment of salaries of primary school teachers and management of primary education must be removed from the local government councils across the country.

News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

50 injured as traders, youths clash in Onitsha Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

t least 50 persons were injured and about 20 shops destroyed yesterday when a fight broke out between traders and youths at the Millennium Merchants and Importers Association markets, near Main Market Onitsha, Anambra State. New Telegraph learnt that trouble started when the Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mrs. Ann Chukwuneke, reportedly stormed the market with over 100 youths to decongest the market. As soon as the council chairperson arrived at the market, the youths started dismantling some of the shops, a development that irked the traders. Consequently, a free-forall ensued, leading to over 50 people sustaining varying degrees of injuries. Reacting to incident, the Chairman, Anambra State Markets Amalgamation Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, said the council chairman had no

right to storm the market and destroy wares of traders, who also lost huge sums of money to hoodlums. “The governor directed me to come and calm the traders and to reopen their shops and to tell them that

here were strong indications yesterday that the proposed autonomy for local government councils, approved by the National Assembly in the ongoing amendment to the 1999 Constitution may not scale through the State Houses of Assembly. This is because a faction of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has kicked against the recommendation. Hence, members of the forum might use their influence over the state legislature to reject it when the constitution review exercise gets to the states. The proposed amendment to the constitution was intended to grant financial and administrative autonomy to the local government councils, but the governors have been against it because it could whittle down their control over these councils. A statement from the secretariat of the Jang’s faction of the NGF yes-

in the state,” “We need dialogue with the council chairman. She is a mother and we believe she will listen.” “We have no other place to stay please,” and “the governor should come to our rescue.” Some of the traders,

who spoke to journalists, described the action of the council chairman as uncalled for, adding that they had earlier discussed with the chairman on the way forward for the market and wondered why she stormed the market and

destroyed their property without proper notice. A trader, Chief Nathan Anajiofor, expressed frustration over the development, despite the fact that the traders pay their normal storage fee to the council.

L-R: Wife of Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs. Naomi Bajoga; wife of Governor of Kaduna State, Hajiya Amina Yero and wife of the vice-president, Hajiya Amina Sambo, at a function in Kaduna…yesterday

Jang’s NGF opposes autonomy for LGs Onwuka Nzeshi

he is looking into the crisis. “I am happy Governor Willie Obiano is aware because he does not want crisis in the state,” he stated. The traders later protested and carried placards with inscriptions such as “We don’t want crisis

terday indicated that the governors were poised to move against the amendment with their full might. Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu, said the Jang group have expressed reservations about the amendment proposed by the National Assembly which would grant local governments full administrative and financial autonomy. According to Onaiwu, the governors have pointed accusing fingers at some unnamed members in the National Assembly whom they said were using the advantage of being in the parliament to force an unpopular amendment down the throat of others. The two chambers of the National Assembly had during the amendment to the constitution, granted local government councils autonomy, which includes funding, tenure of office, regular elections and mechanisms to insulate them from undue interference from state governments.

Oil revenue down to N502bn in Sept CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, who disclosed the fall in oil revenue yesterday, added that the shortfall was due to falling global oil prices and domestic production outages. “The ... decline in mineral revenue was attributed to the slight decrease in crude oil prices and production loss due to the shutdown of the trunk lines and pipelines at the various terminals,” Otunla said. Brent crude oil, the benchmark against, which Nigeria’s oil is indexed, has lost more than 25 per cent since June. Revenues to be distributed to three tiers of government in September - federal, state and local were N603.5 billion, down from N611.76 billion in August, Otunla said. He said N2.76 billion meant to be transferred to the oil savings account, the Excess Crude Account (ECA), was instead distributed to plug government revenue shortfalls. The balance in the ECA currently stands at $4.11 billion. It was also learnt that Nigerian crude oil exports were set to drop to about 1.7 million bpd in December from about 1.91 million in November, shipping lists has indicated. Lower prices and ample

supply may also be encouraging buying, traders said. Brent crude prices fell to a four-year low last week, with supplies of lightsweet crudes especially high, as the shale oil revolution in the United States has reduced demand for imports from West Africa. PetroIneos, it was also gathered, is ramping up imports of West African crude to its Grangemouth refinery in Scotland, according to shipping fixtures, booking at least five million barrels since the start of October amid lower prices and technical problems at the plant. The joint venture between PetroChina and Ineos, which runs the 210,000 barrel-per-day plant, booked the latest one million barrel Suezmax tanker yesterday, shipping fixtures showed, with another four or five listed since the start of the month. The move may free up more barrels of North Sea Forties crude oil that the refinery normally processes, traders said. Forties supplies can have an outsized influence on world oil prices as it is the biggest of the four streams underpinning the benchmark Brent crude oil future. PetroIneos imported no crude from West Africa in the first five months of the

year, according to shipping fixtures. Between May and September imports have averaged around three cargoes a month. Only one was booked last month. Meanwhile, CBN has pledged to keep supporting the naira to protect it from the effect of the volatility in the global oil market. “We will continue to defend the naira. Yesterday, we saw the naira at a level we were not comfortable with. We increased dollar supply in the market and it calmed,” CBN Deputy Governor, Dr. Sarah Alade, told Bloomberg news by phone yesterday. Since mid-September, the apex bank has used the nation’s reserves to sell dollars outside of regular auctions held Mondays and Wednesdays, according to Standard Chartered Plc. It will keep using the auctions and direct dollar sales to banks to preserve the value of the currency, Alade stated. “We expect that investors will demand more dollars. Our foreign-exchange reserves are still robust,” she said. The currency yesterday strengthened 0.2 per cent to N164.90 per dollar at the official market (weekly Dutch Auction) moderated by the CBN after it had earlier weakened as much as 0.8 per cent to N166.42, a record low on a closing basis.

But at the interbank market where banks buy currency form one another, the naira yesterday weakened as much as 0.4 per cent to 166.07 before rebounding. At auctions, the central bank offers the currency at N155 per dollar, plus or minus 3 per cent. The naira weakened 0.9 per cent this month as Brent crude fell to the lowest level in more than four years last week. Further losses would force Nigeria to choose between raising interest rates, eroding reserves or, eventually, devaluing the currency, according to Exotix Ltd., a London-based investment bank Nigeria’s reserves were $39.2 billion as of October 21 from $43.6 billion at the end of last year. “The central bank has staked its credibility as an institution on the stability of the currency,” Money Manager at Boston-based Acadian Asset Management, Bryan Carter, said in an interview with Bloomberg yesterday in London. The regulator would have to keep using reserves to support the currency until a February election, he said. “They may reprice the band wider after the election,” Carter said. “That would be more palatable politically.”

News

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, OCTOBER 24, 2014

national

Senate passes Cyber Crime Bill 2014 Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate yesterday took steps to tackle the incessant and deteriorating incidences of online crimes in Nigeria by passing the Cyber Crime Bill 2014 into law. The bill, which was entitled, “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Prohibition, Prevention, Detection, Response, Investigation and Prosecution of Cyber crimes and for Other Related Matters 2014,” spells out seven years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of cyber crimes or online fraud. According to the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human

Rights and Legal Matters, the bill seeks to punish interception of data, system interference and misuse of devices. It also seeks to punish all kinds of computerrelated fraud, computerrelated forgery, offences relating to pornography, cyber-stalking and cybersquatting. Also, the bill seeks to promote cyber security, protection of computer systems and networks, electronic communications; data and computer programmes, intellectual property and privacy rights. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Adegbenga Kaka (Ogun East), further stipulates that anyone, who commits

fraud using a computer system or network with the intention of obtaining computer data, securing access to any programme, commercial or industrial secrets or classified information would upon conviction, be sentenced to seven years jail term or a fine of N7million or both. Similarly, under the proposed law, anyone found guilty of possessing a manipulative device, unauthorised automatic teller machine (ATM) card, damaging a computer with the intention to defraud, trafficking in any password to defraud customers or financial institutions will be sentenced to seven years imprisonment or a N7 million fine.

Court fixes Dec 15 for suit seeking to unseat PCA Tunde Oyesina

Abuja

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed December 15 to hear a suit filed by a lawyer, Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan challenging the appointment of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa by the National Judicial Council and President Goodluck Jonathan as President of the Court of Appeal.

When the matter came up yesterday, the NJC prayed the court for an extension of time in which to file its defence to the suit. The council also informed the court that it will be filing a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit. The trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, consequently adjourned to December 15.

Earlier, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) had faulted the suit. Jonathan and the AGF, in their notice of preliminary objection to the suit, asked the court to dismiss it on the ground that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to initiate it. They argued, in the objection filed by their counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), that the suit did not disclose any reasonable cause of action.

Fear God, British MP tells Nigerian legislators Chukwu David Abuja

n African member of the British Parliament, Lord Paul Boateng, yesterday urged Nigerian legislators and other political leaders in the country to be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. Boateng, who is Ghanaian and Peer in the British House of Lords, gave the advice in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at this year’s edition of the National Prayer Breakfast organ-

ised by the National Assembly. Speaking on the theme: “A Nation at Crossroads: The need for godly leadership”, Boateng enjoined Nigerian lawmakers to avoid greed, corruption and selfishness, as much as possible, positing that these vices were instrumental to failure in delivering good governance to the people. He advised them to see their election into the parliament as a calling to serve their constituents, and not an opportunity to amass wealth for themselves. The parliamentarian

also urged them to exhibit confidence by being committed to the needs, yearnings and aspirations of their constituencies and their country, saying; “the task of lawmaking is a calling that must be prosecuted only through the leading of God and His Holy Spirit”. Boateng opined that anyone wanting to represent his or her people in whatever capacity effectively must possess the character of God so that he or she would be able to competently address the plights of all vulnerable groups with confidence.

Jonathan warns varsity teachers against indoctrination Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, warned teachers in Nigerian tertiary institutions against turning their students into agents of national destabilisation. Jonathan, who gave

the warning at the 30th convocation of the University of Ilorin, said his administration has invested so much into the education sector, doling out this year alone over N3billion to revitalise universities based on their needs assessment. The president, who was represented at the

event by the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said with the promising growth of the Nigeria economy, there is need for universities to key into the transformation agenda of his administration by engaging in relevant research, training and manpower development.

ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY P M B 001, AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

INVITATION TO PRE-QUALIFICATION AND TENDER FOR YEAR 2013 TETFUND SPECIAL INTERVENTION IN PROCUREMENT OF EQUIPMENT A. INTRODUCTION: Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, is about to utilize the TETFUND 2013 special intervention fund for procurement of equipment (as listed below) and hereby invites interested and reputable contractors/suppliers with requisite competence and expertise to apply for pre-qualification and tender for the procurement. B. PROCUREMENT: LOT 1: Supply and Installation of Department of Earth Science Equipment LOT 2: Supply and Installation of Department of Biochemistry Equipment LOT 3: Supply and Installation of Department of Chemical Science Equipment LOT 4: Supply and Installation of Central Laboratory Equipment LOT 5: Supply and Installation of Department of Plant Science & Biotechnology Equipment LOT 6: Supply and Installation of Faculty of Agriculture Equipment C. TENDER PROCEDURE 1. The Tenderers are required to prepare and submit their tenders in two separate parts, namely: i. TECHNICAL TENDER (PRE-QUALIFICATION) ii. COMMERCIAL/FINANCIAL TENDER 2. Bids shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the aforementioned Tender Documents (B above). D. TECHNICAL TENDER (PRE-QUALIFICATION) REQUIREMENTS: Each interested applicant is to submit the following: i. Evidence of incorporation/registration with the Corporation Affairs Commission; ii. Evidence of Tax Clearance Certificate for the past three years (2011, 2012, 2013); iii. Evidence of VAT registration and remittance; iv. Detailed company’s profile and office address; v Evidence of similar procurement (as applicable) done in the past five years (i.e. Letters of Award and evidence of successful completion of similar supplies); vi. Audited Account of the Company for the past three years (2011, 2012, 2013); vii. Evidence from Company’s bankers as to its financial strength, worthiness and solvency; viii Evidence of compliance with amended Industrial Training Fund Act 2011; x Evidence of compliance with the provision of the New pension Scheme; and ix Qualification and experience of key personnel’s. * Arrangement of documents should follow the order in the list above, appropriately numbered. Each parcel should have a Table of Contents indicating the pages or folios on which these items are to be found.

E. PURCHASE & COLLECTION OF COMMERCIAL/ FINANCIAL TENDER DOCUMENTS Tender Documents in English Language (hard copies) may be purchased from the address below upon payment by certified bank draft, of nonrefundable fee of N10,000 for each of Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 4, Lot 5 and Lot 6 made out in favour of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. The receipt of payment must be included and submitted with the tender. 1. Tender Documents shall be collected in person From: The Acting Director, Department of Physical Planning & Development, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. F. RETURN OF TENDERS 1. Completed tender documents (technical and commercial/financial) should be packaged in separate envelopes and put in another bigger envelope (3 envelopes in all) marked at the top left corner: TENDER FOR TETFUND, SPECIAL INTERVENTION 2013 FOR PROCUREMENT: Lot ………..and returned by hand on or before 9am on 5th December, 2014 to the address provided below: The Registrar, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. 2. Tender documents (technical and commercial/financial) shall be opened at 10am on 5th December, 2014 at the University’s Council Chamber (New Senate Building) G. IMPORTANT NOTES i. The submission of tender documents does not in any way compel Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, to award the contract to any company; ii. The University or its agents reserve(s) the right to verify any submission or claims by Companies. Companies shall, therefore, by their response to this invitation, grant the University necessary authority and guarantee for such verification; and iii Only companies adjudged to be competent at the end of the exercise shall be awarded the contracts. The University shall not enter into any correspondence with any Company which fails this exercise, nor provide reasons for such failure. THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT LIABLE TO ANY COMPANY NOT CONSIDERED FOR THE AWARD. Signed R.B. Olotu Registrar and Secretary to Council

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Robbers kill man returning from vigil

Camillus Nnaji

man returning from a vigil on Wednesday was shot and killed by suspected robbers at the Okekpa Community in Mowe, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State. Residents of the area, who identified the deceased as Mr. Taiwo, a block moulder, said the robbers were over 18. Taiwo was killed by the robbers when he was returning from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Isegun Ifeoluwapo Mowe, after a vigil. According to the residents, the robbery operation lasted three hours. Incidentally, the robbers had written the community that they would be coming to attack, but the residents never bargained it would be on that Wednesday. When the robbers stormed the area, they tied up the security guards, before proceeding with the operation.

Residents who did not have money at home were beaten black and blue. A lady who just had a baby was beaten until she lost consciousness because there was no money in the house and her husband was not around. A resident said: “In fact, I’ve never seen such a robbery before! The robbers were fully armed with guns, saw blade and pincers which they used to cut through burglaries.” One Mr. Kenneth said the bandits threatened to kill him if he did not quickly unlock his door. When he eventually did, they slapped him three times. Mr. Uche, another resident, said: “It started around 1: am. I heard several gunshots. I started praying until 4:30am. Suddenly the gunshots stopped. When it was day break, we saw the body of a man. He was a block moulder called Taiwo.” When contacted, the pastor of the church, Pastor Ezekiel Oladedeji confirmed Taiwo’s

death. Oladedeji said: “Taiwo just left the church after our vigil programme; about hundred yards to the church premises, when he was shot. He had his Bible on him and yet they killed him.” Oladedeji said he had immediately reported the matter to Mowe Police Station and within minutes, policemen were crawling all over the area. Mrs. Nnabugo, who thanked God that she was not attacked

or robbed, added: “The robbers were about 18 men. They were armed with guns. They entered up to five compounds. They cut through doors that had iron protectors. They felt so comfortable during the operation which lasted over three hours.” Nnabugo explained that the robbers wrote the community in August, threatening to storm the area. In the letter, the robbers had mentioned the tight security in the area, but

apparently felt it would pose no problem for them. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Mowe, Mr. Aliu Shabba, confirmed the attack, noting that his division received a distress call from one of the victims and had responded swiftly. He added that before police reached the area, the robbers had fled. Shabba confirmed the death of Taiwo, adding that he was shot at close range, with a locally-made pistol.

Two-day-old baby abandoned Job scam: EFCC recovers N550,000 for blind victim Adesina Wahab

Emmanuel Onani

Ado-Ekiti

Abuja

he Ekiti State Police Command has recovered an abandoned two-day-old baby dumped near a shop in AdoEkiti. The baby was discovered abandoned by a good citizen beside a shop at No 12, Olora Street, Adebayo Road, Ado-Ekiti on Sunday evening. The citizen promptly alerted the police. Police efforts to locate the mother of the baby had not been successfully. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said: “Detectives rushed

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

T Lakanu

to the scene and found the baby. It was neatly wrapped and placed beside a generating set, beside the shop. On closer observation, it was discovered that the umbilical cord was still intact. The baby was taken to the hospital for medical care and later handed over to the officials of the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.” The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, urged members of the public who have any information about the mother of the baby, to contact the nearest police station or the police command.

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has recovered a N550, 000 from a gang of alleged fraudsters who defrauded a blind teacher. Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said the Commission has since presented a draft of the recovered amount to the teacher. Mary Ihekanacho. Uwujaren noted that the fraudsters, led by one Gift Onyegam, had, in 2012, deceived the woman, that they would provide her son with a job in one of the oil firms. Uwujaren said that on October, 22, 2014 EFCC presented her with a draft of N550, 000 which the anti- graft agency recovered from a gang of fraudsters that swindled her of N 830,000 in a job scam. “The syndicate conned the woman by promising to facilitate her son’s employment with one of the oil majors.” Mr. David Iloyanomo who made the presentation on

EFCC Spokesman, Uwujaren, presenting a cheque to the woman

behalf of the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, said: “The EFCC stands for justice for all and called on the general public to ensure that they assist the Commission in carrying out its duties by coming forward to give evidence in court when it is required.” He also praised the passion with which officers of the Commission handled the

matter which made it possible to get justice for Mrs. Ihekanacho. On February, 24, 2014, Justice Shuiabu convicted and sentenced Onyegam to 10 years imprisonment without option of fine. The court also ordered the convict to pay the victim, the sum of N711, 000 in restitution.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Angry cyclist kills policeman

Kayode Aderanti, Lagos CP

John Edu

omicide detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, La-

Camillus Nnaji

gos, have arrested a commercial motorcyclist for allegedly killing a policeman. The suspect, Bakare Lukmon, 26, was said to have hit and killed the policeman with a metal object after the officer at-

their direction. The team flagged Lukmon, but the suspect allegedly jumped down from his motorcycle and bolted, abandoning his bike. “It was after Lukmon escaped that Ebobele decided to ride the motorcycle to the station, leaving other policemen at the check-point. He was unaware that he was being tailed by Lukmon who had boarded a lorry. “The driver of the lorry drove away after dropping Lukmon, who attacked Ebobele with a metal object. He hit him on his forehead and killed him. He left the policeman, bleeding on the spot and rode away with his motorcycle,” a police source said. It was gathered that the following day, a team of policemen recovered Ebobele’s body on the road. At the spot, they

saw a cap which most commercial motorcyclists used to wear. When the cap was taken to the motorcycle riders’ park, many of them said it belonged to Lukmon. The suspect was immediately arrested. But while denying killing the policeman, Lukmon said that he did not even own a motorcycle anymore because he sold his to a friend called Wasiu two before the murder. According to him, he now works as a driver with a sawmill company at Ipaja Road. He also said that he had not seen Wasiu or heard from him since he sold the motorcycle to him. The suspect is still in detention at the SCID, while detectives have embarked on a man-hunt for Wasiu who may fix in the missing pieces in the growing puzzle.

FRSC seeks corporate organisations’ support

he Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos State, has urged corporate organisations and other road users to collaborate with it in order to alleviate the sufferings of road users on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, especially during the fourth coming Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje, disclosed this while speaking with journalists inhis office. Omeje said that in the

tempted to impound his motorcycle for operating after 10pm. But the suspect denied the allegation, saying that he was shocked to be linked to such a crime. Detectives however refused to believe Lukmon’s denial because his blood stained face cap was found at the spot where the policeman’s corpse was recovered. According to the police, the deceased, Mr Joseph Ebobele, was killed on October 11, around 12am along Meran Road, Ijaiye-Ojokoro area of the state. After killing the policeman, the suspect disappeared, but was arrested the following day on Ipaja Road. On the fateful day that Ebobele was killed, he was said to be on patrol duty with members of his team when he saw the suspect riding towards

Omeje

past, corporate organisations in Lagos had not done enough Corporate

Social Responsibility (CSR) aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the motoring public. He noted that manufacturing companies could lose tons of money if there was a gridlock and their goods delayed or damaged. Omeje said the FRSC needed their support in areas of provision of towing vehicles, patrol vehicles, ambulances and first aid facilities and other items. These items he opined would assist a lot, especially in speeding up removal of broken down vehicles on highways

and response to accident victims. The sector commander said: “The truth is that government cannot do it alone! FRSC cannot do it alone too! Corporate organisations and other road stakeholders should help save the motoring public by providing some facilities needed to quicken emergency responses on the expressway.” Revealing Christmas plans for road users, Omeje stated that his sector had learnt their lesson from the last Sallah Festival and identified

options for road users. His words: “The last Sallah Festival taught us lesson on what to do during the Christmas season. We’ve been able to identify failed portions on the expressway which used to cause gridlocks. We have plans to deploy our men to all areas. We want both our senior and junior officers to stop drivers from creating extra lanes. We have also identified substitute routes which motorists can take to ease off pressure on the main expressway.”

12 babies born HIV-free by positive mothers in Anambra Osi community celebrates Tony Okafor AWKA.

o fewer than 12 babies have been born HIVfree from positive mothers in Awka, Anambra State. The 12 mothers, who were delivered of the babies, registered and attended Ante-natal Health Care at Saint Faith Hospital and Maternity. The 100 per cent success was recorded by the hospital under its Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programme. Disclosing this, Alliance for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Nigeria (JAPiN), Anambra State Chapter in Awka yesterday, the matron of the hospital, Mrs. Chisom Ezulike said that

Gov. Obiano, Anambra State

out of the 12 HIV positive pregnant mothers that enrolled into the hospital under PMTCT programme, none of their babies tested positive. Mrs. Ezulike who attributed the feat to voluntary acceptance of the mothers, appealed to oth-

er mothers to access the programme for the safety of their babies. She, however, said that out of the 621 pregnant women tested for HIV by the hospital, about 50 of them were positive. The matron noted that the PMTCT programme was activated in the hospital in April 2013, adding that it had recorded 60 per cent response. Mrs. Ezulike who said that the PMTCT programme in the hospital was being sponsored by the Family Health International further explained: “What we meant by enroll is not that we are not getting positive pregnant mothers, but to push them to start taking Antiretroviral drugs because some of them even deny being positive.”

Oba’s 25th coronation Mojeed Alabi

he Indigenes of Osi Community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, will today host eminent personalities, traditional rulers, businessmen and women as the town celebrates the 25th coronation anniversary of its traditional ruler and the local government’s Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Saliu Abdul Kareem Adasofegbe Arobeku First, the Olosi Of Osi. This was even as the Oba also lauded the State Governor, Abdul Fatah Hammed,

for what he described as ‘the laudable and people-oriented programmes’ he had embarked on since his inception in office. According to the traditional ruler, Hamed had, within his three and half years in office, turned the state around for better, especially in the areas of infrastructure, employment opportunities, education, among others. In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, Oba Olosi called on the indigenes of the Osi Community to come home and be part of today’s anniversary.

Three arraigned for stealing Lebanese’s car Caleb Onwe Abuja

Senior Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Karu, Federal Capital Territory yesterday arraigned three persons, Abdulazzeez Jimoh, Adesina Emmanuel and Collins Egwu for criminal conspiracy and theft of a car, which is contrary to sections 97 and 289 of the Penal Code Laws of Nigeria. The Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Usman Idakwo, who testified in the case, alleged that the accused persons stole a Toyota Hilux Car, belonging to one Samir Archkor, a Lebanese national on September, 11, 2012. Idakwo said that the complainant drove the car into Setraco Yard at Life Camp Abuja and packed it in front of the company’s restaurant. A few hours later, he came out and discovered that the car had disappeared. Police swung into action following complaint by the plaintiff. In the course of the investigation, the accused persons were arrested on September, 13, 2012 at different places. The accused persons allegedly made a confessional statement, during police interrogations. However, they were not given the opportunity to respond to the allegations of the IPO because their counsel asked the court for a date for a defence. According to the confessional statement of the accused persons, the stolen car was sold to someone simply identified as Alhaji from Sokoto State. The accused persons in their statement before the court also said the buyer of the stolen car was their regular customer who often comes to buy stolen items from them. Meanwhile, the Police said the buyer is still at large, but efforts were on to catch him. The court granted the defence counsel’s prayer and adjourned the case to December, 9, 2014.

News

Metro

friday, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

south — west

APC to Fayose: Stop the theatrics, face governance statistics

With new Ekiti governor flashing figures and costs the APC thinks he should go straight to business

kiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday advised Governor Ayo Fayose to stop playing to the gallery and start governing the state. In a release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun, the party said it was high time the governor stopped pulling his usual stunts and start telling the people what beneficial programmes he has for them. “The business of governance

is a serious one and not of theatrics, which Fayose wants to reduce it to,” the party said. “We are not surprised about the recent circus show of our governor, who has been busy reeling out imaginary and mind boggling figures to discredit his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. “It is in his character to do so, we would, as a matter of fact, have ig-

nored him, but we felt the need to set the records straight for the unsuspecting public, who may be misled by this overblown cost of the new Governor’s Lodge and the fittings therein. “Fayemi as a firm believer in transparency and accountability and had never hidden any of the projects executed with bond money from Ekiti people and this

included the new Governor’s Lodge. “Nothing could be farther from the truth that N50 million was spent on procuring a bed. Nowhere in the world is any bed sold for N50m and none of the ones in the governor’s lodge is up to N2 million. We challenge Fayose or anyone with contrary facts to prove it. “Be that as it may, the new governor’s lodge has

befitting furniture and fittings commensurable with the edifice, which is one of the legacy projects of the Fayemi administration. We are expecting Fayose to also showcase other legacy projects like Ikogosi Warm Spring, The Pavillion, Oba Adejugbe Hosptial, among others. Meanwhile, the party has raised the alarm that leaders of the PDP are

planning to attack APC members of the House of Assembly. According to the media aide to the Speaker, Mr. Wole Olujobi, a PDP chieftain mistakenly sent a text message meant for PDP members to a politician, who had defected to the APC. However, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Oluwawole, denied any such plan.

More lawmakers dump LP in Ondo Babatope Okeowo Akure

wo lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Edema and Fola Olaseinde-Vicente, yesterday defected to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC). While Edema dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the APC, OlaseindeVicente, who had earlier joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 22 of her colleagues, left for the opposition party yesterday. They cited the factionalisation of their political parties as the major reason for their action. Addressing reporters after they made their intention known to leaders of the party, the lawmakers said LP’s platform could no longer be used as it has seized to exist, following the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, to the PDP. Edema, who represents Ilaje Constituency 11, said immediately after the defection of his colleagues in the Assembly to the PDP, all the tangible and physical structures of the LP have been extinguished, saying the party secretariat along the AdoOwo road, has been transformed into a secretariat of the faction of the PDP in the state. Also, the lawmaker, who did not join the PDP with his other colleagues, said the local government and ward executive committee of the party have gone into extinction as all members have abdicated their positions, having migrated to the PDP.

L-R: Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu and Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Omolayo Ajayi, at the 6th Femi Okunnu Annual Lecture in Ile-Ife …yesterday

The life expectancy (in years) of women at birth in Morocco in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org.

N4.7bn

The total capital importation value of the Banking sector in 2008. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Hijab ban: Muslims declare war on Lagos government Mojeed Alabi and Muritala Ayinla

uslims in Lagos, under the aegis of the Joint Muslim Forum, yesterday descended heavily on the Lagos State Government, describing it as an undemocratic and anti-Islam government. The group, comprising representatives of various Muslim organisations, including the Association of Muslim Professionals, The Criterion, The Companion, Righteous Media Group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, among others, were reacting to the latest ruling banning the use of Hijab in public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State as delivered by Justice Modupe Onyeabor of the Lagos State High Court. At a well-attended media briefing held yesterday at the Rahamat Islamiyah Hall, Muslim Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, the spokesperson of the

group and representative of The Companion Islamic organization, Alhaji Thabit Sonaike, said the Muslims were unanimous in their position to appeal the ruling, and also enjoined the Lagos State government to follow the footsteps of other states like Ekiti, Osun and Oyo, where the use of hijab is encouraged for willing Muslim kids. They argued that the dismissal of the case by the judge was an unprecedented act of injustice, and that to avoid further clash of interests, the government should direct concerned authorities to stop action on the implementation of what they described as imbalance judgment. Meanwhile, the group also dissociated itself from the campaign for Christian Governor in the state during the forthcoming general election, saying those flying the kite are not only myopic but also self-centered and divisive.

2/3

The fraction of Americans with Alzheimer’s that are women. Source: Alz.org.

Lagos PDP guber aspirant promises adequate power supply Peoples Democratic A Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in La-

gos State, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, has promised to provide adequate power supply to the state if he becomes the next governor. Speaking at an event organised by a group, Vanguard for a Better Lagos State, in his honour, Gbadamosi promised to bring his knowledge and expertise to the fore in the area of distribution

and generation of power supply for Lagos to enjoy regular source of power. He said Lagos State has a lot of potential, but some of the potential remain untapped due to lack of power supply and adequate infrastructure. “We have a lot of productive people in the state, regular source of power supply will enable them keep working while companies will make more profits and be able to employ more people,” he said.

Monthly union deduction polarises Osun NUT Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and its members are now at each other’s throat over the latter monthly union deductions allegedly being jerked up by the union. The development, which has polarised the union members, saw

5.97%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Philippines in 2009. Source: Itu.int.

them now poised for war against one another. As some of them placated the others to exercise patience on the matter as the leadership of the NUT would attend to their complaint, the embittered ones, kicked against the persuation, describing it as deceit and threatening to pull out completely from the body.

Osun politicians trade words Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Par ty (PDP) yesterday called on security agents in the state to be vigilant as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has allegedly finalised moves to cause mayhem at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal proceedings ongoing in the state. Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, who made the call in a statement in Osogbo, hinted that APC members had held series of meetings and had concluded on how the evil act would be carried out. He, however, alerted the security operatives to act fast on the matter before the APC succeeds in its plan, which he said could destabilise the state.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Presidential nomination form

Presidency

Leading woman

2015 elections

Ezugwu: No justification for the high cost

Agoro: Nomination fee meant to perpetuate corruption

Akerele-Bucknor: Why I stopped contesting elections

Olukoya: Nigerians’ll prove US wrong on break-up prediction

Politics

INEC and challenges of IDPs

Some of the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) in one of the camps in the North-East

Jega

The fate of people displaced from their homes due to the activities of Boko Haram insurgency and other related conflicts in the forthcoming general election is a major concern to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). ONYEKACHI EZE reports

s the 2015 general election approaches, one of the problems facing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is how to conduct the elections in the crisis prone states in the North-East. Before the cancellation of the October 11 governorship by-election in Adamawa State, INEC had ruled out the possibility of the election holding in two local government areas of the state due to security challenges. The local government areas are Michika and Madagali. The security challenges in these states, especially Adamawa, Borno and Yobe where the Federal Government has

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

declared emergency rule have resulted in many people being displaced from their homes. In Adamawa, INEC said people have deserted their homes to safer locations in three other local government areas of Maha, Mubi North and Mubi South as a result of attacks by insurgents on their villages. In Plateau State where there have been ethnic conflicts since 2001, many people have as well being displaced from their homes. The figure is increasing almost on daily basis in the three North-East states. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it registered 58,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State alone. The then acting governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Finitiri said there were over 40, 000 IDPs in Adamawa State. These people are now living in makeshift camps where they are catered for by officials of NEMA. INEC is worried that the internally displaced persons may be denied the opportunity of exercising their franchise during the general election.

Activities of insurgents in the region, have made it impossible for a large percentage of eligible voters to register for the forthcoming general election

At a meeting with the management of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, led by its Director-General, Prof. Oshita O. Oshita, two weeks ago, INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, solicited the institute’s assistance for the participation of the displaced persons in the elections. Jega said this could be in the area of studying the peculiar circumstance of the IDPs to determine their number so as “to see how the commission can reach those people, register them so they can vote in the elections.” During the second phase of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, INEC had appealed to the IDPs who are still living in the host communities to come out and register so that they too could be properly catered for. The fear of disenfranchisement in the botched Adamawa gubernatorial by-election made the IDPs in the state to visit the then acting governor, Fintiri, requesting that they should be allowed to cast their votes in Yola, the state capital. Fintiri, while agreeing to the suggestion, noted that he would prefer that the displaced persons cast their votes in Yola since over 60 per cent of them are resident in Yola. He said it would be less burdensome for INEC and the electorate in terms of proximity. “I have created confidence in them for the past eight years as their former representative

in the Adamawa State House of Assembly and I still intend to sustain the confidence by making sure that they are not disenfranchised in the coming by-election of the state. “The government is in touch with security agencies in the state and are keeping the state government abreast of the breakthrough in the wartorn areas of Madagali, Gulak, Michika and their environs and (we are) still awaiting the update on the recent situation,” Finitiri said. In furtherance of that, INEC also held a meeting with stakeholders from Michika and Madagali local government areas to decide the fate of the voters in the affected areas. Kassim Gaidam, INEC Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in the state who confirmed the meeting said: “We have been meeting with stakeholders from the two areas including council chairmen, councillors and religious leaders on how to address the issue. They suggested the possibility of using Mubi or Yola as centres as most of the eligible voters from these areas are now residing in them.” Some of the IDPs camps in Yola and Mubi said they abandoned their voters’ cards along with other valuables when they fled their homes. One of the displaced persons at the camp, Hamman Madagali, said: “We hope that INEC will realise that we left behind our CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

OPEN FORUM Chief Willy Ezugwu is the Secretary General of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP)

Ezugwu: No justification for the high cost

he high cost of the nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows why people cannot run for elections in Nigeria without ill-gotten wealth. How many people can afford such huge amount for mere purchase of nomination forms? The process does not end with the purchase of forms. Remember that the various aspirants still have to go round the country to canvass for the support of the delegates who will be voting at the primaries, and after that, the campaigns for the election. Genuine politicians who will use their mandates to deliver dividends

Chief Tony Ezeagwu is the chairman of the Labour Party (LP), in Delta State

...Cost of presidential nomination form

of democracy to the people cannot afford that. Only corrupt public office holders can afford such huge sums because it means nothing to them, and that is why corruption keeps thriving in the system. Again, I insist that the explanation offered by the APC leadership that the cost was meant to separate the men from the boys is not tenable. Who are the boys and who are the men, and how many of the men and boys have the money? There is no reason any of the parties can give to justify the high cost if not that they are all corrupt and have stolen so much from the public treasuries. The naira means nothing to them again and they can afford to

Interview by Felix Nwaneri

Ezugwu

Ezeagwu: It’s not good for democracy

s far as I’m concerned, it’s uncalled for. Public office is now for the highest bidder. The more money you have or the much money you can borrow, the better. You even saw Muhammadu Buhari on screen saying that he could not afford such money to pay for the form, if not that people came

spend it the way they like. We are in a democracy, so the parties should lower the cost of their nomination forms to enable more of their members take part in the process. Nobody should be shut out, as there is no way a winner would not emerge no matter the number of contestants for their tickets. But I believe the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can still call the parties to order if it has the interest of Nigerians at heart, because it is the commission saddled with the responsibility of controlling the various political parties.

Ezeagwu

to his rescue. It’s not worth it. I don’t think that is the best

thing for this country. That amount they are asking for is outrageous, it is not encouraging. That means they are already encouraging corruption, because anybody who is interested, even though I cannot pay now, and I want to be president, anybody who pays for me, as soon as I get there, I must pay back. So, instead of focusing attention on giving people the dividends of democracy, I’ll first of all focus attention on paying back those who made me to be there. I think it is

unfair. These political parties are not being fair to whoever wants to contest election on their platform. Some argue that such high amount will discourage some people so that it does not become an all-comer’s affairs, and that this will help whittle down the number of aspirants. Why do they need to do that; it should be open. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives free association, you should allow everybody.

Even if it becomes an allcomer’s affair, it makes no difference. Allow the people to choose from the all-comers. Why do we have conventions and primaries? If you are saying you are trying to discourage some people, then you are not trying to make it a government of the people, for the people and by the people. Such a thing is not good for our democracy, it’s too bad.

Interview by Etaghene Edirin

Ojogbede: Character matters more than the price Dele Ojegbede is a legal practitioner and a public affairs commentator N27 million though exorbitant, may not be unreasonable in the long run because, at the end of the day, the party will generate and spend this money for logistics

he cost of nomination form is too exorbitant, but I know that they must have done that in order to whittle down the number of aspirants, and to distinguish between the serious and unserious aspirants, bearing in mind that Nigeria is rightly seen as a society of millionaires. And you know a millionaire in naira is different from a millionaire in foreign exchange. By the time you convert this N27 million to pounds sterling, I’m sure you’ll be talking about a hundred thousand pounds or so. So, I’ll say that the nomination forms considering our present economic circumstances, may not be too unreasonable, though exorbitant. If you ask people to pay say N5 million, you may be surprised that at the end of the day you may have about 500 aspirants. On the thinking that such number of aspirants will help democracy, since the party can still choose one from amongst them, sincerely speaking, the way I look at the matter, whether people are paying small or big money, may not really have to do with the experience or qualification they are bringing into governance.

Ojogbede

And at that level of a presidential race, there should be some level of seriousness attached to it. It should not be an all comers affair. Left to me, I would have thought something like N10 million is actually reasonable. If I were to recommend, that is what I would recommend. But N27 million though exorbitant, may not be unreasonable in the long run because, at the end of the day, the party will generate and spend this money for logistics. The important thing is that the future of the country has more to do with the observance of rules and regulations, and the constitution. Even if you ask people to pay N2 million for nomination form,

it does not mean that if they get to power they won’t steal, if they want to. On the question of whether or not such high nomination fee will not make people embezzle state funds when they get to power, well, the answer is yes and no. Yes, in the sense that there may be the tendency to want to steal if that person already has stealing in his blood. And there may not necessarily be the tendency to steal if that person is a man of integrity. Let me use myself as an example. I’m not even an aspirant, I’m a professional of about 25 years; if you ask me for my worth, I may be able to tell you that I’m worth at least a N100 million. If you then say I

should raise N10 million to run for an office, reasonable that may not be too high for me, if I’m truly determined that I want to serve the people, vis-à-vis my worth. If you consider people going for presidency, these are people who have almost seen it all. So that money is not really much, what is important is the personal characteristic of the individual concerned, and what are his pedigree in terms of moral standing and status, because if you put two aspirants before me now, I will be able to judge them based on their past. If you have a man who has always been known to steal in every previous office he has occupied, you then ask him to take the nomination form free, the national purse is still not safe. But a man who all his life is one that does not tolerate thievery, there is a difference. So at the end of the day, I think the personal characteristic of each presidential aspirant will tell a lot about what they are offering, and what they have to offer. I don’t think our people should worry themselves so much about this nomination fee. To the common man on the street, it may seem exorbitant, but you don’t expect the common man on the street to be the one picking the form. It is apparently meant for people who have at least attained certain level of achievement in their lives. Personal characteristics matter more than how much the form is being sold.

Interview by Etaghene Edirin

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

OPEN FORUM Dr. Olapade Agoro is a former presidential candidate and national chairman of the National Action Council (NAC)

...Cost of presidential nomination form

Agoro: It’s meant to perpetuate corruption

ne would be wasting time talking about differences between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They are birds of the same feather flocking together. So, it is total nonsense distinguishing APC from the PDP. Few months ago, one of the founders of the APC, Chief Tom Ikimi saw nothing wrong going back to the PDP. His defection shows that many of those moving from one party to another are colourless characters; having nothing to offer. Also, of recent, we heard about Gover nor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State, jettisoning the Labour Party (LP) he used to get into power and defected to the PDP. So, seeing PDP charging N25 million for its presidential nomination form and APC charging N27.5 million, shows that the two parties are for the mega rich; people whose source of income can never be determined. If someone is running for a position and his annual salary would be about N10.9 million, and you are going to pay N27.5 million to get a nomination form; it shows that there is no seriousness. One in his right sense of value appreciation would seriously like to ask why a

Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani is the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch

t is outrageous and the justification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that it is meant for funding and financing of the party is not tenable. That is not how to fund political parties, because parties are

Agoro

man of good conscience devoid of evil intentions would part ways with a well earned N27.5 million simply to purchase a nomination form in a political game of uncertainties, intrigues and here today, over there tomorrow politics of cross carpeting. It shows that something wrong with the system. We have a political system in Nigeria where the termi-

nology of democracy in the country is getting into power at all cost, to serve your interest at all cost. We buy power in Nigeria and those aspiring for public offices are not going there to serve the interest of the masses. So, the two parties judging by the colouration of the people inside are only there to serve the interest of the noble rich. The fee being charged for

Ubani: It’s outrageous funded by constant contribution by members, and not through outrageous demand on governorship and presidential aspirants. Do you know how much this money would be in dollars? It can change a whole local government if well appropriated. Of course, you know that Muhammadu Buhari was crying while paying the money because he had to ask his bank to ensure that the cheque didn’t bounce. It is very sad and not reflecting an attitude of change, it is con-

demnable. The problem is that our political landscape is highly monetised. We know that politics is expensive all over the world but ours go extra, especially now that we have added stomach infrastructure to it. You have to brand rice, kerosene, foodstuffs and the rest. So, no matter the ideas you have, or what you genuinely want to do for the people, if you are not ready to give people money, you are going nowhere. It is not a tea party and as

Political power is not meant to be sold; so whether the nomination fee is exorbitant or not, it is arrant nonsense in a democracy, where ordinary nomination form is to cost N27.5 million. Then, how much are we going to spend campaigning?

the nomination form is too much. In the real sense of it, you don’t sell political power. Political power is not meant to be sold; so whether the nomination fee is exorbitant or not, it is even arrant nonsense in a democracy, where ordinary nomination form is to cost N27.5 million. Then, how much are we going to spend campaigning? So, it is total nonsense and I think the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) should speak out. And it is rather unfortunate that the people who pay the money have not been able to tell the world their sources of income. There is a good reason why we should challenge INEC to put a limit to what can be paid for nomination fee. If you are going to buy a form before you can contest, that means for you to campaign you are going to spend about N5 million to N10 million. So, how would one raise that kind of money without getting involved in corruption? It is a means of perpetuating corruption in the political system of Nigeria. And it is telling us that political position in Nigeria is not for everybody; it is meant for those who have made money in the system and don’t know how to use it.

Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE long as it is highly monetised, good people will still be excluded from governance because they don’t have much for the so-called logistics. However, the recent legislation by the Senate on independent candidature has given a measure of hope to people aspiring for public offices. But it would only work where people are enlightened and interested in ideas and antecedents of what someone has done before. But the level of our political understanding and culture is so low that what people are looking for is immediate gratification.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Ubani

Shittu: We operate cash and carry democracy

Shittu

Wahab Shittu is a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos and a legal practitioner

read the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman’s defence on the amount charged for its presidential ticket form, but for me, it’s not the amount of money in your pocket that determines whether you are a man or boy. We must essentially focus on character, competence and capacity and the issue of

money should not be a factor. We should look for people who have the power of idea and who can galvanise this power to action in order to transform the society. That certainly is not dependent on how big your pocket is. The tragedy of our democracy is that the entire political space has been heavily monetised and

what we are practicing is cash and carry democracy and with that, you can understand the perspective of where we are coming from. I understand that Muhammadu Buhari could not even pay; some of his friends came to his aid.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Politics

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Akerele-Bucknor: Why I stopped contesting elections Senator Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor is a former deputy governor of Lagos State. In this interview with FLORA ONWUDIWE, she speaks on her involvement in politics, the just-concluded National Conference and her case against Lagos government How do you feel being from a political family? I’m from a political family, the Akereles. First, the Egbe Omo Oduduwa was formed in my father’s house in London. My father was the first president and Obafemi Awolowo was his secretary before they brought it to Nigeria, reformed it and translated it into the Action Group (AG). My father was a strong member of the AG and he contested on the platform of the party, but he lost to J.M .Johnson. Johnson and my father were very good friends. They were good friends until they died, because the politics of those days was the best wins. If the best man won and you were his friend, you shook hands and you remained friends. My uncle, Chief Abiodun Akerele, was a minister in the Tafawa Balewa government. My first cousin, Babs Akerele, was also a strong politician. So, politics has been in the family for a very long time. My father encouraged me to go into politics. My father was a dogged fighter and I think I am a dogged fighter. The group that your father founded was purely for Yoruba race. It transformed to the Action Group which was not purely a Yoruba party because you had people from all over the country as members. The legacies are still there because many of us are still, in fact, of the progressive inclination and we are still promoting those ideas. Why have you been off politics? I have not been off politics. I have been very much in politics throughout.

Leading Woman Then, why have you stopped contesting elections? I think contesting elections nowadays has become very expensive and I don’t think I have a lot of money that is required to contest elections nowadays. It is totally impossible for people like me. Contesting has become a matter of huge sums of money and I don’t have the resources. Most people don’t want to back women with money. I think the best thing is to take the back seat and try and see if I can encourage anyone I see who is a person of integrity and who has wherewithal to contest. Your experience as the deputy governor seems to have ruined your political career. Or what do you think? Not at all. In fact, my passion for politics has not waned. I don’t think it has ruined my political career. In fact, I think it has helped my political career, in that the experienced has shown me so many things politically. Also I have emerged to play different roles in politics as an elder statesman in politics. So, I am very much in politics. I am very much in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); the party which I joined after I left the Alliance for Democracy (AD). If you come here every Tuesday, you will see people from all the local governments in Lagos State meeting here and planning how we are going to

win the 2015 elections. You were a broadcaster, but ended up as a politician. Was it accidental? Certainly it was not accidental. I had always wanted to go into politics even in my student days. How has life been outside government? My life has not changed because I was living in the same house whilst I was in government; I was in my house before I ever went into government and after, even before I contested as a senator. So, nothing has really changed in my life. The only thing is that I don’t have security apparatus around me anymore which I think is quite welcome, because I really never fancied having so much security around me. Since the death of Awolowo, the Yoruba race has no clear leader. Are you still shopping for a leader? We are not shopping for a leader. Yoruba don’t shop for leaders. If you know the Yoruba, their leaders emerge naturally. I think maybe Awolowo’s stature was larger than others, that is why people feel there has not been another Yoruba leader of that stature, but there have been various leaders after Awolowo. There was late Papa Adekunle Ajasin who led us in the Na-

voters’ cards in our homes after we fled and put that into consideration when it finally decide to allow us to vote and exercise our civic right.” Statistics from INEC voters’ register in Adamawa showed there were about 148,375 registered voters in the two local government areas. The breakdown showed there were 82,291 voters in Michika and 66,084 voters from Madagali. INEC’s other worry is the possible “infiltration of the IDPs camps in the state by insurgents who may already be disguising in these camps as IDPs”. The commission had come under

How was your experience at the National Conference? It was an enriching experience because you had about 400 people with diverse backgrounds from different parts of the country, all trying to pursue certain aims and objectives. Well, I have high hopes of the conference if the recommendations we made are implemented. I think it will be a roadmap for a new Nigeria. I think this conference built on the past conferences. The general populace wanted a change. I think if the recommendations of the conference are implemented then we are ready to see a change in Nigeria. Has the Lagos State government paid your entitlements? Yes, I complained that Lagos State government has not given me all my entitlements. In fact, the case is in court. They have come to court promising that they are going to settle my entitlements and we are still in dialogue to effect the settlement. We are still negotiating. My personal assistant was still at the state secretariat recently trying to negotiate the settlement

I think contesting elections nowadays has become very expensive and I don’t think I have a lot of money

Akerele-Bucknor

2015: Help for internally displaced persons C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

tional Democratic Coalition (NADECO), there was late Abraham Adesanya who succeeded Papa Ajasin and led the struggle for restoration of democracy.

heavy criticisms recently when it allocated more polling units to the North East where there have been mass exodus of people due to security challenges than the South East that has witnessed the influx of people running away from the war-torn states. But Jega explained that this was done in anticipation that those who fled their homes because of the crisis will return before the conduct of the general election. Participants at a recent workshop organised by Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) II Project in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for journalists in the North East have called on INEC to com-

mence wide sensitisation campaigns to various IDPs camps in the zone. They noted that the activities of insurgents in the region, have made it impossible for a large percentage of eligible voters to register for the forthcoming general election and called on INEC to reach to those persons in the various camps. The workshop, which was on reporting electoral processes for Nigeria’s 2015 elections, noted that the insurgency in the country has compelled parents to be separated from their children. It wondered how INEC would conduct elections in the affected areas as most of the people have fled their homes to take

refuge in camps. “INEC should commence without delay wide sensitisation campaign to the IDPs in the North-East on the electoral process as the 2015 elections draw nearer,” the communique at the end of the workshop added. Residents of Kuru Karama, Mararraban Foron, Vom, among others who have fled their homes to Bauchi State where they lived as IDPs in the wake of the crises, expressed similar fears at the approach of 2011 general election. They said they might not be able to cast their votes unless something was done about it by INEC. The people of the North East are facing the same problem and INEC is challenged to ensure that they are not denied the right to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general elections.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Leading Woman Mrs. Ayodele Olukoya is the South-West coordinator of the House to House Campaign for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid in 2015. She spoke with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS on why continuity in governance is essential for national transformation What informed the establishment of House to House Campaign? House to House Campaign for President Goodluck Jonathan reelection believes in continuity in governance. In order to realise our dream we must persuade the people, who are the ultimate custodian of power and sovereignty, to vote for continuity. In other words, we must persuade them to vote for this present government of President Jonathan. We have started the sensitisation gradually. Our national women leader, Mrs Funke Nnaji, has toured over 18 states already with her team. Our main focus is to take the message from House to House. We have our structures set and ready to go to all levels. What makes Jonathan the best candidate for Nigeria in the 2015 election? Best is a very subjective parameter. Even in schools, where they have straight criteria, you may find more than one student coming first. How do you now choose the best? You set other parameters to choose. Premier League Football is clear cut and shows us the pattern. If you have more than one team with the same points at the top of the table, you move to the next criteria to choose the best such as goal difference, goals for, goals against etc. And I want to believe that if a region tells us this is their best man for the job, we should accept because we are not God to know if the people’s choice is wrong or right. Can you really know more than a people? The best from any region is good for Nigeria. But there’ve been several allegations that Mr. President is underperforming? You’ve said it all; these are mere allegations. If a child is born, do you expect him to grow up that same day? Every developmental programme needs time to be accomplished. He has commenced transformation agenda on electricity, transportation etc but yet to finish them. He has a vision for this country and we should give him time. Most of the presidents that did something worthwhile spent eight years; four years is not enough for anyone to make a remarkable transformation process. The North and West have enjoyed power; it is time for the South-South. Before you know it the second term is

Olukoya: Nigerians’ll prove US wrong on break-up prediction our goodluck message to the good people of the South-West. What are your strategies? Do you expect me to discuss this on the pages of a newspaper? In any case, we have a comprehensive plan. We are on ground up to the polling unit level and soon you will start seeing us and when we knock on your door, open it and hear us out. But in the case some people show no or little interest, we would drop a bulletin where they can familiarise themselves with certain facts, figures and insightful analysis. You will then be able to go to our website to further enlighten yourself, and then you can come to various rallies and town hall meetings where you can get more enlightened on our goodluck message.

Olukoya

over and he would not have another chance at office. We want stability in governance and peace. We want projects to commence and complete. That is our desire as a group. Performance is relative and subjective too. The president is taking us back to the path of glory. Your mum and dad enjoyed the best of this country. I was able to enjoy part of it, but my dad and mum’s generation destroyed very thing that they enjoyed. We were able to enjoy some because that was the twilight of the golden era. That generation brought everything and everyone to their knees. As I tell people who care to know, we had long reached the bottom and we can’t go further down. There is nowhere else to go except disintegration and that is not our prayer. So we can only be on our way up, but we should not forget that sometimes suffering relapses. Performance in this context is accelerating the upward movement and making sure there are little or no relapses. We can see that this president is doing exactly that. At a time we had car assembles in this country and at our lowest ebb the companies all left. Now they are scrambling to come back. We now have two assembly plants that I know and more are coming. At a point in our history no one will touch Nigeria with a long stick, but nowadays we are one of the biggest destinations for Foreign Direct Investment. I can continue with a lot more; it is in that context I see performance. It is industrialisation that can create the type of massive job opportunities required here. This is precisely what he is doing. I could remember three to four years ago when everyone was shouting about the type of time bomb mass unemployment had created, but I don’t hear the shouts anymore. I am not saying unemployment has completely

disappeared, but we can now see massive employment in the agricultural sector. Power is on the path of recovery and transportation system has received a major boost from this administration too. This administration is very methodical and that is what is required for us to be on our way up.

The Americans have spoken, but it is now left for us to prove them wrong. This is where the South-West is crucial. The North and SouthSouth have their daggers drawn, as they both want power at all cost come 2015

How do you intend to penetrate South-West where we have the largest opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? I will not categorise South-West as opposition infested; we are too sophisticated for that and we are an enlightened people. We in the House to House have our facts and figures intact to convince the people of the South-West that voting for President Jonathan is the right thing to do. You see, die-hard supporters of an opposition party such as All Progressives Congress (APC) will always see nothing good in our argument and in the president. Supporters of the PDP will see everything good in our argument and in the president. But we are not interested in these two groups; we are interested in those who are neither here nor there. Because of education we have majority in the South-West. That is why you could get two different results in Ekiti and Osun states. The people know what they want. Take the 2011 presidential election for instance; the result showed that the people of the South-West did not come out to vote. There was huge voter’s apathy; 32 per cent came out against the national average of 52 per cent for a zone with the second largest voting population in the nation. It means the undecided stayed at home. So, we have our job mapped out, we understand that the times are different and the opposition is outspending and intimidating everyone to keep their terrain. That will not stop us from delivering

America has predicted a break-up and the 2015 election appears to be a major factor; what do you have to say about that? The Americans have spoken, but it is now left for us to prove them wrong. This is where the South-West is crucial. The North and South-South have their daggers drawn, as they both want power at all cost come 2015 and they do not see reasons they shouldn’t have it. And the SouthWest people too are playing to the gallery, instead of playing the stabilising role they are known for. Though four years might be very small in the life of a nation or a people, it is like a lifetime in the life of a politician. Staying out of government for just a short period of time for a politician is like being in the wilderness. This explains why it has become a door-die, and it has been predicted to break-up the country because politicians will stop at nothing to taste the seat of power. All the talk about a particular government not performing, insecurity etc. is an attempt by politicians to make sure they don’t remain in the wilderness for another four years. It has nothing to do with the people. For instance, when we talk about insecurity, our little analysis reveals that if we put a Northerner there, our Niger Delta brothers will be so aggrieved. They will feel we have used our numerical strength to show them that they are the minority group and have no say in the matters of the country. This could have grave consequence for this country and imagine the drums of war beating. I can assure you that the effect will trickle down to you and me because we are all in trouble when government does not have resources to govern the people. In 2019, when power changes hand, the South-South will be satisfied and oil will continue to pump uninterrupted. Then, the North takes over and Nigeria will not break as predicted by the Americans. What I expect my South-West people to do is to think “Nigeria” and throw their support behind the people of the South-South.

How TAN made Jonathan sole candidate (on page 20)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Ameyo’s model, Ebola label

Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

olitics must be flushed to the Lagos lagoon as we celebrate this feat made in Nigeria. Ebola landed in our huge country and boils no more. I said it that this inscrutable disease would meet it’s waterloo here, and my words have come to pass. Many had given up on this nation, times are indeed hard and there really was nothing to cheer. Blood became more regular than red wine . Peace changed camp. Everything became politics even hello, bore political undertone. Now, for once, we must hail this country, our own dear native land. President Goodluck Jonathan could have been called all monstrous names, you know, in Nigerian politics all is fair. I do not give a damn what they say to themselves because most of our politicians are cheaper than the Ayilara whore. A tart has some credibility. Inspite of her legion visitors, she still reserves her love for one man. That same man may go through the slimy road of satisfaction without dropping a dime, while others must get their ticket before they hit the arena. And these women of the night have a strong bond. The business unites them. Their differences may be visible, but when you attack their profession, you have all of them teaming up to defend the trade. Politicians do not ever agree on anything. So Ebola had to be another Jonathan that must be used to give us all sleepless nights. They said the President played politics with Ebola. Well ,maybe, because Lagos and Rivers, both All Progressives Congress states saw Ebola more than the others. The world stands still today to hail this country of contrasts, made to look stupid by most of the outside world because we have had a chain of rud-

derless leaders who turned this promising entity with wonderful people to a leper. Let us give credit to all those who deserve it. Dr Benjie Ohiaeri, owner of First Consultant Hospital, Obalende spends most of his time working as a gynaecoligist and obstetrician. He does not really have time to speak for himself. His job does the publicity most of the time. Many compatriots did not even know there was such a big facility in Obalende. What sells Obalende most of the time is that Gen. Murtala Mohammed was shot there in 1976 by Lt . William Seri. Ten years earlier, Maj. Emmanuel Ifeajuna had killed Brigadier Zakari Maimalari around the same spot. That year, 1966, was when Murtala’s first son came. And he was named Zakari. Back to Ohiaeri. The man knows many prominent Nigerians, from Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to Gen. Sani Abacha. In those years ,he could be driven into Dodan Barracks ,skipping security check. My guess is that Halima, Babangida’s last child was born in First Consultant. A man with such high profile connections, chooses to stay aloof from a lot of things outside his job .The father was more outgoing. A retired Nigerian police officer, Chief Josiah Chikezie Ohiaeri, Anyagharaigwe was a politician and died as a traditional ruler. Not many know Ohiaeri’s pain now. Apart from destroying most of his equipment to save us all from Ebola, the man, the only child of his mother, is still in mourning. The old woman’s body is lying in the morgue right now, but please, not due to Ebola. First Consultant lost facilities worth billions of Naira. Ohiaeri may not come out to say it. I can speak for him. Nigeria owes him a lot for saving everybody from Patrick Sawyer’s Ebola. I understand the Lagos state government wants to give him a stipend. Not bad. The man has not sent me to solicit for money. I am doing this on my own even if it sounds embarrassing. From First Consultant also came our own biblical Queen Esther, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh. Blood, they say, is thicker than water. Adadevoh may sound Ghanaian, there is more to the woman

than meets the ordinary eye. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe. There is no history of Nigeria without these names . The Missionary, the Nationalist and the President. Ameyo descended from the trio. Her mom was Macaulay’s granddaughter. Of course , Crowther came far before Macaulay while one of Zik’s forebears got married into the same family. Therefore, when Ebola came through Liberia, the spirit of Adadevoh’s Ghanaian ancestors spoke to the Owelle, who lived in the Gold Coast as a journalist. As the aircraft conveying Sawyer flew past Ghana, Crowther began to pray. Macaulay woke up, agitated. Then Azikiwe picked his pen. GOD watched them all. Macaulay was going to intercept the flight, Zik wrote against that. At last, Crowther’s prayers worked. T he Lord sent Sawyer to First Consultant, called Adadevoh to duty. The rest is now history. Adadevoh became our Amazon. She took up the fight, and died that we may live. Crowther, Macaulay and Azikiwe sent their offspring to save Nigeria. Kudos to Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, the man who headed the health ministry. He is also not a noise maker. Nigerians were sentisized. Orders were carried out and our people complied. Even Boko Haram felt for everybody. And God performed a miracle. Ebola came here and joined the next available flight, just like it flew in. Americans are still wondering how we did it. Europe is baffled, even Africans are bowing. You never know with Nigeria. Onyebuchi joined Dr. Jonathan’s cabinet as Christian Chukwu and has left, to play politics. It was Ebola that dragged him into Ebonyi politics. And I must commend the wisdom of Governor Martin Elechi. Please, Onyebuchi Chukwu deserves to work as governor. Let us give him a chance. I give him my total support. He must also work for the people, if elected. Fellow Nigerians, let us go out partying. We stood firm and conquered Ebola. We prayed to God and he killed Ebola here. We can also join hands next year to vote in good leaders.

Of PDP and black legs (2) Olugbenga Johnson Continued from yesterday

espite several denials to that effect, it soon became evident to even the least discerning observer that there was no longer love lost between Tambuwal and the leadership of the PDP and, indeed, between him and Jonathan. He is yet to declare for the APC but the impression across the country is that that is where his soul lies; to the extent that daily, there are speculations over moves to have him replaced with a more loyal fellow. In the last one year or so, Nigerians cannot remember when last Tambuwal was seen at a public function held or organized by either the PDP or the presidency. Clearly, he has decided to keep his distance. Observers see this as a ‘wise’ political calculation, in the sense that having realized the intensity of the discomfiture his speakership ambition has caused the PDP and the presidency, Tambuwal must have chosen early to keep off rather than pretending to be working with

his ‘enemies’. The theory is that Tambuwal has decided to call the PDP’s and presidency’s bluff and chosen to put his destiny in his own hands, after all. But his deputy, Ihedioha, does not seem to see it that way. Ihedioha seems to rely on the Biblical proverb of the prodigal son and the thinking that bye gone should be bye gone. Apparently taking advantage of Tambuwal’s ‘keep away’ policy, Ihedioha is filling the ‘vacuum’ left by his boss and friend. He is there at every public function, jostling for choice position closest to the president, always marked out by his conspicuous green cap and broad smiles. In addition to presenting himself to the president as loyal, Ihedioha is believed to have also used his position to curry favour from those who matter in the party, and to have his ‘sins’ completely forgiven. In his native state, Imo, where he is a frontline aspirant for the office of the governor in 2015, Ihedioha is believed to have spoilt many politicians, together with their followers, with cash, material gifts and appointments into membership of boards of federal

government agencies. For the ongoing campaigns for the elective offices, he is said to be heaviest spender and with the leverage afforded him with the appurtenances of his current office - including a long official convoy of cars– his governorship project is easily the most flamboyant. Still, there are signs that Ihedioha’s earlier rebellion to his party will haunt him. In spite of his brilliant electioneering campaign (even when the ban is yet to be lifted), not a few believe that the PDP will be making a costly mistake in rewarding such a fellow with a governorship ticket, after he had treated the leadership with such disdain in pursuit of personal ambition. As a matter of fact, many observers wonder why Ihedioha did not take the ‘wise’ decision as his co-traveler, Tambuwal, and stay off; to enjoy the spoils of his earlier victory against the PDP. Early this week, media reports had it that the PDP leadership may not have forgotten that the forthcoming election is an opportunity to create a deterrence for those who may in future think of working against

the party’s overall interest in pursuit of personal ambition. Recently, the party issued a public statement against the endorsement of some aspirants by governors and some state chapters. According to observers, behind this is the determination of the leadership of the party and the presidency to ensure that all those who were disloyal at any point to the party are not rewarded with the party’s patronage; as that will create disaffection among the party faithful. By this formular, both Tambuwal and Ihedioha fall into this caveat. But while Tambuwal, as earlier seen, seems to have read the handwriting on the wall, Ihedioha has struggled to remain in the good books of the party. In Imo state, there is a growing apprehension that his frequent appearances with the President at public functions are signs that he may have succeeded. Yet, the bigger fear is that the party faithful in the state will revolt against the party if it rewards Ihedioha’s disloyalty with a governorship ticket. Concluded • Johnson wrote in from Sagamu, Ogun State

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

EDITORIAL

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

Sanctity of Truth

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

The protracted political violence in Edo state

or some time now, Edo State has been turned into a theatre of needless political violence in which human lives have been lost and property destroyed. The violence is perpetrated by supporters of the two major political parties in the state, namely the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Political violence has become a central part of political competition across much of Nigeria. And it takes many forms-- from assassinations to armed clashes between gangs employed by rival politicians. Violence is most often carried out by gangs whose members are openly recruited and paid by politicians and party leaders to attack their sponsors’ rivals, intimidate members of the public, rig elections and protect their patrons from similar attacks. The point, however, must be made that, no matter what could have precipitated it, violence is not the best way to resolve any crisis. Rather, it will only ensure that no meaningful governance takes place and, therefore no tangible development at the end of the day. What it means, in essence, is that peace is a necessary condition for development in any polity. More than ever before, the people of Edo State need peace at

this material time for more and all-round development to take place. The pervasive violence that has been the hallmark of Nigerian politics over time has done a lot of collateral damage. Many ordinary people have lost their lives on the streets to thugs and goons who show no compunction in attacks meted out to supporters of their masters’ opponents. Others have been lucky to escape death by a hair’s breadth but have been maimed for life. Besides, violence discourages and prevents political participation and plays a central role in denying ordinary Nigerians a say in choosing their representatives. It is for this reason that the leaders of the two political parties in Edo state should call their supporters to order, embrace peace and cease to fan the embers of violence. Whatever may be the political disaffection in the state can be resolved through dialogue and not violence, which is like sowing a wind in only to reap a whirlwind. Indeed, violence should not be the reward the people of Edo State would get for entrusting politicians with their destinies. The present administration in Edo State has undoubtedly worked assiduously to develop the state after several years of neglect but if there is peace, much

more development could still be achieved. It is also germane to stress that politicians should be free to join any political party of their choice without any harassment or molestation. It’s time politics in the country moved away from the pristine level to a more elevated, mature and sophisticated level. We must advance our democracy and democracy gives room for political tolerance and accommodation. Nigerians can actually live in peace with one another, despite the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. If we learn to respect one another, to be sensitive to the other person’s idiosyncrasies and or individualisms, we can actually live in peace and personal or group fulfillment. According to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic, security and welfare of citizens are the primary purpose of government. It is, thus, incumbent on any government in power to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail for that government to work assiduously to be able provide for the needs of the people. We urge the police and other security agents to ensure the political disagreement in Edo State does not result in further violence. The police especially must be impartial in the discharge of their responsibility of maintain-

ing law and order in the society. We urge the people of Edo State, an otherwise sophisticated group of people, not to allow anybody or group of people to take them for a ride or use them to achieve selfish ends. They must not allow politicians to use them to wreak violence on people and property in the Heartbeat of the Nation. The question they must always ask themselves is, why should people maim and kill others just so that they may have an opportunity to serve the public? Truth is, leaders who sponsor thugs and finance militant groups are not genuine leaders of the people and must be shunned. That is the least that the good people of Edo State can do for themselves. However, we insist that the best way to make it impossible for politicians to find recruits for their oft-dastardly actions is for the government to provide jobs. Once young, able-bodied men are gainfully employed, they would like to be recruited as thugs to go and kill and possibly get killed. It is because a lot of people are hopeless that they resort to unorthodox means to make ends meet. Although this is no justification for anyone to engage in any form of violence, it is, ultimately, the best that government must do to wean the youths from violence.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editors, Daily n Emeka Obasi, Ayodele Ojo

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

News Editor n Geoffrey Ekenna

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Ag. Sales/Circulation Manager n Uchey Okezie

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Politics

The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) played crucial roles in the making of President Goodluck Jonathan the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election, writes DAN AMOR

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

2015: How TAN made Jonathan sole candidate

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja was literally shut down last Saturday, as the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) rounded off its nationwide rallies with the grand finale at the Eagles Square. The crowd was unprecedented and the atmosphere seductive even as the weather which hitherto was heralded by an early morning rain suddenly became summarily bright. The climax was the handing over of 17.8million signatures collated from TAN zonal rallies urging President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election come 2015 and the unveiling of the man behind TAN, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah who has single-handedly funded the organisation from inception till date. In the past six months of its stringent activism in the advocacy space during which it has successfully dwarfed all superlatives, TAN has been unambiguous as to what it stands for. No doubt, the organisation has consistently told Nigerians that as a public trust, it will surely outlive even the Goodluck Jonathan administration especially in the arduous task of moving Nigeria to the next level. From public advocacy and media campaigns, TAN has consistently confronted Nigerians with verifiable facts of President Jonathan’s achievements in the past three years of his first term. Having done that with tremendous success, TAN, as a massoriented organisation with a drive to ignite grassroots participation in politics, therefore has no choice than to get into the field and have a feedback from the people to the government. This is to fulfil the agelong maxim that information is a two-way process. Attempts by successive administrations to improve on the decaying infrastructure became very difficult due to the complete absence of the political will to address the decadence squarely. When President Jonathan won his pan-Nigerian mandate and was sworn in on May 29, 2011, nobody gave him the chance to succeed. But he approached the implementation of his Transformation Agenda with utmost sincerity and doggedness. But the more effort Jonathan made to implement his policies, the more he was being attacked in the media as doing nothing. He became, indeed, the most criticised and vilified president in the history of the country. But sector after sector, Mr. President demonstrated a commitment to service. TAN, having resolved to be part of the unfolding history decided to investigate the achievements of the Jonathan administration, and the revelation was starling even to the hitherto doubting Thomases. Besides being a rule of law-compliant president, he guaranteed freedom of the judiciary and made some of the most decisive appointments in the judiciary. It was he that appointed the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN); the first female President of the Court of Appeal; and ensured a comprehensive judicial reform in Nigeria. In the transport sector, the Jonathan administration established a new Maritime University in Oron, Akwa Ibom State; it established an Aviation Institute in Ogbaru, Anambra State; he got the moribund Nigeria Railways rehabilitated, procured 25 new locomotives and 200 coaches refurbished and now functioning across the country. The administration has increased access to potable water and has constructed and rehabilitated 61 dams. It has also doubled irrigated farmland for enhanced food production, and this has led to over 35 per cent reduction in food import in three years. His

L–R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SSG), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Vice-President, Namadi Sambo; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha and Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, at the grand finale rally for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, organised by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) in Abuja.

administration’s achievement in the education sector is even more pronounced as he will go down in history as the first Nigerian leader to have established 12 federal universities in one fell swoop. He modernised Almajiri schools to rehabilitate the downtrodden and scum of society who were hitherto exploited and used by politicians to perpetrate violence in the society. Jonathan is the most supportive president of the automobile industry having provided investment-friendly automotive policy which has enhanced local manufacture of vehicles in Nigeria. The just-concluded National Conference which the administration husbanded is the best assemblage of Nigerians of all walks of life to have gathered to discuss freely the state of the nation without inhibition or no-go areas from any quarters. More than any other administration in the annals of the country, this government has invested heavily in the aviation industry. There is now total radar coverage nationwide even as five new terminals are under construction. Before the rebasing that made the Nigerian economy Africa’s largest with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $510 billion, the administration had doubled tax revenue to N4.8 trillion in four years and had seeded Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) with $1 billion. President Jonathan has broken the record in road construction and maintenance in recent times. More than 2,000 kilometres of roads were built and rehabilitated in 2013 alone, the highest in a single year by any government in the history of Nigeria. Not only has construction work begun on the Second Niger Bridge, the Federal Government has almost completed the construction of the Oweto Bridge in Benue State to link the East to the North and reduce travel time significantly. In the health sector, the administration has refurbished 1,500 primary healthcare facilities, rehabilitated and modernized Teaching Hospitals across the country and ensured about 50 per cent drop in maternal mortality, this is not a surprise. Also, the Federal Government has bankrolled thousands of aspiring youth entrepreneurs through YouWiN loan facility. Having tried to showcase the above achievements, and many more accomplishments of the administration, TAN therefore had no choice than to move into the field to get a feedback from the people to government since information management is a

The more effort Jonathan made to implement his policies, the more he was being attacked in the media as doing nothing. He became, indeed, the most criticised and vilified president in the history of the country

two-way process. On Saturday August 16, the rally debuted in Awka, Anambra State for the five states in the South-East with a bang attracting a mammoth crowd that was unprecedented in Igboland with over 1.6 million verifiable signatories placing a demand on President Jonathan to run for the 2015 presidential election. On Saturday August 23, the train moved to Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State where the Awka show was reduced to a mere town hall meeting due to the surging crowd that stormed the venue. The rally mobilised 1.8 million signatures of people of the South West zone urging the president not to disappoint them in contesting the 2015 presidential election to complete his Transformation Agenda programme. According to them, Jonathan has no choice on this. The train thereafter moved to Port Harcourt for the South South show on Saturday August 30 where over 4.1 million signatures were gathered for their distinguished son, and observed a two-week recess before proceeding to Minna, Niger State on Saturday September 13 where the North Central zone handed over 1.2 million signatures to TAN, urging the president to contest the 2015 presidential race. TAN had modified its strategic programming for the North East and North West rallies. On Saturday September 20, the train moved to Gombe in the North East, where leaders of Nigeria’s two major religions, Christianity and Islam led Nigerians in praying for peace to reign in the country. This was repeated in Kano in the North West on Saturday September 27 where TAN collated 1.39 million signatures for Mr. President. In attendance for the Abuja rally were very important government officials including the Vice-President Namadi Sambo who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who represented the Senate President David Mark, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba. Others include Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna) and Bala Ngilari (Adamawa). The Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Umar Garba and several ministers were also in attendance. In spite of the usual filibustering of the opposition who feel threatened by TAN’s superlative performance in the public advocacy space, it is an idea whose time has come. •Amor is a journalist with TAN

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Media

Arts

Agozino Agozino

ot only does producing good art works demand imagination, vision and knowledge, it also requires remarkable skills. Some artists approach this creative engagement with ease, while some others just cannot do so easily. But Aladegbongbe Aderinsoye’s Latent Reality shows an artist who freely makes good art works with clear message. Latent Reality, an exhibition of experimental figurative pieces, and paintings, scheduled to open at Didi Museum, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island Lagos, this Saturday October 25 and continues through to October 31, is showcasing Aladegbongbe as one artist whose studio works blend well with trends of contemporary Nigerian art. The show, an experimental outing put together by Aladegbongbe, takes a look at his recent studio practices of art. The exhibition highlights periodic development in the artist’s work. Aladegbongbe, a designer, painter and lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), who recently returned from the United States, where he participated alongside other artists in the just concluded African Festival of Arts in Chicago, said the show would highlight the synergy between the supernatural and the physical. With about 40 works ready for display, the painting is rendered with eyes for detail, composition, perspective and colour balance, thus revealing detailed techniques and elaborate art pieces. Going through some of the pieces at a press briefing held last week at YABATCH, the first impression one gets is that Aladegbongbe addresses diverse subjectmatters so deftly, with a good sense of execution. Explaining the reason for the exhibition, the Ondo State born artist said while being a continuation of his regular yearly exhibition, Latent Re-

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Tourism

Spoken Word to create awareness for the girl child

Lagos agog as Akwaaba opens on Sunday

CULTURE

Aderinsoye’s Latent Reality for Didi Museum

Heritage Of The Lord, by Aderinsoye

Celebration unlimited, by Aderinsoye

ality is equally aimed at showcasing his recent experimental pieces to the public. “Latent Reality focuses on the supernatural refilled in the physical. Thoughts are intangible but not until they are interpreted on a paper or canvass as drawings, paintings, pieces of sculptures, they remain illusive and invisible,” he said, adding that the theme was chosen to cover synergy between supernatural and physical. The artist, who is also a part time Pentecostal pastor, said “culture is people’s way of life.” Such colours as red, yellow and green were remarkably used in many of the exhibits. Interestingly, Aladegbong-

be’s style draws heavily from Yoruba indigenous art traits with motifs, forms and themes that showcase his steep in traditional ethos. Another issue often raised by the artist through his works is that Christianity is not against the true Nigerian cultures and traditions. “It is not true that everything about African traditional art and culture is evil. That notion is not true because what art does is to teach us our present and past. So there is a way the younger generation can learn about their past with looking at their art works. Apart from that, we know that art helps every society to keep its history. This is one of the things that I try to showcase through

Latent Reality focuses on the supernatural refilled in the physical

my works.” Among the major group and solo exhibitions that Aladegbongbe has participated in recently are, “An Anthropological Study of Ilara-Mokin, a Visual Representation”, held at Yusuf Grillio Gallery Yabatech, “Visual Sensation” at National museum Onikan, “October Rain” by Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos, at Nike Gallery Lekki, the Art Zero group shows at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos and Red Brick Building, National Theatre. He also participated in a group show by the National Gallery of Art in University of Benin and another at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Arts

Moses Kadiri

meka Albert Odidika makes memories come alive like a movie through videography. The CEO of Phat Kings Entertainment creates concepts for shows, artiste promotion and wedding coverages. Though he has Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ukwa, entertainment has remained his dream. “This has always been my dream; it is the voice of God; and the love for what l do,” he enthused. “It is amazing when you tap into your original dream. Today, l am happy with what l am doing.” According to him, his outfit has covered high profile weddings in the country, and counting. “The list is endless,” he noted. But when he started nurturing the dream many did not believe in him, but the young man forge ahead; and today he can beat his chest that he followed his dream. He disclosed that Phat Kings Entertainment does not cover low profile weddings, but high profile occasions. “For the media section of Phat Kings Entertainment, we cover high definition weddings; the coverage is more than the normal wedding you see. Ours is videography; we cover events like a movie which will linger in your heart forever,” he said. “The way we deliver in terms of videography is different from other establishment; some just shoot, they don’t take details, but for us it is something you will watch that takes your memory back to the day because of our state-of-the-art equipment; even in photography. “We have one of the top photographers in the country; our DOP are well trained. While we are shooting a wedding, you will think we are shooting a movie, when we are done with such production you would not want to go to another company again,” he stressed. On what will make a client not go for other outfit that offers the same services, Emeka said “it is like when one eats a good meal such person can differentiate between bad and good meal. Perceiving the aroma of a meal is not enough; it is eating the meal. By the time you see the finished product of Phat Kings Entertainment, ordinarily things you do not think of in your event you will be amazed to see it in the production,” he said. “People that do not know me will not believe what l can offer, that is one of the challenges we are facing, until they see the production before they can believe that you are good. The first job l did, the lady did not believe l produced the work; ever since then she has been referring me to clients. Three of my friends will be wedding in December they want me to cover the wedding; they have not seen my work, but they believe in me because of what they saw in the past.” With about two years in the business, Emeka believes he can handle the competitive terrain. “Ideas rule the world. It took me a long time to establish Phat Kings Entertainment. If l was sacred of the terrain l would not have dabbled into it; l would have focus in business of buying and selling, or practise my career, but it is persistence. It keeps telling me this is what l can do. When l started l did not have the finance strength, but l am here today because the dream was so real, the voice was very clear; if you believe in yourself you will succeed; you will not be afraid of any competition, you will become a competition because l have the idea, and concept defines me, this are the things that mould me, and stands me out,” he boasted.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Video coverage, production, has always been my dream –Emeka

The way concerts are being handled in the entertainment industry is nothing to write home about, it is very poor

Emeka

Emeka said the way concerts are handled in the Nigerian entertainment industry is very poor. He reveals ways to improve the sector. “This are my ideas...The way concerts are being handled in the entertainment industry is nothing to write home about, it is very poor,” he said. He declares that Nigerian entertainment industry has sky-rocketed. “If you are an artiste in this country you can beat your chest that you have a career in music, but in the past it was not so, you could be a musician but you cannot beat your chest. l be-

lieve it is a platform that should be treated with respect. l have never seen in a concert probably a day before the concert where there are album sales; l have never seen album signing in a concert usually it should be so,” he observed. “When there is a concert it means you are promoting your album or fans have requested for you to perform, you just don’t mount the stage perform and leave, there are other things that you need to do, you should have them bring your CD, and you autograph it, you should show them more than just performance, you should give

them memories. There are concept to entertainment that l am bringing, it is a gradual process because it involve a lot of work. I have ideas that l want to introduce by the time they see these they will sit up, and that time will be too late, because l would have taken over.” He said he is not going to be a bandwagon in the entertainment industry. “l have a website www.phatkingshiphop. com, which is up, the Nigerian entertainment now in terms of website, you see people lifting other peoples news, people are not creative anymore, you can find live video events on my web page that l covered, anything you see on the page is fresh and authoritative.” Emeka whose outfit is also into promotion of artistes said while he is promoting artistes his outfit is also managing them. “What we do is that we create a platform for the artiste to be heard on radio, we do the dirty work for them; they do not need to wake up in the morning and go to one radio station to the other.” Emeka however noted that Phat Kings Entertainment has standard in artiste promotion, “we will listen to the song and ensure it has good lyrical content; we will not want the song to carry vulgar statement, in terms of video we will not want it to have lots of sexual content because of NBC; we will like you to present to us your talent first, and if there should be any side effects it should be minimize,” he advised.

M-Net Edge clinches exclusive deal with HBO

-Net has signed a milestone agreement with the renowned US television network to screen all first-run HBO series, as well its iconic library material, exclusively on M-Net Edge. When M-Net Edge launches on DStv’s channel 113, the HBO classic The Sopranos will be a fixture on the schedule on weekdays at 22:00 CAT, while viewers will also be able to enjoy the fifth and final season of the highly acclaimed Boardwalk Empire, the period drama starring Steve Buscemi, which has garnered a long list of prestigious awards over the years. Among the other HBO shows that

will premiere on M-Net Edge at a later stage are new seasons of The Newsroom, Veep, Girls, Silicon Valley, The Leftovers and Looking. But that’s not where the good news ends: anyone who has been waiting for the chance to watch gut-wrenching or hard-hitting masterpieces like Rome, Banshee and The Wire again, will love M-Net Edge’s plans for 2015. “The deal with HBO is a great coup for us,” says Director: M-Net and MNet Edge, Victor Eckard, adding that, “Throughout the world, HBO is wellknown for its groundbreaking, cutting-edge and superior quality productions. Their shows are a perfect

fit for the bold new M-Net Edge which aims to delight discerning viewers with risque, yet classy, series. This fantastic partnership also allows us to bring the best HBO series to our shores much faster and you’ll know where to find them first — on channel 113. “It is great to see M-Net Edge adopt the ‘Home of HBO’ model. It has proven to be successful in many other countries around the world,” said Charles Schreger, President Program Sales for HBO. “We are thrilled to have such a valuable partner like M-Net embrace the HBO brand in this way.”

Arts

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Ebere Ameh

any people in the audience were at the verge of tears as Ajibola Adeoya presented his poem titled Mary’s Song, at the US Embassy, Lagos recently. Finely written in free verse, the poem catapults the audience back in time. With Mary, a little and intelligent first child of a couple, who brought so much joy to her immediate and extended family, as the protagonist, the spoken word was aptly presented at no other time than during the celebration of the International Day for the Girl Child. “Mary Joe was this couples’ first baby / After eighteen years of trying / Mary Joe was a blessing / Mary Joe was a lesson / Little Mary was beauty; with our eyes we behold it.” the first stanza reads. Mary grew up to be as pretty as she was witty. She is a source of blessing and happiness to her family and a potential leader of tomorrow. Pretty and radiant / Preppy and valiant / As smooth and smart as capsules / More like a properly prepared soup, garnished with all the necessary ingredient / She was set to conquer, but something else was imminent / After a week in kindergarten / It was a different tune we were singing “Mary was a genius / Her teachers were quick to notice / She brought us smiles / She lit up our lives / In this dark world, she was our light.” Reminiscent of the December 25th bombing of St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, the poet used the medium to depict the senseless killing of future leaders due to religious extremism and the untold sorrow they unleashed in the hearts of the families of the deceased. The news was breaking / We knew the worst had happened / We were just afraid to face it. / 25th of December was a Sunday morning / At St. Theresa cathedral in Madalla / There was a

A scene in Performance Arts Workshop Studios (PAWS) production of Yoruba Romance at Terra Kulture, Lagos, which is on every Sunday in October

Spoken Word to create awareness for the girl-child bombing / The damage done was colossal / It was immediately after mass as worshipers were dispersing / A dozen Hail Marys’ didn’t give us a premonition / A motorcycle drove by, / Dropped something wrapped in poly-ethylene / The guards got curious and went close to examine / What happened next is best imagined / The content went off / The impact sent the roof on an errand / The louvers shattered / The gates came down crashing / Body part littered the car park / more than half a dozen cars

exploded / A family of five got trapped and were roasted / On the ground it left a crater / In our hearts a scar / ‘Cos somewhere in this tragedy was Mary” With his sonorous voice which he undulated at intervals and a little action, Adeoya made his presentation, bringing tears to many eyes as they remembered that black Christmas day. Poetry is fast evolving in Nigeria from just written forms to spoken forms used to rattle the consciousness of the people or pure entertainment.

Osoteku emerges Miss Olokun 2014 Taiwo Jimoh

iss Osoteku Omolade Mariam has won this year’s edition of Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant contest held in Lagos, as part of activities marking the annual Olokun Festival. The crown was keenly contested by young girls from the 36 state of the federation. At the end of the breath-taking contest, Miss Osoteku from Ogun State was crowned the new Miss Olokun, amidst pomp and ceremony. In her farewell speech, the Miss Olokun 2013 thanked the organisers of the competition for putting such a laudable event in place, in projecting the image of the Yoruba race. She told the newly crowned Miss Olokun to leave a mark in the world and strive to reach as far and wide limitless as possible. She said the crown is not about the outer beauty alone, “it is about the natural inner beauty that makes a queen.” The National Coordinator of Oodua

People’s Congress (OPC) and chief promoter of Olokun Foundation, the organisers of the event, Otunba Gani Adams said the essence of the contest is to promote ideals that would connect young women to their culture, and make them conscious of their social role as a

mother. “We are conscious of the responsibilities women play in our society, in our culture, while women transmit the societal values to their children. We are staging this show as awareness project, because if we fail to inform them about

Adams (right), Miss Olokun (third right) and others during the presentation of the car to the winner

Though a graduate of Chemical Engineering, Adeoya has taken to spoken word just like other youngsters as another outlet to express his views outside academic & institutional domains. Other poets like Ajibade Adetayo, Oluchi Njoku, and Omoteleola Vera-Cruz presented poems at the event, titled The Lonely Girl, I am a Dream, and For The Girl Child – My pride respectively, all geared towards creating awareness to the plight of the girl child. their culture, we would fail in making them realise that there is a culture in their communities, he said. “I learnt from my mother that women symbolises certain qualities that their children should emulate. I was also taught how to pray and love my country and my tribe.” The Miss Olokun Beauty pageants is organised to inculcate moral standards, also an occasion where the virtues of vivacious women are celebrated. While the pageant also gave the maiden the privilege to exhibit their talents as well as knowledge of culture norms, speaking skill and comportment and the cultivation of personal esteem. “We are Olokun Festival foundation considers the competition as an assets to nation building. It gives the various participants the chance to contribute their time and disposition to our coexistence,” Adams said. He added that since the maidens were from heterogeneous cultural background, the pageant creates the ground to build cultural interaction among the contestants. The guests at the event were entertained by upcoming hip-hop artistes.

Tourism

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lagos agog as Akwaaba opens on Sunday Andrew Iro Okungbowa

frica destinations will be on focus next week as the 10th edition of Akwaaba – African Travel Market – a travel and tourism trade exhibition opens on Sunday. The three-day event, spanning Sunday to Tuesday, will hold at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Organised annually by the publishers of Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ), the travel expo, which has earned the recognition of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is opened to various operators in the tourism industry and destinations across Africa, ranging from travel buyers, suppliers, sellers, administrators and national tourism board. As the only regional expo, which is being positioned as a platform for the world to meet Africa at her turf, the organisers say it is the best avenue for real operators in the industry to showcase their products and services as it affords them opportunities to meet with, interact and network with major buyers of travel, and other key operators within the Africa continent and even globally. Over 100 exhibitors from across the various sectors of the industry including aviation, hotels and allied operators, as well as state governments and tourism boards in Nigeria, are expected to attend this year’s event. The list of Africa countries confirmed for the expo includes Kenya, Rwanda, Gambia, and Uganda. The organisers also confirmed that everything necessary has been put in place to host a successful event this year. They further assured the exhibitors and trade visitors of their security and safety. With the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of Nigeria free from Ebola, the organisers say there is no more anything to fear about the expo and therefore, there would be no reason for anyone to cancel their travel plans for the event. Despite this declaration, the organisers informed that measures have been put in place to observe the required international health standard by WHO and the federal ministry of health and the Lagos State government, adding that there should be no reason for anyone to entertain any fear as adequate measures would also be put in place to attend to any health issue or emergency. An elaborate and rich programme and activities of different kinds have been slated to hold during the three-day exhibition. The star event is the Africa Travel Award, which has been tagged as special event and it is billed to hold on Sunday October 26, at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suite, at 5pm. The special guest at the event is the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), guest of honour is Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, a pilot with Kenya Airways who is also slated for awards for her various exploits including flying an all-female crew airline, first female pilot of Kenya Airways and the first female pilot to fly Boeing 787 Dreamliner, while the chairman of the day is the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi. The exhibition continues on the second day (Monday), while the African Business Travel Association (ABTA) Day holds alongside the expo between 10am and 3pm. ABTA Day begins with a welcome reception followed by a panel discussion on the changing corporate travel landscape in Nigeria, and a roundtable industry discussion on practical

Rwanda’s cultural troupe entertaining at last year’s Akwaaba

strategies for re-defining travel management company, travel agent, suppliers and client relationships. The exhibition closes on the third day, Tuesday, which is dedicated to two major events – hospitality day and wine tasting. The hospitality day holds between 10am and 1pm with the keynote address to be delivered by the Chairman of Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, Asaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu on the topic: “Investing in Hospitality Business – Between the Known and the Unknown”. The event, which would be attended by many of the hospitality operators and investors across the continent, would be chaired by the Area Manager of Sheraton Hotels Nigeria, Barry Curran, while the panel discussion would be led by the General Manager of Legacy Hotels and Resorts International, Adrian Landry. Other dignitaries expected at the event include, the General Manager of Golden Tulip Port Harcourt, Kazeem Durosomo and the General Manager of Eko Hotel and Suites, Danny Kiopourogiou. The speakers include the Managing Director of Rightplaces, Funke Adepoju who will be speaking on “Hotel Beddings and Other Essentials”; the Chief Executive Officer of Current-Link System Limited, Bob Bamgbose who will speak on the “Futuristic Hotel and Innovations in Hospitality”; and the Head of Business Enterprises, Samsung West Africa, Anu Rotimi, who will be speaking on “Innovation and Technology as a Platform to Exchange the Guest Experience”. After the brain storming session then comes the wine tasting session, which obviously is the best way to welcome the people to a warm and exciting day as wine makers and distributors from across the country, Africa and the globe, are expected to treat visitors to the event, which is slated to hold at the ground floor of the Expo Hall to a savoury vintage wine and corkage of different brands. ...At Magical Kenya Expo, East Africa adopts Awkaaba As Akwaaba opens to the world, exhibitors, trade visitors and the public should expect to welcome operators and exhibitors from the East Africa region

Ikechi Uko, organiser of Akwaaba

Over 100 exhibitors from across the various sectors of the industry including aviation, hotels and allied operators, as well as state governments and tourism boards in Nigeria, are expected to attend this year’s event

in their numbers to the event following the adoption of Akwaaba by the eastern bloc as the West Africa region expo. This decision was reached at the just concluded Magical Kenya Expo which held at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. At a meeting of the inaugural East Africa tourism stakeholders forum which held at Sarova Stanley Hotel as part of the Magical Expo, the participating countries from the bloc identified five

international events and three regional events as the ‘’must attend’’ events for East African countries. The three regional events are Magical Expo in Kenya, Kwita Izina in Rwanda and the Matyr event in Uganda. The five international events are WTW London, ITB Berlin, JATA Japan, Indaba South Africa and Akwaaba for West Africa. Before this endorsement, Akwaaba had enjoyed the official acclaim of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as the official travel expo in 2009; Nigeria in 2007 endorsed it as the official expo, while such bodies as New York - based African Travel Associate (ATA) has since 2008 partnered with Akwaaba as well as and Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA); National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP); also, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO) listed Akwaaba as the only tourism expo in West Africa since 2008. Akwaaba is the only African member of International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA). …Ugandan comedian, Daniel Omara Pkwiiyulli, to thrill guests Uganda is not only coming to showcase their destination for the first time at the fair, they are also billed to entertain the audience at the exhibition to the best of their entertainment culture with one of their own, Daniel Omara, a comedian, set to treat the people to some of his ribs crack tales. Pkwiiyulli is a reputed entertainer and comedian in Uganda who first came to public consciousness with his 2009 debut after he emerged as the second runner up in the DSTV reality TV competition ‘Standup Uganda.’ At 21 he was evidently the youngest contestant and was christened the “comedy wonder kid” as he brought in new flavor to the industry with his intelligent marquee of humor. He has carved a niche for himself over a short period of time, as he was the first standup comic to perform at the Big Brother live show. He has also dabbled into TV presentation and acting which have made him prominent in the East and Southern Africa.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

BON: The journey so far 26

Big Brother Hotshots: three more ladies sent

NBC Partners MIPCOM for Better Content

Entertainment

How Felabration got Lagos dancing week-long

December 17 is FAME 2014 concert uild up to event of the B future, Fashion And Music Entertainment (FAME)

Stories by SOny neme

rom October 13th to October 19th, the 2014 13th edition with the theme, ‘Who No No Go Know’ lived up to its billing. It has apparently become the biggest in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar. Expectedly, it witnessed a huge turn out as fans of the legend participated in the annual festival of music and arts commemorating the life and times of Nigerian’s foremost musical icon, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti. As a music brand, it is remained revered and highly influential. The idea and concept of Felabration as an annual celebration of Fela’s music, life and times, originated from his eldest child Yeni who conceived it in 1998. With the exception of 1999, Felabration has taken place yearly. According to the organisers, “As the creator of afrobeat, social critic, as well as political activist and champion of the underprivileged and a philosopher of his own political ideologue, Fela remains a hero to millions for his contributions to society.” They further stated that, “Our festival in his honour always attracts a huge loyal following. Every year Felabration attracts over 100 artistes both locally and internationally. Our festivals always include various creatively diverse activities. ‘The Fela Debates’, symposium series, the secondary schools

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

Don Carlos

Yeni

debate for schools in Lagos State, Dance Troupes, Photo Exhibitions, The Fela Street Carnival Parade with musical floats and costumed dancers The Fela Week Partners events and much more. We continue to offer an exhilarating week-long festivity celebrating the iconic status of Africa’s best known musical figure, and best of all, it remains mostly free” Currently Felabration, organized by the Felabration Organising Committee has grown into a mega week-long musical event in Nigeria which attracts thousands of visitors to the New Africa Shrine from all over the world, thereby making it an official tourist destination of The Lagos State Government who are major sponsors of the event. Over the years Felabration has attracted many high class musical acts from all over the world. The roll call includes Hugh Masakela, Femi Kuti, and late Lucky Dube. Others include Awilo, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, and Lagbaja. Asa, TuFace, Seun Kuti and many others had at various times participated actively in making the show worthwhile. .

In 2008, over 50 international artistes came together from the United States, Great Britain, France and Senegal to perform at Felabration under the banner, African Express. Every year Felabration features exciting line ups of artistes designed to whet the appetite of music lovers. The Felabration Week always runs through the week of October that includes the 15th ensuring that Fela’s posthumous birthday celebrations are part of the Festival. It all began on Sunday 12th October 12 with the screening of the documentary film “Finding Fela,” Next was at Freedom Park, Old Prison Yard on Broad Street, Lagos on Monday 13 being Nelson Mandela day with Stage Play “Fela son of Kuti” directed by Toyin Oshinaike, and Fela Documentaries- curated by Ayo Oshinubi. then on Tuesday 14th Kwame Nkrumah day had the Troupes Dance Competition with Dj Ray Bee Browne on consol. The fun continued on Wednesday (Marcus Garvey day) with Eti Osa Road Show that witnessed Ghana Delegation CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

With a population of over 160million people, how can a good Nollywood movie not sell more than 50,000 Copies?

Concert 2014 has taken an appreciable shape. FAME, which is the creative initiative of young and enterprising Bukiie Smart, is set to hold on December 17 at the Grand ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lekki. Interestingly, participants are already perfecting strategies to showcase their talents and a chance of going home with the grand prize of one million naira in each category. The Project Director, Fame 2014, Dr. (Mrs.) Tonia Smart, had stated that, “FAME is designed to also provide a platform that will transform them into socio-economic successes in the Lifestyle industries. Miss Smart had, at a recent media briefing on the event, informed that notable artistes and judges have been packaged for the high profile celebration of talents which is being sponsored by Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and other partnering organisations. She has now revealed that while awards winning Uti Nwachukwu and Maria Okanrende has been confirmed as hosts, performing artistes are Seyi Shay, Falz and others are also on Bill to thrill the audience. She added that, “Judges for both segments includes singing sensation Omawumi Megbele, Oscar Heman Ackah and George Nathaniel, as well as Sola Babatunde, Ejiro Amos Tafiri and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.”

Entertainment

Stories by SOny neme

t is indeed heartwarming and flattering that for the first time in the history and evolution of the Best of Nollywood Awards, BON, the nominees of this particular edition, the media, stars and stakeholders are being hosted by a state government. That was how the CEO of BON, Seun Olukotuyi captured the mood in Port Harcourt penultimate week as all roads led to the oil rich state where thespians were honoured for their efforts in the make believe world. At the end of the show, anchored by Fred Amata, winners and loosers emerged with Desmond Eliot emerging as the best director, while Silence was adjuged the Movie Of The Year. Most Promising Actor went to Abdulateef Adedimeji in Kudi Klepto, while Ijeoma Agu In Misfit is Most Promising Actress. Best Child Actor award was carted by Olamide Davids in Black Silhoutte, just as Best Actress honour was shared by both Kanyinsola Eniola for her efforts in Oritoke snd Priscillia Ojo in Silenc. Other winners were 30 Days in Atlanta - Comedy Of The Year; Daniel K. Daniel - Revelation Of The Year (Male) and Linda Ejiofor in Revelation Of The Year (Female) While hailing Governor Rotimi Amaechi for showing tremendous support for the Nigerian movie industry, he said the Rivers State governor is not only doing that because of his understanding of the potency of Nollywood as a veritable tool of social re-engineering and its tourism potentials, but, more importantly because of Port Harcourt’s contribution to the Nigerian movie industry. His words: “You would agree with me that the University of Port Harcourt, arguably, more

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

BON: The journey so far

Best Actor In A Leading Role (English) Winner: Tope Teleda In A Mile From Home

Desmond Elliot is best director, Silence is Movie of the year

Best Actor In A Leading( Yoruba) Winner: Yinka Quadri In Aremo Ite

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Best Actor In A Leading Role (Hausa) Winner: Sadiq Sani In Hadarin Gabaz Best Actor In A Leading Role(Igbo) Okey Bakassi In Onye Oz1 Best Actress In A Leading Role(English) Winner: Ivie Okujaye In Black Silhouette Best Actress In A Leading Role(Yoruba ) Seyi Asekun In Fifehanmi Best Actress In A Leading (Igbo) Winner: Queen Nwokoye In Adamobi Best Actress In A Leading Role (Hausa) Winner: Asmau Abubakar Hadarin Gabaz Best Supporting Actor (English) Winner: Femi Jacobs In Dream Walker Best Supporting Actress (English) Winner: Rita Dominic In The Meeting Best Supporting Actor (Yoruba) Winner: Dele Odule In Kori Koto Best Supporting Actress (Yoruba) Winner: Ayo Adesanya In Sanbe

Winners displaying their awards

than any other higher institution in this country, as contributed more stars to Nollywood….the likes of Sam Dede, Basorge Tariah Junior, and Bob Manuel-Udokwu, as well as Rita Dominic, Julius Agwu and Tamara Eteimo who won the Next Movie Star 2011 reality television show are some of the shining examples of Port Harcourt’s contribution to Nollywood.” he further reiterated that it is, however, imperative to mention that for the past five years, BON has consistently honoured outstanding and enterprising talents in the movie industry. “Even without institutional support, we have carried on pretty well. And we thank sincerely all those who have supported us over the years. Nollywood has come a long way. From scratch and nothingness, some

From scratch and nothingness, some of the people here today have turned it into a multi-billionnaira business that is employing hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, while bringing joy to many homes.

of the people here today have turned it into a multi-billion-naira business that is employing hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, while bringing joy to many homes,” explained Olukotuyi. For him, even more importantly is that Nollywood is perhaps the singular industry that has put Nigeria on the global map. “I believe the people in this hall deserve a round of applause. We at BON Awards are trying our best to ensure that those who are labouring and sweating whether in front of the screen or behind it do not go without being honoured in their lifetime. But we cannot do it alone. We cannot do it without the support of well-meaning individuals and leaders like His Excellency, Governor Rotimi Amaechi. “That is why we im-

plore Your Excellency to continually support Nollywood. This nominees’ dinner is especially a worthy initiative that would not have happened if Governor Amaechi does not believe in Nollywood. And Nollywood would never forget all that you are doing behind the scene to ensure that this industry gets bigger and better. We implore Your Excellency to look at other areas of the industry especially the problematic ones like in the area of distribution and fighting piracy and see what you can do to help Nollywood investors. We also hope that whenever the Best of Nollywood organisers call on you, you would always be there for us. We thank you so much for this wonderful dinner and we thank you most especially for hosting us in this beautiful city.

Movie With The Best Social Message Winner: Our Difference Movie With Best Special Effects Winner: A Mile From Home Best Kiss In A Movie Winner: Michel Majid And Beverly Naya In Forgetting June Best Use Of Make Up In A Movie Winner: Cobra Movie With The Best Cinematography Winner: Apaye Movie With The Best Screenplay Winner: Render To Ceaser Best Short Film Winner: Brave Best Documentary Winner: Bad Budgetting For Development Best Tv Series Winner: Lekki Wives Best Edit In A Movie Winner: A Mile From Home Best Use Of Food In A Movie Winner: Being Mrs Elliot Movie With The Best Sound Winner: Render To Ceaser Movie With The Best Production Design Winner: Osunfunke Director Of The Year Winner: Desmond Elliot

Dreaming GUS 11 contestant blamed hunger for his fate

he sixth contestant to bite the dust from the on-going Gulder Ultimate Search, GUS, 11, Ikenna Emedike said he actually dreamt about his eviction two days earlier. He had lost out in the Octagon Chart task. He however blamed his poor performance on lack of food, which did not make him think straight. The GUS 11 warriors, reportedly, were to make three trips down a hill and retrieve three pieces of a hexagon, one piece at a time, and solve a puzzle upon their, using parts of the hexagon to form the answer. While other contestants succeeded only Ikenna remained at workstation and was given the booth when he finally called on the

anchor man, Chidi Mokeme, on his eventual success. His plea was not taken as he was asked to leave the jungle in three seconds. A dejected Ikenna said he assumed that the task would not lead to eviction hence he was not really in a haste to solve the puzzle. He blamed his poor performance on lack of food which did not make him think straight. Ikenna’s eviction from the jungle was different. Expelled contestants were asked to leave, either at the task ground or at the Place of The Talking Drum. They were also allowed to return to camp to pack their belongings. In this case, he was not evicted in the presence of the other contestant, so his where

Ikenna

about was unknown. After completing their tasks, the remaining contestants returned to camp to find a scroll which directed them to bring Ikenna’s bag and totem to The Place of the Talking Drum. Emmanuel Afolabi, another Gulder Ultimate Search contestant confirmed that Ikenna had dreamt of being evicted. Ikenna had actually revealed to him thus: “In the dream, we as contestants were performing a particular task and all of a sudden, a number of us were evicted. It happened so fast that I felt it was odd. I wondered what was happening. The remaining people left were a male and female contestant. In the dream, I asked Chidi Mokeme, whether

this was the way things were done on GUS.” He recalled telling some contestants about the dream, but they brushed it off. When asked if he nursed the fear that the dream might come to pass, Ikenna said: “I was very worried. Though i prayed against it anyway, but it got me worried to the point that I told myself, maybe it was destined to happen, whatever comes out of this competition, I’ll attribute it to the will of God.” That was two days befor he was evicted. He has now joined Loretta Erijakpor, Sandra Nwagbagiro, Blessing Eriata, Joshua NwagCONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

DSTV

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide) OCT. 25 — OCT. 31 Highlights

Big Brother Hotshots: Three more ladies sent packing

Big Brother Housemates

Stories by SOny neme

n Sunday, 19 October, three Big Brother Hotshots Housemates, Esther from Uganda, Lilian from Nigeria and Sabina from Kenya, were evicted from the house. Their marching order brings to five as Resa and Mira were booted out last week, meaning that five ladies have now been evicted! The trio was sent home after gathering the fewest votes from Africa over the course of the week, of the nine nominated housemates. JJ received five country votes, while Tayo received three and Permithias two. Four housemates received one country vote each and two housemates received no country votes. The tie-breaker rule again came into effect this week, to separate the four housemates who received one country vote each. In a related development, three more are in danger of leaving on Sunday. That is because after this week’s nominations. Ellah -Uganda; Laveda - Tanzania and M’am Bea from Ghana, found themselves on the chopping block among four males nominees – Alusa, Kenya; JJ of Zimbabwe, and Macky2 from Zambia, as well as Namibia’s Permithias. Heading into the house for the first time, IK teased Permithias and Idris about their liaisons with the ladies before asking Head of House Samantha to stand and reveal her ‘add’ decision. She revealed that she had based her decision on the strongest member of the winning Extravaganza group, with Ellah as her choice. After giving several housemates heartin-mouth moments, IK revealed that Lilian and Esther would be heading home. Big Brother had summoned the housemates to the diary room soon after Sunday’s live eviction show, saw Lilian, Esther and Sabina sent home. With ‘Team B’ immune from nomination after their Extrava-

ganza win with their Bollywood skills, the pressure mounted on the other half of the house. Once all the housemates had had their say, Laveda led the nomination charge with 11 nods. She was closely followed by Nhlanhla’s eight; Permithias’s seven and JJ’s four. M’am Bea, Ellah and Alusa had three each. Laveda got the wrong side of her housemates because they generally feel that she’s inconsiderate and conniving. Apparently, Sheillah nominated her because of the spat they had earlier in the week. Nhlanhla’s ‘food smuggling’ also seemed to be a mjaor reason behind his nominations, while Permithias found himself in the firing line because some housemates felt he didn’t give his all in the Extravaganza task, while others think he’s too much of a ‘player’. That done, Monday’s Head of House task was fiercelycontested, and Big Brother narrowed the field by asking the housemates to guess how many jelly beans were in a jar, placed outside. The five housemates who guessed closest to the correct answer – Tayo, Nhlanhla, Sheillah, Ellah and M’am Bea – qualified to fight it out for this week’s honours.

The challenge, which saw the housemates retrieving coloured balls from a bowl with their mouths and dashing across the garden to fill a plastic tube, was eventually won by Nhlanhla as it rendered the nominations against him null and void. Big Brother revealed the nomination results to the housemates on Monday evening, as Nhlanhla was given the chance to influence proceedings by adding another housemate to the mix. and Big Brother pressed him for an immediate answer, and his choice being Macky2. Voting opened immediately after that decision, and runs until next Sunday morning. The more you vote for your favourite nominated housemate, the better their chance of staying in the house and being named as the winner. There are four ways to vote for your favourite housemate each week: The two emerged on stage in high spirits, with Lilian finding the composure to freestyle while IK provided the beat, and Esther saying she’d felt close to Tayo because he shared her straighforward nature. IK also revealed the StarMeter results for the week – a measure of the popularity of the housemates, based on social media buzz. Tayo topped the viewer poll this week – the question being about which housemate has ‘the X –Factor’ - meaning that he will receive a gift this week. The question for the coming week is “Which Big Brother Hotshot is the sexiest?”. Just as the housemates were relaxing, IK took viewers back into the house and told them that there’d be another eviction, revealing that Sabina was the third housemate to be evicted on the night. Out on stage, the composed Kenyan said she’d connected with Permithias because of his music and his background. She told IK she was still living in hope that there was as second house for evicted Hotshots, but he confirmed that this eviction was the end of the road for her.

Homeland airs on M-Net on Mondays at 20:30 CAT If you’re a late-night owl, tonight’s the time to stay awake because the fourth season of this Emmy Award winning series will keep you company! As last season drew to a close, Carrie, pregnant with the late Brody’s (Damian Lewis) baby, got promoted to a new post overseas, while Saul (Emmy® and Tony® Award winner Mandy Patinkin) contemplated his future outside of the CIA. Season Four finds Carrie assigned to one of the most volatile and dangerous CIA stations in the world, where she is back on the front lines in the war on terror.

months in prison for transporting drug money to her drug mule girlfriend.

Orange is the New Black airs on M-Net Edge on Wednesdays at 21:00 CAT If you love superb series which shine at the Hollywood awards evenings you have to be on M-Net Edge on weekdays. One of the biggest attractions on M-Net Edge is the much-awaited Orange is the New Black, which has received 12 Primetime Emmy nominations. It’s a comedy drama about feisty female inmates and revolves around the bisexual Piper Chapman who is sentenced to fifteen

Blackish Season 1 on Vuzu AMP on Mondays at 19:00 CAT Andre ‘Dre’ Johnson (Anthony Anderson) has a great job, a beautiful wife, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), four kids, and a colonial home in the ‘burbs. But has success brought too much assimilation for this black family? With a little help from his dad (Laurence Fishburne), Dre sets out to establish a sense of cultural identity for his family that honors their past while embracing the future.

Mistresses Season 2 on Vuzu AMP on Wednesdays at 19:30 CAT Joss is caught in the middle as mediator when Savi and Harry – still not talking to each other -- clash over selling their home. Back at the office, Toni (guest star Rebeka Montoya) continues to be a thorn in Savi’s side. When April learns she has to throw a lavish party for the parents at Lucy’s expensive new private school, it’s Mickey (guest star Joseph May) to the rescue with a bash that no one will soon forget.

GOtv

A scene from Broken Angel

Telemundo Broken Angel Wednesday, 29 October, Lucy tells Ines that Willy was a rapist and that he died in jail. Liseth and Arturo inform Father Milton that Hortensia bought the child from them. Fearless Heart Monday, 27 October, Juan Marcos and Angela get married but their happiness is interrupted by Inspector Duval who takes Angela away. Cecilia keeps Bernardo informed. Sony Entertainment The Bernie Mac Show This sitcom, starring stand-up comedian Bernie Mac, is loosely based on his stand-up routines. Mac and Kellita Smith star as a married couple who take in his sister’s three children when she enters rehab. Much of the series’ comedy arises from how he adjusts to parenthood.

The series has won a number of industry accolades, including an Emmy® and a Peabody Award, three NAACP Image Awards and the Humanitas Prize. Mac passed away in 2008 from pneumonia complications, but his comedy legacy lives on in this classic sitcom. Catch it weekdays at 6:35pm. E! Rich kids of Beverly Hills Don’t miss all the extravagance and drama that goes with being a rich kid. Dorothy invites her friends to China for the opening of her father’s new retail store. When Cooper bails on her, she starts to reconsider their relationship. Roxy throws a tantrum that soon escalates to a fight with Dorothy, but tries to repair their friendship when she discovers the drama Dorothy is dealing with in her personal life.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NBC Partners MIPCOM for Better Content Asa

L-R John Ugbe, Emeka Mba and Makin Soyinka

Stories by SOny neme

he National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, with MIPCOM is in a major working relationship that may turn around the entertainment and broadcast industry in Nigeria. This much was revealed by the Director General, Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Emeka Mba, at a recent meeting with stakeholders in Lagos. MIPCOM is essentially a content forum for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content. For starters, MIPCOM provides the people involved in the television, film, digital and audiovisual content. They also provide the production and distribution industry with a market and networking forum to discover future trends and trade content rights on a global level. It normally lasts four days.

Mba who emphasised the importance of Nigeria being part of MIPCOM and hosting Africast-that took place between October 21 and 23 in Abuja- said, “Every stakeholder must take advantage of the opportunities that come with digitization even as the transition date to digital broadcasting gets closer.” He further stressed that the future is digital, just as he amplified the need for content in the process, giving this as the reason the NBC fashioned certain policies to promote better content. He also observed that content has ecologically changed the broadcast industry. According to him, though the country has started the adventure with Africast, there is a need to take it higher by also focusing on the business of creating content. For him, this is why Nigeria’s participation at MIPCOM is important because being the

biggest market for content, stakeholders in the content creation sector in Nigeria need to get close and be part of MIPCOM. Mba said that Africast 2014 is coming at a crucial time for the broadcast industry as the country switches over from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting and works towards the grant of content provider and signal distributor licenses. His words, “We need to work together to realize the vision and a more dynamic industry. The idea of having the Nigeria stand at the Cannes Film Festival is critical because we need to join the global discussion and learn how these things are done professionally besides having the connection. We do have a vision about what the future of television in Nigeria should be but that can only be achieved through collective efforts and not by NBC alone.”

Ogungbadero: From Ghana with love

okunbo Ogungbadero popularly called Destini (Omo Ogungbadero) does not seem to have time for women at the moment. He is chasing his music career. This was what informed his decision to relocate back to Nigeria from Ghana where he had been over a decade ago. According to him,“I took the decision to relocate back to Nigeria because this is where my music would be better appreciated due to the language (Yoruba) I use in singing. The music industry here (Nigeria) is very robust and wide, and it can accommodate everybody. Aside that, I am a Nigerian, so I am free to come in here and go anytime I so wish,” he said, adding that, “I have had a successful stay in Ghana, I have a small business that is growing and I have been doing that (business) alongside my music” So for him, this is the best time to come home, “For my

people to have a taste of what I have been giving to people in Ghana since 2008.” The soft spoken young man made the remarks after his performance at celebrity hangout, O’jez restaurant, inside National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos last Sunday. Omo Ogungbadero’s performance at O’jez was a stunner for the large crowd that had gathered to enjoy the weekly O’jez Sunday Nite Family Jamz. His delivery of Dem Lyk Moni, a soft critic of politicians and their perceived love for public funds was classic. He rounded his performance up with Horse Power, an Afro hiplife number that sent some people on the dance floor. Comedian and compere of the show Elder O had to specially call the young artiste back on stage to take a bow, after his act. the talented hip life/afro pop singer and song writer born in

Surulere, Lagos State had left for Ghana at the age of 16 years. He fell in love with music at the age of five when through his father who influenced him with Fela, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade music while he was alive. “By then we were living close to King Wasiu Ayinde around Falolu Road, so I had to find my way out to some of his rehearsals because I wasn’t given the opportunity to show up there. I finally had the opportunity to start up my music carrier after I left Nigeria for Ghana where I worked hard and set up a home studio where I do my demos. It is safe to say I started music professionally in 2008,” he said.. Destini who has 15 songs with videos shot for some of them would like to describe his kind of music as “Highlife mixed with some kind of African pop dance tune.” He is optimistic that his coming back to Nigeria would yield positive results.

The NBC really wants to reposition Africast as a reference point for the best of equipment and a destination for content every year, so that producers can find a market for their works.

LYRICS for the week

— Dead Again

VERSE 1: No more your freaking bullshit No more you talking of lies No more you put me down Deceptive blue eyes Wake up and smell the coffee Wake up and take a pill You think I won’t go on without you You really think I will fail You really are a fool You sent a man to fool And I kinda feel sorry for you CHORUS: What’s going around You talking me down But I found out that So it was you So it was you You picked up the knife And then you cut me in two You stabbed me in the back And then you twisted it in Oh oh oh You left me for dead again VERSE 2: No more you blame Jesus Why don’t you pick a lame I felt that you were normal But you are devil insane I tried to keep it grounded Cause it’s no good for my health But you really can’t save a man for yourself This so much I can say Before I turn to breath All times with you CHORUS:

Cos what’s going around You talking me down But I found out that So it was you So it was you You picked up the knife And then you cut me in two You stabbed me in the back And then you twisted it in Oh oh oh You left me for dead again So it was you You picked up the knife And then you cut me in two You stabbed me in the back And then you twisted it in Oh oh You left me for dead again Bridge: Soldiers foremost You are no proof So it was you Was really you You picked up the knife And then you cut me in two You stabbed me in the back Then you twisted it in Oh oh You left me for dead again You So it was you You picked up the knife And then you cut me in two You stabbed me in the back And then you twisted it in Oh oh You left me for dead again E e.... You left me for dead again

Lyrics, Compiled by Shola Adefuwa

Felabration CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

at their best. Thursday being Patrice Lumumba day had Alex Osho and Friends with Ghana Delegation while the tempo stepped up on Friday Thomas Sankara day as Afropolitan Vibes with Ade Bantu and Friends were again complemented by the Ghana Delegation.

there was also FELABRATION Wazobia” at Sheraton Lagos Hotel on Friday, October 17 with :live bands singing exclusive songs from Fela. It further got exciting on Saturday - Malcolm X day as Seun Olota, Eda Oto, Aduke, Jagunlabi and Dabyna set the ball rolling before reggae giant, Don Carlos turned the stage upside down with an exciting five star performance.

GUS 11 contestant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

boso and Iwuoha Ikenna. while those left to slug it out for the top prize are: Otto Canon, Addoh Evi, Iroh Noella, Samantha Appi, Emmanuel Afolabi, Sharon Robinson, Chinedu Ubachukwu and Cosy Joe. GUS 11 is broadcast everyday on African Magic World (DSTV),

Real -Stars (Star Times), Minaj TV Obosi (Terrestrial), Ebony Life TV (DSTV), Galaxy TV (Lagos, Ibadan and Ondo), Hip TV (DSTV & GoTV), Nigezie (Star Times) and WapTV (Star Times) from 10pm to 11pm; and on the AIT Network (Terrestrial) from 10:30pm to 11:30pm. GUS 11 broadcast which commenced on October 3 will end on October 30.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Pension

Agric

Retirement benefits: Fashola moves to showcase success story

Exploiting sugarcane potential as revenue driver

Govt to distribute fertilizer to 20m farmers by 2015

EU, FAO to fight desertification in Nigeria, others with €41m

Business What's news

Shippers’ council saves N320.4bn from capital flight The Nigerian Shippers Council’s (NSC’s) intervention in freight rates and tariffs through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has helped the nation to save N320.4billion ($2billion) in the last five years.

p.30

Telecoms: N37.1bn Bitflux licence goes live in January ROLL OUT Roll out to start in Abuja, Lagos and P’Harcourt Kunle Azeez

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

he 2.3 gigahertz spectrum licence auctioned at $23.2 million (about 37.1 billion) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to Bitflux Consortium to provide wholesale wireless access services aimed at deepening pervasive broadband services in the country will become operational by January, 2015. This was disclosed in a chat with the Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communications Limited, Mr Biodun Omoniyi, during a customer forum and new logo unveiling organised by the company in Lagos. VDT is the promoter of the 2.3 gigahertz licence won by Bitflux Consortium in an auction conducted by the regulator last February and also a member of the consortium. Other members of the group are BitCom and Superflex. Speaking with New Telegraph, Omoniyi, who is also a director at the conglomerate, disclosed that VDT-Bitflux will begin operations fully next year with the on-going plan for the deployment of Long-Term Evolution technology, taking off in January next year. “Bitflux will be rolling out in three major states in the first instance and these include Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt in January, 2015. Already, our vendors are deploying equipment for us and

Kunle Azeez Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo Asst Production Editor

Omoniyi also stated: “We are building basic redundancy into the network to provide seamless experience for businesses across the country.” In a recent interview in Lagos, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Eugene Ju-

wah, had stated that contrary to insinuations that Bitflux had not been able to roll out, eight years after obtaining the spectrum, the company has been working within the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

L-R: Channel Marketing Manager, Wiko Mobile, Adebayo Adams; Key Account Manager, Abiola Anifowose; Director of Marketing, Gareth Abel; Director of International Business, Wiko Mobile, Marcel Van De Pas and Country Sales Manager, John Peters, during Wiko Mobile Nigerian Official launch/press conference to announce its entrance into Nigeria, in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Insurance: Nigeria rated above S’Africa in new survey Sunday Ojeme

he growing business interest by foreign investors to push their investments into Nigeria is gaining ground as a recent industry executive survey has identified Nigeria as one of the best countries to con-

duct underwriting business ahead of South Africa. The survey carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, also named Ghana and Kenya as possible locations where troubled South African underwriting business could expand to for growth and noticeable impact.

Insurers are attracted by Nigeria’s projections of high economic growth, low insurance take-up and the expectation of increasing demand for policies, PwC said in the survey. “Expansion into the rest CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Rates Dashboard

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin

necessary installation will follow. We know that people are looking at us with excitement to champion broadband services provisioning. We are fully aware of this and our plans are moving as planned,” he said.

INFLATION RATE August 2014............................8.5% July 2014.................................8.3% May 2014.................................8.2%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate....................11.57% Prime Lending Rate...........16.93% Maximum Lending Rate...25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Oct 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.75 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.68 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.08

l Foreign Reserves – $39.41bn as at 16/10/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Oct 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.76 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N249.01 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.50

Business | News

TRADE

Unfriendly ports in Nigeria is liable for the massive cargo diversion to neighbouring countries Bayo Akomolafe

he Nigerian Shippers Council’s (NSC’s) intervention in freight rates and tariffs through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has helped the nation to save N320.4billion ($2billion) in the last five years. Executive secretary of the council, Hassan Bello, said this at a one-day seminar titled: ‘Working towards a new port order’ organised by Shippers’ Association of Lagos State. Bello, who was represented by Mrs S. A. Adeagbo, also said that the council had helped to promote progressive storage charge by terminal operators to discourage the use of water front as storage to avert congestion at the seaports. He noted that the

Shippers’ Council saves N320.4bn from capital flight council had created uniformity in penalising breach of set standards in the port industry. The council explained that it had resolved dis-

specified conditions of holding the licence. “Telecoms infrastructure investment is not as simple as many see it. We just issued the spectrum auction to the company this February. The company, after paying for the spectrum, will need to look for money, get vendors, do deployment and do testing before beginning to offer services. This process takes time and I can tell you that it has been working within schedules,” he said. Meanwhile, Omoniyi has said that VDT is at the forefront of providing quality telecoms services to various sectors in the country. He noted that the company has recorded success in the past 13 years of doing business in Nigeria. He said: “Within the last two years, in particular, our connected clients have grown about 60 per cent and even more than that is the number of customers, which have doubled in two years. In terms of locations, we were present in 20 states as at 2012; but today, we are in 34 states, with the exception of Yobe and Ebonyi. He promised that VDT would have increased its Point of Presence (PoP) to all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory before the end of

putes between Port and Cargo Terminal Nigeria Limited and Bachemas Nigeria Agencies on the issue of storage charges to the tune of N53mil-

lion. The Executive Secretary also explained that in 2012, the council intervened and resolved the dispute between freight

forwarders and terminal operators and obtained 50 per cent reduction on accumulate rent and charges of N62.74 million.

L-R: Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mr Uzo Odenigbo; Director of Education, Zonal Office, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Abiola Abiodun Omole; Director, Human Resources, NBC, Mrs Grace Omo-Lamai and Education Secretary, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Adewale Adeogun, at the presentation of Back to School Kits to 1,200 students of Christ Assembly Nursery/Primary School, Ajegunle, Olodi Apapa, Lagos by NBC in Lagos.

Bitflux licence goes live in January CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

the year. Talking about VDT’s market shares in key sectors, Omoniyi said: “We have up to 85 per cent of the banks on our networks; in the insurance sector, we have about 50 per cent. Also, we have impressive performance in manufacturing, hospitality and public sectors. “Besides, our carrier business and service providers business are still there. Although, we are far from being perfect, but staying close to our customers and making them the centre of our activities and altogether, it has been a wonderful experience.” Earlier, General Manager, Sales and Marketing of VDT, Mrs Bimbo Ikumariegbe, explained the rationale behind the logo change for the company. She said: “I am sure a lot of people would be wondering why we are changing logo. We also wondered as well, but we have come to agree that there is a need for it to reflect the new growth, dynamism both for us and in our customers. “Over time, we have seen that, indeed, the logo would have to be changed in order to make sure that the logo symbolises the new readiness of VDT to serve its customers and Nigeria as a whole better.”

He lamented that the unfriendliness of the country’s port’s had led to the massive cargo diversion. Bello, however, noted that the port had continued to undergo several reforms in order to place it where it ought to be, singling out the 2006 port reforms as the most remarkable. “Consequently, the appointment of the NSC as the port economic regulator is not only a recognition of the need for such regulator, but represents the culmination of series of efforts by the government to address the ills of the port system in Nigeria, with a view to putting it on a more secure path of sustainability and growth,” he added. However, Bello assured that the council would provide a system that would ensure fair pricing, automation, timely disputes settling and efficiency, in addition to easy access to and from the ports.

Nigeria rated above S’Africa C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 9

of Africa continues to be a key trend, with most of the major insurers focusing on selected high-growth markets,” Victor Muguto, longterm insurance leader for PwC Africa, said. Nigeria, in the last few years, has enjoyed an influx of insurance investors into the country as a result of the fast-growing economy and foreseen potential waiting to be tapped into. Unlike Nigeria, South Africa is suffering from the slowest growth since the 2009 recession with strikes at platinum mines and engineering companies forcing Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene, to cut the country’s annual growth forecast to 1.8 per cent from 2.7 per cent projected in February. The Deputy Director, Corporate Strategy, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Babajide Oniwinde, had confirmed to New Telegraph that more foreign firms were on the lookout for more local insurance companies to buy into. While onerous regulation may be a barrier to entry into Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, the countries’ long-term growth prospects are viewed as positive, PwC said. “The survey comes at a time when South African insurers are grappling to adapt to a declining local economy and heavy regulatory require-

ments,” Muguto said. The major factors clearing the way for Nigeria, apart from emerging the biggest economy in the continent after the recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing, are the reforms introduced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). The reforms appear to have raised investor confidence in the underwriting market. In the past, a minimum of 10 foreign interests from the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other parts of the world, had gone into partnership with local insurance firms to carry out underwriting business in the country. Details of the partnership show that apart from Metropolitan Life of South Africa that owns 50 per cent equity in UBA Life, UK-based Old Mutual also boasts of 80 per cent stake in the life arm of Oceanic Insurance while another subsidiary of Old Mutual took equally took 80 per cent share in the general arm of Oceanic Insurance. Further breakdown also revealed that companies from Germany and other European countries have taken up 80 per cent stake in former Guaranty Trust Assurance that has been renamed Mansard. Not left out in the scramble for the booming local insurance market is a company from Ivory Coast that has taken 95 per cent equity holding in ADIC and

subsequently changed the name to NISA. In the league are also Salam and another operator that took up 50 per cent shares each from FBN Insurance, which was changed to FBN Life and Prestige Assurance respectively. The renewed interest by foreign investors though a welcome development, has also been sending some shockwaves into the local underwriters, as they fear likely foreign dominance. The Managing Director of Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc, Mr Wole Oshin, said the existence of the foreign players could not be ignored, adding that local operators should, however, reposition their businesses to remain relevant in the insurance market both locally and globally. He said the industry must have sufficient local champions while the operators remain circumspect like the banking sector, which foresaw it and were able to remain strong despite the influx of foreign investors at the peak of consolidation. Oshin, who advised local operators to look inwards in order to reposition themselves for the future, said he was optimistic that the market would get stronger and bigger in the next five years, stressing that it would be further consolidated and also have a voice in Nigeria’s financial industry.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Group laments employers’ attitude to CPS p.32

Pension

1.6m pensioners still living in poverty, says Age UK p.32

Retirement benefits: Fashola moves to showcase success story N18.9billion to its retirees. The bonds have been fully redeemed and proceeds paid into the employees’ individual RSAs; while 2,242 employees from the state have retired under the Scheme as at August, 2013.

WELFARE

The story of Lagos State’s implementation of the pension scheme provides veritable platform for others to learn from

Consolidation To consolidate its resolve to uphold workers’ welfare, the director-general, recently restated that the recent increase in the pension contribution of employers under the CPS would not deter the state government from emerging the best in planning the best retirement future for its workers. He made the declaration after President Jonathan signed the Pension Reform Act 2014 into law. He said that employers who failed to make contributions while it was 15 per cent, were the ones who had to worry about the increase. He said, “I think we should still see how it works, because an increase from 15 to 18 per cent will not kill anyone, those that have not complied at 15 even if you lower it, they still may not comply.”

Sunday Ojeme

ven after emerging the best state out of the 36 states in the country in pension arrangement for its workers, the Lagos State Government is not giving up in formulating strategies to further guarantee the welfare of its workers through proper implementation of insurance and pension laws. Role model To this end, the state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, drawing from his personal experience on the role of government in management of risks in Nigeria, has mapped out plans to x-ray the Lagos state response to insurance and pensions reforms in Nigeria with particular reference to the building insurance law, group life cover and contributory pension scheme. New Telegraph gathered that the governor’s interest in the welfare project for workers across the country is part of efforts to reposition insurance and pensions to contribute significantly to the growth of the economy especially since the survival of the larger economy depends on the growth of these key sectors of the economy. It will be recalled that Lagos state has been meeting the pension needs of its retirees to the admiration of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). Officials of the state led by the governor are expected to be busy with heads of pension and insurance agencies in the country early next week as they brainstorm on issues aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare in the country. The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, the Director-General, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, the Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Mr. Sunday Thomas, and the Chairman, Pension Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr. Misbahu Yola, are some of the industry practitioners/regulators to stimulate ideas and appraise the Lagos state’s success story.

Daniel

DG, PTAD, Nelly Mayshak

Lagos state was adjudged the best state to have adopted and fully implemented the CPS out of the 36 states of the federation in compliance with the provision of the reviewed Pension Reform Act, 2014. Commitments Lagos had from inception of the scheme in 2007 till date contributed over N51.6bn, being the monthly deduction of 7.5 per cent from the salary of every employee and the counterpart 7.5 per cent contribution by the state government into the Retirement Savings Account of every employee with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). The state also paid N26.2bn as past service benefits to 4,990 retirees prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme. According to the DirectorGeneral, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Rotimi Hussain, the state government had paid about 4,990 employees who retired from the State Public Service under the Contributory Pension Scheme over N26.21 billion from 2010. The director-general while

Ahonu-Amazu

Fashola

recalling that 437 retirees were earlier paid a sum of over N1 billion during the first tranche presentation in April, pointed out that the State Government had paid a total sum of N3.51 billion to 791 retirees, under the two tranches of the 11th batch. He spelt out the resolve by the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola

Lagos state was adjudged the best state to have adopted and fully implemented the CPS out of the 36 states of the federation in compliance with the provision of the reviewed Pension Reform Act, 2014

at ensuring that no employee in the State Public Service retired into penury, stressing that the administration had continually exhibited high sense of responsibility and commitment to the Contributory Pension Scheme. CPS benefits Hussain said that the achievement by the State Government had further brought to fore, the benefits and advantages inherent in the Contributory Pension Scheme as against what was obtainable under the Old Pay-As-You-Go Scheme, adding that the implementation of the CPS especially in Lagos State had proven to every doubting Thomas that the scheme really worked. He observed that the CPS, which has been found to be safe, fully funded, portable, transparent, and convenient, ensured instant payment of lump sum and guarantees payment of retirement benefits to the next-of-kin in the event that the main beneficiary has passed on. Coupled with the pension deal is the issuance of retirement benefit bonds of

Charge to employers The LASPEC boss particularly advocated that every employee in Nigeria should be made to join the contributory pension scheme, saying that it was necessary to expand the coverage of the scheme in order to ensure that more Nigerians have something to live on after retirement. According to him, “in an ideal setting, we should have a situation where an employer will issue conditions of employment and state therein that your employment is pensionable or not pensionable. “Anybody who works in any capacity whatsoever ordinarily ought to be covered under the pension scheme and that should include public office holders because when they are holding public offices, they still earn salary. “As long as you earn salary, whether you are in the public service or private sector, the issue is that you earn salary, a percentage of that salary should go towards ensuring that you have something kept for you towards your retirement because whether you are in private or public sector at one point you must retire. As long as the scheme is designed to take care of old age, to take care of you, post retirement, to take care of you when you can no longer earn a living, then every person should be brought under that scheme.”

Business | Pension

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group laments employers’ attitude to CPS IMPLEMENTION

Proper execution of the new Pension Reform Act will ensure it meets government’s purpose and objectives Sunday Ojeme

group of lawyers under the aegis of Pension Lawyers Association of Nigeria (PLAN) has deplored the attitude of some employers towards registration of their workers. The President of the group, Mbanugo Udenze, said the objective of the new Pension Reform Act 2014 could only be achieved if Nigerian workers were adequately registered for the scheme and their contributions properly remitted. He said a larger population of Nigerian workers had not enrolled into the scheme, either as result of non-cooperation of their employers or the strength of enforcement. He reaffirmed that something had to be done to make the reform and

efforts of government in this direction more meaningful. According to him, “Among the 170 million population in Nigeria, I am sure about 30-40 per cent of them can be said to be productive and within this 30-40 per cent working class, how many of them are covered by this pension scheme? I think it is less than 10 per cent. This is how you measure whether the core objectives of this Act have been achieved.” The Federal Government recently signed the Pension Reform Act 2014, which is an improvement on the first legislation (Pension Reform Act, 2004), into law with the introduction of some innovations that would engender the achievement of the objectives of the scheme. Udenze said that the decision of the government to carry out a review of the Act was a right step in the right direction, stressing that apart from portraying Nigeria as a dynamic society, which undertakes periodic review of legislation to reflect current realities in the socio- political economy, the review also brought about some innovations in the new legislation that were

State pension fail-safe for bad retirement decisions

he state pension is likely to act as a sufficient fail-safe for those who make the wrong decisions regarding their pensions when freedoms are implemented next April, Prime Minister David Cameron has said. Speaking on British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Radio 4, David Cameron said a single-tier state pension is fairer than “falling back on the tax payer with means tested benefits.” “In the future, because the single tier pension is going to be £148 plus a week rather than £113 with a means test, that means that if people do make bad decisions, they are not falling back on a means test, they are falling back on a strong single-tier pension which I think is an important principle,” Cameron said. When asked how he would help people to avoid making ‘bad mistakes’ at retirement, he said there is a need for face-to-face guidance and “that is what the guidance guarantee is all about”, adding “we have been working very hard with the Citi-

zens Advice Bureau and others to make sure there is advice”. Cameron also shunned the idea that new freedoms would lead to tax avoidance and further cases of fraud. “What we are doing here, is making pension saving more attractive and we are doing that very deliberately because we want more people to save more for their pensions. It is easier to expect people to save a bit more if we have got a more generous tax treatment of pensions,” he said. Furthermore, when asked why there was no consultation prior to the Budget, he said: “Sometimes it is better to make a change in a Budget and then go out and explain and consult afterwards about how you put it into place rather than have all the problems of preconsultation where you might have found some vested interests really getting at it before the public could actually see the benefit. And I think the public welcome having the freedom not to buy an annuity.”

absent in the old one. He, however, said that it was one thing to have a good legislation and a different thing all together for such a legislation to adequately address the issues for which it was enacted. He said, “There is a great wall of difference between a fantastic legislation and the practical aspect of it, which is the implementation. “Yes it is a codified law, which is good but the major thing is to see its full implementation. So in my opinion something

should be done in respect of its implementation because that is only when we can say the objectives of the reforms have been achieved,” he said. “So, the Pension Reform Act 2014, which as a matter of fact is an improvement on the 2004 Act, is still work in progress because a lot of work is needed to be done on the part of the employers in order to ensure that the core objectives are achieved.” Some of the new initiatives in the new Act include upward review

of the penalties and sanctions that could be deployed to penalize employers who fail to get their workers properly registered. The sanctions provided under the Pension Reform Act 2004 were no longer sufficient deterrents against infractions of the law. Furthermore, there are currently more sophisticated mode of diversion of pension assets, such as diversion and/or non-disclosure of interests and commissions accruable to pension fund assets, which were not

addressed by the PRA 2004. Consequently, the Pension Reform Act 2014 has created new offences and provided for stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrence against mismanagement or diversion of pension funds assets under any guise. Thus, operators who mismanage pension fund will be liable on conviction to not less than 10 years imprisonment or fine of an amount equal to three-times the amount so misappropriated or diverted or both imprisonment and fine.

L-R: Executive Director, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc, Kenneth Aigbinode; Executive Director, Finance, Yinka Obalade; Executive Director, Special Risks, Sina Elusakin; Acting Managing Director, Rotimi Fashola and President, Lagos West of Baptist Church, Rev. Julius Adeniji, at the Service of Songs for Late Remi Oluwude, in Lagos.

1.6m pensioners still living in poverty, says Age UK O ver one million pensioners are still living in poverty, partly due to their failure to claim benefits, the charity Age UK has claimed. In a new report, it said 1.6 million pensioners in the UK are living below the poverty line, and are “floundering” on low incomes. It conceded that the numbers living in poverty had fallen since 2000, but said progress had now stalled. The government said it was trying to help pensioners claim their benefits. The report, called How We Can End Pensioner Poverty, said that many pensioners “had been walking a tightrope in recent years,” as food and utility bills have risen. But the biggest cause of poverty was that people are missing out on £5.5bn worth of public support. The report found that:1.6m pensioners are missing out

on Pension Credit, worth £33 a week, 2.2m pensioners are missing out on Council Tax Benefit, worth an average £728 a year and 390,000 pensioners could have claimed Housing Benefit, worth £48 a week Age UK said that many people do not know that they are entitled to the EXTRA INCOME . Others feel too proud or embarrassed to claim. “We are absolutely determined to make sure that pensioners receive the full support they are entitled to - with as little hassle as possible. “It is nothing short of a scandal that there are still so many vulnerable older people in the UK living in poverty - unable to afford decent food, heat their home or live an independent life when billions of pounds in benefits are unclaimed,” said Caroline Abrahams,

charity director at Age UK. The government said it was determined to help pensioners claim their rightful benefits. It said the telephone helpline for Pension Credit can also handle calls for Housing Benefit, enabling both benefits to be claimed together. A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said no one should be ashamed of claiming. “We are absolutely determined to make sure that pensioners receive the full support they are entitled to - with as little hassle as possible,” the spokesman said. And he pointed out that the state pension was currently protected by the “triple-lock” until the end of the parliament, meaning the highest of CPI inflation, average earnings, or 2.5 per cent.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Agric

Women in agric seek more funding, others p.34 COMMITMENT Nigeria commits to being a leading sugarcane producer Dele Alao

ugarcane is described as the world’s largest crop by production quantity In 2012, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates sugarcane is cultivated on about 26.0 million hectares, in over 90 countries, with a worldwide harvest of 1.83 billion tons. Brazil was cited as the largest producer of sugarcane in the world. The next five major producers, in decreasing amounts of production, were India, China, Thailand, Pakistan and Mexico. Checks showed that the world demand for sugar is the primary driver of sugarcane agriculture. While cane accounts for 80 per cent of sugar produced, most of the rest is made from sugar beets. Sugarcane predominantly grows in the tropical and subtropical regions and sugar beet predominantly grows in colder temperate regions of the world. Nigeria lacks capacity The production of raw sugar in Nigeria slumped to zero in the early part of this decade. More recently, however, with the privatisation of sugar-producing companies and good management in the refinery business, the Nigerian sugar industry has emerged from this slump. The success of the privatisation process has seen domestic sugar production rise to around 100,000 tons in 2007/2008, up from 80,000 in 2006/2007. With overall sugar consumption in the region of 1.5 million tons, Nigeria is the largest consumer of sugar in Africa apart from South Africa, but the industry is still dependent on raw sugar imports. 90 per cent of Nigeria’s sugar is, however, refined in the country, opening the door to increased exports of refined sugar. The re-organisation of the industry has been overseen by the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), set up in 1993 and headed by Dr. Latif Busari, as Executive Secretary. NSDC is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Industry. Some of the impacts of the Sugar Sector Reforms embarked upon by the NSDC include: 1.2MT Dangote Sugar Refinery, Apapa, Lagos; 650,000MT BUA Sugar Refinery, Apapa, Lagos; 30,000 Jigawa Sugar Plant, Hadejia, Jigawa State; 200,000MT Dangote Sugar Plant, Galala, Bauchi State (feasibility completed); 250,000MT Dangote Sugar Plant, Lau, Taraba State (feasibility completed). 150,000MT Dangote Sugar Plant, Hadejia, Jigawa State (feasibility completed). Privatisation Full privatisation of existing government-owned sugar companies at Numan, Bacita, Sunti and

33 Conference reveals new benefits in egg p.36

Exploiting sugarcane potential as revenue driver

Sugarcane plantation

Lafiagi, and the resucitation of Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, Adamawa State. The company has since commenced production and started an expansion programme; Establishment of 10 mini sugar plants (10 – 250TCD) in Agbede, Edo State; Girinya, Kogi State; Kalgo, Kebbi State; Danja, Katsina State; Makarfi, Kaduna State; Kauran Mata, Kano State; Shonga, Kwara State; Konan Mada, FCT; Sara, Jigawa State and Zigau, Bauchi State. Meanwhile, in its continued efforts at re-positioning the industry, the NSDC recently met with sugarcane growers in the South West region. The essence of the meeting, held at the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR & T), Ikenne, Ogun State, sub-station, under the Farmers Day programme, was to let the farmers experience about 40 new sugarcane varieties imported into the country. Aged plantations Checks revealed that most of the existing sugarcanes in Nigeria are well over half a century of age and are no longer useful if the country wants to remain competitive in the global market. Addressing the farmers, the NSDC Executive Secretary, Busari, said that the Council has got a grant of $2.1 million from the Common Fund Commodity (CFC), to finance a project titled: Development of sugarcane vari-

In order to achieve these set objectives, the NSDC as the Project Executing Agency (PEA) has acquired 40 sugarcane varieties from world best sugarcane breeding institutes namely the International Sugarcane Breeding Station, Combatoire, India, SBW do Brazil, Brazil, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Mauritius, West Indies Sugarcane Breeding Station, Barbados, South Africa Sugar Research Institute, South Africa, USDA-ARS Canal Point, USA and Kensna, Sudan

ety improvement and seed multiplication programme for Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. The project, which was approved in 2010 for a period of six years is to be supervised by the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) which is vested with the responsibility of supervising the effective execution of the project. According to Busari, the objective of the project, among others, include the development of higher yielding, disease and pest-free sugarcane varieties to be adopted by the small scale sugarcane farmers in both countries, to increase the production capacities and efficiencies of sugar industries in both countries, to enhance the economic well-being of sugarcane farming communities, to enhance capacity development of scientists and technicians involved in sugarcane growing and research in both countries and enhance regional cooperation among the beneficiary countries. “In order to achieve these set objectives, the NSDC as the Project Executing Agency (PEA) has acquired 40 sugarcane varieties from world best sugarcane breeding institutes namely the International Sugarcane Breeding Station, Combatoire, India, SBW do Brazil, Brazil, Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Mauritius, West Indies Sugarcane Breeding Station, Barbados, South Africa Sugar Research Institute, South

Africa, USDA-ARS Canal Point, USA and Kensna, Sudan,” he said. Experimental planting Busari, told the sugarcane farmers that some of the imported varieties would be given to them for experimental planting. He noted that the varieties may do well differently in different regions. Also speaking at the event, the Team Leader, Professor Gbadebo Olaoye, lamented that the country has not fully taken advantage of sugarcane, not as a source of refined sugar, but as a source of energy to powers the mills and also as bio-fuels (ethanol) for motor vehicles as the case in countries such as the USA, Brazil and India, among others. He reiterated that the farmers were brought to the sub-station to have on-the-spot assessment of the imported varieties as they are undergoing evaluation. A sugarcane technologist, Chief Alexis Aligbe, who was also at the event, said that the country is losing enormous revenue by neglecting the sugar sector. He, however, commended the ongoing efforts to reverse the trend, especially through the NSDC. Some of the farmers who spoke with New Telegraph at the end of the tour of the sugarcane plantation expressed satisfaction over the imported varieties and promised to cooperate with the Council.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Stakeholders express confidence in cocoa GES KUDOS Some operators in the cocoa value chain have passed a vote of confidence on the cocoa GES Stories by Dele Alao

takeholders in the cocoa value chain have expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) irrespective of some hitches. Their view was that the GES was good and, despite some imperfections at the operational levels, as experienced presently, it should be continued and improved upon. For instance, a leading agroinput supplier, Sir Patrick Ikemefuna, said that in terms of impact on beneficiaries, GES has been impacting directly. He advised beneficiaries of GES to be wary of actions that could discourage government. “There was an initiative on cocoa before the present administration called the National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC). In that dispensation, input supply and supply chain management were problems,” he said. Ikemefuna warned that the attitude of some beneficiaries to GES could discourage government and this may lead to a discontinuation of the programme. Where there are complaints, he noted, states are owing input suppliers. This affects

states’ participation. Also, an agro-dealer in Ondo State appointed as GES value chain agro-dealer for fungicides, insecticides and fertiliser for cocoa farmers, Alex Olusola Ige, said that the difference is clear between the past and present efforts to revamp the cocoa sector. “I believe that now it is a bit robust and the farmers are benefiting better than what it used to be. That is my assessment,” Ige said. He added: “Challenges in the sector include the timing of the redemption: the first year it was around November, the second year it was around September. But, I think we got it a bit better this year, July. But, what about April? If we can get the redemption by April, then more farmers will come to redeem.” On the adoption of information technology to drive the scheme, Ige said: “Some of the farmers are not getting alert. Awareness is not all that is there. If they see GES on their phone, they will delete it, thinking it is 419. There should be more enlightenment. The farmers need to know what GES is all about so that they can participate more fully. “On our own part as agrodealers, we sensitise farmers

as to what the GES is all about. I think it is best done by the state governments, even the Federal Government itself. It can go on air on television to actually tell the farmers what the GES is all about so that they can benefit fully in subsequent seasons,” he added. Ige commended the Federal Government for bringing down the prices of inputs. “You can imagine something that ordinarily you would have bought for N300 but the Federal Government is asking you to pay N130. You know what that translates to: more money in the hands of the farmers so that you can procure more of those inputs and use them on his farm, and eventually harvest more. So, it is like an assistance to the farmers,” Ige said. He also commended the Federal Government for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), an intervention programme. “This intervention is not only in the cocoa value chain, but also in oil palm, among others. It is a welcome development. If you can have the opportunity of inviting or interviewing the farmers, they will tell you that they are really getting those inputs now more than ever before,” he said.

But, the Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr Joseph Ojede, called for the modification of Cocoa Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme with a view to rectifying the identified lapses which trailed the 2014 Cocoa GES Roll-out. According to him, the scheme should accommodate barely literate and not technology-savvy farmers in order to enable them redeem their various inputs under the scheme. “Many are not literates, if they are lucky to get a telephone from their children, how do they operate it? If there is another method through which we can redeem the inputs, it will be better,” he said. Ojede, who urged the Federal Government to sustain the cocoa GES, noted that there was an improvement from the past schemes. He said: “Though we enjoyed the past administration led by the National Cocoa Development Committee, this current policy is better.” It would be recalled that the Cocoa Implementation Review meeting was held in Oyo State with the focus to map out progressive strategies towards ensuring continued success of the scheme.

UNILORIN to cultivate 10,000 hectares of oil palm

he University of Ilorin has embarked on the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of oil palm plantation as part of the institution’s efforts towards helping Nigeria diversify her economy. Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, speaking ahead of the institution’s 30th convocation, lamented that Nigeria imports about 500,000 metric tonnes of palm oil annually while Malaysia, which took the oil palm seed from Nigeria some decades ago, exported about 24 trillion metric tonnes of palm oil in 2012 alone to the United States, the European Union, China and India. The vice chancellor said: “The exports earned Malaysia some £20 billion (or about N5.314 trillion). To invest in the future and generate another oil revenue for the nation, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, was on our campus on Thursday, May 15, 2014 to inaugurate the project.”

L-R: Cocoa Transformation team leader, Dr. Peter Aikpokpodion, leading agro-dealer, Sir Patrick Ikemefuna and Ola Akeju of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, after Aikpokpodion received an award from Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), during a cocoa stakeholders’ meeting at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.

Women in agric seek more funding, others DESIRE Female farmers demand access to funds

omen in the agricultural business under the aegis of Women Agro Allied Farmers Association (WAAFA), has called for inclusive provision for female farmers by the Federal Government in form of funds, ex-

tensive capacity building programmes and resuscitation of dilapidated infrastructure at the grassroots. This call, according to them, became necessary in view of the role of rural women in the drive for food security and agricultural productivity. According to the National President of the Association, Mrs Lizzy Igbine, during the National Agricultural Show organised by the National Agricultural Foundation of Ni-

geria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, adequate funds were needed for field trials, land preparation, planting and harvest. She said: “For women, the budgetary funds cannot be accessed and we have challenges with accessing bank loans; many banks don’t even grant loans to rural farmers as our lands, to them, have no value, hence we cannot use them as collateral and, especially as

women, land papers were not handed over to us from our forefathers.” She therefore appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to give grants to women farmers and intervene in the bottlenecks associated with their ability to access loans. She further urged government agencies to utilise the current farmers’ data through the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme to ensure access to adequate markets.

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

TARGET Farmers to benefit from FG’s fertilizer largesse Stories by Dele Alao

o fewer than 20 million farmers are expected to benefit from the Federal Government-sponsored fertilizers during next year’s planting season, the Acting Director-General, National Agricultural Seed Councils (NASC), Dr Philips OlusegunOjo, has said. Olusegun-Ojo, who said this when he declared open a threeday training on seed certification and quality control held

Govt to distribute fertilizer to 20m farmers by 2015 at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, Kaduna State, noted that government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme got to over 90 per cent of Nigerian farmers as against what was obtainable in the past. He said: “Before the introduction of GES, only 11 per cent of Nigerian farmers got fertilisers; but now, over 90 per cent receive the commodity from their redemption centres. In view of the enormous suc-

cess recorded by GES in Nigeria, countries like China, Brazil, Kenya and Tanzania came to borrow a leave from us.” Olusegun-Ojo lauded government’s initiative in introducing the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) aimed at creating jobs for Nigerians apart from facilitating the attainment of national food security. The Director-General noted that ATA had succeeded in encouraging farmers to see farm-

Sugarcane farmers at the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Ikenne, Ogun State sub-station

ing as a business and not as an inherited traditional profession with bleak future. He said that all tiers of government, cooperative societies, private organisations and individuals are partners in progress as far as agricultural transformation is concerned. The DG however observed that some state governments were reluctant in extending the necessary support to enhance the success of ATA in their respective states. He said that the task of making high quality seeds available to the farming population was enormous. Earlier in an address, the NASC Regional Head, NorthWest Zone, Malam Mohammed Ubandoma, said that the training was one of the ways to augment the efforts of ATA. According to him, sensitisation and training of stakeholders are part of government’s efforts to ensure food security. He explained that it was necessary to acquaint stakeholders with seed production and quality control techniques. Olusegun-Ojo said that the training was a collective responsibility towards ensuring quality seed production for consumption as well as agroindustries through the value chain approach. The training, organised by the council, had corps members, NASC certification officers, internal quality control and seed production officers of seed companies as participants.

Genetic materials worth $500bn globally – Expert POTENTIAL An expert identifies the worth of genetic materials in a global economy

enetic materials alone, which is just one of the many aspects of biotechnology, is worth over $500 billion globally, Head, Bio Resources Institute, Nigeria, Maurice Iwu, has said. Iwu stated this at a forum held against the backdrop of the delay in the passage of bio-safety bill by the National Assembly. He also said that the setting up of a facility to counter biological problems such as the notorious Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) within a country would only be possible with a bio-safety bill in place. “The bill is not just for agric purposes but also to preserve our lives,” Iwu said. On her part, the directorgeneral, Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Ms Lucy J. Ogbadu, said that the international treaty on biotechnology, to which Nigeria is

a signatory, was meant to give adequate protection and sustenance to the practise of biotechnology and that consequently all member-nations were supposed to domesticate the protocol. According to her, South Africa, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana have passed the biosafety law and are all seeing the positive effects on their economies, The director general, who described biotechnology as one of the most reliable technologies, said: “It is also among the few technologies driving the economies of nations, propelling the economies of developed nations globally.” She added that Genetically Modified (GM) foods have passed the risk assessment of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the African Union (AU) and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). “A body known as African Bio-safety Network of Expertise (ABNE) has been established under the AU-NEPAD. The Bio-safety law was passed

in South Africa in 1989, Egypt passed its bio-safety law in 1995, Kenya in 2009 and is now a hub of commercialisation and investments on GM crops/GMOs in sub-Saharan Africa. Absence of bio-safety law has made it difficult for NABDA to perform its statutory functions,” she said. Earlier, Minister of Science and Technology, Abdul Bulama, who noted that the delay has affected manufacturing in Nigeria and robbed the country of countless opportunities, had said: “Current information is

either distorted or sensational,” she said. Bulama urged the media to allay the fears of people so that the bill could get the executive assent and the country would not continue to lose the opportunity to grow through biotechnology. President, National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Suleiman Abdullahi, said: “India imports up to $6 billion of cotton annually through the use of biotechnology in production. Burkina Faso is now the leading cotton producer in West Africa

as a result of agric biotechnolog. 10 flights leave Kenya with export produce daily. The revenue that would have accrued from these crops would have been more than even three times what the Federal Government needs to combat insurgency.” Stakeholders at the forum unanimously called for a fast tracking of this bill, which will provide a legislative framework to regulate the application of biotechnology in Nigeria and guarantee its legitimate control and practices.

Nigeria cocoa processors face cost barriers to EU exports

igerian cocoa-processing companies say the cost of exporting their products to Europe has been inflated by 30 percent because of a stalemate in agreeing new trade terms with the European Union. Nigerian cocoa butter and cake exports are charged from 4.2 per cent to 6.1 per cent of freight-on-board values as taxes at EU ports without an agreement, Felix Oladunjoye, executive secretary of the Co-

coa Processors Association of Nigeria, or Copan, said in a phone interview today from Lagos, the commercial capital. Nigeria is the only country in West Africa yet to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement protocol on free trade by the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, he said. “It makes Nigeria-origin cocoa butter and cake less competitive in the international

market,” Oladunjoye said. “It is a direct loss of revenue to the local processing industry.” Apart from having to export at a cost disadvantage, many of them are burdened by unserviced debts estimated collectively at about 40 billion naira ($241 million), preventing new credit lines from banks, according to Akin Olusuyi, managing director of IleOluji Cocoa Products Ltd. and vice president of Copan.

Business | Agric

FUNDING International bodies collaborate to finance desertification in Africa, others Stories by Dele Alao

he European Union (EU) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), in collaboration with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), have launched a €41 million, 4.5-year programme to bolster sustainable land management and restore dry lands and degraded lands in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The programme, named Action Against Desertification, is crucial in fighting hunger and poverty, fostering stability and building resilience to climate change in some of the world’s most vulnerable areas, the programme sponsors say. Over 70 per cent of people living in dry lands and other fragile ecosystems across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific derive their livelihoods from natural resources. But population growth and climate change put increasing pressure on these ecosystems, exacerbating degradation and desertification of increasingly overexploited lands. Director General, FAO, José Graziano da Silva, said: “Desertification and land degradation are very serious challenges. They lead to hunger and poverty, themselves at the root of many conflicts. But recent successes show that these problems are not insurmountable. We can boost food security, improve livelihoods and help people adapt to climate change.” The FAO boss said that Action Against Desertification would continue supporting local communities, government and civil society in Burkina

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

EU, FAO to fight desertification in Nigeria, others with €41m Faso, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal in the sustainable management and restoration of their dry land forests and rangelands. “It will support agro-forestry and promote incomegeneration activities, as well as the creation of employment opportunities in rural areas, especially for youth and women, based on the sustainable production, processing and marketing of agricultural products and forest goods and services,” he said. He added: “Action Against Desertification is a joint FAO and ACP-EU programme whose funding includes €20 million from the European Development Fund.” Also, the EU’s Development Commissioner, Andris Pie-

address these challenges in ACP countries.” In Africa, the programme’s efforts build on the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative, established in 2007, which has become Africa’s flagship initiative to combat the effects of climate change and desertification. Action Against Desertification is implemented by FAO in partnership with the African Union Commission, the governments of the concerned countries, the ACP Secretariat, the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew and the Walloon Region of Belgium and other partners.

L-R: Assistant General Secretary, Association of Corporate Trustees, Fatah Kadiri; President, Funmilayo Ekundayo; Vice-President, Tokunbo Ajayi; Treasurer, Frederick Obodozie and Financial Secretary, Bolanle Oyelade, at the inauguration of the new executive of the association, at its 11th Annual General meeting in Lagos.

Kogi State boost agric with N2bn n a bid to harness agriculture potentials and drive food security, Kogi State government has signed a N2 billion agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to advance agricultural development. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Zaccheaus Atte, who represented Governor Idris Wada, said this at the launch of a four-day training for cashew farmers in the state in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area. Atte outlined efforts of the state government towards the provision of an enabling environment for farmers to succeed. He disclosed that N300 million will be allocated for ca-

balgs, said: “Sustainable land management is crucial to tackling the triple challenges we face from climate change, loss of biodiversity and food insecurity. This new programme will help those communities most affected by these problems to better manage their resources, use them to create jobs and generate income and invest in them for future generations.” Secretary General of the ACP, Muhammad Mumuni, said: “Hunger and poverty, climate change, deforestation, land degradation, desertification and the loss of biodiversity are all interlinked. Integrated approaches to landscape management are necessary, as well as new policies, investments and capacities to

shew farmers in continuation of the state government’s effort to sustain production in the state which has now become the largest producer of the product. Also speaking at the event, President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr Tola Fasheru, urged government at all levels to provide incentives for cashew farmers in the country. He added that due to lack of storage facilities for cashew nuts in the country, farmers lose 50 per cent of their products at the post-production stage. This, he said, has negatively affected the well-being of farmers who labour yearly to produce the product.

Conference reveals new benefits in egg FINDINGS Experts identify new nutritional values in egg

n international conference has, among others, identified egg as a unique food, which combines a modest amount of calories per portion

Eggs

while delivering a rich source of key vitamins and minerals. International experts, who gathered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, at the International Egg Nutrition Consortium (IENC) Symposium agreed that the sustainability record of eggs also compares favourably against other animal protein sources. The conference, which had the theme: Eggs in Human Nutrition: Current Research and Future Directions,” was held to discuss new advances in egg nutrition. The first speaker at the meeting, Dr. Mitch Kanter, described egg as “the most natural food around.” Dr. Tia Rains from the United States highlighted the importance of protein, noting that experimental diets, which swap carbohydrates for protein-rich foods, such as egg, have a ben-

eficial impact on metabolic factors such as blood pressure and so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. Dr Rains outlined emerging research, which suggests that eating high protein foods at frequent intervals throughout the day is more effective for building and sustaining muscle than eating one or two large protein meals daily. This suggests that protein-rich snacks and opportunities to include protein at breakfast and lunch – meals traditionally low in protein – would be effective for groups looking to enhance muscle content, such as athletes and the elderly. Muscle wasting in older people is common and can lead to falls and poor health. Many speakers touched on various subjects and the conference established an important role for eggs in providing high quality protein, nutrients and a means to support weight loss.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Auto Beat Coscharis, CitiBank go golfing in Discovery 4HSE Paul Ogbuokiri

oscharis Motors recently participated in the Citibank Nigeria 30th Anniversary celebration by sponsoring one of the Hole-in-One – Hole 12 on offer with a Discovery 4 HSE at the Golf tournament organised at the Lakowe Lakes Golf in Lagos. According to the Deputy General Mnager (Sales), Coscharis, Ufuoma Umukoro, the objective of the sponsorship is to avail Citi Bank customers, some of who are also our customers, the opportunity to win the Discovery 4 given their support, in terms of patronage, over the years.

As part of the side attraction, Coscharis Motors displayed the Jaguar XJ and F-Type and also made available the Jaguar XF, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery 4 and the Freelander 2 for participants to ride and drive during the event while promising to give a N2,000,000 discount on any on the spot commitment. Coscharis Motors is looking forward to a long partnership and extending a privilege scheme to Citi Bank said the General Manager, Marketing, Abiona Babarinde. “It is a great partnership as we share similar client base and we have shown repeatedly that we are always willing to align with any company that cares for its

customers.” Abiona Babarinde further said that while this is not a first attempt at sponsoring the Hole in One in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors has made it a commitment to always put on offer this opportunity in any of its affinity marketing especially with the hope that a customer can cart away the car prize. Coscharis Motors currently preparing to receive stocks of the first ever Jaguar XE is set to introduce a relatively favourable pricing for its Discovery 4 which is the most versatile 4x4 in the Land Rover family. According to Ufuoma Umukoro the favourable pricing is driven by the need

for more corporate sales and as a way of celebrating advent with our customers. Retail customers may also benefit as much as N2 million discounts within this quarter but depending on stock availability. He said the company is also preparing for its own golf tournament at the IBB Golf course in Abuja in November “and as usual, we will be offering a vehicle for the Hole-in-One. Coscharis Motors as the sole importer of Jaguar Land Rover in Nigeria offers a comprehensive warranty backed by a region-wide sales and service network responsible for the provision of world-class sales, maintenance and parts back-up.

Hyundai Grand joins Stallion family

tallion Motors recently launched its locally assembled Hyundai model at an interactive session with journalist in Lagos. The Hyundai Grand i10 as it is named is a family sedan that comes in two variants with five-speed manual and fourspeed automatic transmission powered by 1.25 Kappa Dual VTVT engine respectively. Jatin Nadkarni, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria, a division of Stallion Group said Hyundai Grand i10 was the proceed of the recently inaugurated Federal Government National Automotive Industrial Plan. He said the Hyundai Grand i10 has proven a point that a comfortable and spacious car doesn’t have to be cumbersome. “And that was Hyundai Motors’ conviction when it went to the drawing

board to design this exceptionally cultured family sedan that would soon become the toast of most automobile freaks in the country,” Mr. Nadkarni said. New Telegraph learnt that the Hyund a i Grand responds to every

expectation with alluring cabin colour, textures and shape that lend it a sport appeal that could easily make any large car envious. Nadkarni acknowledged these values as he showed Motoring journalist some of the attractive features that distinguish the sedan. He said: “the world is changing every day, so we decided to also change the way people communicate with each other by introducing the Hyundai Grand - a car that lets you share a new language with the world.” And true to his words, the Grand shows a sharp styling with a whole new level of innovation

that attest to the brilliantly crafted exterior which leaves an everlasting impression on all those who catch a glimpse of it. The newly designed clear headlight clusters for instance, not only look good, they improve your night vision and onroad visibility with extra safety. Hyundai Grand is equipped with chrome-coated radiator grille positioned to perfection to project strong presence. The outside mirror repeaters are aerodynamically sculpted while the outside mirror is ornamented with LED repeaters for enhanced looks and safety. Inside the car, the front and rear seating ergonomically designed bucket type front seats gives the car a premium feel with spacious and cushioned rear seats while the adjustable headrests assure ample support and comfortable seating. This is in addition to the liberal boot space that could accommodate your weekend luggage with bench folding function that provides an extra flat load space.

Feminique

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ita-Giwa: Young at heart, full of joy Ita-Giwa who was the wife of the assassinated Founding Editor of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa later ventured into politics where she is holding sway as one of the most prominent women politicians in Nigeria. Her motherly role in bringing succour to Bakassi, her homeland during the crisis between Nigeria and Cameroun over ownership of the peninsula earned her the moniker, Mama Bakassi. Speaking to Feminique on the future of the Nigerian woman, she insists that in order to excel, women need to conquer fear. “I think women can rise to any level they want in life if they conquer fear. To conquer fear is not easy, because even me, at this level, I am still struggling to keep my head up in Nigeria,” she said, adding that when men compete with women, even in elections, they put more effort so that they do not get defeated by women, a situation that calls for more hard work on the part of the women. “I have done four elections, and I know that many an election is like going to war, but I had to do it. Eventually, I got over the shock and today, I don’t mind. And I tell women ‘go to the field, you are qualified, you can do it.” Having conquered fear, the senator who became an outstanding lady in politics among men, advised women to become educationally and economically empowered because politics is capital intensive. On her plan post 2015, she said that as a politician, there is no retirement as there is so much to be done. “I am a politician and it is a career. The good thing with politics is that there is no retirement age. There is so much to be done and I am so busy. There are so much going wrong that we have to correct - environmental issues, global warming, devastation and so on; the Bakassi issue and so much more.” With an office in Lagos and Calabar, Ita-Giwa who is also a Director in the Nigerian Ports Authority says her major preoccupation now is sponsoring the right people and ensuring that only the right people are voted into positions of leadership and mentoring the young ones, giving them a voice and a future through education, ‘those are my very important projects.”

Ace politician and one of the famous women in the Nigerian social circle, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is a princess with a large heart. Having served her country in various capacities as a politician and public servant, she adopted 12 rural children and transformed them to global citizens with a bright future ahead. EBERE AMEH writes

he ovation was loud and long at the US Embassy, Lagos, when in what can only be described as an amazing story, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa gave a testimony of her ‘12 adorable children’. These were children who once roamed the forests and riverbanks of the Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River State with a bleak or no future at all. Picked from different communities and villages, she sent them to the best schools both within and outside Nigeria, sure of a wonderful future. “Bakassi has the highest number of uneducated children in the region and their main pastime after fishing is procreation,” Ita-Giwa said during the recent celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child . “The men go fishing and when they come back and take the local gin, many young girls get pregnant. That was what I observed and I decided to do something about it. Even though there is not much an individual can do, I said I must do something.” That was how eleven years ago, Mama Bakassi, as the Senator is fondly called, picked seven girls and five boys, between the ages of four and eight, from six different fishing points and villages in Bakassi that have never been to school, to train and transform. Narrating her experience with the children, Ita-Giwa said; “They were like adults because they learnt at a very young age to fend for themselves. By the time I brought them to Calabar town, they were very quiet, very adult in nature even though they were children. By the time they spent about seven months, they started playing and fighting each other. It was then that I knew I had children.

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

“I put them in Access School, one of the best schools in Calabar because I wanted them to go to school with the children of the elite. Calabar is one of the very beautiful and secured states in the country and I wanted them to develop like the children of the elite,” Ita-Giwa said. A journey that started about eleven years ago, the princess now has 12 lovely graduates and undergraduates and to say she is so excited may just be an understatement. “Today six of them have graduated from the university. The last graduation ceremony brought me to uncontrollable tears. I was on the high table with Generals and top Nigerians from different spheres of life, whose children were also graduating. But guess what? My two children, Robert and Precious got about eight awards each,” the proud mother said. The creek children who hitherto, had no opportunity, got eight awards over the children of the elite, an indication that some of these children are indeed, firebrands who just need an opportunity to blossom in life. “Today, two have gone to Ghana to read Engineering, four in Babcock University, one of the most expensive universities in Nigeria. With every sense of modesty, I have succeeded in developing these children. Another achievement, I must say, is not just that I have put 12 children together from different communities and villages but that for the past 11 years, they are all Ita-Giwa, like brothers and sisters and you don’t know the difference. “They go to South Africa and because I have not been there, they call to tell me Mummy, you must find time to come here, it’s so beautiful. They go to Canada, United States and different places and now tell me to come,” she said with an air of achievement. The senator who gave one of her daughters out in marriage recently, in a wedding that has been described as the mother of all weddings, called on parents and guardians to protect, educate and develop their girl children because if a girl is developed, if a girl is educated, if the girl is well cultured, she makes a better leader and achieves much more. A Nurse by profession,

Ita-Giwa

“I put them in Access School, one of the best schools in Calabar because I wanted them to go to school with the children of the elite.

Feminique 39

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Let’s talk about breast: Woman, man or child, who owns it?

ere is another topic that agitates so much discussion and emotion home and abroad, about sex and relationship. The responses are just as controversial as the reasons behind them. But first what and where is the breast/boob/ mammary gland. It is that succulent appendage in front of every woman’s chest. They are two in number. Of course men have breasts too, but we are not talking about a man’s own. Before you jump into the fray, I want to help you by highlighting some of the usefulness of the breast to each party. Let’s start with the child/ baby. His/her needs are quite simple. Nutrition. The baby needs the breast because of the milk. Breast milk is the best nutrition for the baby. It also transfers immunity and protection from the mother to the baby, during the early stages of life. That is why we advocate for 9-12 months breastfeeding. The baby also cuddles against the breast for comfort, warmth and reassurance. Of course, the bad,bad, ones play with it. Espe-

cially the male. This turns on the mother. That is when she would playfully smack him and remove the mouth from the breast. Na cover up. Ask your wife if you do not believe me. Then the man. Basically, it is all about sex. Breasts turn us on tremendously. Of course, tastes differ. Some of us are carried away by the big, succulent, pendulous ones, popularly known as ‘Oshodi Oke.’ For some, it is the tiny apple sized ones. Finally, there are those who are just in-between. We men love breasts. I am yet to see a man who is totally immune to a woman’s cleavage. A lot of us even masturbate successfully with those exposed breasts we see in playboy and ebony mags. But the most important role of the breast to the man is the one we sadly miss. The woman’sbreast( and nipple) is a fantastic erogenous zone. And they know it. That is why they don’t allow you to touch it anyhow. Unless you mean business. But if you know how to caress, fondle, suck and squeeze your woman’s breasts expertly, sex will never be boring for both

Ebere Ameh

f everything that happened this week, I think my journey to Abuja, for an official engagement is worth noting in my diary. Outside being full of surprises, it may make or mar my progress, nay, stay in Jonathan Consulting. The conference was well attended and the presentations superbly done. We were on a tea break and I was chatting with Gina, a delegate from Benin when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Oga! I screamed, genuflecting in reverence. What is Mr Omoregie, our Executive Director doing here. I didnt know he was coming, or rather, I thought I was the only one coming from my office. ‘I’m surprised to see you here,” I spluttered. Seeing that it is my boss, Gina stepped aside and quickly made for the coffee table next to us. ‘I didn’t have to tell you. I arrived here early this morning and I am making a presentation tomorrow. Hope you are lodged at the Merridien? I nodded in agreement. Good, I asked them to ensure you are there, you have been working hard lately and need to have some good time here. “I am in soup”, I told myself. This man has been making passes at me and I have been ignoring him, carrying on with my job and giving excuses the many times he asked me out. Today, we are out, together for that matter. Who knows if he is lodging at the Merridien too. “God, give me wisdom”, I thought to myself. Just as I was about getting ready for dinner, my phone rang. It was Mr Omoregie. “Come help me sort this out. I’m in room 102.” “Pardon”, I squirted. “Same Merriden?,” I managed to ask. “Same wing,” came the strong masculine voice that I have avoided all along. “I’ll be right there sir. I was actually on my way out for

of you. You can even become a breast expert and make her reach orgasm. Even before sex. That is your weapon as a man. Finally, the woman. Obviously, she uses it for breastfeeding, If she wants to. A lot of our so called modern women reduce breast feeding time to 1-3 months. All in the name of fashion. Some claim work constraints. Most believe extensive breastfeeding, results in saggy, slippers like breasts. That I know is false. Even the Oyinbos we copy blindly, breast feed their babies for 9-12 months at least. Then they manufacture cow’s milk and send them to us. Poor us and even poorer babies. The next is as a sex weapon, to get whatever they want from men. This is known as ‘Breast or Top Power’. They combine it with ‘Bottom Power’ fantastically. I don’t blame them. After all ‘you use what you have to get what you want.’ Also, they are well aware that the breast is a great turn on for them too. Now you know the value of the breast to each combatant. What do you think? Tell us. Don’t be shy. We are all adults.

Of course, the bad,bad, ones play with it. Especially the male. This turns on the mother. That is when she would playfully smack him and remove the mouth from the breast.

Fadeyi

Be part of the sex enlightenment team. WHO REALLY OWNS THE BREAST? Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@ gmail.com or 08114483395 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a single mom ...If only you’ll marry me

dinner,” I said. “Perfect!, we may go together then,” he responded. From discussions about the conference, to the Nigerian economy, and office politics, I kept wondering what he really wants me to sort out for him. “You wanted me to sort stuffs out for you? Let me do it, I need to get some shut eye, I’m tired,” I said, much more tipsy than tired, but very conscious. Why did I drink the champagne? Oh! I need to get out of here. “Just a minute,” he called out from the closet. “I’ll do it tomorrow sir,” I

said, just as a strong hug from behind almost pushed me to the sofa. “Take your hands off me,” I screamed, pushing him backward with every strength I could muster. “He targeted my boobs ,”My eyes opened widely, all the tipsiness gone as I turned to see Mr Omoregie in his boxers alone, saying stuffs I didn’t care to know. “Story for the gods,” I quipped. “Is that the stuff you want me to sort? I should have known. That’s not the way to approach a lady. I may be divorced but I’m not a slot. You’ve asked

me out and I told you I was not ready for any relationship, not with a married man. Is that why you forced this conference on me, even when I opted out because of my baby who sprained her ankle? No. Gentlemen don’t force women, I thought you were a gentleman,” I said, mindful of the fact that, in spite of everything, he is still my boss. “Ego”, he said, making towards me. “I have always loved you, even before your divorce. I just felt that the divorce is the opportunity I have been looking for to make my intentions known to you. Yes I’m married but I am a Muslim. I take good care of my wife and can marry anyone I like in so far as I can take care of them. Please Ego, I have observed you for a long time. I love you and have been thinking of how best to propose to you. I will care for you and your children if only you will marry me,” he said, holding my hands while attempting to kneel. My mouth opened on its own accord when I saw Mr Omoregie brandishing a sparkling gold ring. ‘Some men can be so awkward,’ I thought. They have their different ways of wooing women. Some are too gentle to sweep a woman off ner feet with mere words. For such people, deliberate acts of kindness sometimes do the wooing for them. Others know what women want to hear and mesmerize them with words. I think Omoregie belongs to the former. Does he think his random acts of generosity will convince me to love him. Is that how Hausa people propose? Oh yes, he is Edo, but are they not all the same. Ego what will you not see. A married man, a Muslim for that matter, Chai!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Married Without Divorcing From First Husband QUESTION

Can a woman marry a new husband after leaving an unfaithful hubby without due divorce process?

ANSWER Wa “alaykum as-Salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Thanks very much for contacting us, and we implore Allah to guide us all to understand the noble teachings of Islam in a perfect way. Before answering the question, we would like to state that the relations between the spouses should be based on tranquility, love, and mercy. Allah says: (And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect) (Ar-Rum 30: 21) The wife should avoid packing and leaving from the marital home under normal circumstances. If the wife is abused, she can seek shelter away from her husband and seek help from the local authorities. She should not leave the country. In addition, marrying another husband without being divorced from the first is not a solution to the problem. Such a marriage is sinful and forbidden in Islam, and that is why the woman who did this should declare sincere and honest repentance and shed tears for what she has done. Responding to the question, the European Council for Fatwa and Research states the following: This woman is sinful and disobedient because of running away from her husband, from whom she had not been separated in a legal way, and because she married another husband. Therefore, she has to repent before Allah Almighty for that, as Allah Almighty says: (And those who, when they have done an act of indecency (illegal sexual intercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins, and none can forgive sins but Allah, and do not persist knowingly in what (wrong) they have done) (Aal`Imran 3: 135) The second marriage is invalid, and it is a questionable marriage because the second husband concluded the marriage contract without knowing that the woman was still the wife of the first husband [that is, without checking her marital status in her official documents]. Most jurists opine that the children of a questionable marriage shall belong to their father. Owing to the invalidity of the second marriage, it must be corrected with a legal contract. In addition, the wife does not have to observe `iddah for her first husband, if more than four months and ten nights have elapsed since she knew of his death. Allah Almighty knows best.

E X H O RTAT I O N “O YOU CHILDREN OF ADAM! WE HAVE BESTOWED ON YOU RAIMENT TO COVER YOUR SHAME AS WELL AS TO BE AN ADORNMENT TO YOU. BUT THE RAIMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAT IS THE BEST. SUCH ARE AMONG THE SIGNS OF ALLAH, THAT THEY MAY 30 Dhul-Hijjah 1435 H

RECEIVE ADMONITION.” QURAN 7:26

LUTH permits Hijab for ‘willing’ staff as outrage greet Court ‘ban’ ruling FOOT-STEP MPAC has hailed LUTH, tasking others to follow foot-step

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

he management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has directed that female Muslim nurses and other students who so desire in the hospital should be allowed to wear Hijab. The directive, which was contained in a memo dated October 13, 214, immediately attracted commendation from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and other human right groups. MPAC said in a statement on its website that tasked others public health care centers to emulate the leadership quality, which LUTH has shown. This came as outrage greeted Court ruling, which upheld ban on Hijab in Lagos public schools. LUTH has, in a new dress code for all members of staff, said :”That female Muslim nurses and other students who so desire in the hospital should be allowed to wear the hijab.” “The hijab should cover the head, neck and neatly tucked in inside the uniform with the face visible”

Senior Manager, Segments, MTN, Saidat Lawal-Mohammed (5th right); Customer Knowledge Analyst Marketing and Strategy, MTN, Ismail Salami (2nd right), with some beneficiaries, during the arrival of 20 subscribers from Mecca, for this year’s Hajj, sponsored by MTN, at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, recently

In May 2013, the MPAC and other organisations joined to advocate for the right of the nurses to use the hijab at work at LUTH and NOH Igbobi. A year before the first meeting of the coalition which took place at the MPAC office in May 2013, we had approached the management of LUTH to seek clarification on their policy on the use of hijab by their female staff members who are Muslims. Perhaps if the Mgt of LUTH had taken note of the outreach efforts and pro-action on our part, the crisis that later ensued would have been prevented.

The issue of discrimination against hijabis at LUTH came to a head in 2014 when Sekinat Folake Abdulfattah, a nursing staff at LUTH (Mrs Abdulfattah wears a short and tucked in hijab) was allegedly assaulted by a senior colleague who had ordered her to remove the hijab and then eventually detained by the LUTH security. The efforts of the coalition who came together after this case alhamdulilah has yielded results as the management of LUTH finally accepted the simple logic that what is important is what’s in the head and not what’s on it.

We thank Allah for this victory and praise the excellent work of the heroes and heroines at IMAN and LUTH who worked in concert with others to secure this basic right and its ripple effects. This is another testimony to the power of positive affirmative action and a proof against apathy. However, the Lagos Area Unit, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) said that it was sad that only in Nigeria that a letter written in April 201 4 by Attorney general of Lagos State did not differ from the judgment delivered both in content and basis.

Hajj: MTN beneficiaries, 62, 980 others return from Saudi Arabia

total of 64, 891 Nigerians have successfully returned from Saudi Arabia after a successful completion of this year’s Hajj, New Telegraph has gathered. While fifteen of the total 64, 986 Nigeria’s pilgrims could not return due to death in the holy land, twenty others left the holy land, through connecting flights, for countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States. The ICT and telecommunications company, MTN, which said that it sponsored 20 of the 64, 981 returnee pilgrims, said in a statement that all the 20 pilgrims have safely returned from the holy land. The 64,986 Nigeria Pilgrims were among the 1.4 million pilgrims that were on Arafat plain as a major part of the

Hajj rite. The Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission in Mecca, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, confirmed the number adding that fifteen of the 64, 986 Nigerian pilgrims have died. Around 1.4 million Muslims converged on the holy city of Makkah from all over the world to perform the annual hajj pilgrimage, Meanwhile, the twenty pilgrims sponsored by the ICT and telecommunications company, MTN, arrived the country, after fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam and having a life enriching experience in the holy land of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The company said in a statement that the pilgrims, who came with a high sense of spiritual fulfillment, showered encomium on MTN for not just

given them a rare opportunity they have long desired but, making them better people in their Islamic faith with awesome experience. Apart from fulfilling the Hajj rites, they had the privilege of visiting the Prophet Mosque in Medina. One of the excited beneficiaries, Hajarat Ahmed Aboki, a thirty year old post graduate student, from Suleja, Niger state, while commending MTN for the rare privilege given to her, stated how uplifting and fulfilling the journey was. “Sincerely, words cannot express how I feel. This is a rare opportunity given to me for just subscribing to an Islamic content on the MTN Value Added Services. This is my first time of travelling for Hajj and even travelling out of

the country. “Alhamdulillah (to God be the glory), I was able to perform the Umrah, the Hajj itself and other Islamic obligations expected from a pilgrim who travels to Mecca. It is so amazing, fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam without paying a dime. All my expenses were taken care of, from my flight from Abuja to Lagos, then to Saudi Arabia and coming back, It was an awesome experience. Speaking on how the journey to the holy land impacted so much in her life, Aboki stated: “it has had a great impact in my life. It has made me a changed person; feeling like new born child, because I felt my sins have been forgiven and washed away Insha’Allah (by God’s grace).

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Crime

‘Death penalty does not deter others from committing same crime’ life? The answer is that it does not benefit the victim, the family or even the society. It does not also compensate any of the group; it instead aggravates the agony of the family of the deceased victim knowing that another life has been lost in the process of getting justice. Experience has shown that most families of deceased victims will not approve sending the accused person to the gallows.

Barrister Igiriogu Francis Anayochukwu is a human rights lawyer with interest in criminal justice reform, health law and legal aid issues. He is the Programme Manager, Security and Justice Department of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), an NGO in Nigeria. In this interview with JULIANA FRANCIS, Anayochukwu insists that death penalty is not the solution to reduction of crime in the country. Excerpt: Are you aware that some of the inmates on death row are actually innocent? The 1999 Nigerian constitution (as amended) recognises the sanctity of life in section 33(1). Similarly, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966, ratified by Nigeria, also proclaims in Article 6 (1) the sanctity of life and that it can only be deprived through due process of the law. African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights in Article 4 also proclaims the importance of right to life. Though right to life is not absolute, but the contemporary practice in most countries today is towards abolition of death penalty, or at least national commitment to Moratorium. I’m aware that some of the inmates on death row in Nigeria are likely to be innocent of the charges that led to their death sentences. This is especially the case because majority of those on death row are poor persons that cannot afford best of lawyers. What is your reaction to the latest order from Mr. President that Governors should begin to sign death warrantss for those on death row? If there was a directive from Mr. President to Governors to start exer-

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

Anayochukwu

cising their executive powers by signing death warrant in their respective states, such directive is most unfortunate and counter-productive. The current global trend is towards abolition of death penalty. Indeed, ECOWAS’ Court of Justice, not quite long, frowned against Nigeria’s practice of death penalty in the cases of Maimuna Abdulmumini and Thankgod Ebhos. The Court was emphatic in ordering Nigeria to continue to abide by its commitment to the Moratorium against the death penalty. Besides, the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN) has assured United Nations’ delegation, led by Madam Navi Pillay of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (as she then was), that the Federal Government will abide by the decision of the ECOWAS Court, stopping it from further executing criminals on death row. Any contrary directive by Mr. President will, therefore, be policy somer-

sault especially since the assurance to the international community came from the chief law officer of the federation. The question is- what benefit does death penalty give to the victim (the person killed by the accused person), the relations and to the society? Does death penalty compensate any of this group or bring back the deceased to

I do not think our law enforcement agencies and the judiciary are well equipped to sentence accused persons to death

What would be an inmate’s psychological disposition after spending 10 years on death row, only to be found innocent? In any event, if the accused person is really guilty of murder, sending him to the gallows is not the most reasonable action in the circumstance. When such a person is hanged, that is the end of his consciousness regarding the crime. He is no longer alive to see the consequences of his action. On the other hand, if such person is sentenced to life imprisonment- for instance- he will witness suffering, see the consequences of his action and probably have opportunity to make amends. Research has also shown that imposing death penalty on any offence does not reduce or deter people from committing such crime. Armed Robbery increased with great ferocity after promulgation of Robbery and Fire Arms Decree 1970, making the offence capital one punishable with death. Many states have made kidnapping a capital offence punishable with death, yet kidnapping has not abated. We’re still praying for release of our beloved Okey Wali (SAN) immediate past President of Nigerian Bar Association. The danger in making offences capital in nature is that it elevates such offences to a ‘deadly’ crime in which the perpetrators will do all within their powers, no matter how heinous, not to leave any trace of their dastardly act. The consequence is the tendency to eliminate their victims and any other person that can point at them so that nobody can ‘fish them out’ and send them to the gallows. Whereas without death penalty, the perpetrators would not be as ‘deadly’ as they are now- knowing that if they were caught, the highest punishment that would be meted out to them is term of imprisonment. Do you think the judiciary and police are equipped, to ‘send’ suspects/accused to death without giving them second chance of being investigated? I do not think our law enforcement agencies and the judiciary are well equipped to sentence accused perC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 1

Crime

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Police use torture because there is no forensic lab’ hibits. This has, in most cases, led the police, out of frustration, to resort to torture in order to elicit confessional statement which is the easier way of convicting the accused person. Even though the plea of ‘guilty’ of the accused person will be recorded as ‘not guilty’ in capital offences, yet that plea has made an impression on the mind of the judge so much so that if the accused person is not represented by a good lawyer, he stands the risk of being convicted.

Hang man’s noose C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

sons to death without running the risk of sending innocent persons to the gallows. We lack standard and functional foren-

sic laboratory in Nigeria to test exhibits which come as forensic evidence before our courts. The only functional one in Lagos is ill equipped, lacking modern day forensic machines that are used to analyse ex-

What is the way out? The way forward is for Nigeria to keep to its commitment to Moratorium. This is achievable and the Federal Attorney General should take the lead to convince State Attorneys General where majority of the death penalty take place on the importance of moratorium. We should resort to only giving terms of imprisonment in all types of offences. PRAWA as a human right to, Security and Justice NGO, has been in the forefront of advocating for abolition of death penalty in Nigeria. PRAWA has done this advocacy through many workshops, written materials, video documentaries and advocacy visits. PRAWA is celebrating its 20th anniversary on the 5th of November 2014. The opportunity will be used to showcase all the programmes PRAWA have carried out all these 20 years, including our work on death penalty abolition.

Man sues SARS, former governor for N5bn Shola Adefuwa

businessman, whose hotel was demolished by the Peter Obi’s led administration, has sued the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, Anambra State, Mr James Nwafor and former Governor Peter Obi for the sum of N5 billion. The businessman, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe, said the sum was damages for demolition of his Upper Class Hotel, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Mokwe, Awkuzu SARS and the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi had been having a running battle for almost two years. Trouble started after Mokwe was alleged to be a ritual killer. Before proper investigation could be carried out, he was arrested and his Upper Class Hotel demolished. He was detained by SARS and further accused of murdering one Nnalue Okafor, whom he said he had never met. Mokwe was charged to court, but was acquitted. According to the writ of summons dated September 15, 2014, the defendants are the Anambra State Government and Awkuzu SARS. The writ, issued through Mokwe’s Counsel and agent, Joe Onuoha and Co, asked the court to compel Anambra State Government to pay Mokwe N3 billion general damages for unlawful arrest and false imprisonment for 95 days without proper investigation and reasonable evidence and also the sum of N2 billion as general damages for malicious prosecution, without evidence to support the charge. Mokwe in his statement alleged that SARS operatives arrested him on August, 1, 2013 without due process. According to him, the police molested and tortured him at the instigation of

Mokwe

Nwafor whom he said acted unlawful and malicious, contrary to all known laws. The summon further states: “A team of policemen, led by the Nwafor, stormed the plaintiff ’s hotel and arrested the plaintiff ’s manager, Mr Justin Nwankwo. He was ordered to lead the policemen to the plaintiff ’s office, which he did and the plaintiff was ordered to open all the lodging rooms.” The policemen opened and searched two rooms and did not find anything incriminating. A particular police man insisted on being shown and directed to room 102 of the hotel which was on the 1st floor. The writ continues: “The hotel manager told the police in the plaintiff ’s presence that the lodger in room 102 had the key to the said room and the lodger has not checked out. The hotel manifest and the duplicate receipt issued to the lodger in the name of Mr John Obi were shown to the police. “The policemen broke into room 102 where, we surprisingly saw nylon polythene bags scattered on the bed and on the floor of the room as well as an empty suitcase on the bed. At the wardrobe, we saw two rusty AK

47 guns and two old rotten human skulls all in one bag. The police took all those items found in the room; but did not search other rooms after room 102 in the hotel.” Mokwe said that prior to the demolition of the hotel; he had been approached by Fidelity Bank PLC, through one R.T Martins to purchase the building and its premises for establishing one of the bank’s branches in Onitsha. Mokwe added that apparently aware that he had refused the offer which Obi, the then Governor of Anambara State has interest in, two months later, the ‘set-up’ was instigated and the Governor saw the allegation as an opportunity to acquire his land for the bank. Counsel to Mokwe said that witnesses in the trial that would soon come up will include Mokwe, Nwankwo, Mr. Onyedika Igboenyeukwu and Mrs. Nwauza Okafor. Igboenyeukwu would be expected to testify and convinced the judge that Mokwe did not have a hand in the death of Nnalue Okafor. According to Igboenyeukwu, on April, 29, 2013, he saw when policemen came to Silas Works Road and picked Okafor who could not run due to a deformity in his leg. “The police arrested and took him away to an unknown place. I reported the arrest of Nnalue Okafor to his family at Ogwari on the 30th of April,” said Igboenyeukwu. “Nnalu Okafor is a member of MASSOB and he was the leader of the MASSOB barracks in Silas work road, Fegge Onitsha.” Igboenyeukwu would further testify that: “Obi used the police to arrest and detain Okafor in order to disorganize MOSSOB. He wanted them to merge, but MASSOB refused and Okafor stood his grounds that MASSOB was independent of Igbo youths.”

The 3rd Eye The strategic insights of Boko Haram & assessment (1) Ethelbert Oney

eace process and concessions are much abused terms. In many contexts, they are used to mean predetermined counterterrorism ideological solutions. As strategic mechanisms, they have been adopted in Israeli-Palestine relationship, Northern Ireland, Colombia and Mali. However, the only successful one was the Irish Republican Army (IRA) concession in 2005. The news of ceasefire by the Boko Haram terrorist group is a long awaited development that should be embraced with open arm as long as it is genuine. The Boko Haram started as a religious terrorist group that adopted violence to further what it sees as divinely commanded purposes. This ideology stem from the preaching of Mohammed Yusuf ’s father far before the sect came to existence in 2002, which often targeted broad categories of foes in an attempt to bring about sweeping changes. This group gradually graduated to a sectional terrorist group, clamoring for a separate Islamic state or seeking the Islamisation of the entire nation. The constant attacks unleashed by the sect gave rise to focuses on counterterrorism for the first time. Counter-terrorism is shortterm in nature and is intended to mitigate the effectiveness and frequency of terrorist acts. This has been the primary focus of our law enforcement community generally and that of the nation, specifically. The notion of a long term strategy to deal with Boko Haram and its affiliates may include a familiar peace process, concession or absolute defeat through high quality intelligence gathering. Peace process or concession may provide a plethora of tools that not only deal with the symptoms of terrorism, but also the root causes that will allow a long-term strategy to be developed. In order to effectively devise a means for a long-term strategic focus and insight to combat Boko Haram through peace process or concession, it is necessary to try and form a policy framework, for instance, prevention, persuasion, denial and coordination, which we have been shying away from. The prevention strategy should centre on the general notion of adequately dealing with legitimate grievances. In order to reduce the disposition of disgruntled Boko Haram, the notion of prevention should revolve around exposing their sponsors and the political oxygen it uses. • Ethelbert Oney is an Intelligence & Security Expert ethelbertoney@zissltd.com (08067764342 SMS only)

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Business | Financial Market News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

23-Oct-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

23-Apr-10 16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 563.89 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 371.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 130.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,675.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,622.33

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.50 1.81 2.51 2.76 2.86 3.60 4.68 5.00 7.26 9.39 14.10 14.58 15.08 15.75 19.74

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.75 12.58 12.71 12.79 12.79 12.82 12.80 12.85 12.75 12.73 12.81 12.82 12.83 12.78 12.74

10.42 12.48 12.64 12.72 12.73 12.71 12.72 12.76 12.69 12.68 12.77 12.77 12.77 12.73 12.69

96.80 100.70 105.00 93.29 91.95 94.01 110.95 78.89 116.85 107.90 114.11 97.84 71.43 81.30 95.75

96.95 100.85 105.15 93.44 92.10 94.31 111.25 79.19 117.15 108.20 114.41 98.14 71.73 81.60 96.05

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.02 0.58 1.32 2.13 2.49 2.70

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

12.13 13.54 14.35 14.72 13.78 13.79

99.74 92.60 103.50 100.31 97.98 95.23

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.32

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,291.85

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.85

4.44

15.86

97.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.69

3.23

14.35

99.50

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.98

4.46

16.12

98.43

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.98

3.48

15.15

100.87

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.49

5.59

18.37

83.85

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.53

1.00

13.32

100.90

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.19

1.79

14.60

98.47

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.36

1.80

14.56

99.04

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.95

1.00

13.83

100.48

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.36

1.00

13.76

101.64

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

17.54

93.51

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.74

1.00

13.79

101.59

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.00

1.00

13.80

104.02

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.08

1.00

13.85

102.29

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.97

2.74

15.54

98.26

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.49

1.00

13.82

102.48

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.10

1.00

13.81

98.71

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.19

1.94

14.75

100.94

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.67

1.44

14.26

100.79

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.70

1.95

14.77

100.76

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

471.18 462.54

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.19

8.71

19.22

99.41

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.57

4.88

15.77

97.39

18-Dec-14

0.15

5.21

15.85

99.54

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.65

1.00

12.03

100.47

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.73

2.63

13.81

100.83

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.94

1.00

13.64

98.92

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.01

1.34

14.03

100.37

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.94

1.00

13.80

98.10

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.75

1.88

14.37

106.76

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.96

3.48

16.14

99.87

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.20

17.92

100.41 101.80

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.06

17.78

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.92

1.35

14.18

99.44

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.24

2.29

15.03

101.32

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.32

6.11

18.86

97.00

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.19

2.16

14.97

102.55

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.06

2.76

15.57

98.74

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

N/A

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.74

86.45

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.74

97.39

11-Feb-18

3.31

1.00

13.81

90.64

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

144.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

143.10

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 10.88

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.26

5.10

107.82

108.73

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.35

4.10

102.63

103.49

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.58

5.45

105.42

106.32

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,579.39

Corporate Eurobonds B/Fitch; B-/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

8.65

103.30

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.12

105.04

105.04 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.55

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.90

8.32

93.99

95.66

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.00

5.90

100.00

100.36

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.68

102.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.77

98.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.07

8.76

98.80

99.96

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.68

101.63

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.50

95.75

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.64

8.47

103.13

104.00

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

8.10

98.40

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.44

8.23

100.49

101.55

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,777.76

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 63

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14 27-Nov-14 4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.15 10.80 10.70 10.60 10.75 10.60 10.75 11.15

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 10.55 10.45 10.35 10.50 10.35 10.50 10.90

Bid Yield (%) 10.17 10.84 10.77 10.69 10.86 10.73 10.91 11.37

Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1683 12.6803 13.4784 14.2727

Rate (%)

OBB

11.00

O/N

11.21

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.00 12.33

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

164.50 164.54 164.80 165.45 166.57 167.73

164.60 164.77 165.11 166.02 167.63 169.34

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

23-Oct-14

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

23-Apr-10 16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 563.89 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 371.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 130.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,675.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,622.33

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.50 1.81 2.51 2.76 2.86 3.60 4.68 5.00 7.26 9.39 14.10 14.58 15.08 15.75 19.74

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.75 12.58 12.71 12.79 12.79 12.82 12.80 12.85 12.75 12.73 12.81 12.82 12.83 12.78 12.74

10.42 12.48 12.64 12.72 12.73 12.71 12.72 12.76 12.69 12.68 12.77 12.77 12.77 12.73 12.69

96.80 100.70 105.00 93.29 91.95 94.01 110.95 78.89 116.85 107.90 114.11 97.84 71.43 81.30 95.75

96.95 100.85 105.15 93.44 92.10 94.31 111.25 79.19 117.15 108.20 114.41 98.14 71.73 81.60 96.05

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.02 0.58 1.32 2.13 2.49 2.70

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

12.13 13.54 14.35 14.72 13.78 13.79

99.74 92.60 103.50 100.31 97.98 95.23

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.32

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,291.85

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.85

4.44

15.86

97.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.69

3.23

14.35

99.50

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.98

4.46

16.12

98.43

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.98

3.48

15.15

100.87

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.49

5.59

18.37

83.85

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.53

1.00

13.32

100.90

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.19

1.79

14.60

98.47

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.36

1.80

14.56

99.04

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.95

1.00

13.83

100.48

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.36

1.00

13.76

101.64

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

17.54

93.51

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.74

1.00

13.79

101.59

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.00

1.00

13.80

104.02

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.08

1.00

13.85

102.29

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.97

2.74

15.54

98.26

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.49

1.00

13.82

102.48

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.10

1.00

13.81

98.71

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.19

1.94

14.75

100.94

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.67

1.44

14.26

100.79

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.70

1.95

14.77

100.76

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

471.18 462.54

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.19

8.71

19.22

99.41

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.57

4.88

15.77

97.39

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.15

5.21

15.85

99.54

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.65

1.00

12.03

100.47

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.73

2.63

13.81

100.83

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.94

1.00

13.64

98.92

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.01

1.34

14.03

100.37

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.94

1.00

13.80

98.10

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.75

1.88

14.37

106.76

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.96

3.48

16.14

99.87

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.20

17.92

100.41 101.80

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.06

17.78

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.92

1.35

14.18

99.44

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.24

2.29

15.03

101.32

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.32

6.11

18.86

97.00

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.19

2.16

14.97

102.55

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.06

2.76

15.57

98.74

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

N/A

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.74

86.45

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.74

97.39

11-Feb-18

3.31

1.00

13.81

90.64

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

144.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

143.10

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 10.88

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.26

5.10

107.82

108.73

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.35

4.10

102.63

103.49

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.58

5.45

105.42

106.32

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,579.39

Corporate Eurobonds B/Fitch; B-/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

8.65

103.30

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.12

105.04

105.04 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.55

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.90

8.32

93.99

95.66

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.00

5.90

100.00

100.36

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.68

102.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.77

98.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.07

8.76

98.80

99.96

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.68

101.63

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.50

95.75

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.64

8.47

103.13

104.00

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

8.10

98.40

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.44

8.23

100.49

101.55

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,777.76

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 63

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14 27-Nov-14 4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.15 10.80 10.70 10.60 10.75 10.60 10.75 11.15

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 10.55 10.45 10.35 10.50 10.35 10.50 10.90

Bid Yield (%) 10.17 10.84 10.77 10.69 10.86 10.73 10.91 11.37

Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1683 12.6803 13.4784 14.2727

Rate (%)

OBB

11.00

O/N

11.21

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.00 12.33

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

164.50 164.54 164.80 165.45 166.57 167.73

164.60 164.77 165.11 166.02 167.63 169.34

Business | Capital Market

Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039

Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at October 23, 2014 Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 27 9 37

Current Price 0.50 33.00 33.73

Quantity Traded 100 93,684 152,398 246,182

Value Traded 50.00 2,938,752.06 5,140,384.54 8,079,186.60

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 2.92

Quantity Traded 148,286 148,286

Value Traded 431,287.10 431,287.10

394,468

8,510,473.70

Quantity Traded 76,627 500 290 17,719,558 364,007 18,160,982

Value Traded 110,934.13 515.00 1,287.60 90,308,719.23 19,659,468.15 110,080,924.11

18,160,982

110,080,924.11

50 Symbol No. of Deals AGLEVENT 8 JOHNHOLT 1 Daily Summary (Equities) SCOA 1 TRANSCORP 170 UACN 51 231

CONGLOMERATES Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL Published by The Nigerian StockESTATE Exchange © Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

231 Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 26 26

Current Price 0.95

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 14.00

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Non-Alcoholic

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Activity Summary on Board Household Durables TotalsEQTY CONSUMER GOODS Personal/Household Products Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products © Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Printed 23/10/2014 FINANCIAL15:30:39.039 SERVICES

Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY BANK PLC. Activity SummaryTRUST on Board EQTY SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

Current Price 1.45 1.08 4.67 5.00 54.02

36 Symbol DUNLOP

ICT Daily Summary as of Based 23/10/2014 Computer Systems Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEEon AND COMPANY Activity Summary Board EQTYPLC. IT Services Totals ICT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

1 of 12 Value Traded 805,833.10 805,833.10

Quantity Traded 35,314 35,314

Value Traded 494,008.94 494,008.94

864,412

1,299,842.04

CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014

Quantity Traded 7,000 7,000

Value Traded 3,500.00 3,500.00

No. of Deals 6 1 56 9 (Equities) 140 5 217

Current Price 14.94 0.84 184.00 32.00 170.05 3.98

Quantity Traded 52,318 8,064 145,909 58,203 1,255,973 27,000 1,547,467

Value Traded 742,915.60 7,096.32 26,942,204.94 1,787,610.50 212,570,961.37 102,330.00 242,153,118.73

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 162.86

Page Quantity Traded 73,473 73,473

2Value Traded of 12

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 3 79 58 20 18 1 1 180

Current Price 6.55 7.70 61.40 3.99 9.29 21.99 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,000 1,832,419 141,744 457,806 92,485 25,000 3,050 2,559,504

Value Traded 43,610.00 14,173,639.77 8,325,253.52 1,820,810.88 833,025.55 522,500.00 1,525.00 25,720,364.72

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 31 37 68

Current Price 52.51 994.00

Quantity Traded 58,773 58,141 116,914

Value Traded 3,017,708.97 57,745,902.24 60,763,611.21

Symbol

No. of Deals 16 5 21

Current Price 4.30 1.35

Quantity Traded 5,051,197 70,000 5,121,197

Value Traded 21,720,801.80 86,700.00 21,807,501.80

No. of Deals No. of Deals 148 86 234

Current Price Current Price 26.00 40.00

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 2,034,991 462,934 2,497,925 Page

Value Traded Value Traded 53,718,059.75 18,149,219.64 371,867,279.39 of 12

VONO

Symbol Symbol PZ UNILEVER

741

Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS Activity Summary BETA GLASS on COBoard PLC. EQTY Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS

434,879,258.85 Value Traded 155,258,525.15 383,810,482.86 51,442,474.79 20,480,380.23 226,461,377.02 21,472,372.80 41,822,520.71 Value Traded 99,531,683.57 2,857,508.45 344,302.50 574,110.84 873,087,554.65

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

No. of Deals 306 170 (Equities) 66 89 279 90 159 No. of Deals 256 58 14 22 423

Current Price 8.76 6.63 18.26 2.02 27.12 2.77 2.34 Current Price 5.75 9.06 0.50 0.98 22.61

Quantity Traded 18,053,680 58,232,992 2,811,699 10,368,789 8,300,436 7,686,002 18,016,297 Quantity Traded 17,215,445 315,302 688,605 598,154 38,534,911

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST GUINEAINS HMARKINS INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM NIGERINS PRESTIGE REGALINS Daily Summary STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 17 16 8 2 1 8 1 10 6 12 2 12 1 (Equities) 7 1 53 157

Current Price 0.81 0.92 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.54 0.79 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.65

Quantity Traded 791,547 5,817,587 299,059 9,564 Page 10,000

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.02

Quantity Traded Page 148,300

Value Traded 5 150,966.00 of 12

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200,000 200,000

Value Traded 100,000.00 100,000.00

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 36 22 367 64 7 34 53 583

Current Price 3.15 4.00 12.36 4.10 0.51 32.00 2.10

Quantity Traded 183,767 22,100,911 5,100,421 6,218,167 566,659 802,198 1,163,966 36,136,089

Value Traded 573,336.54 88,387,648.87 63,529,391.42 25,460,714.31 288,996.09 25,639,473.03 2,425,266.46 206,304,826.72

238,630,003

2,108,567,531.77

Quantity Traded 48,580 284,481 13,548 31,550

Value Traded 90,718.80 950,369.76 746,048.44 52,063.50

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian StockHALLMARK Exchange ©INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Activity Summary on Board WAPIC INSURANCE PLC EQTY Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

1,932

2,679 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

No. of Deals 5 10 10 8

Current Price 1.95 3.33 56.00 1.63

180,822,312

176,896 55,000 4,050,000 861,600 2,299,339 30,890 1,302,646 500 140,000 390,000 5,088,674 21,323,302

148,300

Page

Quantity Traded 6,221,796 6,221,796

Value Traded 3,197,993.94 3,197,993.94

Symbol

No. of Deals 2 1 1 4

Current Price 4.80 12.83 1.86

Quantity Traded 4,000 54,998 567 59,565

Value Traded 18,240.00 705,624.34 1,003.59 724,867.93

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000,000 1,000,000

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

7,281,361

4,422,861.87

Daily Summary (Equities) CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

Symbol CHAMS

26 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 56 9 41 17 39 1 5 64 232

Current Price 32.12 8.08 42.30 14.49 213.00 1.05 5.01 118.00

Quantity Traded 425,453 Page 23,274

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 1.84

Quantity Traded 163,500 163,500

Value Traded 300,840.00 300,840.00

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 1.59 20.00

Quantity Traded 6,000 3,500 9,500

Value Traded 9,120.00 68,650.00 77,770.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

243 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

2,451,970 Page Current Price 5.48

241,704,392.86 8 of 12

Quantity Traded 7,800 7,800

Value Traded 40,638.00 40,638.00

7,800

40,638.00

1 Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 86 86

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 5,874,000 5,874,000

Value Traded 2,937,000.00 2,937,000.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 227 227

Current Price 23.56

Quantity Traded 2,576,054 2,576,054

Value Traded 61,414,515.55 61,414,515.55

No. of Deals 25 20 93 (Equities) 18 1 9 166

Current Price 49.23 3.80 220.00 169.25 56.00 171.00

Quantity Traded 20,843 72,216 231,592 23,763 200 8,134 356,748

Value Traded 981,262.87 268,161.64 49,763,798.60 4,019,952.57 10,640.00 1,394,803.88 56,438,619.56

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 574.00

Quantity Traded Page 35,015 35,015

Value Traded 919,262,098.80 of 12 19,262,098.80

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO Daily Summary MOBIL MRS TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

492

8,841,817

140,052,233.91

Current Price 0.83

Quantity Traded 200,506 200,506

Value Traded 166,540.22 166,540.22

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 4.15

Quantity Traded 20,480 20,480

Value Traded 84,992.00 84,992.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 42 42

Current Price 3.08

Quantity Traded 11,959,015 11,959,015

Value Traded 37,588,895.70 37,588,895.70

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 58,450 58,450

Value Traded 29,225.00 29,225.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 1 17 7

Current Price 1.38 1.39 4.14

Current Price

Quantity Traded 450 267,519 34,000

Quantity Traded Page 301,969

Value Traded 594.00 386,073.94 135,025.00

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.69

Quantity Traded 46,000 46,000

Value Traded 31,280.00 31,280.00

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 6 28 34

Current Price 1.91 5.02

Quantity Traded 73,900 2,091,746 2,165,646

Value Traded 141,149.00 10,501,610.71 10,642,759.71

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 4.21

Quantity Traded 458,630 458,630

Value Traded 1,931,955.80 1,931,955.80

143

15,210,696

50,997,341.37

Daily Summary (Equities) 4,692

304,330,694

3,102,616,038.90

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 11,500.00 11,500.00

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. SERVICES

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Support and Logistics Totals Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol

No. of Deals 25

SERVICES Totals

150,966.00

340,151 111,416 623,893 420 80,000 674,363 2,278,970

Value Traded 13,661,285.82 7 186,958.00 of 12 14,283,972.47 1,600,011.51 131,583,480.16 420.00 416,200.00 79,593,454.90 241,325,782.86

No. of Deals 9 9

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

88,448.00 27,500.00 12,148,091.00 465,264.00 1,812,953.94 15,445.00 651,323.00 250.00 70,000.00 195,000.00 3,230,106.38 24,868,445.48

2,060,540.42

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Daily Summary as of 23/10/2014 Hotels/Lodging Totals Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039

Value Traded 646,100.83 5,358,651.83 149,529.50 4,782.00 4 of 12 5,000.00

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

563,705 Current Price 0.55

OIL AND GAS Totals

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

1,877,143,293.57

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated and Gas Services Totals Daily Summary as of Oil 23/10/2014 Printed 23/10/2014 15:30:39.039 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY TOTAL NIGERIA Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals OIL AND GAS Exploration and Production Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Value Traded 211,469.57 1,243.55 8,626.80 2,060,540.42

No. of Deals 19 19

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK Daily ETISummary FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK Symbol UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Banking Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

Quantity Traded 181,719 187 3,640 563,705

Symbol COURTVILLE

12,563,883.00 12,563,883.00

11,923,480

Current Price 1.16 7.00 2.49

ICT Totals

Page Quantity Traded 829,098 829,098

Current Price 0.50

Daily Summary (Equities) VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 15 1 1 50

HEALTHCARE Totals

No. of Deals 2 2

Symbol CHAMPION GOLDBREW GUINNESS INTBREW Daily Summary NB PREMBREW

Symbol NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

EQTY Board Totals

Value Traded 10 of 12 521,692.94

Activity Summary on Board ASeM OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol ANINO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.23

Page 50,000

of 12 11,500.00

ASeM Board Totals

50,000

11,500.00

Equity Activity Totals

4,693

304,380,694

3,102,627,538.90

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 1,980.00 17.62

Quantity Traded 10 5 15

Value Traded 19,800.00 88.10 19,888.10

ETF Board Totals

19,888.10

ETP Activity Totals

19,888.10

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Jonathan woos traditional rulers Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

purported move aimed at wooing traditional rulers in the country towards actualizing president Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid was played out yesterday, as the president disclosed that he has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly, as a way of fast tracking the enshrining

0.6%

of their roles in the constitution, currently in the process of being reviewed by the National Assembly. This development transpired when loyalists to the president’s second bid for the presidency led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and the new minister of state for education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, along other chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), openly canvassed support

The annual population growth rate of El Salvador in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

for the president’s ambition at the annual retreat of South-South South-East Traditional rulers currently taking place in Enugu. Jonathan who spoke yesterday through the Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tamino Turaki, said he is making relentless effort towards finding more convenient roles for traditional rulers in the country, so as to enable better involvement and participation

132,995

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Bahamas in 2011. Source: Itu.int

for them on issues of governance and administration to further engender their role as custodians of traditional values. The minister informed the gathering of traditional rulers that an executive bill has been sent to the National Assembly with a view to realizing the aim of the current engagement of the legislature to effect an introduction of the appropriate role of the

104,388

The number of refugees in Colombia at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

natural rulers in the constitution amendment. Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, who was one of the special guests at the occasion as well as Governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River and Delta states who sent messages through their emissaries called on the traditional rulers to uphold the tenets of the traditional institutions by remaining apolitical and above board in their dealings so as to promote

2.9m

The number of people newly infected with HIV in 2004. Source: Who.int

harmony and peaceful coexistence in the country. In their separate addresses, both the sultan and the president agreed that the traditional rulers have the responsibility to foster good governance by offering appropriate pieces of advice to those in position of authority with Jonathan appealing thus: “kindly consider giving best and objective advices to government now that the nation faces a transition in 2015. This will greatly assist us in policy formulation and the actualization of transformation agenda”. And on his part, the Sultan contended that as traditional rulers, “we must guide the politicians rightly at all times and we must be talking to them and we must be talking to ourselves to guide the country aright” Charging them not to compromise their position over lure of influence, he reminded them that the institutions they preside over are revered and that while political institutions and personalities come and go, the traditional institutions outlive all those.

Ebonyi doctors not on strike Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI L-R : Veteran Actor, Chief Chika Okapala alias Zebrudaya; Chairman, Board of Trustee, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Dr. Musa Babayo and Executive Secretary, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, during a service delivery award/ dinner in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

UPP: Obi, Umeh must apologise to Okorie Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he leadership of United Progressive Party (UPP), has asked the former Anambra state governor, Mr. Peter Obi and factional National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, to tender an unreserved apology to the founder of APGA and its pioneer National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie over victimisation that led to his exit from the party in 2004. The party in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ogbuehi Dike said the only way for peace to be restored in the party is for the two politicians to apologise like their kinsman, Chief Maxi Okwu did. “APGA will continue to grope and stagger aimlessly in the nation’s political wilderness until Umeh and Obi apologise

to Chekwas Okorie over the injustice meted to him as the party’s factional national chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu did. “That is what will restore peace in APGA and return it to the path of rectitude, growth and advancement; otherwise the gladiators will keep fighting over a decomposing carcass. Chief Okorie will graciously release APGA’s spirit, after all, the party and UPP share the same political DNA having been founded by the same person” UPP said. The party further said that a statement credited to Obi while defending his defection from APGA to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following criticism by Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu that he betrayed her husband the late Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu whom he promised to swim or sink with APGA has vindicated Chief Okorie.

Call Metuh to order, Agbazuere tells PDP Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, and House of Representative aspirant for Isiala Ngwa North and South Dr Anthony Agbazuere has called on the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu, to call the national publicity secretary of the Party, Chief Olisah Metuh to order over his alleged preference for a particular

candidate from the area. Agbazuere, who made the call at the PDP secretariat Umuahia yesterday as he picked the expression of interest and nomination forms for the Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency said the call became necessary because the people will not accept any manipulation since according to him they have unanimously resolved to send him to Abuja as their representative. ‘I want to use this opportunity to call on the

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, to call Olisah Metuh to order, if he has interest in anybody it should be in his state; this is our local government and this is Abia State,” he said. He said, “The entire people of Isiala Ngwa North and South even those abroad have resolved that Agbazuere should go for them,” saying that for the eight years the incumbent was there the constituency has nothing to show for it.

Group condemns campaign against Ugwuanyi Wale Elegbede

s the 2015 general election approaches, a socio-political organization, the Enugu Regeneration Group (ERG), has condemned what it described as “desperate attempts by frustrated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vote losers” to malign the character of the party’s consensus candidate for Enugu gov-

ernorship, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, stating that the act was meant to diminish the lawmaker’s standing in the eyes of PDP elders and other reasonable members of the public. While reacting to reports in two national dailies on Monday that the presidency is going after Ugwuanyi and others because of their alleged anti-party role in the enthronement of the current

House leadership, ERG in a statement signed by the its national coordinator, Mr. Hilary Ogili, noted that the claim that Ugwuanyi is anti-Jonathan by reason of his being a loyal member of the House of Representatives under the House’s current leadership is ‘only an immature and sadistic attempt to turn politics on its head and present him (Ugwuanyi) as an untrustworthy character.

bonyi state chapter of the Nigerian medical Association (NMA), yesterday debunked claims that its members have downed tools describing the purported ongoing strike of doctors in the country as a rumour. In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, signed by the state chairman of NMA D r. U g o c h u k u A g w u Umahi, the association said that public health institutions and private institutions are open to the people of the state. NMA affirmed that both public healthcare institutions in the state remain open expressing confidence that the management of the institutions are making their services available to members of the public. Continuing, the statement said with the World Health Organisation (WHO), officially declaring Nigeria of being free from the deadly ,Ebola Virus Disease remains is a boost to the country’s health sector, adding that the association would always live up to its responsibility.

News

FOILED

Terrorists arrested just as they planned to cause mayhem in Cross River Tony Anichebe Uyo

uspected terrorists, who planned to blow up the Calabar-Itu Bridge linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River States with dynamites last week, have been arrested by security operatives in Akwa Ibom State They are Samuel Coleman Yaw, a Ghanaian resident in Bakassi Local Government area of Cross River State; Monday Anthony, an indigene of Ikang village also in Bakassi Local Govern-

SOUTH SOUTH

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ghanaian, two others nabbed over plot to blow up Calabar-Itu Bridge ment and Boronyefa Olorogun, alias General Bofa, from Bayelsa State. Briefing newsmen at the state Police Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, said the suspects were arrested last Sunday after intensive surveillance by the police and the Department of State Security (DSS). “On September 20, the command received information that a group of aggrieved terrorists planned to blow up the Calabar-Itu Bridge. Upon thorough

and intensive surveillance, two of the suspects, Samuel Coleman Yaw, a Ghanaian resident in Bakassi Local Government area and Monday Anthony, of Ikang village also in Bakassi Local Government in Cross River State, were arrested. “The mastermind, Boronyefa Olorogun, alias General Bofa, escaped, but after thorough and rigorous search by combined team of police and DSS inAkwa Ibom State, the suspect was traced and arrested in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State. The suspects have admitted to masterminding

the crime. The following items were recovered from them: Six super power 90 explosives, five blasting laps, three rolls of detonating cords, one bundle of extra detonating cord and one Honda Accord 1997 model,” the CP said. The commissioner of police, who noted that the suspects would soon be arraigned, listed other achievements of the command in the last one month to include arrest of 10 suspected kidnappers, two sea pirates, child trafficker and the recovery of three vehicles. He said this was as a

result of the proactive anti-crime strategies of the command that was predicated on robust foot and vehicular patrols, intelligence and community policing. He said despite these laudable achievements, the command was not resting on its oars in its onslaught against criminals, stressing that the resolve to ensure peace and safety in the state was irrevocable even as he warned criminal elements to repent or relocate or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, laying the foundation of the new Independence Hall, Abak…yesterday. With him are his wife, Unoma (left) and others

Akpabio lifts Oron women, ready for senate Stakeholders meet in uncommon transforma- atorial nomination form Warri over Delta LG poll Tony Anichebe tion agenda of the state for the forthcoming PDP Joe Obende Warri

takeholders in Warri, Delta State, yesterday held a forum to engender a free and fair local government election tomorrow. The meeting, which was attended by all the security agencies, was at the behest of the Area Commander of Warri ‘A’ Police Division, Mr. Rabiu Hussaini. Security officers in attendance included those of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Divisional Police Offices, Immigration and Prisons Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. The area commander, who in his opening remarks implored all to eschew violence, assured the people that the police under his command are prepared for the exercise. We are on

ground. Government has spent a lot of money to ensure peace and security so, let all seated here abide by the rules of the game. Delta or this Area Command is not known for violence. Violence is a thing of the past. “There should be no violence before, during or after the election. Voters will not be molested as they go to cast their votes,” he said. Hussaini reminded politicians that the ban on firearms was still in force, so no one was expected to bear arms during the election except armed security agencies. Any one, he warned, caught with arms would be arrested and whisked to Asaba, to answer for his crime. He said one person so arrested with a pump action gun during the campaigns was still cooling his heels in a police cell at the headquarters.

Uyo

kwa Ibom State government yesterday empowered Abak Women Cooperative Society with a revolving loan of N10 million. In addition, the government also announced plans to construct and inaugurate a new Independence Hall, Abak at the site of the demolished prisons by December this year. Governor Godswill Akpabio, announced this during a ground-breaking ceremony of the new Independence Hall, Abak and the symbolic demolition of old Abak Prisons in line with the uncommon transformation agenda of the state government. Akpabio said at the occasion: “We are building a brand new prison in Abak Local Government and the construction is ongoing. In line with the

through massive development, we decided to build a new prison, because the location of the old prison was by the road.” He noted that; “We would change the entire terrain of the old site of the prison and from here, we can have a magnificent view of the suspended bridge in Abak. We would also dualise from here to East-West Road, and that would be completed by the next administration. In a related development Akpabio, also accepted the call by the people of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district to contest the senate seat in 2015 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akpabio, who stated this on Wednesday at Ukana in Essien Udim council area, when youths of the council presented him with PDP sen-

primaries at a reception organised by Esop Mbong Ikpaisong Afud Annang said: “I have been under pressure by the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district to represent them as a senator in 2015. “I want to say that I have accepted the call to serve my people.” Akpabio commended the senatorial district youths for their show of love and support for his administration, saying that; “Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful place because youths in the state have shunned criminality. Our youths have supported government efforts and this is why we are able to build a state of equal opportunity for all.” Representative of the senatorial district, Chief Moses Akpan, while presenting the nomination form to the governor, commended him for giving the state a voice at the national level.

‘I didn’t step down for N100m’ Tony Anichebe Uyo

n allegation of N100 million bribe has put the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, at daggers drawn with a 2015 governorship aspirant and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam. Already, there are speculations, especially from government circles and opponents opposed to Chief Assam, that he had two weeks ago collected a N100 million bribe from the governor to step down for the immediate past Secretary to the State Government Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who is widely speculated as the government preferred aspirant for the governorship race. Last week Udom Emmanuel was received in Eket federal constituency and news went virile that Assam was to address the rally and announce his stepping down. But, this was not to be as that same day, as the reception was going on in Eket, Assam was at the National Secretariat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) collecting his nomination form for the governorship race. Putting the records straight, Assam in a press statement made available to journalists said: “I met with the governor in his residence in Abuja and I notified him of my return to Nigeria. I informed him that I was contesting the governorship election of in spite of the fact that he has his candidate. “I told him that all I was asking for was a level playing field were all the aspirants would be given an opportunity to fairly contest the primaries. “The governor assured me that in spite of his interest, he will ensure that everybody has an opportunity to contest the congress fairly and in spite of the allegations that there will be violence or no violence, he can assure us of the security in the state.” According to Assam, “I also told him that I heard he wrote a petition against me for calling him a murderer. I told him I never called him a murderer. That the same newspaper that published that I called him a murderer, said he (Akpabio) was going to kill all of us who were not going to contest the election through him that we are opposed to his candidate.”

NEW TELEGRAPH friday, OCTOBER 24, 2014

News 49

north

change of nameS UWEM

Former Nduka Bassey now Bassey Humphery Uwem. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Akwari

Former Igiri Idika Sylvanus now Sylvanus Idika Akwari. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Adewusi

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Bishop Oliver Dashe (middle), presenting some relief materials to the Principal, Government Girls Secondary School, Maiduguri, Mrs. Iya Monguno, during the presentation of items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), in Maiduguri , Borno State…yesterday

Kwara: Group threatens protest vote over denigration of Yoruba institutions Temitope Ogunbanke

wara State chapter of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has accused Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed administration in the state, of disdain for the rule of law and disrespect for Yoruba traditional institutions. The group, in a petition served on the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdullahi Shaaba Umar and the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Razak Atunwa, said government’s recent grading exercise for traditional rulers reeks of ethnic marginalisation. The group said the Yoruba communities will employ all democratic means to achieve justice if Governor Ahmed’s administration and All Progressives Congress (APC) under Senator Bukola Saraki fail to address the grievances. The petition signed by Chief Joe Olarogun, Alh. Saka Agboola Raji, and Hon. Baba Ba’ako stated that: “All the 70 chieftaincy stools graded by government were in Kwara South senatorial district. Other memoranda from Yoruba rulers in Central and North districts were ignored because the two districts comprised the Ilorin Emirate. “Six monarchs from Asa, Moro and Ilorin East LGAs – Ohoro of Shao, Oba of Jebba, Alapado of Apado, Baale of Afon, Dado of Okeso, and Magaji Aare of Ilorin – submitted memoranda for the exercise but none was deemed qualified even though “they all met the criteria set out in the advertisement.”

Dalhatu may replace Lamido 2015

A clearer picture of Jigawa politics is coming out Dahiru Suleiman Dutse

he emergence of Barrister Bashir Dalhatu(SAN) as PDP gubernatorial aspirant who may likely succeed Governor

Sule Lamido in the forth coming 2015 general elections has laid to rest all insinuations regarding the next governor of Jigawa State. Sources close to the PDP headquaters in Abuja had inform our correspondent that Dalhatu has picked nomination form under the PDP ticket for Jigawa state. New Telegraph, however gathered that even before this development it was speculated that finance Commissioner,

Ode promises to boost agricultural production Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

ormer Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Sam Ode has promised to harness the rich agricultural potential of Benue State and boost commercial farming to the level of exportation of the state’s domestic produce, if elected governor of Benue State in 2015. Ode, who is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed this in an interview with New Telegraph in Makurdi. The former minister noted that Benue was naturally endowed with abundant agricultural potentials which he said were not sufficiently tapped, and stressed the need to utilize the funds accrued to the state to boost agriculture so that the status the state is known for as the food basket of the nation would also be sustained.

Niger spent N805m on polio Dan Atori MINNA

he Niger State Government yesterday revealed that over N805 million was spent on Routine Polio Immunisation against the Wild Polio Virus across the state for the last seven years. State Chairman of the Task Force Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunisation and Deputy Governor, Niger state, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto said during a

media briefing to mark the World Polio Eradication Day in Minna, said each year, the sum of N115 million is released to the committee from a pool of funds to conduct its programmes. He explained that the efforts of the committee have yielded fruits over the years due to political will, oversight and commitment of the state government evident by the flag offs of immunisation programmes that have currently strengthened the immunisation of children.

Nasir Umar Roni who was proposed to succeed Lamido, and later former Chief of staff, Aminu Ibrahim Ringim who voluntary relinguish his position recently. This was part of the resolutions reached by the jigawa PDP caucus meeting held in Dutse recently. Investigations show that series of challenges will await Dalhatu. Least of such challenges include Emirate

dichotomy, lack of political structure, among other factors. Being a technocrat far above political experience, and exposure, Dalhatu will find it extremely difficult on where to start if he eventually succeed Lamido as next jigawa number one citizen due to the state’s complexity. Other challenges are the Emirate’s geo-politics, and coming from the same senatorial zone with Lamido

PUBLIC NOTICE

FEJTINI GOODWILL ORGANISATION Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matter act No.1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Okuneye Anthony Babajide 2. Christopher Cornelius Fenmo 3. Etukumoh Daniel Ndifreke 4. Fadairo Taiwo Lateef 5. Aruwayo Omoniyi James AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To promote and provide primary educational support for the less privilege children. 2 To promote agricultural support for youth and alleviate poverty 3 To promote entrepreneurship idea for the youths 4 To promote education generally. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: ARUWAYO OMONIYI JAMES

PUBLIC NOTICE PETALS OF LOVE EVANGELICAL MINISTRIES CAC/IT/NO 17413

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY lost its INCORPORATION CERTIFICATE (CAC/IT/NO 17413) in transit. Effort to find it proved abortive. The board of trustee therefore applied to the CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION for the certified true copy of the documents. Any objection to the registrations of this organization should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: PROPHET MELTON KINGSLEY ONOCHIE — CHAIRMAN MRS GLORIA OVOLEWIS ONOCHIE — SECRETARY

Former Miss Oluwatosin Adejoke Ogunruku now Mrs. Oluwatosin Adejoke Adewusi . Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Atuadu

Former Miss Igba Catherine Ijeoma now Mrs. Atuadu Catherine Ijeoma. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Johnson

Former Miss Sename Oluwatoyin Amusu now Mrs. Sename Oluwatoyin Johnson. Former documents remain valid. Sterling Bank Plc and general public take note

Akinbote

Former Miss Ojo Folashade Oluwatoyin now Mrs. Akinbote Folashade Oluwatoyin. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Osa-Oghide

Former Johnson Funmilayo Owayibuekpo now Osa-Oghide Funmilayo Owayibuekpo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Akintolu

Former Bioku Oyebola Adeoti now Akintolu Oyebola Adeoti. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Lilian

I formerly known and addressed as Brenda Chika Esom now Lilian Chinenye Esom. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

Jameson

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Anieti Mfon Ernest now Mrs. Fortune Pius Jameson. All document bearing my Former names remain valid. University of Uyo and the general public take note

Iheanacho

Former Miss Ukeme-obong Sunday Inyang now wishes to be known and address as Ukeme-Obong Lucky Iheanacho. All former documents remain valid. UUTH please take note.

News

WORLD | News

Atiku’s supporters want Buhari to drop ambition Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

support group of former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar presidential ambition, Turaki Vanguard, has called on the former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, one of the presidential hopefuls of All Progressives Congress to drop his ambition to contest the 2015 presidential election. According to the group, Buhari’s presence in the presidential contest would neither enrich it nor en-

hance the fortune of APC in the 2015. The group alleged that the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party was behind the push for the emergence of Buhari as a consensus candidate of APC. Buhari and Abubakar, who are among those seeking APC presidential ticket, had one time or the other contested the presidential election. In the statement by the National President of Tukari Vanguard, Oladimeji Fabiyi, the group said: “We, the members of the Turaki Vanguard, a political pressure group operating independently of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organization, having carefully

monitored and observed recent pro-Buhari activities sponsored by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hereby call on the former Head of State and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari to quit the presidential race. “We are making this call on the former Head of State with all sense of responsibility having in mind that Buhari will neither enrich the race nor enhance the political fortunes of the opposition APC whom Nigerians hope will salvage their country from the 15 years of death grip and mis-governance of the PDP.”

Dangote to support Liberia, Sierra Leone in fight against Ebola

resident of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has promised to assist Liberia and Sierra Leone in their fight against the scourge of Ebola virus, ravaging the West African countries. Dangote, according to BBC News report, called the two Presidents and assured them of the determination of Dangote foundation to assist the two

countries. “I spoke to the two Presidents today. First to the President of Sierra-Leone and Liberia, sympathizing with them on what has actually been going on in their countries and also to inform them thatthattheydidn’thearfrom me all these while because I didn’t want to call them without any form of support. In fact, what the two presidents told me they needed the most

are well trained people who know exactly how to handle Ebola and luckily for us, we have 590 volunteers in the country who are well trained and ready to go to these countries as volunteers to assist them in training.” Dangote said though Nigerian has been certified free of Ebola, the country will not rest on its oars until the virus is permanently contained in the region.

Jonathan leaves for holy pilgrimage in Israel Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan is expected to depart Lagos today to undertake a brief pilgrimage to Israel. A statement by the special to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, yesterday said the president will be accompanied by the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba and his principal aides during the

trip. The President while in the Christian Holy sites, will join other Nigerian pilgrims in a prayer session for the well-being and progress of the country at an Inter-Denominational Service in Jerusalem on Sunday. He is expected back in Abuja on Monday. Meanwhile, Abati said before leaving for Israel, President Jonathan will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Seme-

Krake Joint Border Control Post. He is expected to be joined at the event by President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Seme-Krake Joint Border Control Post is being constructed under the ECOWAS Transport Facilitation Programme which has the objective of boosting trade and economic relations among member countries.

UI to honour Adenuga

he University of Ibadan will in November this year, honour the Chairman of Globalcom, Dr. Mike Adenuga for his contribution to the growth of

the Nigerian economy. The award will come during the convocation ceremony of the university, which will hold between November 15 and 17 in Ibadan.

The university said that the honour is in recognition of Adenuga’s contribution to national development, in a letter by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Fawole

LIRS 7th essay competition commences in Lagos Mojeed Alabi

ll is set for this year’s edition of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service Secondary School Essay Competition with the participants having between October 13 and November 17 to submit

their entries. According to the Lagos State Government agency, the competition, which was conceived to acquaint the youths with tax administration and importance towards ensuring that they become responsible citizens when they grow up, has the

following themes as subjects of focus; Discuss the various sources of revenue available to African countries, highlighting which one guarantees sustainable development; what role should oil revenue play in relation to tax revenue in the development of Nigeria.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian arrested for scaling White House fence

Nigerian, Dominic Adesanya has been arrested by the K-9 Unit, in the United States while trying to scale the fence of the White House. Secret Service officials said Adesanya, 23, climbed over the fence near the North Lawn of the White house at 7:16 pm, but was quickly subdued by K-9 units. Adesanya kicked one of the dogs, but a second one stopped him and Secret Service agents tackled him, officials said. “The dog got him,” a Secret Service spokesman said. He has been charged with two counts of assault on a police dog, four counts of resisting arrest and unlawful entry and one count of making threats. Dominic Adesanya was

said to have previously attended Stevenson University in Maryland but is no longer enrolled. On his LinkedIn profile, he lists his job title as ‘American Slave.’ Adesanya’s father told the local press that his son is dealing with mental illness issues. He said the 23-year-old suffers from paranoia and has complained of hearing voices. “We wanted to get him help, and we’ve been asking the government to give him help and nobody has wanted to help us get help for him.” According to his father, Adesanya was arrested at the White House two months ago after he argued with security guards who wouldn’t allow him to enter. He was charged with a misdemeanor. Adesanya

had previously attended Stevenson University, but is no longer a student at the Maryland school. A video footage released early hours of yesterday showed the man in white shorts and a dark shirt kicking and punching one of the dogs before agents arrested him. The White House was put on lockdown. The incident occurred shortly after President Obama met with senior advisers in the Oval Office. “The individual was immediately taken into custody on the North Lawn of the White House by Secret Service Uniformed Division K-9 teams and Uniformed Division Officers,” the Secret Service spokesman said. “Adesanya was taken to a local hospital for evaluation,” the spokesman said.

Canada’s PM pledges tougher security laws after attack

anadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged more surveillance and detention powers for security forces in Canada yesterday after a gunman killed a soldier and raced through parliament before being shot dead. Addressing the House of Commons just meters from the spot where the gunman, a reported convert to Islam, was shot dead Wednesday, Harper said lawmakers would expedite new powers to counter the threat of radicals. “The objective of these attacks was to instill fear and panic in our country,” Harper said. “Canadians will not be intimidated. We will be vigilant, but we will not run scared. We will be prudent but we will not panic.” Harper pledged to speed up a plan already under way to bolster Canadian laws and police powers in the areas of “surveillance,

detention and arrest.” Harper said the attack - following an incident on Monday when a convert to Islam ran over two Canadian soldiers with his car, killing one - would strengthen Canada’s response to “terrorist organizations.” The attacks in Ottawa and Quebec took place as the Canadian government prepared to boost the powers of its spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Public Safety Minister Stephen Blaney said last week the new legislation would let the agency track and investigate potential terrorists when they travel abroad and ultimately prosecute them. At the start of parliament’s session yesterday, the guard credited with killing the gunman received a prolonged standing ovation, reopening debate in the House of Commons dressed in his

usual ceremonial garb and struggling to maintain composure. Harper and members of parliament stood in the legislature as Kevin Vickers, Canada’s Sergeant-atArms, led the traditional parade that opens every session of the House of Commons. While parliament resumed, tensions in Canada’s capital remained high. Police arrested a man at gunpoint just steps from the prime minister as Harper and his wife were laying a wreath at the National War Memorial to commemorate the killing of the soldier there, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24. Police, shouting and with guns drawn, surrounded a man and ordered him to the ground. Ottawa Police said the man was arrested for “disturbing the crime scene” at the war memorial. The man’s intent was not immediately clear.

Botswana prepares for tight election

otswana will today hold what is expected to be its closest elections since gaining independence from Britain 48 years ago as President Ian Khama’s ruling party faces growing dissent in a country often heralded as a beacon of African democracy. Khama’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is expected to win a reduced majority, extending the grip on power it has held since 1966. There is, however, grow-

ing support for opposition parties who say change is needed with economic growth slowing and unemployment stuck at around 20 percent. Khama, the son of the southern African country’s first president, has promised jobs and improved water and electricity output if he wins another five years in office. Last week Botswana’s sole power station broke down, forcing it to rely on electricity from neighboring South Africa. “If you

want to move forward, vote for the BDP and if you want to move backwards vote for the opposition parties,” Khama told thousands of supporters at an election rally last week. Botswana, the world’s largest diamond producer and a haven for luxury safari tourism, has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies since the 1970s and has remained politically stable on a continent plagued by violence and corruption.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Sports News

International Football

Controversy

FIFA Rankings: Eagles woes continue, now 9th in Africa

El-Clasico schedules worry Ronaldo

Eagles and foreign coach

Sport

Did you know? That Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined

Jos Court voids Pinnick’s election l NFF seeks to stop judgement

Musa Pam Jos

he Federal High Court sitting in Jos, the Plateau State capital has set aside the September 30 elections which brought in Amaju Pinnick as President of the Nigeria Football Federation. Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court on Thursday, while delivering his

ruling, said it was wrong for anybody to disobey a court order and warned all parties to abide by the ruling of the court. Yahaya Adamu and three others had on September 19, approached the court and obtained an interim injunction restraining Aminu Maigari and his NFF faction, as well as some state football associations, from conducting another elective

congress following Chris Giwa’s election as head of the NFF. The injunction, according to the plaintiffs’ counsel, Habila Ardzard, was because the NFF had held a general congress on August 29, 2014 where Giwa and a few others were elected to run the affairs of the NFF for the next four years. But the Aminu Maigari-led faction of the NFF disobeyed the

Uche ready for Eagles return Thanks Nigerians l

for support

Ifeanyi Ibeh

illarreal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has expressed his readiness to return to the Super Eagles and play whatever role is expected of him as the team battles for a place at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles will resume their quest for a place at next January’s Africa Cup of Nations with a game against Congo in Pointe Noire on November 15 before taking on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana four days later at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, in Uyo. The reigning AFCON champions are currently third in Group A and in order to qualify for next year’s AFCON, need to win both matches, while hoping other results go their way. And Uche, who hasn’t featured for the Super Eagles since the last AFCON final against

The Sport Team

Adekunle Salami l Deputy Editor, Sports Emmanuel Tobi l Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh l Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan l Sports Correspondent

Burkina Faso, on February 10, 2013, after been frozen out of the national team by the team’s erstwhile coach, Stephen Keshi, insists he is ready to don once again Nigeria’s green and white if called upon by the team’s interim handler, Shaibu Amodu. “I have always said I am ready to play for my country whenever I am called upon,” said Uche, in an interview with New Telegraph. “I recall saying I respected the decision to leave me out of the team. And like I said before, if I am needed I will make myself available, as I am always ready to play for my country” added Uche, who also expressed his gratitude to Nigerian fans for sticking by him all through the past year and half. “For a lot of us the fans are the major reason we do what we do,” continued the former Getafe and Recreativo Huelva star. “It’s a special feeling when you play for your country. “Nigeria made me the player I am today. I have been in the team for years and I will always make myself available whenever I am needed,” added Uche, who has been capped 44 times. 14 of those caps came under Amodu, a coach Uche remains in awe of since his first encounter with the former Orlando Pirates of South Africa handler back in May 2008 prior to Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Austria in a friendly match played in the Austrian city of Graz. “He (Amodu) is a coach I have so much respect for,” continued the striker, who has scored thrice in six Spanish La Liga matches this season.

order, and went ahead to hold a general congress on September 20 followed by an election ten days later which produced Pinnick as the president of the NFF. Speaking further at Thursday’s sitting, Ardzard said, “My Lord, their failure to appear before court is a sign of belligerence, they elevated themselves above the order of this honourable court,” said Ardzard.

“He has achieved so much as a coach and I pray everything works out for the best this time around,” added Uche, w h o made his international debut on 22 August 22, 2007. He scored his first international goal 18 days later in Warri, in a 2008 AFCON qualifier against L e s o t h o, which Nigeria won 2-0, and grabbed the last of his 18 international goals to date in the 6-1 drubbing of Liberia in Calabar, on October 13, 2012, in a 2013 AFCON qualifier.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has swiftly filed for appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court. NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, said: “We have been notified of the ruling of the court, which was made in spite of our filing for a Preliminary Objection concerning the jurisdiction of the court. “However, our lawyers have gone to work immediately the order was made. We are appealing the ruling and also filing for Stay of Execution of the order.”

SPORT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FIFA Rankings: Eagles woes Kanu recounts hat-trick for continue, now 9th in Africa Arsenal 15 years after Emmanuel Tobi

he poor form of the Super Eagles in recent times once again manifested on Thursday after FIFA released its monthly Coca/Cola Rankings which placed Nigeria in the 9th position in Africa for the month of October.

The Eagles who were rated in the 6th position in September after the 3-2 lost to Congo and 0-0 draw with South Africa, have their rating further diminished following the 1-0 loss to Sudan in Kharton and 3-1 win over, Sudan in Abuja. Before the AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria was ranked 3rd in Africa behind Algeria and

South Africa’s Oupa Manyisa in action against Nigeria’s Efe Ambrose

Côte d’Ivoire due to its impressive performance at the World Cup. At the world level, the first three positions are unchanged from last month. Germany have held on to the top spot despite a difficult start to their UEFA EURO 2016 qualification campaign. Portugal (9th, up 2) are making their first appearance in the top ten since July and Belgium (4th, up 1) have leapfrogged the Netherlands (5th, down 1) to achieve their highest ranking yet. A total of 141 matches have been taken into account for the October edition of the world rankings, exactly the same number as last month. Of those matches, 49 were European qualifiers, 28 were African qualifiers and ten were CONCACAF qualifiers, plus there were 54 friendlies. In total, 667 matches have been taken into account over the course of the year so far. World top 10: 1st Germany, 2nd Argentina, 3rd Colombia, 4th Belgium, 5th Netherlands, 6th Brazil, 7th France, 8th Uruguay, 9th Portugal, 10th Spain Africa top 10: 1st Algeria, 2nd Côte d’Ivoire, 3rd Tunisia, 4th Cape Verde, 5th Ghana , 6th Egypt, 7th Cameroon, 8th Senegal, 9th Nigeria, 10th Togo.

Basketball Division 2 League registrations begins Oct 26 Ifeanyi Ibeh

fter several teams indicated readiness to compete in this year’s National Division Two tournament, the Nigeria Basketball Federation on Thursday confirmed that registrations will take place inside the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Abuja from 26-31 October 26 to 31 All the participating teams are expected to arrive on Saturday for the technical meeting and other pre-tournament formalities at the Nigerian Basketball Federation office at the Package B of the National Stadium Abuja. The tournament qualifies teams to

uaranty Trust Bank in partnership with the Lagos State Football Association is organizing a 3-day training programme for coaches involved in the GTBank Principals Cup tournaments and other grassroots football tournaments in Lagos State with the theme “Raising the Beautiful Game”. The training which is scheduled to hold between the 22nd and 24th of October, 2014 at the Sports Bar, Teslim Ba-

Mourinho hails Solanke’s Chelsea debut

ormer Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu on Thursday recounted his heroic 15 minutes hat-trick goals after scoring in Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Chelsea. Played 15 years ago on Thursday, a veteran of three FIFA World Cups struck a memorable hat-trick that provided a perfect collage of the finer points of his game. “I have very good memories of that game,” the Olympic gold medal winner told FIFA.com. “It felt great to score against such a formidable team as Chelsea and it just shows the game is not over until it is over. “I was not particularly out to get the better of Marcel, Frank or [goalkeeper Ed] de Goey that day, I just wanted to play my game and bring out the best of the tricks in my bag to outwit my opponent and score for my team.” After a pair of headers from Tore Andre Flo and Dan Petrescu had put the hosts ahead either side of halftime, and cruising with 75 minutes on the clock, Kanu took the sting out of Marc Overmars’ mis-hit shot to

expertly toe-poke Arsenal back into the game. Seven minutes later they were level, with the same duo combining. The momentum had violently swung, but it took until stoppage time for the Arsenal frontman to complete his treble, but it was worth the wait. “I worked the goalkeeper into a position where I could sell a dummy to him, which of course he bought,” he recalled. “I lifted up my head and picked out the far top corner of the net, which I quickly curled the ball into pretty much from where I stood.” Kanu now spends his time helping to run the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has helped to carry out open heart surgery on 485 children from Nigeria and around Africa to date. “Winning the double with Arsenal and being part of ‘the Invincibles’ [who went a season unbeatenin 2003/04] are good memories but starting the foundation tops them all,” he said with earnest. “But with 300 kids still on the waiting list, we have to do all we can to save the lives of these children.”

Arsenal teammates celebrating Kanu’s 15-minute hat-trick

GTBankpartnersLagosFAtotrain300coaches

Division One, which is the feeder league for the Dstv Premiership to which two teams are promoted annually to replace the two relegated at the end of every season. At the end of last season, Niger Potters and Royal Hoopers were relegated from the Dstv Premier League.

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has expressed satisfaction with the contribution Nigerianborn striker Dominic Solanke in the 6-0 thrashing of Maribor on Tuesday. Solanke, 17, made his UEFA Champions League debut when he came on as a 73rd minute substitute for Brazilian star Oscar. “Solanke is at a level where we know he has the talent but he’s far away. For him it was a perfect situation; the legs were tired even before he came on, the heartbeat was there before the first run but it’s a night he will never forget,” the Special One said. “For sure, he’s going Islander’s Solomon Igho (left) going for a dunk against Royal Hoppers during a DStv Premier to play many Champions League matches because he Male Basketball League match in Lagos.

Emmanuel Tobi

will be a good player.” In September, the teenager inked a professional contract rumoured to be five years with the Stamford Bridge outfit. Last season, he was top scorer for the Chelsea Under-21 side, helping them lift the youth FA cup, as well as a good run in the UEFA Youth Champions League.

Solanke

logun Stadium, Surulere will avail the participating coaches an opportunity to learn the fundamental techniques of effective youth coaching and capacity building in various areas which include Sports Therapy, Time Management, and Psychology etc. According to Lola Odedina, General Manager of Communication & External Affairs at GTBank, “300 coaches will be trained by certified FIFA and LSFA coaches and officials. At the end of the

training, participants will be awarded a LSFA-Level 1 Coaching Certificate; the first step in a 3 level certification programme, towards becoming a certified football coach.” This training will assist in developing and improving coaching standards at the grass root level and bring it to par with international standards. This will invariably bring improvements to the quality of football in Lagos and the GTBank Principals Cup tournament.

Siasia opens U-23 Eagles camp Nov 3

new Nigeria Olympic team under Coach Samson Siasia will open training camp from November 3, officials have announced in Abuja. The training camp will be of players drawn from the domestic league, which is expected to soon be concluded. Siasia, who led the country’s team to the final of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has hit the ground running since his appointment was announced last week. The U-23s will battle to qualify for the 2015 All-Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in September as well as

Siasia

the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. Nigeria under Austin Eguavoen failed to qualify for the 2012 All Africa Games and the 2012 London Olympics.

SPORT | INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Suarez ban ends today

Ronaldo

Ajibade Olusesan

El-Clasico schedules worry Ronaldo

ristiano Ronaldo has questioned why Real Madrid will face Barcelona on Saturday but still backed the European champions to win El Clasico. Real and arch-rivals Barca lock horns for the first time this season at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. The eagerly-awaited encounter comes just three days after Carlo Ancelotti’s side tormented Liverpool in a 3-0 UEFA Champions

League victory at Anfield. La Liga leaders Barca were in action 24 hours earlier, beating Ajax 3-1 at Camp Nou to move a step closer to qualifying from Group F. Imperious forward Ronaldo, who scored his 20th goal of the season on Merseyside, is baffled as to why El Clasico is not scheduled for Sunday and played down talk of a duel between him and Lionel Messi. He said: “It will be a difficult match because Barce-

lona are playing well. I’m not going to play against Messi, I’m going to play against Barcelona.Theyareagreatteam. Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing each other. “We’re not going to make any excuses. But I don’t understand why they put the match on Saturday. “It is a difficult match and all footballers know that an extra day’s rest is significant. Cupmatchesaren’tsoimportant. However, I don’t want to make excuses because the team is fine and confident.”

arcelona striker, Luiz Suarez, will officially be eligible to play competitive football after his fourmonth ban from FIFA ends today. The Uruguayan striker has been unable to feature for Barca since making a move to the Catalan giants last summer following a ban slammed on him by the world football governing body for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the last World Cup in Brazil. The striker’s action attracted widespread condemnation and his attempt to overturn FIFA’s sanction at the Court of Arbitration for Sports failed. The player is notorious for biting after involving in similar incidents when playing for Ajax in the Netherlands when he bit PSV Eind-

Valdes

Mourinho

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised Eden Hazard’s decision to let Didier Drogba take a penalty in their Champions League Group G win against Maribor. The Ivorian veteran scored his side’s second goal from the spot midway through the first half, with the Blues ultimately cruising to a 6-0 win against the Slovenian outfit. Mourinho told reporters after the game: “We

Suarez

anchester United manager ment, but the problem is not serious Louis van Gaal is reportedly enough to put him out of the team confident that Angel di Maria will for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea be fit to play in Sunday’s Premier at Old Trafford. League head-to-head against ChelUnited are currently 10 points sea, despite suffering a knock on behind Premier League leaders, Monday. Chelsea. The Argentina international limped off the Hawthorns pitch during his side’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion and was seen placing an ice pack on his groin. According to The Express, Di Maria went into United’s Carrington training base on his day off on Wednesday to receive treat- Di Maria

Win at Anderlecht surprises Wenger

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confessed that he was surprised to see his side take all three points against Anderlecht. The Gunners were heading towards a shock defeat with just one minute of normal time remaining in Brussels, until Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski struck late on to salvage a 2-1 victory. Despite the slender win, Wenger admits that he was not happy with the lack of openings created by his

Mourinho unhappy with Drogba penalty C

“I’ve seen him a lot since he arrived. It’s true he’s going through a difficult situation, because he’s not playing, and not competing is the worst thing for a player,” the Spain international said. “Fortunately, time passes and the moment for him to play has arrived. I think that’s great for him as it is for the rest of us, we hope from now on he can feel well and perform as he has always done.”

supervised by the United medical staff before training with the first team, as he bids to regain full fitness.” United have made no suggestion that Valdes will sign a contract with the former Premier League champions.

Monaco before the deal fell through, was recently heavily linked with a free transfer to Liverpool, but manager Brendan Rodgers recently said a deal was not going to happen. Now, it has been confirmed by United that manager Louis van Gaal has reached out to Valdes to offer him the chance to continue his rehabilitation at the North-West club. A statement on the club’s official website said: “[ValWenger des] will have his recovery

hoven’s Otman Bakkal and in 2013 when he also bit Chelsea’s defender Branislav Ivanovic. However, Suarez’s ban ends at an auspicious time as he is in contention to make his Barca bow against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Saturday. Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta is relishing the prospect of Suarez making his Barcelona debut in an eagerly-awaited ElClasico.

Di Maria fit for Chelsea showdown

Ex-Barcakeeper,Valdes,totrainwithManUnited

anchester United have confirmed that former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been offered the opportunity to train with the team as he works toward regaining full fitness. The 32-year-old, who suffered a long-term knee injury back in March, has been a free agent since the summer after his contract at Barcelona expired following a 12-year spell at Camp Nou. The Spaniard, who was close to moving to

played seriously. We faced the game in the right way and even at half time at 3-0 the boys kept playing at a good speed and with good quality. “I was surprised that Eden Hazard gave the ball to Didier Drogba for the penalty. I wasn’t particularly pleased, no. I have my choices and Hazard is number one. Because it was a goal, I was happy.” Chelsea now lead Group G with seven points from three games.

side. “It was disappointing we didn’t create more chances than we did but that is because Anderlecht defended very well,” the Frenchman is quoted as saying by FIFA.com. “But the turning point was not to concede a second goal - they had a big chance that they didn’t take and our experience made the difference. It is a bit unexpected to take the three [points] considering the quality of match that Anderlecht played.”

Pogba laments wasteful Juve in Euro loss

uventus midfielder Paul Pogba has lamented his side’s wayward finishing in Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat away to Olympiakos in the Champions League. Pogba, along with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata, spurned late chances to salvage a point in Athens following Pajtim Kasami’s first-half winner. The result leaves MassimilianoAllegri’ssidethirdinGroupA, three points adrift of co-leaders AtleticoMadridandOlympiakos, andtheFrenchmanurgesanimprovement on the goalscoring front in future outings. “Weneedtobemoreclinicalin frontof goal.Youcan’twingames

Pogba

withoutscoring,”PogbatoldSky Sport Italia at full time. “We were betterinthesecondhalf,buttheir goalkeeper played great.”

SPORT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Foreign coach a wrong move –Ezeugo

for a foreign coach is a very wrong Gballoing move. We are about to take our footback to the Berti Vogt’s and Lars

Lagerback eras. We are a nation with very short memory. How long did it take Clemens Westerhof and Jo Bonfere to move Nigeria to the heights of playing at our inaugural World Cup, reaching number five in the FIFA World Rankings and becoming Olympic Champions? Four to six years, right? Why did it take so long? It is because of the difference in terrain, culture, language, mentality, alien football culture and players’ disposition. It is on record that no foreigner has ever won the World Cup as coach. Why? We live and learn. A word is enough for the wise. Emeka Ezeugo, Ex Super Eagles defender

NFF won’t employ inferior coach -Pinnick

e are not going for just any coach. We are shopping for a sound coach, who will present before us a comprehensive W programme of how he would turn around the Super Eagles, as

well as the Nigerian league. Our choice of a foreign coach would be one who will be ready to look into the league, travel to Warri to watch wolves, to Lafia to watch Nasarawa United etc. He would be ready to pick the best legs in the league and make them super stars. Foreign coaches, especially the experienced ones, value their names more than the money they earn. He will invite and pick the best of players. Amaju Pinnick, NFF President

Controversy: Foreign coach for Eagles? Following Stephen Keshi’s exit and the Nigeria Football Federation’s resolve to employ a foreign coach at the end of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, New Telegraph sought the views of a number of football stakeholders on the issue.

Kalu: Foreign coach will revive Eagles

Only indigenous coaches can fix Eagles - Esu

t is only the indigenous coaches that can IEagles fix the problems confronting the Super and not an expatriate coach. We

have Nigerians who have coaching certificates like these foreign ones they are eyeing. Sunday Oliseh for instance as a Grade One FIFA coaching certificate and host of others.

support the NFF decision to hire a foreigner for the ITechnical Super Eagles, but he should be employed as the Adviser with a Nigerian as Chief Coach. It

would be nice if they can get any good Coach from a Serbian Country or even France. I had advised Keshi to recall the players he had left out of the team. Even if you are quarreling, it is imperative to accommodate them. Football is a team game, you cannot win alone. You cannot be right and everybody is wrong all the time. He refused to listen to anybody, though he is a great coach.

Geofrey Esu , former 3SC coach

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State Governor

Oliseh should work with foreign coach –Nwosu

aware that the NFF is seekIforam ing for a credible foreign coach the Eagles and I have nothing

against that. All I want the federation to do is to appoint a former player who is now a coach to work with the foreign coach. I think a coach like Sunday Oliseh needs to be in the Eagles technical crew. The Eagles need a coach like Oliseh to monitor players in the domestic league. You cannot expect the foreign coach to start moving round the country for players because he does not understand the territory. Oliseh should be given the chance to work with the Super Eagles. Henry Nwosu, ex-Eagles’ captain

Foreign coach not a solution -Onigbinde

he truth is that the major problem Tsending with our football today is not just the technical crew packing;

the rot is from the head. The administration of the sport in the country is totally at variance with the best standard practise in the world. “The cleansing should start admini s t ra tively then technical. It is horrific to note that those calling the shots knew next to nothing on how modern day football should be run. This has been the bane of the game in the nation. Everything is done the way it suits the people at the helm of affairs and at the end of the day, things turn out worse than it was. It is what has happened to our football today. Look at the whole scenario. It is sad that we have found ourselves in this mess again. Adegboyega Onigbinde former Super Eagles coach

Chukwu demands world class foreign coach

ehavehadcoachescomingandgoingandthiswillnotbethefirst or last time decision like this will be taken by NFF. I was a foreign coach before in another country, so why should I say NFF should not hire one. Buttheproblemwehavehadinthepastisthat,mosttimeswehire coacheswhowouldnotimpactpositivelyonourfootball.Mostofthem are not better than the coaches that we have at home. Wecan’tlearnanythingfromthemandtheywillcollectsomuchas salary. But if the new board can promise us that we are going to get a coach that will bring something positive to our national team, let it be. Christain Chukwu, former Super Eagles coach

Oshoala expects tough AWC final

lCameroon coach eyes Nigeria upset Emmanuel Tobi

uper Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala says they are ready for a tough battle when they play the Lioness of Cameroon in the final of the African Women’s Championship at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday. Cameroon needed extra-time to beat Ivory Coast and reach the final for the first time in the other semi-final. Captain Christine Manie hit the winner in the 118th minute, heading in from a corner. Gaelle Enganamouit had opened the scoring for Cameron on 60 minutes, only for Ines Tia to equalise from close range for Ivory Coast. “It’s going to be a tough game against Cameroon but we are ready to take the fight to them because we are poised to reclaim our title,” begins Oshoala adding that, “We are not resting until we take the trophy back home to Nigeria.” Meanwhile, Cameroon coach

We need a foreign coach – Owolabi

or now let us forget about any Nigerian coach. Only a F foreign coach can lead the national team to success, someone that can handle the players in a professional manner. We have experienced same problem with the likes of Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and now Stephen Keshi. The only solution was to get a sound foreign coach. Not just all these jobless coaches that will not take us anywhere.

Felix Owolabi, former Super Eagles players

A’Ibom Stadium: NFF waits on Ghana,Tunisia,Algeria

eneral Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Musa Amadu has confirmed the body is yet to get any response for their request of friendly matches for the home based Super Eagles for the opening of the ultramodern Uyo Internation-

al Stadium. Amadu also confirmed that the NFF wrote to the football federations of Tunisia, Ghana and Algeria for them to play Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles team, but are yet to get any response for the proposed November

6 fixture. “We have written to Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia to play our home based team during the opening of the Uyo International Stadium but we are yet to get any response from them,” he said.

Uduok credits six-goal record to Eguma Charles Ogundiya

Oshoala

Enoh Ngatchu says, “Nobody expected us to reach this level. The Super Falcons of Nigeria are still the best but we’ll do everything possible to make the game difficult for them and grab the trophy.” With Africa having three places at the senior Women’s World Cup next year, South Africa and Ivory Coast, the beaten semi-finalists, still have a chance of making it with victory in the third-place match.

olphins’ striker, Emem Uduok, has credited his six goals in one match record to his coach, Stanley Eguma, who converted him from a defender to a striker. Eduok scored half a dozen goals against Nembe City to create a new goal scoring record for an individual player in one match in the Glo Premier League. Speaking with New Telegraph after his record-breaking feat, Uduok said the former Under-23 assistant coach has been a major source of inspiration to his career. According to him, Eguma gives him the confidence to score goals, driving him hard in training while also condemning his wastefulness in front of goal. “He actually converted me from a defender to a striker after seeing the qualities

in me and since then he has been telling me that I can do it as a striker. “At the beginning of the season, the coach told me I have the tendency to become the top scorer if I work on my game,” Uduok said. On what gave him the confidence to score six goals in the game against Nembe, the striker said the performance of Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano the previous night inspired him. The Akwa Ibom born striker said; “Before our game against Nembe, the coach used Adriano as example of a prolific scorer. “During the game I decided to utilise most of my chances, although I still missed some, but I am happy that my conversion rate has improved in recent weeks. Eguma has helped me a lot, he makes me to have belief in myself and I am grateful to him.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

Cheating and lying aren’t struggles, they’re reasons to break up.

World Record

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

– Patti Callahan Henry

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

N150

London, UK: At 100 years and nine months, farmer’s daughters Ena Pugh and Lily Millward sets the new world record for the oldest living twins.

Waiting for Chibok girls

he recent unilateral declaration of a truce in the ongoing war with the dreaded Boko Haram by the Nigerian Federal Government left thousands of Nigerians with mixed feelings. On the one hand, is the evidential haplessness that has left several vulnerable, made victims of many where any story whatsoever that is likely to end this new deposit of terror on our shores will be welcome with both hands. Grief-stricken Nigerians are very anxious to push this dark chapter of our national life behind us. On the other hand is the nauseating gritty realism, the irresistible distrust that has become the emblematic offshoot of such pronouncements given the haste with which the disputing parties deny the claims of the other. This one sided declaration raises many fundamental questions namely; should Nigeria truthfully and rightfully be the one to announce cessation of hostilities, when the nation is the one that is under attack by a well organized terror group? Is the cease fire well thought through by the Nigerian Military Authorities and the Federal Government that it will not amount to a respite for Boko Haram in the face of the counter insurgency measures of the past one month? Was the Nigerian Military not being impetuous in its declaration? Similarly, is the cease fire not a time buying ploy by Boko Haram to re-strategise and continue their mindless bloodletting and destruction of lives and property? How respectable is the hitherto unheard Danladi Mohammed, leader of the Boko Haram delegation and what sphere of influence does he exercise within the high command of the fractious Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad (Boko Haram) that one can hopefully wait for binding resolutions? Does the spate of attacks from Boko Haram hours after the truce was declared and the reported counter defensive response by the Nigerian military suggest that the cease fire itself was a non-starter? Could this be a political gimmick meant to bolster the profile of some power seeking aspirants? The afore-stated flurry questions arise from the ensuing confusion which the announcements by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, that the Federal Government had reached a peace deal with Boko Haram. The reported peace deal brought home for the first time the possibility that the 219 Chibok School Girls still in captivity would soon be united with their parents, families and loved ones. It is the tragic experience of these youngsters that has changed the narrative in the reign of terror by Boko Haram, and also woken the Government from its slumber, though belatedly. When on April 15, this year, some 276 girls were kidnapped, I wrote in this column that that was crossing the redline of terror. That is assuming without conceding that there are points in terror trajectory that are acceptable. I had thought that the full weight of the Nigerian army, the combined support of International Community will in a matter of days crush the terrorist organization led by one Abubakar Shekau. I did not

Ivory Glory NKEMDILI NNONYELU aunnonyelu@yahoo.co.uk 08122801926 (sms only)

Kidnapped Chibok girls. Inset: Shekau

understand the imperturbable attitude, if not dismissal of the tragic Chibok incident by the Nigerian Central Government as a non event, or a tale in Nollywood to embarrass the Government and present the President in bad light. Early enough, with all the security they could muster, the government unfortunately read politics in the matter, went to sleep, organized rallies in a devil-may-care attitude while the innocent girls were further taken away into the dreaded Sambisa forest and to other God forsaken places. My confidence and trust in the Nigerian government to act fast, do the needful, and rescue these innocent girls whose only crime was that they were desirous of acquiring learning and becoming useful members of society, was misplaced. The priority of the Nigerians government was different and skewed. I have seen this government act fast, and commendably, when any of their own is put in harm’s way like the case of the kidnap of the mother of Finance minister, Dr, Okonjo Iweala, Prof Kanene Okonjo, Edward Clarks son and the President’s uncle. In all of these the police/military operations routed the bandits and rescued their victims. I thought, now erroneously, that the Chibok episode would present an opportunity for the Nigerian military to deal decisively with these terrorists and teach them a lesson of their lives. That would be the end of the road for terrorism in Nigeria. How wrong have I been, as unfolding events later showed? No deterrent has been served Boko Haram. Rather, their exploits in battle gave them reason to become importunate, as the deadly group sacked one community after the other, hoisting their flags in territories in North East Nigeria.

Taking a cue from their kindred brother in terrorism, ISIS, Boko Haram now seeks to create a vast expanse of Islamic terrorist state. When the governor of Borno State in a moment of hysteria, submitted that Boko Haram was more equipped, better renumerated than the Nigerian military, he was nearly chopped off for heresy, or apostasy. How unreasonable it was to compare the Nigerian soldiers with a rag tag band of marauders; we all queried? Governor Kassim stuck to his guns, and honestly to all intents and purposes, he has been vindicated. For successive years now, the security sub sector has gulped more money than education, health, works and other social services put together. A cursory look at the Nigerian Budgets since 2010 would suffice. Where in this world had all the funds gone to? What use have they been put to? Soon after the pilloring of the Borno state Governor, for what several considered incendiary remarks, the Federal Government unabashedly has gone to the legislature to seek for one billion dollars security fund to enable it contain the insurgency. Also, the twin scandalous events in South Africa, the arms gate scandal (9.3 million and 5.7 million dollars) have further exposed the desperation, vulnerability and volatility of the Nigerian state. The prolongation of this forced sentencing of the innocent Chibok School girls in captivity is not only a failure of the government, but our collective failure. We have since this incident, witnessed mutiny in the army, soldiers’ wives protesting as if soldiering is a tea party. While it took the government months to set up a fact finding mission headed by Rtd. General Sabo, to find out

the veracity or otherwise of the Chibok abduction, circumstances leading to it, and number involved, there are, till date several Nigerians who still see the entire story as some kind of myth, and therefore remain unruffled about the continuing unwholesome experience of the Chibok girls. Regrettably, as if they are not Nigerians, they point to the implausibility of moving more than 200 girls in a convoy of vehicles unnoticed and undetected, vanishing without trace. Even when the panel set up by the president confirmed the kidnapping incident, and when Shekau the megalomaniac leader of Boko Haram showed these girls in a video, clad in Islamic dresses, reciting Islamic verses, not a few Nigerians still wallow in their unbelief, held tenaciously to the story that the entire Chibok incident is a ruse. But for the #BringBackOurGirls Campaigners, the whole Chibok incident would have been forgotten. Our common humanity would have been comprehensively debased if not for this small group of dedicated and selfless women and men. Day by day, this select group have left the comfort of their homes, the pursuit of their businesses, the advancement of their professions and families to make one demand; that the Government being of course the custodian of security of lives and property should do all within its powers to ensure that the girls are released safely, and reunited with their families. They have been consistent and unequivocal in their demand, not allowed themselves to be distracted, swayed, cowed or intimidated. Never in the history of civil disobedience in Nigeria have I seen such a sustained organized protest by mainly middle class, well educated women and men. The fact that this issue has not been swept under the carpet owe in large measure to Obi Ezekwesili and co. they have empathized with the Chibok girls. The last time I saw Obi Ezekwesili reacting to questions on the possibility of the girls’ release, she was almost weeping. You can feel the passion, excitement and hope. This is indeed what citizens’ power means, love, standing up, giving a voice to those who cannot do it for themselves because of their incarceration. The group is clearly apolitical. One mission unites them – the safe release and return of Chibok girls. The reckless statement by Chief Audu Ogbeh that the BringBackOurGirls movement belongs to APC is an invidious way of throwing spanner in the works of this noble and selfless group. Audu Ogbeh should tender an unreserved apology for playing with the lives of the Chibok School Girls, as the provocative remark may scuttle the ongoing peace process that we are all hoping will lead to a fruitful resolution of the terrorist crisis that has rendered a substantial portion of Nigerian territory uninhabitable. To devalue the enormity of sacrifices borne by these patriots like Ogbeh has done is rather unfortunate. In the interim, the long, now hopefully very short wait for the Chibok girls continues. It is not, will never be too late for the Chibok Girls to return home. They will come back alive. This is our collective wish and prayer. In spite of the initial false steps, and they are many by the protectors of the Nigerian state, this matter, we pray will end very soon. Nigeria will be on the march again.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.