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Friday, June 20, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 122

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Court stops Alison-Madueke’s probe over N10bn jet charter Tunde Oyesina Abuja

M

inister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, yesterday won a reprieve in her bid to stop the House of

Representatives from probing her over an allegation that she blew N10 billion of public funds on chartering private jets.

A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, stopped the House from going on

with the probe, scheduled to begin on June 26, as it asked the parties in the suit brought by the minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to maintain the status quo pending the de-

termination of the suit.

The court had earlier declined to grant the ex-parte application seeking to stop the probe but rather asked the applicants to put the respondents on notice.

The substantive suit

which was slated for hearing yesterday could not go ahead due to the absence of the plaintiff’s counsel.

However, delivering a ruling on an earlier request that the court should CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Alison-Madueke

Military bars Oshiomhole, Amaechi from Fayemi’s rally …Tinubu, Okorocha, others denied entry to airport lRivers, Edo, APC, military trade accusations over govs’ flights lJonathan knows nothing about it, says Okupe Lateef Ibrahim, Wole Shadare, Adesina Wahab, Yekeen Nurudeen, and Babatope Okeowo

T

wo All Progressives Congress (APC) governors were yesterday prevented from attending the mega rally for the party’s candidate in tomorrow’s governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Governors Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) could not make it to AdoEkiti as the Federal Government frustrated their trips.

Also, Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo), former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other party leaders were barred from taking off at the Akure airport after the rally. The airport was

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi (second left), discussing with National Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni and some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders on his ordeal in the hands of security operatives at Itagbolu-Olorunsogo, Ondo State...yesterday

IMPEACHMENT

Adamawa govt’s accounts frozen

Steve Uzoechi and Ibrahim Abdul

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen all bank accounts

operated by Adamawa State Government amid moves allegedly sponsored by the presidency to remove the state governor, Murtala Nyako.

The Presidency has

also been reported to have ordered Nyako put under surveillance.

Sources said that Federal Government directed EFCC to effect the closure of the accounts.

Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwajare, to react to the development proved abortive as he neither picked his call nor responded to the text message sent to his phone.

In a telephone interview, the Director of Press and Public Affairs in Adamawa Government House, Ahmad Sajoh, who confirmed the developCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Security operatives move suspected Boko Haram kingpin to Abuja

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Confab: Absentee delegates to lose allowances lagos

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Thunder Storms

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

EFCC freezes Adamawa govt’s accounts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ment, said the Presidency’s action had exposed the desperation of President Goodluck Jonathan to witch-hunt officials he perceived as enemies even if it means subjecting the electorate to hardship.

The closure of accounts, he said, would affect workers and salaries and social services, especially during the Ramadan fasting.

“President Jonathan has made it clear that the impeachment plan against Governor Nyako must sail through and has also mandated security agents to be on the trail of the governor, who will be immediately arrested by the EFCC once he is impeached and he loses his immunity,” Nyako’s spokesman said.

It would be recalled that the governor was prevented from leaving the state on Wednesday by flight to Abuja, but he beat the security by taking off by road and he is currently staying in Abuja.

“The president is not comfortable with the posture of Nyako who has fired a salvo at the Federal Government for not doing enough to protect the citizens. He also incurred the President’s wrath when he decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside four former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors,”

said Phineas Padio, APC publicity secretary in Adamawa Meanwhile, a contractor whose company was alleged to have collected the sum of N300 million for a construction job without mobilising to site, in the impeachment notice against Nyako by members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, has threatened to sue the lawmakers for defamation.

Alhaji Maiwada Baba, who is the Chairman of the Hydro Source and Resources, the company awarded the Mubi Bye Pass Road project reacted yesterday, just as the Adamawa State chapter of the APC accused members of the PDP-led State Assembly of acting the script of their party by serving Nyako and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari with impeachment notice.

Also, Chairman of the

APC Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has called on the leadership and members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly to drop the impeachment move against Nyako and his deputy in the interest of peace and stability.

Okorocha also advised President Jonathan to intervene and see to it that the impeachment was halted, arguing that with the current security situation in the country, it would be insensitivity for anybody to be talking of impeachment of the sitting governor.

Okorocha equally urged the stakeholders in Adamawa State not to allow a state already plagued by security challenges to be plunged into another round of crisis with the impeachment plot.

The Imo State Governor

opined that the energy that would be expended on the impeachment exercise could be fruitfully directed towards rescueing the Chibok girls held for months now from their abductors.

He said: “The outside world would not take the country serious if in the midst of all the security challenges across the nation, we would be talking about impeaching a governor.”

He called on all concerned to jettison the impeachment plot and embrace peace.

Addressing a news conference in Yola, yesterday, Alhaji Maiwada Baba, who spoke through his solicitor, Sunday Joshua Wugira, described as fallacious the allegation by the House that his company collected the sum of N300 million without mobilizing to site.

Baba further demanded a retraction and apology from the Assembly, adding that he would go to court should it fail to do so.

The solicitor told newsmen that his client did not collect the sum of N300 million as alleged in the 20-count charge against Nyako and Ngilari, but rather that the Adamawa State Government was still indebted to his client to the tune of N500million.

According to Wugira, the Speaker of the Adamawa House of Assembly had already received the letter demanding retraction and apology.

Wugira said his client had been in the construction business for over 20 years, and had maintained its integrity through the years and therefore frowned at its defamation.

Meanwhile, Adamawa Police Command yesterCONTINUED ON PAGE 3

28oC 22oC Storms

PORT HARCOURT

29oC 23oC Storms

KANO

38oC 26oC Sunny

ENUGU

32o C 23oC Thunder Storms

IBADAN

30oC 23oC Storms

CALABAR

29oC 22oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

41oC 28oC Sunny

ONITSHA

31o C 23oC Thunder Storms

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 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

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

L-R: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed; Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, at the 72nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Accra, Ghana...yesterday

Court stops Alison-Madueke’s probe over N10bn jet charter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

restrain the House from going ahead with the probe pending the determination of the suit, Justice A.R Mohammed noted that he had seen the letter of invitation sent to the applicant by the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts.

He further noted that the court had on April 14 declined to grant an interim injunction to stop the House from probing the applicant but rather ordered that the respondents should come and show cause why the application should not be granted.

Justice Mohammed also said although the issue of

cause had been discarded, the House still wanted to go ahead with the probe despite the pendency of the suit.

The court however held that much as the legislature has an exercise to perform, the court could not avert its eyes when such power of the legislature is challenged.

Justice Mohammed held that Section 6 of the Constitution gives the court judicial power to settle disputes between individuals and government, including the legislature.

“I have not seen any law that stops the National Assembly from being sued.

This court did not grant the

earlier injunction because it wants every party in this suit to be fairly heard.

“The respondents are aware of the suit; they have been served with papers, their solicitor has even appeared but still, they want to go ahead with the probe when the issue is still pending before the court.

“I hereby direct that parties maintain status quo pending the next adjourned date of July 12,” the judge said.

At the last adjourned date, counsel to Alison-Madueke and NNPC, Etigwe Uwah (SAN), had prayed the court to grant his request for an order of interim injunction stopping

the probe of his clients.

He said House Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, had announced that the House would commence the probe on June 17.

He, however, prayed the court to stop the action as it would jeopardise the ongoing legal process.

Counsel to the House, A.B Mahmud, said he would talk to his client not to do anything to jeopardise the legal process.

He added that instead of granting the order, the court should accelerate the hearing.

The court however ordered that parties should exchange all their processes.

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

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

PDP to APC: Your new leadership should mean new thinking Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undemocratic and anti-people tendencies despite the election of new leadership In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the ruling party

advised APC to imbibe the proper comportment as an opposition party in a democratic setting, adding that with its new leadership, Nigerians expect a new behaviour from the party.

Metuh said: “Nigerians of all walks of life have continued to express worry over the character of the APC as an opposition party. The APC must realise that in a democracy, being an opposition

party demands a great responsibility marked by constructive engagement and propagation of alternatives in the general interest.

“The APC must be advised to undertake a survey of how other opposition parties conduct themselves. Being an opposition party does not in any way confer a culture of irresponsibility; being an opposition party does not in anyway confer a licence

for promotion of violence; and being an opposition party does not confer use of blackmail and falsehood as means of achieving political control.

“Nigerians are no longer comfortable with an opposition driven by frustration and bitterness characterized by a compulsive penchant for lies and deceit. They do not want an opposition that has no regard for the national interest but behave as if

it has no stake in the Nigerian project. Nigerians want an opposition that will purposefully engage on issues with integrity and honesty and not with falsehood and deceit.”

PDP noted that there is nothing in the last one week that shows that APC is willing “to jettison this despicable and unpatriotic stance.”

It likened the actions of the APC to that of the

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Biblical woman who, out of frustration, pressed King Solomon to kill and divide the baby of an innocent mother for no just cause, adding that APC did not have the interest of the nation at heart.

“We however wish to inform the APC that Nigerians will not succumb to their antics. Nigeria will never break up. We shall remain one strong indivisible nation under God where all thrive together in love, while on the other hand, the ever-chameleonic APC will continue to merge, de-merge and lose its identity and composition,” the PDP said.

Security operatives move suspected Boko Haram kingpin to Abuja ...as military kills 10 insurgents in Borno Emmanuel Onani

A

L-R: Director General, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Dikki; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Mohammed Sada; Sole Administrator, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Isah Joseph Onobere and Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Umar Sani, during a briefing in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Confab: Absentee delegates to lose allowances ...as arrest of Boko Haram suspects splits delegates

Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

T

he National Conference yesterday warned that delegates who absent themselves from the proceedings of the conference except on grounds of ill health and due authorisation, would have to forfeit their allowances for the period of their absence.

Deputy Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, issued the warning yesterday following observations that many delegates have been keeping away from the conference since it commenced the consideration of the reports submitted by its 20 committees.

There were speculations that some of the absentee delegates deliberately boycotted proceedings of the conference to pursue their private businesses.

The development had resulted in a handful of delegates sitting to consider the reports. Sometimes, some delegates had raised point of order challenging the conference to suspend proceeding for lack of quo-

rum.

“Government is worried that 50 per cent of the delegates don’t show up for debate. It is shown live and this is not good. They are now reminding us that there are extant government regulations that, where an intervention body is being paid sitting allowance, it means exactly that we should consider not paying allowance to delegates who don’t show up. So, I thought we should let you know of this decision as diplomatically as possible, as adults and accomplished people in our own rights.

“Because of this, we may not pay allowance to delegates that don’t show up. We want you to know this because we are all adults and we must be seen to be responsible. We don’t want to be treating delegates as secondary school pupils. As from Monday, delegates who don’t show up will not be paid sitting allowance unless on medical reasons, which must have the permission of the chairman, who must have been informed. I hope I have not embarrassed you,”

Akinyemi said.

He charged the delegates to be mindful of the rules guiding the conference and endeavour to obey them or face the penalties.

According to him, only delegates on medical emergencies and with due notification would be spared from the stipend cut.

Meanwhile, tempers flared at the beginning of proceedings following a motion on the arrest of a convoy of vehicles conveying hundreds of persons suspected to be Boko Haram members in Abia State.

A delegate from the South-South, Chief Sergeant Awuse, who brought the matter before the conference had called on security agencies to beef up security around oil installations in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State.

In a matter of urgent national importance, Awuse recalled that the Defence Headquarters had announced that a kingpin of the Boko Haram Islamic sect was among the 486 suspected insurgents arrested at about 2:00 am by

security agencies in Abia State on their way to Port Harcourt.

“We do not want Boko Haram in our area. We want the Confab to beg the security agencies to be very more proactive.

From dependable security sources, we have been told that the apprehended Boko Haram members are not the only ones. Many of them have already infiltrated the city,” he stated.

In response to the motion, a delegate from Jigawa State, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, condemned the arrest of the suspected insurgents whose identities showed they were from the northern parts of the country.

Apparently exonerating the suspects from the accusations of being insurgents, he warned that their arrest may lead to serious crisis if care was not taken.

The atmosphere was charged as the issue polarised the conference along North and South regional lines. It took the intervention of the chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, to calm frayed nerves.

suspected kingpin of the Boko Haram sect, who was intercepted alongside 485 others, in a convoy of over 30 buses, in Abia State on Sunday, has been moved to Abuja for further investigation, New Telegraph gathered yesterday.

A highly-placed security source, who pleaded anonymity, owing to the sensitive nature of the matter, told New Telegraph that the suspect, who had been on wanted list, and whose identity is still being closely guarded, was flown in under heavy security, to enable operatives carry out very detailed and thorough investigation.

This, he said, was with a view to determining the true mission of the night trip, “his relationship with others as well as the destination.”

“We are determined to get to the root of this case, and investigation is continuing on the 485 others; whoever is found to be innocent will be allowed to

go,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the National Information Centre (NIC) yesterday, disclosed that troops at the frontline of battle against insurgency in Borno had killed 10 Boko Haram fighters, after a “successful operation at Tumbarka.”

According to NIC, “In the continuing efforts at countering insurgency, the Nigerian military forces have conducted successful operations at Tumbarka in Borno State resulting in the killing of 10 Boko Haram operatives.”

It further disclosed that at the end of the operations, troops recovered “one rifle and eight locally-made guns...”

This is even as it added that “the soldiers equally dislodged a road block between Damboa and Biu, which was mounted by insurgent elements in search of food, fuel and vehicle lubricants.”

The centre reiterated the fact that the interception of 35 buses “was not targeted at anyone, region or religion.

EFCC freezes Adamawa govt’s accounts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

day disclosed that it had come to its notice that some desperate politicians were fomenting trouble, and warned that the command would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with such politicians.

In a press release, the image maker of the command, DSP Othman Abubakar, advised members of the public to go about their legitimate duties peacefully without fomenting any trouble.

Reacting to the impeachment move, the Publicity Secretary of Adamawa chapter of

APC, Rev Phineas Padio, said the Assembly’s action left no one in doubt of the ambition of the Speaker, Ahmadu Fintiri, to become governor of the state.

Padio, who spoke with newsmen in Yola yesterday, said the allegations against the governor were not only laughable but embarrassing coming from the lawmakers.

“There is no way a House will bring something that happened in 2007 during previous legislation as some of its allegations against the governor. It goofed,” Padio said.

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Sermon Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet p56

Sermon How do you treat people? p.55

Sermon 50 The secret of walking into abundanceFriday, p.57June 20, 2014

Faith Sanctity of Truth

Tinubu, Okorocha, others denied entry to airport

TAI ANYANWU, to shoot me. They chased entrytitus.anyanwu@newtelegraphonline.com to Ekiti State.

Federal Government in the Electoral Act, which ernment?” APC queried locked. They had to travel me to a village called OloHe0706 said APC leaders stopping the governors of The Rivers State Govstipulates that campaign 438 0029 runsogo Ilado in Ondo making the allegation Kano, Rivers and Edo from for the election will only ernment also decried the by road to Lagos.

Amaechi, who had man- State. But they allowed were at a political rally and attending the APC gover- end at midnight on Friday. development. aged to fly to Akure in a the Minister of State for could be talking as politi- norship campaign rally “It also represents a maRivers Commissioner in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, in nipulation of the electoral of Information and Comchartered plane, could Defence (Musiliu Oban- cians.

Also, Police Public a Gestapo-like manner, is process when all the can- munications, Ibim Senot reach Ado-Ekiti as ikoro) and Minister of PoNEWthe TELEGRAPH ON SUNDAY ONLINE AT Officer, Ekiti capable of turning Nigeria didates will not be allowed menitari, said the state lice (Abduljelili Adesiyan) Relations soldiers NTWEEKEND waylaid him in JUNE 15, 2014 www.newtelegraphonline.com/faith Iju, Ondo State and forced to go through.”

State Command, Mr. Vic- into a Banana Republic a level playing field to was concerned about the him to turn back. He had Oshiomhole, accord- tor Babayemi, said no po- where fundamental rights campaign for the election. safety of Amaechi. to travel by road to Lagos. ing to his spokesman, liceman stopped any APC of citizens are trampled There is no clearer maniSemenitari said: “GovHis aircraft was reportedly Peter Okhiria, said the leader from coming to the upon with impunity. festation of the Federal ernor Amaechi as Chairgrounded in Akure.

Commander of the 81 Air state.

The Turaki Adamawa Government’s allergy to man of the Nigerian GovOshiomhole, it was Maritime Group, Benin Officials of the Federal was particularly miffed at free, fair, transparent and ernors’ Forum (NGF) and learnt, could however not City, Air Commodore Soji Airport Authority of Ni- the way the Federal Gov- violence-free election than as an APC governor and getBishop to his destination as Awomodu, told him that Communion, geria (FAAN) Rt. in Akure, ernment has been dragchieftain had leftspeaks Port Harof the Diocese of Kubwa, Anglican Rev. Duke T. Akamisoko, in thisthis. interview with TUNDE OYESINA “Not even in the worst court this morning (yesterthe Federal Government he received “a call from the Ondo State capital, ging the military and poon why Nigerians to adopt different nation’slice challenges aborted his trip midway. need above” that noaprivate jet approach also denied to thethe allegation into politics, warning days of the abhorrent day) for Ekiti State where Oshiomhole’s helicop- or helicopter be allowed that they prevented some that government “must military dictatorship were he was to join his brother ter was prevented fly out of Benin City to student aircraft officials thingsprayer done this instigating statedon’t se- change, in his last mega My lord bishop, recentlyfrom in one ofto your both as a Bible andcarrying as a student of his- stop If individuals in Nigeria justbrazenly coming ,fromgovernor the university and that was taking off from the Benin of the APC from landing curity agents paid from with citizens being denied either Akure or Ekiti. rally before the elections. tory, from all Biblical records, first of all we need cannot change Nigeria. Prayer cannot change what they knew. They said they didn’t know sermons, you said prayer does not change airport while the plane Oshiomhole the is airport. money against change. their Prayer fundamental rights amtoexpressed define prayer.at What prayer? Prayer is the taxpayers anything about any“Amaechi god. Then, hewas told them a nation. Can you explain exactly what you homes unless the individuals flying Kwankwaso to the shock at the development, An aviation official, who helpless, hapless and lawbushed and refused entry of free movement, free means through which an individual commu- cannot change a church unless the individu- that they had made a mistake because if God meant?

Akure was denied spoke with New and free expresinto Ekiti bygiven military perbut declined speakwith withhis God. Thankairport you! People have been calling for tonicates als there Nigerians.” change. Prayer cannot assembly do anything wanted us to fly, he would have us wings.

And there areTelegraph all manner abiding condition ofitsanonymAPC has also al- sion, all because sonnel acting on you orders landing right. reporters. world, each with own god on The its own.

Sinceof youthe did not pray and ask God, just prayers as a means of transforming us as a of religions in theon The action flaks changing The Airport Manager, ity, said 10 aircraft had leged security agendesperation theyou ruling from above.

He was made the adherents prayover to. There are differWhatthat prayer does to the individual who truly bysay are coming from the university then country, endingdrew corruption, our which landed and taken off since were acting ontransform “orders him; party win elections atmake from which acMr. Sunday tosomething turn backthat andman return to ent godsand and you cannot deny anybody his cies desires change is to thento such you want to will be l a z i nthe e s sAPC, , changing every- Ayodele cused the Airspace Mr the above.”or group of individuals all costs. where his chattered ofthey the from t h i n the g . Federal Govern-It’s like the solu- Manager, god. Individuals cancommencement claim whatever god an individual so trans- flying like a bird;Akure it will never happen.

You are tion to country’s wanthad to believe and pray bring change in the society trying to invent Godwas has not done. The Ibekwe, said they no day’s The will party inabout a state“We therefore call on what aircraft parked but ment of using its security our job.to and you cannot formed them. But then when we Telegraph talk about a ment or nation or church.

Prayer alone do brothers probis hangsaid wewas believe man can flyrounded and they apparatus to harass its lems hands in the question governor’s When New issued in Ado-Ekiti allcannot good people of Nigeria chased and magic to a nation.

In fact, I haveand saidindeed this in allmade first airplane, it failedsoldiers and the second wediare talking the congregation ing on prayer.

I nation governors. by its National the the counordeal But as they had no got toabout the airport, it was yesterday by armed and several places. If prayer can develop nation one, friends it also failed; and thenpersonnel the third and of human beingsdiscovered with souls; they a Publicity w aHowever, nt to know, President us rective to that effect. try’sainternational security inthey Iju, thatmake five up airnation. saywere a nation has changed, is the, only wayLai to develop a nation, succeeded.

And Ondo ever since, man has been flyThe helicopter withWhen reg- we craft on ground while or prayer Secretary Alhaji State.

Goodluck Jonathan’s Seto speak out against what what5NBQ8 we are saying that thosetaking individuals China will not be developed. will not be before ing, they never prayed they worked nior Special Assistant on istration number one is was about off. is happening things “According to hard. the capMohammed, said the he-China have changed.

So for us in Nigeria, we say we where they are as a nation because they don’t So there is heavy deception in our nation.

In Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin later flew out of the Benin One of the aircraft, it licopter that was to take- get out of hand. If demo- tain who led the operain thewas Almighty God, and we pray Oshiomhole pray. Japan willfrom not beBenin topping cratically-elected the world in fact ingoverthe historytion, of the it is being said Okupe, absolved his prin- Airport at 1:20p.m.believe without learnt, brought Obanheworld had orders not to for Him to change our country, Nigeria. technology because they don’t pray. that Nigeria is one of the praying nations. Has cipal of blame over the its intended passengers. ikoro. to Ado-Ekiti was refused nors could be so shabbily allow the governor entry I say No! There is nothing like that.

In 1902 when the Wright brothers invented an that transformed Nigeria? No! Why because incident, saying that at no Special Adviser to Condemnations have permission to take off treated, despite the high or exit. In the meantime, God cannot change Nigeria. What airplane, an elderly man asked them, have you the individuals are not transformed. So, we time did the president or- Governor Oshiomhole from the Benin Airport. trailed the restriction office somethey occupy, what the chattered aircraft that you should say is pray for the in- prayed? You say you want to develop der that the governors be on Media, Prince Kassim dividuals Mohammed said: the governor has of the ingovernors’ movewill happen Nigeria to change. thing to fly. The young people said they were to ordinary conveyed CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 stopped from participating Afegbua, confirmed the ments.

“These acts are illegal and Nigerians in the hands of been grounded while the in the mega rally. incident and described it Former Vice-President definitely not in line with an increasingly-fascist govCONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Amaechi, in text mes- as strange.

Atiku Abubakar has causages sent to New TeleBut the Public Rela- tioned the Federal Governgraph, gave an account of tions Officer, 32 Artillery ment against turning the how agents of the Federal Brigade, Nigerian Army, country into a police state Government aborted his Akure, Captain Ademola following the restrictions Tai Anyanwu call and appeals all over immediate of the trip.

Adegoke, who from spoke in a the placed on the release governors. the world for immediate re- girls, the PFN said chat, said nothAbubakar, in “Enough a press He said: “They attempt- telephone Pentecostal leased of ourhappened. young children is enough.” from his meof such statement ed tohearrest us. I Fellowship was way- ing (PFN) con- who were Adegoke kidnapped at dia While commending Captain said office, noted that the the laid Nigeria by soldiers onhas Akuredemned the holding in cap- no Government Girls Secondary by govEkiti Road who threatened soldier denied Amaechi efforts actionbeing of made the PDP-led tivity of the Chibok school School, Chibok, Borno State ernment and some foreign girls abducted by Boko Ha- almost two months ago, the nations to secure the release ram terrorists, in spite of calls perverts behind this criminal of the abducted girls, PFN for their release. abduction are still holding on praised president Goodluck Emerging from its Na- to them.

Jonathan for what they deOnwuka Nzeshi Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania has tional Advisory Council and “We Somalia, condemn, in the by scribed as his which exceptional ABUJA Tanzania and Surinam, the been allotted the sum of National Executive council strongest terms possible, this courage in responding to the country not in million support of meeting in Lagos on Thurs- only callous abduction of the ourAfin- €626 agitation from in different quarhePFN European Union energy day, warned that the rican nocentcontinent. children by this gang good ters bygovernance, instituting a national yesterday signedofacrimi€29.1 NIPs sustainable agriculincreasing upsurge Conference to tackle issues of The criminals whorepresent claim to be and billion development Gabon the least important step in the nality and terrorism by the an motivated by the desire to ture. confronting thehas nation. agreement with Nigeria programming with €13 Fellowmillion EUown aid package group was alarming.

“The Pentecostal foist on Nigeriaoftheir the European Develthis would be applied and 15 other African, Ca- under “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria remains resoperverted ideology,” the and ribbean Pacific (ACP) opment toevil education that Fund (EDF). Mem- solely group stressed. lute that shall notinovership of and Nigeria is appalled that, in spite of our come our Making firm countries under itspersistent Nation- ber . land ,” the group Statesaof EUdemand agreedfor in country al Indicative Programmes 2013 the overall amount for A statement from the (NIPs). development cooperation European Union delegaEuropean Commis- that will be channelled to tion in Nigeria explained sioner for Development, 78 ACP countries under that for the first time, NIPs Andris Piebalgs, and min- the programme would be would be based on governisters from the 16 countries €29.1 billion over a period ments’ own policies and co-signed the pact which is of seven years. strategies reflecting their part of the 11th European Under the arrange- analysis of needs.

Development Fund for the ment, Nigeria will receive “They are in line with a total of €512 million for the EU’s vision for future period 2014-2020.

The signing ceremony programmes spanning development cooperation, took place on the sidelines good governance, health , the “Agenda for Change”, of the meeting of the Joint nutrition and sustainable which calls for resources to Council of Ministers of the energy. be targeted where they are African, Caribbean and PaEthiopia is to get €745 most needed and can be the cific countries and the EU, million, the biggest of the most effective. EU funding in Nairobi, Kenya. Coun- largesse and this would will focus on a maximum tries that endorsed the deal be channelled into pro- of three sectors per counincludes Botswana, Côte grammes in sustainable try (possibly four in the d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethio- agriculture, health, food, case of fragile countries) to L-R: National President Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Dr Felix Omobude; Deputy pia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, nutrition, security, infra- achieve maximum impact President, Pastor Paul Adefarasin; Former Deputy President, Rev (Mrs) Mercy Ezekiel; and NaMauritania, Niger, Nigeria, structure and energy. and value for money of EU tional Admin Secretary, Pastor Akinola Akinwale at a press conference, in Lagos...on Thursday Sao Tome e Principe, Sierra This is closely followed cooperation.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ON SUNDAY

Why prayers can’t change Nigeria – Akamisoko

Enough of insurgency -PFN T

EU, Nigeria, 15 others sign €29.1bn pact

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

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APC’s statement reckless, says Obanikoro Emmanuel Onani

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he Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has described as “reckless” the allegation made against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying as a serving minister he did not need the permission of the opposition party, to perform his duty.

The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had during the inauguration of the newly-elected national executives of the party, alleged that the minister was sighted at the Akure airport on Tuesday, purportedly to supervise the “safe delivery” of “undisclosed cargo.”

Oyegun, therefore,

asked “what business the Minister of State for Defence, Obanikoro, have supervising the (alleged) offloading of mysterious cargo in Akure, while the North East is still being ravaged by Boko Haram...”

Reacting to the poser yesterday in Abuja, Obanikoro maintained that he was at liberty, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to traverse the length and breadth of the country, to perform the legitimate duties of his office.

While noting that “Leaders who are shortsighted... play politics with everything, he, nonetheless, warned against playing “politics with everything.”

Obanikoro, who bared his mind on the inauguration ceremony of the

Security bars Oshiomhole, Amaechi from Fayemi’s rally CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Minister of Police Affairs and Minister of State for Defence have landed at the Akure airport.

“The Rivers State government is especially worried that Federal Government and President Jonathan have singled out Governor Amaechi for harassment and attack.”

A top aviation official, who works with one of the aviation agencies, said it was not the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) that shut the airport.

According to the source, “NAMA was not involved in this, but I can tell you that immediately Oshiomhole was about taking off at the Benin airport in a helicopter, the pilot was informed that the airport had been closed. The order was said to have come from above.”

Asked if this was politically motivated or the usual procedure for closing an airport without notice to airmen prior to the closure, the source simply said: “We all know it is politically motivated.

There are procedures to be followed before an airport can be closed.”

An air traffic controller, who also spoke under condition of anonymity, said the huge deployment of military personnel to the airport made it practically impossible for aircraft to land.

A former Commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Group Captain John Ojikutu, who spoke with New Telegraph said an airport cannot be abruptly shut without a Notice To

Airmen (NOTAM) except where there are cases that the aerodrome’s safety could not be guaranteed or where there are some operational safety deficiency noticed at the airport.

Ojikutu stated that the sudden closure of the airport without NOTAM was dangerous for civil aviation, adding that a pilot could have chosen the Akure airport as his alternate airport in case he could land at his primary airport.

He however said Oshiomhole and Kwankwaso could sue the government for denying them the right of movement if they had done the proper thing by filing their flight plans and were accepted by NAMA, adding that the situation posed serious danger to their lives.

Speaking in the same vein, President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore said there were times airports could be shut for lack of landing facilities and other serious issues that pose danger to safe operations at the aerodrome.

He said NOTAM is issued prior to closing down of an airport, adding that in this case, there was none to warrant “sudden closure of the airport.”

“If you shut down airport outside these reasons, then it becomes very unusual and that is very dangerous for civil aviation.

Some airports are joint users for both military and civilians and in that case it can be shut down at the instance of the military but the Akure airport is not.”

Barracks Health Committee, an Armed Forces Programme on AIDS Control (AFPAC), said: “I’m the Minister of State for Defence, I’m not in charge of electoral matters for goodness sake. Sometimes, I think we take our politics too far; for anybody to make such a reckless alle-

gation against my person, I think it is politics carried too far.”

“As you can see, I am here today performing my official responsibility. If I have anything to do outside Abuja, I don’t need the permission of APC to move around the country, I’m a minister of the Fed-

eral Republic of Nigeria, my focus is how to deliver the president’s agenda and not to play politics with everything.

“On Monday I will be in Kaduna; if there is an election in Kaduna, APC will tell me not to go and perform my responsibility I don’t owe any explanation

for my presence in any part of the country.

“Leaders who are shortsighted... play politics with everything, leaders like us. We are not in this for personal reasons; we are in this because we believe we can serve the people and our focus is more on the future than on today.”

Italy to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners –Envoy

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igeria and Italy would soon conclude negotiations on a Prisoners Transfer Agreement (PTA) to facilitate the return of over 700 Nigerian prisoners serving in various prisons across Italy.

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Fulvius Rusticu, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

Rusticu said Nigerian and Italian officials would meet in the first week of July in Rome to finalise the agreement and pos-

sibly work out modalities for the immediate return of the prisoners.

The ambassador explained that under the agreement, Nigerian prisoners who qualify for the transfer must return home to complete their prison terms.

He said that government was not obligated to help improve the condition of prisons in Nigeria as a pre-condition for signing the agreement.

“Each country is responsible for its prisons; the logic in signing a PTA

is that we think that it is better for Nigerians and even Italians to serve their terms at home.

“Already to be in prisons is not a nice experience, being abroad is even worse, so given the prisoner the chance to return home is in their own interest.

“It is very rare for a prisoner to want to stay in a foreign country, we have cases of Italians serving in prisons abroad and they look forward, and are happy to return home,” he said.

According to official figures from the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, no fewer than 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad with the largest number of 752 in the UK. In January, Nigeria and the UK signed a PTA to repatriate some of the 521 Nigerians currently serving their terms in that country.

Prior to the signing, a major challenge on deportation had been the condition of prisons in the country.

But the UK had pledged one million pounds to Nigeria to help improve its prisons.

L-R: Former Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Peter Odili (Rivers), Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere and daughter-inlaw of the deceased, Mrs. Diana Oputa, at the valedictory court session in honour of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa in Abuja…yesterday

India replaces US as largest importer of Nigeria’s crude James Nwabueze Abuja

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has declared that India has replaced the United States of America as the largest importer of Nigeria’s crude.

The assertion contained in a statement made to newsmen by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Ohi Alegbe, also noted that India was followed closely by China and Malaysia.

The US, which had traditionally taken the bulk of Nigeria’s crude has in recent months drastically reduced its demand which now stands

at about 250,000 barrels per day.

But NNPC said India now purchases some 30 per cent of Nigeria’s daily crude production which currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels.

According to the statement, NNPC’s Coordinator, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Tim Okon, disclosed the development to newsmen in Moscow, Russia at the ongoing 21st World Petroleum Congress, saying that India leads the Asian countries to replace the US. Okon, who also doubles as the Director of Transformation of the NNPC, explained that Nigeria would not ignore any market in its quest

to remain competitive in the global oil and gas industry.

“Asia is important and in that respect we have regards for all markets; the important thing is to make sure that you are selling the products that you have and you do not ignore any market,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria is participating in the congress to access global business opportunities in the petroleum industry, especially in the gas sub-sector to enable it position itself as a major competitor in the hydrocarbon market.

He said as a country rich in natural resources, Nigeria was working hard to do a better job in developing such resourc-

es and translating them to the wider economy.

While stressing that the country did not have preference markets for its products, he however admitted that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Assembly needed to be passed into law to enable the country to maximize its potential in the oil and gas industry.

Okon said: “I cannot talk about future incentives if the principal law that would give birth to it has not been passed, but I want to say that the general intention is that Nigeria must compete in the market place. Our fiscal systems are designed to be competitive that would lead to good outcomes for the country.”

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Friday, June 20, 2014

REC: No PVC, no voting in Ebonyi Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

he Independent NaTmission tional Electoral Com(INEC) in Ebonyi

State yesterday warned that only those with the permanent voter cards would be allowed vote in 2015 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Sylvester Okey Ezeani, stated this while addressing stakeholders.

He said that the distribu-

tion of the permanent voters cards in the state will be between July 18, 2014 and July 20, 2014.

According to him, “the exercise is being carried out in phases across the country. Having the permanent voter’s card is very important for anyone who intends to vote in the 2015 general elections as only the permanent voters card will be used to vote in the 2015 elections”.

‘Community planning, essential in terrorism attacks' Isioma Madike

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tate and local government officials in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states have been advised to urgently develop emergency plans and engage in preparedness in order to mitigate the massive loss of lives, destruction of properties and widespread devastation caused by terrorist attacks.

A security expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, who gave the advice, said this was necessary in view of an increase of deadly attacks on communities and villages in the northeast recently.

He pointed out that only emergency planning and preparedness can

ensure community resilience and survivability of such deadly attacks.

Speaking during a Disaster Management seminar held in Lagos last week, Ekhomu described as unacceptable the almost daily attacks on rural communities.

He pointed out that planning produces a menu of action steps to help communities survive emergencies and disasters.

He also said that it was the responsibility of state and local officials to exhibit variability by quickly developing plans that would anticipate attacks and give survival strategies to be adopted by the locals in order to save their lives.

Jonathan signed single-term deal with PDP, says Adamu Mojeed Alabi

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usts have, again, been raised over the President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election in 2015 as a former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, insisted that the president had an agreement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, to run for a single term.

Adamu, who recently defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, revealed this while appearing as a guest on a popular Channels Television show-Straight Talk with Kadaria Ahmed, where he gave the details of the agreement and

where the meeting that led to it was held.

He said at a meeting with party leaders at the Conference Room of the Office of the First Lady in the Presidential Villa, the President agreed not to seek re-election after conceding that it was the turn of the north to produce the president on the platform of the ruling party following the demise of former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

According to Adamu, he had attended the meeting in his capacity as the then Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, and that virtually all the PDP governors then were present.

He said: “I believe it is the right of every Nigerian within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to run for the highest office in the land. I cannot deny him that constitutional right. But I do know of the philosophy that it is not everything that you can do that you do. I know that as a fact.”

When asked about the other party members in attendance at the meeting, the former governor listed Chief Samuel Ogbemudia, some of the PDP governors, among others.

“I was there. I was the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the party. The president himself was

there. Some state governors were there. Samuel Ogbemudia was there.

Virtually all the PDP governors were there.”

Adamu, however, said after Jonathan succeeded his late boss in May 2010 and the president was given the opportunity to contest, it was clear the presidential slot, in line with the zoning principle of the ruling PDP, would return to the northern part of the country.

“As far as PDP was concerned, Yar’Adua had the northern slot so to say and he didn’t go that distance.

He, as vice president, took over which is okay. After taking over he wanted another shot."

NYSC: Ahmadu Ali, Clark disagree on elongation Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi, Abuja

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proposed amendment at the ongoing National Conference to elongate the service period of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme by an extra year was yesterday rejected as divisions arose amongst some delegates.

Moving for the amendment, retired Colonel Ahmadu Ali, a delegate and incidentally the pioneer boss of the NYSC under the General Yakubu Gowon regime, stated that a new two-year service period will enable government to plan a more effective strategy on how

to employ the youths.

Countering this submission, elder statesman and delegate, Chief Edwin Clark, stated that currently, youth corps members are not being looked after, are undignified and have become beggars, adding that before talk of service elongation could become valid, these youths have to be properly provided for and protected.

According to Ali, “The National Youth Service Corps should be extended now for two years. This is because during the two years, the government will now plan how to employ them usefully, instead of the one year.

Confab Committee recommends tenure for NSC DG Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi, Abuja

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he position of Director-General for the National Sports Commission should have a fixed tenure, the National Conference committee on Civil Society, Labour, Youth and Sports chaired, has recommended.

The committee chaired

by Mrs. Bola Ogunrinade with Mr. Issa Aremu as Deputy, said the DG should be appointed out-

side the civil service. It also resolved that the NSC should have nine external members with the Minister of Sports as the 10th member and chairman.

Presenting the reports and recommendations at the plenary yesterday at the conference in Abuja, Ogunrinde added that the committee agreed that all sports federations should be based in Abuja for effective coordination, monitoring and efficiency.

L-R: Director, Consular Immigration Service Foreign Affairs, Amb. Abdulaziz Dankaro; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC), Ekpo Nta and Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, at ICPC one day national seminar on visa acquisition, in Lagos.

Rivers Govt alleges ambush, plot to remove Amaechi HARASSMENT

Governor being held hostage, aide alleges Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

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he Rivers state Government on yesterday, raised the alarm over what it termed the incessant harassment of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and a plot by six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to contrive a kangaroo process to remove the governor.

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has, however, described the allegation as untrue and an issue not yet contemplated by it.

In a statement yesterday afternoon by the Information Commissioner, , Mrs Ibim Semenitari , the Rivers State Government said it was concerned about the safety of Governor Amaechi

l They are lies to cover Amaechi’s crimes, says PDP

who ''is right now being held hostage commando style by soldiers and Federal Government security agents in Odudu, Ondo state.''

According to Semenitari , ''Governor Amaechi as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ forum and as an APC governor and chieftain had left Port Harcourt this morning for Ekiti State where he was to join his brother governor in his last mega rally before the elections.

“Governor Amaechi was ambushed and refused entry into Ekiti by military personnel acting on orders from above. He made to turn back and return to Akure where his chattered aircraft was parked but was chased and rounded by armed soldiers and security personnel in Odudu, Ondo state. According to the captain who led the operation, he had orders not to allow the governor

entry or exit.''

She said that in the meantime, the chattered aircraft that conveyed the governor had been grounded while the minsters of Defence, police Affairs and Minister of state for Defence have landed at the Akure airport.

The Rivers State government expressed concern that ''the Federal Government and President Jonathan have singled out Governor Amaechi for harassment and attack.'' ''While we hold the person and office of the President in utmost regard, we believe that it is unacceptable that the presidency would disrespect the person and office of an elected governor of a federating unit and consistently hound him. ''The Rivers State Government is all the more worried as the Ondo saga

is coming on the heels of a plot by six PDP lawmakers this morning to carry out a kangaroo impeachment of the duly- elected governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, first at Krisdara Hotels and later Bauchi Street, Port Harcourt. ''Ordinarily, such banality should be ignored as it neither is legal nor constitutional. However in the light of the recent attempts to hoist a Chief Judge on Rivers people through the back door and the attendant rumours that the reason for that desperate act was to make it easier for the PDP to actualize its sinister daydream of ousting Governor Amaechi before May 29, 2015, we believe that it has become necessary to draw the attention of Rivers people, Nigerians and the international community to the situation in Rivers State.

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

NBA condemns non-implementation of Oputa Report Dumped Justice Oputa is gone, just as his efforts to reconcile and reform Nigerians did not pass through Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

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he Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday condemned the non-implementation of recommendations of the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC) popularly known as the Oputa Panel or the Nigerian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, describing it as a shame on the country.

National President of the

association, Okey Wali, SAN, who stated this in Abuja during the valedictory session held in honour of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, added that the forces that ensured the death of the commission’s report, submitted to President Obasanjo in May 2002, are still at work today.

Justice Oputa, who retired as Justice of the Supreme Court, died on Sunday, May 4, at the age of 94.

“In all that Hon. Justice Oputa was and did, he has unfortunately left one unfinished business, and that is the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“If the truth must be told, in the 100 years of our existence as a nation, we have offended ourselves, it is a shame that the forces at work against the Human Rights Violations Investiga-

tion Commission (HRVIC) popularly known as the Oputa Panel or Nigerian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, ensured the death of the report of that commission, submitted to President Obasanjo on Tuesday, 20th of May, 2002.

“Most unfortunately, these forces are still at work today. They have always been there.

“Like they say, issues are better discussed unresolved than resolved undiscussed.

Too many issues are begging to be addressed and we keep shutting our eyes to the obvious (willful blindness).

“One day, it was Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC or Niger Delta militants and another day it was Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and today

it is Boko Haram. We have always said that there exists, three Boko Harams, political Boko Haram, religious Boko Haram and criminal Boko Haram.

“Forget that the whole matter has spiraled out of control and everybody is taking cover. It has been called an ideology. What is that ideology and who are the proponents of that ideology?

“Now that Hon. Justice Oputa is no more and the job of that commission appears truncated,whowillcomplete it and how?

“The fact remains that we needtotellthetruthandhave a reconciliation to achieve meaningful peace and progress in this country. Do not let us continue to play the ostrich.

“This is why the NBA has continued to advise

that Mr. President engages the insurgents and never letoff, because of the intransigence of the insurgents, because that way, we will most probably get to the bottom of this matter.” Okey Wali added.

Speaking on the Chibok girls, the NBA further noted that every day the girls and other victims are away from their families and are somewhere nobody knows, is hellish for the girls and their families.

According to him, “About a week ago, the Defence Secretary of the United States of America, Chuck Hagel,

Work harder, get promotion, Lagos tells civil servants Murital Ayinla

agos State government yesterday urged civil servants in the state to work harder in order to get promotion, saying promotion and reward for workers would henceforth be based on performance.

The government said this at an event where over 550 civil servants were presented with Long Service Merit Awards as part of the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week.

Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who made the disclosure while presenting plaques to the award recipients at a colourful ceremony, said it was important to celebrate the workers, considering their immense contribution in implementing its programme and policies over

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Abia state Governor, Theodore Orji (right); Site Engineer and others, inspecting the on-going construction works at the new Shoprite Complex in Umuahia… yesterday

Confab: ‘Stop disparaging Igbo delegates'

FG to promote standard for IT education

Johnchuks Onuanyim

Emeldah Ogene

Abuja

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he Secretariat of Igbo delegates at the National Conference yesterday warned individuals to stop disparaging Igbo delegates at the conference.

It also said that the oneday meeting of Ndigbo and delegates at the conference slated to hold in Enugu, was for the delegates to brief Ohanaeze and other Igbo indigenes on the deliberations at the conference so far.

According to the deputy lead consultant of the secretariat, Dr. Gregory Ibe, the meeting was not to review the position of the delegates at the conference, but to intimate the Ndigbo on how far they have gone at the confab.

Ibe expressed disappointment over the way and manner some persons disparage Igbo delegates at

the confab.

According to him, all Igbo delegates parade a tall credentials in learning and character.

He advised those who have suggestions to make to send such to the secretariat rather than disparaging the delegates on the pages of newspapers.

To buttress this, he said some Igbo organisations have made use of the secretariat to relate with the delegates.

He said such groups include World Igbo Congress, New Jersey, USA; Aka Ikenga; Ndigbo in Lagos State; Ohanaeze and others.

Looking into the credentials of Igbo delegates and the Chairman, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, he said: “Of course, like you know, he has been a senator; he has been everything in this country, except the President of Nigeria."

Abuja

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upervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, yesterday said the newly developed National Standards for Information Technology Education will soon be implemented for the teaching and learning of information technology at the basic school levels.

Wike, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, made this known in Abuja during the 2014 Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly.

He noted that the challenges being faced include inadequacy of ICT infrastructure, low bandwidth for Internet access and insufficient pool of IT professionals.

Wike said, “the recently developed national standards for IT education set clear standards for the

teaching and learning of IT at all levels, for teachers, students, educational administrators and other stakeholders in education.

“The IT standard documents have just been completed and I hope it will be implemented immediately after its formal launching, there is the problem of curriculum obsolescence and high curriculum dynamism, poor regulation of ICT education delivery and inequity in the distribution of ICT personnel.”

Wike stressed that both the public and private sectors must work together to address the challenges of sustaining developments in ICT and its global competitiveness.

He further said that the outcome of this year’s Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly would boost the needed turnaround in information communication and technology in education.

was strenuously explaining away President Barack Obama’s administration’s action of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay detainees for one American sergeant.

“Like we have said before, it took the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, brokered by then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Tony Blair, to resolve the IRA insurgency in the United Kingdom. We understand the sentiments against engaging insurgents, but it would not be that easy if you had one of your own out there."

the years.

Adefulire said: “You have impacted positively on the life of residents of Lagos State. You have all committed your time, knowledge and energy in helping the state to implement its programmes and policies.

“The government will continue to lay emphasis on performance, as well as performance based on promotion, with a view to restoring confidence in annual performance reporting staff, as a barometer for career progression.

“I urge you to continue to show greater commitment to service, because other junior workers are looking up to you for mentorship, leadership and others. The government also counts on you for continuous implementation of its services.”

Closure: OAU students refuse to vacate campus Mojeed Alabi

uthorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, were yesterday shocked by the refusal of the students to obey the order asking them to vacate the campus on or before 12 noon yesterday.

The students’ union executive officers had, as early as 6.00am, mobilised their colleagues to barricade all major entrances to the university, barring their colleagues who had planned to move out of the campus from doing so.

According to some of the lecturers who spoke with New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, the students were not only orderly in their conduct, but were also respectful, saying they took time to explain their reasons for opposing the new fees while also seeking everyone’s support in fighting the Nigerian leadership,

A

which they described as irresponsive.

One of the lecturers had said: “I have been on this campus for some time, but I can tell you that I could not believe these students could possess the courage and maturity to conduct such a peaceful but highly effective protest.

“Movement in and outside the campus was obstructed and activities paralysed but no single individual could say he was assaulted.”

In a release issued yesterday by the students’ union Public Relations Officer, Bamidele Oludare, the students expressed appreciation to others for standing by the position of the students to remain on campus in spite of the announcement by the management, saying their resoluteness had forced the riot policemen drafted to the campus away from the institution.

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Anambra: NBA shuts court, demands release of abducted member Onah O. Onah

ONITSHA

nambra State chapter AAssociation of the Nigerian Bar (NBA) yesterday shut down Ogidi High Court following the abduction of one of its members, Ejike Efuobi, who was allegedly kidnapped by a three-member gang on Sunday, June 15, 2014.

The NBA in the state was demanding the release of their members.

According to his brother, Chief Mories Efuobi, Ejike was kidnapped at about 9.00pm while he was returning from his village, Abatete in Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra State, where he has gone to

see his aged mother.

Ejike, who was with his nephew and a cousin, Maurice Efuobi, was kidnapped at Nkpor Roundabout, after dropping his cousin.

His nephew, who was with him when he was kidnapped also told journalists that the kidnappers were trialing them unknowingly and on getting to the roundabout, they were blocked while the kidnappers shot severally into the air before taking Ejike into their car, zooming off in the process.

He said the abductors have established contact with the family and that they were asking us on phone to go and look for money.

Sokoto subsidises 33,210 tonnes of fertilizer Umar Danladi Ado

Sokoto

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okoto State government yesterday said it has subsidised 33, 210 tonnes of fertilizer provided by the Federal Government under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) with about N1.37 billion.

Governor Aliyu Wammako revealed this at the launching of the 2014 sales and distribution of fertilizer and the roll out of the GES held at Shagari town.

Wamakko explained that no fewer than 330,252 farm-

ers were registered under the scheme for the current farming season.

He also said that the state received 3,750 tonnes of improved rice seedlings, 300 tonnes of rice seedlings and twelve trucks of agrolysers, among others from the Federal Government.

The fertilizer includes NPK, Urea and SSP and will be sold to the farmers at N 2,750 per bag, adding that the state government has also bought additional 4,500 tonnes of fertilizer worth N562 million, for sale to farmers at subsidised rate.

FG sets up committee over Abacha loot ...Liechtenstein returns N35.2bn next week of the June 25 date Aof head set by the Government the Principality of

Liechtenstein to return the sum of E167 million (N35.2 billion) to Nigeria, as part of the looted funds recovered from the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, the Federal Government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to identify beneficial projects the money would be invested in.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, and signed by the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu. The statement added that the World Bank has also expressed its readiness to assist in monitoring the application of the recovered funds on targeted projects and programmes.

The decision by the European nation of about 37,000 population, will be bringing to an end a 16-year battle to recover the looted funds by Nigeria.

According to Nwabiukwu, President Goodluck Jonathan has also directed that part of the soon-to-berecovered funds be saved

in the Future Generations Fund, one of the three ringfenced components of the Sovereign Wealth Fund managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to help secure the economic future of Nigeria.

Inlinewiththeagreement reached with Liechtenstein, the World Bank will assist in monitoring the utilization of the funds on specific projects.

It would be recalled that in 2013, Liechtenstein returned a total of 7.5 million Euros to Nigeria, but the restitution of the bulk of the cash has long been blocked by lawsuits brought by companies linked to the Abacha family.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Muhammad Adoke, acting on the directive by the President had led the effort with support Dr. OkonjoIweala and the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retired).

The return of the funds was delayed by the suit instituted at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) by companies owned by the Abacha’s, alleging infringement of their rights to a fair trial and to peaceful enjoyment of their possessions.

L-R: Company Secretary, CAP Plc, Mrs. Rose Hamis; Chairman, Mr. Larry Ettah and Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Omolara Elemide, during the company’s 49th Annual General Meeting in Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

LG polls: Appeal tribunal sacks Anambra council boss

Ibbi crisis: 18 suspects arrested in Taraba

Uwakwe Abugu

he Taraba State Police Tparaded Command yesterday 18 suspects

Awka

Aguata Zone of the TatheAppeal Tribunal sitting Ekwulobia, Anambra State, yesterday sacked the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Council, Mr. Chigozie Awugosi, of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) and ordered that a fresh election be held within three months.

The lower local government election petition tribunal, which sat in Onitsha and headed by Obi Anizoba, had on April 9 this year, nullified the election of Awugosi, following a petition brought against him by his Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) challenger, Mr. Golden Iloh, claiming there was no election held in the area on January 1, 2014, the day the council polls held in the state.

Sabiu Mustapha

JALINGO

alleged to have conspired and set ablaze houses within Ibi metropolis, in the ethno-religious crisis which erupted in the town last weekend.

Over 80 persons were reportedly killed and at least, 167 Houses and number of places of worship torched.

Parading the suspects

before Journalists at the headquarters of the state police command in Jalingo, the PPRO of the Command, ASP Joseph Kwaji, said on June 15 and 17 respectively, at about 1800hrs, team of policemen while on patrol arrested the suspects and they were charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, disturbance of public peace and mischief by fire, under section 97, 102, 114 and 336 of the penal code respectively.

Jonathan appoints George’s wife NDLEA boss

Civil society should be regulated, says delegates

Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Mrs. Roli Bode-George, as the Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Mrs. Bode-George takes

Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi

P

over from Mr. Olufemi Ajayi, who is now the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

According to a statement by the special adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the appointment is with immediate effect.

Boko Haram: Iwu warns leaders against blame game Philip Nyam

Abuja

ormer Chairman of the FElectoral Independent National Commission

(INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu, yesterday called on leaders of political parties and other Nigerians to stop blaming one another but

should join forces in the fight against insurgency.

Iwu made the call while receiving an award conferred on him by African Students’ Union Parliament (ASUP).

He also advised Nigerians to support the military and desist from criticising the security agents.

Court stops judgement execution in ipman case Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

n Abuja High Court Aexecution yesterday stopped the of its judgment

over the leadership tussle in the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN) pending the determination

of an appeal.

Ruling on the application for injunction for stay pending appeal brought by the factional President Lawson Obasi, Justice Valentine Ashi held that there are exceptional and special circumstances to justify the grant of the application.

Abuja

hief Mike Ozekhome, Cnominee a Federal Government to the National

Conference has described civil society organisations as trouble-shooters of the society which seek to find the solutions to problems that affect the society. He however, noted that there are so many fake ones, who portray the image of Nigeria in bad light.

Ozekhome, who opposed the regulation of the CSOs, however condemned the casualisation of workers in some multinational companies and called on government to check the ugly trend.

Another representative of civil society, Mr. Jaiye Geskia said that Nigeria can adopt the Kenya model in regulating the civil society organisations and called for a mechanism that will ensure funding for the societies.

LASU releases new school fees, resumes Monday Mojeed Alabi

n response to the directive by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, the management of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, has released the newly approved fees payable by the students as a followup to the reduction recently announced by the governor based on percentage.

In a press statement issued yesterday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kayode Sutton, the new fees

I

range from N76,750.00 for a final year student in the Art Department (49.3 per cent reduction), to N158,250.00 for a 200 level Engineering and Medical (Direct entry) student.

The statement read in part: “In the new school fee regime as approved by the Council, a 100 level student in the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication will now pay N103,250.00, and a 200 level student (Direct Entry) will be required to pay same fee, while a 200 level returning student pays N88,250.00.

news

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

9

Vatsa tackles Niger government iger State CommissionNment, er for Local GovernChieftaincy Affairs

and Community Development, Alhaji Isah Kantigi, has affirmed that contractors handling 10km road projects across the 25 local government areas of the state awarded over five years ago at the cost of N12 billion, have abandoned sites.

This, he added, was after collecting mobilisation fee .Kantigi therefore drew the conclusion that the state government has failed the people of the state thus vindicating the All Progressives Congress (APC) on its stance that the administration‘s claim of executing gigantic projects was only on paper.

The state publicity secretary of APC, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, made this known yesterday in an interactive ses-

sion with journalists, stating that the commissioner has also exposed the ruthless manner in which the local governments connived with the state government to plunder public funds.

“The sponsored media tour of local government projects in Niger state organised by the state commissioner of local government, Alhaji Isah Kantigi has exposed the stealing and plundering of public funds by the PDP-led government.

“We said that the 10km road projects had failed and they said we were into gorilla propaganda. Now the commissioner should explain who is deceiving the people. The APC is aware that the administration has embarked on media propaganda, which has been its hallmark, to deceive the people on projects that were never executed,” he said.

Workers frown at non-payment of promotion entitlements Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

outh West Zone SForum of the National of Heads of

Federal Government Establishments, yesterday frowned at the non- payment of their promotion arrears from the year 2007 till date.

They, however, charged the Federal Government to look into the matter and also complained about poor funding of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies operating outside their respective headquarters.

The forum made the complaints in a communiqué made available to newsmen in Osogbo by Mr Isaac Faluyi and Mr

Folayan Jide Asagodogbo, Zonal Vice President and Secretary respectively.

It stated also that "the Zone passed a vote of no confidence on the leadership of the National Executive Council of the forum under the leadership of M I. Diwa after the reviewing of the activities of the forum, particularly at the national level, the State of the nation and the general conditions under which Federal Government workers operates nationwide".

The communiqué also passed: "the vote of no confidence on the National leadership is sequence to its inactivity and insensitivity to Forum and her members activities since her assumption of office in August 2008 till date."

Terrorism: Nigeria seeks Iran's assistance Ummal-fadal Babagirei

ollowing the fight against terrorism and support from various countries to help tackle the insurgency, the Federal Government has called on the Government of Iran to join in the fight.

The Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, made this call during the 5th Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission Meeting at the ministry in Abuja, yesterday.

"This problem of terrorism has become universal and it is imperative for all countries not to stand by and watch these terrorists kill and maim innocent citizens.

"As a developing country,

F

Nigeria needs the understanding, encouragement and assistance of its friends of which Iran is one," she said.

Onwuliri, who described the event as a mechanism and platform for effective cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, said Nigeria and Iran have enjoyed cordial relations over the years, thereby expressing gratitude to the Iranians for their support to Nigeria during the UN Security Council elections.

While speaking, the leader of the Iranian delegation, the Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade, Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, expressed his sadness over terrorist attacks on Nigerians.

Managing Director, Joe Hudson (sixth left) and other members of the Lafarge WAPCO Cement's team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup...recently

Bomb Scare: Police may shut night clubs in Imo SECURITY Night life will not be bright for fun seekers, no thanks to Boko Haram Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

I

ntelligence reports following the foiled bomb attack on the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) in

Owerri, Imo State, may have indicated night clubs and relaxation spots in the city as likely targets for terror attacks.

The Imo State Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, disclosed this in an interview in Owerri yesterday.

The commissioner added that he may be compelled to temporarily close down the club houses until the threat was over.

The police chief said he would meet with

all club owners in the state, after which he would take a decision on how best to safeguard lives and properties in that regard.

Ali who said he had instructed hoteliers, clubs, churches and other facilities where people gather to begin to make use of Close Circuit Televisions (CCTV), added that the mission of the insurgents was just to create mutual mistrust, pandemonium and breach

of peace and order.

Describing Imo as a prayerful state, Ali informed that he had directed his men to commence patrol of churches before, during and after services, as well as all densely populated areas and facilities in the state.

He appealed to the public to be calm but vigilant, assuring that police would soon unravel perpetrators and accomplices in last Sunday’s foiled bomb attack.

Amnesty programme successful, says group Leo Sobechi

T

he Presidential Amnesty Programme, (PAP) put in place by the Federal Government for winning away former Niger Delta militants from the path of destruction and criminality has been rated as a successful weapon of conflict resolution and social development.

Executive Director of Centre for Reform-Education Initiative, (CREI) Mrs. Chinwe Ugwu, who dropped the hint in a chat with journalists in Enugu yesterday, stressed that the programme had proved skeptics wrong since, according to her, PAP “has yielded concrete results.”

Ugwu noted that “as many as 127 ex-militants have been trained as professionals in the aviation industry” indicating that while 29 qualified as pilots with Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL), several others were trained as maintenance engineers and in other aspects of

aviation.

"At one of the graduation ceremonies held at the Afrika Union Aviation Academy (AUAA) in Mafikeng, South Africa, the Director of the Academy, Captain Allan Roebuck, stated that the ex-militants travelled a long road to success; a lot of hard work, discipline, focus and punctuality,” she added.

While attributing part of the success story as a measure of the leadership capacity of the chairman of the Presidential Amnesty programme and Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku; the CREI boss urged other militant groups to tow the path of patriotism and personal development.

Her words: “Kuku has painstakingly and diligently ensured the full implementation of the amnesty programme.

The nation has benefitted immensely from the pacification of the Niger Delta agitators through

the amnesty programme.

“It is gratifying to know that the amnesty programme has not only brought peace in the Niger Delta but has also transformed the lives of the former militants by equipping them with cutting-edge skills in the aviation industry.”

Alluding to the Boko Haram insurgency, Mrs.

Ugwu declared: “The former Niger Delta militants have, no doubt, presented themselves as role models for those who feel aggrieved over any issue in Nigeria, practically telling them that the path of peace is always the best.

The ex-militants should therefore maximize their acquired professional competence because aviation is a global niche.”

Bayelsa monarchs worry over Ocean surge Chris Ejim

Yenagoa

raditional Rulers TKoluama and Elders from communities

of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council Area of Bayelsa State yesterday cried out over the rising surge of the ocean against settlements and communities in the state. They declared that they are on the verge of

extinction.

The concer ned monarchs and elders said though the impacted communities have notified relevant authorities about the Ocean threats without responses, the recent ocean surge have eaten deep into the communities and sacked hundreds of women and children from their homes.

10 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com otuntise@yahoo.co.uk

friday, june 20, 2014

0802 393 8212

Mother, child, 13 others die in auto crash

RECKLESSNESS

between Kogi and Edo states about

A drunk driver causes the death 10:15pm on the fateful day, added of mother, child and 13 students that it involved three vehicles. going to write examination in the According to him, the public health officers were 400-level stuRepublic of Benin Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

A

woman, her female child and 13 other passengers were feared dead in a motor accident on the Magongo-Okene Road in Kogi State.

The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Godwin Omiko, said other victims were public health workers.

Omiko, who said that the accident occurred at a border town

dents travelling to Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to sit for their first semester examination at Houdegbe North American University.

The sector commander added that the accident occurred when a Toyota bus with registration number Kogi LG 25 DAH rammed into an oncoming Toyota Hiace passenger bus with registration number Lagos AAA 463 XD which also hit another vehicle in the front.

He said one of the bus immediately caught fire, burning 14 of the passengers beyond recognition, due to heavy impact of the

accident.

Omiko said that three victims, including a female child, were rescued alive by FRSC officials but the child later died in the hospital a few hours later.

He added that eight men and six women lost their lives during the accident.

The commander pointed out that 12 of the victims had already been given mass burial at the public cemetery at Magongo in the presence of policemen from Ogori police division while the corpses of the female child and that of two other male adults were still in the morgue of the General Hospital, Obangede.

He said that one Idris Abdulahi, the driver of the Toyota Hiace bus

Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka

with registration number Kogi LG 25 DAH believed to be responsible for the crash had been arrested and now in police custody.

Omiko said that preliminary investigation showed that the driver was drunk and drove recklessly to cause the accident.

He advised Nigerians to avoid night travelling, saying that apart from poor visibility, rescue operation could be difficult at night.

Four persons were also confirmed dead on Wednesday on Ogaminana Road in Adavi Local Government Area of the state.

‘Blackout frustrating social, economic activities in Ibafo’

Wande, CDA chairman The abandoned transformer

Taiwo Jimoh

F

or eight months, residents of Torotoro, Ojomo and Kayode Tinubu communities in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have been thrown into darkness.

The people have, therefore, called on the state government to come to their aid to restore light

to the communities.

The Chairman of Torotoro community, Mr Wande Ademola, said the issue of power outage had been a source of concern to the landlords and tenants.

He said: “I have been living in this community for close to seven years now. What we are witnessing here is a serious issue; we all depend on generators to provide

light.

“Since the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), electricity supply has become epileptic.

“In this community, we don’t have good road. A visitor to this area will not feel any government presence in the whole Ibafo.”

Ademola added that the residents tried to get transformer from PHCN, but it was fruitless, adding that they had to source it elsewhere.

“When we bought the transformer, we were having regular power supply then for about two hours daily. But now, I power my generating set with N3,000 fuel every three days.

“Hair dressers, welders, tailors and traders who make use of power were all forced to buy generators to power their machines.

While those who could not stand it again packed out of the community,” he added.

Another landlord, Mr Kayode Tinubu, also corroborated Ademola’s views, saying that the power outage in the community had affected everybody negatively.

He said: “I have been living in this community since 1995. But now we are battling with power outage.

“As members of the Community Development Association (CDA), we have visited the PHCN office in Ibafo, what they told us was that we should look for a company that would generate light for us.

“Ogun State Government should come to our aid in Ibafo because we don’t know where have gone wrong.

“We don’t have good roads in Ibafo as a whole. We have seen the state government presence in Mowe and Magboro why are they subjecting us to mental torture here in Ibafo?”

A resident, Mr Akinlola Ojomo, who relocated to Ibafo about 21 years’ ago, said the light situation was different then.

He said: “I have been living in the community for about 21 years.

What we are experiencing today in Ibafo community about power outage was not like this in those days. The present government in Ogun State should remember that we are part of the state.”

Another resident, Mrs Khadijat Olanipekun, bemoaned the infrastructural decay.

“Here, we don’t enjoy any government presence in the community unlike other communities in the axis.”

METRO

Friday, June 20, 2014

11

21

Two shot, hospitalised as hoodlums clash

Taiwo Jimoh

T

wo persons sustained gunshot wounds when hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) engaged themselves in a free for all in the Egbeda area of Lagos State.

The violent clash broke at Adaranijo Street between thugs said to be loyal to rival groups of motor park union officials.

It was gathered that the cause Abiodun of the clash was said to be over Abiodun is said to be the secthe controls the motor park. retary of the unit.

Sources said altercation One of the sources said, between the unit Chairman of “Abiodun and another member Branch C of the NURTW, identi- identified as Mutiu Jimoh, who fied as Mr Sufi, alias Dakeja and were shot in the fight, were reone of the injured park officials, ceiving treatment at the OrthoKabiru Abiodun, was the gen- paedic Hospital, Yaba”. esis of the fracas.

During a visit to the area,

Jimoh

some of the stalls near the parks were deserted, while a few traders who opened shop were discussing the clash in clusters.

One of the traders, who identified himself as Adekunle Tunde, told our correspondent

that he fled to a nearby house during the clash.

He said: “The clash started on Monday. We heard they were fighting over who controls the motor park. We don’t know what they do with the money usually collected from commercial drivers at the park. Yet, they disturb the peace of the area.

“Each time there is a clash, many traders would not come to their shops. They have turned our places to their fighting base. I had to flee for safety.”

A landlady in the area, Mrs Romoke Adetunji, explained that residents had long been tired of the activities of the thugs.

“Even before this recent violence broke out, they had been using some shops as hideouts at evenings to perpetrate crimes.

They lurk around the shops, drink and smoke till daybreak.

Most residents cannot walk on our streets freely for fear of being molested,” she said.

One of the officials of the NURTW in the park, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said immediately after the fight, policemen from Area M Division were deployed in the area.

According to him, two suspects identified as Burger and Baba Woli, were arrested, while many others took to their heels.

But when contacted, the Lagos State Chairman of the NURTW, Tajudeen Agbede, denied the involvement of his members in the fracas.

Agbede told our correspondent on phone that the fight was a result of street carnival gone sour in the area.

POWA lifts widows, orphans Lawyers kick against colleague’s abduction with N4.5m cash, items OnahOnah Cheke Emmanuel Lafia

T

he Nasarawa State chapter of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) yesterday donated 70 grinding machines, cloths, foodstuffs and other valuables to police widows and orphans worth over N3 million.

POWA also donated N1.5 million cash to the widows and the orphans to alleviate their hardship.

Presenting the items and cash at the Ta’al Conference Hotel in Lafia, the state POWA Chairperson, Mrs Asma’u Idris, said the gesture was part of efforts to empower the widows and orphans who lost their loved ones in the line of duty.

Idris said that the body had put in place some welfare packages to empower the widows and orphans and other vulner-

able members of the group.

She said that POWA had built shops and invested in other ventures to generate income for the support its members in need when necessary.

Urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the items, the chairperson appealed to police authorities and government at all levels to continue to support the body to enable it impact more positively on the lives of its members in need.

Onitsha

T

he Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday shut down the Ogidi High Court to protest the abduction of one of its members, Mr Ejike Efuobi.

Efuobi was reportedly kidnapped by a three-man gang last Sunday about 9pm while he was returning from his village, Abatete in Idemili North Local Government

Calabar

O

fficials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 26-year-old apprentice for allegedly being in possession of 6.3 kilograms of cocaine worth N75 million.

The Cross River State

NSCDC arrests five vandals in Kogi Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

O

fficials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested five persons in connection with pipeline vandalism.

The state NSCDC Commandant, Commander Dayo Adesuyi, said that two fuel tankers were also seized during a raid on the vandals.

Adesuyi added that the suspects would soon be charged

to court for prosecution.

The commander regretted that Nigeria was losing billions of naira because of vandalism carried out by economic saboteurs.

He said: “This country is losing billions of naira to vandalism. Protection of national assets is our priority and we assure Nigerians of our determination to work towards the fulfilment of our duty.

“We have five suspects in

Idemili branch of NBA summoned its members for a protest at Idemili High Court.

The lawyers also used the opportunity to pray for the release of their colleague, the Chibok girls, Federal, state and local governments as well as for the sustainable peace, unity and stability of the country.

Addressing his members and journalists,the NBA Chairman, Sylvester Eze, said it was disheartening that lawyers in Anambra State had become the targets of kidnappers.

NDLEA nabs apprentice with N75m cocaine Clement James

The items donated by POWA

Area where he had gone to see his mother.

The lawyer, who was with his nephew, who is also a lawyer, Mr Maurice Efuobi, was kidnapped at Nkpor roundabout.

“The kidnappers were trailing us in a car and on getting to the roundabout they blocked our car.

They shot several times into the air before they bundled my brother into their car and zoomed off. Since then he has not returned,” Maurice said.

Following this development, the

our custody and the case has to do with vandalism of pipelines. Two trucks were seized and investigation is still ongoing.

“What I like to say here is that security of lives and property in any nation is not reliant on any particular security agency, and we are all partners in the process.

“The security challenge of this nation is very enormous and there is no single agency that can tackle it alone.”

NDLEA Commander, Mr Kayode Adeniyi, who disclosed this to journalists in Calabar yesterday, said the suspect, Mr Amaka Kelechi, was arrested at the Inland Waterways Jetty, Calabar, after arriving from Cameroun with the drug carefully concealed in six ladies’ hand bags, sealed and kept in a leather box.

“He attempted to smuggle the drug into Nigeria from Cameroun, but could not succeed because of the patriotic effort and zeal of NDLEA officers at the NIWA jetty.

“This arrest is the largest single arrest with respect to category ‘A’ drug ever made by the Cross River State command,” Adeniyi said.

Obiano orders arrest of riders without crash helmets Uwakwe Abugu Awka

A

nambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has warned that any commercial motorcyclist and his passenger who ply the roads without wearing crash helmet would also be arrested.

Obiano also said that the motorcycle would be impounded.

The governor gave the warning yesterday in Awka while launching the operations of 25 mechanical engineers trained as cadet vehicle inspection officers (VIOs).

The VIOs resumed operations

in the state after 10 years.

Obiano also donated eight vehicles, including a towing truck, three patrol vans made by the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company and four KIA (Rio) cars for use by the VIOs. Commander of the parade of the new VIOs mounted for the governor, Mr Uchechukwu Nwosu, who studied Mechanical Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, told our correspondent that by their engagement, the governor had offered them the opportunity to make a carrier in the public service, especially in an area of relevance to their profession.

12 NEWS

Arisekola-Alao (1945 - 2014)

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Arisekola-Alao for burial today as tributes pour in ADELABU

Gov. Ajimobi likens Arisekola-Alao to late Ibadan hero, Adegoke Adelabu, better known as 'Penkelemes' Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

T

he remains of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao will be buried today by 9 am.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Oyo State governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

The body of the late Deputy President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is expected to touch down at the airport this morning after which it will be moved in a motorcade to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan where prayers will be held.

According to the statement, Arisekola-Alao’s remains will be committed to mother earth at his Oluwo Kekere residence, Bashorun Area, Ibadan.

Expected at the burial of the philanthropist are dignitaries from all walks of life, top government officials, representatives of the federal and state gov-

GBP125m

The total amount by which players’ wages in the English Premier League rose in 2013.

Source: Goal.com

ernments, religious leaders, politicians, captains of industry, Muslim Ulamahs and the ordinary folks for whom he lived and died.

The statement added that all arrangements had been put in place to give the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland a befitting burial.

New Telegraph yesterday gathered that some officials of the state government, including the Speaker, House of Assembly, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu, went to London to convey the corpse home.

The state government has declared today a workfree day for workers to honour the late cleric and business mogul, who died

160,000

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Central African Republic in 2007.

Source: Blatantworld.com

at 69 at a London hospital.

Meanwhile, more tributes have continued to pour in from dignitaries, who thronged his Oluwokekere residence in Ibadan.

Expressing the family's regrets over the sudden departure of their father, a son of the late business mongul, Idris Alao, said, "We are sad that he left us suddenly. It is a monumental loss for his family, Oyo State and the world at large. My father was known to be a lover of the masses and his space will be hard to fill. We will also continue his philanthropic gestures and we shall continue to follow the path he left behind. I will remember his smiles,

15.19

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Cape Verde in 2011.

Source: Itu.int

laughs, plays and his fatherly role in my life."

Also, his nephew who is the Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Pubic Information, Mr Demola Solalu, said, "He left at a wrong time. He sponsored me throughout my education.

There was never a day I asked him for assistance and he would deny me of it. He is an instrument to the blessing of many Nigerians and the world at large. He will forever be missed by all and sundry".

In his condolence message, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi said:" You were the rare gem of this world, a foremost Islamic leader, philanthropist of note, an industrialist and

business mogul of the first order. You were patriotic, a nationalist and undoubtedly the Adelabu of our time. You were the Ibadan prince of the downtrodden. You remain the Mandela of the masses. Ibadan is never the same without you".

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, PDP chieftain, Elder Wole Oyelese, former Minister of Power and Steel, Chief Ebenezer Obey, popular gospel musician and the General Officer Commanding Division 2 of the Nigeria Army, Emmanuel Abegirin were among the early callers.

Mark mourns, extols his philanthropy

P

resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday lamented the death of ArisekolaAlao, describing him as a philanthropist who touched the lives of many.

Senator Mark, who expressed sadness over the death of Arisekola-Alao in a statement yesterday, condoled with the immediate family, Muslim community and the government of Oyo State, pointing out that the Islamic leader was a great pillar, who supported the economic growth and development of Nigeria through his successful business enterprises.

He noted the contributions of the late business

mogul to the development of his immediate environment and dedication to the cause of the Islam and promotion of peaceful coexistence .

"Alhaji Arisekola was a man of peace and a patriotic zeal who loved his country. Arisekola was a successful captain of industries. He triumphed and contributed immensely to the socio- economic development of the nation," Mark declared.

Mark urged the family to emulate the exemplary life of their late patriarch, adding that the only way to immortalise the late Arisekola-Alao was to emulate his virtue of hardwork and discipline.

He was a rare humanist, says Akinjide

inister of State for the M Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief OlajuL-R: PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Oloye Lekan Alabi; Guest Speaker/ Head of Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Prof O.B.C. Nwolise and author of the book, Mr. Tony Ebika, at the recent launching of 'Songs for Alabi' a book written in honour of Oloye Lekan Alabi in Ibadan.

T

he Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade 111, has described Arisekola-Alao’s death as a huge loss to the nation.

In a statement signed by his private secretary, Toyin Ajamu, Oba Oyewumi said, “The demise of Aare is shocking and painful.”

“He was a philanthroDan Atori Minna

N

iger State Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday expressed shock over the death of the Arisekola.

The governor who described the late Aare Musulumi as an exemplary Islamic cleric, successful businessman, astute politician and philanthropist, called on Nigerians, especially the younger generation of leaders, to emulate the worthy

Soun : A hug loss

pist per excellence and a successful business mogul by all standards.

“Arisekola, was a pillar of support to many in the society, irrespective of tribe, age, race, religion and political divides.

“He will be remem-

bered for his large heart and humility,” the statement said.

The monarch noted that Arisekola contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of the nation.

He urged the Ariseko-

Aliyu reflects on legacy legacies and selfless service of the deceased who served humanity all through his life.

In a press statement signed by Governor Aliyu's Chief Press Secretary, Ebije A. Israel, he described the passing of the business mogul as unfortunate, noting that Nigerians would miss his wisdom, spiritual guidance, intellectual depth and moral upright-

ness. " We are indeed saddened by the fact that the late Arisekola left us at a time his wealth of experience and knowledge would have helped us greatly in overcoming prevailing ugly circumstances in our dear country. His passage has further depleted the ranks of patriotic, selfless, pious and genuine clergymen and Nigerians who

la family to take solace in the fact that the deceased dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

The monarch commiserated with the people and government of Oyo State, the Muslim community and the deceased’s family as he prayed God to grant the departed a blissful rest. are solely committed to offering their best for the good of all and Nigeria in particular."

While calling on Nigerians to toe the exemplary path of the late cleric whom he said belonged to the class of clerics whose words are their bonds, Aliyu urged religious leaders to practice what they preach, adding that religious leaders are positioned by God to offer wise counsel and direction to those in the corridors of power.

moke Akinjide, has described the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, as a great loss to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria.

She said this in a statement by her media aide, Mr Adedeji Adeyemi, adding that the late business mogul would be remembered as a patriarch,

religious leader, philanthropist and a bridge builder par excellence.

“It is with the deepest sense of sorrow that I mourn the sudden demise of our patriarch. He was an icon and a rare humanist whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.

“I commiserate with his family, the good people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large."

Death saddens Oyo APC

T

he Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed sadness over the death of Arisekola Alao.

The party, in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by its chairman, Chief Akin Oke, said the news of Arisekola's death came as a rude shock, adding that he died at a time his fatherly advice was mostly needed by the people of the state and Nigeria at large.

The party also sympathised with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III over the death of the late Muslim leader.

"He died at a time we believe we needed him most but we are consoled by the fact that every human soul will taste death at the predestined time.

"All what he was able to achieve while on earth will take centuries to be erased by anybody who dares to . Unlike many of his kind who prefer to establish all their business outfits outside the State and Nigeria, most of his companies' headquarters and offices are visible in Oyo State and neighbouring states and they were able to absorb many job seekers, thereby contributing meaningfully to the economy of the State and the country.

MANIFESTOES:

MEN WHO WANT TO BE GOVERNOR / PAGE 14 | RIGGING PLOT: HARVEST OF ACCUSATIONS / PAGE 18

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

13

SEA OF EXPECTATIONS FROM FAYOSE, FAYEMI, BAMIDELE

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

p-17

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL

Fayemi, Fayose, Bamidele turn Ekiti to battleground Ayodele Ojo

T

omorrow, June 21, the 732,166 registered voters in 177 electoral wards across 2,195 polling units in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State will troop out to elect their governor for the next four years.

Indeed, the stakes are high. The outcome of Saturday’s election transcends Ekiti State. To pundits, the ‘epic battle’ is a prelude to the 2015 general election, which, to a large extent, will shape the direction of Nigeria’s politics.

For the All Progressives Congress (APC), the outcome of the Ekiti governorship poll will determine its future and continued dominance in South-West politics. A win

means a big plus, but a loss diminishes its electoral value in Yorubaland. For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), winning Saturday’s election will revive its “Reclamation Agenda” of the South-West and put APC on the edge. But a loss negates the electoral fortunes of the federal ruling party and by extension the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan on February 14, 2015.

Ultimately, Saturday’s election will put an end to the bitter struggle for the OkeBareke Government House among the three main governorship candidates; Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the APC, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the PDP and Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP).

Fayemi is the incumbent governor while Fayose is a former governor of the state.

Bamidele is a member of the House of Representatives.

Ironically, Fayose and Bamidele once worked for the success of Fayemi at the poll. Until the LP candidate pulled out of the APC last year, he was a strong backer of the governor right from the 2007 gubernatorial poll and until Fayemi retrieved his mandate through the courts from Engr. Segun Oni, who has switched camp to the APC where he is the Deputy National Chairman (South).

For Fayose, despite being a member of the PDP, he teamed up with Fayemi during the 2009 rerun election to ensure Oni was sent packing. While they didn’t succeed through the ballot box, the courts restored Fayemi’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

STATE ELECTORAL STATISTICS •

No. of Local Government Areas – 16

•

Senatorial Districts: (i) Ekiti North, (ii) Ekiti Central, (iii) Ekiti South

•

Federal Constituencies: (i) Ekiti North I, (ii) Ekiti North II, (iii) Ekiti Central I, (iv) Ekiti Central II, (v) Ekiti South I, (vi) Ekiti South II

•

No. of State Assembly Constituencies – 26

•

No. of Registration Areas (Wards) – 177

•

Valid No. of Registered Voters (postMarch 2014 CVR) – 732, 166

•

No. of Polling Units – 2, 195

•

No. of Voting Points – 2, 803

GENDER DISTRIBUTION OF VOTER POPULATION •

Females: 371, 419 (51%)

•

Males: 360, 747 (49%)

14 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL

Men who want to be governor TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE profiles the governorship candidates in Saturday’s election in Ekiti State.

John Kayode Fayemi Fayemi, the incumbent governor and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was born on February 9, 1965. He is a native of Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area. He attended Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti and received degrees in History, Politics and International Relations from the Universities of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and his Doctorate in War Studies from the prestigious King’s College, University of London, England, specializing in civil-military relations.

Before he became a governor, Fayemi worked as a lecturer, journalist, researcher and strategist in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He worked as Strategy Development Adviser at London’s City Challenge; research fellow at the African Research & Information Bureau in London. He was also a former Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, a research and training institution dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa.

As a prominent leader of the Nigerian opposition to military rule in exile, he was responsible for the founding

Fayemi

Fayose

Bamidele

Date of Birth: February 9, 1965 Education: BSc, MSc and PhD Experience: Journalist, Lecturer, Researcher and Strategist Post Held: Incumbent Governor

Date of Birth: November 13, 1960 Education: HND Experience: Business Post Held: Former Governor

Date of Birth: July 29, 1963 Education: BSc & LLB Experience: Legal Practitioner Post Held: Special Adviser, Commisioner and Rep

and management of the opposition’s radio stations – Radio Freedom, Radio Democracy International and Radio Kudirat and played a central role in the

opposition’s diplomatic engagements in exile.

He ran for the Ekiti State governorship on the platform of the Action Congress (AC) during the 2007 elections and fought to retrieve his mandate through the courts and rerun election against Engr. Segun Oni. He was sworn in on October 16, 2010 after the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, Kwara State.

S/N

Position

Name of Candidate

Sex

Party

Age

Qualification

1

Governor

VINCENT BANKOLE AJAYI

M

Accord

47

BL, LLB

Deputy Governor

AKINYEMI KOLADE ADEOLU

M

Accord

39

B.SC

Governor

OPEYEMI FOLAYEMI AKINYEMI

M

AA

46

SSCE

Deputy Governor

TAIWO OLUWATONI PHEBE

F

AA

36

SSCE

Governor

OSEKITA OLUSEYI VICTOR

M

AD

46

B.SC

Deputy Governor

ALE OKE KEHINDE

M

AD

44

MBA

Governor

PETER ADEKOLA BAMIBGADE

M

ACPN

53

DIPLOMA

Deputy Governor

IBRAHIM COMFORT

F

ACPN

36

WASC

Governor

OROKO BOLA

M

ADC

63

B.SC

Deputy Governor

OGUNDIPE LAWRENCE

M

ADC

42

SSCE

Governor

MUSA ADEBAYO AYENI

M

APA

61

B.SC, M.SC

Deputy Governor

ABEFEYO MARGARET

M

APA

54

B.SC

Governor

JOHN OLUKAYODE FAYEMI

M

APC

49

PHD

Deputy Governor

MODUPE ADEOLA ADELABU

F

APC

63

PHD

Governor

AYODELE SAMSON OLAYINKA

M

CPP

39

HND

Deputy Governor

OLUWAFEMI FRANCIS IDOWU

M

CPP

58

B.SC

Governor

OGUNKOLADE ADEWUNMI JOSEPH

M

Kowa

61

DIPLOMA

Deputy Governor

OLUWADARE AJEWOLE FAGBORO I.

M

Kowa

62

SSCE

Governor

AJIBOLA JOSEPH AKINWALE

M

MPPP

66

B.SC

Deputy Governor

ABRAHAM KAYODE DAODU

M

MPPP

68

B.SC

Governor

BAMIDELE MICHEAL OPEYEMI

M

Labour

50

B.A

Deputy Governor

OGUNLADE MARYAM BIMBOLA FUNMILOLA

F

Labour

46

B.A

Governor

ILESANMI BANKOLE EMMANUEL

M

NCP

57

NABTEC

Deputy Governor

ADEGBOYE ADEOLA

F

NCP

41

G.C.E

Governor

PRINCE BANJO GBOYEGA

M

PDC

49

MBA

Deputy Governor

LAWAL BAMIDELE OLUTUNDE

M

PDC

40

B.SC

Governor

AYODELE PETER FAYOSE

M

PDP

53

HND

Deputy Governor

OLUSOLA KOLAPO OLUBUNMI

M

PDP

45

PHD

Governor

ANIMASHAUN GOKE

M

PPA

36

HND

Deputy Governor

AGUNBIADE AYOKUNLE

M

PPA

36

NCE

Governor

GBENGA ADEKUNLE

M

PPN

61

WASC

Deputy Governor

RUFUS KEHINDE S.

M

PPN

60

WASC

Governor

ADEKOLA ADELEKE AYO

M

SDP

60

MSE&T

Deputy Governor

AYENI OPEYEMI ISAAC

M

SDP

35

SSCE

Governor

ADENIJI AKINROPO PHILIP

M

UDP

46

B.ED

Deputy Governor

FOLUSO AGBOOLA LAWAL

F

UDP

43

WASC

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Peter Ayodele Fayose Fayose is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He was born November 13, 1960 and attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo for his secondary education and later proceeded to The Polytechnic Ibadan for his tertiary education. He is a native of Afao-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area.

He ran for the Ekiti State governorship position on the platform of the PDP during the 2003 elections and defeated the then incumbent governor, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, who contested on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was sworn into office on May 29, 2003 and left office in a controversial manner on October 16, 2006 following the crisis that engulfed the state. He was impeached by the Ekiti State House of Assembly and went into exile for many months.

Fayose later returned to Ekiti triumphantly and teamed up with Fayemi and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) during the rerun governorship election against the PDP candidate and the embattled governor, Oni, who is now in the PDP. Having worked against PDP’s interest in the state and following ACN’s refusal to give him the party’s senatorial ticket, Fayose joined Labour Party (LP) and contested the Ekiti Central Senatorial election on the platform of LP during the 2011 elections but lost to Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Michael Opeyemi Bamidele Bamidele, a member of the House of Representatives, is the Labour Party governorship candidate. He was born on July 29, 1963. He attended Baptist Academy Obanikoro, Lagos and later proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Benin. He also attended Nigerian Law School, Lagos

and Franklin Pierce Law Center, USA. Before he became a member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele served in different capacities in Lagos State for 12 years. He was a Senior Special Assistant and Special Adviser to former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and also served as Lagos State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development during Tinubu’s second term. Bamidele was also Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy between 2007 and 2011.

Prior to the 2011 general election, Bamidele declared his interest to run for Ekiti Central Senatorial District election on the platform of ACN but following the political drama during the party’s primary, he later contested for the House seat and won the election to represent his constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

‘Spare tyres’ Temitope Ogunbanke Modupe Adeola Adelabu Prof. Adelabu, the incumbent Ekiti State deputy governor is the running mate to All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Adelabu was born on May 23, 1950, in Ado Ekiti. She attended Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti (1962 – 1967) and Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo (1968 -1970). She holds a B.A. (Ed) (1975); MPhil (1981); and PhD (1990), all from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe. She started her teachAdelabu ing career as a Graduate Assistant in 1976 in the Department of Educational Administration

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

15

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL

Fayemi, Fayose, Bamidele in test of might CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

Adebayo could not secure his re-election as Fayose defeated him in 2003. Fayose polled 220,906 votes as against his closest rival, Adebayo, who polled 169,191 votes.

Fayose did not have the opportunity of being re-elected as he ran into troubled waters IKOLE before his tenure lapsed; he was impeached and ran out of the state.

In the contentious 2 0 0 7 EKITI general EAST election, INEC declared Oni of the PDP winner of the governorship poll with 177,780 votes, defeating 12 GBONYIN others including Fayemi of the then Action Congress (AC) who came second with 108,305 votes. Oni too did not have the opportunity of seeking a re-election as he was sent packing by the court, three years after assuming office.

EMURE Fayemi is out to break the jinx.

EKITI WEST

mandate. But the trio soon fell apart: their individual ambition was ultimate.

MOBA If performance is to be used as a parameter for re-election, Governor Fayemi’s secILEJEMEJE ond term bid would not have stretched him so much. He, like other governorship candidates have traversed the length and breadth of the state canOYE IDO-OSI vassing for votes. Even, his critics IJERO admit that he has done better than his predecessors. But in politics, a lot of factors come into play.

Performance is not the only yardstick. The PDP is bent on reclaimIFELODUN ing the state and they are throwing IREPODUN all they have into the Saturday’s election. The APC too is not relaxEFON ing. The party is fighting its way to retain the seat.

The Independent National ADO Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to make the election the best. Its chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega assured that. “We are fully preEKITI pared for the election. Ekiti governorSOUTH WEST ship election will be the best,” he said.

IKERE In politics, incumbency has always been a factor. But incumbency only beISE/ORUN comes potent when there is alliance with the federal power. In the case of Ekiti election, incumbency is in Fayemi’s favour APC while the federal might is on Fayose’s side.

Hence, there is balance of power. Moreso LP the agencies of the Federal Government answerable to the president are in charge PDP of conducting and providing security for the election. Consequently, incumbency has little role to play in Saturday’s election, es- sonnel during the poll, security operatives pecially now that the APC has been accus- deployed for the poll will be issued special ing the PDP of plotting to rig the election. identification tags, election duty permits Even, since the electioneering began, and their service identification cards. violence has been a constant aspect of the As part of measures to provide roundprocess with some lives lost. With signs of the-clock security for the election on Satviolence rocking the election, the police urday, the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigehave deployed enough personnel and logis- rian Army, is to carry out “stop and check” tics to police the state before, during and operation on vehicles and persons entering the state. after the election.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar on Monday deployed Breaking a jinx One important fact about the June 21 three helicopters for aerial surveillance of election is that since the return of democthe three Senatorial Districts in Ekiti.

Besides, six Armoured Personnel Car- racy in 1999, no incumbent governor has riers (APCs), 25 trucks, six crowd control won a re-election in Ekiti State. It started vehicles and six patrol vans are already on with Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo who came ground to ensure a peaceful conduct of the into power in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) having defeated poll.

To prevent the issue of fake security per- the PDP candidate, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

to His Excellency? and Planning, OAU, where she rose to tional agencies. She has also served as the post of Professor in 2008. While in resource person for UNDP, UNICEF and OAU, she served as Head of the Depart- UNESCO on various educational issues. ment of Educational Administration Before her appointment as the deputy several times and also served as exter- governor, she was the chairperson of the nal examiner in some universities, inState’s Universal Education Board cluding the University of Ibadan; (SUBEB).

University of Lagos; University of Ilorin and Ekiti State UniKolapo Olubunmi Olusola versity, Ado-Ekiti.

Dr. Olusola, the runAdelabu was a foundaning mate to the Peotion member of Board, ples Democratic Party Ekiti State World Bank (PDP) governorship Assisted Poverty Reduccandidate, Mr. Ayotion Agency (2000 – 2003); dele Fayose, was born Member of Oxford Round on May 24, 1968. He Table, England, among is a native of Ikereother bodies.

Ekiti. He obtained As a seasoned scholar B.Sc (Hons) Buildand administrator of ining and PhD (Building ternational repute, Prof.

Structures) from Obafemi Olusola Adelabu’s has published over Awolowo University (OAU) 30 articles in both national and in September 1989 and August international journals. She has also 2005 respectively and M.Sc (Construcbeen involved in consultancy work for tion Technology) from the University of the World Bank, Universal Basic Edu- Lagos in April 1993. cation Commission in Nigeria, United Olusola has over 23 years of teaching, Kingdom Department for International research and administration working Development (DFID) and other interna- experience in Department of Building

Three horse race Although INEC cleared 18 political parties for the election, the governorship battle is a three-horse race among the APC, PDP and LP. The other 15 parties are merely in the race to add colour and number to the contest. Many of them only exist on paper and a handful of campaign posters spread across the state.

How do the parties fare in the 16 local government areas of the state? Indeed, it is a tight race between the APC and PDP with the LP being the third leg.

Ado-Ekiti This is the main battleground for tomorrow’s election. Any candidate who wins in this local government has an advantage over others. Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, has the highest number of electorate with 134, 141 voters spread across 207 polling units in 13 electoral wards.

A lot of factors will come into play in this local government. This is where Governor Fayemi has executed most of the capital projects in the last three years. His deputy at the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, OAU. He started as Graduate Assistant in October 1990 and becomes a Senior Lecturer in October 2004, a position he hold till date. He also worked as Senior Lecturer, Department of Building Technology, Covenant University, Ota (Sabbatical) between 2012 and 2014.

He is a member of many professional bodies and has attended many seminars, conferences and workshops within and outside Nigeria. He had many publications to his credit.

Maryam Bimbola Ogunlade Alhaja Ogunlade, the running mate to Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, was born on June 6, 1947 in Emure-Ekiti. She attended St. David’s African Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, proceeded to Ise/Emure Grammar School and later to the Divisional Teachers College where she graduated with a Teachers Grade II Certificate.

She also attended Ondo State College of Education, University of Nigeria and University of Ado-Ekiti now Ekiti State University where she bagged National Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor of Science in Education combined

HOW THE PARTIES STAND LGAs

Likely winner

Ado-Ekiti

APC/PDP

Efon

APC/LP

Ekiti East

PDP

Ekiti West

APC

Ekiti South-West

APC

Emure

LP

Gbonyi

PDP/APC

Ido/Osi

APC/PDP

Ijero

APC/PDP

Ikere

APC/PDP

Ikole

APC

Ilejemeje

APC

Irepodun/Ifelodun

PDP

Ise/Orun

PDP

Moba

APC/PDP

Oye

APC PARTY STRENGHT

S/N

APC

PDP

LP

Total

Senators

3

–

–

3

Reps

5

–

1

6

Assembly

25

1

–

26

LGAs

16

–

–

16

and running mate, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, and the senator representing Ekiti Central, Babafemi Ojudu, are from the state capital.

The duo are expected to use their influence to APC’s favour.

The traditional ruler, Ewi of Ado and some elite from the town are also rooting for the governor. The support from them will ultimately count in Fayemi’s favour. How the governor has won the civil servants, especially teachers to his side will also go a long way to count in his favour.

The PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose, is popular also in the state capital. His welfarist disposition will count in his favour, especially among the downtrodden. The LP candidate is not a pushover in Ado-Ekiti. He is repreCONTINUED ON PAGE 16

honours B.Sc(Edu) and Masters’ Degree in Public Administration (MSc) respectively.

Ogunlade’s penchant for public service made her enlist in the State Civil Service and her public service career took her through the classroom as a teacher, then as a civil servant in the services of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Ekiti West Local Government, Oye Local Government, Local Government Staff Pension Board, and Staff Loans Board.

Ogunlade voluntarily retired from the civil service in 2014. She is a fellow of many professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration and a senior fellow of the Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management. She also Ogunlade belongs to many socio-cultural and religious organisations where she currently holds key positions.

As a respected community leader, she founded the Yewande Ogunlade Foundation (YOF), a non-governmental organisation.

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Fayemi, Fayose, Bamidele battle for Ekiti CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

BREAKDOWN OF VOTER POPULATION / LGA, RAS & POLLING UNITS

senting the constituency in the House of Representatives. He is expected to make a strong showing in the poll. Bamidele has the support of one of the most influential politicians in the state, Chief Remi Oguntuase, who is his campaign coordinator and expected to harvest some votes for him in Ado-Ekiti.

If performance is a major yardstick in winning election, Fayemi has an edge in Ado-Ekiti. On Saturday, none of the three candidates will have a majority of the 134, 141 votes; it is going to be split between APC and PDP. Efon The local government has 22, 845 voters spread across 119 polling units. The three parties – APC, PDP and LP have strong presence in Efon. Most of the prominent politicians in the area are in the PDP, but the masses in Efon are in APC and LP. It is difficult to hazard a guess as to which party will win the area. As it is, the local government is up for grabs with APC having an edge.

Ekiti East This is a stronghold of PDP with the presence of former deputy governor of the state, Mrs Abiodun Olujimi and a former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Femi Bamisile. But PDP has lost steam in Ekiti East. Bamisile, before now, had thrown his weight behind the LP’s candidate, but he pitched his tent with APC last Thursday.

There are 47, 293 votes up for grab among the three leading parties. Olujimi is an ardent supporter of Fayose and has tremendous support here. APC is solidly on ground too. The contest in Ekiti East is a straight fight between Fayemi and Fayose with the PDP having an edge.

Ekiti West The APC is expected to win a large chunk of the 40, 856 votes in Ekiti West.

The state chairman of the APC, Jide Awe, and House of Representatives member, Oyetunde Ojo are from this local government.

Awe and Ojo, who is an in-law of APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, are mobilising massive support for Fayemi. The APC is expected to clinch this local government.

This is not ruling out support for Fayose and Opeyemi here.

S/N

LGA

Valid No. of Registered Voters

No. of Wards (RAs)

No. of Polling Units

No. of Voting Points

1.

Ado Ekiti

134, 141

13

207

455

2.

Efon

22, 845

10

119

119

3.

Ekiti East

47, 293

12

95

163

4.

Ekiti West

40, 856

11

184

187

5.

Ekiti S/West

42, 285

11

188

191

6.

Emure

27, 091

10

93

101

7.

Gbonyin

42, 267

10

103

148

8.

Ido /Osi

43, 070

11

139

160

9.

Ijero

49, 484

12

138

180

10.

Ikere

45, 747

11

86

151

11.

Ikole

49, 274

12

182

200

12.

Ilejemeje

11, 796

10

91

91

13.

Irepodun/ Ifelodun

54, 430

11

160

198

14.

Ise / Orun

35, 099

10

108

128

15.

Moba

40, 570

11

112

136

16.

Oye

45, 918

12

190

195

TOTAL

732, 166

177

2, 195

2, 803

ment the LP candidate will have an edge in.

His running mate, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade is from Emure. The killing of Foluso Ogundare, a supporter of Opeyemi, has affected the fortune of the APC here. Of the 27,091 votes spread across 93 polling units, LP may have an edge.

Gbonyin Ordinarily, this local government should be for the PDP, but recent events have created cracks in the party. With Senator Gbenga Aluko, former Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi and Chief Ropo Adesanya, PDP would have won the local government with ease. But Aluko and Odeyemi lost the governorship ticket to Fayose. And they are embittered. Adesanya, who was PDP state chairman when Fayose was governor is against the former governor. Hence, the party is expected to have difficulties here.

The 42, 267 votes in the 103 polling units will be split between the PDP and APC.

Ido/Osi Ekiti South-West This is traditionally the home of the PDP. This local government has 42,285 votes Even when the political space of the state across 188 polling units. There are strong poli- was dominated by the Alliance for Democticians in the area such as Ambassador Dare racy (AD) in 1999, the PDP still produced Bejide, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, Chief a member in the House of Assembly and Idowu Odeyemi of the PDP and the Chief of now, with only two members in the House Staff to Governor Fayemi, Yemi Adaramodu of Assembly, PDP still has a member from of the APC. Human rights activist, Femi Fa- the area (Mrs. Oriniowo Olubunmi Anike). lana (SAN) is also from the area.

The defection of former Governor Segun Fayemi is expected to win Ekiti South- Oni to the APC will ultimately affect PDP’s West in the election. This is so because chances. Oni is the Deputy National Chairthe PDP’s support base has been depleted man (South) of the APC. The senator reprebecause most of the party leaders are working for ELECTORAL OFFICERS other parties. For instance, ELECTORAL OFFICERS GSM NUMBER Olowoporoku, though a PDP S/N LGA leader, is supporting the LP 1.

Ado AYELESO O.A 08033962488 candidate, Bamidele, while 2.

Efon AKEREDOLU M.S 08034910484 Bejide is not on the side of Ekiti East KOLADE A.O 07030123010 Fayose. The former ambas- 3. sador to Canada lost the PDP 4.

Ekiti West OBURUMU T. 08035904253 governorship ticket and was Ekiti S/West ADEYEMO OLUREMI 08035323944 also denied the deputy gover- 5. norship ticket. So, he is un- 6.

Emure POPOOLA O. 08038011329 likely to work for thePDP here.

Gbonyin ADELUSI V. T 08060357178 As it is, Fayemi is expected 7. to win this local government. 8 Ido / Osi AJAYI E.O 08036572495 Bamidele was born in Ilawe9.

Ijero OLAFUSI F.A 08068673311 Ekiti and may get some sup10.

Ikere AKPOGUMA E.E 08035305838 port here.

This is one local govern- 11. Ikole ADEKANMBI G. O 08033798792 ment where the traditional OGUNDIPE C.O 08060159654 rulers are very partisan. The 12. Ilejemeje monarchs in Ekiti South-West 13. Irepodun / Ifelodun ADEDIPE EMMANUEL 08034705457 have openly identified with 14.

Ise / Orun FADIPE T.O 08033270260 Fayemi.

Emure This is one local govern-

15.

Moba

AKINYEMI SHAMSIDEEN

08034792079

16.

Oye

AIGBOGUN S.P

08036697953

senting Ekiti North, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, is also from the local government.

The election will be a strong contest between PDP and APC for the 43, 070 votes in the 11 electoral wards across 139 polling units.

Ijero This is a stronghold of the APC. Ijero boasts of 49, 484 votes in the 12 electoral wards across the 138 polling units. The local government also has one of the highest concentration of political assistants in the Fayemi administration. The government has done a lot of projects in the council too.

PDP is also popular here.

With the reality on ground, votes in Ijero will be split between Fayemi and Fayose.

Ikere This one-town local government has 45, 747 votes in the 11 wards. It is the home of PDP big wigs. The running mate to Fayose is from the town. Two former deputy governors to Fayose, Abiodun Aluko and Bisi Omoyemi, a former member of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Dayo Okondo, and Chief Bisi Aloba and a former local government chairman, are all from the town.

They are expected to mobilise support for the PDP, except for Aluko.

Ordinarily with former governor of old Ondo State, Evang. Bamidele Olumilua in the APC, things would have been so good for the party. Unfortunately, Olumilua’s family is divided between APC and the LP. One of Olumilua’s wives and some of his children openly identify with Bamidele of LP while his son, Muyiwa, is an aide to Fayemi. Another of Olumilua’s children is a running mate to the Accord Party governorship candidate, Kole Ajayi.

The likes of Funmiyi Afuye, Babade Kayode and Bolu Akomolafe are expected to work for Fayemi. There are other PDP leaders who are working for APC and LP. The battle here is strictly between APC and PDP. Ikole The state chairman of the PDP, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, among other PDP top shots, are from this local government.

Acting South-West Vice-Chairman of the PDP, Ishola Filani, who is from Ikole-Ekiti will also need to prove his political relevance in the state with the election.

Even at that, the APC may have an edge.

Fayemi fought for the location of the Federal University in the state in Ikole, which was later located in Oye-Ekiti. Ikole still got two faculties. Ikole people are expected to pay him back with their votes.

There are 49, 274 votes in the 12 electoral

wards in the state. Voting will take place in 182 polling units.

Ilejemeje This is the local government with the least electoral strength of the 16 councils in the state, with 11,796 votes in 10 wards.

When the votes are cast in the 91 polling units on Saturday, APC may carry the day. It is still part of Ekiti North where Governor Fayemi hails from.

Irepodun/Ifelodun This is another battleground in Saturday’s election. The local government has the second largest voting population in the state with 54, 430 voters in the 11 electoral wards spreading across 160 polling units.

Two of the main governorship candidates – Fayose and Bamidele – are from the local government. Fayose is from Afao-Ekiti while Bamidele is from Iyin-Ekiti. The local government is not just for PDP and LP; APC has former Governor Niyi Adebayo and other top personalities to ensure victory for the governor. In fact, the local government has one of the largest concentration of government appointees in the state: two commissioners, two special advisers and about 10 special assistants.

But Fayose is rooted in Irepodun/Ifelodun. The PDP may have a slight edge over APC and LP. Ise/Orun The local government is the home of PDP leaders such as Prince Dayo Adeyeye, a ministerial nominee, who will have to prove his relevance in Ekiti politics with the governorship election. He is expected to lead PDP’s assault with other stalwarts like Bimbo Owolabi, Ropo Ogunbolude and former member of the House of Representatives, Titilayo Akindahunsi among others against the APC. The people of the local government are likely to vote for the PDP in appreciation of Adeyeye’s nomination as a minister. Fayemi has done so well in Ise/Orun. His performance in the last three years will count in his favour.

It is expected that the PDP will have a slight edge over APC in the scramble for the 35,099 votes in Ise/Orun local government.

Moba This is a stronghold of the APC. The local government has always voted for the AD, AC and APC. But Fayose has been able to penetrate the area such that his popularity is overwhelming of late.

Moba has 40, 570 votes in the 11 electoral wards. By the time votes are cast on Saturday, there is likely be split votes between APC and PDP. Oye It is expected that Fayemi will win a large chunk of the 45, 918 votes in Oye. This is his local government. There are PDP stalwarts in Oye like Senator Ayo Arise who will make it a little difficult for the APC. The location of a federal university by the Federal Government is also to the advantage of the PDP. The presence of the LP is minute, although its state chairman, Akin Omole, is from the local government, but he does not possess the capacity to match Fayemi and Arise.

With the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ganiyu Owolabi, Fayemi is likely to win in the council.

As it is, the Saturday election promises to be an epic battle. Fayemi and Fayose will run neck to neck. Whoever emerges will win marginally. It is difficult to predict who wins between the APC and PDP. The LP candidate is expected to come third.

From New Telegraph’s permutations, APC is likely going to win five of the 16 local governments convincingly while PDP may win three councils. Bamidele of the LP will surely win in one local government, Emure, and tie up with APC in Efon. Fayemi and Fayose will likely have split votes in six other local government areas.

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL

WALE ELEGBEDE takes a look at the selling points of the major governorship candidates in the Ekiti State election as contained in their manifestoes

Manifestoes: Sea of expectations from Fayose, Fayemi, Bamidele

I

n simple terms, a manifesto is a published or verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government. For any aspirant of a political office, it is expected that a lucid, identifiable manifesto or programmes would be in his catalogue in the course of pursuing his or her aspiration.

After the euphoria that heralded the release of timetable for the June 21 Ekiti State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the leading flag bearers for the election, no doubt, are the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the flag bearer of the Labour Party, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele.

For an average voter, not much is at stake when it comes to manifesto presentation as it is perhaps seen as a form of rhetoric or ritual needed to satisfy the curiosity of the system. The reason for this mindset is not far-fetched, the bound between the electorate and political office holder, except in few instances, only exist before and during elections, but ends with a gratitude message after securing their votes, after then, its back to your tents until the next election.

However, with the gradual growth of democracy in the country, the involvement of the middle class and the intense focus of the global community through social media, the processes of electioneering seems to have scaled up, and the importance of manifestos is not an exception.

The three major candidates for the election have rolled out their proposed deal for the Ekiti people and it is only left to be seen which would get the highest bargain among the trio. If there is any similarity among the manifestos churned out from the candidates, it is to assert that the people must come first and they also agree that the task to make Ekiti a force to reckon with is the dominating factor.

Expectedly, Governor Kayode Fayemi’s agenda is to consolidate on his achievements, move and secure the future of the state. Hence, he proposes to continue to keep faith with the people.

He tagged his manifesto: “Roadmap to Rapid Economic Growth and Development,” otherwise known as the Ekiti Agenda, adding that the roadmap is made up of policy thrusts of his administration from 2014 to 2018 and beyond.

For Bamidele, however, his pact with the people is to ensure development in all facets in the state if elected as governor. In a 68-paged blueprint titled, ‘Healing the broken heart’, he expressed his passion to take up the gauntlet to birth a new Ekiti.

Though he is not alien to governance, Fayose presented and projected a vision of economic viability, grassroots governance and transparency for the Fountain of Knowledge state.

Kayode Fayemi (APC) Having paddled the canoe of the state since 2012, Fayemi believes that the state has witnessed a massive change in the last three and a half years, hence the motivation to present himself for re-election because of the need to build a society where all Ekiti State people will be partakers of a collective prosperity.

Fayemi

Fayose

Bamidele

• • • •

• • • •

•

Direct interventions in education and literacy

•

Agricultural development and rural transformation

•

Vocational training and entrepreneur development

•

Micro-credit facilities

Education and human capital development Gender empowerment Affordable healthcare system Infrastructural development

With eight action points highlighted, the manifesto seeks to address governance, tourism, healthcare system, industrial development, education and human capital development, modernizing agriculture, gender and equality empowerment and infrastructural development.

In healthcare, Fayemi assures of free medical services for children, pregnant women, the physically-challenged students and senior citizens. Establishment of Health Centres in all localities and increased immunisation coverage.

For education and human capital development, his blueprint has action points in the following areas: Free and compulsory education up to secondary school, computer on every student’s desk, special initiatives for physicallychallenged students, establishment of institute of science and technology and creation of state sports academy for gifted youths.

Given the dominance of agriculture in the state, Fayemi pledged to revive cocoa plantations to again make Ekiti a world leader in cocoa production, plans to train and employ 20,000 people for mechanised agriculture, just as he accentuated the 50 per cent benchmark contribution of agriculture to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Not leaving out tourism as one of the mainstream of revenue, the APC candidate pledged to make Ekiti the most attractive destination for relaxation and holidays. Part of his plan to achieve that goal is the building of a heliport, world class hotel and accommodation facilities, as well as the development of Efon, Okemesi, Ikogosi, Ipole Iloro tourism corridor.

Taking cognisance of the challenges of modern governance, Fayemi was explicit in his approach when he said in his manifesto that upon his re-election, he would enhance participatory governance and accountability, motivate the citizens with ideas for better productivity and creates intellectual bank for policy formulation and implementation.

On gender and equality empowerment, Fayemi promises to promote gender balance and empowering women to maximize their potential, stressing

Mechanized farming and food processing Free health programme Resuscitation of the education sector Broad-based people oriented governance

that at least a third of political appointments in his cabinet would be women.

More inspiring in his programme is the plan for immediate establishment of community fund for women development.

With a pedigree of an economic agenda that has a thrust of making poverty history in Ekiti through progressive programmes and policies, the people of Ekiti could as well sleep with eyes closed if these programmes could be pursued with zest and commitment.

Opeyemi Bamidele (LP) Bamidele’s ‘Healing the broken heart’ manifesto, projects a comprehensive scheme on how to meet basic standards of living; employment generation and livelihoods sustainability, rural transformation and infrastructural development, access to quality and affordable education as well as security of lives and property, among others.

For him, the roadmap for Ekiti State is to mobilise the people; particularly young men and women, to activate their latent potential in consultation with relevant stakeholders at the local government level with a view to evolving strategic roadmap for agricultural development and rural transformation in Ekiti State.

The lawmaker promised that within the first 12 months in office, he will positively translate expectations of Ekiti people into reality through the commencement of programmes aimed at providing specific and direct interventions in education and literacy; agricultural development and rural transformation; vocational training and entrepreneur development; microcredit facilities; access to water and sanitation as well as adequate and affordable health care services The LP flag bearer identified segments of endeavours in the state, with unique, equal priority for the development of the different sectors in the state, stressing that he is ready to build a new era of democratic culture in the state.

On economic development, Bamidele said the first six months of his government in office will be devoted to creating vital and sustainable links across

the socio-cultural, economic, religious and political divides in the state by embarking on community roundtables that will draw participation from representatives of the state, adding that he has resolved to adopt and implement pro-poor policies with periodic interactions at the community level.

Bamidele said there is a need to provide “Health for All” from the cradle to the aged, promising to reduce hospital congestion and hospital cost through a new initiative referred to as the WALK –IN CARE INITIATIVE. The LP flag bearer also has a plan to make education free from primary to Junior Secondary School (JSS) three for all students schooling in Ekiti irrespective of their state of origin while it promises to undertake a comprehensive review of the fees being presently paid by students of higher institutions to make high education more affordable and functional for youths.

Bamidele said special fund will be set aside for taking care of the widow. The party added that it has a programme that would encourage women to join cooperative societies to enable them have access to credit facilities; and also establish skill acquisition, production centres, sales outlets and recreational centres for women.

Clearly, the roadmap is straight but whether the electorate will give their assent to it through their votes on June 21, is a different kettle of fish.

Ayo Fayose (PDP) Though his manifesto dossier is rich, not much can be said of the public presentation of it. Tagged ‘Restoration Agenda’, the roadmap simply exemplified goals aimed at returning governance to the people of Ekiti.

With a free health programme in place for children between zero and five, Fayose’s programmes are generally aimed at resuscitating and returning some policies of the present government, when voted as governor.

For example, the scrapped universities at Ikere would be brought back while special attention would be placed on mechanized farming and food processing, given the importance of agriculture as the mainstay of the state.

18 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL

ETAGHENE EDIRIN examines the accusations and counteraccusations that have trailed the Ekiti governorship election

Rigging plot: Harvest of accusations

A

s the Ekiti State governorship election holds on Saturday June 21, stakeholders, especially political parties seem to be keeping watch over each other. This has led to various accusations from several quarters of allegations of planned riggings, and other activities meant to undermine the exercise, and ascribe victory to the wrong candidate.

The main parties in the competition continue to point accusing fingers at their opponents of plans to manipulate Saturday’s election. The leading political parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have accused each other of all forms of crimes, from the mundane, to the grave.

The APC fired the first salvo when the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation (KFCO) alleged that the PDP had concluded plans to forcefully declare the PDP candidate in the gubernatorial election, Mr. Ayo Fayose, the winner of the poll.

KFCO said, as part of the plot, the PDP plans to lock down most of the communities in the state with soldiers and policemen who would be ordered to scare residents of the communities with gunshots, thus preventing them from exercising their right to vote.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, KFCO said as soon as Fayose was declared, the Presidency would then deploy soldiers to Ekiti to silence ensuing protests by threatening to shoot dissents at sight.

Reacting, Director of Publicity, Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Mr. Gboyega Aribisogun said it was sheer blackmail on the part of the APC. He said the election is an isolated one and that there was no way any political party will deny the fact that there is need for adequate security during the election, which will provide a level playing ground for all the contestants and stakeholders in the polls.

“If APC is now afraid to face the electorate on June 21, they should rather come out and say it rather than resorting to this jejune and unfounded story,” he said.

The APC which accused the PDP and the Presidency of planning to rig the election, said the plot also involved the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whose officials the party said, have been compromised.

The party’s Director of Publicity and Media in the state, Segun Dipe, said facts were available to APC on how some INEC officials plan to conspire with the PDP to use duplicate copies of the original result sheets (Form EC8) series at the polling centres instead of the original.

“The trick is not a new one. There had been instances in past elections where Form EC8 would be deliberately kept away from the polling centre and the ballot papers would be without serial numbers. Yet INEC would come out to announce phony result and defend such deliberate oversight. Form EC8 is a sensitive material that should not be tampered with in an election,” he said.

Dipe therefore called on local and international observers to pay very close attention to the pre-election machinations of the INEC-PDP conspiracy, saying such an unholy alliance would not augur well for a free and fair election.

The allegation was roundly denied by the PDP state chairman, Mr. Makan-

Seized ‘election materials’ in Ado-Ekiti

Jega

juola Ogundipe, who said it was an indication that the APC is jittery, as it will suffer heavy defeat in the poll. Ogundipe said the APC’s allegation was also crying wolf where there was none, and challenged the party to prove its allegations by providing concrete evidence.

“The APC people have come with their baseless and unfounded allegations. The other time they caused violence in Ado-Ekiti and were the first to rush to the press to raise false alarm.

“Some weeks ago, the Labour Party held a rally in Ikere-Ekiti and AIT was paid to give a live coverage of the event and APC thugs attacked AIT crew and went to the media to say it was LP that attacked AIT crew. Is that logical?

“They are now making an allegation that they cannot substantiate. They continue in this their useless propaganda because some people in the media just fall for their mischief. Let them come to the public and present all their facts and evidence for all to see.”

According to him, the popularity of PDP and Fayose was unsettling the APC. “They know that they have met their match in our party and candidate and as they are drowning and are only trying to hold on to any straw in sight,” he added.

Then came the death of a middleaged man, Mr. Ojo Olujobi, alleged to be an APC member. This came less than a week after an assassination attempt was made on the life of the state governor, and APC governorship candidate, Kayode Fayemi. Again, Dipe wasted no time in pointing accusing fingers at

the PDP, whose thugs he alleged gruesomely clubbed Olujobi to death at Isinbode. The APC said that the attack by the thugs was directed against members of the APC who were returning from Ikota, a community in Ekiti East Local Government Area, after a peaceful rally.

A political pressure group, Ekiti Youth Emancipation Movement (EYEM) soon joined the fray when it also accused the PDP of planning to rig the election.

The group’s president, Mr. Taiwo Olatunji, in a statement accused the party of ferrying fake election materials, fake police and army uniforms, as well as arms into the state, under the supervision of a serving minister.

“The cargo is to aid the rigging plans of the PDP. The first plane arrived at 10.51 GMT. Its registration number is ‘5NBMT’. The registration number of the second plane which arrived at 11.14 GMT is ‘ZS0MB’.

Olatunji therefore called on all wellmeaning stakeholders to mobilise against those he called anti-democratic elements bent on ensuring that the votes of Ekiti people do not count on Saturday.

“These PDP people are unbelievably wicked and desperate. In fact, part of their plan is to start jubilating that they have won while election is still ongoing to discourage people from further voting for APC or Labour Party. Ekiti people must stand firm,” Olatunji added.

But the PDP denied any plot to rig the poll. Its state chairman, Ogundipe, said the allegation by the APC was an indication that the APC is jittery, as it will suffer heavy defeat in the poll.

Ogundipe challenged the APC to prove its allegations by providing concrete evidence.

“The APC people have come with their baseless and unfounded allegations. The other time they caused violence in Ado-Ekiti and were the first to rush to the press to raise false alarm,” he said.

Just as Nigerians were still debating the authenticity of such accusations, the APC camp once again, through the KFCO told the Ekiti people and Nigerians that thumb-printed ballot papers were found by agents of the Director of Security Service (DSS) at a hotel belonging to a member of Fayose’s campaign camp in Are-Ekiti.

The KFCO in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Dimeji Daniels, claimed that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the arrest during an INEC/

stakeholders roundtable in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

The organisation went on to accuse the presidency of being in concert with INEC to rig the election, and called for a well-coordinated, thorough, unbiased and uncompromising investigation into the matter.

According to him, the plot is a “fraction of the series of plans put in place by the PDP and INEC to declare fake results on Sunday”.

And as is to be expected, the Fayemi group put it on record that they had totally lost confidence in the Jega-led INEC which it accused of planning a repeat of the “electoral heist it perpetrated in Anambra State”.

But the PDP, through the State Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said the APC was only concocting lies.

Oluwawole, also in a statement, said while the APC was throwing around wild accusations, Fayose and some of the people that were being blackmailed were busy campaigning around Ekiti by the time they were said to be in Akure or elsewhere.

“The ineffective propaganda has further shown the desperation of Governor Kayode Fayemi in the game of politics and his lack of sincerity as well as the inability of the leadership of the APC to think right in a time of challenge,” he said.

Interestingly, Pastor Oluwawole said the IGP, Abubakar, who was asked to respond to the issue by the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Jide Awe, at the said forum organised by INEC debunked the rumour.

According to him, “the IG said those arrested by operatives of the State Security Service had nothing to do with ballot papers. He warned against the use of media to create confusion in the state”.

Asides the different accusations from the major players in the election, the desperation of politicians and political parties to win elections in the country cannot be underestimated, given past experiences. It therefore behoves on well-meaning Ekiti indigenes to be vigilant and stand up firmly to any anti-democratic elements, to ensure their votes count.

INEC will also be able to disprove such accusations and counter-accusations that have created tension in the state by ensuring a free and fair election come Saturday. And the ability of the electoral umpire and the security agencies to ensure a credible poll will be determined by the outcome of the Saturday exercise.

19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

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

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

Sanctity of Truth w w w.new telegraphonli ne.com

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

FRIday, JUNE 20, 2014

Refugees deserve better attention and care

A

s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Refugee Day (WRD) on June 20 as designated by the United Nations (UN), the plight of internally displaced persons (IDP) in the country and those of refugees in other parts of the world become particularly significant today. The situation in Nigeria continues to degenerate at an alarming rate to the extent that it has caught the attention of the international community. The Norwegian Refugee Council’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Center recently estimated that there are 3.3 million displaced persons in Nigeria, making it the third largest in the world, following Syria and Colombia, and the largest in Africa.

These are certainly not the best of times especially for those in conflict prone areas. A number of events have painfully highlighted the continued existence of intolerance between ethnic groups, border conflicts between states, the indiscriminate war waged by the Boko Haram sect in the North-east of the country and untold hardship posed by Fulani herdsmen’s incessant attacks. In all of this, the day may also remind us of our failure as a nation and a people to avert incidents that lead to displacement of people and destruction of lives and properties.

We remember the tragic cession of Bakassi Peninsular, a former com-

munity in Nigeria, to Cameroun on August 14, 2008, as their travails are yet to settle down; despite the fact that the agreement reached before the hand-over had taken due cognizance of the need for resettlement, protection of lives, properties, welfare, well-being and dignity of those Nigerians who chose to leave or stay in the Peninsular. Today, majority of them who chose to remain in Nigeria are still without decent homes and are still being attacked by gendarmes.

Equally in the same unfortunate circumstance are the victims of natural disaster who are scattered all over Nigeria. In 2012, an unprecedented flood ravaged several states in Nigeria, affecting over seven million people, displaced 2.3 million people, killed several other persons, damaged and destroyed a lot of houses. Several of them are still wallowing in poverty created by the sudden displacement as the authorities have turned a blind eye.

Also, Boko Haram has posed a huge challenge to the people in the Northern parts of Nigeria. The number of people displaced by recurring bomb attacks by the insurgents is yet to be ascertained as several people have been forcefully uprooted from their homes especially in the three most affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, which are still under the emergency rule declared by the Federal Government. In the same vein, there are also thousands

who have been displaced as a result of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in states like Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, among others.

As the war rages on and thousands of Nigerians especially children are killed, maimed and displaced, the questions to ask are: Are these attacks necessary? How can little children be bombed and burnt in this day and age? How can it be that people are slaughtering one another and forcing neighbours to abandon their homes for unknown causes? How senseless can these unprovoked attacks be?

The plight of displaced people in any circumstance could only be imagined than experienced. They are likely to lack basic necessities of life, such as potable water, food, medical care and a means of livelihood. Children are pulled out of schools and are without a future in camps. The health hazards of living in camps are numerous; there is danger of an outbreak of diseases, malnutrition, and insecurity every day. There is also a feeling of neglect thick enough to demonstrate that the nation does not care for them after being forced to leave their ancestral home in the most bizarre circumstance.

We, therefore, expect Nigerians to use this occasion to take stock of all the lives that have been lost in the last few years and sympathize and show love to thousands of people that have been displaced, persecuted and humiliated all over the country, but

are still alive.

We sympathize with victims of war in Syria, Darfur, Central African Republic, Somalia, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, among others, and urge all governments and the opposition parties to seek the path of peace and come to the negotiation table for the sake of their children who are the future of tomorrow.

It is our belief that concerted efforts and actions are needed by governments, development stakeholders, corporate organizations and private citizens to find lasting solutions to issues that create refugees and displaced persons around the world. Finding solutions may be hard for displacement resulting from natural disasters, but manmade conflicts, wars and violence require the political commitments of governments and collective determination of all to end such happenstances.

Bearing in mind that forced displacement also has a significant economic, social, and political impact on communities that provide shelter, there is urgent need to redouble efforts to bring an end to displacement and resettle the displaced persons wherever possible and as soon as possible by preventing and resolving conflicts. The purpose for setting aside this day must not be allowed to end with ceremonies as refugees deserve concerted care.

GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

20

Sanctity of Truth

OPINION Police: Polished, polite and ... positive I

t is not everyday you get to read rewarding stories about the Nigeria Police Force. The society does not see them from a sparkling perspective. Maybe, because of their black uniform.

I can boldly declare today, that some re-orientation is taking place in the force. Instead of the unruly, swashbuckling, gun totting drunkard of yesterday, you now see polite young men attired in mufti or their black- onblack, doing the job with all sense of pride.

Let me use Lagos to drive my point home. Those of us in the media are at home with nightfall. We move in the dark, because nobody goes to bed before dusk.

There is this particular police check-point around the Guinness area off Oba Akran, Ikeja. That is, where you have the Neimeth corporate headquarters. The cops do not wear the police black, they are always smart in denims.

Kudos to these young men who work in the night.

Never seen such courteous policemen. “Good evening sir”, you cannot believe it that there are policemen who are so well groomed. “How was your day? Please could you open your boot? Hope we are not inconveniencing you, we are just doing our job”.

The very first time i received such ‘Presidential’ treatment, i thought they were conmen. You do not get that kind of attention from the cop we are used to. No, that could be history pretty soon, the way things are changing.

Right in front of the Idimu area command, you also have well baked policemen on duty. Even at the Acme Road, Ogba end, the cops there are not doing badly. All this, at night.

I must applaud the Inspector- General Mohammed Abubakar and the Lagos Commissioner of Police Umaru Manko. We need such reforms to give the police sweet fragrance.

There is a particular police officer that deserves my handshake. Abba Kyari of the Special Anti Robbery Squad[SARS].Anytime i read my colleague Juliana Francis’ account, i must see that name. The way he busts robbery, i begin to see him as a magician. He is always catching armed robbers.

The Abba Kyari i knew as a boy, was the first governor of North Central state, an artillery officer, who was born in Dewa, Niger Republic. I am sure he is still very much around and will not be flaunting wealth like some of our modern day former governors.

These reformed policemen will make us begin to respect our cops. They deserve it. Kudos to the police force. Internationally, they have brought honours to this country.

I remember James Udoekim Usen , the first Nigerian to be IGP in a foreign country, Grenada. Chioma Ajunwa

Friday, June 20, 2014

won our first Olympic gold medal. Sunday Bada did not only win an Olympic gold, he was a world indoor champion in 1997. Samuel Peter is the first African boxing heavyweight champion.

What i expect from IGP Abubakar is to use sports to change the image of the force. He is a sportsman. A former member of the football association. I do not see why we cannot have the Police Machine team back in our Premier league.

The first national team goalie in 1938, was Benjamin ‘Ceremonial’ Williams, of the police. Leading scorer of the Gold winning Eagles team at the Second All Africa Games, was police officer Sunny Oyarekhua. One of the coaches who led the Dream Team to win gold in Atlanta, Willie Bazuaye, played for the Challenge cup winning Police Machines of the 1960s.

There are challenges, we know. But let the reforms continue. I look forward to that day i will ease myself in a police loo. The day police barracks will look like Marwa Gardens, Ikeja. Who says the police do not deserve a good turn.

You get what you deserve. When police colleges are as grubby as a dump site, you groom pigs. When a policeman protects a bullion van conveying billions of naira, and you pay him N2,500 for doing just that, you are raising a potential criminal.

I think we should also encourage government to help the police to help us all. There are still very decent, God fearing policemen. Afterall, we all say, black is beautiful.

Delusions of unity…

D

elusions of unity…

The North is not well…

And, as is the practice in public medicine, it ought to be quarantined--- separated from all associations (including unity) till it is certified cured of its malady.

We have had the whole of 50 years to prove this beyond all reasonable doubts.

The ailment? Megalomania. A mental condition in which a person fancies himself to be so important that he seeks power by all means and seeks to control the lives of others.

In the case in question, the two major symptoms of the condition, among others, are treachery and savagery.

You see, on October 12, 1960, when our country’s independence was not yet two weeks old an interview granted by a prominent northerner (names withheld) was published in the , in which he declared the North’s agenda for the rest of us: “The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather, Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities in the North as willing tools and the South as a conquered territory and never allow them to rule over us and never allow them to have control over their future.”

Read it again. It’s internal slavery.

Those living in the illusion that this is “ancient history” must be reminded that to “ruthlessly prevent a change of power”,

Lighthouse

YEMI OGUNSOLA

yemiogunsola@gmail.com - 08069074718 (sms only)

• The June 12, 1993 presidential polls, won by a southerner, Moshood Abiola, was annulled by a northerner, Ibrahim Babangida.

• Abiola was later imprisoned by another northerner, Sani Abacha • Abiola was later murdered in prison in the regime of another northerner, Abdulsalami Abubakar--- with the connivance of their foreign collaborators.

Days before the murder, Professor Wole Soyinka and some others were alerted of plans to kill Abiola.About three weeks ago, on June 1, an advert by a northern group, Movement for the Political Survival of Northern Nigeria, titled “Why Power Must Return To The North” was carried in some newspapers. It was signed by a Dr. Yusuf Jubril (president) and one Sani Mohammed (Secretary). It read in part: “The North is only asking for what it does best in Nigeria; leadership. All regions of the country excel in one area or the other; the West in education, Eastern region in business, the North has since independence by divine blessing provided leadership and administration which has kept the country stable and secure and would continue to work for a peaceful country. ”

“This is no accident; it is the Almighty Allah that has destined it so. However, there is currently a mediocre interregnum, with an interloper in the name of a Jonathan Southern presidency .”

Are these the fellows we should stay united with?

The North deliberately nurtures savagery in its domain to unleash on the rest of us.

While “idiot” southerners send their wards to regular schools for modern education, the North sends its own brood to “Islamic” schools of insanity. Now, these First Class graduates of lunacy have broken loose and acquired post-graduate qualifications --- to the peril of the North and---possibly--- the rest of us its hapless neighbours.

What is in the North that is worth uniting with?

The North can never change its spots --- unless it deposes it elite dinosaurs. Otherwise, as long as we remain together, the rest of us can never sleep with both eyes closed. Who cares for that kind of life?

Or are you still in doubt that the northern elite are behind Boko Haram and the marauding Fulani herdsmen armed with AK rifles instead of staffs?

A northern senator, a Police commissioner, an emir, lecturer, a governor --and by some unconfirmed reports, army generals --- have all been indicted or fingered in the Boko Haram scourge The Emir of Anka, Zamfara State, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, at a workshop on peace organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday, March 14, 2013 in Kaduna, accused the northern leaders : “Where were our leaders when members of Boko Haram were going to receive trainings outside the country? Let us check ourselves; if there must be justice, we must go back to the basics ...any place you find crisis, just look around, you must find the involvement of these two classes – the elite and the politicians.”

Is it any surprise then that prominent northerners are demanding amnesty for their Frankeinstein Monster?

What is worth uniting with in this people?

Why do we pretend not to know that we are perilously united to a megalomaniac North to whom the slaughter of men women and children in their thousands is nothing so long as their selfish ends are served. The ordinary northerner themselves are victims of these elite.

Is that the life we plan to bequeath to our children who at present play with their toys blissfully oblivious of the fate we are cooking for them through our delusional optimism of unity with the North?

ARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

CULTURE

21 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

A PEOPLE WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR PAST HISTORY, ORIGIN AND CULTURE IS LIKE A TREE WITHOUT ROOTS." ― MARCUS GARVEY

First Igbo Cultural Diaspora Summit, Ofala festival hold in Ghana Tony Okuyeme

T

he Igbo cultural Diaspora Summit in Ghana will act as a reconciliatory measure for all the Ndi-Igbo in Ghana and indeed in the West Coast and beyond. It will also serve as a rallying point, an educational and cultural excursion to create awareness about the Igbos, their plights, their achievements and the way forward.

Announcing this in a statement, the organisers the summit themed “Restoring Igbo Custom, Language and Tradition in the Diaspora” will hold from August 29 to 31, 2014, at Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ridge Accra, Ghana.

Explaining the idea behind the Summit, the organisers stated that the core objective of this summit is to restore the Igbo culture and tradition for the teeming Igbo sons and daughters in the Diaspora and especially in Ghana.

“The indispensable role of the Igbo Diaspora, both young and old, cannot be underestimated. It is in the nature of the Igbo man to travel to seek for greener pastures outside his state. In fact, there is a popular saying that if you go to any place in the world and you do not find an Igbo man, then you must leave. There are more Igbos in the Diaspora, than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.

“It is saddening to note that an alarming lot of Igbo youth at home and in the Diaspora pay little attention to cultural traditions that existed long before the existence of Nigeria. It is alarming that a remarkable number of Igbo people living within Nigeria boast their inability to speak the Igbo language. ‘I don’t speak Igbo,’ is what they say with puffing chest. You can then imagine how distastrous it is for those who live in the Diaspora and never get to hear the Igbo language in any conversation from week to week and month to month.

If we

Atillogwu dance

do not do anything to preserve our language and cultural values, posterity will not forgive us.

“It is on the basis of the foregoing and more that HRM Eze (Dr.) Ambassador Chukwudi Ihenetu, Eze Ohazurumee 1, Ezeigbo Ghana and the Ezeigbo Foundation are championing the first Igbo Cultural Diaspora Summit Ghana.”

“The core objective of this summit is to restore the Igbo culture and tradition for the teeming Igbo sons and daughters in the Diaspora and especially in Ghana. Most of the Ndigbo in the Diaspora have lost touch with the language and those core traditional cords that identify the Igbo man in the past. Having come to settle in Ghana and having achieved a certain level of economic freedom, they have integrated into the Ghanaian society by mostly inter-marrying with Ghanaians or foreigners. The children from these marriages and indeed children of Igbo families who have been living in the Diaspora for a long while h a v e l o s t track

HRM Eze (Dr) Chukwudi Ihenetu, Eze Ohazurume 1, Eze Igbo Ghana, Convener of the summit.

The indispensable role of the Igbo Diaspora, both young and old, cannot be underestimated with everything an Igbo man should hold dear. Secondly, the summit will be an opportunity for the Igbos in the West Coast to re-establish a firm relationship with their root through a process of tutelage which will in the long run make the Igbos in the Diaspora be part of the decisions that affect Ndi-Igbo in general. Thirdly, the summit will serve as an opportunity for the Government of Ghana to have a clear picture of the contribution of the Igbos in the economic well-being of their country and to showcase the socio-economic ties between some of the tribes in Ghana and the Igbos.

“Fourthly, the summit will serve as a forum for the launching of the Ezeigbo Foundfation. This foundation has been set up to assist Igbos in Ghana in trade, business and education. The Ezeigbo Foundation has discovered that there a teeming number of Igbos especially the youth loitering the streets of Accra, constituting themselves as nuisance and making the indigenes to paint the Igbos as bad, the foundation intends to rally them, identify those that need to be sent to school, those that need to be set up in business and those that need

counseling. With this data, the foundation will be able to empower them.”

The Foundation, the organisers further stated, is championing the erection of the Igbo Village in Ghana which will serve as a rallying point for the preservation of Igbo culture. “Already 250 plots of land have been bought for this purpose. Streets will also be named after illustrious sons of Igboland. The foundation also since February, 2013, has been running the Igbo language schools at different centres in the Greater Accra Region and hopes with the launching of the Foundation to build physical structures for these schools and extend them to the other nine regions in Ghana and beyond.”

The last day of the Summit will be the Eze Igbo Ghana Ofala and Iriji (New Yam) festival which is scheduled to hold at Efua Sutherland’s Park, Ridge Accra, Ghana. It is on the theme “Preserving the Igbo Culture and traditions in the Diaspora. The festival, according to the organisers, is not just a day for celebration and merry making, but also a day when the Igbos in Ghana and friends of the Igbo are expected to gather to thank God for keeping them alive. “It is also a day for stock taking when the king will give account of his stewardship for the out gone year and projects into the New Year.”

The day will feature traditional dances, cultural festivals including dance groups, age grade performances from different Eastern States, among a host of other activities. This will culminate with a thanksgiving service on Sunday August 31, 2014.

22 ART Tony Okuyeme

A

fter about four weeks showing at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the exhibition of life paintings of Wole Soyinka began tour of some cities in Nigeria, as it moved to the Centre for Black Culture International in Oshogbo penultimate Thursday.

On Friday morning, the exhibition was declared open by Mr. Oladipo Soyode, Special adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Also present at the opening of the exhibition was actor Mr. Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco) who took the students from various schools in a much enjoyed workshop. Representing the organisers were Lillian Amah-Aluko (producer) and Lynda Amadi (associate producer children’s program).

Soyode who is also grandson of the revered Chief Obafemi Awolowo eulogised the Nobel Laureate, pointing out that “our youths need positive role models and thanked the organisers for holding up the Cultural ambassador of The State of Osun as a very deserving one”.

The Special Adviser to the Governor, guest and students were also treated to beautiful and presentations by the cultural troupe of the State of Osun who enthusiastically performed a dance in honor of Prof. Soyinka. The well attended event came to an end with Ofada rice refreshments provided by the State of Osun.

The exhibition is part of the fifth edition of the yearly Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme which was flagged off with Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, stressing the imperative of youth empowerment and mentoring to enhance nation-building as well as socio-economic development. The exhibition will run through mid-July,

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Soyinka at 80 exhibition begins tour, shows in Osogbo

Amah-Aluko (right), Soyode (middle), Bankole (left) and students at the exhibition

2014.

The project was designed by Zmirage Multimedia Company for the purpose of using the platforms of literature, arts and culture to affirm and

uphold the dignity of man. It settled on Soyinka – renowned playwright, poet and human rights activist – as a worthy role model and pivots for the ideals it seeks to propagate.

The event was conceived as a countdown to WS80 – marking the 80th birthday of the Nobel Laureate.

The exhibition train will move next to Port Harcourt on June 27, 2014.

Gospel singer Allyson-Obaniyi for Wise Women Awards in Lagos Tony Okuyeme

G

ospel singer, Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, popularly known as Eji-owuro (morning dew) is among other notable Nigerian Christian women who will be honoured in this year’s edition of Wise Women Awards which will hold tomorrow Saturday June 21, 2014, at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos.

She was nominated in the music category of the award. Other nominees in this year’s edition of the awards include: Archbishop Margaret Idahosa of Church Of God Mission Int. and Bishop Peace Okonkwo The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) for 2014 Mothers Of The Faith; Oti Adepeju Dr of Leading Edge Global Resources And Rccg, Otobo Ajida Aleroof Incubator Africa Limited, and Abdul Mojisola Mojec International Limited.& Almighty God Compassion Ministry, for the Professional Christian Woman category; Prof Mrs. Olufunmilayo Oloruntimehin of Emmanuel College Chapel Ibadan for Naomi Award; Sonubi Oredola A Mrs Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Church Of Nigeria, and O Yetunde Mrs. Capro Nwachkwu Felicia Lady St James Anglican Church/ Jesus Friends Missionary Society for the Missions category; Rapu Nkoyo Pst Freedom Foundation / This Present House, Okoro Nkem Dr. “The Wife Programme, and Njoku Helen Chinyere Redemption Ministries Inc, Port Harcourt, for Woman In Ministry; and Soyebo Fola (Echoes Of Mercy And Hope Foundation), Akande Dotun Mrs. Patrick (Speech And Language Centre), and Adebiyi Olubukunola Mrs. Jakin N.G.O, for

Woman In The Community category.

Others are Ikoku Mary Mrs. (Working Moms Africa), Mrs. Igaire Oko

Allyson-Obaniyi

Tolulope (Intimate Talk With Tolu), Dr. George David Yolanda Auntalanda’s Bethel Foundation, for Woman

In Media; Umoru Mosunmola Cynthia (Honeysuckle Ventures Plc), Mrs. Nwuneli Ndidi (Aace Foods & Leap Africa),Fela Durotoye Tara (House Of Tara), for Christian Woman In Business. Nominated for Exceptional Young Christian Woman are Oguegbu Glory (Glory Shirley Widows And Orphans Empowerment Project), Egunjobi Mojoyinoluwa (Mojolisa Jewerly) and Agunbiade Simisola Lace/Simroyale; while the Life Transformational Award has Olasunbo Chigbu (Crystal Irede Foundation) and Abdul Mojisola (Mojec International Limited.& Almighty God Compassion Ministry) as nominees.

Founded by Pastor Marjorie Esomowei who is also the President: Wisdom for Women International, Wise Women Awards has it’s roots in the United Kingdom and has had very important women within the black Christian community participate in the awards including Rev Rose Hudson Wilkins who serves as Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth and Chaplain to the speaker of the house of commons. “It’s with these facts in mind that the first Wise Women Awards was held in Nigeria 2013.

“It is again being organised by Wisdom For Women International a UK based organisation in collaboration with Connecting Hearts Initiative.

“The Wise Women Awards 2014 will provide Christian women from across the denominational spectrum and across Nigeria with an opportunity to be recognised and nominated for their contributions in the world of work, church and ministry and win an award.”

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

A scene in The Wizard of Law

Ebere Ameh

T

he different emotions emanating from the audience during the live performance of the Wizard of Law at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, last weekend, confirms the axiom that nothing can be compared to live theatre. Excellently produced and presented by Mosaic Productions, the audience could not get enough of the funny characters and their satirical roles, brilliantly interpreted by the cast.

The Wizard of Law is the widely celebrated play by Zulu Sofola, Africa’s first female playwright and first female Professor of Theatre Arts. It is a satirical play that deals with a poor Lawyer, Ramoni, who is living in his former glory. Though he is trying to make ends meet, he still wants to impress his disgruntled wife by purchasing nine yards of lace on credit for the Ileya festival. Typical of some Nigerian business men, Rafiu, the cloth seller inflated the prices, cheating the buyer in order to make some fast gain.

Ramoni got into trouble when in an attempt to get money to settle his debts, he accepted to represent Akpan, unknown to him that his case is with Rafiu. Though Ramoni finally won the case for Akpan, outwitting Rafiu, he lost because he ended up not getting his legal fees.

With a cast that was very well put together, the climax of the night was the outwitting of the wizard of Law, Ramoni, by a common goat-keeper, Akpan who ended up putting the tether on the former’s neck. The play has won many awards and influenced many writers.

“It’s a farcical comedy trying to play around the wit of a lawyer and man generally, in his quest to survive - his plans and antics to overcome the hurdles of life,” the Director of the play and CEO, Mozaic Productions, Agozie Uzo Ugwu said.

“Everyday man tries to negotiate his way through all these challenges and theatre makes a statement. What we do is creating awareness of the ills in the society through our work,” he added.

A young and vibrant man, Ugwu, typical of his productions, ensured that this umpteenth retelling of this great play is not a wasted evening. On the contrary, the audience had their

The Wizard of Law: Film can never ever compete with theatre, says Ugwu We think that there can be no better time than now to x-ray and expose the ills of our society and engineer a change using different means

A scene in The Wizard of Law

money’s worth.

“I give my best in all my productions. And the stage actor and director are more disciplined; they work harder because they can’t afford a mistake. They must be on point. Be-

sides, ninety percent of both the crew and the cast are graduates of theatre art from reputable universities in Nigeria. They understand the business of theatre and have been acting regularly on Nigerian stage. However, whenever people go for theatre, they never go back disappointed; they have value for their money. There is magic in theatre that film can never offer.

The film can never ever compete with theatre because the experience you go home with, remains with you,” Ugwu explained.

Setting the tone for the excellent performance was Oluwapemibaba, a comedian and entertainer who delivers his rhythmical lines in Yoruba.

This was followed by The Humble Jester who sang in Igbo with the accompaniment of a guitar. A one minute monologue by Charles John ended the prologue, relaxing the nerves of

the audience in readiness for the play.

According to the director, the play was staged at this time in our nation’s history to ridicule some ills that have come to stay in our country Nigeria.

“We think that there can be no better time than now to x-ray and expose the ills of our society and engineer a change using different means. What we do is to ridicule some of those vices and situations and let people understand how stupid they appear in front of some of these things that are trending, that are in vogue in the society.

“A lawyer might know that this is a lie, but they lie and help their clients to twist the truth all because he needs money. Many other things are happening in the society - people trying to cheat and outsmart one another and all that.

So these are the realities of everybody in Nigeria, not just the common man.

Theatre reflects the ills that bedevil the society, trying to create awareness and stimulate change. It makes a statement through different means – the comic, the farce and the melodramatic, through different genres.”

Reflecting on the challenges of producing and directing the film, Ugwu said that finance was his major challenge, adding that the things he wanted to do, he couldn’t because he didn’t have the financial wherewithal to do them. “My ingenuity had to skyrocket to achieve most of those things. I had to think outside the box.”

Nominations for The Future Africa Awards extended

T

he Central Working Committee for The Future Africa Awards & Summit (TFAAS) has announced an extension of nominations.

With the extension, young, inspiring Africans can be nominated until tomorrow, June 21, 2014. Nominees must be aged 18 – 31. This year’s categories are: The TFAA Prize in Education; The TFAA Prize in Agriculture; The TFAA Prize in Advocacy; The TFAA Prize in Technology; The TFAA Prize in Pub-

lic Service; The TFAA Prize in Community Action; The Tony O. Elumelu Prize in Business; The TFAA Prize in Entertainment; The TFAA Prize in Enterprise Support; and The TFAA Prize for African Young Person of the Year, the organisers said in a statement.

According to the statement, “TFAAS has also been expanded to a 2-day ideas-fest, where the continent’s most influential leaders and institutions with portfolios on youth will gather

to chart immediate action-points for expansion of jobs and opportunities, as well as good governance and citizen engagement.

“Last week, the committee announced a global expansion for the Brain Trust of The Future Project – with a Global Board of Advisors, Board of Judges and Independent Audit Committee of leaders from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.”

24 TOURISM Andrew Iro Okungbowa

I

t was a two day talk show and display of tourism products of various kinds by the service providers and operators in the industry. It also attracted different operators and stakeholders from the different spectrums as well as the public sector’s administrators and operators showing some presence.

The occasion was the Nigeria Tourism Investors’ Forum and Exhibitions (NTIFE 2014), which held at Abuja Sheraton between June 10 and 12. It was the second edition of the investors’ forum, which was initiated last year by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) as a yearly event to encourage interface among the several players in the industry as well as the government.

As highlighted during the two days gathering, the objectives of the forum included – promotion of local tourism destination, highlight tourism potentials in different zones of Nigeria for investment opportunities, strengthen relations between tourism investors and their services/products providers.

Also, as part of the objective it showcases tourism and hospitality products and services available in the country and establish contact between the products and the services providers and their users while the target audience include public and private sectors, investors in the tourism sector, products and services providers and the general public.

In his opening remark at the event, the president of FATN, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun, gave an overview of FTAN and the motivation for the forum, which in his words: ‘‘In fulfilling the objectives of her formation and meeting the growing needs for the common voice of the numerous investors in Nigerian tourism, FTAN under the leadership of the immediate past president, Chief Samuel Alabi, started the annual NTIFE in 2013 in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Reviewing the industry, Akingbogun who is the Managing Director/CEO of Hotel Rosebud, Abuja and also the former President of Hotel Owners Forum of Abuja (HOFA), decried the poor attitude of Nigerians always waiting on the government to provide solutions, a situation, which he said has greatly under – developed the country and the tourism industry in particularly.

However, FTAN, he said has decided to lead a new vanguard and approach: ‘‘FTAN has decided to take the bull by the horns, to encourage the public sector to work with the private sector in developing tourism,’’ adding that ‘‘FTAN is willing to work with all arms of government, that are ready for real development of tourism. We call on all arms of government to invest in Nigeria by investing in several opportunities provided by tourism.’’

He then went ahead to identify some key issues, which from the standpoint of investors, is a drawback for tourism development. These include: security,

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

FTAN calls for improved funding, release of N500 billion

Some of the guests at NTDC’s exhibition stand

multiple taxes, too many bills payable, economically unrealistic high bills and taxes, use of mobile courts to seal off businesses and lack of patronage from government, lack of infrastructure and poverty.

Akingbogun then called on the government to take necessary actions to check all these issues and more importantly he called on the government and its officials to look inward by not only encouraging and supporting the industry but also by patronising the home industry and put a moratorium on foreign trips and fairs in support of home grown ones.

While in her presentation on FCT as an emerging conference destination, the Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, who was represented by a director at the FCT, Mrs. Irene Elegbede emphasised the importance that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan places on tourism and also the focus of the FCT on tourism.

A fact, which she said made it to collaborate with FTAN in organising the yearly forum to draw attention to the industry, which she said is very rich and buoyant and provide the right opportunities for the nation and people to develop if the right things are done to properly structure the industry.

She then went on to highlight for the benefit of the audience the various initiatives embarked on by FCT to develop-

ment and promote tourism, especially business tourism. To also address the nagging issue of multiple taxes and levies raised by the operators, the Minister revealed that she has ordered the setting up of a multi – agency committee made of members from the public and private sector to look into the issue and make recommendations to her office for immediate and appropriate action.

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, also added colours to the event with her appearance and presentation, which centred on the push for domestic tourism.

In what looked like a presentation of her score card in the last one year in office, she take her audience through the long, tortuous but benefiting road that she has journeyed in trying to understand what the industry has to offer, the state of the various attractions, the

feelings and views of the various stakeholders, operators and custodians of the attractions.

Even though some gains have been made in the cause of the many trips she has undertook over the year however, she promised that in the year ahead, the gains would become more visible as the spade work has been done to put the industry in the right footing. But one of the challenges, she informed remains that of funding, as she lamented the poor funding of her tourism corporation.

Besides, other papers and contributors were had in the course of the two days gathering and in all, it was a stimulating debate with many key issues affecting the development of the industry exhaustive debated with the issuing of funding of the industry by the various levels of government and private investors forming the core of the debate.

The communiqué arrived at capture in detail some of the key issues, which according to the gathering need to be brought to the front burner in the days ahead. These are: Intervention Fund: The N500 billion which has been requested from the Federal Government by FTAN be given a speedy attention - since other sectors have benefited from Government Intervention Fund; Travel and Tourism graduates to be given preferential treatment in terms of employment and other engagements in all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in travel and tourism; To reduce litigation and cost of effective and efficient tax administration in Nigeria; Stakeholders suggested Public - Private Dialogue (PPD) to check the menace of multiple taxation and arbitrary determination of charges and rates; Government should be concerned - with providing the enabling environment for travel and tourism to grow while the private sector should play the key roles - conse-

quently, stakeholders are of the view that Abuja Carnival ought to be a private sector - event by involving major stakeholders instead of the present arrangement; Stakeholders bemoaned the poor budgetary allocation to tourism development which have contributed to a very large extent to dismal performances of the sector while other sectors receive huge budgetary allocations tourism budgetary allocations are usually nothing to talk about. Therefore, they argued that if tourism can sustain other countries, tourism which is not a depleting asset can sustain Nigeria; and Stakeholders had made a clarion call to National Orientation Agency (NOA) to carry out a campaign and social mobilization against some Nigerians that conduct some social events abroad. Such events include the following – weddings, birthdays, shopping and honeymoon.

This habit is leading to huge capital flight from Nigeria.

LIST OF EXHIBITORS L-R: Mrs Irene Elegbede, NTDC DG, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, FTAN President, Tomi Akingbogun and member, FTAN, Rabo Saleh during the opening ceremony of the Tourism Investors’ Forum, held in Abuja.

Hotel Rosebud, Rivers State, NANET Suite, Natural Touch Limited, NANTA, Ethiopia Airways, HOPESEA, @travelnextdoor, NFVCB, African Women in Agribusiness network, Faisy Foods, Shea Butter/beads, Owambe.com, Art and Craft Village, Infogem, NTDC, Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, NIHOTOUR and Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency.

Entertainment

NEW TELEGRAPH

25

www.newtelegraphonline.com/entertainment

SOny Neme Entertainment Editor

sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com 0811 181 3096

FRIDAY, june 20, 2014

MI, Omawumi, Flavour, Waje, others motivate with Glo song for Super Eagles

MI

Omawumi

stories by sony neme

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s the world cup takes centre stage in Brazil, top Nigerian musicians are also spicing the events with thrilling songs. Those in the forefront of ensuring that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have a successful campaign at the mundial courtesy of Glo are Mister Incredible, Flavour, Omawumi, Waje, Wande Coal, Naeto C, Chee the Voice and Ego. According to Globacom, the essence of the songs is to create the belief in the Super Eagles

and Nigerians that with hard work, dedication and the support of 160 million passionate Nigerians, the team can excel in Brazil.

Feelers from the telecom giants reveal that all the participating Glo Ambassadors were assembled to produce three theme songs that will help in mobilizing support for the Nigerian team to victory.

Expectedly, they came up with the Power to Win, delivered by Flavour and MI; Raise Your Voice, anchored by the Glo All Stars, as well as a medley of popular Nigerian Supporters’

... Identifies with Flavour on MAMA 2014

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igeria’s national telecommunications company, Globacom, has congratulated one of its ambassadors, Izuchukwu Chinedu Okolie, popularly known as Flavour on his recent feat at the 2014 edition of MTV African Music Award (MAMA) held penultimate week at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Durban, South Africa. .

Flavour beat threwe other nominees to become the Best Live Act on Stage category.

The urban high-life crooner thereafter dedicated his award to his band members The MAMA that rewards talented African artistes in various genres had other Nigerian artistes winning six awards out of the eighteen categories available.

According to a statement from Globacom headquarter, “Flavour’s award is a testimony of his hard work and dedication to his music career

through the years. He has distinguished himself as one of Africa’s finest artistes. It is a well-deserved honor and we are proud of him as a worthy Glo ambassador”.

Speaking on his award, Flavour, who was overwhelmed by the pronouncement, attributed the award to his persistence and consistency.

His words; “I thank God for winning the award. I see it as the result of hard work.

Hard work pays off, Flavour said so.”

The MAMA was instituted by the music and lifestyle channel, MTV Base, to recognize creative African talents who excelled in the showbiz industry and society. This year’s edition was hosted by U.S. stand-up comic artiste and actor, Marlon Wayans.

Flavour also performed at the event alongside other notable Nigerian artistes including Phyno, and Ice Prince.

Flavour

Club chants that Nigerians are enthusiastically downloading as ring back tunes.

According to a statement mailed to New Telegraph, from Globacom, “The refrain no lele, no yawa in the Raise Your Voice song, which in the popular Nigerian pidgin English means ‘no worries’ is resonating among Nigerians who love the re-assuring words in the song,” .

It further stated that, “The lyrics 'we would raise our flag, we would shine our eyes, we would raise our voice and defend our name. No dulling Naija! is from the velvety voiced Waje, inimitable Omawumi and sonorous-voiced Chee that combined well with other A list Glo ambassadors. The essence is to encourage Nigerians to join their voices to support Eagles’

Waje

World Cup campaign.”

The Supporters’ Club chant, they also stressed, is a medley of folkloric and religious songs in the three major Nigerian languages of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. “These songs are meant to serve as rallying appeal to Nigerians to support the Super Eagles with prayers and positive comments. Indeed, the Raise Your Voice song seeks to achieve this by catching the attention of all,” it further stated.

The Supporters’ Club chant begins with a call for fair officiating; this is closely followed by other philosophical songs Baba ti bawa se and Sa ma sinwalo, rendered in Yoruba and anchored by Wande Coal.

The Igbo choruses, led by Flavour and Naeto C, have great danceable instrumentations

that create a picture of football action on the field of play when listening to the song. The beat is expected to elicit interminable thirst and hunger for victory for the team whenever they take to the field during their matches.

Amongst the Igbo songs are the Otitikpokpotikpo, an Igbo exhortative chant and Onye n’eme nma which exalts the goodness of God. Choruses rendered in Hausa were anchored by Nasarawa State born Bez Idakula. Bez had the other ambassadors as back up as he crooned Ole, Ole! The song like When Nigeria beat Brazil reminds Nigerians of the golden moment when the country won the Olympic gold medal in football at the expense of football giants like Brazil and Argentina.

PEPSI excited by NIGERIAN IDOL Season IV

L- r Mr. Shakeel Akram! Marketing Manager PepsiCo! Winner of Nigeria Idol Season IV, Evelle and Head of Marketing Seven Up Bottling Company plc Mr. Norden Thurston

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epsi, the official beverage sponsor of Nigerian Idol, has expressed satisfaction with the successful end to Season IV of the music television reality show which ended last weekend in Lagos.

Head of Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston said minutes after Zibli Evelyn (Evelle) emerged winner: “Pepsi likes to associate with processes that evolve stars of the future that is why we

have been supporting Nigerian Idol since inception,” adding that the two key youth events associated with Pepsi are football and music.

His words:“Pepsi music ambassadors are Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Lynxxx, and we have been supporting sports over the years; and we have many football brand ambassadors like Stephen Keshi, Victor Moses, Daniel Amokachi, Elderson Echiejile and Osaze Odewingie.”

He said Pepsi is happy to be part of the platform that grooms future music stars in Nigeria who will be ready to take the world in a few years to come.

The Managing Director of Optima Media Group, the organisers of the show, Mr. Rotimi Pedro, thanked Pepsi and other sponsors. He said: “Pepsi is a true partner that has been refreshing the contest from the beginning to this point.” Pedro said Nigerian Idol is the biggest music TV reality show in Nigeria with over 22,000 followers on twitter, 61,000 Facebook followers and a million downloads, with millions of Nigerians glued to their TV screens to watch the show every weekend.”

26 Entertainment

Friday, June 20, 2014

Amaka Igwe goes home in a blaze of glory

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Amaka Igwe's husband (right) and children

L-R: Paul Obazele Bob Manuel Udokwu and Ms Peace Anyam Osigwe at the burial ceremony

he late Nollywood producer/director Amaka Igwe was laid to rest last Saturday at the Ndiuche Arondizuogu in Imo State, her marital home.

On hand to accord her their last respects with special tributes were her husband Charles Igwe, daughter Ruby, and sons Daniel and David. So also were numerous members of the industry who stormed the town to pay their last respects to a lady they held in high esteem.

Government was not left out as His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, at the funeral on Friday, June 13, was represented by his Special adviser on Documentation, Molara Wood.

In an emotion-laden tone, the widower, Mr. Igwe bellowed out: “Amaka, thank you for the memories, for the joy, for the grace evident in you, the passion for God, for the truth, for life, for doing right, for loving, for creating, for giving, for caring and for family. For making memories and you did make memories, for me, for our children, for family, for the nation, for the world.

I am thankful for the times we had together and for the gift you were to me and to this world. I am grateful to God for sharing in this world with you.

“I do know you have peace now, free from the labours of our world, present in the majesty and light of our Lord, for whom you lived and in whom you moved and had your being.

I will see you again, we will see you again. This is to say I miss you and our children miss you.

However I say thank you, my

life with you was an amazing life. Till we meet again.”

Her daughter, Ruby had this to say to her mum: “We are all here this evening grieving Amaka Igwe, whom we loved and were inspired, influenced, or maybe intimidated, by. I also know that there are many here who she, by God’s grace, mothered, trained, and raised. I’m sure you will agree that our mother had a unique spirit...I will end with a letter I wrote to my mum.”

‘Hey Mummy, I miss you. So much. More than I can ever fully express in words. I must tell you though that I am mourning your absence. Not your present location. Oh that, I am so proud of, joyful in, and grateful for. I am going to see you again by the special grace of God. My only sadness is that it won’t be very soon.

“You were, and are, my mother. It’s more than that though. You were my best friend, my partner in crime.

You don’t find that kind of love just anywhere. You were my teacher, and my confidant.

You were also my support when I needed to be yelled at, or reminded of who I am, or simply babied. We were the girls’ squad that marshalled Dad, and David and Dani… I miss you. More than I can ever put in words.”

President Jonathan in his speech read by Wood said, “It is with a heavy heart that I join this solemn gathering to bid farewell to our dear sister Amaka Igwe, a writer, director and producer who distinguished herself in the Nigerian entertainment industry. I felt it was important to come here today

to condole with the Igwe Family who are grieving the loss of their beloved one, and to show solidarity with the Nigerian film Industry.”

He stated that, “The Federal Government sees Nollywood practitioners as partners in our quest for a greater Nigeria. We see so much potential for this industry and are very proud of what has been achieved in the sector. Through their hard work and determination, the exemplars of Nollywood created a vibrant industry where previously there was nothing.

And in so doing, they have kept us entertained and given audiences many precious moments of light and happiness.”

He further stated that, “Amaka Igwe was one of the exemplars of Nollywood, which is why her passing, at this time when she still had so much more to contribute, is such a huge loss. We mourn a creative genius, a visionary and star maker who had a knack for discovering talent, the diamond in the trough. The stars created by the Nollywood system have become icons, and they enjoy the adulation of millions of fans internationally. It is indeed worth noting that many of the biggest stars of the screen got their first big breaks in Amaka Igwe productions.”

Amaka Igwe will be remembered for her drive towards set-

How Twinzobia won Goldberg Fuji T’o bam contest

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he Goldberg Fuji T’o bam contest has been a hard won contest through sheer heroism and exemplary accomplishment. It was a long and tortuous journey that required bold determination, willpower and a positive mental energy to succeed.

That is likened to the success story of Twinzobia, 2014 winners of the Goldberg Fuji T’o bam contest. Their story has been described as reminiscence of Barrack Obama’s emergence as America’s first black President, which remains both historic and symbolic.

The tension soaked finale was charged for the finals were locked in a battle of wits for the grand prize of N750, 000. In the end, Twinzobia Twins from Ibadan, Oyo State emerged winners.

Okiki Akeem from Osogbo, Osun State grabbed the N350, 000 first runners up prize, while Temitope Ajani went home with N200,000 as the second runner up.

The six contestants that took part in the finals were, Akeem Okiki, Temitope Ajani, Twinzobia, Ejire Performer, Olajide Akanni aka Banana and Muhideen Adisa. The night kicked-off with each of the contestants taking turns to display various Fuji theatrics to the admiration of the judges and the audience that thronged the venue of the event.

The high point of the event

Alhaji Saheed Osupa performing with winners of Goldberg Fuji T'o Bam during the grand finale in Ibadan

was the impressive performance

by Fuji great Alhaji King Saheed Osupa, aka Saridon P who thrilled the fans with his hit songs to the admiration of the crowd who seem to want more from him.

The night was also a gathering of the best of fuji musicians as international fuji icons, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1), the Oluaye of Fuji, Alhaji Taye Adebisi aka Taye Currency, current Goldberg

Ambassador, Nurudeen Atanda and other fuji stars thrilled the of audience.

According to the talent hunt organisers, “Today, a set of indigent twins who lived in a remote part of Nigeria has made history as winner to lift their family from poverty as their parents depend on subsistent farming for survival.

“They had it pretty difficult to concentrate on their studies as

they did other menial jobs to get by. However, their love for music remained infectious as they listened to popular musicians with hope that one day, they would attain such height.”

They recalled that, “Instead getting encouraged, their peers and classmates mocked them as they struggled to attain fame with fortune still far from their hold. They reportedly registered for several talent hunt shows but

failed to be recognized. They persisted and continued to horn their talent until a glint of hope about a music talent show which helped to discover budding talents.

That hope was about a music platform sponsored by Goldberg, a lager beer brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc.” Although, they had heard about the activation tagged Fuji T’o bam, they doubted their ability to win the competition. But, they refused to give up on their dream of becoming renowned music stars in the mould of other twins like PSquare who remains their motivator through their exploits in the Nigerian entertainment scene. So they practiced and synergised to a point when the can do spirit became their driving force.

“Interestingly, they qualified from their zone to the quarter finals. This was a positive development as music lovers at the Goldberg activation are beginning to enjoy their smooth lyrical delivery and enchanting stage movements. Eventually, they made it to the semi-finals and finals of the competition.

Clearly, they have made a bold statement to anyone who cared that they are on the path to fulfilling destiny. An added incentive was that they would be performing on the same stage as international musicians. Indeed, this is a golden opportunity to prove

Entertainment

Friday, June 20, 2014

27

LYRICS for the week

COSON, others mourns Kefee Kefee

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he Board, members and management of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) have received with shock the news of the passing on of front line member and multi-award winning gospel singer, Kefee who reportedly passed on in the United States of America.

In a statement signed by Mayree Uket, New Media, i became sick in January, my COSON recalled how, “Kefee, family did all they could but fondly referred to as Branama it was nothing close to what Queen came into limelight with was needed. her hit track Branama in 2003 “When I got to a point that I and has since remained one of felt I had nobody and thought I Nigeria’s most sought after fewould die I decided to just call male music acts. She went on madam president. I called her to churn out other hit tracks not up to three weeks ago, my like Kokoroko, Sapele Water, brother you say you are Nol- amongst others.” lywood television look at the In his reaction to the sad deresult, look at the result. She velopment, the Chairman of has taken charge of every- COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji rething, paid up all the bills even portedly said, “Kefee was such a the one we paid before she re- great gift to our music industry. funded us, wont God will bless Her incredible talent, soaring her? If this is how Presidents voice and never-say–die spirit in are, then madam must be pres- a very difficult industry made ident for life! God will protect her truly outstanding. Her song, ‘Kokoroko’ remains one of my you and bless you”.

Fiberesima in her response favourite Nigerian recordings thanked God for giving her of the recent era. Kefee and I such a platform to affect lives had a unique relationship. In and expressed appreciation to difficult moments, she always President Jonathan on behalf sought my counsel.

“When she wanted to start of AGN, saying, President Jonathan is not just there for her musical training in Los Anus in words, but being there geles, she asked for my written to assist whenever Nollywood recommendation which I was so glad to do. I was informed calls”. that just before her last trip to America, she stopped by at the office, as she routinely did, to share some time with us and update her COSON records.’

He further lamented that, “Unfortunately, I was not there

Osita Okeke benefits from AGN benevolence fund

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eteran actor Osita Okeke is the latest beneficiary of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria , AGN’s benevolence fund powered by the magnanimous President \Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. This development is another milestone made possible by the ever active president of AGN Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima.

This was contained in a release made available to New Telegraph by Nollywood Televivion. According to the statement, Mr.Osita who was diagnosed with pancreas and prostrate related disease was elated with gratitude as he prayed for Ms Fiberesima.

While thanking the president Osita said, “This woman is a man of honor, I only met her once when she invited all veterans to come and meet with her. She told us about the health plan she was working on, paid our transport to and fro the venue and even gave us extra cash for logistics. When

Okoroji

and it is very sad that I will not see Kefee again. I however take solace in the fact that she lived a fruitful life and as a true artiste, remains alive in her beautiful songs. My condolences to her family and the many fans of the Branama Queen. Adieu Kefee, the sweet singer” On his part, the General Manager of COSON, Mr.Chinedu Chukwuji said, “I am yet to get over the shock I received with the news of Kefee’s passing on. I find it hard to believe how someone so young and vibrant can be here one day and is gone the next. She came around to the office only a few weeks ago, chatting and smiling and to hear this news now is so devastating.

Kefee may have gone to be with the Lord but her music keeps her alive in our hearts. She will be greatly missed”.

COSON condoles with her family members, friends and fans on this sad development and while the past cannot be undone, she will continue to be alive in our memories.

Skuki ` INTRO: Babatunti..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Oh but the Top Babatunti..oh oh..

Oh but the Top (Babatunti..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh…)

CHORUS: Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. Babatunti oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh..babatunti oh oh oh Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. Babatunti oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh..babatunti oh oh oh VERSE 1: We hustling everyday We making today (today) We making that money like say nairabet don pay We hustling everyday Papa God show us the way (the way) We thanking God for giving us in abundance Everything dey Because nothing do you..nothing do me Nothing do us If you are happy and you know it Oya dancia for me CHORUS: Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti.oh oh oh VERSE 2: We balling from monday to sunday Every better thing dey come my way I don dey this game No be today Nothing dem fit do Fit block my way One wish.. I had this one wish I’m rocking steady Yeah I’m rocking steady.. E yeah yeah Your wish.. Girl tell me your wish And I promise I will give you all you wish CHORUS: Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Uzoma you know na.. Oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Eleda mi gbemileke..oh oh.. oh oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh.. Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke Babatunti..oh oh.. Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke Babatunti..oh oh.. Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke Babatunti..oh oh.. Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke Ah ah Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke Yeah! Oti gbe oh oh..babatunti gbemileke OUTRO: Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti .oh oh oh Babatunti..oh oh..oh oh..babatunti .oh oh oh Ah! Wo skeskeskeske Ehn! Ah shizzi.. Skuki Oya oya (Instrumentals)

Amaka Igwe goes home in a blaze of glory CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 6

Osita flanked by the AGN boss, Ibinabo Fiberesima, AGN scribe, Abu and Ositas wife

…Tom Ateke reconciles Ibinabo and Rollas

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ruce is finally returning to the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria as Okrika born freedom fighter, Comrade Tom Ateke has reconciled the National President of AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima and her erstwhile foe, Emeka Rollas.

The two were reconciled at the 52nd birthday party of the Okrika high chief, who staged a three-day celebration for his family, friends and fans.

Ibinabo and Emeka hugged

and promised to sheath their swords “This is the way we should live. We should all live together as one family, Emeka should support Ibinabo’s ambition and Ibinabo should lend listening ears,” Chief Ateke said while speaking to the warring parties.

“All is gone with the wind and the bitter rivalry has come to an end, that we can both assure you,” the duo of Ibinabo and Emeka chorused.

ting very high standards and breaking new ground in the industry. She was the brain behind the Best of the Best African Film and Television Programmes Market, popularly known as BOB-TV. Perhaps Nigeria’s first female entertainment mogul, she founded Top Radio, Amaka Igwe Studios and a satellite television station, Q Entertainment Networks, among others.

Jonathan said: “The greatest tribute we can pay to her legacy is to ensure that we retain the high standards she worked for, so that our beloved Nollywood can attain its full potential. I call on female practitioners in the industry especially to follow the all-

conquering example of Amaka Igwe and strive for excellence, in the full knowledge that,

with hard work and dedication, there is no limit to what a woman can achieve.”

Goldberg Fuji T’o bam contest

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 6

their mettle and give their parents and well-wishers a reason to smile,” they intoned.

The Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth had during the preliminary stages expressed great satisfaction on the huge turn-out of Fuji lovers and artistes. While explaining the rationale behind Goldberg’s Fuji T’o Bam initiative, he said, “Goldberg is a quality lager beer that celebrates consumers and their traditional values. Fuji music enjoys huge followership across Nigeria

which has led the brand to provide the Fuji To Bam as one of the platforms to further engage and connect with our consumers.”

In his comments, Brand Manager Goldberg, Bassey Mfon, stated that the brand believes that Nigeria has so much talent and this was shown in these contestants. “we will as a brand continue to connect with our consumers through what appeals to them and give desired satisfaction.” He further disclosed that Fuji T’o bam will continue to get bigger.

28 Entertainment TELEMOVIES

Friday, June 20, 2014

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide)

JUNE 20 – JUNE 26 HIGHLIGHTS

MultiChoice Africa unites award-winning artists

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DSTV

ix of Africa’s finest artists have collaborated on a song that is part of MultiChoice Africa’s upcoming campaign which is set to be unveiled at a glitz and glam content extravaganza in Mauritius. The six artists are Davido, a Nigerian American recording artist, performer, and record producer; Diamond Platnumz (or simply Diamond), a Bongo Flava recording artist from Tanzania; Sarkodie (also referred to as Obidi Pon Bidi) a Ghanaian hip hop recording artist, entertainer, and brand ambassador; Tiwa Savage, Nigerian singer-songwriter, recording artist, performer and actress: Lola Rae, a British singer of Nigerian/Ghanaian descent who garnered recognition as a dancer in the street dance group “Myztikal” and finally Mi Casa, a South African band consisting of three members, Dr. Duda (producer) and pianist, Jsomething (vocalist and guitarist), and Mo-T (trumpeter).

The song is a prelude to a themed campaign that will play a pivotal role in bringing about meaningful transformation to the benefit of all. The social and economic needs facing our continent are substantial and it is a moral duty for big business to make a difference by supporting projects that benefit our society by creating shared value.

“MultiChoice Africa has an important role to play in both the economic and social transformation of our continent and we believe that this campaign provides the ideal platform to showcase meaningful change amongst the people of Africa,” says Nico Meyer, CEO MultiChoice Africa.

The artists hope to inspire and create a paradigm shift amongst Africans with their music as there is so much more to celebrate. The campaign promises to unearth what is right about Africa in our ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of all Africans. “We strongly believe that the quest for good corporate citizenship starts with an acceptance of responsibility, not only to our subscribers and stakeholders, but to the broader African community in which we operate and are certain that the collaboration with these award winning African artists will be the glue that binds communities together creating a catalyst for change,” concludes Nico.

GOtv The Wendy Williams Show on BET on 20 June at 22:00CAT Popular talk show host Wendy Williams features a mix of celebrity interviews and performances with guests from television, film, music and sports.

During popular segments "Ask Wendy" and "Hot Topics" Williams offers real advice to audience members looking for solutions to problems and her

DSTV Mauritius content show

own unpredictable, honest and opinionated take on the juiciest headlines. Catch Wendy Williams weekdays at 22:00 on BET. I Am Sam on Sony Entertainment Television on 21 June at 20:00CAT Sean Penn earned his third best actor Academy Award® nomination for his sensitive portrayal of Sam, a mentally challenged, Beatles-obsessed father, in this engrossing drama. (He would go on to win two best actor Oscars® thereafter – for Mystic River and Milk.)

A young Dakota Fanning (famed for his roles in Twilight, War of the Worlds) is outstanding as Sam’s whip-smart daughter – who tries to stunt her own intellectual growth when her intelligence starts surpassing that of her dad.

When she is removed from his care, Sam enlists a high-powered lawyer (Michelle Pfeiffer – of Frankie and Johnny, The Age of Innocence) to help him win back his daughter.

Fifth on Africa Magic Movies on 22 June at 17:30CAT Johnson plans an elaborate wedding anniversary to impress his wife Ada, but she has plans of her own and they don’t include champagne and roses. Together with an old varsity friend Willie, they plot to murder Johnson, raising suspensions.

Circle of Lies on Mnet Movies Zone on 24 June at 22:00CAT A popular girl at school feels threatened by another. She makes it her mission to destroy the other girl's life by stealing her boyfriend and spreading vicious rumours. Hilary Caitens, Anna Lawrence. (2012) Matt Cerwen Worst Thing I Ever Wore on E!, Starts on 26 June at 21:00CAT With unlimited access to the best designers, top stylists and fashion advisors, you would expect celebrities to always look their very best. But they don’t!

Join a comical countdown of the top ten worst outfits worn

by A-list stars, with hilarious comments from our expert panel of experts and clothing connoisseurs, including model Amber Rose and The Fabulist’s Orly Shani.

METRO FM Weekly Schedule

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m Lagos Live With Cordelia Okpei And Michael Diali 6am With Fresh Papers Review At 6.15am Electric Rush At 10am With Rex And Valery Monday, Wednesday Drop Spot With The Freshest Beats With Rex And Ife Tuesday 1230pm The Cafe For The Best Of World Music 2pm Every Day Except Wednesdays From The Heart With Dr Funmi Akingbade Handling All Your Sexual Issues. Tuesdays 11pm Cruise Control 8pm Monday To Thursday From The Closet 7pm Tuesday And Wednesday Lounging With The Stars Where Your Favorite Celebrities Host The Site From 2-4pm Sundays.

Great Old School Vibes On Rewind Saturdays 8am Sunday Morning Glory From 8am Every Sunday

“I had to make this whole album with it just being the three of us. For the first time in my career I feel like this album is me, it’s real. It’s a very personal album for me. It is a reflection of the woman I am, the woman I am not and the woman I want to be.” www.nicolescherzingerofficial.com @nicolescherzy #yourlove

Pastor Kumuyi in £1m movie

Rita Dominic is peoples' choice

Nicole Scherzinger releases new video for ‘Your Love’ Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9FOWI6Zftpg Global superstar, Nicole Scherzinger releases her new video, the out-of-the-box smash ‘Your Love’.

‘Your Love’ is the first release since Nicole signed a worldwide deal to Sony Music at the start of the year. The forthcoming album, scheduled for autumn release, are the results of a collaboration between Nicole and #1 songwriters/producers, The Dream and Tricky who have worked with artists ranging from Beyonce, Kanye West , Katy Perry, Jay Z and Rihanna.

“The Dream and Tricky know me inside out, they are like my family,” explains Nicole about the partnership.

special screening at the World Day of African Culture and an acquisition offer from Canal + Africa.

The teams of the six selected films will also receivepreproduction software published by the company Melusyn.

The other five films in competition were: Confusion Na Wa, Flower Girl, Half of a Yellow Sun, Misfit and Journey to Self. The closing ceremony ended with Andrew Dosumu’s film, Mother of George.

The second edition of the Nigerian Film Festival, Nollywood Week ended penultimate week with Rita Dominic as winner. Nollywood Week Paris Film Festival is an annual Nigerian film festival based in France, whose objective is to bring the best of the New Nollywood Cinema to French audiences .

The filmfest was routed among the six films in competition, and the public made its choice.

The Meeting, directed by Mildred Okwo Meeting and co-produced by actress Rita Dominic, won the Nollywood Week 2014 Audience Award. it brought together over 2000 spectators in Paris over 4 days.

The festival trophy was awarded to actress / producer Rita Dominic who expressed her surprise and joy at the closing ceremony which was sold out, as was the case for several sessions of this second edition.

The winner of the Audience Award will receive material supply from Angénieux ( a leading supplier of high-tech optical products for the audiovisual production industry) that can be used during the shooting of her next film, a

The Founder of the Deeper Life Church Ministry, Pastor Williams F. Kumuyi has featured in a £1 million thriller Christian movie titled Snare, where he played a role of a pastor. The movie, Snare which has been in the making since 2010 is dedicated to late Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, a Nigerian actor, playwright, theater manager and musician who died 24 years ago.

Speaking about the movie, David Adekunle Ogunde said; Snare is actually based on a couple, particularly one gentleman, an African who is brilliant, who is lured because of the flaw in his character, even though he wants to change the society.

He looks at the society as poor and also full of diseases and sicknesses, so he decided that he wanted to change that.

But he has a flaw in his character and that flaw is greed, the love of money.

Snare, was shot with worldclass actors; both Nigerian and international actors such as Branston Cosby, Steven Baldwin and Phil Tan Carl Cameron amongst others

Kumuyi

BUSINESS FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Customs seizes N88.93m contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has seized goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N88, 932,485.00 and arrested six suspects for allegedly importing contraband into the country. Comptroller of the Zone, Mr Victor David Dimka, said this.

}p-30

World confab adopts Amsterdam Cocoa Declaration

The second edition of the World Cocoa Conference, organised by the International Cocoa Organisation and hosted by the Government of the Netherlands, has adoption the Amsterdam Cocoa Declaration.

The conference, which ran throughout last week at the city’s RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre, attracted over 1,400 cocoa stakeholders from 55 countries and from all parts of the sector, including farmers, traders, processors, chocolate makers and civil society groups.

}p-30

CPS: Underwriters contribute N.4bn to workers’ RSA

In what appears as a commitment to securing the future of their workers, the managements of leading insurance companies in the country have graciously contributed over N439.37 million to the Retirement Savings Accounts of their workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Leading the pack in this regard is AIICO Insurance Plc with a contribution of N117.83 million.

}p-32

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) SIMEON OGOEGBULEM, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) GODSON IKORO , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

29 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO NIGERIA’S RUBBER? }p-34

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

Dangote secures $300m loan for refinery JOB CREATION The projects are expected to create over 30,000 temporary jobs during construction, and 2,900 direct jobs during operations

through taxes and fees.

The projects are expected to create over 30,000 temporary jobs during construction, and 2,900 direct jobs during operations. The projects will compliment bank’s ongoing effort to support the Federal Government for the implementation

of the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA).

Dangote Group had previously signed a $3.3 billion loan agreement in September 2013 with a consortium of international banks to build a refinery and petrochemicals complex at the OK-LNG Free Trade

Zone, between Ogun and Ondo states.

The group secured the $3.3 billion medium term loan from some local banks and international finance organizations. Guaranty Trust Bank and Standard Chartered Bank CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Jonah Iboma

D

angote Group has secured a $300 million loan for the construction and operation of a greenfield refinery and polypropylene plant in Nigeria.

According to information

by African Development Bank (AfDB), its board of directors approved the loan, which also will be used for the construction of a greenfield fertilizer manufacturing plant.

A statement by AfDB reads: “The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved on June 13, 2014, a loan of USD 300 million to Dangote Industries Limited for the construction and operation of a greenfield crude oil refinery and a greenfield fertilizer manufacturing plant.

“Both projects will produce for consumption in Nigeria and neighboring African countries. The project will allow Nigeria, which currently relies on imported petroleum products and fertilizer, to progressively become self-sufficient and transformed into a major exporter. Ultimately, the project will act as a catalyst to support job creation.”

AfDB said that the projects would add value to local natural resources, double the country’s refining capacity, reduce by over 80 per cent current imports of fuel in the country and eliminate fertilizer imports. The projects are expected to help Nigeria on forex savings of $65 billion through import substitution and provide revenues for government

Chief Executive Officer, Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), Mr. Nanno Kleiterp, with the Group Managing Director, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, when the former visited the bank to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the agricultural sector.

Insurers tackled over minor contribution to GDP ECONOMY Operators in the underwriting sector need to impact more on the economy Sunday Ojeme

F

ollowing the abysmal contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Nigerian insurance operators have been challenged to retool their skills,

knowledge and expertise in order to contribute more to the economy.

President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Fatai Kayode Lawal, made this call on Wednesday in Lagos, during the institute's 2014 International Conference, He said that the choice of the conference theme: ‘Re-dimensioning the insurance industry contributions to the national economy’, was borne out of the Institute’s commitment to providing ample opportunities for continuous professional

education and the need to continuously engage insurance managers in the constructive revaluation of the contributions to the nation’s economy in the ever-dynamic business environment.

Insurance sector currently contributes about 0.6 per cent to the economy.

Lawal said: "The contributions of our industry to the GDP must remain our collective concern. It is clearly illogical for our sector to remain an CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE May 2014 ...............................8% April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 13)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $37.033bn as at 09/06/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 13)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N261.98 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N210.70 Source: CBN

30 BUSINESS | NEWS RISING Thirteen cases of illegal importation were pending in various High Courts in Calabar, Owerri, Benin and Enugu Bayo Akomolafe

T

he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has seized goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N88, 932,485.00 and arrested six suspects for allegedly importing contraband into the country.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Customs seize N88.93m contraband, arrests six suspects Comptroller of the Zone, Mr Victor David Dimka, said this.

He explained that items impounded on the Benin, Calabar, Owerri, Port-Harcourt/Eleme axis and along Agbor expressway in Delta State, include a container load of 294 bales of textile materials with DPV of N18,874,800.00) and three trailers loaded with 1,357 imported rice with DPV of N32,415 mil-

lion. Others are 48 pieces of imported furniture valued at N5, 135,250.00.

He also disclosed that 17 vehicles with DPV of about N24.39 million were seized, adding that the vehicles were confiscated mainly within the Benin axis, in Edo State and Agbor and Asaba in Delta State.

He advised any interested vehicle buyer to endeavour to

contact the closest Customs formation for verification and clearance before payment to avoid possible embarrassment and prosecution if proven that Customs duty was not paid on such vehicles.

The zonal comptroller decried the spate of smuggling in the country despite efforts by the Nigeria Customs Ser-

vice (NCS) to reduce the nefarious activity and warned those still engaged in the act to desist forthwith or be prepared to face the full consequences of their unpatriotic activities if arrested.

Dimka also disclosed that 13 cases of illegal importation were pending in various High Courts in Calabar, Owerri, Benin and Enugu.

Dangote gets $300m loan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

L-R: Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. (Mrs.) Nimota Akanbi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen; and Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, John C.M. Groffen, during the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum, in Lagos.

World confab adopts Amsterdam Cocoa Declaration Siaka Momoh

T

he second edition of the World Cocoa Conference, organised by the International Cocoa Organisation and hosted by the Government of the Netherlands, has adoption the Amsterdam Cocoa Declaration.

The conference, which ran throughout last week at the city’s RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre, attracted over 1,400 cocoa stakeholders from 55 countries and from all parts of the sector, including farmers, traders, processors, chocolate makers and civil society groups.

An exhibition, according to a communique obtained by New Telegraph, featured 50 stands representing various cocoa-related organisations and companies, and a series of interactive sessions organised by various Dutch-based stakeholders broadened the participation even further.

The confab, which also agreed to unlock the potential of the cocoa sector for the benefit of all its actors, called for closer collaboration and alignment between the stakeholders, acting in a co-ordinated manner to pool existing resources and to use expertise within individual stakeholders and initiatives to maximize its impact through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other strategies.

It believes that such an approach would bring about meaningful results, to the advantage of all stakeholders, especially the smallholder cocoa farmers who remain the most vulnerable in the value chain.

The communique stated: “This approach would also ensure that farming, both for individual farmers, and for farmer-based organisations, becomes economically viable, enabling producers to take advantage of market opportunities, while also providing them with decent livelihoods and meeting the growing global demand for cocoa and chocolate products. Efforts should be made to ensure that supply and demand of cocoa and chocolate products grow in tandem and in a balanced way, so that an increase in production does not apply downward pressure on prices."

The conference also agreed on the following recommendations as the next steps, among others, in line with the Global Cocoa Agenda: The establishment of and/or the strengthening of fully inclusive, transparent and participatory Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) platforms is encouraged to design and implement National Cocoa Plans; National Cocoa Plans should give priority to policies that empower farm-

ers and improve their income in a clear and measurable way; National Cocoa Plans should, as a matter of urgency, undertake an inventory of cocoa resources, to assist in the process of productiwon planning and to evaluate the impact of production policies on prices and on farmers’ income .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

insignificant contributor to an economy that is now tagged the largest in Africa following the rebasing of the country’s GDP. "Therefore the ongoing process of transformation in the agricultural, power, transport and financial services sectors represent the most critical phase of nationhood and beckons on all segments of the economy, including the insurance industry, to be more responsive.

"As an Institute, we have strived in the last one-year to reinforce the platforms for the promotion of an all-inclusive insurance education, which involves widening the horizon of our members through appropriate learning experiences and the development of competences in the critical areas of risk management, financial inclusion and good corporate governance, which are essential for the growth of our industry.

"We have also been privileged to receive greater support and

served as the lead financiers for the loan deal. Eight Nigerian Banks and two from South Africa also participated. They are: Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Ecobank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, UBA Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, FirstRand Bank of South Africa and Standard Bank of South Africa Limited.

The Group also said that it secured a $2.25 billion from the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), for the construction of the refinery.

Dangote’s equity contribution is $3.50 billion. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) supported the project with $305.7 million with interest rate of 7 per cent to be repaid in 15 years Dangote Group also said that land acquisition for the refinery and petrochemical plant is nearing completion.

The company earlier awarded a contract to Engineers India Limited (EIL) for project management consultancy and engineering, procurement, and construction management for the planned 400,000-b/d re-

finery and 600,000-ton/year polypropylene plant.

The refinery project will include a crude distillation unit, single-train residual fluid catalytic cracking unit, diesel hydro-treating unit, continuous catalyst regeneration unit, alkylation unit, and polypropylene unit, EIL said.

A single-point mooring terminal for crude oil and product handling also would be integrated with the refinery, EIL said.

An official timetable for construction and commissioning of the refining and petrochemical project has not been disclosed.

President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, while unveiling plans for the investment in the oil and gas industry said: “As an investor who believes in Nigeria, knows Nigeria well and whose prosperity was made in Nigeria, we have responded to the challenge with our decision to invest $9 billion in a refinery/ petrochemical and fertilizer complex to be located at the OK-LNG Free Trade Zone. This complex will be the largest industrial complex project ever in the history of our great nation.

Insurers tackled over minor contribution to GDP encouragement from the National Insurance Commission in the promotion of the strong benefits of financial inclusion products such as Micro insurance and Takaful Insurance for the benefit of our nation’s critical mass."

Lawal also hinted that the institute's focus on the promotion of insurance education was extended to the secondary and tertiary institutions of learning as a vital step in entrenching insurance in the consciousness of the emerging population as a worthwhile course of study and career path.

According to him, "the foregoing informed the choice of the conference sub-theme: 'Paradigm shifts in insurance education for greater relevance.'

He noted that education “is the bedrock for all human en-

deavours and remains critical for our own sector against the background of palpable public education gap and the less than optimal financial literacy index in our nation."

Lawal pointed out that the inclusion of insurance this year as one of the subjects, which were examined during the school certificate examinations, was a welcome relief and a reinforcement of the inclusion of insurance in the curriculum of secondary education by the Federal Ministry of Education, four years ago.

He said: "I am happy that, as an Institute, we were able to support this bold measure with the production of an Insurance Textbook for Senior Secondary Schools and therefore expect this to become a useful manual for insurance studies across Nigeria.

Pension

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

EMBITTERED Pensioners express anger over state government laws designed to further enrich outgoing governors through mouthwatering benefits

31

‘We are strongly opposed to outrageous state pension laws’

Sunday Ojeme Grievances

T

he hornet’s nest stirred by the rested Akwa Ibom state proposed pension law has refused to die down days after the state leadership backed down from going ahead with it following an outcry that attended the proposal.

Rather than abate, it has stirred more concern as aggrieved pensioners, who find it difficult or at times impossible to access their stipends are calling on state governments with similar laws to repeal them for the good of all.

The pensioners, who expressed anger over the Federal Government’s inability to fully prosecute known and arrested pension thieves in the country, said those at the helm of affairs had formed the habit of protecting themselves financially for life while those who expended their sweat and blood to build the country were being left to die in penury.

NRC pensioners In a chat with New Telegraph, the General Secretary, National Union of Pensioners (NRC chapter), Alhaji Rauf Balogun, said it was wrong for state governors to arrange outrageous retirement benefits for themselves after acquiring almost all that could sustain them for life while in office within a period of just eight years.

Balogun said it was an aberration for a public officer to milk his state’s resources unjustly because he had been placed in a position to design laws for the welfare of the people.

According to him, “These people are regarded as part time officers. They cannot compare themselves with people who have worked in organisations for so many years, say for between 25 and 30 years. There must be a difference in the package between them, so that is why what you earn in one is always bigger than what you earn in the other.

“The gap is always very wide. How can one person who served his state as a governor for may be eight years as the case may be make laws that will further impoverish the people after he had acquired almost everything? A period of eight years is enough for any serious leader to build a standard hospital befitting of world class. Why not do that and make law on how it should be well funded so that tomorrow if you are no longer in power then there would have been a place to get the necessary medical attention.”

He said the pensioners were highly opposed to the laws as they emanate from each states, stressing that it was another awkward arrangement that keep widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

In his words, “If they know that such laws are good for their welfare, then they should realize that it is also good for all the citizens of the state. So instead of making the laws to their sole advantage they should design it in such a way that it would affect all the citizen of the state.”

Afolayan

Balogun

Dakwambo

fara, Gombe and Rivers.

In the case of Lagos signed into law in 2007, any former Lagos governor is entitled to six new cars every three years and a house in Lagos and another in Abuja. A former Lagos deputy governor is entitled to five cars. The former governor and family (spouse and children, both married and unmarried) are also going to enjoy free medical service which has no limit for the rest of their lives.

Another interesting provision is that the ex-governor and deputy are entitled to cooks, stewards, gardeners and other domestic staff who are pensionable among others.

Fashola

Amaechi

NUP President Prior to Balogun’s outrage, the national President of NUP, Dr. Abel Afolayan, had also called for the abrogation of state pension laws.

He condemned in strong term the attempted passage of the pension bill by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

According to Afolayan, "The news of the jumbo pension pay, fashioned out by the Akwa Ibom State Government under the leadership of Governor Akpabio, came as a bombshell that caught the anger of all and sundry, including the impoverished Nigerian pensioners who are groaning daily to access their meager monthly pensions."

He said that it was not only sad but regrettable in a country where scores of pensioners across the states who had served the country with clean records could not access their various forms of entitlements, ranging from short-payments to non-harmonisation of their pensions, non-payment of gratuity and other sundry benefits.

In the same vein, a former banker, Mr. Cyril Orato, who worked with Assurance Bank before it went under, told New Telegraph that he was miffed by the senselessness in the state pension law, which is only a ploy to enrich the governors for life.

He said, “For eleven years I have not received my pension from the bank I worked in before it went under. Then here are people who have amassed all the wealth they don’t even need still creating laws to enable them sustain the theft.

“I believe it is senseless for an individual to go that far with resources that belong to everybody. Nobody is stopping them from receiving their pension but at least it should not come up the way they are going about it.”

The public outcry, which had greeted the pension state laws, has also compelled the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) into exploring the establishment of an independent body to recommend retirement benefits for governors in the country.

NGF’s latest position The chairman of NGF, Chibuike Amaechi, said the forum wouldexamine the establishment of an independent office to make objective recommendations on the retirement benefits of governors.

Apart from Akwa Ibom state, which bill could not scale through at the end of the day, at least four other states have had their bills passed into law with some of the ex-governors already benefitting from the largess.

Lagos State The states are Lagos, Kwara, Zam-

Nobody is stopping them from receiving their pension but at least it should not come up the way they are going about it

Rivers The Rivers State Pensions Law for Governor and Deputy Governor was passed in 2012.

According to the Pension Law, a Rivers former governor/deputy is entitled to a house in the state or anywhere in Nigeria, in addition to a residential house in the FCT, Abuja. There is also provision for three new cars every four years. There will be free medical care for the former governor, his deputy and their families. This covers both married and unmarried children. They are also entitled to a cook, steward and gardener but unlike what is obtainable in Lagos, they are not pensionable.

Kwara In Kwara state, the law stipulates that qualified governors and deputies be pensioned for life without other perks like accommodation, cars and medical allowances. But the State House of Assembly reviewed the law in 2010 and passed a new one during the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Theirs based on the ex-governor’s request, even covers all democratically elected Governors and Deputies of the state since 1967.

Kano Kano and Gombe states are also in the picture. The Kano State Pension Rights of Governor and Deputy Governor Law 2007, was signed by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau. Among other benefits, It also provides for the former governor’s personal staff and another for an officer not below the rank of a Principal Administrative Officer and, CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

32

BUSINESS | PENSION

PENSION Contributions by employers to workers’ Pension Fund Administrators have continued to increase under the new pension law Sunday Ojeme

I

n what appears as a commitment to securing the future of their workers, the managements of leading insurance companies in the country have graciously contributed over N439.37 million to the Retirement Savings Accounts of their workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Leading the pack in this regard is AIICO Insurance Plc with a contribution of N117.83 million.

According to the breakdown from a Schedule of Employers Issued with Cer-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

CPS: Underwriters contribute N.4bn to workers’ RSA tificates of Compliance with Provisions of the PRA2004 as at June 11, 2014, released by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited led the brokers with N43 million.

In the schedule, PenCom issued certificates to 762 companies drawn from different sectors of the economy. The certificate is one of the necessities for bidding governments’ contracts and it is aimed at ensuring that companies comply with the Pension Reform Acts 2004, which mandates employers with five workers to make monthly pension contributions on their behalf and remit same to the pension fund

administrators.

Other underwriting firms that made significant contributions are, Leadway Assurance Limited, N90.35 million; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, N56.68 million; Lasaco Assurance Plc, N29.02 million; Unity Kapital Assurance Plc, N44.04 million; Mansard Insurance Plc, N43.33 million; Custodian and Allied Insurance, N31.41 million and FBN Life Assurance Limited N26.73 million.

Broking firms that also made great contributions are, YOA Insurance Brokers Limited, N10.58 million; Man-Mountain and Company Limited, N5.48 million; Leverage Insurance Brokers

Limited, N2.26 million and Plum Insurance Brokers N867, 781.

The Chairman Pension Fund Operators of Nigeria (PenOp), Misbahu Yola, had recently put the monthly income flow into the CPS at N40 billion ($250 million).

He said the annual projection stood at 25 per cent and that due to exit of some workers from their employments, the projection income for 2014 should be about N500 billion.

He also said integrating the informal sector into the scheme, though a challenge, would improve pension funds greatly, adding that PenCom was working out means of getting people on board.

According to him, “It is not easy because so many things are not in place.

Even the identity issue is a thing that would hinder the smooth take off of the informal sector.”

He said the number of contributors, will continue to grow as more people embrace the scheme.

Head, Research and Corporate Strategy Department PenCom, Dr Farouk Aminu, said as at May, there are about 6.07 million Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders registered in the industry and that the sector has grown it assets to N4.3 trillion as at the end of April, which is closely about $27 billion.

Premium Pension praised for medical intervention

R Managing Director, Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Wilson Ideva, addressing retirees during the Retirees' Forum held recently in Enugu.

Retirees advised on pension plans

A

Financial Planner, with Leadway Assurance Company, Mr Fatoye Paul, has advised retirees to weigh the various pension plans available before making their choice. He said 80 per cent of retirees in the country made wrong choice of pension plan out of ignorance.

Fatoye, who made the assertion during the ``Verification and Enrolment for Federal Government Employees Due for Retirement in 2015,'' said that majority of the retirees go for programmed withdrawal as their pension on retirement because they were unaware of

other plans available.

He decried the unpopularity of the annuity plan, which is a type of life insurance package for retirees in spite of all publicity being done in that regard, saying that majority of prospective retirees were still unaware of the options available to them at retirement.

“We are here to let them know that there are three options. According to the Pension Reform Act 2004, Section 4, there is the option of monthly or quarterly withdrawal on the basis of an expected life span.

The second option is annuity

for life, purchased from a life insurance company, licence by NAICOM. And lastly, we have the lump sum withdrawal of not more than 50 per cent of total retirement savings out of which the rest will be either programmed withdrawal or annuity,'' he said.

Paul urged prospective retirees to opt for the annuity because it is a good retirement plan that pays higher than the other options of programmed withdrawal.

He said for annuity, the pay is for life, no matter the number of years the retiree lives.

‘We are strongly opposed to outrageous state pension laws’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

two, a Personal Assistant not below grade level 10 who shall be recommended by the former governor and paid by the state government. There is a provision for a 30- day vacation within and outside Nigeria.

Gombe That of Gombe state will enable the governor have a personal assistant not below level 10 who shall be recommended by him, while his deputy has

one of level 08. In his convoys will be two vehicles which will be replaced every four years and one for his deputy, with two drivers for the boss and one for the deputy.

The ex-governors and their deputy alongside their immediate families will also be entitled to free medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad while the state will also fund their wives trips to go on 30 days annual vacation with 30 days estacodes and travel allowances given to them and

their spouse.

Zamfara In the case of Zamfata state signed into law by the former state governor, Senator Ahmed Sani, the law provides the concerned officers and his predecessors’ pension for life, two personal staff, two cars replaceable every four years, two drivers, two cooks/steward, free medicals for the former governor/deputy and their immediate families anywhere in the world.

etirees whose pensions are being managed by Premium Pension Limited have commended the management of the Pension Fund Administrator for offering medical check-ups for them whenever they move around the country for sensitisation.

The retirees, who benefitted from the exercise recently in Owerri, Imo state, said the screening was important to them as it would pave way for any ailment to be detected and urgently treated.

One of the retirees, Mrs. Edith Okwuaka, while commending the PFA, said “This should be further scaled up beyond the basics. There should be more in-depth tests, analyses and prescriptions to enhance the quality of life of retirees.”

Okwuaka, who was until her retirement the Chief Nursing Officer at the Federal Government Girls College, Owerri, further advised that the programme should include regular advice on the necessary steps towards detecting and managing more serious geriatric health challenges.

She said, “Serious prostrate related diseases which have become rampant could be avoided in men through timely and regular Prostratespecific Antigen (PSA).

Another retiree, who simply gave his name as Ugoeze, described the initiativce by the PFA as highly ingenious and commendable.

A statement by Premium Pension said the medical evaluation carried out during Retirees’ Interactive Forums had been taking place across the country.

Retirees’ Forums are interactive events organised by the company across the various geopolitical zones of the country to essentially identify

avenues of further consolidating and even enhancing the quality of the rendition of pension fund administration by the company. It is also a way evaluating the success of the contributory pension scheme in the country.

Speaking on the evaluation, the Managing Director, Premium Pension, Mr. Wilson Ideva, said, “We are interested in the health status of retirees whose pension is under our management. We want to have healthy retirees that would continue to enjoy their pension for a long time and in good health.”

He pointed out that the programme had served to further concretise the cordial relationship existing between the company and the retirees, majority of whom are on monthly programmed withdrawal.

According to him, “Many retirees now look forward to this medical test organized by our company during Retirees’ Interactive Forums. As a result of the success of the contributory pension scheme, some retirees now look healthier than they were during their working days. They stand to enjoy enhanced longevity if they adhere to the professional medical advice they are getting.”

“Premium Pension Limited has continued to maintain its tradition of ensuring unmatched customer satisfaction especially in retirement.

We now have almost 347 billion Naira under management. We have so far paid almost 63.2 billion Naira as retirement benefits while 13, 350 retirees receive pension every month.”

The Retirees’ Interactive Forums have been conducted in the South West, South South, South East and North West. The North East and North Central will take their turns in the coming months.

Agric

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

threat Consultium of researchers to find solution to banana disease Siaka Momoh

A

n African consortium of international researchers and growers, backed by policy makers in regional blocs of eastern and southern Africa has declared “war” against Panama disease, a highly pathogenic form of the banana Fusarium wilt, previously confined to Asia, but recently introduced to a farm in northern Mozambique.

Panama disease (FoC TR4) is caused by a fungal strain that can survive for decades in the soil, and once introduced to a country, it has never been previously eradicated. Production of Cavendish types of banana, which dominate export markets, and some other local forms of banana, has been devastated across Asia, no thanks to FoC TR4.

Its introduction to Africa, probably by infected planting material, has already had a massive impact on the commercial plantation in Mozambique, and efforts are in place to contain the disease on this farm, to avert further spread and to prepare other African countries against similar incursions, says Dr Fen Beed, Plant Pathologist with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

To manage the disease outbreak and to prepare African countries' reliant on banana for food security and income generation, a stakeholder workshop of the African Consortium for FoC TR4 (AC4TR4) was held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, between April 23 and 24, 2014, on the theme: Development of a strategy to address the threat of FoC TR4 in Africa.

Representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC), The Common Market for Eastern

BUSINESS 33

African groups to address Panama threat on banana

Ripe banana

and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPO), IITA, Bioversity International, Stellenbosch University, national research organisations, and commercial growers participated.

Recommendations from the workshop have now been harmonised. A major output has been “The Stellenbosch Declaration on addressing

the threat of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FoC TR4) to banana production in Africa,” convened by SADC and COMESA, signed by member-states and endorsing institutions.

This unique declaration aims to combine forces to curtail the introduction and spread of FoC TR4 in Africa and in particular to achieve the following: • Fully develop and implement a continental strategy under the direction of an African FoC TR4 task force to contain the incursion of FoC TR4 in the Nampula province of Mo-

zambique and prevent similar incursions elsewhere.

• Provide and enhance technical capacity on the continent, and to implement and monitor phytosanitary systems, including wider use of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and other matters concerning plant health to address the threat of FoC TR4 in Africa.

• Report and map electronically by means of a web portal any new outbreaks of FoC TR4 in African member states and communicate information on new outbreaks, successful

Students should explore opportunities in agriculture –Aregbesola O

Aregbesola

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has urged undergraduates in the nation’s tertiary institutions to explore the numerous employment opportunities available in the agricultural sector.

He said this in a speech presented on his behalf by his Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Bashiru Ajibola, at the conference on Business Administration and Management organised by the Department of Business Administration, Bowen University, Iwo.

Aregbesola noted that the rate of unemployment in the country had made it imperative for students to develop interest in agriculture, saying that it was a sure way of creating employment, especially for the youth.

According to him, the present administration in Osun State has used the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme to tackle the problem of unemployment, adding that many youths have started developing interest in the initiative.

containment, and prevention initiatives.

• Establish recognition that FoC TR4 is a continental issue that requires coordination and collaboration between NPPOs, RECs, ICPs, research institutions, universities, governments, and other relevant stakeholders throughout Africa by means of regular meetings and consultations.

• Develop and apply appropriate diagnostic services, provide training, raise awareness, monitor disease spread, and screen banana germplasm for FoC TR4 resistance for deployment by vulnerable banana growers.

• Call upon African and international organisations to recognize and support the activities of AC4TR4 by investing in research, awareness programs, human capacity, and infrastructure development on the continent.

• Develop a regional Pest Risk Analysis document and a set of phytosanitary measures to be enforced by member states to prevent the introduction and spread of Foc TR4 and other quarantine pests of banana.

• Encourage governments in Africa to formulate the necessary legislation and to implement the required activities to protect the crops of vulnerable farm owners against destructive exotic pests.

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Friday, June 20, 2014

What’s happening to Nigeria’s rubber?

Big investors say there are abundant suitable lands in Africa for plantation development (palm oil, natural rubber, amongst others) compared with Asia; plantation land acquisition cost is lower today in Africa than in Asia; cost of plantation development in Africa is comparable to that in Asia, SIAKA MOMOH writes.

A rubber plantation

D

unlop Plc and Michelin Plc were forced by circumstances to shut down operations a few years back. Dunlop has since started importing tyres from South Africa and others of his factories around the world. Its tyres are always on display at the annual Lagos International Trade Fair.

Dunlop and Michelin, like many other companies in the nation’s manufacturing sector, suffered from the inability of the Federal Government to solve Nigeria’s power problem as well as government failed policies.

Closely connected to this Dunlop's problem is the status of the Nigeria natural rubber.

Pamol Nigeria Limited, a leader in natural rubber production in the country, belongs to the Dunlop Group. The company represents the backward integration project set up to ensure adequate supply of raw rubber to Dunlop. That Pamol must have been affected by Dunlop’s predicament amount to saying the obvious.

Emmanuel A Bassey, Pamol’s managing director, at the peak of the issue, described as unfortunate the shutting down of Nigeria’s tyre factories, saying that for them in the business, they would have been happier to see the nation’s natural rubber converted to finished products here in Nigeria for the consumption of Nigerians. But beyond that, he said that it was not going to affect the performance of Pamol as there were still other companies locally and internationally in hot pursuit of the company’s products.

Said he: “The two companies are the major consumers of natural rubber products in the

country. There is the international market for the sale of our rubber. Europe and South Africa are already asking for our rubber. We are getting a lot of enquiries from China. Nigerian market as local consumption is also there. We have a couple of factories in Lagos and in Kano that we sell to, factories that need rubber for making shoe soles and carpets.”

Agreed, but to start exporting our rubber now instead of converting it to finished products here is retrogressive. This means we are moving many steps back to those slavish ages that we dread so much. Must we continue to be exporters of primary products? The other sources of sale of raw rubber locally listed by Bassey are, if anything, minimal and as such of no marked effect.

Nigerian raw rubber The deteriorating state of the rubber industry in Nigeria is another sad specter of how bad things have gone in this country over the decades.

Just like the oil palm, among many other agricultural commodities that formed the main economic base of Nigeria prior to discovery of oil, natural rubber held great promises for the economy of the country. Then the country could boast of several active rubber plantations across several states of the country notably in the states of the south-west, south-east and south-south. These estates were owned by major players like state governments, companies and even small holder farmers.

Then also the total hectare covered across the country stood at about 144,199 with the estates

having a total of 48,199 hectares or 33.4 per cent and the smallholding farmers 96,000 hectares or 66.6 per cent of the total.

Production volume down To be precise, Nigeria’s annual production output of natural rubber is now a shadow of its old self with Nigeria producing 46,000 metric tons in 2007 as against 113,479 metric tons the country was producing before oil exploration and sale became the country’s focus in 1959. Nigeria’s annual production output has thus fallen by 59.5 per cent.

Aged trees The most worrisome thing about the rubber industry in Nigeria is that there is not much tree planting or replanting going on in the country. The reason why this is not happening is that the cost of doing this is not affordable to most people that would have been in it. Rubber is more of a smallholder type of business. In most countries of the world that are doing well in it, it is the smallholders that are more in it than commercial outfits.

The deteriorating state of the rubber industry in Nigeria is another sad specter of how bad things have gone in this country over the decades

But in Nigeria, the bulk of production comes from commercial outfits. Even if the smallholder farmers want to plant or replant, it is usually too expensive for them that they cannot afford it, the long gestation period for rubber of between seven and nine years does not encourage the smallholders from embarking on the long and tortuous investment of natural rubber production.

Nobody is ready to put money down and wait for a long time. We don’t have long term funding facilities in our country. And again the rate is high. Moratorium is usually 24 months; meanwhile it takes 7-8 years for this thing to go into production. Investors in rubber business cannot survive under such a scenario, analysts argue.

Nigeria had its best production year in 1997 when it produced 150,000 metric tons but ever since production has dropped to less than half of that performance to about 42,000 metric tons in 2002. In 2003 Nigeria produced 38,000 metric tons, 2004- 45,000 metric tons, 2005- 41,000, 2006- 44,000 and 46,000 metric tons in 2007.

But contrary to the fluctuating Nigerian production condition, the world production rate of natural rubber has continued to grow. In 2002, productions were 7.327-million metric tons, 8.033-million metric tons in 2003 and 8.756 million metric tons in 2004. In 2005 it rose to 8.905 million metric tons, its highest ever production level.

It however dropped 9.697 million metric tons in 2006 and in 2007 rose again to 9.7 million CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

‘Cocoa production not good enough'

P

roduction in the world’s top grower of the key chocolate ingredient is booming, but rising consumption in Asian countries and the mounting threat of El Niño later this year are combining to send prices higher, regardless, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Ivory Coast, the world’s No. one cocoa producer, will likely reap a harvest of around 1.8 million metric tons during the 2014-15 season that begins on October 1, an official at the country’s Agriculture Ministry said at the World Cocoa Conference in Amsterdam during this week. That would mark a second year of record yields.

West Africa saw beneficial weather conditions for the cultivation of the cocoa crop, and the London-based International Cocoa Organisation revised its forecast for the current season to a global supply surplus of 30,000 tons, from a deficit of 75,000 tons. But the ICCO expects a deficit in the 2014-15 season nonetheless.

“Everyone thinks there’s going to be a deficit, and they’re planning for it,” said Edward George, head of soft commodities research at Ecobank. “That’s why prices are so high now, because of all those bets people are making” on a shortfall.

Cocoa prices rose to the highest level in nearly three years on Thursday morning, before pulling back in some light profit-taking by investors. The most active cocoa contract, for September delivery, ended 1.3 per cent lower at $3,062 a ton, while the frontmonth July contract closed down 1.1 per cent at $3,085 a ton after touching $3,148 a ton - the highest intraday level since July 2011.

One reason chocolate makers and investors are nervous: El Niño.

Temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are rising, prompting U.S. government forecasters to predict an 80 per cent chance for El Niño by the end of the year.

El Nino is set in motion when winds in the equatorial Pacific slow down or reverse direction.

That warms the water over a vast area and can upend weather patterns around the world.

Laurent Pipitone, economics and statistics director for the ICCO said the weather phenomenon typically reduces global cocoa output by 2.4 per cent in a year that it occurs.

Meanwhile, chocolate markers see demand growing. Mars Inc. expects global chocolate consumption to rise by more than 3 per cent in the 2014-15 season, citing increasing appetite from consumers in China, India and Indonesia. Andy Harner, the company’s head of cocoa, said rising incomes, a greater exposure to Western products and a larger middle class are responsible for the growth.

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

35

Investing in table egg production The profitability of the project is not in doubt; there are living cases of corporate bodies that are currently engaged in this business and they are laughing all the way to their banks every day.

Olumakinde Oni

T

he term poultry in Agriculture is generally used to refer to all domesticated birds kept for egg or meat purposes. Sometimes when we say poultry, we make it synonymous with chicken. This is wrong. Poultry species are chickens, turkeys, ducks, gease, peafowls, guinea fowls, swan, pigeons, pheasants, ostrich and quails. Chicken is the most common of all these species and it is the subject matter of this writeup.

The level of animal protein consumption per individual in Nigeria is very critical. The reason being that not much of attention has been placed on this area. The importance of animal protein in food cannot be over-emphasized. Protein helps in bodybuilding, growth and development of children in terms of bones, teeth and other reproductive parts. Investing in table eggs production is seen as a contribution to the physi-

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

metric tons. Bassey believes that Nigeria can improve on its performance even beyond its peak production of 150,000 metric tons per annum, but added that it will take some time and concerted effort for the country to achieve that.

Ambitious expansion Pamol, a few years back, embarked on an ambitious expansion programme. The company went for more land. It acquired 10,000 hectares of old plantation from the Cross River State gov-

Rubber tapping

cal and mental development of Nigerians, which on the short and long run will contribute positively to the productivity of Nigerians.

With the recent revitalization of the Agricultural credit Guarantee scheme of the Central Bank, individual and corporate bodies can now have access to finance to fund this kind of scheme. In this regard, funding of this project will not constitute any problem.

The profitability of the project is not in doubt; there are living cases of corporate bodies that are currently engaged in this business and they are laughing all the way to their banks every day.

Poultry eggs contain certain vitamins, proteins and minerals needed for the growth and proper functioning of the body.

In an ideal situation, an average person should take at least one egg per day.

This project will, to a very great extent, improve the state of nutrition of Nigerians.

The relative energy and protein conversion of a unit of available meat is also highest for poultry. It can therefore be said that poultry holds a unique position in bridging the protein supply gap whether in terms of rapid turnover or price of feed conversion.

Technical information Poultry eggs production entails the procurement of point of lay birds or day old chicks.

These birds are kept in poultry houses, fed with required feeds

in order to lay eggs on daily basis. Birds domestication involves feeding with very good feed, supply of clean water and keeping the farm clean always by way of regular disposal of their wastes, disinfecting the pens and restriction of foreign bodies from entering into the pens. The only critical input is the feeds. Farmers keeping more than 5,000 birds are always advised to have their minifeed mills so that they can compound their own ration on the farm.

Financial implication Project cost: We are looking at the possibility of setting up a 10,000 per day egg laying farm.

The financial implication is listed as follows:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

N Land and buildings: 5,500,000 Laying birds (point of lay): 8,000,000 Provision for mini feed mill: 600,000 Feeds ingredients: 1,000,000 Project vehicle: 800,000 Utility/others: 1,000,000 Total N16, 900,000 ============

The project cost may be lower or higher depending on the financial strength of the investor.

One can start with lower number of birds and expand over time.

This project will also definitely attract finance from the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme of Central Bank of Nigeria where individual or corporate bodies can be assisted

from N10 million to N1 billion.

Some commercial banks are also well disposed to this project. A well-packaged feasibility study is a pre-requisite to sourcing of finance for this scheme.

This can be provided on request.

Profitability Daily revenue of N160,000 has been computed with operating costs put at N60,000 on daily basis. Monthly net income of N3 million is therefore achievable.

This is, no doubt, a good source of livelihood for Nigerians. Serious minded investors can be assisted in the realisation of the project right from inception to completion.

Author’s contact: olumakindeoni@yahoo.com

Fresh table eggs

What’s happening to Nigeria’s rubber? ernment. Right now Pamol has a little above 15,000 hectares total land out of which it has cultivated about 7000 hectares. The company hopes to plant between 500 -2000 hectares in the next three years after which it intends to do some manufacturing of some rubber products. Available data in the industry show that there is a stiff competition between demand for natural rubber and synthetic rubber with the latter taking the lead.

According to a study by The

Freedonia Group Inc., demand for both natural and synthetic rubber will expand at a strong pace, but the division of the market will remain essentially unchanged, with synthetic rubber continuing to hold approximately 55 per cent of demand and natural rubber holding the remaining 45 per cent.

Prospects Several indices show that natural rubber and natural rubber-related business can thrive very well in Nigeria. A 2007 paper prepared by OLAM International states that both Wilmar and Olam (both are Asian agriculture giants who are in a joint venture relationship) strongly believe that Africa is the next frontier for agricultural production as it offers exciting prospects for setting up plantations and integrated agri-business operations. According to them, “We therefore would like to be ahead of the curve by taking an early leadership position in plantation development in Africa. This is because: there is abundant suitable land available in Africa for plantation development (palm oil, natural rubber, amongst others) compared to Asia; plantation land acquisition cost is lower today than in Asia; cost

of plantation development in Africa is comparable to that in Asia.”

SIFCA Group SIFCA Group, the largest private Ivorian agro-industrial group with current interests spread across Palm, Natural Rubber, Sugar and Cotton Seed Oil businesses, is the largest player in the West African rubber and palm industry, and the second largest player in the Ivorian sugar sector, according to the OLAM paper.

Investment destination This is not all. A report by the International Study Group on rubber (IRSG) predicted that by the year 2020, the gap between the forecasted production of natural rubber (12.5 million tons) and forecast consumption (13.6 million tons) will be 1.1 million tons. And to meet this anticipated increase in demand for the commodity, the group recommended increase in the hectareage under new cultivation and yield particularly under small holding farmers. They revealed that current major rubber producers mainly Malaysia and Thailand are facing land constraints for natural rubber due to severe competition for land

by other crops mainly palm oil, the same with Vietnam, China and India. Therefore, Africa (West and Central) are among the sub-regions to be targeted with an estimated production capacity of 680,000 tons in 2020.

Strong hope is placed on Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon. The forecast for Nigeria is that production would remain static unless the natural rubber industry particularly in the small holder sector is revived.

The problem with Nigeria is the low yield of trees, particularly of unknown pedigree that dominate the small holdings and the preponderance of old trees that have passed their peak of production in both the small holdings and estates, the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) has observed.

RRIN, in its effort to make the cultivation of rubber more attractive said apart from having a well equipped rubber testing laboratory, it has also made appreciable efforts in developing new clones that are capable of producing latex yield of between 2500-3500 kg/ ha/year against the yield of 300-400 kg/ha/year from unselected groves. They have also been able to reduce the gestation period from 9-10 years to 5 – 7 years.

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Agric ministry may be renamed – Adesina REBRANDING The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to bear new name soon

T

he Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is looking forward to rebranding and this is coming with a name change, New Telegraph can confirm.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said at a press briefing in Lagos that the ministry may soon be renamed.

Adesina said that President Goodluck Jonathan is giving

the name change a serious consideration.

He said that there is the need to rebrand agriculture in Nigeria, because branding can go a long way in changing orientation. The minister said that the name change would enable people know that the sector is a collection of different businesses.

Adesina also spoke about opportunities available for the establishment of co-investment and joint ventures between Nigeria and Kenya, disclosing that a meeting has been scheduled to hold on June 30 to discuss how Kenya can do the agribusiness in Nigeria.

The minister has called on the private sector to come up with advocacy groups that

will make investors accept the new face of agriculture and reminded stakeholders about the need not to personalise issues relating to agricultural management.

Said he: “The sector is not mine; it is where it is as result of the collective effort from you all. You will realise that there will be a huge difference when you all keep talking about the difference you intend to see in the agricultural sector.”

The minister charged the private sector to be factual and progressive in its engagement on issues. “You should be able to get Nigerians to understand how things have changed, why things have changed and the direction we need to go in the sector, ”Adesina advised.

The Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NAG) after a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, in Lagos recently

Varsity trains 120 farmers in Ogun Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Agricultural Media ReT(AMREC) sources and Extension Centre of the Federal Univer-

sity of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has empowered no fewer than 120 farmers with skills in integrated agriculture, value addition and marketing of agricultural products as well as agricultural financing.

The empowerment was implemented during a pre-season training organised for farmers drawn from the four agricultural zones of Ogun State.

Coordinated by the AMREC Director, Professor Carolyn Afolami, the event was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Felix Salako, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole; and General Manager, Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), Mr. Samuel Adeogun.

Others were the representative of the General Manager, Ogun State Agro Services Corporation; representative of the Justice Development and Peace Mission (JDPM), Mr. Oluwafisayo Adesanya; representative of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), and farmers’ representatives.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor expressed delight at the theme of the training, “Integrated agriculture for the promotion of food security,” which, he said, will assist farmers in combating hunger and poverty in Nigeria.

He expressed the hope that the training will further strengthen collaboration between the university and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Professor Oyewole opined that training and re-training of farmers is central to enhanced productivity among them and implored the farmers to take

Cargill sees 2013/14 cocoa deficit A

gribusiness Cargill expects a global cocoa deficit in 2013/14 with potential for another to follow in the coming year, its president of cocoa and chocolate told Reuters.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Cocoa Conference in Amsterdam, Jos de Loor said that Cargill expects a smaller 2013/14 deficit than the 75,000 ton shortfall forecast by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), but declined to give an exact figure.

Expectations of a cocoa deficit have helped push up cocoa prices this year, with ICE cocoa hitting a near three-year peak of $3,119 per ton penultimate Thursday.

If cocoa prices remain at these levels or higher into 2014/15, he said: "there is a price elasticity question there."

After several years of chocolate consumption growth above the historical trend of 2 to 3 per cent, de Loor said that the pace

of growth was expected to slow.

"In 2014/15 we will see a decrease compared to where we were over the last couple of years," said de Loor.

"We are still positive about consumption long term; we think that we will continue to grow at 2 to 3 percent."

Cargill is one of the world's top cocoa processors.

Processing margins have come under pressure in recent months, partly due to firm prices on the physical cocoa market, causing some processors reduce their factory operations. There's also an ongoing issue of global overcapacity.

"Processing margins have been going down, that's clear," de Loor said. "You already see some response."

The profitability of cocoa processors depends on the combined cocoa ratio, which is based on sales prices for cocoa butter and powder relative to bean prices.

When a cocoa bean is processed it makes roughly equal parts butter and powder.

Cocoa powder demand rose sharply a couple of years ago, driven by emerging market demand for chocolate flavoured products including beverages, ice cream, biscuits and cakes, before high prices choked off demand.

Powder prices are now trading at a historically wide discount to butter.

"I think it would be good if both products are bearing their fair share of the price. It will adjust at a certain stage, the question is when," de Loor said, adding that low powder prices would have a positive impact on demand.

"We expect that the increase in powder demand will be bigger than the increase in butter demand in 2014/15."

Future supply More than half of the world's

cocoa comes from the top two growers Ivory Coast and Ghana.

The biggest growth potential for future supply is in Indonesia and Latin America, de Loor said.

Indonesia, the world's third largest grower, has seen output decline in recent years partly driven by problems with disease.

Cargill shares the general market view that Indonesia's 2013/14 crop will be 400,000 to 415,000 tons, de Loor said.

This is down from around 450,000 tons the previous year.

"Indonesia will have challenges in order to get production up given the trend," de Loor said. "If we look to South America, from a production perspective that is very promising - it's growing in Peru, Brazil and Ecuador."

Cargill's cocoa operation's future growth could come from a combination of acquisitions and organic growth, de Loor said.

"There are many opportunities for us besides growing in cocoa to grow in (industrial)

full advantage of the training to broaden their knowledge base for improved agricultural production and healthy living.

AMREC Director, Professor Afolami, in his speech, said that the centre had started disbursement of short term loans to interested farmers in FUNAAB catchment area.

She observed that the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy was facing challenges which require urgent efforts from stakeholders for its transformation, adding that the training was timely, urging farmers to embark on integrated agriculture in order to benefit from the full potential of combination of agricultural enterprises with a view of alleviating poverty and ensuring food security in Nigeria.

The don stressed the need to have access to high quality agricultural inputs, finances, efficient technologies and proper farm management techniques.

Professor Afolami, therefore, sought the support of various agro-allied arms of governments to make their services available and accessible to farmers in order to improve agricultural production. She noted that the training would be an eye opener for the farmers by building their capacity in integrated agriculture, agricultural seeds production, value addition and marketing of agricultural produce.

At the training, farmers were linked with agricultural inputs service delivery organisations in Ogun State and exposed to modern management of various agricultural production enterprises for increased income and improved livelihood.

The representative of the farmers, Alhaji Oladunjoye Akorede, commended AMRECFUNAAB for organising the pre-season training, saying that it would boost farmers’ production.

chocolate and compound."

In April Cargill's competitor Archer Daniels Midland said it wants to sell its chocolate business.

Asked if Cargill could be interested, de Loor said: "If there are consolidation opportunities we will always look at it, if there are no opportunities but there are opportunities for organic growth then we will go for organic growth."

Earlier this week CME Group confirmed plans to launch a London-based cocoa contract. (ID: nL5N0OQ2WF) De Loor said that as liquidity was crucial to its success and cocoa is a small market it was unclear whether the market could support three contracts.

"It's a relatively small market with a relatively low liquidity and by adding another exchange I don't think that will help to increase liquidity. For all the players in the market liquidity is absolutely key," de Loor said.

FAMILY AFFAIRS FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

NEW TELEGRAPH

37

www.newtelegraphonline.com/familyaffairs

PRINCESS ODUNAYOMI OKE

WOMAN EDITOR

odunayomitide2010@gmail.com 08082592471 (sms only)

T

hough it is the joy of every Parent to see their children excel in life, but it is a pity that some care less about the word being spoken into their children’s lives.

More pathetic is that some even use bad words and call their children terrible names, that one begin to wonder if it will move them at all when some other people do same.

In a situation a Parent looked at his or her child, and said ‘See your life, so you failed the same exam again, I wonder if you can do well in life.’

Such words could go a long way to create a deep wound in the young boy or girl’s heart, and that may pose a future trouble. This is because words ring back long time after they must have been released. So if such a child should fail same or another exam again, he would just conclude in his heart that he is a failure who cannot do well in life; just like the words of his Parent.

Another thing we should know about words, is that once released, they go deep into the system, and start to germinate until they bring forth fruits. Hence, the effect of foundational good words is a positive, vibrant and self-assured individual.

While that of negative words is a negative, ill-mannered and hostile individual. It is therefore imperative that Parents should be careful about the words they use on their children.

It is said that a child showered with praise, love, and encouragement will grow up to see good in everything, and go on in life to radiate love everywhere he/she turns to. Also, a child who was raised in a dysfunctional home or a setting filled with strive and all manner of confusion; will grow up with bitterness, hatred and jealousy.

A parent I counselled with some years ago told me how unhappy she was about her daughter’s class teacher’s opinion about the girl. She said the teacher was fond of using words like ‘Very poor performance,’ ‘Weak attempt,’ and ‘Too bad,’ in her report card. That, she said she complained to her about, and though she stopped writing such demoralising words in the girl’s report sheet; but she continued to pick on the girl verbally. As expected, that gave her a feeling of worthlessness among her mate.

At a stage, they noticed the once vibrant girl started behaving sluggishly in the house. The teacher’s words had eating deep into her, that she lost the Will-power to fight back and prove the teacher wrong about her. So, for long, she remained an average pupil, which means she did not bother to stir up the giant in her.

Whenever asked what she would like to become in future, she would just say ‘A Pastor.’ That was because she had concluded in her mind that at least she did not need to be an outstanding student to become a Pastor.

The situation got the mother really worried, that I had to share Myles Munroe’s story with her. Today, the man Myles is known in many Nations of the World as a very intelligent and highly successful motivational speaker (aside being a Pastor) but he was once rejected as a ‘never-dowell by his mates. Story had it that he received a prestigious award many years ago, and his class teacher who labelled him a dullard, and actually called him a monkey; was one of the people who sought audience to congratulate him.

Open letter to parents I later arranged a separate counselling session with the young girl, and encouraged her to first convince herself that whatever negative thing her Teacher had written or said about her was her own opinion, and not what the Word of God says about her.

Secondly, that she should prove the Teacher wrong by putting in more effort to perform better, as against trying to compete or outshine anyone in her class.

To my amazement, the girl did not only regain her confidence, but she changed the picture the teacher had painted of her, to the one she desired.

She stopped saying she would be a Pastor, to confessing she would be a Medical Doctor. That was welcoming news to everyone, though her siblings were not too sure that could ever be. So each time she said it, they would laugh it away as a mere wish.

But with that determination, she passed her exams and moved on to secondary school. Today, she is 18, and in her third year in the university. What a way to prove your mockers wrong! The beauty of the story was that the mother refused to accept the teacher’s report about her daughter.

Instead, she poured praises on her daughter, and that helped to bring out the best in her.

But, that they should know it is normal to be challenged, but abnormal to be defeated

The question now is, as a Parent, what words do you speak into your children’s lives; even in your unguarded moment? Do you get so angry with your children that you call them bad names? Or do you just wave it away when they report to you that someone is using derogatory words on them?

Parents are hence encouraged to be full of good and positive words for their children at all times, and not only when they impress them, or in Prayers. To make your children the envy of all wherever they turn to, shower them with words of praises at every opportunity. It helps a lot in boosting their morale, and makes them confident as individuals.

CONTINUED on PAGE 38

38 FamilY AFFAIRS | woman to woman

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

I know who I am Odunayomi Oke

got re-united with a friend after we have lost touch for exactly 12years. We exchanged contacts and began talking on phone, but at a time, she insisted I should visit her. It was a very busy period for me, so I kept postponing the meeting until a day I could no more give excuses. It was a mid-week, and ordinarily I would have loved to wear something more serious, but I chose to wear a skater gown. A particular one that sits well on my body and gets me admiring glances any time I wear it.

But it was like the dress lost its magic that day. My friend did not even make any comment along that line; instead she greeted me as if she was taken aback by something. Though she reached out to hug me, but it was very short, and in no way close to a warm embrace.

As I sat down, the first thing she said was, ‘I’m surprised you have changed so much.’ I was about responding, when she continued ‘Is anything the matter?’ I flashed my ever-winning smile and said ‘But I’m very fine! Why did you say that?’

‘Why? It’s because I don’t really like what I’m seeing. In short no one would see you and ever imagined you’ve once been charming. Though I am not saying you are now ugly, but you are not too good either.’ And that was just it! The whole day immediately turned ‘grey.’ She said I am not too good. Really, it got so bad that I forgot to eat all through the day. I mean no woman loves to hear that.

I managed to run through some of the events lined up for that day, but the major things were left undone; because I simply lost the strength to go on.

On my way home, the only thing that ran through my brain was ‘You are not too good.’ ‘Oh, you must be looking old and worn out.’ ’No wonder this, no wonder that.’ Trust that if you leave your mind unguarded, all sorts of junk will settle there.

As I entered my apartment, I dashed straight to the mirror side, and to my dismay I got a shocking picture. The image staring back at me looked tired and worn out, and the face could pass for that of a 60 year old woman.

I screamed, ‘Oh my God, this cannot be me.

You mean I was like this when I left the house this morning? But for how long have I been looking this way without taking note?’

I covered my face and broke down in tears, the tears that had been suppressed all day long. As I lay there on the couch weeping, my mind kept on sending the same message to my brain, ‘you look much older than your age.’ When I could no longer stand it, I jumped on my bed and covered my ears with a pillow as if to stifle out the voice; but that was done in vain. I tossed all through the night and my head ached badly.

The next day, I dragged myself out of bed lazily and was careful not to catch a glimpse of my ‘old face’ in the mirror. I ran a quick bath, but what to wear became another issue, and for what seems like eternity, I kept on changing from one outfit to another, without satisfaction. At a point, I settled for a skater gown with simple embellishment, and went straight for the mirror.

As I stood in front of it, I became bolder and began to speak to the image in it.

‘Girl, do you really look old?’ I paused for a response, stared at the image and began to speak out boldly, almost shouting; ‘I’m dis-appointed in you, do you have to condemn yourself just because of an affirmed statement? Haven’t you heard that no man can make you inferior without your consent? Even if what your friend said was true, will a feeling of low self-worth help in

I

PHOTO: Becky's outfit

What suddenly transformed the old woman I saw in this same mirror just yesterday, into this beautiful damsel before me now?

solving the issue?’

Suddenly the giant in me came alive, and I said to myself ‘Go girl, you’re good in this dress! It shows off your beautiful legs, and sits well on your body. Now wear your hair down, and put some life on your face, and you are good to go.’ Wow, the girl that appeared in the mirror was simply stunning! I mean, what suddenly transformed the old woman I saw in this same mirror just yester-night, into this beautiful damsel before me now?

It is called perception! With that ‘empowerment,’ I faced the day. Everywhere I turned; it was like I got a second glance, though I never bothered to know or check if I truly got any. For, as far as I was concerned, it was my opinion about myself that mattered most. So I carried the picture of the charming girl I saw in the mirror with me all day, and I kept repeating it in my mind ‘Girl, you’re good in this! Even if no one has told you that; just keep it in your mind and let it make your day.’

And it indeed made my day, as I had a very good day, feeling young and adorable.

Things to note l Know who you are. l Constantly re-assure yourself of who you are. l You are as old as you think you are. l No man can make you inferior without your consent. l Your opinion about yourself is superior to any other person’s opinion about you. l You cannot look great on the outside when your mind is painting a picture of defeat on the inside. l As you think in your heart, so you are. l In whatever you are going through, let no negative comment hold you down for more than a second. l And never go through any situation wearing a look that points to depression, it’s in no way attractive; instead it makes one look old and haggard. And sincerely, you don’t need that to make any statement!

Open letter to parents CONTINUED from Page 37

KEY POINTS OF THE LETTER l Tell your children, and mean it, that they are destined for greatness. l Never call them names you will not want any other person to call them. l Encourage, and never dampen their spirits no matter how bad you think they are doing academically. l Discipline them when there is a need for that, but never compare them with other children as a way of challenging them. No! Wisdom is profitable to direct in that situation. l Let anyone, and everyone know you will not be against your children being disciplined in love, when they go wrong; but that you will never take it if they call your children names, or say negative things into their lives. l Aside pointing out to them from the Word of God how unique they are, buy books that will encourage them to aspire to be the best they have been created to be.

CONTINUED ON Page 39

odunayomitide2010@gmail.com 08082592471 (sms only)

FamilY AFFAIRS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Dear Counsellor, I got a job offer with a juicy package which involves a serviced apartment in Abuja, a comprehensive health and educational package for my children and once a month oversees trip. Aside all those, it is a job that will boost my CV, and which I have been waiting for since 2010. But my husband insisted I could accept it only if I was ready to end our marriage of about 9 years. Please what do I do?

I must tell you, this is a very sensitive one and you have to tackle it wisely, as wisdom is profitable to direct. I quite understand what it means to have waited for something, and when it eventually came, you could not go for it; for whatever reason. It could be very painful, but the good news is that it is never the end of good things in life.

Really, your new job is plum and very tempting, but money or material comfort is not everything. Fulfilment in life is much more than what any career or money can give. That is why it is said that success is relative. So, if your husband had said no, to the extent of asking you to choose between the job and your marriage, then there is really little or nothing anyone can do or say.

In essence, I will advise you to put your family first, and consider the many ways your relocation will affect the ties. If your marriage is just nine years old, then your first child may not be more than nine; and probably still in elementary school. I don’t know how many children you have, but one thing I am sure of, is that they must still be children who need your motherly love and presence.

But if you feel I don’t understand, then, you can still try to convince your husband. At least you know him better. So, you may have to sit down with him and let him know how much the job means to you. Even if he does not really care about what the family stands to gain from the package, get him to understand that as your hubby, your career fulfilment should be his pride and joy.

Truth is, some men don’t want their wives to take up appointments that will separate the family, or take too much of their time; but with understanding, that could be sorted out. It’s all a matter of understanding.

Whatever the outcome, understand that we could miss a very juicy offer, but we can never miss God’s plan and purposes for our lives. Don’t struggle, tell it to God and allow Him work it out for you in His own way. All the best!

My first daughter, who completed her NYSC last year, threw a party to celebrate her new job. After, she introduced a particular boy to me as her friend, and I was not too pleased because the boy is from a broken home, just like her. I have told her not to have anything serious with the boy, but she seems to have made up her mind. Please Princess, can you help me explain better to her?

No ma, I cannot help you explain better to her! You are the mother, and in the best position to tell her your worries. But my own worry is that from your words, you have concluded that since the boy is from a broken home, he cannot make a good husband. This, I strongly disagree with. I would have reasoned better with you, if your excuse had been something more solid. But that? No way!

I mean, what exactly do you want me to ‘explain better’ to her? That anyone from a broken home cannot be a good spouse, or that two people (a young man and a lady) from broken homes cannot build a good home together? No, I have never been a fan of that school of thought, and I refuse to be bought over.

Rather, I will keep canvassing that people should give love a chance. I know to some people, love does not exist, but they have their own unfortunate reasons for believing so. Love is real to them who are willing and ready to make it work.

It breaks barriers, and overcomes all storms.

So what I will advise here is that you should try and watch the boy for some time, to see if he has any trait of children

with

39

COUNSELLING Q & A PRINCESS ODUNAYOMI OKE

odunayomitide2010@gmail.com 08082592471 (sms only)

L-R: Mr. Temitope Ogunbanke of New Telegraph, his wife, Opeoluwa and Revd. Benson Odude at the naming ceremony of Praise Ogunbanke in Lagos on Sunday

from dysfunctional homes, or if he was just a victim of circumstances. Another one is, call him and ask him about himself. At least from that, you should know if he is an idea of the man you want for your precious daughter.

Though, sometimes young people in love feel they know what they want, but I agree with you they need be told that adults are in a better position to see what they have refused to see. But that in essence does not mean they should not be given a chance to work things out.

If you could raise your daughter to university level, and she also raised her son to that level, then it shows they were both well raised. So, why should you allow your own past to dictate their future together? If I were you, I would rather pray and allow the Will of God to prevail.

God is never wrong.

Please advise me, my older daughter is begging her father to invite a cousin of theirs over for the long vacation. But the problem is the girl’s mother who has never hidden her hatred for me since day one of my marriage to her younger brother.

So what is your fear here, that the woman could poison her daughter’s heart against you and your children?

Though I don’t have your daughter or the other girl’s age, but one thing about children is that they don’t really have the hearts to harbour evil. Any child you find in such evil must have been raised in a seriously jinxed environment where children are initiated into evil. But a child with a good heart will not follow anyone, even his parents to do evil.

From the details of your story, you are about the girl’s mother’s age or even older. That could be the hitch between both of you. She might not have anything against you, other than the closeness in age. Some women don’t feel comfortable with the idea of their younger brothers marrying ladies older than, or about their age; just because they won’t be able to control or order her around as they like.

I want you to kill the ‘woman’s hatred’ for you, with love for her daughter, and her other children. And ensure that same love flow amongst all the children, and never show to them that there is any love lost between you parents.

If there is really no undertone to your letter, or any harmful reason why you

must not allow her into your home, then maybe you should allow your husband grant your daughter’s request. But if there is anything you know better, then discuss with your husband, but never tell him you don’t want the girl to come to your house because of her mother’s hatred for you.

My husband was recently honoured at his place of work, but I did not go with him because he insisted it was not anything elaborate. Just last week, a boy who had once stayed with us brought a soft copy of the shots taken at the event. And to my surprise a woman was with him all-through the ceremony. I have since printed the pictures out, should I show them to him?

Are you really sure you want my counsel on this issue? Then, I will advise you to give peace a chance. I mean, hear yourself; ‘A boy who had once stayed with us brought a soft copy of the shots taken at the event.’ For what reason? Did you ask him to carry that assignment out for you?

And how did he get the soft copy?

I believe if you are as innocent as you sound in this case, you should have asked the boy what he hoped to achieve by bringing the soft copy to you. Life is full of complexities I agree, but truth is eavesdropper never hear well of themselves. Why worry and lose out in the end, if you can win without worry?!

If you are sure you did not give the boy that assignment, then how are you sure the woman who was with him allthrough the event had not masterminded that just to upset you and cause rancour in your union.

Someone close to me once turned herself into nuts over a similar issue. She turned her home into a battlefield just because she received a call meant for her husband, whereby the lady on the other end threatened to break the man’s marriage if he failed to continue with here.

The true story was that the man had a fling with the lady, and had left her long before that. But she refused to forgive him for that, and vowed to break his home.

Want to know the end of the story; with the intervention of friends, they got to the root of the whole thing, but not until she has added high blood pressure to her health history. So, you have to be very wise in handling issues like this.

If you know his temper is friendly, you could show him the pictures and ask for

his explanation. But if that could mean the beginning of trouble in your marriage, then destroy them and learn how to take up your battles with bent knees.

So you will not be like he who they want to roast, that now went to stand by the fire.

KEY POINTS OF THE LETTER CONTINUED from Page 38

l From the very beginning, let them know life is warfare and not a fun-fare. That should not mean they should expect trouble at every point, but, that they should know it is normal to be challenged, but abnormal to be defeated. l Teach them to see themselves as superior to the best among their peers, though without being proud. That will help them to believe in themselves, grow up with love and healthy competition; as against unhealthy rivalry, hatred and envy, strive and jealousy. l If possible, draw out a daily confession calendar for them. As they confess it daily, it becomes a part of them, and gives them a vivid mental picture of who they are created to be.

See a sample below:

MY DAILY CONFESSION I am a Future Leader, I have a great future, I am born to reign, to excel, to dominate, To be envied, To influence my world positively, And to be a Wonder and an amazement to all, So I am happy God has created me, As a blessing to my generation.

– Copyright, Odunayomi Oke Note: As a well-meaning Parent, Pay the price of love over your children today, so you won’t face the pain of shame tomorrow.

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E X H O RTAT I O N

NEW TELEGRAPH

“BY AL-’ASR (TIME). VERILY! MAN IS IN

newtelegraphonline.com/islam

LOSS, EXCEPT THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND DO RIGHTEOUS GOOD DEEDS, AND RECOMMEND ONE ANOTHER TO THE TRUTH AND

adeolaomoyusuf@yahoo.com 0803 438 0340

RECOMMEND ONE ANOTHER TO PATIENCE.”

FRIDAY JUNE 20, 2014 l 21 SHABAN 1435 AH

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH QUESTION

How can we prepare for Ramadan?

ANSWER The following are 10 ways in which we can prepare for this beautiful month starting from NOW: 1. Voluntary Fasts What better way of preparing ourselves to fast for 30 consecutive days in Ramadan than to fast the voluntary fasts.

Fasting Monday and Thursday: Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet, (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam) would fast would be Monday and Thursday.

He was asked about that and he said: “The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other.” He says: “leave them for later”. (Ahmad; Hasan) Another is to fast the white days (13, 14 & 15th of each Islamic month): Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: “The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said “O Abu Tharr! If you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th and the 15th [these are call the al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]”. (Ahmad, anNasaa’i & at-Tirmithi; Sahih) Therefore we should fast these days in order to prepare for the fasting of Ramadan and even after Ramadan we should continue to do so for fasting will intercede for us on the day of judgement: Rasulallah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection.

Fasting will say: “O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.’ And the Qur’an will say: “I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.’ He (Sallallahu `Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘And they will (be allowed to) intercede.’” (Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih) 2. Reciting Qur’an Allah the exalted says: “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185) Ramadan was the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed so it is the month of the Qur’an. We should devote much of this blessed month reciting the Qur’an.

TO BE CONTINUED

RIGHT Muslim group has insisted that the right to use Hijab is guaranteed by the constitution Stories by Adeola Yusuf

[AL-QUR’AN 103:1-3]

SACK OVER HIJAB

Court to hear Nurses vs Orthopaedics hospital Case July 1 • Govt, MSSN disagree over Lagos Hijab ban

T

he National Industrial Court has fixed July 1 for hearing in a case brought before it by two staff of Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital over their sack.

The two muslim staff have claimed that the hospital management sacked them because they were wearing Hijab while the hospital management also claimed that the applicant were sacked for insurbodination.

The nurses Mrs Fasilat Olayinka Lawal and Miss Sekinat Sanusi, relied on the prescription of their regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria which says nurses should either wear nurse cap or shoulder lenght hijab as contained in a circular dated February 11, 2002 (reference number N&MCN/ CMF/721/1/3).

The circular which was signed by P. N. Ndatsu, Secretary General/Registrar was said to have been sent to all Directors of Nursing and their deputies, chief Medical Directors, chief Executives, and Principals.

The Court is to, among other things, determine whether a female medical employee on the service of the federal government has the right to wear Hijab as part of her uniform.

In the same vein, the last has not been heard on the legal imbroglio between the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government over the ban on the use of hijab (Muslim Veil) in public schools all over Lagos State.

At the Lagos High Court on Wednesday June 18, 2014, counsel to the state government, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) who is the Solicitor-General of the state informed the court that they have filed a counter affidavit against the application of the applicants on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 stating that Lagos State government is against the application of the MSSN and will not negotiate with their counsel outside court.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had initially sought for an out of court settlement when the case opened on may 27, 2013 before the former judge handling the case; Justice Oyewole to give them time to negotiate. A situation the MSSN called unnecessary delay tactics.

The state counsel, barrister Pedro on Wednesday told the presiding judge; Justice Modupe Onyeabo that the out of court negotiation has broken down and he prayed that an

L-R: Lecturer, Sheikh Muyideen Bello; National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams and Fuji Musician, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma during WAP1 ACIATECH Foundation graduation ceremony in Lagos.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

extension of time be granted to the state in order to be able to file a counter affidavit to the application of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria.

Counsel to the MSSN, Barrister Hassan Fajimite, told journalists at the court that the State government wasn’t really interested in the out of court settlement.

“For over a year that the Lagos State government has applied before Justice Oyewole that they want to settle out of court they never met us as lawyers representing the applicants and when they eventually met us recently, on

10

days to the commencement of Ramadan, 1435.

Source: mycountdown.com the letter they wrote through their Attorney-General we realized that the Lagos State government aren’t ready to concede to us our rights”.

Fajimite however asked for a new date for the commencement of proper hearing of the case which he belief should be fully taken.

Justice Onyeabo fixed Tues-

day July 1, 2014 for the CONTINUATION on the case.

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which placed announcement of the case before the National Industrial Court between Igbobi Orthopaedics Hospital and the sacked staff on its website commended the applicant for taking the matter to Court instead of resorting to violence.

National Director, MURIC, Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola commented that MURIC has been at the forefront of advocacy for dialogue to seek redress instead of violence.

21 year-old Muslim student graduates as UNILAG’s youngest medical doctor

A

21 year-old student, Miss Maryam Opeyemi Raji has emerged the youngest graduating medical student at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, during 2012/13 academic session.

The graduand, a devout Muslim and member of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, was very excited about the feat, saying “It’s a favour from Allah that I would be the youngest.”

Parents, family and friends gathered on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 to celebrate her success story. It was a time for merriment, and obviously, she deserved the reception she got, having spent the last six years of hard work at the College of Medicine.

According to her, “It’s my

dad’s dream I become a medical doctor. Unfortunately I lost him at age 8. People around me, especially my mum, nurtured the dream.

She helped me keep the goal, it was very challenging but having her around kept me focused. Luckily for me, I finished my secondary education at an early age, and at 15, I gained admission to study medicine at the University of Lagos. Here I am today, I am being celebrated as the youngest medical student.”

Fondly called A-raji (omo mama) by friends, the former Editor-in-Chief, MSSN, CMUL/LUTH branch revealed the secret of her success story.

She said, “The fact that I am a Muslim is the first gift. As a Muslim, I didn’t engage in acts forbidden by Allah. Acts like drinking

alcohol, clubbing, partying, and engaging in unlawful relationship, among others.

Also, my secondary school, Vanguards Academy was a training ground for me. It groomed me to become what I am today.

“I don’t miss classes, except when it clashed with obligatory act of my deen (Islam). I know the right time to read and I will understand whatever I read through Allah’s mercies. This was made possible through the memorisation of the Qur’an. It makes me to remember a lot of things I have read. These are my secret of success story.”

While dedicating her achievement to Almighty Allah and her late dad, she enjoined Muslim women not to relent in seeking for knowledge.

CRIME

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NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

Activist bows to death after surviving assassins’ bullet Juliana Francis

T

he death of Olatunde Vincent on May, 17, 2014, shocked Nigerians who had closely been following his activities.

Many people knew Vincent as a crusader against crime and injustices, but preferred to be called a human right activist.

He had spoken heatedly against police corruption, torture and arbitrary arrest.

The activist would never keep silent in the face of tyranny and persecution of the innocent.

Vincent lived in Shomolu area of Lagos State and had always done everything within his power to check activities of suspected fraudsters, otherwise known as, ‘EFCC boys’. He had also spoken against cultism, through the print and social media.

He did not only attack youths who took to crime like ducks to water, but he had also zeroed in on suspected corrupt politicians, who he said: “arm youths in Shomolu communities with guns to carry out their deadly deed.”

Due to his inability to keep silent in the face of oppression and corruption, Vincent became the target of unknown assassins.

He had dodged many bullets, with some people calling him, “the cat with nine lives.”

But on October 1, 2013, some suspected cult boys, at the Shomolu area of Lagos State, swooped on him and attempted to snuff out his life.

According to Vincent, the cult boys, numbering over 10, attacked him right in front of his house and even after he dodged series of the flying bullets and took to running for dear life, they pursued him.

Before the war, which the cultists declared on him came to an end; more than six people had been killed, while three persons were injured.

Immediately they fired the first shot at him, right in front of his house, with his petrified wife and child watching, Vincent had dodged behind a bystander, who got shot.

Vincent who relocated from Shomolu after the attempt on his life, recalled: “They just stopped in front of my house and started shooting into the air. One of them just shot straight at me, at point

Vincent

blank. I used the guy who had been speaking with me as a shield. They shot him twice. He was part of their gang. Then I took off, running into my house. One of them pursued, shooting.”

Vincent was chased through three connecting doors, to different rooms, until one of the boys finally ran him to earth in his bathroom. All the while he was being chased; the cultist kept his fingers pressed on the trigger. By the time he finally cornered Vincent, he had just one bullet left.

Laughing gleefully, he shot at Vincent

and smirked in satisfaction as blood spurted from the activist’s body. Vincent slumped.

Vincent said: “I don’t know whether because of the amount of blood he saw that made him, not to check whether I was dead or still alive. But he apparently thought I was dead. I later heard that the bullets they used in the local guns were poisoned bullets. I was not supposed to survive such a bullet. Anyway, he brought out his phone, called somebody and told the person that he had killed me.

That I was dead.”

CRIME QUOTE “No, they (members of Boko Haram) can’t get there (South East); I can assure you of that. We will not allow that to happen.I can’t tell you in any material details about bombs found or not found. All I can assure you is that we are very alert in the South East and we are watching what is going on. I can assure you that Boko Haram cannot come to the South East.”

– Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State.

Immediately Vincent heard the phone conversation, he played dead until his assailant left. Later his wife and children, who had already started weeping, thinking he was dead as a doornail, entered.

They could not believe their eyes when they saw him still breathing, but nursing a bullet wound. He was sneaked out of the apartment and taken to the hospital.

But no matter how much they tried to smuggle him to hospital, some people sighted him and alerted some of the cultists.

“I heard from reliable sources the cultists were popping champagne, celebrating my demise when someone called and told them that I was still alive. An argument started; with some saying it was impossible. They traced me to the hospital where I was receiving treatment and unleashed hell in that street. But they could not gain access into the hospital. I was later transferred out of that hospital.”

Incidentally, Vincent escaped death from his assailants, but he could not escape death on May, 17. The cause of his death is still unknown.

While some said it was as a result of the bullet wound he sustained when cultists shot him, others said he died of cardiac arrest.

The activist was quite popular on Facebook, with many of his Facebook friends’ being alumni of his former school, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. Vincent’s death shocked many, including journalists whom he had become a source to. Friends on Facebook continued to mourn him. The activism in him had reared its head even a day or two before his demise. He was preoccupied with the insurgency in Nigeria and the abducted Chibok girls.

His last post on Facebook, on May, 13, reads thus: “But this country will always amaze one. Why would Dame Patience not weep and say, “Chei God Dey oooo.

“She’s right. Take for instance, in Nigeria; we do not have access to good internet connectivity in our towns and cities, our GSM facilities operate in epileptic frenzy.

The maniac leader of the evil Boko Haram, a sadistic coward could upload a 50 minutes video on YouTube from a relatively unknown forest brought to world attention by the drama of absurd going on in the country. In most Nigerian citCONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Activist dies worrying about Chibok girls CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 4 1

ies, we find it difficult to open the YouTube video links for 2 to 3minutes.

So what we are saying is that our State Security Service cannot locate the internet service provider for the deadly group...If the SSS could trace and arrest those that tweeted photo of the recent jail break in Abuja, why can’t they trace Shekau with all his video uploads and other activities on internet?

“I believe one day those who are the originators of Boko Haram will be exposed because the truth is like a lady hiding her pregnancy; it will come out no matter the cover up.”

A day before that, he had posted: “We all keep on blaming Jonathan for everything.

The ACP will go any length to disparage the man as if they have answers to the series of man-made problems we have had to contend with over the years through bad leadership in which many members of the so called progressives are involved. Take the case of the Chibok girls; Can you imagine girls were left in a school without security and any supervision? WAEC had written the state government on the need for a safer examination venue. A week before the incident, the security details in the school left. The principal of the school left the girls without the knowledge of other staff who apparently where not in school too. The Boko Haram extremist walked over a mile to get to the truck where the girls were loaded into. No body stopped them, nobody asked any question. Nobody called the Police; nobody called the Joint Task Force (JTF). Everybody in that community was a dunce head and like spirit, the girls were spirited away and here we are vilifying GEJ as if the security of Borno State is that of GEJ alone. Security should be the responsibility of everyone.

Are we saying Jonathan should have been in Borno looking after the security of those girls personally? We need to be realistic. Everyone had a responsibility. Until we lay the blame where it ought to be, we will make no progress!”

His death was painful to many of his friends.

Dele Alayande posted: “Painful it is to hear the shocking news of your departure.

I found it pretty difficult to believe. I remember you wished me good bye in January when I was going to school. My expectation is that I will share the news of my successful journey at Ife with you, but only to receive a call last night that you had gone to the great beyond.”

Mooya Lwiindi Mweemba posted: “Vincent, I tried my best to ask whoever I thought would give me information about your death. But my efforts were all in vain. I hope you understand that its time I accepted that you are no more and certain questions will never be answered. I fully accept and thank God almighty for having given me the opportunity to know and learn from you. I won’t ask how, when or why because I want you to rest in peace. And I think it’s selfish of me not to learn to let go, because your spirit will not rest. R.I.P. always in my heart.”

Sunday Aworanti posted: “You were such a good and unique person, misunderstood by some, appreciated by those that really

The 3rd Eye State Police in Nigeria (1) Frank Mba

M

Vincent

Everybody in that community was a dunce head and like spirit, the girls were spirited away and here we are vilifying GEJ as if the security of Borno State is that of GEJ alone. Security should be the responsibility of everyone knew you. Loyal to a fault. You consistently remained committed to that which you believed; not minding whose ox was gored. You endured so much, but remained unbowed till death came. In your own unique ways, you touched so many lives. It’s really a great privilege to have known and shared the experiences and time we had together, Adieu Vincent!”

Ayo Ajayi posted: “What actually happened? If indeed Olatunde Vincent is dead, how did he die? Was he involved in a car accident, was he attacked again, did he just sleep and refuse to wake up? Somebody should be able to provide answers. It’s not enough to post condolence messages and just accept that he is dead. People close to him should be able to offer some clarifications. Deep down, I still don’t believe Livingstone is dead. He can’t just disappear from the face of the earth without any explanations as to how.”

Olatunde Lanre tried to explain to other friends of Vincent, how the anti-corruption crusader died. Lanre posted: “The little information I heard about his death was that he took himself down to the hospital on

that same Sunday, based on the fact that he was feeling not too good. Finally he died at the hospital. We still talked last Friday and there was no sign of sickness.”

Taiwo Michael Kolawole posted: “Livingstone is dead! According to my little understanding, he woke up early on Sunday morning, missed his legs right inside his apartment and fell. He was rushed to the nearby hospital, shortly after he was confirmed dead of cardiac arrest.”

Funso Obahiagbon posted: “Bit by bit, it now dawned on me that you are truly gone!

O ga o! You were a darling to friends but a terror to enemies. Vincent, you dared the dreaded. You damned the consequences.

You shunned timidity, embraced and displayed bravery! Your mission and vision were lucid but difficult to emulate, imitate and appreciate. You were indeed a living stone! RIP.” Oluyemisi Awe-Aina wrote: “Still find it incredible that you’re gone, Vincent. We chatted till 6.09pm last week Friday and your last Friday in this sinful world. You had hopes and aspirations that got aborted suddenly. Your last chat with me that Friday was ‘I pray o’. Sun un re o, omo Awe Olopa/ Adajo ule Agba.”

Olabulo Olalekan Muyiwa: “Pappy, May your soul rest in peace. I never knew you were calling me for the last time, when you called me some days ago. I still don t believe you are gone. Your fight against injustice and oppression will continue to live on.”

Akinsowon Akin posted: “Today is by far the saddest day this year. Hearing of your death was just too painful to bear. We spoke around midnight and you sounded fine. I am in shock right now. You dedicated your life to fighting cultism and societal values. Even when you were shot, you continued to fight.”

uch has been said about State Police. In fact some prominent members of our society – governors, political leaders, law makers and even eminent retired Police officers – have added their voices to the call that now one feels it is no more so golden to keep silent but rather add my own stream to the ocean of perspectives on it.

By way of definition, State Police, alternatively seen as provincial or regional policing, refers to a type of subnational territorial Policing, which is practiced in many parts of the World, notably, the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil and India.

In Nigeria, two broad positions have emerged, viz, those clamouring for the institutionalization of State Police and those vehemently opposed to it and advocating for the retention and strengthening of the existing unitary police structure as enshrined in all the Nigerian constitutions – 1960, 1968, 1979, 1989 and 1999 – with all the attendant amendments which give the Nigeria Police the exclusive jurisdiction of policing the entire country.

Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution for instance states that “There shall be a Police Force for Nigeria which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of the section, no other Police Force shall be established for the federation or any part thereof ” The proponents of State Police contend that there has been a growing level of insecurity in the country arising basically from the inability of the existing unitary Police Force to deliver on its core mandate of providing citizens the basic needs of safety and security, preventing the commission of crime and maintaining law and order in the polity.

While some heap the blame on the doorstep of police personnel, others blame it on the failure of the Federal Government to provide the Police with necessary working tools, training, motivation and the needed manpower to effectively police the nation.

SMS: 08189679439

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Why PENCOM delays N30trn infrastructure investment

BOOST The base line for pension investment in government long-term projects is expected to hit N4166. 77 billion in 2020

the demands of pensioners as at when due, is deterring the Pension Commission of Nigeria (PENCOM) from increasing investment in the nation’s infrastructure from three per cent to 25 per cent of the aggregate N30 trillion pension fund as envisaged by vision FSS 2020.

Head of Financial Systems

Stories by Godson Ikoro and Abdulwaheed Isa KADUNA

T

he choice of the appropriate model that will keep the Pension Fund Administrators liquid enough to meet

Strategic (FSS2020) unit of the Central Bank if Nigeria (CBN), Engr. Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi stated this yesterday at the 19th seminar for Finance Correspondents and Business Editors organi2ed by the Central Bank of Nigeria in Kaduna.

Speaking on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing

Rewane to FG: Focus on FDI, not FPI

he Federal Government Tboosting should concentrate on Nigeria's Foreign Di-

a correlation between FDI and FPI as related to GDP because the two have positive effects on the economy.

The expert contended, that at the moment, the government depended more on FPI, which he added was not good enough because there was less commitment on the part of the investors.

He noted that the portfolio investors could easily move out their 'hot monies' from the system particularly from the capital market at any given time if there was any negative development.

The researcher insisted that it was not so in the case of FDI because investors contributed to the development of the country by creating employment through creation of companies and infrastructure development.

In the same vein, he said that the rebasing of the GDP had shown that the country remained

rect Investment (FDI) rather than focusing on Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), Head of Research and Documentation, Financial Derivative Company (FDC), Dr Afolabi Olowookere, has said.

He made this call at the 19th seminar of Finance Correspondents and Business Editors in Kaduna, organised by CBN, on "Rebasing of Nigeria's economy and Implications for FSS 2020".

Olowookere represented the Chief Executive Officer, FDC, Bismarck Rewane.

Speaking on "Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Rebasing and the Impact on Nigeria's Investment Environment,” he said that FDI would automatically lead to national development.

He averred that, there was

a service-oriented nation instead of being a productive one.

He, however, said that the government should ensure that the country becomes a productive nation, adding that it would create employment for citizens.

Olowookere said debt to GDP ratio with the rebasing would drop and therefore would make government to borrow more.

Consequently, he said that the citizens would have to pay high taxes in the future so that the government could repay its debt.

Meanwhile the StatisticianGeneral of the Federation and Chief Executive of the National Bureau of Statistics, (NBS), Dr Yemi Kale, said that Nigeria had to remain focused and develop the real sector.

The development, Kale said would keep and advance Nigeria from its position as the 26th largest economy in the world.

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

FX

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Offer 163.38

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

N4166. 77 billion in 2020 from a baseline of N 167.11billon” According to him, the percentage of pension coverage ratio of Nigerians adult workforce with pension, which is less than five per cent at 2012 baseline, is targeted to hit 50 per cent. He stressed that that will bring Nigeria at par with South Africa and Brazil.

The Financial Systems Strategy 2020 is a blueprint that will be used in achieving the goals of developing and transforming Nigeria’s financial sector into a catalyst and engineering Nigeria’s evolution into an international financial centre.

The CBN launched the FSS2020 in august 2006 to fast track the achievement of the country’s Vision 2020 propelled by Goldman and Sachs researching 2005 where they predicted Nigeria as one of two possible African countries that has the potential to join the league of the next 11 of the world powers on or before 2025.

FSS 2020 is based on the recognition of the linkage between financial deepening/growth and economic developments.

IFC injects $9.5m in Jabi Lake Mall PARTNERSHIP IFC strengthens Nigeria’s business infrastructure, employment

I

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

and implications for FSS2020, Jokosenumi said that the CBN is enhancing integration with the external financial markets by enabling the PFAs to partner with international counterpart to structure and invest in domestic infrastructure projects.

According to him, the Pension Commission has only invested three per cent out of the over N30trillion stock of pension now available with the commission; stressing that the unit has engaged Pencom to increase the investment to at least 22- 25 per cent by the year 2020 with a proper annuity formula.

He explained that because the stock of money is not adequately invested and put away from the reach of people, that is why some pension funds like the police pension funds and others have been abused.

He said that the apex bank is collaborating with other regulators and key stakeholders to structure and develop products suitable for pension investments.

Going by the strategy of FSS 2020, the base line for pension investment in government longterm projects is expected to hit”

Dayo Ayeyemi

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

43

n a bid to support demand for modern business infrastructure and retail space in Abuja, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a $9.5 million investment in Jabi Lake Mall to enhance its completion.

The project, according to the firm, will help create about 350 construction jobs and 900 long-term, retail-sector jobs.

The $120 million Jabi Lake Shopping Mall is being built on five hectares of land on the Jabi Lake waterfront at Jabi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The construction of Jabi Lake began in late 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015.

Once completed, it will be Nigeria's largest shopping mall with over 30,000 square meters of shopping space. The project's primary sponsor is the Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2. Duval Properties is the joint venture partner alongside Actis.

According to a report from StarAfrica yesterday, the Director, Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2, Ms. Amanda Jean Baptiste, said the investment has demonstrated Actis’ commitment to developing retail destinations and domestic infrastructure in the country.

He said: “Investing in the Jabi Lake Mall demonstrates Actis's commitment to developing world-class retail destinations and adding to the domestic infrastructure in Nigeria, as well as our support for the growing demands of a rapidly changing economy.

He stated that his company’s partnership with IFC would help draw on its expertise in international best practice in the environmental and social aspects of the project that affect property development.

IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, Solomon AdegbieQuaynor, said the involvement of IFC is part of the organisation strategy to strengthen business infrastructure, economic growth and increase job opportunities in Nigeria.

“Our investment is part of IFC's strategy to help strengthen business infrastructure, contribute to economic growth, and increase job opportunities in Nigeria. Actis is a strong partner in this regard, that can also transfer best modern retail practices,” he said.

Jabi Lake Mall will be the largest retail development of international standard in Abuja and create links to the local economy throughout its construction and operation. It will create new sales channels for Nigerian retailers, including local small and medium enterprises. Its construction will provide business opportunities for local suppliers of food, construction materials and services, and will serve as a catalyst for urban development in the area around the mall.

44

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

19-Jun-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.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description 9.20 29-JUN-2014 9.25 28-SEP-2014 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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

29-Jun-07 28-Sep-07 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

9.20 9.25 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

45.00 100.00 535.00 500.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 165.17 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.03 0.28 0.84 2.16 2.86 3.10 3.20 3.95 5.03 5.35 7.61 9.74 14.44 14.92 15.42 16.09

10.31 10.73 10.99 11.66 11.64 11.59 11.59 11.60 11.69 11.68 12.19 12.27 12.75 12.80 12.86 12.99

5.07 10.18 10.33 11.58 11.58 11.47 11.47 11.50 11.61 11.59 12.14 12.22 12.71 12.76 12.80 12.94

99.96 99.55 94.49 102.55 108.15 95.55 94.12 97.20 116.05 81.75 120.40 110.75 114.67 97.91 71.05 80.00

100.11 99.70 94.99 102.70 108.30 95.85 94.42 97.50 116.35 82.05 120.70 111.05 114.97 98.21 71.35 80.30

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 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

4,420.01 Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

***LCRM

Description

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

#

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue 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 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.37 0.93 1.41 2.47 2.84 3.05

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.74 13.65 13.50 13.54 12.57 12.59

95.90 88.46 105.00 97.93 96.41 93.93

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.13 0.32 1.20 0.80 1.10 1.10 2.83 1.66 3.53 2.51 4.29 2.70 2.71 3.09 3.16 5.43 3.22 3.83 6.44 6.53 3.84 3.87

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.02 13.98 15.57 14.21 15.54 14.56 17.16 12.35 13.38 13.35 12.60 12.56 16.34 12.59 12.59 12.70 14.33 12.60 12.90 13.86 13.04 13.55

100.17 99.90 96.70 99.65 98.37 101.17 84.39 102.29 101.68 101.55 104.47 104.25 95.25 104.72 107.44 106.89 101.04 106.23 102.55 104.79 115.62 115.29

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.30 0.50 0.53 0.68 0.99 0.84 2.28 2.35 3.28 2.10 2.06 2.22 2.22 4.26 2.33 2.41 3.53 6.41

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

11.66 16.11 19.62 15.83 12.03 13.62 12.53 12.87 12.59 13.39 14.99 16.72 16.58 12.95 13.82 17.65 13.75 14.65

99.87 98.80 98.72 96.20 100.07 100.54 100.86 102.67 101.03 108.98 102.04 102.64 101.96 103.29 103.95 99.04 106.12 102.39

11-Feb-18

3.65

1.00

12.59

93.13

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 16.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

180.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.95

4.79

110.05

110.95

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.25

4.04

103.23

104.01

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.33

5.21

107.44

108.35

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

Corporate Eurobonds AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.89

3.17

111.71

112.91

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.15

4.27

104.20

105.83

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.22

5.95

99.17

100.20

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.18

6.76

100.20

101.35

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.63

8.23

94.30

95.58

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.15

4.48

113.27

114.53

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.44

6.24

99.21

100.03

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.13

6.72

103.92

105.43

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.96

5.72

102.55

103.53

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

ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

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

FIXINGS Maturity 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.00 10.30 8.00 10.10 9.90 10.20 10.00

Offer Discount (%) 9.75 10.05 7.75 9.85 9.65 9.95 9.75

Bid Yield (%) 10.02 10.34 8.04 10.18 9.99 10.32 10.14

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.6250 12.2885 13.2337 14.1950

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.38

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

10.63

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.80 163.25 163.51 163.93 165.26

162.90 163.51 163.85 164.74 166.44

O/N Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.42

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

14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10

14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

165.17 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

9.74 14.44 14.92 15.42 16.09

12.27 12.75 12.80 12.86 12.99

12.22 12.71 12.76 12.80 12.94

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

110.75 114.67 97.91 71.05 80.00

111.05 114.97 98.21 71.35 80.30

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

4,420.01

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

FMBN

NA

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

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

#

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 45 978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.37 0.93 1.41 2.47 2.84 3.05

05-Aug-14

0.13

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.74 13.65 13.50 13.54 12.57 12.59

95.90 88.46 105.00 97.93 96.41 93.93

1.56

12.02

100.17

Julius Berger to raise N7.56bn fresh funds ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR ABUJA A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

RECAPITALISATION Julius Berger shops for additional funds

Abdulwahab Isa

J

ulius Berger (JB) Plc, one of the construction companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), is set to raise additional N7.56 billion to strengthen its capital base and to tap into new areas of business opportunities.

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE The company's Board of Corporate Bonds Directors Chairman, Air WAPCO Vice A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE Martial Imam Aa/Agusto M. Nurudeen GTB Nil NGC (rtd) made this disclosure Bbb-/Agusto yesterday in Abuja*UPDC at the comA-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS µ

BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

*CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

05-Aug-09

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 pany's 44th Annual General 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 Meeting (AGM).

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 HeBENUE said the fresh funds 14.00 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO enable 30-JUN-2016 the company would LAGOS 19-APR-2017 to10.00 strengthen its ability for 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 strategic opportunities in its 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 future diversification process.

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 “We want to continue 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 strengthening the JB group 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 through diversification of 15.50 ONDOthe 14-FEB-2019 15.50business GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 our and expansion LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 of14.50 opportunities in business 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 fields.

In IIorder to achieve this 14.75 OSUN 30-SEP-2020 13.50 the LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 goal, company recommends KOGI 31-DEC-2020 to15.00 increase its share capital 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 with billion", he said.

15.00 N7.56 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 Julius Berger group posted N7.853 billion profit after tax during the 2013 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCOfinancial 7-OCT 2014 year GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 as13.50 against N6.012billion in 2012.

NGC 31-DEC-2014 Its17.00 earnings per share stood 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 at12.00 N6.72 kobo9-DEC-2015 as against the FLOURMILLS 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14.00

15-Oct-09 14.00 N6.83kobo recorded in year 2012.

31-Aug-10 12.50 Similarly, the group’s turn30-Sep-10 13.00 over 30-Jun-11 rose by 5.5 per14.00 cent from 30-Jun-09 15.50 billion, N201.5 billion to N212.7 19-Apr-10 10.00 reflecting the financial and 30-Jun-10 13.75 strategic progress of JB and 30-Dec-10 14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 its subsidiaries.

04-Oct-11 14.00 The company’s pre-tax prof09-Dec-11 14.50 it rose by 31.4 per cent, from 12-Dec-13 14.00 15.50 N12.314-Feb-12 billion to N16.2 billion.

02-Oct-12 Imam attributed 15.50 the compa22-Nov-12 14.50 ny’s 12-Dec-12 growth to the continuous 14.75 30-Sep-13 optimisation of its14.75 business 27-Nov-13 operational 13.50 procestructures, 31-Dec-13 15.00 dures, and careful 14.50 planning, 31-Dec-13 resulting in greater efficiency 06-Jan-14 15.00 and allocation of resources.

He said that the company has done 07-Oct-11well in the 11.50area of 13.50 that in staff18-Dec-09 training, adding 17.00 2013 01-Apr-10 alone, over 7,000 employ17-Aug-10 10.00 ees were trained in their vari09-Dec-10 12.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

0.32 ous skills. 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 1.20 “A lot has30-Sep-15 also been done 0.80 by 30-Jun-16 1.10 of the company in the areas 30-Jun-16responsibili1.10 corporate social 19-Apr-17 2.83 ty, improved30-Jun-17 health conditions 1.66 for our workers as well as 31-Dec-17 3.53ad30-Sep-18 2.51 hering strictly to environmen04-Oct-18 4.29 tal laws in areas it operates’’, 09-Dec-18 2.70 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

2.71 3.09 3.16 5.43 3.22 3.83 6.44 6.53 3.84 3.87

S

kye Bank Plc has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to provide TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE support for the development Bond ofSupranational Small and Medium EnterAAA/S&P (SMEs) in the IFC country. prises TOTAL VALUE DirecTheOUTSTANDING Group Managing tor of the bank, Mr. Timothy Rating/Agency Issuer Oguntayo, stated this during FGNbank’s Eurobonds the courtesy visit to the Exchange, in Lagos yesterday.

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P He said the bank will continue BB-/Fitch; FGN to encourage SME’s through BB-/S&P BB-/Fitch; provision of adequate funding BB-/S&P that would propel growth and TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE prepare them for listing in the stock market.

Corporate Eurobonds B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC Ithe Oguntayo stressed that GTBANK PLC I bank would leverage growth B+/S&P; B+/Fitch GTBANK to PLCexopportunities in SMEs B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC pand its business activities.

B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC He pointed out that the bank B/Fitch AFREN PLC isB+/Fitch; partnering with DevelopBB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC

ment Financial Institutions and some consultants with international bank to help develop capacity to explore the segment of the business.

He added that the bank is also strengthened its risk management framework to support 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 the business.

“We are looking at other sectors not particularly pubDescription lic sector like the SMEs, which has much business opportunities. We intend to grow organi6.75 JAN 28, 2021 cally, expanding our market, 5.13sectors.

JUL 12, 2018We will playing on all ensure that 6.38 weJUL take right op12, 2023 portunities at the right time.

“Today, the merger of the bank has increased the num11.50 01, 2016 ber of SMEs inFEBour account.

7.50 MAY 19,like 2016 TantaWe took companies 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 lizers and Multitrex from the 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 beginning till they get listed 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 on the Exchange present10.25 APRand 08, 2019 ly; we have quite of 6.25 APR a 22,number 2019

4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

16.34 12.59 12.59 12.70 14.33 12.60 12.90 13.86 13.04 13.55

95.25 104.72 107.44 106.89 101.04 106.23 102.55 104.79 115.62 115.29

2.16 2.76

13.75 14.65

106.12 102.39

1.00

12.59

93.13

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

Fitch affirms Stanbic IBTC ‘AAA'

Ratings has affirmed Fnyitch Stanbic IBTC Holding CompaPlc's National Long-term rat-

ing at 'AAA(nga)' and National Short-term rating at 'F1+(nga)'.

572.90 The affirmation according to Reuters news, follows Fitch's 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.30 rating action on South African 13.17 18-Dec-14 0.50 banks on 17 June 2014, where 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.53 the agency revised 15.00 17-Aug-15 the Outlook 0.68 on Standard09-Dec-15 Bank Group0.99 Lim37.50 06-Jan-11 14.00 1.50 0.84 ited's (SBG)06-Jan-16 Long-term foreign 29-Sep-11 13.00 15.00 29-Sep-16 currency Issuer Default2.28 Rat25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.35 ing (IDR) to Negative 3.28 from 30-Sep-10 13.00 20.00 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.94 30-Nov-17 2.10 Stable and affirmed the rating 09-Apr-11 16.00 8.01 2.06 at 'BBB'. 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 2.22 them09-Sep-11 that are yet to18.00 approach 3.63 SBG is SIBTCH's ultimate 09-Sep-11 16.00 1.00 09-Sep-18 2.22 the market.” parent, with a 53.2 per 4.26 cent 22-Sep-11 14.00 35.00 22-Sep-18 On18-Oct-13 whether the bank would 15.75 3.00 ownership.18-Oct-18 Fitch’s key2.33rat17-Feb-12the stock17.00 2.41 approach market to 0.54 ing drivers 17-Feb-19 - National ratings 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 3.53 raise01-Apr-14 capital for expansion, 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.41 Oguntayo said: “We are a grow180.17 ing bank and we would always need capital but we will assess 11-Feb-13 looking at 10.20the pos12.00 11-Feb-18 3.65 our need, sibility of raising capital and 12.00 it may be in form of tier one he Federal Government’s Issue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) or tier two capital and we are treasury bill yields fell working with our consultants around 10 basis points across to know the time and the kind 500.00 the board at an auction4.95 yes07-Oct-11 6.75 28-Jan-21 of money to raise.” terday after the Central Bank 18-Dec-09 5.13bank is 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.25 alHe noted that the received subscriptions of confident about the successmost 2-1/2 times 01-Apr-10 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 the amount 5.33 ful implementation of its it wanted to sell from pension 1,500.00 tier 1 and tier 2 capital rais- funds and foreign investors. ing project within the year as The apex bank according to 01-Feb-11 11.50 enable 450.00 01-Feb-16 3.89 planned, which would Reuters news, raised N168.28 19-May-11 7.50in exist500.00 19-May-16 5.15 it deepen penetration billion ($1.03 billion), issuing 08-Nov-13 6.00 provid400.00 08-Nov-18 ing markets, while also treasury bills ranging 6.22 from 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.18 ing the avenue for exploring 3-months to one-year.

Total 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 8.63 uncharted and other 300.00 demand stood at N404.32 bil08-Apr-12 segments 10.25 08-Apr-19 5.15 opportunities. lion, with 22-Apr-19 the one-year6.44bill 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00

SMEs: Skye Bank to partner NSE Chris Ugwu

13.98 99.90 he3.29 said.

4.44 15.57 96.70 Earlier, Managing Director 3.23 14.21 99.65 15.54 Mr Wolfgang 98.37 of 4.46 the Company, 3.48 14.56 101.17 Gotsch, collaborated Chair5.59 17.16 84.39 man's announcement of rais1.00 12.35 102.29 ing fresh capital, it was 1.79 13.38 saying 101.68 13.35 an1.80 item authorised by101.55 share1.00 104.47 holders last 12.60 year.

1.00 12.56 104.25

SIBTCH’S ratings are based on parent support.

Nigeria is an important market for SBG and Fitch views SIBTCH as a strategically important subsidiary, underpinned by high integra1.00 with the 11.66 99.87 tion parent group.

5.21 16.11 98.80 Rating sensitivities - na8.71 19.62 98.72 tional SIBTCH's ratings 4.88 15.83 96.20 are sensitive to 12.03 Fitch assessment 1.00 100.07 13.62 of2.63 the willingness or100.54 ability 12.53 100.86 of 1.00 SBG to provide support to 1.34 12.87 102.67 SIBTCH. “At12.59 the current level, 1.00 101.03 1.88ratings 13.39 108.98 the could withstand 14.99of up to 102.04 a 3.48 downgrade three 5.20 16.72 102.64 notches of SBG's 'BBB' IDR as 5.06 16.58 101.96 Nigeria's Country Ceiling 1.35 12.95 103.29 of 2.29 is currently 13.82 103.95 'BB-' four notches 6.11 lower,” Fitch17.65 added. 99.04

FG raises N168bn in treasury bills at low yields attracting 58 percent of subT scriptions, it said on Thursday.

The bank issued 33.26 bilPrices & Yields

lion naira worth of 3-month 4.79 110.05 110.95 bills at 9.9 percent, as against 104.04percent 103.23 the same104.01 tenor fetched at an earlier auction 107.44 5.21 108.35 on June 4.

It sold 50.02 billion naira worth of 6-month notes at 10.38 3.17 111.71 112.91 percent, compared with 10.45 4.27 percent at it104.20 previous 105.83 auction 5.95auctioned 99.1785 billion 100.20 and naira 101.35 in6.76 one-year100.20 bills at 10.39 per 8.23 94.30 95.58 cent, down from 10.49 114.53 percent 4.48 113.27 at6.24 its last auction.

99.21 100.03

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.13

6.72

103.92

105.43

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.96

5.72

102.55

103.53

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

19-Jun-14

The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and **Treasury

model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products,FIXINGS fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) to the FMDQ of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

DTM OTC PLC TermsMaturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR

FGN

7 14 21 Bonds28 35 42 Rating/Agency 49 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 112 119 NA 154 168 203 217 231 245 259 294 308 322

26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 Issuer 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 28-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 11-Sep-14 18-Sep-14 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 16-Oct-14 NA 20-Nov-14 4-Dec-14 8-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 9-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 7-May-15

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

10.00 10.30 8.00 10.10 9.90 10.20 Description 10.00 10.25 9.20 29-JUN-2014 10.20 9.25 28-SEP-2014 10.30 4.00 23-APR-2015 10.25 10.60 13.05 16-AUG-2016 10.30 15.10 27-APR-2017 10.50 9.85 27-JUL-2017 10.75 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.65 10.70 30-MAY-2018 10.75 16.00 29-JUN-2019 10.35 10.35 7.00 23-OCT-2019 10.30 16.39 27-JAN-2022 10.60 14.20 14-MAR-2024 10.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 10.60 12.49 22-MAY-2029 10.40 10.30 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.35 10.00 23-JUL-2030 10.20

9.75 10.05 7.75 9.85 9.65 9.95 Issue Date 9.75 10.00 29-Jun-07 9.95 28-Sep-07 10.05 23-Apr-10 10.00 10.35 16-Aug-13 10.05 27-Apr-12 10.25 27-Jul-07 10.50 31-Aug-07 10.40 30-May-08 10.50 29-Jun-12 10.10 10.10 23-Oct-09 10.05 27-Jan-12 10.35 14-Mar-14 10.15 28-Nov-08 10.35 22-May-09 10.15 10.05 20-Nov-09 10.10 23-Jul-10 9.95

*from the Amortising # bonds, the average is Risk Premium is a life combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums Description Rating/Agency Issuer **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto

1,002.73 1,130.08 656.18 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 2,788.99 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M 3M Outstanding 6M Value

953.07 951.30 756.74 2,661.11

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 Weighting by 20-Apr-12 Outstanding 06-Jul-12Vol

Rate (%) 10.6250 12.2885 13.2337 14.1950

Maturity Date

(N'bn)

45.00 NITTY 100.00 535.00 Tenor 1M 500.27 2M 452.80 3M 20.00 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M 351.30 233.90 600.00 NIFEX 165.17 Current Price ($/N) BID($/N) 75.00 150.00 OFFER ($/N) 200.00 591.57

29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 Rate (%) 10.1227 16-Aug-16 10.3690 27-Apr-17 10.6247 27-Jul-17 11.0737 31-Aug-17 11.3128 30-May-18 12.6870 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 163.1275 22-May-29 163.2275 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

OBB

10.38

O/N

10.63

REPO

Tenor TTM (Yrs) Call 1M 0.03 3M 0.28 6M

Rate (%) Bid Yield (%) 10.42 11.95 10.31 12.60 10.73 13.47

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D Offer 1MYield (%) 2M 3M 5.07 6M 10.18 1Y

0.84 10.99 10.33 2.16 11.66 11.58 2.86 11.64 11.58 :Benchmarks 3.10 11.59 11.47 * :Amortising Bond 3.20 Bond 11.59 11.47 µ :Convertible 3.95 Management 11.60 11.50 AMCON: Asset Corporation of Nigeria 5.03 Government of11.69 11.61 FGN: Federal Nigeria FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 5.35 Mortgage Bank 11.68 11.59 IFC: International Finance Corporation 7.61 12.19 12.14 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 9.74 12.27 12.22 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 14.44 12.75 12.71 O/N: Overnight 14.92 12.80 Company12.76 UPDC: UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Cement Company 15.42Africa Portland12.86 12.80 16.09 12.99 12.94 NOTE:

Bid ($/N)

162.80 163.25 163.51 163.93 Bid Price 165.26 166.56 99.96 170.21 99.55 178.05

Offer ($/N)

Price 162.90

163.51 163.85 164.74 Offer Price 166.44 168.20 100.11 173.81 99.70 185.07

94.49 94.99 102.55 102.70 108.15 108.30 NA :Not Applicable 95.55 95.85 # :Floating Rate Bond 94.12 coupon bonds 94.42 ***: Deferred 97.20 97.50 116.05 †: Bond rating expired 116.35 81.75 82.05 120.40 120.70 110.75 111.05 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 114.67 Bank for Africa 114.97 UBA: United 97.91 98.21 71.05 71.35 80.00 80.30

4,420.01

Issue Date

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 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding Value(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Volume(Bn)

<3 3<5 KWARA >5 NIGER Market

10.02 10.34 8.04 10.18 9.99 10.32 Coupon (%) 10.14 10.41 9.20 10.38 9.25 10.51 4.00 10.48 10.87 13.05 10.57 15.10 10.80 9.85 11.09 9.35 11.01 10.70 11.14 16.00 10.82 10.87 7.00 10.93 16.39 11.31 14.20 11.13 15.00 11.41 12.49 11.23 11.23 8.50 11.34 10.00 11.21

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

0.00

978.35

FMDQ FGN 0.00 BOND INDEX 24.56 17.25 0.00/16.00 Weighting

by Mkt 0.00/16.50 Value 0.00/16.50

35.81 35.75 28.44 05-Aug-09 100.00 15-Oct-09

35.95 40.52 14.00 23.53 14.00100.00

31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13

12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00

6.00 112.22 116.70 Bucket Weighting 66.49

1,304.32

0.36 0.36 17.00 0.28 6.00 1.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

0.37 0.93 1.41 2.47 2.84 Implied Yield 3.05

18.34 36.28 45.38 05-Aug-14 100.00 15-Oct-14

11.65 12.04 12.82 0.13 12.32 0.32

31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18

1.20 0.80 1.10 1.10 2.83 1.66 3.53 2.51 4.29 2.70 2.71

#

Risk Premium (%) 1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 Implied 1.00 Portfolio Price 1.00 115.7205 131.0006 94.7371 1.56 115.2159 3.29

4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78

Valuation Yield (%) 11.74 13.65 13.50 13.54 12.57 INDEX 12.59

Indicative Price 95.90 88.46 105.00 97.93 YTD 96.41 Return (%) 93.93

1,099.11 1,109.26 1,105.18 12.02 1,094.43 13.98

9.9109 10.9263 10.5185 100.17 9.4428 99.90

15.57 14.21 15.54 14.56 17.16 12.35 13.38 13.35 12.60 12.56 16.34

96.70 99.65 98.37 101.17 84.39 102.29 101.68 101.55 104.47 104.25 95.25

46 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014

Friday, June 20, 2014

Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006

Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at June 19, 2014 Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Daily Summary (Equities)

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems 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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 29 3 33

Current Price 0.50 33.50 36.00

Quantity Traded 500 346,200 5,900 352,600

Value Traded 250.00 11,549,631.93 213,882.00 11,763,763.93

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 3.11

Quantity Traded 599,510 599,510

Value Traded 1,836,747.46 1,836,747.46

952,110

13,600,511.39

AGRICULTURE Totals

Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 CONGLOMERATES Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

53 Symbol AGLEVENT TRANSCORP UACN Daily Summary

No. of Deals 2 469 72 (Equities) 543

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other Published by The Nigerian Exchange © COSTAIN (WStock A) PLC.

Current Price 1.38 4.67 59.58

543

Quantity Traded 2,451 47,950,796 318,072 48,271,319

Value Traded 3,402.21 220,340,460.79 18,856,268.61 239,200,131.61

48,271,319

239,200,131.61

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 1.47

Quantity Traded Page 2,542,769 2,542,769

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 70.87

Quantity Traded 61,700 61,700

Value Traded 4,209,522.00 4,209,522.00

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 17.65

Quantity Traded 267,375 267,375

Value Traded 4,717,810.64 4,717,810.64

2,871,844

12,683,931.90

Current Price 11.26 0.71 180.01 26.00 2.82 165.00

Quantity Traded 81,040 100,000 207,075 68,463 24,977 1,732,446 2,214,001

Value Traded 912,510.40 71,000.00 37,272,966.42 1,805,536.95 71,084.45 286,117,766.54 326,250,864.76

Current Price 91.00

Quantity Traded 31,456

Value Traded 2,869,883.16

Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 CHAMPION BREW. PLC. Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING CONSUMER GOODS COMP. PLC.

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 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. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 Household Durables Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household CONSUMER GOODS Products Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANKon FOR AFRICA PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY UNION BANK NIG.PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES UNITY BANK PLC Banking WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

52 Symbol No. of Deals CHAMPION 2 GOLDBREW 2 GUINNESS 50 INTBREW 10 JOSBREW 5 Daily NB Summary (Equities) 124 193 Symbol 7UP

Symbol

No. of Deals 31

No. of Deals 31

Current Price

1

Quantity Traded 162,615 1,018,120 157,637 1,608,229 1,501,210 600 4,448,411

Value Traded 1,370,223.81 9,709,213.30 12,119,988.99 6,630,338.64 17,290,684.80 11,862.50 47,132,312.04

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 37 65 102

Current Price 81.89 1,050.00

Quantity Traded 100,915 139,567 240,482

Value Traded 7,854,924.38 147,071,482.02 154,926,406.40

No. of Deals 29 1 30

Current Price 4.72 1.44

Quantity Traded 941,552 1,000 942,552

Value Traded 4,303,021.50 1,370.00 4,304,391.50

No. of Deals 40 45 85

Current Price 38.00 50.03

Quantity Traded 484,132 406,753 890,885

Value Traded 18,339,558.94 20,342,178.62 38,681,737.56

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

690

8,767,787 Page

Integrated Oil and Gas Services

Activity Summary on Board EQTY OANDO PLC

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

574,165,595.42 3 of 12

Quantity Traded 1,000 3,321,698 3,351,078 500 200 28,062 400 Page 1,000 113,099 4,782,200 3,588,103 1,465,475 2,007,759 400 600 400 22,158,072 40,820,046

Value Traded 500.00 2,801,787.09 3,651,455.02 250.00 100.00 14,031.00 200.00 4 of 500.00 12 305,732.29 2,486,748.00 3,049,587.55 735,415.25 1,023,957.09 200.00 300.00 200.00 16,188,911.51 30,259,874.80

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services

UNIONSERVICES HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. FINANCIAL Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals 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

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Value Traded 236,092,746.60 48,902,760.69 62,765,768.93 25,042,117.96 667,623,466.90 10,509,753.81 1,273,454.51 108,610,037.13 7,829,747.70 267,750.00 Value Traded 1,797,616.05

407,610,569.89 1,578,325,790.17

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 244

Value Traded 122.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 244

Value Traded 5 of 12 122.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 55 15 377 85 6 24 104 666

Current Price 3.20 3.51 15.41 4.25 0.53 25.25 2.40

Quantity Traded 679,420 569,260 12,174,847 32,932,588 78,500 260,556 7,766,254 54,461,425

Value Traded 2,182,644.49 2,001,413.45 187,575,684.43 139,342,618.10 41,793.28 6,559,123.02 18,386,004.28 356,089,281.05

203,930,214

1,964,675,068.02

2,525 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 5 30 9 20 6 2 72 72

Current Price 2.52 3.00 67.00 1.70 1.25 1.57

Quantity Traded 12,570 1,589,425 102,852 208,728 147,540 31,200 2,092,315

Value Traded 30,198.00 4,754,115.36 6,891,156.64 355,046.90 186,905.16 48,984.00 12,266,406.06

2,092,315

12,266,406.06

Page

6

of

Symbol CWG NCR

No. of Deals Current Price 6 5.21 3 15.20 9

Quantity Traded 152,000 620 152,620

Value Traded 791,920.00 9,895.20 801,815.20

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals Current Price 2 2.21 2

Quantity Traded 52,000 52,000

Value Traded 114,700.00 114,700.00

887,805

1,308,230.65 Value Traded 33,946,126.45 431,781.00 6,070,837.66 13,751,989.73 Value Traded 318,680,657.44 75,000.00 113,250,583.28 486,206,975.56

16

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN Symbol DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals Current Price 51 28.88 3 9.00 22 40.00 58 Current 10.67 No. of Deals Price 42 226.20 2 4.81 87 109.50 265

Quantity Traded 1,179,348 49,630 152,248 1,263,922 Quantity Traded 1,408,811 15,000 1,030,519 5,099,478

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals Current Price 6 1.99 6

Quantity Traded 73,333 Page 73,333

Value Traded 7 144,909.36 of 12 144,909.36

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals Current Price 2 1.77 4 16.59 6

Quantity Traded 8,030 9,065 17,095

Value Traded 13,570.70 153,021.42 166,592.12

5,189,906

486,518,477.04

277 Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals Current Price 71 0.52 71

Quantity Traded 10,477,319 10,477,319

Value Traded 5,398,538.25 5,398,538.25

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals Current Price 435 27.56 435

Quantity Traded 23,306,222 23,306,222

Value Traded 642,115,118.32 642,115,118.32

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price 46 62.23 58 4.17 11 250.01 27 129.00 36 59.44 26 170.51 204

Quantity Traded 382,893 Page 2,051,326 49,345 47,411 264,868 43,779 2,839,622

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals Current Price 17 670.00 17

Quantity Traded 206,147 206,147

Value Traded 137,769,859.00 137,769,859.00

36,829,310

859,093,386.22

Quantity Traded 1,160,578 1,160,578

Value Traded 1,208,572.65 1,208,572.65

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 566,154.00 136,640.00 702,794.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS Activity Summary on Board EQTY PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals SERVICES Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

727 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals Current Price 28 1.05 28

REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

10 4 14

4.98 2.24

115,359 61,000 176,359

Value Traded 23,815,006.49 of 12 8,551,792.70 11,719,930.95 6,260,343.75 15,734,767.90 7,728,028.86 73,809,870.65

8

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded 500 500 Page

Value Traded 250.00 250.00 12 9 of

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST

No. of Deals Current Price 3 0.79 1 3.88 4

Quantity Traded 376,000 1,329 377,329

Value Traded 296,740.00 4,904.01 301,644.01

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals Current Price 2 1.71 4 1.61 15 4.57 21

Quantity Traded 3,012 106,062 591,537 700,611

Value Traded 4,909.56 175,609.82 2,561,455.59 2,741,974.97

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals Current Price 11 0.84 11

Quantity Traded 1,060,763 1,060,763

Value Traded 890,497.89 890,497.89

Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 7 2.54 46 4.80 53

Quantity Traded 23,730 1,676,120 1,699,850

Value Traded 59,754.20 8,076,537.62 8,136,291.82

No. of Deals Current Price 74 Current Price 6.02 No. of Deals

Quantity Traded 2,797,444 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 16,365,297.80 Value Traded

Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 Road Transportation Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Totals Activity Summary onServices Board EQTY Support and Logistics SERVICES CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) AIRSERVICE NAHCO

Symbol CAVERTON Symbol

74

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

2,797,444 Page 7,973,434

206

Daily Summary (Equities)

16,365,297.80

10 of 12 30,347,323.14

317,766,044

4,193,859,061.45

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 640.00 640.00

1

500

640.00

1

500

640.00

5,162

317,766,544

4,193,859,701.45

5,161

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Symbol UNHOMES

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Value Traded 391,715.45 391,715.45

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 R T BRISCOE PLC.

Current Price 0.50 0.84 1.09 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.70 0.52 0.85 0.50 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.75

16,774,872 108,648,499

OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AFRINSURE 1 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 38 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 17 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 1 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS 3 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION 1 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC © LINKASSURE 1 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 7 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 22 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 19 OASIS INSURANCE PLC OASISINS 13 Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE 8 Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS 2 STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STACO 3 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STDINSURE 2 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC 76 Daily Summary (Equities) Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals 215

24.00

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

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

Quantity Traded 24,251,107 7,844,280 4,055,631 12,350,480 22,967,751 3,100,147 545,447 13,565,412 781,911 535,500 Quantity Traded 1,875,961

344 1,643

Quantity Traded 683,185 683,185

Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006

Current Price 9.80 6.30 15.32 2.03 29.70 3.40 2.34 8.03 9.95 0.50 Current Price 0.95

ZENITHBANK

DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

No. of Deals 201 105 93 86 362 (Equities) 76 22 243 73 7 No. of Deals 31

Banking Totals

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY Daily Summary SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK Symbol WEMABANK

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEMon PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY BERGER PAINTS PLC INDUSTRIAL CAP PLCGOODS CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Building Materials

Value Traded 2 2,869,883.16 of 12

Current Price 8.40 9.50 77.00 4.07 11.50 20.78

No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.57 5

ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 31,456 Page

No. of Deals 41 58 37 56 55 2 249

Daily Summary (Equities)

Processing Systems Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006 Processing Systems Totals

Value Traded of 12 3,756,599.26 3,756,599.26

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol COURTVILLE

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.34 1

CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 19/06/2014 ASeM Board Totals Printed 19/06/2014 15:12:06.006

Equity Activity Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Exchange Traded Fund Totals

12

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals Current Price 3 2,002.00 10 18.84 13

Quantity Traded 233 5,462 Page 5,695

Value Traded 466,466.00 11 102,356.84 of 12 568,822.84

ETF Board Totals

13

5,695

568,822.84

ETP Activity Totals

13

5,695

568,822.84

47

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Discrimination: ExxonMobil gets 14-day ultimatum in Eket INJUSTICE Local contractors in Eket, Onna and Ibeno take oil giants to task Tony Anichebe

Uyo

C

ontractors from ExxonMobil host communities of Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna and Ibeno, have given the company 14 days ultimatum to redress alleged discrimination in contracts awarded to them.

The contractors, operating under the auspices of “Joint Core Communities’ Contractors Association,” in a letter addressed to ExxonMobil Manager, Field Operation Procurement, allegedly accused the company of suppressing local

contractors.

The letter, signed by the association’s Chairman, Friday Ebong, and its Secretary, Pastor Godwin Eleazar, described ExxonMobil’s attitude towards local contractors as disdainful and retrogressive.

The letter reads in part: ‘We are competent to handle major contracts both onshore and offshore, but over the years, no meaningful contract had been given to our members.

“In line with the local content law of the Federal Government, we, as stakeholders, deserve a better deal and partnership with the oil company.”

They threatened to employ every legitimate means to cause ExxonMobil address the alleged injustice at the end of the 14 days ultimatum.

“ExxonMobil has the re-

sponsibility to develop and patronise indigenous contractors with good quality contracts, so they can compete with other contractors nationally and internationally,” the contractors said.

The contractors alleged that departments in the company with juicy contracts like maintenance and operations, marine, field maintenance service, construction, purchasing (local and foreign) had completely denied them access.

Others are aviation, joint venture operation, Nigerian Project and Organisation (NPO).

They alleged that the company had been evasive concerning discussion with the Joint Core Communities’ Contractors Association on issues of mutual working relationship.

“All attempts to meet with top management of

ExxonMobil had proved abortive."

“Recently, we were forced to work out of a meeting arranged with the company, when they sent in representatives that cannot make commitment on behalf of ExxonMobil,” the contractors disclosed.

The contractors further said that if their interest as stakeholders was taken for granted by the company, then the company should be ready to face a rough business environment.

When contacted, ExxonMobil Public Affairs Manager at Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT), Mr. Akaniyene Esiere, acknowledged the complaints of the core communities’ contractors.

He said the company was disposed to dialogue with this group of stakeholders in the host communities.

Akwa Ibom cautions against destruction of public facilities Tony Anichebe

Uyo

A

kwa Ibom State government yesterday cautioned against noticeable destruction of permanent remodeling works in the road corridor at Nwaniba Road-Edet Akpan Avenue, popularly known as Four Lane and Ikot Ekpene Road, from Eka Street Junction to Ikot Ekpene-Ikpa Road-UNIUYO and Wellington Bassey Way, all in Uyo. The caution was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who said the ugly trend, if not checked, was capable of undermining the urban renewal efforts of the Akpabio administration.

According to him,

Insecurity: Northern Christian elders hold three days prayer Ahmed Miringa

MAIDUGURI

State chapter of Btianorno the Northern ChrisForum has com-

L-R: Chief executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Ghana, William Derban; Senior Vice President and Africa Regional Head, Accion, Brian Kuwik; Lead Consultant, Thistle Praxis, Ini Onuk; Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, Dr. Ayo Teriba and Chief Executive Officer, Lotus Capital, Hajara Adeola, at the end of the opening session of the on-going Thistle Praxis AR-CSR conference in Tinapa, Calabar…yesterday

Boko Haram: UNICEF intervenes in Borno, Yobe Onwuka Nzeshi

ABUJA

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday said it has scaled up its support to people in conflictaffected communities in Borno and Yobe States.

The intervention in the two North-East states, which are under emergency rule, is to improve health, nutrition, water and sanitation services and save lives.

Since the Boko Haram insurgents launched their violent campaign against the Nigerian government, attacks on health facilities, water points and farms have severely affected local communities and particularly children, in the two states.

UNICEF said it has delivered more than 1,000 basic health care kits to Borno and Yobe States, enough to treat more than 400, 000 people during a campaign this month. The kits were funded by the Bill & Melissa Gates Foundation.

The global organisation is also working to increase from 43 to 65 the number of primary health care centres it supports in the two states. The project integrates health services, nutrition and water and hygiene, with a focus on the most vulnerable mothers and children.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Jean Gough, said the organisation will procure essential medicines, medical supplies and equipment for the health

centres and help ensure the facilities operate six days a week to provide routine immunisation, maternal health services and outpatient curative services.

The project, she said, is targeted at 11,300 severely malnourished children in the two conflict-affected states, in addition to existing efforts to treat 200,000 children in a wider area of northern Nigeria this year.

“UNICEF will further facilitate procurement for the construction of water and sanitation facilities around health care centres and in the communities.

“The humanitarian needs are huge and there are only few humanitarian actors on the ground.

Hundreds of thousands

of people have fled the violence, often after losing their homes and their livelihoods. Access to food, health services and water is a major issue,” she said.

findings by government and its development partners indicate that the green areas, kerbs and sidewalks, have been destroyed by the activities of careless tricycle riders, taxi drivers and hawkers.

The commissioner said it has been noted that “the entire area has become unsanitary and an eyesore on the urban landscape,” noting also that pedestrian bridges are not being used in a safe manner, as school children have been observed climbing over the stairs and parapets.

Consequently, Umanah advised citizens to desist from destroying the public facilities provided at huge costs for the beautification and benefits of Uyo people.

He added that government would not hesitate to punish offenders.

menced a three-day prayer and fasting programme for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls as well as the restoration of peace in the North-East region.

Chairman of the forum, Bishop Emmanuel Kana Mani, at a press conference in Maiduguri yesterday said, “We will, among other prayers, cry to God on issues bordering on our peculiar situation in Borno, principally, on security and for our abducted girls to be brought back and by extension, pray about the situations in the North-East and the kidnapping in the southern part of the country.”

Kana Mani said: “The group is going to call upon God to intervene in our political situation as the country approaches the election year 2015, for a peaceful and successful election.”

He added that their petition would include unity among Christian bodies and peaceful coexistence between Christians and worshippers of other religions, culture and people.

“We will pray and cry to God to have mercy and forgive us our sins and incline our hearts to do what is right at all times.”

The chairman said that by July, 2014, the group will be holding a seminar on “Christian Leadership in the 21st Century,” where it hopes to speak on ‘Political Awareness Among Christians, Economic Empowerment, Unity and Oneness Among Believers.’

While appreciating the government and people of Borno for their prayers, the group said, the good effort of Governor Kashim Shettima, is noted and that the concern exhibited in the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and other security issues are well appreciated.

APC wants Omisore’s assassination story probed Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

sun State chapter of the O(APC) All Progressives Congress yesterday described the alleged assassination attempt on the PDP governorship candidate in the August 9 election, Iyiola Omisore, as doubtful and questionable, saying any story emanating from the Omisore/PDP camp should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The party, in a statement

made available to newsmen in Osogbo by its Director of Publicity, Kunle Oyatomi, however, charged the Lagos State Police Command to investigate the case and establish its veracity.

He said: “Most of the time, violent events of a fatal nature have been staged by these people, who turn around to accuse others of responsibility for criminal activities undertaken by themselves.

“So when they now tell

you of an assassination attempt, it will make a lot of sense to investigate thoroughly to get to the bottom of the story.

“It is not impossible that they are up to yet another mischief with this story.

“The police command should conduct a thorough investigation into the tale of assassination attempt on the PDP governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore, so as to unearth the truth or otherwise of the story."

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WARNING

Civil society group wants Assembly man to go back to business Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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embers of the civil society group, Development Alliance Platform (DAP), in Edo State yesterday expressed their resolve to wade into the lingering political crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers and their counterparts in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state house of assembly.

Speakers at a world

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Civil society, DAP wade into Edo House of Assembly crisis press conference held in Benin frowned at the manner and character of the various political gladiators who have dragged the state to a stalemate in the past three weeks.

Convener of the platform, Comrade Austine Osakwe warned the actors to retrace their steps as the tension and anxiety orchestrated during the period have crumbled business activities and impeded normal legislative proceedings in the hallowed chambers.

The latest move is aimed at bringing both

parties and core stakeholders to a round table towards ensuring peaceful coexistence, guaranteed security of lives and property, thriving socioeconomic, business and developmental activities back to the state.

Comrade Osakwe urged the lawmakers to be ready to return back to the pre-crisis period as peace and development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of rancor, bitterness and political strife.

They warned the lawmakers to seek an alternative dispute resolution

measures in view of the various court orders and counter orders to contain the impasse, insisting that “enough is enough” and that if there is any attempt by the 24 legislators to further drag the state to chaos and anarchy, the people whose mandate they were elected into the house would be left with no option than to ensure their recall to the various constituencies in the state.

He said: “We are on the side of the people.

The 24 individuals were elected by the people to

fulfill the fundamental requirement to represent the people. The people are asking for good governance, good roads, functional hospitals and development in rural electrification and provision of water to touch the lives of the rural areas; lives that are secured and they cannot be accountable either by siding APC or PDP. The house is established to make good laws for man and not man for the laws.

“There should be an alternative dispute resolution; all cases should

be withdrawn. For three weeks the house has been at daggers drawn and businesses collapsed.

Enough is enough. Today, we don’t want to know how they go about it, if they are tired of serving the people they should quit.”

They called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and other stakeholders to speak out against the crisis and avoid outright partisanship which only serve to further polarize the parliament and harden positions.

“We strongly urged the parties to the crisis at the house of assembly to immediately sheathe the swords and embrace peace. In this regard, we recommend a return to status quo. "

Onitsha tragedy: Odumodu goes hard on contractors Onah. O. Onah Onitsha

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n the aftermath of the Onitsha building collapse, the Federal Government has said it would arrest and prosecute anyone caught importing, manufacturing or selling substandard products in Nigerian Markets.

The director general and Chief Executive of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Chief Ikem Odumodu handed down the warning in Onitsha Anambra states after his inspection of the three collapsed building in the L-R: Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Basorun Awofisayo; Federal Commissioner, Dr. Iboko Imo Iboko; Director General, Nigerian Tourism commercial city within Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo and Federal Commissioner, Harry Ezeoke, during a one day sensitization workshop in Abuja. two weeks.

The Director General Tony Okuyeme who blamed the incident on poor quality and sub-stanoncerned about dard materials attributed the alarming widespread growth of cybercrime which ing in close collaboration continue for the foresee- the increase in Computer is adversely affecting na- with all stakeholders to able future because of the based crimes originating tions across the globe, ensure a safer and more fact that cybercrimes are from Nigeria or aided by the National Security secure cyberspace.” particularly lucrative.

Nigerian citizens around Ugo Willies Gombe According to him, exHis words: “They are the world.

Adviser, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki has advo- periences from other ju- generally non-violent “The telecommunicaollowing neglect of the cated proactive approach risdictions have shown crimes, yield high prof- tion and banking indusnutritional needs of chiltowards tackling the in- that success of national its and have relatively try have been the worst dren below five years in creasing global threat. cyber security initiatives low risk of capture. Inci- hit by this menace due Criminals are cashing can best be achieved by dents of cybercrime have to its high dependence 2013 in Gombe State, a in on the fastest growing adopting a coordinated caused extensive loss to on the internet and its Non-Governmental Orgatechnological tools to per- and integrated approach the national economies many online tools. Tradi- nization, Save the Children, petuate the crimes. encompassing Law; Tech- and pose challenging tionally, Nigerian Cyber- has challenged the State Dasuki who was speak- nology; Institutional Ca- threats of cyber terror- crime activities appear to Government to ensure ading at the First National pacity Building; Private ism among nations.” be only limited to money equate usage of its budgetCyber security Forum in Sector Partnership (PPP) Giving an overview fraud Internet based ary allocation.

Lagos, said: “Realizing and International Law of the Draft National Cy- crimes. The recent trend Speaking at the formal the importance of cyber Enforcement Coopera- bersecurity Strategy in of web defacement or hi- inauguration of the Gombe space, the Federal Gov- tion.

Nigeria, the Director of jacking and e-mail scams State Committee on Food ernment of Nigeria has Represented by the Communication, Office has now changed this and Nutrition yesterday, designated cyber securi- Permanent Secretary of the National Security perception. Web bullying the Advocacy and Comty as a national security Special Services, Alhaji Adviser, Ambassador instances are on the rise munication Officer of the priority with the Office Ibrahim Mahe, the NSA Haruna Wando said in the country, especially NGO, Altine Lewi regretted of the National Security said Computers and the that with the growth of with the coming into be- that out of the N50 million Adviser (ONSA) stepping Internet represent mod- Computer technology in ing of social networking budgetary allocations for up efforts towards meet- ern tools used by crimi- Nigerian businesses and websites like facebook the nutritional needs of ing the challenge by work- nals and the trend would personal life, so also is and twitter.

Children in the state, no

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NSA raises alarm over cybercrime, seeks collaboration of stakeholders

Group tasks Gombe on children’s' nutritional needs

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Clement James Calabar

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s members of the Cross River State House of Assembly go on recess, the immediate past Clerk to the House and current State Chairman of the Peoples

‘Why Executive, Legislature partnership succeeds in Cross River' Democratic Party (PDP), Ntufam John Okon has provided reasons why Governor Imoke is having it smooth with the House.

In an exclusive interview with New Tele-

graph in Calabar on yesterday, Okon, who served as Clerk to the House for nine years, said the experience of the governor in legislative business when he was a Senator has impacted positive-

ly on his relationship with the state Assembly unlike in other states where there is friction.

Comparing the present relationship with the House to that of Mr. Donald Duke, the PDP

the incident to some personal greed and acquisition of wealth by Nigerians. He stated that the organization is to liaise with the Anambra state government to properly investigate and supervise the structural integrity of newly constructed buildings in Anambra state henceforth.

According to him, the cause of all the three collapsed buildings visited was largely based on the strength of concrete mixture and mixture ratio.

“Our finding is that our people like buying cheap materials without considering the implication of taking such risk”, the director said, adding: “all these buildings that collapsed are purposely meant for commercial, where people pay rent and live. "

state chairman said although every dispensation has its peculiarities, Imoke has been able to work more peacefully with the Assembly because of his exposure to the Senate.

amount was spent for that purpose.

She has therefore challenged the newly inaugurated Committee to ensure the utilisation of the 2014 budgetary allocation which is about half of last years’ amount on the nutritional needs of children in Gombe State.

She expressed happiness in partnering with the State Government and other partners towards achieving the set goals of ensuring that adequate nutritional needs of children are met in the State, adding that Save the Children has been very interested in working with other partners towards achieving the set goals.

change of nameS I formerly known and addressed as Magdaline Igbokwe now wishes to be known and addressed as Magdaline Ikwuoma. All former documents remain valid, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Reseach and Development, Idu Abuja and general public to take note.

Govt allays fears over heavy security presence TRANQUILITY

Heavy para-military presence is to ensure peace and order Stories by Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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kiti State government has assured the people of the state of adequate security of

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EKITI 2014

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

lives and property before, during and after June 21, governorship election.

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, who gave the assurance in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said security agencies had been adequately mobilised to guarantee peace and order throughout the period of the elec-

tion.

The commissioner urged all law abiding citizens not to entertain fear about the heavy presence of security agents as they were in the state for their general well-being, stressing that everybody should go about their lawful businesses.

He called on all eligible voters to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidate of

93.1%

The number recorded deaths due to cancer The estimated percentage prevalence of and lung disease due to indoor air yearly Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in girls and worldwide. women (15-49 years) of Djibouti in 2006.

Source: Unesco.org Source: Blatantworld.com

their choice. Ekundayo, however, urged them to ensure that their votes were counted in their presence before leaving the vicinity of the polling unit.

He also cautioned politicians and their supporters against engaging in acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order as well as hinder the smooth conduct of the election.

85%

The percentage of the total deaths of women and children due to cancer and lung disease worldwide each year.

Source: Unesco.org

Ex-Speaker drums support for PDP

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ormer Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, has called on well-meaning Ekiti people and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to come home and support the PDP candidate in tomorrow’s poll, former Governor Ayo Fayose.

He said the June 21 governorship election is crucial for the survival of PDP in the SouthWest in particular and Nigeria in general.

In a chat with our correspondent in Ado-Ekiti, Odeyemi, who is also a former acting governor of Ekiti, said every loyal party man must prove his or her worth in this election by ensuring that

Fayemi already preparing for tribunal, says Fayose

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L-R: Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi and former governor and National Chairman, South, APC, Chief Segun Oni, during the final mega rally of the party, ahead of the Saturday (June 21) Election, in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday.

Emmanuel Onani and Wale Elegbede

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s part of measures to ensure neutrality in Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has deployed a new Commissioner of Police. (CP) in the state.

The disclosure was contained in a statement signed yesterday, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police.

According to the statement the new CP, Ikechukwu Aduba, "will

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he forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions in Nigeria has said that lack of financial autonomy is hindering them from discharging their constitutional duties.

The body therefore called on the appropriate authorities to ensure that they are placed on

IG names new police commissioner ...We’re ready, says INEC

function as CP in charge of Ekiti State for the period of the election."

Aduba will replace CP Felix Uyanna.

The development came as the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state said that it is ready for the election tomorrow.

The IGP also ordered the relocation of an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Bala M Nasarawa to the state.

Nasarawa is to be assisted by three other

CPs who, the statement added, "will be specifically saddled with the responsibility of supervising security arrangements in the three Senatorial Districts" of the state. The Police Commissioners are, Danladi Y. Mshelbwala (EkitiNorth), Mohammed Ibrahim (Ekiti-Central) and Augustine Eubakhabokum (Ekiti-South).

This is even as CP Hosea Karma (CP in charge of PMF), "will be charged with the re-

sponsibility of supervising the operations of the Police Mobile Force and other special Strike Forces."

The new security arrangements, Mba noted, are aimed at "ensuring a proper coordination of security operations" in the election.

But the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hussaini Halilu Pai has expressed the readiness of the electoral body, assuring electorates of a free and fair governorship election in the state on Saturday.

'Give state electoral commission autonomy'

first line charge in the constitution.

Speaking during an interactive session organised by the body in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the forum’s Chairman, Justice Afolabi Adeyinka, said the 1999 Constitution that put SIECs un-

der the control of state governors, was the main albatross of the commissions.

Justice Adeyinka, who is also the Chairman of Lagos State SIEC, said attaching SIECs to the apron strings of the executive arm, had eroded

their independence and financial autonomy.

He said: “The criticisms in the press have been that the governors control the SIECs. But why shouldn’t they when the 1999 Constitution has put them under their control?

current public acceptability of PDP and its candidate translated to success in the poll.

He, therefore, commended PDP leaders who are already on ground for the poll.

According to him, it would be a great disservice to the party for any of PDP leaders to stay either in Abuja or Lagos and claim to be supporting the party.

“This is a critical moment for PDP and all hands must be on deck in ensuring victory in the election. If all the leaders stay in their respective towns and communities, this would certainly give them some level of confidence,” Odeyemi said.

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is already preparing to go to the tribunal to challenge the result of tomorrow’s poll.

Fayose, who said all the allegations being bandied by the governor and his party were aimed at preparing the minds of their supporters for an imminent failure in the election, also alleged that some bloggers have been paid huge sums of money to announce fake results on the Internet.

In a release issued by the Director General, Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Chief Dipo Anisulowo, the PDP candidate said Nigerians should be mindful of the antics of the APC, adding that; “The game plan

now is to discredit the election results so as to justify their plan to go to the tribunal to challenge the results and the stateowned broadcast station and Adaba FM, a private radio station in Akure, Ondo State have been positioned to broadcast fake news tomorrow.”

He described as false, the publication by some on-line media organization that members of the PDP were arrested with fake ballot papers, saying; “What simply happened was that the APC gave security agents false information that PDP members were thumb printing ballot papers in a part of the state.

“The security agents stormed the hotel and only found our consultants, who were engaged to train our polling agents. Nothing incriminating was found on them and they were released immediately.”

CNPP, commercial motorcycle operators endorse governor

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he Conference of Nigerian Political Parties in Ekiti State, as well as the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Operators have endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, CNPP Chairman and spokesman of the group, Mr. Tunji Ogunlola, said the step was taken having considered Fayemi worthy of being supported because of his impressive achievements in the last few years.

Other attendees are Chairman of Okada Operators in Ekiti, Mr. Martins Adeyi, the Chairman of Artisans, Mr. Julius Adu, and representatives of some political parties that constitute the confer-

ence.

Ogunlola said the stakeholders declared support for Fayemi on account of the peace that had reigned in the state since his assumption of office, and to give him the opportunity to further consolidate democratic gains to the people.

He urged the electorate to cast their votes for Fayemi, describing him as the best option, considering the development the state has witnessed recently.

“We are therefore declaring that the 21 political parties in the state are in support of Dr. Fayemi’s re-election. So also, my colleagues here from the motorcyclists’ association and artisans are endorsing the candidature of the governor.

50 WORLD | NEWS

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Friday, June 20, 2014

Charles Taylor applies to serve jail term in Rwanda

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ormer Liberian president Charles Taylor has formally applied to serve the rest of his jail term for war crimes in Rwanda, saying his imprisonment in Britain breaches his human rights, his lawyer said yesterday.

Taylor was jailed for 50 years in 2012 on 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity over acts committed

by Sierra Leonean rebels he aided and abetted during the brutal 1991-2001 civil war. He was the first former head of state to be jailed by an international court since the Nazi tri-

als at Nuremberg in Germany after World War II. A motion lodged last week

by Taylor’s lawyers with the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague, where he was convicted, argues he should be allowed to serve his sentence closer to his family.

“Inter national human rights law requires that prisoners be detained under conditions that preserve, to the extent reasonably possible, contact with family members, particularly children,” it says.

Taylor was flown to Britain from The Hague to serve his sen-

tence following a confidential deal made in 2007 after his arrest. He is the only person ever sent by an international court to serve a sentence outside their own continent against their will, the motion claims.

Taylor’s lawyer John Jones told the BBC: “What he has applied for is for the revocation of the sentence to be served in the UK so that he can serve his sentence in Rwanda where all the other prisoners convicted by the special court for Sierra Leone are.” Jones added: “The UK has a duty to ensure family life, not just for him but for his family.

It’s a clear duty under interna-

tional law and English domestic law. “If the UK is unable to make these family visits possible, no matter what he has been convicted of, he is going to serve a 50-year sentence, he has got a right to see his wife and children.”

Taylor’s family, which reportedly includes 15 children, has previously complained about conditions at HMP

Frankland in northeast England, the maximum security prison where he is being held.

“They took him to this prison where high (-risk) criminals, terrorists and other common British criminals are kept and he is being classified as a highrisk prisoner,” his wife Victoria Addison Taylor told AFP last year.”

Spain’s new King Felipe aims to inspire his people

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aking the Spanish throne on yesterday, King Felipe VI sought to inspire his beleaguered countrymen amid troubled economic times and lift patriotic spirits a day after the national team’s humbling exit from the World Cup. “We are a great nation. Let us believe and trust in ourselves,” Felipe said at his swearing-in ceremony. Felipe, 46, became monarch after his father Juan Carlos announced his surprise decision to abdicate. The 76-year-old said he was stepping aside after a four-decade reign so younger royal blood could energize the country.

Felipe, and Spain, face plenty of problems. The country is struggling to shrug off a doubledip recession and drive down its 26 percent jobless rate. Scandals have tarnished the royal family and fueled campaigns to abolish the monarchy, while influential

groups in some Spanish regions continue to push hard for independence.

Appearing self-assured in a dark military dress uniform, Felipe sought to draw a line under Spain’s recent past, promising “a reinvigorated monarchy for new times.”

Felipe made clear that he intends to restore public trust in the monarchy. “Today, more than ever, the people rightly demand our public lives be guided by ... moral and ethical principles,” he told lawmakers, who shouted “Viva el Rey (Long live the king)!” Saying he felt the suffering of those whose living standards were hurt by the economic crisis, Felipe urged Spaniards to shun resignation and unleash their ambitions. He said finding jobs for the unemployed was “a priority for society and the government.”

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor in the courtroom of the special court for sierra leone in the Hague

Egyptian court calls for death Rebels beg Russia for help as fighting rages sentence for Brotherhood leader

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ntense fighting raged yesterday in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russia insurgents said they were losing the battle with government forces and begged the Kremlin for military help.

NATO’s chief, meanwhile, accused Russia of resuming a military buildup along the border designed to intimidate Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been under pressure from nationalists at home who have demanded that he send troops into eastern Ukraine to help the rebels.

But Putin has stonewalled insurgents’ pleas to join Russia and welcomed a peace plan and proposed cease-fire put forward by new Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

That plan, however, requires a secure border between Russia and Ukraine, Poroshenko says and it’s not clear when

that will happen.

Both the Ukrainian government and the rebels said heavy fighting took place yesterday near Krasnyi Liman, just east of the rebel stronghold of Slovyansk, a city in the Donetsk region that has been the epicenter of the insurgency against the government in Kiev. Vladislav Seleznev, a spokesman for Ukrainian forces in the east, said in a statement posted on Facebook that four government troops were killed and 20 wounded in fighting yesterday.

He said up to 200 rebels were killed and hundreds more were wounded in the battle.

That statement could not be independently confirmed. Rebel chief Igor Strelkov, however, said in a statement on YouTube that his men were far outnumbered and outgunned

by Ukrainian forces and were likely to retreat from their

positions in Yampol and Seversk near Krasnyi Liman. He said the Ukrainian military advance would completely cut rebel supply lines to Slovyansk and issued a desperate plea to the Kremlin for military assistance.

“I hope that they have enough conscience left in Moscow to take some measures,” Strelkov said. Russia has dismissed Ukrainian and Western claims that it was fomenting the rebellion in the east, saying that Russian citizens among the rebels are volunteers and rejecting Western reports that it has sent heavy artillery across the border to the rebels.

Denis Pushilin, one of the insurgent leaders in Donetsk, told reporters yesterday in Moscow that the rebels did have a few tanks but insisted they had seized them from Ukrainian forces.

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n Egyptian court signalled yesterday that it wanted death sentences for the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and 13 other defendants charged with murder and firearms possession, when it referred the case to the country’s religious authorities.

Judicial sources said a judge at a court session held at a Cairo police institute had referred all 14 of the defendants to the Mufti, the highest Islamic legal official, who must give an opinion on death sentences before they can be confirmed.

The court’s final decision is expected on August 3.

More than a thousand suspected supporters of Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood have already been given death sentences this year which were referred to the Mufti.

Their cases have provoked outrage among rights groups and Western governments.

Thirty-seven of the sentenc-

es have been upheld, and more than six hundred others are awaiting a final decision. But so far none of the sentences has been carried out.

The court decision came less than two weeks after former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took office as president.

Sisi ousted President Mohamed Mursi of the Brotherhood last July.

Mursi’s ouster was followed by the bloodiest period in Egypt’s modern history, with widespread protests by his supporters and a crackdown by security forces in which hundreds of Islamists were killed and thousands jailed.

The movement emerged after the 2011 revolt as the country’s best-organised political force.

But it has been driven underground and designated a terrorist organisation since Mursi was overthrown. Sisi has said the Brotherhood would cease to exist in his presidency.

Calabar trial: Okagbare makes history, wins 6th 100m Charles Ogundiya Calabar

B Okagbare

lessing Okagbare has won her sixth women’s 100m at the All Nigeria Athletics Championships, as the 68th edition of the championship began in Calabar, Cross River state on Thursday, coasting to the finish

line in 11.06s.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics long jump bronze medalist first won the 100m gold in 2009 at the Abuja National Stadium tartan track where she ran 11.16s to dethrone then reigning queen, Oludamola Osayomi.

In winning her sixth straight blue ribbon title, Okagbare

SPORT

defeated Gloria Asumnu and Justina Sule who came second and third in 11.17s and 11.63s respectively.

Speaking immediately after the victory, Okagbare stated that she was the only woman alive to have made such history winning six consecutive gold medals in 100m at the champi-

51

onship.

“I want to say thank you to God because it is a priviledge to triumph. I saw something in the paper saying I will be the second woman alive to have won the 100m race six times. I want to say that is a wrong impression, I am the only woman to have won it six times straight,” she said.

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

FRIday, June 202014

Fresh crisis rocks Eagles camp lAs three factions reign supreme

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uper Eagles camp is now engulfed in fresh crisis over ethnic lines and loyalty to some influential individual personalities.

Our correspondent learnt authoritatively that an assistant coach of the team is the leader of the northern group in the camp.

The group comprises, the Jos boysMikel Obi, Gabriel Reuben, Ahmed Musa and Ogeyi Onazi.

Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, is said to be bitter that some of the players envy his success in the team and have vowed to deny him passes to get goals.

Some other players, like Efe Ambrose, have sympathy for Emenike to form a caucus in camp.

The recent statement of Coach Stephen Keshi that Osaze Odemwinge did not play to instruction was painful to the Stoke player who is now sulking.

In the match against Iran, our source said the division in the team manifested heavily as the northern group failed to give Emenike any passes.

The captain, Joseph Yobo, is also said to have his own sympathisers who are working towards ensuring the Norwich player hit his 100 caps mark for the team.

“What is going on in the camp is very sad. Players move in groups, hold secret meetings and some don’t talk to one another. It is not a good thing for a national team at all. There are various divisions in the team and it shows during their games,” our source said.

Keshi, it was learnt, is adamant about the development. On his part,

he also displays dictatorial tendencies in the camp.

Only two days ago, it was learnt Mikel Obi and Yobo suggested that the tapes of the match against Iran be reviewed for the players to learn from their mistakes. The coach was said to have turned down the idea, saying it was not necessary.

On Wednesday however, former international, Nwankwo Kanu, visited the camp to meet with all the players to resolve the issues.

After the meeting, it was learnt that the players promised to forget their differences and be united again.

The Nigeria Football Federation is said to be cautious on the development, as the officials fear they could be blamed for the crisis if they wade in.

“Clearly there are three groups in camp, we might have to wait for a few days and also see what happens in the match against Bosnia to determine whether the visit of Kanu has finally resolved the problem in the team. If care is not taken, the problem could degenerate into a full blown crisis that will embarrass the country here in Brazil,” the source added.

It could be recalled that the Eagles of the 90s tagged the golden era went down sharply when some players decided to constitute, ‘mafia’ group to influence happenings in the team.

Nigeria has a crucial match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday in Cuiaba. A win will guarantee a place in the second round, while a defeat will send the country out of the World Cup.

Mikel

Yobo

Emenike

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Friday, June 20, 2014

News Updates

France, Switzerland in battle for supremacy

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he World Cup continues Friday with a vital clash in Group E between Switzerland and France in the city of Salvador.

Both sides have a good chance of progressing to the second round of the tournament after winning their opening fixtures with the Swiss earning a remarkable 2-1 victory over Ecuador, while the French saw off 10-man Honduras 3-0 thanks to a brace from Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema.

As a result, a win for either side on Friday would see them take a big step towards getting out

Karim Benzema scored twice against Honduras. He will be looking to score against Switzerland

Head-to-head France

Switzerland

Matches

38

38

Wins

17

12

Losses

12

17

Drawn

9

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Goals fo

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59

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FIFA ranking

We lacked focus – Robben

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of the group.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and his France counterpart, Didier Deschamps have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the contest.

But the French have the better head-to-head record between the teams, winning 15 games compared to 12 for the Swiss. Meanwhile, there have been nine draws during their 38 previous encounters.

The last three encounters between these sides have however ended in draws, with the last of these draws coming in their goalless affair at the 2006 World Cup.

Mourinho takes swipe at ‘predictable’ Spain

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helsea manager Jose Mourinho has heavily criticised Vicente Del Bosque’s tactics in the wake of Spain’s World Cup exit, claiming they were “predictable, slow and sad” in their games against Holland and Chile.

Mourinho has accused the Spain manager of failing Mourinho to make necessary changes to his team against the Chileans, adding that the world champions continued to make the same mistakes they made against Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side just five days before.

“The surprise is Spain played two games in four days against two teams with the same style (five defenders, a holder and a number ten behind the two strikers) with the same principles. They have not looked at the strategic side of the game, they have accumulated many players in the centre and just Pedro and Jordi Alba have tried to attack through the flanks. The rest have played just through the centre. They have been predictable, slow and sad,” said Mourinho.

“Holland and Chile were very good from a strategic point of view, and Spain couldn’t cope with it in my opinion. People learn how to play against the best teams and when the best teams play always believing that their philosophy is the one, the other people learn.

“For this reason I think there is not much to say, because in the past six years Spain have been fantastic, but this time they have just been eliminated in the group stage. Congratulations to this fantastic and unforgettable team, but this time, they deserve both defeats. They scored one goal just with a penalty and they have zero points and they are already packing to go home.”

rjen Robben feels the Netherlands must improve on their most recent FIFA World Cup showing if they are to succeed in the tournament, after Australia threat- (L-R) Andreas Iniesta, Iker Casillas ened to spring a surprise upset on and Fernando Torres walking off the pitch after losing to Chile them The Dutch had to come from beRobben, who was voted Man of the Match by hind to beat the Socceroos 3-2 in Por- centration,” Robben said. “This should not hapto Alegre, an outcome that clinched a pen during a match. We wanted the confidence FIFA, hailed Australia’s resilience.

“We had to work very hard for the victory,” Robspot in the next phase of the tourna- that we got from the Spain game to carry into the ment but one that also showed how match. We had to realise that this was a whole dif- ben said. “The Australians fought hard as it was precarious a team’s balance can be. ferent game than against Spain. We had to start their last chance. Their equaliser affected us but we were able to react.”

“The first half, we just played re- again, start again from 0-0.” ally bad,” Robben said to nieuws.nl.

“We were just sleeping. We made a lot of mistakes in possession. Actubut it proved to be mere consolaDidier Zokora will however be ally, everything just went wrong, we olombia put themselves in tion for the West Africans, who absent from Tuesday’s meeting weren’t in the game.” the Group C driving seat now need to get a win over Greece with the Greeks after picking up “We had a lack of focus and conwith a 2-1 FIFA World Cup a booking for a clumsy challenge in their final game to be certain of victory over Cote d’Ivoire on on Cuadrado. a spot in the last-16.

Thursday.

Following a first-half that was low on goalmouth action, the match burst into life in the final 30 minutes with James Rodriguez grabbing the opener for Colombia with a powerful header from a Juan Cuadrado corner in the 64th minute, before Juan Quintero doubled the advantage six minutes later.

Gervinho pulled one back for the Elephants 17 minutes from James Rodriguez celebrating Arjen Robben after his goal against Cote d’Ivoire time, with a beautiful solo effort scoring against Australia

Gallant Elephants lose to Colombia

C

Not end of Spain era, insists Del Bosque

V

icente del Bosque will not be rushed into a decision over his future as coach of Spain after their World Cup reign ended in a humiliating first round exit.

Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat to Chile at Rio’s Maracana, which followed a 5-1 rout at the hands of the Netherlands, sealed the fate of Spain who were chasing a fourth successive title to add to their 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European championships.

“This is not the time to reflect on my future,” said del Bosque who insisted that Spain, having grown so used to triumph, now had to learn from adversity.

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Super Eagles Focus Samba notes from Brazil Compiled by Adekunle Salami $800 fare to Cuiaba The forthcoming match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina holding in Cuiaba is a tough one on all hoping to see the encounter live. Sao Paulo to Cuiaba is 1,192 miles and it is over two hours by air. The flight ticket to Cuiaba is $800 while going by road is about 18 hours.

Why the organisers decided to scatter venues is one issue that one cannot comprehend.

The supporters club and some other people arranging for buses are expected to leave Sao Paulo on Thursday night and they are billed to arrive Cuiaba Friday night.

Tough times are here.

Long buses The buses here in Brazil are mini-trains of sort. The buses are like three times of the regular Macopolo buses in Nigeria. I am aware the busses are produced here but they now have many that are joined together. Some come in double deck form while most of them use electricity. As long as the buses are, the drivers also move in top speed and one wonders how the drivers control the vehicles especially when they approach sharp bends in the city. Some cars here also use electricity 90 per cent (battery) and fuel 10 per cent.

Still on language barrier Nigerians and other visitors here have resorted to sign language to get whatever they want done in Brazil.

In doing so, it is also difficult for the Brazilians to comprehend what they are saying.

A colleague who wanted to use the restroom asked a Brazilian in a supermarket to direct him. The Brazilian did not understand until the guy unzipped his trousers, pointing ‘down’ then the Brazilian laughed after getting the message. Interestingly, the attendant is a lady. When the Nigerian came out, he was relieved and also smiled at the attendant on his way out of the supermarket.

Brazilian and holidays Brazilians observe numerous holidays that can never be clear to visitor. We worke up on Thursday only to be told it is another holiday. I have spent less than two weeks here and this is the third holiday. The only one clear to me was the one declared for the opening ceremony of the World Cup on June 12. It was learnt that about 90 days of a full calendar year are observed as holidays.

Onazi goes spiritual for Bosnia

Onazi

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azio youngster, Ogenyi Onazi, has said he believed God will see Nigeria through against Bosnia-Herze govina in a

crunch World Cup Group F clash on Saturday.

Onazi, who is a convert of Prophet T.B Joshua of The Synagogue, Church of all Nations and a product of Synagogue’s My People FC in Lagos, said with divine help Nigeria will win at the weekend, to put their World Cup campaign back on track.

“The game against Iran is in the past. We are now looking forward to the next game against Bosnia. We are optimistic that God will see us through,” he told AfricanFootball. com in Campinas, Brazil.

“It is important we win this game.

Even for our first game, we had hoped we will win.

“But when man proposes, God dispossess. We did what we had to do, but God wanted it like that. We are still hoping He sees us through in the next game.”

New Zealand referee for Nigeria, Bosnia game 2007 and 2012) and referorld football ruleed the most matches ing body, FIFA, (five) in the FIFA Club has appointed World Cup. He has also Peter O’Leary from New Zealand to officiate the Nigeria-BosniaHerzegovina game on uper Eagles defender, Saturday.

Efe Ambrose, has abThe match will be solved Coach Stephen the first appearance Keshi of any blame in the for the 42-year-old who 0-0 draw with Iran, insistworked as a fourth of- ing the players let the coach ficial at the 2010 FIFA down.

Ambrose said that critiWorld Cup, and he holds a number of ap- cism of their coach hurt the pearance records in players because they didn’t FIFA competitions. help his cause against Iran.

O’Leary has accu“I have read so many mulated the most par- things after our draw ticipation (five between against Iran and I feel very

W

taken part in four editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup (from 2007 to 2013).

Ambrose: We let Keshi down

S

sad and unhappy about the way our coach has been criticised, he did his best in preparing us for the game, but we disappointed him on the pitch” “No player among us deserve praise for failing Nigerians because we are a team not individuals, and if Nigerians are sad over our draw, the blame lies on all of us collectively, no one should be exempted.”

Nigeria, Brazil clash over Eagles jerseys

A

major diplomatic row is imminent between Nigeria and Brazil following the confiscation of over 260 pieces of branded Nigerian Jerseys and T-shirts for supporters of the Super Eagles, at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

It was learnt that the jerseys and T-shirts were produced by the Super Eagles Supporters club to wear while cheering the team during the tournament in Brazil.

It was also gathered that the Brazilian Customs Ser-

vice confiscated the material on arrival at the International Airport, Sao Paulo, in May, prior to the commencement of the World Cup and that when the Nigeria Embassy in Brazil through its Consulate in Sao Paulo, intervened, the Brazilian authorities promised to return the seized jerseys and T-shirts ahead of the Nigeria opening Match against Iran, on June 16, 2014.

Nigeria Consul-General in Brazil Mr. Muntari Kaita told our correspondent, in Sao Paulo that he wrote a letter to the Brazilian Customs

Service seeking the release of the jerseys, but that despite the promises made by the authorities the jerseys were yet to be released as at Wednesday, June 18, 2014.

Another diplomatic source who spoke to our correspondent, in confidence said “I don’t think they will release those jerseys and Tshirts to the Nigeria government. That is the way they behave and if the issue is allowed to die like that, they will do more. So my advice to the Nigerian government is to retaliate.”

Eagles’ Enemies’ Camp Bosnia players expect tough Eagles match

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osnia-Herzegovina midfielder, Senad Lulic, has revealed that they are expecting a tough match against the Super Eagles when both teams clash on Saturday in the second match of Group F. In their debut at a World Cup finals, the Bosnians performed admirably as they fell 2-1 to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, who are widely considered to be among the favourites to win the title in Brazil.

Lulic, 28, was credited with Bosnia’s first World Cup assist after he laid a ball off to Vedad Ibisevic, who slotted a ball through Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero’s legs for their historic goal.

“We are expecting a very hard match against Nigeria. But as always we are going into the match giving 100 per cent and we are expecting a very good performance,” the Lazio man said.

Iran’s defender ranked second best player

I

ran’s defender Mehrdad Pooladi has been ranked as second best player at the end of the first set of group-stage matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA announced the top ten-ranked players in the tournament’s opening round of 16 games on Wednesday, putting Pooladi in the second place with a score of 9.7.

It came after the Persepolis midfielder helped Iran’s national team earn a point in their goalless match against Nigeria on June 16.

The 27-year-old’s performance included six tackles, a header off the

line and also some steady work in the final third of the field where he made five of six attempted passes.

Germany’s Thomas Muller was first in the FIFA ranking with a score of 9.75 following his brilliant start in the match against Portugal on June 16.

Iran player (left)

Argentina keeper: We must respect Iran

A

rgentina back-up goalkeeper Mariano Andujar said they must not underestimate Iran in their World Cup clash.

Andujar and Agustin Orion are behind Sergio Romero in the pecking order to be in goal for Alejandro Sabella’s side.

And while many believe Romero will be untroubled in Argen-

tina’s second game in Group F against the Iranians, his understudies said it would be folly to underestimate Carlos Queiroz’s men.

“If you see how the games were, it is clear that the level is very similar except for Germany,” Andujar said.

“All the other games were very close and we cannot underestimate any team.

54 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

FIFA WORLD CUP

Top five boots of Brazil 2014

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ow that the 2014 World Cup is well and truly under way, with goals galore and shock results, it’s time to take a closer look at the technology filled boots that are running up and down the pitches across Brazil with mega sporting brands such a Nike, Adidas and PUMA all looking to get as much exposure from the tournament as possible.

Here are the top five football boots of the 2014 World Cup.

features a new, lighter-thanever microfiber upper with a 3D transparent print for better grip in wet conditions.

3.Adidas adizero F50 Messi Battle Pack (worn

by Lionel Messi) Channel the untouchable speed and dazzling agility of the man they call “la Pulga Atomica.” In an exclusive Messi design for the 2014 games, these football boots are what Lionel is wearing to play on Brazilian soil. Light, fast and responsive.

The high-speed outsole is designed specifically for quick turns and blazing speed on firm natural pitches.

Aguero’s boots

Neymar’s boot

Iniesta’s boot

5.NikeHyperVenom(wornbyNeymar) Designed by Nike for a new breed of attacker who’s agile and deceptive with deadly killer instinct, the new HyperVenom Phantom SG-Pro football boots feature revolutionary NikeSkin ACC technologies.

2.Nike Mercurial (worn by Cristiano Ronaldo) Created for explosive speed on soft ground, the range of Nike Mercurial boots, including the Mercurial Superfly that CR7 wears, are engineered with a revolutionary Flyknit upper, Dynamic Fit Collar and a responsive carbon plate.

4.PUMA evoSPEED (worn by Sergio Aguero) Its design is an optimised blend of light, fit, and flex which maximises performance without sacrificing stability and comfort. Their smooth curves and dynamic airflow lines are translated into the boot’s graphics. Equipped with speedCELL, the boot

1.Nike Magista (worn by Andres Iniesta) Designed by Nike for attacking playmakers who dictate play and create the attacks on firm ground, the innovative Magista football -much like the Nike Mercurial Superfly boots – feature a revolutionary Dynamic Fit Collar and Flyknit upper.

Messi’s Boot

A

perfect cross from the right sends the ball arrowing into the area where it is met by Brazil’s No10 who, hanging in the air after a prodigious leap, sends a seemingly unstoppable header powering towards goal.

Yet as Seleção fans prepare to celebrate, the opposing keeper appears on the scene, launching himself full stretch to somehow get a hand on the ball, turn it away to safety and leave his mark on FIFA World Cup™ history.

The above description could easily cover a save that, for many experts, is considered the finest in World Cup history – when England legend Gordon Banks denied Pele in the sides’ group clash at Mexico 1970. However, in this case the men involved are Mexican custodian Guillermo Ochoa and Brazil’s Neymar, with the former also pulling out a series of other sublime stops to ensure El Tri held the hosts 0-0 in their Group A meeting in Fortaleza.

‘An instinctive reaction’ It should come as no shock then that, after the match, Los Aztecas’ No13 was smiling from ear to ear as he described his miracle save to FIFA. com and gave his insight on the rest of a remarkable showing. “I was watch-

Neymar

Ronaldo’s Boot

Shade of Gordon Banks

ing the move unfold and, when I saw Dani Alves was going to send in a cross, I looked across the box and saw Neymar was being tightly marked by Rafa Marquez.

“I didn’t think he’d manage to get an effort on goal, but even so I got into position to make sure I was ready,” revealed Memo. “Suddenly I saw he’d won the header and after that everything was instinctive. I pushed off with my feet, stretched as far as I could and managed to keep the ball

Ochoa in action against brazil

Ochoa saves a slice of history

out.”

From the very moment it happened, comparisons with Banks’ ‘Save of the Century’ began flooding in and, when the two sequences are compared, the similarities are indeed remarkable. “Of course I know that save, I’ve seen it loads of times!” said a humble but visibly delighted Ochoa. “I know it’s considered the best save in [World Cup] history and it’s a real honour that people are saying mine was similar. I genuinely feel very flattered.”

The perfect setting For those that have followed Ochoa throughout his career, spectacular saves and performances come as no surprise.

Even so, a though he put in no shortage of fine displays with latest employers AC Ajaccio,

now his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit is over, Mexico’s standout performer in their opening two games is currently without a club.

“Of course it’s not the same [as a normal league game]. This is the World Cup, up against the host nation… the setting could not have been better,” continued the former CF America keeper. “I was really determined to have a good game and I think that I managed to do my bit when I was needed.”

As expected, plenty more praise would come the shotstopper’s way after the final whistle, with team-mate Hector Moreno leading the way. “He was incredible,” said the RCD Espanyol defender. “He might not have been that well-known before because he’s been playing for a small club, but this comes as no surprise to

Ochoa

those of us who work with him every day.”

“He saved us today,” said wideman Andres Guardado. “Sometimes we had the feeling that, however many times they went for goal, he wasn’t going to let anything get past him.”

That said, both players professed their hope that Ochoa has less to do in El Tri’s final group encounter against Croatia, although the on-form keeper is ready for whatever comes his way. “Sometimes it’s our turn to catch the eye and other times it’s someone else’s,” he said as the interview concluded. “Of course I’d like to have less to do, but in my position you’ve got to be constantly alert, whether you’re needed just once or loads of times. And that’s what I’ll keep training for.”

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, June 20, 2014

Tennis players, officials arrive for Lagos World Tour

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layers from the 14 participating countries including host, Nigeria, and International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) officials will start arriving Lagos as from Friday for the Lagos World Tour tagged Nigeria Open.

According to the itinerary of the participating teams, Singapore’s Jing Yuan Yin will be the first player to touch down in Lagos for the four-day tournament.

Others expected are Luxembourg’s Ni Xialian as well as Russia’s duo of Vasilij Filatov and Irina Ermakova.

Egypt’s eight-man team

Egypt’s Omar Assar

will arrive on Saturday, while others will arrive on Sunday.

Also, ITTF officials, led

by African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) boss, Khaled El-Salhy, as well as his deputy, Henri Djombo from Congo Brazzaville, will be in Lagos by Sunday.

ITTF Marketing Director, Australia’s Mr. Steve Daintom will also be in Lagos, while the draw for the championship will hold on Sunday.

Meanwhile, winners in the men and women singles event will get N.8m each while players that make it to the round of 16 will get cash rewards for their efforts.

Preliminary matches will serve off on Monday, while the main draw will commence on Tuesday June 24.

Over 15 countries will compete in the N8.5m prize money tournament holding at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium from June 23 to 26.

Africa Cup: Nigeria Rugby team thrash Swaziland

N

igeria’s national rugby team, the Black Scorpions, on Wednesday, scored nine tries as a number of players laid impressive markers in a 6110 victory over Swaziland in Gaborone, Botswana at the on-going Africa Rugby Cup 1C. Back liners Christian Ogar, Azeez Ladipo, Yusuf Oyeyemi, Oladipo Olawale, Samson Yahaya and Dozie Dinobi all raced home, while the efforts of forwards Azeez

G

T

wo ex-internationals – Waidi Akanni and former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia are leading a delegation of 15 young Nigerians who are on a mission to Brazil to support the Super Eagles as well as project the good image of the country.

The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, has been a constructive force here sending out positive messages of Nigeria to the rest of the World.

Super Eagles are still in the tournament with their heads high.

“We want the Eagles to make Nigerians and Africans proud once more by giving us more goals and a win in their next match against BosniaHerzegovina. We threw our weight behind the team during AFCON 2013 and we were not disappointed. With that same spirit and the support of the over 160 million Nigerians behind them, we urge the team to go for victory in their next two matches and qualify for the next round”

Pepsi excites PH soccer fans with Street Cup Tourney epsi at the weekend re- home with half a million naira

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warded soccer enthusiasts who stormed Elekahia Stadium to enjoy and be part of the Port-Harcourt edition of the Pepsi Street Cup Tournament with cash and other freebies. The morning rain could not stop the soccer lovers who trooped to the stadium as early as 7:00am in their numbers to either showcase their talents or cheer their teams to victory.

The 5-a-side street tournament which attracted 144 teams from Port-Harcourt and its environs saw Spartan Soccer Academy, Abuloma dancing

Black Stallios Captain Azeez Ladipo introduces players to dignitaries

TAN ambassadors begin pro-Nigeria campaign in Brazil

courtesy of Pepsi after defeating OZ Boys FC 3-0 at the final.

OZ Boys FC got N250,000 while the third placed team Family Love FC went home with N150,000 in a game that ended through penalty kicks.

Speaking with journalists during the event, the Marketing Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Port-Harcourt, Mr. Ben Ejiogu said Pepsi decided to sponsor the tournament to provide platform to showcase raw football talents in the country and also to promote soccer at the grassroots.

President of Tan, Akanni, explained that they undertook the journey because they have realized that football and sports in general remain the only unifying factor in Nigeria. ‘’We’re not unmindful of the good luck that has come the way of sports since President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office. He has brought his Midas touch to bear on Nigerian sports and we are indeed grateful for his love

and support for sports’’, Akanni said.

Also speaking, Siasia said that TAN remains a private sector initiative established to breathe life into Nigerian sports.

“TAN is not only meant to support football but all sports. We’ll support all sports and be present at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland. We want to use sports to unite Nigerians.”

Brazil 2014 Group Stage Fixtures

Guinness backs Eagles to beat Bosnia

uinness, official sponsor of the Nigeria Super Eagles has reassured the team of its unwavering support, while backing the team to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina despite their draw with the Melli of Iran on Monday. According to the number one sponsors of the Eagles, the team may not have won the game but they are definitely in for a contest to get into the next round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. According to Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, the

Olanrewaju, Emmanuel Godwin, Hafis Ayinla and Abubakar Yakubu did not go unnoticed as the Black Stallions grabbed their first victory in Gaborone.

The Black Stallions battled a highly spirited Swaziland team at the UBC Stadium, with Ogar opening the scoring with a well worked try which saw over 10 passes being made before he touched down at the Swazi end line for a try.

Date

Thursday June 12 A Friday June 13 A Friday June 13 B Friday June 13 B Saturday June 14 C Saturday June 14 C Saturday June 14 D Saturday June 15 D Sunday June 15 E Sunday June 15 E Sunday June 15 F Monday June 16 G Monday June 16 F Monday June 16 G Tuesday June 17 H Tuesday June 17 A Tuesday June 17 H Wed June 18 B Wed June 18 B Wed June 18 A Thursday June 19 C Thursday June 19 D Thursday June 19 C Friday June 20 D Friday June 20 E Friday June 20 E Saturday June 21 F Saturday June 21 G Saturday June 21 F Sunday June 22 H Sunday June 22 H Sunday June 22 G Monday June 23 B Monday June 23B Monday June 23A Monday June 23A Tuesday June 24 D Tuesday June 24 D Tuesday June 24 C Tuesday June 24 C Wed June 25 F Wed June 25 F Wed June 25 E Wed June 25 E Thursday June 26 G Thursday June 26 G Thursday June 26 H Thursday June 26 H

Group Teams

Brazil V Croatia

Mexico V Cameroon

Spain V Netherlands

Chile V Australia

Colombia V Greece

Uruguay V Costa Rica England V Italy

Côte d’Ivoire V Japan

Switzerland V Ecuador France V Honduras

Argentina V Bosnia & H Germany V Portugal

IRAN V NIGERIA

Ghana V USA

Belgium V Algeria

Brazil V Mexico

Russia V Korea Republic Australia V Netherlands Spain V Chile

Cameroon V Croatia Colombia V Côte d’Ivoire Uruguay V England Japan V Greece Italy V Costa Rica Switzerland V France Honduras V Ecuador Argentina B Iran Germany V Ghana NIGERIA V BOSNIA & H Belgium V Russia Korea Republic V Algeria USA V Portugal

Netherlands V Chile Australia V Spain Cameroon V Brazil Croatia V Mexico Italy V Uruguay Costa Rica V England Japan V Colombia Greece V Côte d’Ivoire Nigeria V Argentina Bosnia & H V Iran Honduras V Switzerland Ecuador V France Portugal V Ghana USA V Germany Korea Rep V Belgium Algeria V Russia

Time

9pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 2am 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 10pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm 5pm 5pm 11pm 11pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm

Venue

Results

Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio das Dunas, Natal Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Amazonia, Manaus Arena Pernambuco, Recife Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Estadio das Dunas, Natal Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Arena Amazonia, Manaus Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio das Dunas, Natal Arena Pernambuco, Recife Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Arena Amazonia, Manaus Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Pernambuco, Recife Estadio das Dunas, Natal Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena Amazonia, Manaus Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Pernambuco, Recife Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

3 - 1 1-0 1 - 5 3 - 1 3-0 1-3 1-2 2-1 2-1 3-0 2-1 4-0 0-0 1-2 2-1 0- 0 1-1 2-3 0-2 0-4 2-1

World Record

On Marble

The great question - which I have not been able to answer - is: “What does a woman want?”

– Sigmund Freud

In 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa became the first host to be eliminated in the first round.

Sanctity of Truth

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha FRIday, JUNE 20, 2014

N150

A confusion of choices S Graffiti ixty-seven days today. That is how long the hapless schoolgirls have been in captivity since their abduction from the far-flung town of Chibok in Borno State. The subsequent outrage led to a flurry of activities nationally and internationally, aimed at ensuring the girls are rescued. As the days go by, the fate of the girls is not eliciting hope.

In Abuja, a daily sit-out to spur the Federal Government into matching rescue promises with certified operational action will be into its 51st day today. On sit-out day 51, as the regulars and new comers gathered, the general mood was one of disbelief that the rescue operation had still not yielded any tangible outcome. Apart from the girls who escaped by their own devices, none has been retrieved by the military.

One of the day’s coordinators asked if those at the sit-out were tired. They responded with a collective “No, but the vigour was a few decibels less than the usual. “When shall we stop?” the coordinator asked, waving hands to raise their spirits. The response, “until our girls are back alive and well,” managed to be a few more decibels louder and firmer.

Other familiar call and response phrases followed. For a sit-out that has lasted this long, it is not a surprise that some procedural patterns have become standard, including the call-and-response slogans. Several faces too have become recognizable, such as that of the Chairman of the Chibok Community in Abuja, Tsambido Hosea-Abana.

As is the case with several people from Chibok, a few of his relations are among those missing girls, a sister and three nieces.

Before the coordinator could move on to the next item after the last slogan, Mr. HoseaAbana offered to say something.

“To be honest, I am tired,” he said. “I am tired of coming here every day and the girls are not yet back. I am tired but all I can do is come here every day. That is all I can do.” A long pause followed. Then the others clapped perhaps in appreciation of his frankness. He did not look exactly defeated,

…While the administration and the security services have been mainly reactive, it is the insurgents that have been proactive though in a negative manner...

EMMAN USMAN SHEHU prohabe@hotmail.com - 08051614969 (sms only)

but he cut the picture of a man with a heavy burden.

The burden has become a rallying point for the protesters despite their varied ethnic and religious affiliations, who have made the Unity Park the venue for the daily sitout. It is also an uncomfortable burden for the country’s leadership. No matter how it tries to play it, the longer the girls remain in captivity the more the burden of its inefficiencies become exposed.

When three Israeli teenagers, Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel and Eyal Yifra were kidnapped in the West Bank last Thursday, the response from the Israeli authorities was typically swift. A search and rescue operation was immediately activated. Israeli Defense Force Spokesman Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz said the mission of extensive searches across Judea and Samaria is to bring the three teenagers home safely and as soon as possible.

A stark contrast to the Chibok situation which was mired in all kinds of controversies including a false rescue operation, and even more damning was the fact that the authorities initially did not believe an abduction had taken place. It only took sustained national and international pressure from concerned citizens for the semblance of a search and rescue operation to get going. That gave the abductors ample time to disappear.

From the early days of the belated rescue effort, representatives of the administration were making contradictory statements, further exposing a lack of cohesion in policy information management. However, it showed an even greater problem, the absence of a standard course of action on counter-insurgency that should have taken hostage-taking into cognisance.

Abductions are not just criminal activities but one of the strategies in the ever growing dangerous portfolio of terrorists.

Just as globalization is facilitating closer co-operation between countries, it is also fostering interaction between criminal groups and terrorist organizations. Even before the Boko Haram insurgency spiraled out of control, Nigeria was already having to contend with a number of transnational crimes including kidnapping and

child-trafficking.

It is definitely a revelation of a dearth of pro-activeness that the administration never worked out a possible scenario of the aforementioned vices being copied by the insurgents, and putting in place some contingency plans. Interestingly even the Niger Delta militants used hostage taking as an operational strategy not just for drawing attention to their cause, but also as a source of funding.

That Boko Haram followed suit as their more visible sources of funding were targeted, should not have been a surprise. Abductions of all sorts had been escalating before the Chibok highpoint.

The lack of preparation for the possibility of large scale abductions and the kinds of counter-actions to be taken, raises more questions about the leadership’s commitment to the task of counter-insurgency. It is not possible to do counter-insurgency without research dwelling on possible scenarios, so as to outwit the insurgents. So, while the administration and the security services have been mainly reactive, it is the insurgents that have been pro-active though in a negative manner. This partly explains the ineffectiveness of the State of Emergency, which is in its second phase in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

The planning capabilities of the insurgents is further highlighted by their activities in the wake of the international support that Nigeria has received after the Chibok abductions. There is a glaring spike in deadly attacks on communities that resembles a scorched earth tactic. It could be part of a design to achieve a couple of things. By dislodging several communities, it makes intelligence gathering more difficult for the military. The insurgents could also be using it to give the impression of having enough numbers to operate over a large territory.

Since their approach is more guerilla-based, they do not need to hold large swathes of territory but having the striking ability means they can keep a conventional army bogged down and busy at various points.

These widespread raids are certainly opportunities for getting basic survival essentials. This has to be considered in the context of having to sustain the large number

of girls held hostage. It is a logistical nightmare which would make the abductees a burden rather than a strategic advantage.

They may have looked at past situations of large-scale hostage taking and realized that keeping all the hostages in one place is a huge disadvantage. The evidence of history is that in situations where hostages are kept in one place, the end result is always bloody.

The negotiation capacity of the hostagetakers is less flexible, while rescuers tend to think of a quick armed-assault.

In 2002, 850 hostages were held in a Moscow theatre. The rescue assault resulted in the death of 130 hostages. Two years later, terrorists held 1,000 hostages at a school in Russia. Although hundreds were forcibly saved, 334 hostages were killed. 40 out of 800 were killed in 2013 when an al-Qaeda affiliate struck at an Algerian gas plant.

As long as there is no proven outcome of the rescue operation, the administration’s reliability credibility continues to wane. Despite the plethora of assistance, what should have been an advantage has become a problem, a situation traceable to the administration’s inherent lack of pro-activeness, and the ability to work at cross-purposes. So, it is now facing a confusion of choices. The latest being its decision to consider the Sri Lankan approach to fighting terrorism. That has already drawn flak from the human rights sector because the approach is notorious for endangering hapless civilians. Rescuing hostages is a difficult and bloody business that can easily be worsened by the lack of a coherent pragmatic approach to counter-insurgency.

OmoBaba

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