Binder1 tuesday april 8,2014

Sanctity of Truth Facebook.com/newtelegraph

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 49

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Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

Inside

national CONFERENCE lFear of tenure elongation grips delegates lDelegate demands two years of unity govt l‘Nigerians should carry guns’ lLeaders emerge for the North

Pages } 10-11

Anule Emmanuel

T

he Federal Government has approved the scrapping of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).

FG scraps NAPEP, FRC

...rejects EFCC, ICPC merger lMerges NAMA, NCAA, NIMET The decision was contained in a white paper released yesterday by the

and rationalisation of Federal Government

Presidency on the report of the Presidential committee on restructuring

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2

Sylva: Nigerians will send Jonathan packing in 2015

lEx-gov says PDP has brought misery to South-South l2007 election results embarrassed me -President lPDP: APC is embarrassment to democracy Joe Ezuma, Anule Emmanuel, Onyekachi Eze and Ikechukwu Ucheoma

F

ormer governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, has told President Goodluck

Jonathan to forget his 2015 re-election ambition because Nigerians will send him packing from Aso Rock.

According to him, people of the South-South will lead the struggle against Jonathan’s re-election be-

cause he has divided the region with his anti-people policies.

“Today, we in the Niger Delta have the presidency

of this country, but what has the presidency of this country brought to us?

It has brought divisions, in fact, put a crack on the

unity of the Niger Delta,” he said.

Sylva spoke yesterday when he visited Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers

State.

The former governor, who is now a staunch member of the All Progressives C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2

Senators, Ladoja, confab delegates cheat death

…as cracked windshield forces Overland aircraft to make air return Lateef Ibrahim, Wole Shadare and Sola Adeyemo,

F

ormer Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, senators and

delegates to the ongoing national conference yesterday escaped death by a whisker as the plane they boarded from Ibadan to Abuja had its windshield C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5

N500m ransom paid for Clark’s son - MEND Page } 5 INSIDE

News. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Metro . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Politics . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opinions. . . . . . . . . . .

Business . . . . . . . . . . .

Mum & Parenting . . .

Features . . . . . . . . . . .

Sport. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 12 13 20 25 41 43 53

LAGOS

Partially cloudy O O

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L-R: Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; his wife, Kemi and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu during Kalu’s visit to the Government House, Akure…yesterday

AT A GLANCE

NEWS

POLITICS

BUSINESS

W/Bank keeps mum on Nigeria’s economic rating Page 8

SPORTS

Diaspora voting: Still a long wait for Nigerians abroad Page 13

Power supply crashes below 2, 500 MW Page 25

Eagles need match winners, says Owolabi Page 53

2

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Sylva: Nigerians will send Jonathan packing in 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Congress (APC), assured Amaechi that the Bayelsa chapter of the APC would work with him to flush out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government at the next election.

With Sylva during the visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt, were Bayelsa APC party executives and supporters.

Sylva said they came to show their solidarity with Amaechi. He said most Bayelsans were frustrated with the Jonathan administration, although the President is an indigene of the state and wanted a change.

“We of the APC in Bayelsa State decided to come to you (Amaechi) to solidarise with you, to tell you that not everybody in Bayelsa State is against progress, not everybody in Bayelsa State is an enemy of progress, that you also have a family in Bayelsa State that identifies with you all the way and we will stand with you all the way.

“When the time comes for us to sweep away the government of the day at the national level, Bayel-

sans will stand with you and be in the vanguard of sweeping away this government that has brought only misery to the Niger Delta.

“The APC is the platform for progress. You (Amaechi) are an epitome of progress not only in the Niger Delta but in Nigeria.

Everybody that comes to Rivers State will bear witness to what you have done, to your commitment and we will stand with you and we will continue to support you.”

He noted that the APC is a better alternative to the PDP and would provide good leadership.

“The APC has provided a very credible platform for progressives to come together and sweep away

the corruption and ineptitude of the government of the day,” the former bayelsa State governor stated.

He decried the fact that Jonathan’s presidency brought shame and opened cracks in the unity of the people of the South-South.

Sylva recalled that Amaechi ran into trouble with the Federal Government when he told the Jonathan administration to complete the all-important East-West Road in the Niger Delta.

“I know that one of the things that brought problems between yourself and the Federal Government was that you were able to point to the fact that even the East-West Road, which is a major link in the South-

South, has been neglected by this government and, of course, there were lots of shouts. Instead of the Federal Government coming to you to learn from you, to take what is good from you, they have decided to fight you and everyone knows about this. Very unfortunately.”

He applauded the Rivers governor for the laudable achievements in the state, confessing that so much had changed during the last few years that testify to Amaechi’s credibility and good leadership.

“I must say Mr. Governor that I was so impressed when I came into Rivers State. Many times I missed my way in Port Harcourt today because a lot of things

have changed during your time. A lot of things have changed for the better, Port Harcourt is wearing a different look even the air over Port Harcourt is different and sometimes, I wish that this change and development we see in Rivers State is also replicated nationwide. We have our brother as president today, unfortunately we cannot say the same thing is happening nationally,” he said.

Responding, Amaechi thanked Sylva and the APC team from Bayelsa for the visit and solidarity and he used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to vote for only credible leaders.

“It’s important we realise that character is an C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4

33 22 o

o

Thunder storm

ABUJA

29o 14o Partially cloudy

KANO

38o 23o Partially cloudy

ENUGU

14o 6o Mostly sunny

IBADAN

34o 24o Thunder storms

CALABAR

32o 23o Thunder storm

MAIDUGURI

42o 22o Sunny

ONITSHA

29o 14o Partially cloudy

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 PORT HARCOURT

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

President Goodluck Jonathan (fourth right); Chairman, Ken-Nnamani Centre for Leadership and Development, Senator Ken Nnamani (fourth left) and other members of the delegation during the presentation of report of the National Stakeholders Forum on Electoral Reform in Abuja …yesterday.

PHOTO:TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

NAMA, NCAA, NIMET now FCAA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

parastatals, commissions and agencies.

In the 105-page document, government, however, rejected recommendations by the committee for the merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into one single agency.

The presidential committee, which was headed by former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, had submitted its report to President Goodluck Jonathan on April 16, 2012 and recommended the reduction of the existing 263 government’s statutory agencies in the country to 161.

According to the white paper, the presidential committee had recommended that NAPEP be scrapped and its functions transferred to the new body (to be known as National Agency for Job Creation and Empowerment, NAJCE) that will emerge from the fusion of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Government in considering the report, however, accepted the scrapping of NAPEP only and rejected the merger of NDE and SMEDAN. The Federal Government also accepted the recommendation of the report that the trio of Ni-

gerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and their respective enabling laws be amended accordingly to reflect the merger.

It also accepted that the enabling law of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCTA) be amended and the college restructured.

The recommendation by the committee that government should sell off its shares in NIGCOMSAT was also accepted. Government has, therefore, directed for its minority shares in the organisation

to be retained.

It also accepted that the functions of NIGCOMSAT that relates to space development be reverted that the National Space Development Agency.

The white paper shows that government accepted the committee’s report to stop the funding of the Nigerian Financial Reporting Council with effect from 2015.

Governments also accepted that JAMB should continue to exists as the central examination body for admissions into Nigerian universities and directs that it must play its regulatory role to ensure that all students for undergraduate admissions into Nigerian universities must pass through JAMB C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4

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

3

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

FG shuts NIALS offices outside Lagos, Abuja CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

including direct entries.

In the white paper, government accepted that the function of the Nigerian Institute for Education

Planners and Administrators ( NIEPA) be merged with those of the National Teachers Institute.

It also accepted the recommendation that the

funding of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria.

Other recommendations accepted include that the Nigerian Film Corpo-

ration be commercialised from 2013 fiscal year but with government seed funding, that all offices of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies

Amaechi (right) presenting a souvenir to Sylva

Sylva, a credible Nigerian, says Amaechi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

essential element to good governance – you can’t see a man who has betrayed his friends and you say make him governor or make him deputy. What have you done, you have empowered him to betray more persons including betraying the money you have left behind in the coffers. So, character should be an essential element in selecting our leaders,” he said.

Amaechi congratulated those who, despite Sylva’s travails, remained true and loyal to him, recalling that as a leader, he had been severally betrayed, even abandoned by those he trusted most and urged the APC in Bayelsa State to close ranks and work together for electoral victory in the elections ahead.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 4,000 thousand members of the APC in Abia State have defected to the ruling PDP. Announcing the defection of the aggrieved APC members to the PDP, the leader of the group and a former chieftain of the APC, Chief Maxi Ndukwe Adindu, stated that he left the APC because the party lacks internal democracy and cannot bring about the desired change needed by Nigerians.

Adindu stated this

shortly after his return and declaration for the party held at the PDP Ogbodi/ Ezeleke ward secretariat.

But the PDP, yesterday, took a swipe at the APC, describing the violence that trailed last weekend congresses of the party as an embarrassment to democracy, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement, said: “It is an irony that a party that daily claims it is on a mission to rescue Nigeria could not even conduct its own congress.”

He noted the tales of imposition, cronyism, thuggery and general disdain for the elementary principles of democracy allegedly witnessed at the congress.

According the party, “the savagery witnessed in the exercise which came eight months after the registration of the party, offers a glimpse into the confusion and brutality that will be the order of the day if the APC is allowed to hold power in 2015.

“A passer-by would have thought the so-called APC congress was a meeting of thugs as detailed hooligans took over the process on the directives of their party overlords and dealt harshly with members

who dared to contest for positions already appropriated to hand-picked stooges of the owners of the party. From Lagos to Borno, Rivers to Zamfara, the story is consistently the same; a tale of cronyism, thuggery, violence and general disregard for the principles of democracy.”

In Abuja, Jonathan yesterday revealed that he was seriously embarrassed with the results of the 2007 presidential election that jointly produced late President Umar Yar’Adua and himself before the international community.

The President, who spoke while receiving the outcome of the National Stakeholders Forum on Electoral Reform by former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, said because the election was presumed not to be fair, people kept asking him embarrassing questions when he travelled abroad despite the fact that the Supreme Court had upheld the result.

He said it was at that point that he vowed that if he had the opportunity to oversee elections in Nigeria, he would do better than what was done in 2007.

The President further faulted a situation where

restriction is being placed on campaign expenses, saying it is not practicable in reality.

He said: “I was embarrassed when the international observers complained that there were certain breaches in the 2007 polls.

“Even though after taking oath of office and the Supreme Court declared us winners, but each time one travelled abroad, people asked all kinds of questions that even got one angry.

“That was when I promised myself that if have an opportunity to oversee elections in Nigeria, no other President or Vice President should suffer that can kind of harassment by the international community.

“That is why the 2011 elections, even though I was candidate, I said nobody should manipulate elections for me. That my ambition and the fate of the country are two different things; the interest of the nation is much more superior than any other ambition and I kept faith with that.

“At least, at the end of that elections, it was accepted by observers locally and internationally. And I promise that 2015 elections will be better.”

outside Lagos and Abuja be closed down immediately to ensure judicious use of available resources in line with government policy; that National Council of Arts and Culture be merged with the National Troupe and the National Theatre into one agency called National Council of Arts and Culture As approved in the white paper, government accepted that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) be self-funding from 2014 while the allegation made by the National Boundaries Commission against the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation over the funding of two non-existent boundary demarcation be properly investigated.

It also directed that the revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission to perform the function of Fiscal Responsibility Commission and that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission’s enabling law be repealed and the functions of the commission be subsumed under Revenue Mobilisation And Fiscal Commission.

With the development, RMAFC’s enabling laws will be amended to accommodate the functions of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

While government accepted the management audit of the National Institute for Sports, but rejected the recommendation for an amendment in name and status of the Federal Civil Service Commission to the Federal Public Service Commission, it, however, accepted the recommendation of a single term of five years for the Chairman and members of the commission. It rejected the renaming of Code of Conduct Tribunal to AntiCorruption Tribunal.

It further rejected the recommendation that Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission be subsumed under the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for greater synergy.

Other recommendations that were turned

down by government were recommendation of the merger of NTA, FRCN and VON into one body to be known as Federal Corporation Broadcasting of Nigeria (FCBN). Rather, it directed that NTA be fully commercialised by 2013.

The white paper also shows that government rejected the idea of the abolition of Federal Character Commission but directed that the commission be strengthened to perform its constitutional role and functions.

It further rejected recommendations that the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission be located as a parastatal in the Ministry of Power and that the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) be abolished.

Other recommendations rejected include that the law establishing the Border Communities Development Agency be repealed and its functions reverted to the National Boundary Commission It also rejected the recommendation that government should disengage from funding current expenditure of National Institute on Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) from the 2015 fiscal year and limit itself to certain essential capital requirement of the institute.

Government also rejected the merger of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Refugees Commission into one agency to be known as the National Emergency Management and Refugees Commission and rejected the recommendation for the Debt Management Office to become an extra ministerial department in the Federal Ministry of Finance and be delisted from the office of the Vice President It also rejected the recommendation that the Act setting up Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) be repealed and be reverted to the Highways Department of the Federal Ministry of Works A recommendation that the enabling law of the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS be repealed was also thrown out.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

5

N500m ransom paid for Clark’s son –MEND

…accuses Ebikeme of masterminding own abduction Kidnappers speak Dominic Adewole and Joe Obende

T

he Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday accused Mr. Ebikeme Clark, the

son of Chief E.K. Clark, of masterminding his kidnap.

The militant group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Gbomo Jomo and made available to New Telegraph in Warri, Delta State, alleged that a ransom

of N500 million had been shared by persons involved in the scam.

The ransom, MEND claimed, was paid by the Delta State Government from its security vote.

MEND also has accused

the Delta State Police Command of lying to members of the public that no ransom was paid on Ebikeme’s kidnap.

The statement said: “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Ni-

L-R: Olori Iyabo Akinsanya; former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the Ewusi of Makun, Sagamu, Oba Timothy Akinsanya, at a thanksgiving service in Sagamu to mark Daniel’s 58th birthday...yesterday.

PHOTO: KUNLE OLAYENI

275,000

The total number of internet users in Iraq in 2007.

Source: Blatantworld.com

443m

The number of individuals using the internet users in Europe region in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

42%

The male percentage of internet users in Mexico in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

ger Delta (MEND) has confirmed that the kidnap of Mr. Ebikeme Clark, the son of Chief E.K. Clark, was actually a clever orchestrated fraud masterminded by Ebikeme who stage-managed his own abduction.

“A ransom of N500 million was paid by the Delta State Government from its security vote and was shared amongst all those involved in this scam.

“Ebikeme is following in the footsteps of his father where the senior Clark is amongst those that hatched the fraudulent Niger Delta Amnesty Programme which has only made billionaires of a few thugs at the detriment of millions of impoverished indigenes and security in the region.

“It is rather unfortunate that in a desperate bid for relevance and extra funds to maintain a private jet, certain unscrupulous persons, including the Delta State Police will conspire to deceive Nigerians with a phantom abduction, release of the so-called hostage, arrest of suspects and denying the payment of a ransom which has already

been shared.”

Meanwhile, kidnappers of Ebikeme said they abducted him because his father refused to create jobs for the youths in the creeks.

The six suspects, Joshua Ogofa, David Emevor, Bosin Kevwe, Sylvester Dio, Prince Meslore and Pius Arhavwaren, abducted Ebikeme last week while inspecting his father’s proposed site for the University of Technology.

But, one of the suspects, Joshua, who hails from Kalafighbene in Bomadi council area of the state and a driver of an ex-militant warlord who provided the AK-47 rifle used for the kidnap, said the elder statesman failed them after they laid down arms.

He said: “We kidnapped Chief Clark’s son because his father refused to give us jobs despite our loyalty to him. He has been helping others and training people from our area, but job creation, zero.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, has declared four other gang members, now at large, wanted, and also five suspected killers of two lawyers in the state.

Senators, Ladoja, confab delegates cheat death CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

damaged when they were approaching Niger State airspace.

The domestic flight 1170, operated by Overland Airline with ATR-42 aircraft en route Abuja from Ibadan, was forced to divert to Lagos following a reported cracked windshield.

The ATR-42 airplane was said to be airborne when the pilot noticed some cracks on the windshield and subsequently requested to divert the aircraft to Lagos to allow for change of plane for the passengers.

Ladoja, who is one of the two delegates representing the Accord Party (AP), and the other delegates were returning to Abuja to resume plenary at the conference.

Other delegates on board the plane were former President of the Nigerian Union of Jour-

nalists (NUJ), Mr. Lanre Ogundipe; Senators Gbenga Kaka (Ogun) and Hosea Agboola (Oyo) as well as Demola Akinlabi, an officer in the Accountant General of the Federation’s Office.

Other passengers were the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Gbade Lana and a National Commissioner with the National Population Commission (NPC), Abdul-Lateef Gbadamosi.

The passengers were later moved into another Overland aircraft arriving from Enugu with registration number 5NBPF, which subsequently took them to Abuja from Lagos.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) confirmed the incident.

The statement released by the airline’s spokesman, Supo Atobatele stated that: “Forty two

passengers and six crew members were onboard the aircraft as at the time of the incident. There is no cause for alarm as the diversion was precautionary and this conforms with the basic safety norms of the industry,” the statement said.

One of the passengers, who did not want to be named, explained that some passengers fainted out of fear and the plane crew had to give them first aid treatment, adding “right now, we are parked at hangar section of MMA Lagos.”

Continuing, the passenger said, “We were moved into another Overland aircraft arriving from Enugu with registration number 5N-BPF. Just boarded now, three hours after landing in Lagos,” he said.

“We were midway in the Niger State airspace when the aircraft’s wind-

shield got broken and the pilot made a detour to Lagos,” one of the passengers confided in New Telegraph.

Ladoja, it was gathered, was among those scheduled to make contributions to the debate on the inaugural speech of President Goodluck Jonathan at the conference yesterday.

Experts told New Telegraph that the pilot took a ‘precautionary’ measure to avert danger because the total collapse of windshield during flight could lead to a situation where the crew and passengers could be sucked out of the plane or breakage of the aircraft.

Aviation expert, Mohammed Tukur said a crack in the window of an airliner could rupture so fast that it could cause the aircraft to decompress and suck the pilot out, adding that these aircraft

fly at very high altitude where rapid decompression could suck someone out of the aircraft if they are sitting close to the window that failed.

The airline was in February this year involved in an incident when one of the aircraft in its fleet reportedly caught fire as it was taxing for take-off in Abuja.

The aircraft was bound for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The fire was spotted by one of the passengers onboard, who raised the alarm.

The Managing Director of the Overland Airline, Capt. Edward Boyo, said that the reported averted air crash was indeed not so serious. He said what happened was not a major incident, but a logical discretion by the pilot to rectify a faulty pane.

“It is not true that our aircraft made an emer-

gency landing in Lagos because of the broken windshield. It was not true also that it made a detour in Minna. The information was wrong.

The plane left our hangar in Lagos for Ibadan today and was on its way to Abuja when the pilot discovered that the outer pane cracked. He could have continued if it would be possible to change the pane in Abuja or Ibadan but in his technical wisdom, he returned to Lagos where it could only be fixed. It was not technically a major incident. It would be a major incident if the inner pane had cracked,” said Boyo.

Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Capt. Nogie Meggison, also said that a broken outer pane of an aircraft was not enough to be classified a major fault.

6

NEWS

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

photo news

Tension in Benue communities over Fulani reprisal attack Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

B L-R: Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Oshunkeye; Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile Ife, Prof. Bamitale Omole; Former National President, Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief John Odeyemi and the Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Prof. Gbadegesin Adeniyi, at the first yearly lecture organised in honour of Odeyemi by the Natural History Museum, OAU, Ile Ife.

arely a week after a ceasefire agreement to end three years of fighting between suspected Fulani militia and Tiv farmers, tension has returned to Benue communities.

New Telegraph gathered yesterday that despite the deployment of troops by the Federal Government to help restore peace in the area, Gwer West and Guma local government areas of the state have been pencilled down for attacks by the Fulani herdsmen.

Chairman of Gwer West Local Government

Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T L-R: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Federal Operations, Mr. Micheal Zuokumor; Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero and Deputy Governor, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, during Zuokumor's visit to the governor in Kaduna …yesterday

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahmon Bello; Chairman Person, Committee of University Librarian of Nigerian Universities (CULNU), Dr. Elizabeth Ifidon; Information Resource Officer, Embassy of United State of America, Abuja, Dr. Malore Brown and Deputy Vicwe Chancellor, Management and Services, UNILAG, Prof. Duro Oni, during the opening ceremony of the 95th meeting of CULNU in Lagos …yesterday.

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

he Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Muhktar, yesterday frowned at the delay in disposal of cases at the Magistrates 'Courts.

She, therefore, tasked magistrates to be ICTcompliant to enhance speedy disposal of cases.

The CJN, who stated this in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the National Workshop for Magistrates, called on participants to have a refocus with regard to their responsibilities as judicial officers as enshrined in the code of conduct for judicial officers.

Aloma Mukhtar, who was represented at the

Displaced Persons (IDP's) to their homes for normal farming activities, lauded the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their support to the victims.

"The Fulani are still attacking our people and this is causing a serious problem to our people in the local government.

Even though Tiv farmers who fled the area are retuning gradually, we appeal that the MakurdiNaka Road, which was blocked by the Fulani herdsmen where they were killing innocent commuters and travellers, be opened for free movement of goods and people," she pleaded.

CJN tasks magistrates on ICT compliance training by Suleiman Galadima, urged the magistrates to be abreast of current trends in the administration of justice with regards to the use and application of ICT in the judiciary.

According to the CJN, "The Nigerian judiciary cannot claim to be a leader in the computerisation of court work; nevertheless, we have already embarked on a course, albeit, slowly but steadily, in the introduction of information technology into the judiciary."

She added that the ultimate goal of any government and indeed the

judiciary, is the provision of the enabling environment for unimpeded access to justice and the sustenance of the framework that will preserve the rule of law.

"The role of magistrates in Nigeria in this regard cannot be overemphasised as they constitute the gateway to the Nigerian judiciary.

"The issue of delay in disposal of cases in our courts is of great concern to me. There is an urgent need to increase the speed of disposal of cases. Consequently, the use of ICT has proffered solutions to this problem."

PDP alleges plan by LP to frustrate bye-election Babatope Okeowo Akure

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L-R: Enugu State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Jude Akubuilo; Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom; President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye and Director General, Sir Emeka Okereke, at the closing ceremony of the 25th Enugu International Trade Fair …yesterday

Council, Mrs. Eunice Mbajwa, told New Telegraph in an exclusive telephone interview that one of the indications of the impending attack is that the ever-busy MakurdiNaka-Otukpo Road which was blocked by the Fulanis, was yet to be opened.

Mrs. Mbajwa, who stated that people of the area were still living in fear despite peace efforts by the state and federal governments, said urgent steps to dislodge the insurgents from their hideouts needed to be taken for sustainable peace in the area.

The council boss who, however, expressed satisfaction over the gradual return of some Internally

ndo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday alleged plans by the rival Labour Party (LP) to procure a court order to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the party's candidate the winner of Saturday’s bye-election.

The LP candidate, Mr Kolade Akinjo, is leading the PDP candidate, Chief Adewale Kukute,

with about 1, 300 votes.

But the INEC declared the result inconclusive because of some irregularities.

But the PDP chairman, Mr Ebenezer Alabi, at a press confer-

ence, said since the plan of the LP to manipulate the election failed on Saturday, the ruling party wanted to use the court to force itself on the people of the federal constituencies.

Fashola set to slash LASU fees Mojeed Alabi

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he Lagos State Governor and Visitor to the Lagos State University, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, is set to order the reduction of tuition fees at the institution.

The new development was an outcome of a meeting between the governor and some students’ union leaders held at the Governor’s Office in Alausa, Ikeja, at the weekend.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

7

Apo killings: Security agencies can’t prove victims are Boko Haram members INDICTMENT

Security indicted for not proving that Apo victims are in surgents Tunde Oyesina Abuja

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he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday said that the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian

Army were not able to prove that the eight people killed and the 11 injured in the attack launched in Apo, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja on September 20, 2013 were members of Boko Haram.

The commission, in the 83-page report presented by the Chairman of its governing board, Chidi Odinkalu, said there was no credible evidence to suggest or show that the victims were mem-

bers of Boko Haram.

New Telegraph recalls that the DSS said that it had, on September 18, 2013 allegedly received intelligence report that there was to be an attack on unspecified targets in Abuja.

Acting on the intelligence, the DSS arrested three persons, who, under interrogation, disclosed that they had a leader in Abuja, called Suleiman (also known as R Kelly) as the arrowhead of the

planned terror attacks.

One of the detainees also confessed that the group had weapons, four AK-47 rifles, which were buried in the cemetery at Apo, Abuja.

This prompted the security operation which was conducted by the DSS with the assistance of the Nigerian Army on September 20.

Shortly after midnight, the security agents allegedly arrived at the cemetery in

Gudu to commence digging with two of their informants, but were unable to recover any weapons. The informants then led the agents to an uncompleted residential building where their alleged leader, Suleiman R’Kelly resided.

The security agents were allegedly met with fire, which they returned. The shooting lasted for the better part of over thirty minutes.

Seven men had died during the operation from

gunshot-related wounds, another died in hospital for bullet injuries sustained during the operation, and 11 other men were hospitalised from injuries sustained in the encounter.

Following the attack, Global Rights, a non-governmental organisation working for the advancement of human rights in Nigeria initiated a complaint with the commission challenging the legality of the killings in Apo.

Senators, Reps fault Ogun APC congresses Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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he recent reconciliation between Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun and an erstwhile governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, may have come under threat following the emergence of a parallel executive at the just concluded ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The parallel executives, New Telegraph gathered, were formed by rival party members along Amosun and Osoba’s political camps.

This came as the APC NationalAssemblyCaucusof the state yesterday declared that the ward congresses held on Saturdayacrossthe236wards of the state, were fraught with irregularities.

In a petition addressed to

theChairman,StateCongress Committee (SCC), the APC Senators and House of Representatives members from the state alleged that parallel congresses were held in virtually all the wards by members who did not have bank tellers or proof of payments into the party’s designated banks.

The petition, dated April 6, was signed by Senator AdegbengaKaka.Alsoyesterday, aggrievedAPCmembersfrom Sagamu Local Government area of the state stormed the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, protesting alleged imposition of candidates by some party leaders.

Impeccable sources within Ogun APC said the emergence of a parallel executive during Saturday’s ward congresses was a fallout of the supremacy battle between loyalists of the governor and that of the exgovernor.

Atiku calls for more screening centres for Ebola fever Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

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ormer Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to create more health screening centres at the country’s entry point to guard against possible spread of the deadly Ebola fever.

The former Vice-President, who noted that as at April 6, 2014, there have

been no reported cases of the disease in the country, said it was because of the precautionary measures put in place by the Federal Ministry of Health against the transmission of the virus from the affected countries.

He, however, urged the Federal Government and others in leadership positions to establish a localised protocol to guard against possible infection in the country.

Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Students, (NANS), Kwara State branch, Comrade Abdulrasak Ibrahim (right), presenting the Association’s T-shirts to Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed during their Unity Rally to the Government House, Ilorin...yesterday.

With them are; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold (second left); state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Dabarako and others

Police warn against false alarm in Ekiti Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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kiti State police command has warned politicians against raising false alarm that may undermine security in the state.

The warning came as the people of the state are looking forward to the conduct of the June 21 governorship election.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Uyanna, said the phantom allegations being made by political parties that they were being attacked by perceived

opponents when nothing of such happened, were capable of heating up the polity and derailing the 2014 election.

The Police Commissioner, who spoke through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, appealed to all the political parties in the state to always round off their campaigns before 6.00pm for the safety of their members.

The command was reacting to the avalanche of allegations of attack by political opponents, especially within the last one week.

Climate Change: Lagos ready for challenges Dayo Ayeyemi

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s the effect of climate change such as ocean surge, excessive heat, flooding and others are being experienced in many cities of the world; the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment said it is restrategising to tackle such environmental challenges headlong.

The ministry said it is also putting measures in place to further fortify existing platforms with a view to getting a cleaner, healthier and sustainable environment for the general wellbeing.

Speaking at a three-day retreat for the management and heads of MDAs in the environment sector, at Lekki, Commissioner for the Environment in the state, Mr. Tunji Bello, said there was the need for the sector to further rise up, sustain and strengthen existing capacities of its managers as well as build institutions to drive the sector.

Bello added that the retreat was to identify grey areas in the discharge of statutory responsibilities of the ministry and its agencies, as well as foster a cordial working relationship among them.

8

ACROSS THE NATION

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

delta

fct

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abuja

I'm fighting no one - Ochei The Immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Victor Ochei, who recently resigned his appointment following threats of impeachment against him has said he is not prepared to fight anyone over the fate that befell him.

Ochei said through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nkem Osu, that those saying that he was spoiling for war were imagining

things as he has no scores to settle with anybody.

Osu reiterated that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been like a father to his boss and "he will continue to be".

Osu asked: "Who is he fighting back? The governor? The government, PDP, just who? This thing is a family matter. PDP is one big family. Nobody is fighting anybody.

"Those spreading these rumour are mischief makers."

Ekweremadu to speak on constitution amendment The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will on Monday April 14 speak on the constitution amendment at John Hopkins University, United States of America.

The title of his presentation is, “Constitution Amendment in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience”.

The event, which holds on Monday, April 14, 2014 is at the instance of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, (SAIS), based in Washington.

A letter by the Director of African Studies Programme, Prof. Peter Lewis, indicated that the invitation was in line with SAIS’ tradition of hosting “prominent speakers, including heads of state, governors, cabinet ministers, and prominent public intellectuals from across the globe”.

L–R: Festival Coordinator, Ms. Folu Michaels; Regional Manager, Isolo, Diamond Bank PLC, Mrs. Njideka Esomeju; Executive Director, Lagos Businesses, Mr. Victor Ezenwoko; Regional Manager, Victoria Island, Mrs. Maureen Offor; Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Ayona Trimnell and the Representative of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival Consultant Mr. Jahman Anikulakpo after a press conference on the forth-coming painting competition held in Lagos .

W/Bank keeps mum on Nigeria’s economic rating Abdulwahab Isa and Amadi Nnamdi

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he World Bank yesterday kept mum on Nigeria’s new economic rating which placed the country as the largest economy in Africa.

The silence by World Bank is coming less than 24 hours after the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, announced that with the rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the economy has overtaken that of South Africa.

On Sunday, StatisticianGeneral of the Federation, Yemi Kale, announced that Nigeria's economy has peaked to about $510 billion (about N80.22 trillion).

However, when asked to react to Nigeria’s new economic rating, the Brenton Wood Institution yesterday kept sealed lips.

Punam Chuhan-Pole,

lead economist of World Bank, Africa Region, who spoke via Video Conferencing yesterday on Africa Pulse, a twice yearly analysis on issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects, brushed aside questions about Nigeria’s economic ratings.

Chuhan-Pole pointedly refused to respond to attempts made by newsmen to get the bank’s position on Nigeria’s new economic status.

Also, the World Bank said economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) would record a marginal growth of 0.5 per cent from 4.7 per cent it recorded in 2013 to an average of 5.2 percent in 2014.

The bank said the African economic performance is boosted by rising investment in natural resources and infrastructure, and strong household spending.

Growth was notably buoyant in resource-rich

countries, including Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the bank, growth remained steady in Cote d’Ivoire, while rebounding in Mali, supported by improved political stability and security.

Non-resource-rich countries, particularly Ethiopia and Rwanda, also experienced solid economic growth in 2013.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to increase the country’s tax revenue to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio to 20 per cent.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala gave the charge yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of the FIRS multidisciplinary training centre in Abuja.

The minister said before the rebasing, the country had a tax to GDP ratio of about 22 per cent, while the non-oil tax revenue to

GDP ratio was estimated at seven per cent.

This, according to her, was in the range of emerging market economy. She, however, said that with the rebasing of the country’s GDP, the figure, the tax revenue to GDP ratio had declined to about 12 per cent and four per cent for non-oil tax to revenue.

She said: “Nigeria is confronted with many constrains when attempting to increase tax revenues.

“We have just celebrated the fact that Nigeria has now become the largest economy in Africa with $509.9 billion, which makes us the 26th largest economy in the world and advances us on our goal to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world.

“But I want to tell you that there is one piece of the news that is not so cheering. With the increase in GDP, all our revenue ratios have been recalculated.

lagos

kaduna

ikeja

kaduna

Court fixes trial of exFCMB manager for May 27

FG to register 5m farmers under GES this year

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday fixed May 27 for the trial of a former Branch Manager of First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB), Rosemary Usifo.

The accused was arraigned by the Special Fraud Unit on December 5, 2013.

The Federal Government would register five million farmers under the Gross Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) this year, an official has said.

Alhaji Tijjani Ishaku, the Director, Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in Kaduna State, said this in an interview with the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Kaduna.

ekiti ado-ekiti

Ekiti teachers, students win national awards The Ekiti State education sector has renacted its leading position at the national level as two teachers from the state emerged the Best Nigerian Secondary School Teacher and Second Best Primary School awards at the 2013 edition of President’s Teachers Schools award.

The teachers are Mr Michael Osiagwu of AUD High School, Ire Ekiti who got a KIA Picanto and Mrs Sesan Bosede of AUD Pilot Primary School, AdoEkiti.

rivers Port Harcourt

Rivers APC ward congress goes peaceful Despite the late and non arrival of materials which marred the rescheduled All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress in Rivers State yesterday, the exercise still ended peacefully .

The ward congress, which was originally fixed for Saturday, April 5, was postponed to yesterday.

adamawa yola

Late materials arrival stalls Adamawa APC ward congresses The leadership crisis rocking Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new dimension with the state congress committee fixing Wednesday and Saturday for the party ward and local government congresses in the state.

This followed the late arrival of materials as well as the cat-and-mouse politics said to have ensued.

Chairman of the state Congress Committee, Senator Titus Olupitan, dropped the hints of the changes, yesterday in Yola during a visit to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Fayemi’s convoy attacked

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he convoy of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi was on Monday attacked in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital by suspected thugs working for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose.

The attack occurred around 6pm when the Governor and his supporters were returning to AdoEkiti from a campaign rally in Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state. The thugs numbering about 100 suddenly emerged from

Fayose’s Campaign Office, throwing stones and bottles at the Governor’s vehicle and vehicles belonging to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accompanied the Governor on the campaign tour.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said in a statement that but for the Governor who restrained his security aides and party supporters from retaliating, there would have been some casualties in the attack that lasted a few minutes.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

9

Aliyu to APC: I’ll complete all projects before 2015 PROJECTS

Governor promises not to abandon any project before 2015 Dan Atori MINNA

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arely a week after the All Progressives Congress (APC) lashed out at the projects being

Egmont removes Nigeria from FIU’s web units Chukwu David Abuja

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s a result of the lack of autonomy and adequate legislation to tackle money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Egmont group has disconnected Nigeria from its secured Financial Intelligence web units.

Chairman, Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force, Mr. Stephen Orosanya, revealed this yesterday at the retreat organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes in partnership with Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC) in Abuja.

In his remarks, Orosanya said Egmont group is the group that sets standard for financial intelligence worldwide and that the group only sends financial intelligence through their secured web to other Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) across the world.

His words: “It is pertinent to note that since November 2013, Nigeria has been disconnected from the secured web of the Egmont group of Financial Intelligence Units due to the concerns expressed by some members over the autonomy of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit."

carried out by the administration of Governor Babangida Aliyu in Niger State, the governor yesterday assured that all his projects would be completed and commissioned before he leaves office in 2015.

Aliyu gave this assurance while inspecting ongoing projects in Minna, insisting that his administration will not abandon any of its projects

contrary to claims by the APC in the state.

The APC, led by the state interim Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Shuaibu Umar, had described the governor’s boast as cheap propaganda that is tantamount to undermining the intelligence of the citizens.

Aliyu, while assuring Niger indigenes said; “Believe me, we will complete and commission all

the projects we are doing.

You have seen us going round all these projects in Minna, I can assure you that they will be commissioned before the end of my tenure.

“But then, government is a continuous process, it is not a question of saying my tenure has ended.

That is why we are making sure that we legalise all that we are doing. Nobody will turn it away. But

believe me; we will finish the ones we have started.”

Governor Aliyu said the construction of 90 housing units in the three-arm’s zone in the state, would be completed before December this year, adding that the acquisition of land and compensation to those affected had reached appreciable level.

He dismissed claims by critics that work on

the three-arm zone was static; explaining that compensation for land owners in the area was paramount to the state government.

According to him; “I am not looking at the time frame of when we were supposed to start, but the acquisition of the land is what is more important and we have done that and started this work on it.”

10 NEWS Louis Achi, Onwuka Nzeshi and Lateef Ibrahim ABUJA

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he long held fears in some quarters that President Goodluck Jonathan may have some ulterior motives in convoking the national conference resurfaced yesterday as one of the delegates proposed that the 2015 elections be put on hold and a government of national unity be put in place for the next two years. Chief B. Leonard, a delegate of the North East geo-political zone, who made the suggestion while contributing to the debate on the President’s inaugural address, said the two year period would afford Nigeria the opportunity of conducting a reliable population census and producing a

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Fear of tenure elongation grips delegates …Delegate demands two years unity govt. credible voters register under the supervision of the United Nations.

But Leonard’s proposal was swiftly countered by an elder statesman and retired military officer, Major General Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman, who warned that the delegates might be walking into a trap if they allowed the ongoing conference to be extended beyond the three months period it was designed to sit.

Leonard had in his

presentation argued that there were a lot of things wrong with Nigeria which the conference was meant to resolve in order to chart a new course for the country.

He lamented the inability of Nigeria to have an acceptable census, reliable voter register and credible elections, blaming these on the insincerity and high level of corruption in the country.

“Nigeria has often been described as a sick

patient that would neither respond to treatment nor would it die and we are like 492 specialists that have been convened to look at the ailments of this giant that is said to be dancing on the brink.

The Nigerian situation has become so bad that we need unconventional methods to address its ailments.

“We cannot just presume that everything is well. The President said let ‘s think outside the box. He gave us a carte

blanche. I suggest that we adopt a government of national unity for the next two years. Let everything be put on hold and let the conclusions of this conference be looked into by statesmen, detribalised Nigerians,” he said.

In a separate presentation, General AB Mamman said that while there was the need for a national conference, the timing was wrong and the duration of three months too short to ad-

dress the myriad of problems facing the country. “ Nigerian issues are too serious to be considered over a period of three months if we must do justice to them. But since we are here, we just have to make the best of the bad situation we have on our hands and go ahead with it. But there are two rumours circulating. There is a National Assembly that has been accused of working to sabotage whatever report we leave here with.

Stop exclusion of physically challenged – Argungu

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he main problem of people with disability in Nigeria is that of exclusion; exclusion at the family, community and national levels, a delegate at the ongoing National Conference has stated.

According to Mrs. Zainab Argungu, representing Persons With Disability, “Disability in Nigeria is viewed as a matter of charity, not a human rights issue.

“The implication of this is that we remain

A cross section of delegates at the conference

Security crisis, challenge to Islamic scholarship – Maman Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi Abuja

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mbassador Yaro Yusuf Maman, a delegate to the National Conference has identified the subsisting security crisis in the north as a challenge to Islamic scholarship.

He also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to treat Almajiri education seriously.

His words: “I recall one of our foreign ministers, Prof. Ibrahim Gam-

bari articulating the principle of concentric circle. I also recall Professor Bolaji Akinyemi advocating economic diplomacy.

“These two parameters or these new paradigms are what we are facing today. This is because if you look at the security challenges in the North, it is not merely a security challenge. It is an ideological challenge within Islamic scholarship.”

According to him, “It is better approached in

a more holistic, more integrated intellectually engaging manner than only military force.”

Querying the country’s agenda in the 21st Century, Maman posited that South Africa has outpaced Nigeria economically. “What is Nigeria’s strategic agenda in the 21st Century; in the age of globalization?

“I recall at that time Prof. Akinyemi predicted that post-apartheid South Africa economic machine will overrun Nigeria if we don’t get

our acts right. This has happened. Where are we today?”

Shifting to education, Maman thanked President Jonathan for initiating Almajiri education but criticized the core concept.

His words: “I come to education. I am from this part of the country.

I commend Mr. President for his intervention in Almajiri education.

“But, please let us not de-secularize education.

Our existence here is because we have achieved a balance between our secular and our spiritual growth. Let us allow equal opportunity.

at the margin of society.

For the very few of us who are privileged to be educated and have a job we have to work twice as hard at the ordinary staff to be recognized and accepted.

“I was therefore happy when the president in his speech said, ‘To be successful, nation-building must continually strive to evolve better and more inclusive society in which every citizen will be a proud and committed stakeholder.”

Northern Delegates’ Forum appoints leaders

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he Northern Delegates Forum at the National Conference has appointed the leaders of its delegations at the state level.

The new leaders were appointed at a meeting attended by the Chairman of the Forum, a former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie and Lt General Jerry Useni who stood in for Prof Jerry Gana, the cochairman of the group.

The meeting consid-

ered the unfolding developments in the National Conference with a view to articulating common positions on issues most northerners share-as well as paying due attention to issues that are peculiar to their states and communities-with unity of purpose that comes with clear thought,clear morality and clear expression for the over all good of national unity and interest as they affect the North.

NEWS

CONFAB REPORT

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

It’s ill-timed, unnecessary – Rep Philip Nyam Abuja

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member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Tukur ElSudi (PDP, Taraba) has declared that the ongoing national conference was ill-timed. He said it was a sheer waste of time as it is ‘superfluous and unnecessary’.

He also said though President Goodluck Jonathan has laudable plans for the country, he is surrounded by ‘vultures’ so it is left to Nigerians to decide his fate in 2015. He

added that the president is constitutionally okay to seek a second term.

El-Sudi, who spoke at a media chat yesterday in Abuja, said Section 9 of the 1999 constitution has empowered the National Assembly to amend the constitution, hence convoking a national conference for the purposes of amending the constitution amounts to a waste of resources.

He said “President Jonathan is a very nice gentleman but he is surrounded by vultures.

He has a large heart but he must sack those bad

eggs around him. He is constitutionally free to re-contest in 2015 if he so desires” Speaking extensively on the national confab, the lawmaker explained that whatever comes out of the national conference will be subjected to the decision of the National Assembly, so there was no need committing scarce funds into the confab.

“It is superfluous and unnecessary exercise, ill-timed and therefore not welcome. We have the National Assembly, which is empowered by

Section 9 to amend the Constitution in a manner and way it deemed fit and cannot be questioned by anybody. The Supreme Court has ruled on that.

El-Sudi, who represents Gashaka/Kurmi / Sardauna Federal Constituency of Taraba State, also blamed the recurring violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram across the country on the failure of governance and advocated for state police as a panacea to the crisis.

“I am absolutely in support of state police.

I have finished drafting

a bill on that issue. It is a controversial issue but we have no alternative.

The pockets of problems we have in some states clearly show that the Federal Police have failed to be impartial” On the killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the lawmaker suggested that “governors, local government chairmen and ministry of agriculture must sit down to fashion out ways of containing the activities of Fulani and particularly those coming from Niger and Chad should be restricted.

Some delegates, office holders should be in jail – Akintola Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

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embers of the ongoing National Conference in Abuja yesterday bemoaned the level of corruption that has pervaded the country. One of the delegates pointedly declared that many public office holders, including majority of the delegates, should ordinarily have been in jail, if the right investigation were done.

The members spoke yesterday while contributing to debate on the inaugural speech of the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan at the plenary session of the conference holding at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, in Abuja.

Former Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and delegate to the conference, Barrister Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, while contributing to the debate, noted that many delegates at the conference and several other public office holders in the country ought to have be in jail following the discrepancies between the assets declared by them and the tax forms they filled in the office of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS. The delegate from Oyo State, who pointed out

that he had, in the past, handled several cases concerning the issue of asset declarations and tax forms, emphatically declared that he knew ex-

actly what he was saying and that nobody could fault that.

He suggested therefore that the tax clearance forms of the na-

tion’s public office holders should henceforth be matched with their assets to determine those who are sincere and those that are not.

Akintola thus pushed for the unbundling of the power at the federal level as a way of reducing the over centralization of power in the country.

11

Kutigi bans drinking of tea, coffee at plenary

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he Chair man of the on-going National Conference sitting in Abuja, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has banned the taking of tea and coffee at the plenary sitting by members.

The ban was announced yesterday on the floor of the conference after a member drew his attention to one of the rules of the conference which forbids drinking at the plenary.

T he Chair man, however, explained it would be difficult to place ban on drinking of water by members who may have genuine reason to do that.

Justice Kutigi said any members who may want to take coffee or tea before the normal break period should do so by quietly walking to the spots that have been designated for such and quietly taking it there before returning to the hall.

A member, who did not give his name however asked if members could eat at plenary since the rules of the conference was silent on that. The Chairman responded by saying no.

Chairman of the national conference, Justice Idris Kutigi and Vice Chairman, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi at conference yesterday.

Delegates want guns, First Lady’s office legitimised Louis Achi Abuja

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gainst the background of the mounting insecurity in the country, Femi Mimiko, a delegate from Ondo to the National Conference has proposed to the plenary that Nigerians be allowed to carry guns and defend themselves.

In another development, Chief Mrs. Nkechi Okemini, National Presi-

dent of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), a delegate representing National Council for Women Societies urged the conference to facilitate legitimization of the office of first lady in Nigeria.

These submissions were made yesterday at the auditorium of the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, venue of the ongoing confab while the debate on the inaugural

speech of President Goodluck Jonathan unfolded.

According to Mimiko, the confab should back that Nigerians be given the right to bear arms noting that has become necessary given the fact that illegal arms are in the hands of lawless Nigerians while the law abiding ones have become targeted species.

He also said that Nigeria should emulate the

advanced countries as the bearing and keeping of arms may reduce the defenceless Nigerians in the face of a badly stretched security infrastructure.

According to him, allowing citizens to bear arms in the face of serious cases of insecurity in the land would mitigate the spate of attacks as witnessed in various places of the country.

Okemini held that the

issues relevant to women would find expression on the confab.

She explained that her organization, which is the umbrella body for all women organization would want issues such as true federalism, elimination of all forms of hostilities and discrimination against women, citizenship and the recognition of the office of first ladies on the front burner.

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Tuesday, APRIL 8, 2014

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Ibadan evil forest: Forensi pathologists exhume bodi INVESTIGATION Experts search kidnappers’ den for evidence

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

F

orensic experts from Abuja and the University College Hospital (UCH) yesterday conducted a search at the site of suspected kidnappers’ den at Soka forest in Ibadan.

This came about three weeks after the shocking discovery of the den where about eight people were rescued with bodies littering the area.

The team of police from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadachi, went with the forensic team to the Soka forest about 10.40a.m.

Men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) were also on ground, monitoring the exercise.

Before their arrival, 20 policemen were already on ground to provide security for the forensic pathologists.

Items picked at the site by the forensic experts and gathered in paper cartons included clothes, mats, plates, bottles, metals and any other physical things seen.

The state Police Public Relations

Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor (SP), who addressed journalists at the venue, said three teams were working at the site.

She said: “One of forensic teams from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, is led by Babale Aminu. He was actually sent by the Inspector General of Police with four others including a forensic pathologist, Dr Eze Nwom, who led the team of pathologists, with an anthropologist.

“There is a professor from the UCH among them, who deals with anything relating to throat to the head.

“They are here to pick up evidence and exhume bones that were buried to give them forensic analysis.

“Another reason is futuristic so that anybody whose relatives might have been declared missing could go for forensic test so that it could assist in determining whether they are related to any of the bones.”

Okuwobi-Ilobanafor also spoke on what the police in the state had been doing since the discovery was made.

She said: “Today is the final stage of the exercise as police from Oyo had earlier visited and carried out a series of investigations. After this, we shall be handing over the place to the state government who knows what else to be done with it.”

Okuwobi-Ilobanbafor denied any

rumour that some people were underground at the site.

She said: “How can a human being survive underground for more than three weeks without food or drink?

Where will they get power to charge the phone people have been saying some-

one was calling with? It is mere rumour and figment of their imagination and a machination of rumour-mongers.

“People should not carry rumours that will have psychological effects on families of missing people. They should be logical in their reasoning. They

should stop making th that we are Lilliputian their common sense t “The UCH collabor lice to make sure they the Soka matter. They humanity sake.”

One feared dead in Abuja lone accid Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

O

ne person was feared dead while two others were injured yesterday when a Mercedes E220 car hit two pedestrians atop the Berger Bridge which leads to Area 1 in Abuja metropolis.

A witness told our correspondent that the two pedestrians who were crossing the road, probably to pick a vehicle going to Mabushi, were hit by the car.

The car, driving by a lady, veered off the road, only stopped when it hit

a road sign erected by the Vehicle Inspectorate Office (VIO).

The witness, who said she narrowly escaped being hit by the car as she was also trying to cross the road, said one of the victims fell into the drainage.

The accident led to a gridlock on top of the bridge.

It took security and emergency management agencies’ personnel a hectic time to control the traffic.

A police officer said three persons involved in the accident had been taken to the hospital.

But he was unable to

The scene of the accident

confirm if any life was lost.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Altine Daniels, also confirmed the accident.

She said the information

at her dispos one of the vi mediately, wh were at the I Unit (ICU) of Hospital.

I’ve no governorship ambition –Bassey / PAGE 17 | Benue: Tension over Suswam’s successor / PAGE 18

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

Battle for Imo: Odds against Okorocha

ayodele Ojo

Deputy Editor, politics

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

p-14, 15

TUESday, April 8 , 2014

T

here is no end in sight to the long wait by Nigerians living abroad to participate in elections back home given the foreclosure of Diaspora voting in the 2015 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who revealed this at a recent three-day National Stakeholders Forum on Electoral Reform in Abuja, said the much anticipated Diaspora voting is not feasible until the Electoral Act is amended.

Represented by INEC Commissioner, Election Party Monitoring, Hajiya Amina Zakari, Jega said at the moment, only citizens residing in Nigeria at the time of registration of voters can vote at the next elections, though he acknowledged that denying the Diaspora the right to vote would be an infringement on their rights.

INEC’s position dashes the hope of the Diaspora citizens which was raised last year by President Goodluck Jonathan when he addressed Nigerians living in Niamey, Niger Republic during a working visit.

The President had then said that though the final decision on Diaspora voting would be decided by the National Assembly through the constitution amendment (yet to be completed), a proposal from the Presidency was before INEC to enable it study and look at the possibilities of citizens living outside the nation’s shores to take part in electioneering process as obtained in other advanced democracies.

“I have asked INEC to work towards it by 2015. Diaspora voting is realistic. Even if it will not be possible in all elections, at least we will work towards the presidential and governorship elections. But for the parliamentary, because of the complications involved, it may be difficult,” Jonathan had said.

Quest for Diaspora voting right Before the “Niamey declaration,” some Nigerians in the Diaspora under the aegis of Diaspora Voting Right Implementation Committee had commenced moves to enforce their voting rights through the

Diaspora voting: Still a long wait for Nigerians abroad Beyond remittances to support relatives, Nigerians abroad contribute through investments that support economic growth and job creation. But their clamour to participate in the electoral process and, in turn, have a voice in how their home country is governed is yet to be granted by the government. FELIX NWANERI reports

Jega

Mark

collection of one million signatures for what they termed “Nigerian Diaspora Voting Rights Petition.”

Led by Chief Gabe Okoye, the concerned citizens even submitted a memorandum to both the Senate and House of Represen-

tatives’ committees on constitution amendment on their right to vote in elections, particularly the presidential, governorship and National Assembly elections.

Before then, an effort in 2007, by the then chairman of INEC, Prof. Maurice Iwu, to get Nige-

rians in the Diaspora involve in the electoral process did not materialise. Iwu had then proposed four English-speaking countries, including Britain and the United States as pilot countries for Diaspora voting, but the inability of the National Assembly to amend section of the constitution which provides that only Nigerians resident in the country can register and vote in elections, frustrated

CROSSFIRE Mr. Aganga, as far as I know, is from somewhere in Edo State, not from Lagos.

He is not an indigene of Lagos but to his credit, he has supported our initiatives here, and he has supported the free trade zone -Governor Babatunde Fashola

I am shocked that Fashola now came up with this. Aganga has never disputed it that he is not from Lagos State. But he grew up in Lagos... that was why we made a representation to Mr. President about the need to have an indigenous Lagosian as a minister -Chief Bode George

the initiative.

Section 77 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) states that “Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of 18 years at the time of the registration of voters for the purposes of election shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.”

Currently, there are about 115 countries and territories, including nearly all developed nations that have systems in place to allow their emigrants to vote. The number is still growing with more African nations embracing the option.

A 2006 study of countries that allow their emigrants to vote included 21 African nations; 13 North and South American countries; 15 Asian countries, six Pacific countries and 36 European countries. Sixty-five of these countries allow for external voting for everyone, while about 25 place restrictions on it, based on such factors as to whether they intend to return permanently or how long they have been away. Citizens of the U.S. can vote no matter how long they stay away, while citizens of Britain are disqualified after 15 years away. France reserves seats in its parliaments for citizens who live abroad.

Clog in the wheel The National Assembly, which should have paved the way for Diaspora voting to take off in the forthcoming elections through an amendment of Sections 77(2) and 177(2) of the 1999 Constitution, posited that Nigeria was not ripe for Diaspora voting.

The Senate, for example, hinged its position on associated logistics problems involved.

Senate President David Mark, who noted this while addressing Nigerians residing in the United States late last year, said: “The logistics are too many and they CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14 POLITICS As the political scenario in Imo state continues to unfold and more political gladiators surface for the 2015 governorship poll, the odds seem stacked sky-high against Governor Rochas Okorocha despite the famed power of incumbency, Steve Uzoechi reports

I

t has become a common saying of sort in Imo State that Governor Rochas Okorocha is presently enjoying a mandate freely given on a platter of gold to him, but come 2015, he would have to earn his mandate.

The saying in Imo State is hinged on the odds stacked against the Ogbokoborn state chief executive as the march towards the 2015 gubernatorial election in Imo State gathers momentum.

Beside the alignment and re-alignment of some political forces, who to a large extent influence the trend of politics in major power blocs in the state, Okorocha is already saddled with a cocktail of selfinduced political impediments.

Foremost is the fact that the governor set out in his 2011 governorship campaign, promising to serve for one term.

In his analogy at the time, when he introduced his ‘Rescue Mission’ initiative, he averred that a rescue operation is always a swift mission that is usually executed within the shortest possible time to avert colossal disaster.

He stated that his eyes were still on the presidency but had to stop-over and rescue Imo before continuing on his journey. He then boasted that all he needed to rescue Imo was just one term of four years and he got it.

Now, 35 months down the line, the governor has already indicated interest to seek re-election in 2015, shelving perhaps for good, his presidential dream.

The governor had reportedly based his decision to stand for re-election on the alleged threat by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over the state, claiming that he is the only one that has the capacity and wherewithal to stop the party from returning to power in the state.

But right from the governor’s political camp, questions of character and integrity have been thrown up.

His former Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Chief Charles Onuoha who also served as Commissioner for Special Duties called on his boss to remain a gentleman and tow the path of honour by abiding to his single-term vow as well as handing over to Owerri zone whose turn he usurped in 2011 going by the ‘Imo Charter of Equity’.

Onuoha, who made public his feelings, told newsmen in Owerri, the Imo state capital that: “beyond Governor Okorocha’s one-term promise, my ambition to take over power from him is driven by what transpired on January 15, 2014 when the governor convened a stakeholders’ meeting in the Government House.

He added: “At that meeting, the governor categorically told us that he was

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Battle for Imo: Odds

going to Abuja and urged those with governorship ambition to declare. Of course having contested the Labour Party ticket in 2011 and lost to a fraudulent primaries before collapsing my entire structure into the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) towards actualizing Okorocha’s victory in 2011, it became an opportunity for me to openly make my intention known in our camp and party.

“The governor even expressed happiness and declared to ensure that my dream will never die. Besides, I am eminently qualified having garnered the pedigree and capacity to take Imo to the next level in terms of development and good governance.”

Considering the Imo Charter of Equity which insists that zoning is part of Imo politics, Okorocha may be swimming against the tide of popular sentiments in this regard if he sticks to his re-election bid.

Okorocha is from Imo West, otherwise known as the Orlu Senatorial zone. The zone has 12 council areas while the two other zones in the state, Imo East (Owerri Zone) and Imo North (Okigwe zone) have nine and six council respectively.

Former Governor Achike Udenwa, who administered the state for two tenures spanning 1999 to 2007, is also from the Imo West and by 2015, the zone would have governed the state for 12 years in a 16-year period, while Imo East is yet to occupy the governorship seat of the state since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

In view of this lopsidedness, the average Owerri man is of the view that, for Okorocha to seek re-election in 2015, would amount to a near-assault on the people of Imo East and would be resisted with everything at their disposal.

While the people of Owerri zone are demanding a first bite of the cake, their brothers in Imo North (Okigwe zone) are asking for their full share of the cake, which is completion of two tenures in office as governor. Their son, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim was stopped in his second term bid by Okorocha in 2011.

Compounding Okorocha’s woes even further, is the apparent poor acceptability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political platform in Imo State and indeed in Igbo land.

Imo has three senators; two are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while one was APGA in the person of Senator Chris Anyanwu. It would have been expected that she would have followed Okorocha to the APC, but during the recent visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the state, Anyanwu openly declared for the PDP. And out of the state’s 10 federal constituencies, the PDP is presently occupying seven while the APC has three seats.

In the Imo State House of Assembly, not many legislators could dare to voice their membership of the APC. The speakership of the Imo parliament is still based on the nominal majority of APGA over PDP. About four APGA members of the Assembly had already publicly declared their resolve not to follow Okorocha to APC and

Okorocha

this would make PDP the majority party in the Assembly any day the leadership of the Assembly declares for APC. As a matter of fact, the APGA lawmakers who defied Okorocha and the APC were recently prevailed upon to withdraw a suit in court seeking to restrain the gov-

ernor from hounding or arm-twisting them into joining the APC as Okorocha was quoted to have threatened to initiate moves to declare their seats vacant.

With these calculations, Okorocha cannot for certain boast of a jolly ride in his return bid to the Imo Govern-

Diaspora voting: Still a CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

are not there right now, so we will not be able to do it.”

He added: “You know we tried to introduce the idea before but when we discovered the problems, the logistics involved to make it work, we had to drop it for the sake of the nation. There is no way we will do Diaspora voting that it will not cause problems because political parties will always complain that we have rigged elections and we all know what problem that allegation can cause in Nigeria, so we do not want that to happen.

“Even Nigerians in the Diaspora will say that the officials of our foreign Embassies have manipulated such elections in favour of a certain political party. Again, the local politics in Nigeria, if brought to the Diaspora, will end up dividing Nigerians living abroad.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Andy Uba, who shared similar view, had earlier argued that there was the problem of data availability at the Nigerian embassies abroad.

The foreign missions, according to him, do not have reliable records of Nigerians living in their respect countries of assignment and therefore it would be difficult to reach a conclusion on the matter. “Right

now there are no records of Nigerians in the embassies. Most of them arrive there illegally and this is a problem. We are trying to ensure that we get all the records of Nigerians living abroad. It is then we can begin to consider it.”

The House of Representatives, which on its part refused to take a second reading on a Diaspora Voting Bill, when it was introduced by the chairman of its Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa also cited similar reasons.

Dabiri-Erewa had then argued that Nigerians abroad deserve the opportunity to vote, considering the over $20 billion in remittances they contribute annually to the nation’s economy, but majority of her colleagues who opposed the bill, argued that the cost and logistics of the policy outweighs government’s capacity. Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor said that “in as much as I appreciate the spirit of this bill, the question is, are we ready for this now? The answer is we are not there yet although we are improving. The financial implication for this may turn out to be worse than the oil subsidy.”

Missed opportunity While the foreclosure of Diaspora voting

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

against Okorocha

Agbaso

Ararume

Ihedioha

As political factors continue to pile against the governor, with his political structure getting leaner, it may not be too preposterous to hazard a guess of a bleak political future for the once, very charming politician Ohakim

Iheanacho

ment House in 2015, as the figures add up against him.

All the more, every state and community have their political leaders and in every political endeavour, the roles of these leaders are often factored into the permutation before arriving at any safe

guess on expected outcome.

It is no longer secret that Okorocha has lost grip of key political leaders across the three senatorial districts and 27 council areas of the state. It was learnt that those that have remained are merely perfecting their exit game plan.

With the return of Udenwa to the PDP, what remained of the Okorocha administration was shaken to its foundation as a gale of resignations hit his government following the exit of loyalists of the former governor who moved in droves to the centre’s ruling party.

long wait for Nigerians abroad in the 2015 elections means another missed opportunity for Nigerians abroad to have a say in what happens back home, a pertinent question being asked by some analysts is: Why do candidates for elections fly abroad to canvass for support from citizens residing in foreign lands, who are not allowed to vote?

The country’s major political parties have overseas chapters and whose members contribute to their funding but are denied the right to vote during primaries to pick flag bearers. Also, it is believed that there are approximately eight million Nigerians in Diaspora who infuse over $20 billion into the economy annually.

Some analysts, who insisted that this magnitude of socio-economic strength should not be ignored, even opined that the Diaspora community qualifies as the 37th state in Nigeria and therefore justice demands the passage of a voting right bill which will serve as a step to its official recognition as an integral segment of the polity.

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (Ghana Chapter), Chukwudi Ihenetu, who spoke on the issue told New Telegraph that the realisation of Diaspora voting right will not only strengthen the bond between Nigerians

Right now, there are no records of Nigerians in the embassies. Most of them arrive there illegally and this is a problem. We are trying to ensure that we get all the records of Nigerians living abroad abroad and the home-front, but facilitate effective mobilisation and utilisation of the enormous expertise and resources in the Diaspora for the nation’s development.

He added: “The fact that about 28 African countries have approved voting for their citizens abroad implies that there are inherent socio-economic benefits in the exercise and since Nigeria cannot rank below the 28 countries, it means that the arguments against its cost and readiness are untenable.”

A Canadian-based Nigerian, who also spoke with New Telegraph on the issue, said: “INEC’s position is bad news to Nigerians in Diaspora, as we are not being

integrated into nation-building and the development of our various states. It means that we are going to miss the working relationship that would have developed between governors and the citizens of their respective states in Diaspora.”

Priority question Despite the argument for Diaspora voting right, some pessimists were of view that it should not be a priority for now, as it will not benefit Nigeria or Nigerians by any means. “Why must the poor back home pay for those in the Diaspora to vote during elections. There are always consequences for abandoning one’s homeland; not being able to vote from abroad in an election is one of such consequences,” one of them said.

He added: “Has anyone imagined how much it will cost Nigeria to enable people to vote from abroad? Such huge funds can be channelled to healthcare and its benefits will avail to all Nigerians. And for the votes from abroad to be legal in Nigerian elections, every Nigerian abroad must be afforded the same opportunity to vote; it shouldn’t be a situation where those in C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 8

POLITICS

15

Udenwa’s followers averred that their sojourn in the APC was cut short by stack insincerity and the lack of a clear cut progressive political ideology.

On the list is the former Chief of Staff during the Udenwa administration, Chief Vin Udokwu; former Special Adviser to Okorocha on Justice and Fairness, Soronnadi Njoku; Interim State Secretary of the state APC, Col. Lambert Iheanacho (rtd); Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Engr. Cletus Amaregbu; Mayor in-charge of Owerri Mayoral Affairs, Chief Gibson Achonwa Njemanze and Chief Felix Idiga, the man Okorocha has been grooming to battle Senator Hope Uzodinma of the PDP for the Imo West Senatorial seat.

It was also gathered that Chief P. C. Onuoha, Political Adviser to the governor may also be on his way out. Onuoha who has neither pushed a single political position in favour of the governor nor countered any against, is said to be top among those perfecting their exit plan.

While all these point to the fact that Okorocha may no longer be a selling political brand, at least among the middle and upper class in Imo State, the governors’s aversion to due process and disrespect for the Rule of Law is another factor.

Okorocha on assumption of duty sacked elected council executives who naturally would have been tied to the apron strings of the governor but have now joined the wagon of anti-Okorocha campaigners in the state.

He also sacked heads of commissions and other agencies with statutory tenures of office in defiance to due process.

These groups have all filed actions in court and had obtained favourable judgements of reinstatement which again, the governor merely trashed.

Okorocha till date has refused to pay the entitlements of political appointees that served under Ohakim, in spite of court judgement in favour of the exappointees. These payments are not favours but statutory entitlement of men and women who have served the state.

Recently, former political appointees who served the Okorocha administration have in a press statement, queried the governor, saying, “If Governor Okorocha refused to pay former political appointees of the last administration perhaps because they worked with his political rival, Ikedi Ohakim, what would be his reason for not paying us that served under him our severance benefits and other entitlements, nearly one year after?”

As political factors continue to pile against the governor, with his political structure getting leaner, it may not be too preposterous to hazard a guess of a bleak political future for the once, very charming politician.

There are already more than a dozen battle-ready politicians angling for the governor’s seat. They include Chief Martin Agbaso, a likely governorship candidate of APGA in 2015; Senator Anyanwu, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chief Emma Ojinere, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Prof. Jude Njoku, Chief Humphrey Anumudu, Chief Desmond Ukanacho, Chief Bethel Amadi, Chief Chuka Odom, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Ohakim and Chief Ike C. Ibe.

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

A’Ibom: Bitter struggle for Akpabio’s successor The three senatorial districts that make up Akwa Ibom are up in arms against each other over the battle for the succession of Governor Godswill Akpabio, Tony Anichebe reports

F

rom 1999 when the military withdrew for another chance at democracy, struggle for political power has assumed frightening dimension with politicians in charge.

The struggle for the control of political power in the Fourth Republic in Akwa Ibom State started in late 1998, when a former Commissioner for Works in the military era, Mr. Benjamin Okoko then the favorite to fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag in the 1999 election was persuaded by the then leaders of the party, Don Etebet and late Chuba Okadigbo to allow Victor Attah take the slot.

Attah had his way and was in government for eight years. But towards the twilight of his era in 2007, he gave politicians direction as to where the pendulum will go and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District was his preference.

After a bitter struggle and primaries that had over 58 aspirants from the state’s three senatorial districts, Chief Godswill Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene emerged as candidate of the PDP. Thus with Uyo Senatorial District having a slot for eight years through Attah and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District having their own turn of eight years through Akpabio, perhaps justice and equity demands that power shifts to Eket Senatorial District in 2015.

But that was not the case for politicians as there are discordant tunes that the Akwa Ibom guber race must be open to all.

This led to serious campaign from politicians from Eket Senatorial District. The people of Eket Senatorial District operating under an umbrella organisation known as Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Assembly started by rejecting any offer of the post of deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 should they be offered any such position by any candidate or political party.

According to the group, the position of governor in 2015 should as a matter of justice and equity naturally shift to Eket Senatorial District.

According to them, politicians from Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District) who decides to flout the position of the Assembly on the matter is on his own.

The group maintained that Eket Senatorial District has an array of knowledgeable, brilliant, competent, tested and dynamic aspirants willing and ready to effectively serve as governor of Akwa Ibom State come 2015.

It said: “More than a dozen prominent governorship aspirants from Eket Senatorial District are currently working quietly to actualise their ambition

Akpabio

The governor has been a beneficiary of the tripod on ethnic basis, and he must keep faith with it.

You cannot shift the goal post in the middle of the game but are doing so discreetly in order not to distract the state government in its transformation drive.”

In a 16-point communiqué obtained

by New Telegraph, the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Assembly condemned in strong terms and demanded for immediate stop what it called sponsored media campaigns of blackmail and denigration against politicians from the district by a few hawks and political opponents who see themselves as all knowing and want to shift the goal after the match had started.

They also drew attention to the fact that Eket Senatorial District provide the bulk of the economic wealth of the state, particularly crude oil which fuels the much-talked ‘Uncommon Transformation’ and is responsible for the “frenzied scramble for the Government House, Uyo by persons from other senatorial districts of the state who have had their fair share and benefits from the governance of the state since 1999.”

The communique was signed by prominent indigenes of the district including Chief Nduese Essien (a former minister), Chief Etim Okpoyo (a former deputy governor), Chief Okon Essang, Ambassador Etim Uye, Prof.

Monday Abasiattai, General Anthony

Etukudoh (rtd), Ime Ekpoattai and Bassey Essien.

Their agitation got to a point that Governor Akpabio openly declared that his successor will come from the Eket Senatorial District. Akpabio’s open endorsement of Eket District calmed their nerves, but some politicians from Uyo District are yet to swallow the bitter pill.

Using some traditional rulers and elders of thought they have informed the governor that Uyo Senatorial District dominated by the Ibibio ethnic group will not stay out of power for another eight years and pushed for an open race come 2015.

But Akpabio, who had acknowledged that it will be an open race, still maintains his position that power must shift to Eket Senatorial District.

The bitter struggle within With the coveted prize within the reach of Eket Senatorial District, politicians in the area rather than unite against other districts in the coming battle are already divided on ethnic lines.

Eket Senatorial District has the Ibibios, Ekid, Oro and Obolo ethnic groups within their domain. While the battle rages on the ethnic frontiers, the same rages on the other front at the federal constituency level.

The people of Oro Nation, an ethnic group within the district through one of its sons and former national vice chairman of PDP, Chief Edet Nkpubre told journalists recently that there

will be chaos if Oro ethnic group fail to produce the next governor of the state.

Nkpubre believes in the tripod of Ibibio, Annang and Oro ethnic groups for the governorship rather than on senatorial basis and maintained that instead of the position going to any federal constituency within Eket Senatorial District it should rather return to Uyo Senatorial District.

According to him, “Oro must have the governorship come sun or rain.

The governor has been a beneficiary of the tripod on ethnic basis, and he must keep faith with it. You cannot shift the goal post in the middle of the game.

Let nobody undermine our capacity, Oro has the largest deposits of crude oil in the state and we have the capacity to stop the exploitation of our oil resources if they push us to the wall.”

Backing their agitation with records and statistics, a group of Oro professionals under the aegis of Oro Think Tank led by Ikopoto Okon Osung, said that Oro political opponents in high places have been at work to exclude them the equity of power shift, employing four dimensional strategy which he described as systematic under-development and stagnation of economic growth; perpetuation of political cum economic marginalisation against Oro sons, daughters and institutions and a calculated attempt to disinherit Oro of its right despite the third largest ethnic group in the state despite their sustained economic contribution to the growth and well-being of Akwa Ibom State.

The group said that out of the governors, who have ruled the state since its creation in 1987, Uyo has produced four, Ikot Ekpene two, while Eket Senatorial District has not produced any.

Osung said: “All we are saying is that by whatever name it is called, ethnic equity is just and necessary in Akwa Ibom State.”

Similarly, the paramount rulers of Ibibio ethnic extraction led by Obong Dickson Umoette, the monarch of Etinan Local Governmenr Area made a passionate appeal to the governor to ensure that power shifts to Eket Senatorial District and also ensure the emergence of an Ibibio son from the district as his successor, while the Ntisong Ibibio Obong Ekidem canvassed the return of power to Ibibios either in Uyo or Eket senatorial districts.

In all these arrangement, the question being asked by many in the state is: where is the place of other minority ethnic groups.

Solomon Ekokoi, a lecturer and the managing partner of Grand Ville Attorneys based in Uyo, was of the view that it is out of place for the people of the state to be raising ethnic issues in their politics.

His words: “In 2015, we must use it as a test ground to test our unity irrespective of where we come from. We should allow justice and fairness to inform our decision. That is the bottom line. Whatever we do, we should have the spirit of fairness at the back of our mind.”

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

I’ve no governorship ambition –Bassey

POLITICS 17

Chief Gershom Bassey is one of the “three wise men” in Cross River State politics. He is a childhood friend of former Governor Donald Duke and a close friend of Governor Liyel Imoke. His rumoured governorship ambition has generated apprehension in the state as elite from the northern part of the state believe Imoke’s bosom friend might be handed the plum job. He speaks on the 2015 governorship election in this interview Clement James in Calabar Let’s start with your relationship with the former governor, Mr. Donald Duke and Governor Liyel Imoke. How did it begin?

Well, Donald and I grew up together. We have been childhood friends. We went to the same primary and secondary schools together, so we have always been friends. I met Liyel later when I was in a university abroad. But all of us somehow, in 1991 found ourselves working together under the tutelage of Chief Clement Ebri. Liyel contested for the Senate and Duke later became a commissioner. I was a close political student, I would say, of Clement Ebri and I worked with him then. I later went to head CREL (Cross River Rubber Estate Ltd). So, it was while we were there that three of us came together, having realised that we had similar political ideologies and that’s how our political friendship developed.

What’s the direction of your ambition in the coming governorship election?

Well, like I have always tried to explain to others that have asked, there is no ambition. We don’t operate like that. I am not sure that individuals within our group or political family have had burning ambitions for themselves. We are not great believers in the old idea of superstar politics. We don’t believe in that. We believe that a political leader at any point in time is as strong as his political family and his political followership. And therefore, the focus has always been to strengthen the political family and political followership. Now, if in order to strengthen the followership or the family you decide that a particular person should go and occupy a particular elective office or appointive office, then that’s the way we play it. I am not sure members of the group go about saying ‘I am ambitious for this or the other.’

No. That’s not the way we play it.

Stickers bearing your name have been in circulation for some time now in Cross River State. Are you now categorically denying the fact that you have an ambition to contest the governorship election?

No, no, no. What I am saying is that within our political family, for instance, those stickers you see are from our supporters. Those who are asking me to contest one office or the other. They are only expressing themselves and I think they have the liberty to do so. This is democracy and the constitution guarantees freedom of speech.

Every day, people come to me urging me to contest. I have entertained so many people on a daily basis, all coming to persuade me to run. But I have not come out to actively encourage them or declare my intention to contest for any office. And you know, I can’t stop people from expressing themselves.

Are you thinking of nursing this ambition someday?

The way we operate, we don’t go about nursing ambitions for ourselves. We nurse ambition for our group. I think it is important, in the context of our political group, political family and party that we continue with the programmes and policies that have been already started in the last 15 years which have taken the state to the enviable height today.

And this has been as a result of the combined efforts of

all the elected officials, especially that of the governor. We have been able to put a solid team around the governor that has made the state proud whether it is at the chairmanship level, House, senatorial or governorship levels. That is the ambition we are having. We are not having ambitions for individuals because that won’t take us anywhere. The intention is to project our state. Now, if you don’t have a team and you get the office, what will you do with it? So, you have to look at the entire team.

Bassey The “three wise men concept” refers to Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke and you and it has resonated everywhere. Can you throw more light on this concept?

Well, I am very flattered about that because what it shows is that the choices we made to put forward my friend Donald as governor and later, Imoke were the right choices because clearly they have touched the lives of the people. This has continued to make the people vote for the party. And people have come to have confidence in the political judgement that we made. That’s why we continue to say moving forward, they should continue to maintain this confidence and continue to trust in our political judgement even in presenting the next governor to the state who will equal or even do better than Imoke.

So, honestly, I am very flattered and happy. We are sure the next governor will take us to another level.

The issue of Calabar/Ogoja Accord has come up recently.

While some want the three political districts to be recognised in the zoning process, others hold onto the accord which rotates between the north and south. What’s your take on this?

Sometimes I feel that there are certain things that we should not tamper with. The Calabar/Ogoja accord was an extremely important document, probably a seminal document which gave birth to the political space we are currently operating. Without it, this political space would not have been possible. And, maybe, we would have been struggling in a different political space where we would have found it difficult to actualise and realise our dreams. Honestly, I feel so sad when people try to knock out the document. Instead of jettisoning it, we

People have come to have confidence in the political judgement that we made... they should continue to maintain this confidence and continue to trust in our political judgement even in presenting the next governor

should try and immortalise those who initiated it. The document has done so much for the people of Cross River State and the prevailing peace we have today is as a result of the spirit of that document. Having said that, we should not also stretch it beyond what the framers intended. Yes, even the constitution can be amended. What we can do now is find out how we can tinker with the text while the spirit remains. My understanding of the accord is that it was meant to bring equity and fairness.

So, we can work on it to meet the political realities of our time. Yes, it was done when the state had two districts but we should look at the spirit of the document and see what the intentions of the framers were. Throwing it away is not in the interest of fairness and equity. We should ask ourselves, as the new political realities dawn on the state, what should we do? Let’s continue to hang on to the doctrine of fairness in the state. It helps us to actualise our dreams and aspirations.

If anybody from the southern part of the state comes up now to run for the governorship, will you support him?

First and foremost, I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and I think for now, the governorship has been zoned to the north. This is even in line with the principles of the Calabar/Ogoja Accord which demands fairness to all. The PDP caucus in its wisdom sat down and said; come, the north is also part of the state and they have not held the highest office in the state. Let’s zone this office to them. So, for now, if anybody comes out from the south, I will not support him.

Away from politics, there is this allegation that you are not accountable to anybody as chairman of the State Water Corporation.

(Laughs) Do you know why I am laughing; because anybody who knows how the Water Corporation runs will not make such an unfounded allegation? I tell you, it is unfounded because the Water Board deals with funding agencies like the World Bank and if you know the level of due process at the World Bank, then nobody will think that way. Again, the French Development Bank is involved. Their due process is stricter and that of the African Development Bank which is our partner, is even more difficult. How can you tamper with donor funds?

18 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

The clamour for the Benue governorship seat by the three zones of the state has heated up the political landscape of the state, even as Governor Gabriel Suswam is at a crossroads over who to present to the people as his likely successor, writes Cephas Iorhemen

T

he race for who will succeed the incumbent governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam is generating irresistible tension in the state leaving the governor adamant and indecisive over who to pick as his likely successor.

While serious politicking has already commenced with various interest groups queuing behind their supposed contenders, no fewer than 25 aspirants have so far indicated interest to vie for the plum seat.

In the state’s Zone A, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN) and four others including the Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Mrs. Ada Chenge; Suswam’s campaign director in the 2011 governorship election, Dr. Terhemba Shija; Mr. Peter Chieshe and Daniel Mailumo are plotting to occupy the position at all cost.

Aondoakaa has already communicated his intension to the state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In Zone B axis, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and House of Representatives member for Makurdi/Guma constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Jime are leading 12 others to contest for the state governorship position.

They include Dr. Eugene Aliegba, Prince Andy Uwouku, Mr. Alex Adum, Mr. Hinge Biem, Comrade Simon Anchaver, Dr. Tivlumun Nyitse, Mr. Mbachiantim Manger, Mr. Felix Atime, Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, Hon. Simon Aondoana, Mr.Terhemen Tarzoor, Mrs. Shimave and Prof. David Ker. The same goes for Zone C – home of Senate President David Mark. Those eyeing the governorship from the zone are Suswam’s deputy, Chief Steven Lawani; a former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Sam Ode; Director Federal, Medical Centre, Makurdi, Dr. Mathias Oyigeya and Mr. Harris Ogbole.

Also, some political appointees in the state have since tendered their letters of resignation to enable them fully prepare for the governorship poll. Their actions became imperative in compliance with the directive by Suswam that all appointees in his administration wishing to run for any election should resign.

Those who have resigned to contest the poll include the Commissioner for Environment and Urban Development, Aliegba; Permanent Secretary Local Government Pension Board, Prince Andy Uwouku. The trio hail from Zone B where Senate Minority Leader and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator

Suswam

Aondoakaa

Benue: Tension over Suswam’s successor George Akume holds sway.

It is important to point out that while the Idoma people who dominate the state’s Zone C are clamouring for power shift, claiming marginalisation since 1976 when the state was created, their Tiv brothers in zones A and B have kicked against the idea.

Their argument amongst other factors in this direction is that the Idomas did not indicate any serious sign when the Tivs were struggling for the creation of the state.

The Idomas are concentrated in nine out of the 23 Local government areas of Benue State while the Tivs occupy the rest 14.

But ironically, even among the 14 Tiv speaking local government areas, there is internal wrangling over who emerges governor in 2015, as diverse interests are being articulated.

For instance, the people of zone, A where Suswam comes from are still bent on holding unto power, arguing that their tenure under the first civilian governor of the state, Aper Aku was aborted by a military coup d’état and should therefore be allowed another chance through Aondoakaa to complete that tenure.

However, their brothers in Zone B say they will not shift ground since it is their turn after Suswam to mount the seat of

Suswam’s indecisiveness over his successor is not unconnected with his ambition to transmute to the Senate power.

Findings by New Telegraph revealed that they may resort to a consensus arrangement in order not to lose the position to Zone A, as Aondoakaa is waiting patiently to make history.

At the moment, the clamour for the governorship seat by the three zones has heated up the political landscape of the state with Suswam at a crossroads over who to present to the people as his likely successor.

Meanwhile, while the PDP is yet to decide on who should fly its flag in the governorship election, the main opposition party, APC is strategising seriously to present a formidable aspirant to take the state by storm.

Part of the party’s strategies is the settlement of its internal crisis in the state and the constitution of an interim management team, a development which saw the massive defection of PDP mem-

bers to its fold in recent weeks in Vandeikya, Makurdi, Gwer, Gboko, Buruku, Gwer West, Ushongo and Kwande local government areas of the state.

For now it’s not clear which zone will produce the next governor, as the state chapter of the party had said clearly that it has not zoned the position to any particular zone in the state.

In the meantime, Suswam’s indecisiveness over his successor is not unconnected with his ambition to transmute to the Senate, a position being occupied

by Senator Barnabas Gemade, a former National Chairman of the PDP. Suswam is committed to the realisation of his ambition come 2015. He was recently reported to have pencilled Gemade’s name for ambassadorial position to enable him have a smooth sail to the Senate, but Gemade, it was learnt has allegedly rejected the olive branch.

Suswam last year told reporters that he will make his position on the senatorial ambition known this year and Benue people are waiting for the day.

For now, certain groups working for Suswam have said should the governor eventually heed to the various calls for him to run for the senatorial seat, there would be trouble in the state, as it is likely trigger a do- or-die kind of political battle in Benue State.

Diaspora voting: Still a long wait for Nigerians abroad CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

America, Canada and UK are given the opportunity to vote while those in Gabon, Cuba, Afghanistan and Somalia are denied such opportunity.”

A political school of thought that backed the position argued that citizens abroad are likely to fall to political propaganda if allowed to participate in the electoral processes of their home countries. “Their votes would likely tilt the results in favour of the person who outsmarts others in propaganda directed at

them,” it was argued.

However, what the political school did not make clear is how the foreign propaganda war differs from that at the home front. The questions being asked in this regard are: Is foreign media less corrupt than the local media? Do citizens of the Diaspora care less about their countries of origin than those residing in them?

Do they have a greater motive to vote according to their self-interests as opposed to the nation?

While the clamour for Diaspora voting

rights seems to have been shot down for now, the consensus is that citizens living abroad hold great potential to contribute to Nigeria’s development, as evident in other emerging economies. To this end, the idea should not be shoved aside because there are likely to be problems. At the moment, 28 African countries are handling such problems, and considering the enormity of the potential voting bloc from the Diaspora, it is not unlikely that it can make a difference in future elections.

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 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.

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

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

TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

The value of co-operation in crisis

n March 8, 2014, a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 flight MH370 disappeared mid-flight with 239 passengers and crew aboard. Since then, the development has baffled aviation pundits and drawn growing global attention, especially as weeks of search to find out what happened to the aircraft and the people aboard have failed to yield tangible results.

Leads have dried up as search for the plane intensified. There have been so many sightings of images and objects revealed by the most advanced satellites offered by the various countries involved in the never-ending search for the plane and its passengers, yet there has been nothing really to see.

With each new day in the search zone and each new discovery has come fresh disappointment.

Objects sighted by search aircraft and pulled from the ocean have also not shown any convincing link to the missing aircraft. While the families of those aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 have been waiting for almost one month for answers to questions agitating their minds, those of passengers and crew on Malaysia Airlines 653 that was hijacked in 1977 on its way from the northern Malaysian city of Penang to Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city have been waiting for 37 long years. The Boeing 737-200 plane crashed into a

mangrove swamp as it descended, killing all 100 on board. Until the disappearance of Flight MH370, it was the deadliest incident in Malaysian aviation history.

Although Michael Goldfarb, former chief of staff at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says “We haven’t had a straight, clear word that we can have a lot of fidelity in, we have the tragedy of the crash, we have the tragedy of an investigation gone awry and then we have questions about where we go from here,” suggesting that no significant progress has been made so far in finding a clue to what indeed happened to the airliner and the 239 people, this singular occurrence has come with it, a big lesson for the entire world, that there could still be value in crisis.

That so many countries both far and near did not stay aloof to watch how the ugly development would be handled by Malaysia alone but are cooperating to mobilise support in whatever way they can, especially in deploying sophisticated technological equipment and expertise is inspiring and worthy of commendation.

This underscores the statement

by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott that “we owe it to the families, we owe it to everyone that travels by air, we owe it to the anxious governments of the countries who had people on that aircraft. We owe it to the wider world which has been transfixed

by this mystery for three weeks now.”

At the last count, at least 26 countries were involved in the search, with each country currently bearing its own costs. Not even Singapore that was unceremoniously exorcised by Malaya in 1965 could afford to stay away from the countries that have so far rallied support in solving the Malaysian problem that has assumed a global dimension. We believe that this is very good for our world. While our thoughts and prayers go to the families and countries that have been traumatised by the sudden disappearance of their loved ones and citizens following the flight MH370 mishap, we also advocate that this spirit of cooperation in finding solution to daunting global challenges be concretely cemented and not be allowed to fizzle out with the Malaysian case, as it would help the world a great deal.

Today, there are flash points in Nigeria, West coast of Africa, and indeed, the entire African continent. Although forces and other valuable resources have been mobilised through peacekeeping and other need-based initiatives to quell wars, threatening internal strife, apartheid and other challenges with Nigeria playing the frontline role in most cases, we have remained surprised until recently by the nonchalant attitude of the country’s

neighbours in the face of highcalibre case of insecurity that has consumed many lives and dealt fatal blows to the national economy especially in the northern part of the country. We least expected this laxity on the part of other African countries and believe that the situation would possibly not have escalated to its current disastrous level had the countries risen in action against the irritating acts of terrorism that Nigeria is grappling with.

Knowing that what goes round could come round, we advocate that no efforts should be spared in nipping problems in the bud whenever and wherever they are spotted. A peaceful African continent must not be compromised if sustainable progress and stability must be achieved in prominently positioning its countries and citizens to cope with the fast pace of change in the contemporary world.

It is cheery that the nations that have volunteered men, machines, materials and money in the effort at resolving the mystery of the missing aircraft in Malaysia have broken the shackles of complacency and demonstrated a rare bond of brotherhood. This is why we encourage the countries in Africa to always focus more on the things we have in common and not our differences in the need to respond to overwhelming challenges across the continent.

GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North AYODELE OJO Acting 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

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

OPINION The guiltless must not die on partisan altars Ijele Agha-Ibeka Nigeria is an interesting country. Once during a conversation, a friend swore that God was a Nigerian. Asked on what basis he made such an astonishing declaration, he said it was because Nigeria was one country whose citizens don’t have to contend with natural disasters. There are no cyclones, no earthquakes, no hurricanes, no tsunamis, no tornadoes, no typhoons, etc. Before any of those present could agree with his point of view, another friend muttered something that sounded like a neutralizer. He said it would be premature for anyone to claim God as our fellow countryman, unless we first took into consideration the kind of people the Supreme Being placed in Nigeria. Which is a way of saying that Nigeria is a beautiful country peopled by a peculiar mix of all sorts – the good, the bad and the ugly!

Yes, we have folks with large hearts. But we are also teeming with characters with haughty eyes, lying tongues, and hands dripping uncontrollably with innocent blood. There are hearts that do nothing other than foment the wickedest of plots and feet that frequent the shrines of evil, spreading strife and contention among brothers.

The book of Proverbs mentions in Chapter 6 the seven sins God detests: “17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 18 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Of all these, God calls the sowing of discord among brethren an abomination. I mentioned the above as an introduction to the opposition politics now at play in our dear country. For all I know, ordinary Nigerians who are already disadvantaged by starvation wages deserve better that being harangued with deep-seated perversion and unfiltered halftruths and outright lies all intended to make them boil over with indignation and protest.

It now appears that the indiscriminate striking of antiJonathan postures in all things is a model for the sponsors of partisan media and their footmen. One wonders why this must be so. Why should serving in Jonathan’s administra-

tion automatically translate into the inquisition of a public official? The worry is that this inquisition invariably comes in the undisguised form of blackmail. And once an unfortunate victim of a public official is felled with the bullets of unjustified opprobrium, the perpetrators of the journalistic injustice turn their attention elsewhere, searching for a new victim to run aground. Doesn’t this kind of disreputable professional behavior tie in with what God terms abomination in the bible passage quoted above?

As of Friday March 28 2014, there are some 151 private/ executive jets operating within Nigeria. Some of these aircraft are owned by Nigerians and registered in Nigeria, while others bear foreign registration numbers but operate under Air Operating Certificates (AOC) issued by NCAA. Need I say that some of the airplanes operating on the strength of foreign and local registration numbers belong 100% to Nigerians or their cronies whose annual tax liabilities cannot buy as much as a motorcycle? At the last count, companies like Zenith Bank Plc, and Oceanic Bank Plc own private jets.

Businessmen like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, Mr. Jimo Ibrahim, Mr. Wale Tinubu, Chief Arumemi Johnson of Arik Air and Chief Nduka Obiagbena of Thisday newspapers are proud owners of private jets. Many Nigerian politicians are owners or constant users of private and chartered jets, including Chief Andy Uba, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and exBorno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. A number of state governments, like Bayelsa and Rivers, own private jets. The list is endless.

The above brings me to the current hoopla associated with the alleged use of chartered jets by Petroleum Resources Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. Vast sums have been quoted by “experts” from all over, said to be used in hiring the jets and maintaining them. In numbers, we are talking of real money here, billions! In business, the question will be thus: having made such an input into the Petroleum Ministry, what is the output? As a fallout of Sanusi’s accusation of unremitted funds by the NNPC to the Federation account, the President ordered a forensic audit. I am not sure

whether the ordered audit has a foreclosure clause on some areas of the NNPC’s operations. Would the auditors rather not do us a great job by looking at anything constituting inflows and outflows of funds from NNPC? By way of calling mischief makers and members of the partisan press to a level of clear headedness, the use of private jets and chattered aircraft by the NNPC dates back in time. Alhaji Rilwan Lukman, one of the most circulated and recycled Petroleum chiefs Nigeria ever had, was fond of junketing in hired aircraft. For the avoidance of doubt, the NNPC had always owned airplanes. Without delving into classified issues, the now grounded HS25 with registration number 5NNPC was purchased long before the era and time of this current administration. My question is this: what is now the difference?

I think I can guess the difference! Mrs. Alison-Madueke is from minority ethnic group and is married to a vanquished Igbo Admiral, a female without the hijab, and someone who has so much clout that she dared some novelty in an industry that had, until this dispensation, served the interests of an anointed few. Without holding brief for Mrs. Alison-Madueke and the executives at the NNPC, I believe that what should matter to Nigerians is value for money deliverables from the Petroleum Ministry, or any other public institution for that matter. Throwing figures about in order to scare us, can only add credence to the old saying that when a poor man is told what it takes to be rich, he will prefer to remain perpetually in abject poverty.

I recommend serious investigations of our MDAs as a way of bringing accountability to bear on our public and civil services. This must not be confused with a call for the throwing about of accusations and invectives like confetti.

It is not about humiliating and needlessly harassing and calumniating our public functionaries who, like candles, are daily melting away to provide illumination for all of us. President Jonathan must resist the goading to punish the guiltless in order to satisfy mischief makers. This will amount to falling for what God calls abomination!

• Agha-Ibeka is a commentator on national issues.

The best should lead the rest - Ode to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (2) Continued from yesterday

Alfred Omolewa

I

n fact, Lagos began the journey to its former glory and started to act as the true center of commerce it was designed to be. Things were more organized and efficiency returned. Many of the steps the Tinubu administration took are now being copied by the federal government and the other state governments. Any leader whose impact extends beyond his immediate surroundings is a success. Tinubu triumphed.

However, Tinubu’s greatest achievement would be finding the best man to succeed him and carry on his blueprint.

The ‘usual’ thing would have been for him to find a man of low esteem and competence who would be fed instructions from the Tinubu camp. This is what President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted with Late President Yar’Adua, which turned out to be a disaster from which Nigeria is yet to recover.

Tinubu resisted the attempt to pick a

‘Yes-man’ and went for competence and ability again. He found his man in Babatunde Fashola and staked his political future on him. That bet paid off. Fashola is currently one of the finest administrators this nation has ever seen and a pride to the Yoruba race and Black people the world over. His exploits have been praised from across the Atlantic and he is seen as the major reason investors are coming in droves to invest in Lagos. They know it is a sure bet, just as Tinubu knew Fashola was a sure thing. Tinubu must have the gift of Nostradamus.

So, what is next for this visionary called Bola Tinubu? Recently, he completed the master coup in getting the biggest opposition forces to merge and adopt a singular platform. He put his body on the line, traversing the land and pitching his dream to his would-be conspirators. It came at a cost; he lost sleep and much body weight, but the deal was sealed. The news of the registration of the new party came to him while he was recuperating from a long over-due knee surgery. He must have smiled to him-

self. Not a smile of victory but a knowing smile, content that his vicarious appetite for work would get some satisfaction in the task ahead to save Nigeria from sure doom.

This man’s passion calls for a pause, though. Any man who gives his all for a good cause when he could be enjoying his retirement deserves some attention. Tinubu’s vision has been his guide. His determination for Nigeria to achieve true federalism is not in doubt. His belief that only Nigerians can save Nigeria is steady and sure. Question is: Did any past Nigerian president have this fire in his belly? Which Nigerian leader carries the credentials, passion and support that Asiwaju does? Shouldn’t Tinubu be given the room to transmit the vision and plans that worked for Lagos to Nigeria?

All the requisite ingredients that make a great leader in Tinubu. He has the charm, brilliance, competence, compassion, loyalty and patriotism every president must have to succeed. He is accepted as a friend home and abroad. His network of accomplices cut across the strata of society and regions. He is a chief in Hausa, Igbo and

Yoruba lands. He has been awarded titles in Europe and America. Chicago State University, his Alma Mata, consider him a great ambassador and once held a dinner in his honour.

Only recently, President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone said this of him: “Governor Tinubu, we should honour people like you; you have what it takes for such leadership.

Some of us are fortunate to be associated with you. We will deepen our relationship with Nigeria. For somebody like you, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated great leadership quality we are happy to be associated with you. If we are making any progress here, it is because of the efforts and contributions people like you have made.”

What an endorsement of quality leadership! If a progressive African leader like Koroma attests to the excellence of Asiwaju Tinubu’s leadership, may be Nigerians have found the president they truly can trust. It is time to ask men of true competence to take the plunge. The best of us should lead the rest of us.

Run, Asiwaju, run!

OPINION 21

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Still discussing education (2) Continued from yesterday

Adewale Kupoluyi

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his is often the case in the rural areas and most often in private schools and in our universities, where un-trained teachers account for about 65% of teaching staff”. Alovor’s point alluded to my position during the proceeding when I urged the relevant regulatory bodies to enforce the appropriate legislation that will guarantee that only those trained as teachers actually teach. He, however, observed that one of the ways to address the declining standard of education was to embark on a pragmatic drive through periodic organisation of courses for teachers on the job, to refresh their memories on the fundamental principles and methods of teaching and learning.

Professor Olusola Oyewole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and President, Association of African Universities; Professor Adebiyi Daramola, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure; Professor Emmanuel Okoro, Professor of Medicine, University of Ilorin and Ms. Brittney Field of the Bridge International Academies made useful interventions at the Plenary Session on Policies and Structures for Ensuring Quality Teaching Delivery.

AAU President, represented by Dr. Olusegun Folorunso, Head, Webometrics Centre of FUNAAB, spoke on “Quality Assurance in African Universities: Chal-

lenges and Strategies”, traced the emergence of Quality Assurance in African institutions to the 1980s and the 1990s. He noted that the key issues, which necessitated the emergence of QA were demand for efficiency and competitiveness in higher education, increased mobility, globalization and cross-border recognition of qualifications and involvement of private interests, brain drain and expansion in student enrolment.

The AAU President’s detailed and well-illustrated paper advised that in the course of the establishment of QA, there should be an assessment of the current state of service provision and delivery, assessment of what needed to be done, as he called on academics to mentor the younger ones and to also create a mechanism that would allow students assess and measure their lecturers, to bring about quality teaching. Professor Oyewole concluded by calling for the sustenance and improvement in the standards of teaching, learning, research and extension services in the Nigerian Universities within the quality assurance framework, as he equally solicited for adequate enlightenment on the need for QA in the realization of the aims and objectives of establishing the University.

“Alternative Funding Models for Growth and Expansion of Educational and Training Institutions”, was the title of the paper delivered by Abdul Oladapo, an infrastructure and project finance expert, which highlighted the importance of funding in education and how best to embrace public-private partnership. He revealed that private sector funding was increasingly being used

for infrastructure development in Africa, as a catalyst and to close the funding gap in a bid to accelerate the provision of necessary while noting that the education sector lagged behind in securing finance through partnerships with the private sector.

Participants also identified the setbacks affecting polytechnic education in the country to comprise of: infrastructural deficits, discrimination against staff and graduates, undue influence in students’ admission and appointment of staff while the Director, Technical and Vocational Services, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Educational Board, Laolu Oguntuyi analyzed the major problems facing technical and vocational education, which are institutional in nature, just as Stephen Amponsah, Executive Director, National Vocational Training Institute, spoke from the Ghanaian perspective and it was resolved that vocational education was an impetus to stimulating economic development.

Far reaching resolutions were made at the end of the forum that would certainly turn around our educational sector and it is only hoped that this time around, unlike previous discourse, outcomes of the intellectually-stimulating forum are expected to serve as a blueprint to developing sustainable educational standards for Nigeria and indeed, Africa.

• Kupoluyi writes from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, vide, adewalekupoluyi@yahoo.co.uk, Twitter, @AdewaleKupoluyi

From Obi to Obiano: Things Finally Fall together for Anambra James Eze

F

amous thinker and writer, Chinua Achebe must have had his native Anambra in mind when in summing up his troubled relationship with Nigeria, he wrote; “Nigeria is neither my mother nor my father.

Nigeria is a child. Gifted, enormously talented, prodigiously endowed and incredibly wayward, Nigeria needs help.

Nigerians have their work cut out for them – to coax this unruly child along the path of useful creative development. We are the parents of Nigeria, not vice versa.”

Watching the inauguration of the fourth democratically elected governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, the other day, it seemed as though Ndi Anambra had finally understood what Achebe meant - it is unwise to look at one’s nation-state or an internal administrative unit of a nation to which one belongs with paternal expectations. Rather, it is wise to treat it with the parental affection that binds a mother irrevocably to an autistic child, forcing her to nurse it through unbearable difficulties to healthy growth.

No event in living memory has drawn Anambra’s illustrious sons and daughters together like Chief Willie Obiano’s inauguration. Nor has any event quite symbolized the incremental progress of the people as the peaceful transfer of the instruments of state power from Peter Obi to Obiano as witnessed at the Alex Ekwueme Square on that day. And as though he

had long anticipated the magnitude of the history that happened on that day, Chief Obiano acknowledged this progression in his Inaugural Address delivered in a voice that quavered with emotion, “your clamour for continuity in Anambra State as captured in your slogans “From Agulu to Aguleri” and “from Obi to Obiano,” has finally been fulfilled!” In one fell swoop, the mantra “from Obi to Obiano” made a swift transition from a mere campaign slogan to a metaphor for redemptive change, signifying not just a peaceful handover of power as had never before been experienced in the state but also a healing of historical and contemporary ego wounds, an acknowledgement of sorts that for society to remake itself, Obi must make way for Obiano.

For a people whose guiding philosophy abhors any form of inertia, the transition from Agulu to Aguleri and from Obi to Obiano was simply an idea fated to come.

The thing we must note about Chief Willie Obiano’s inauguration though is that it was a theatre of symbols.

The long rumoured rift between the immediate past governor, Chief Peter Obi and governor Obiano was laid to rest when Obi mounted the rostrum on that day, fully dressed in party colours with the image of Obiano’s face boldly printed on it. The gesture was a symbolic rebuke of critics who had brazenly dismissed Obiano as governor Obi’s stooge in the campaign days for wearing party clothes that had Obi’s image on them. In wearing Obiano’s image to Obiano’s inaugura-

tion, Obi was silently telling hecklers who had ceaselessly probed for a chink in the armour of their friendship to look elsewhere and that he was fully behind the new governor. It was also a direct chastisement to many influencepeddlers and rumour mongers who had continued in their futile attempts to sow mistrust and bitterness between the two since the victorious end of the gubernatorial elections that produced the Obiano administration.

To many observers of Anambra’s troubled political history, the insidious campaign to split these two great sons of Anambra does not come as a surprise though. Blessed beyond its wildest dreams with some of the greatest black people on the planet, Anambra has always been let down by the inability of her many gifted children to work together on political leadership. So, the healthy relationship between Obi and Obiano in the build up to the latter’s electoral victory had long been looked at with suspicion and curiosity. There have been countless insinuations of bad blood between the two, drip-fed into their closest circle of friends by people who see their growing friendship as a threat to their own political future.

But thankfully, the two have risen above the tide of poisonous gossip to chart a new future for Anambra State.

They are fully aware, like many silent observers, that the delicate balance of things in Anambra depends on how well they manage their perceived differences. In what many people described as the perfect example of things falling

together, Obi’s statesmanlike carriage at Obiano’s inauguration and timely assurances combined seamlessly with Obiano’s cerebral US-style inaugural address to deliver a strong message of hope to Ndi Anambra, hope, that finally, Anambra can take its place in the sun. Finally, the people could see that APGA’s campaign rhetoric of onye aghana nwanneya could indeed become a lived experience and that Chief Victor Umeh’s brilliant deconstruction of the unwritten doctrine of power equation among Nigeria’s contending tribes that stoked the fire of Igbo nationalism in the campaign days was not a fluke.

Interestingly, two weeks after his inauguration, Obiano seems to have finally erased all doubts about whether he could be his own man with a performance that has left no one in doubt about his competence and resolve to build on the legacy he has inherited. But perhaps more importantly, the first two weeks of the Obiano administration have shown rather more poignantly, that all anxieties about Obi’s anticipated meddlesomeness in the new administration were indeed misplaced.

Increasingly, it is becoming clearer to Ndi Anambra that the Obi to Obiano concept which among other things also signifies the balancing act that has finally given the three senatorial zones of the state a sense of equity and a fair chance at the centre, is a regenerative paradigm which the state needs to become what it has potentially been these long years. (eziokwubundu@gmail.com)

22

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

ARTS TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

23 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

The drama is not dead but liveth, and contains the germs of better things " ― WILLIAM ARCHER

THEATRE

Building theatre, key to unlock Nollywood economically, says Okafor President of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor speaks on state of live theatre in Nigeria, Nollywood and the need for theatre houses in every local government in Nigeria. Tony Okuyeme writes.

Z

ik Zulu Okafor has no doubt carved a niche for himself as a movie producer and writer.

When he talks on matters that have to do with theatre or Nollywood, it is with such palpable passion.

“Theatre is very critical to the development of any system, because it is a powerful tool of communication.

You've seen it from all the plays of the past; theatre does so much, from re-enacting our culture for us to see and understand, you could see that in Benin plays. For instance, it was my taking part in Imaguero that I began to understand some Benin cultures.

Theatre is a huge commentary on the socio-political system of any setting,” he said, in this interview held in his house in Surulere, Lagos.

“Again, you see that in plays like Wole Soyinka’s Trial of Brother Jero.

What is happening now - the proliferation of churches, and things going on - where all foretold in that play. So theatre is a massive instrument of change. Every serious country should be able to invest on theatre because it can be used for communication of policies of government; it can be used to educate people. There was a time some people came from U.S; they did a research on how best they can educate Nigerians on issues about civil society, education and so on; how to disseminate the message. After the research, what they found out was that the best instrument was Nollywood, because in every city, town, villages, hamlets, Nollywood was present, being watched by the people. That is theatre for you; theatre – drama, dance, music - is very strong. In any system that is conscious of its history, conscious of its development, conscious of the orientation of its people, theatre is very important.”

But apart from being a powerful tool of communication, the AMP President stressed, can be used as medium for the promotion of unity of a country, for political awareness, for understanding of the very essence of the people, where they are coming from, where they are, and where they are going. His words: “It is theatre that can be used to communicate things

like this easily, beyond just reading it on the papers. And when they read it on the papers, they see it as pedantic or trying to preach. But when theatre communicates this you understand it, because it effectively communicates what they want and how best to do it.

And because it is in the form of entertainment, it is easy for you to comprehend and appreciate.”

However, in spite of these, theatre is not getting the necessary attention from government and the organized private sector. Instead, the situation, according to him, is worsening.

“I think it is getting worse because budget for culture has continued to dwindle for past couple of years.

Culture, in government, is becoming more and more invisible; we don’t see what they are doing. For instance, we don’t see what the Ministry of Culture is doing. We just hear rhetoric. That is the truth; we don’t see what they are doing. So it is worrisome. We are not seeing what the Culture Ministry is doing; we are not seeing what government is doing with the Ministry of Culture. There is nothing I can say presently, that this is what the Culture Ministry is doing to create even culture consciousness, apart from contributing to those departments that combine to define what culture is.

Theatre productions, movie productions, dance, whether by the department of government or by private productions; I have not seen synergy, I have not even seen the vision of the Culture Ministry, not to talk of the action they are taking. So government is not giving culture a fair shake of the dice.”

Okafor also stressed the need for advocacy and Synergy among practitioners, adding that the organized private sector is not looking at them at all, and that Nigerian attitude to theatre is gradually disappearing.

“There is need for synergy; there is need for advocacy. But the associations in the theatre environment have been trying to do all that, but they have their challenges because culture is not funded in Nigeria. The organized private sector is not looking at them at

all. Very few; very inconsequential, insignificant few in the corporate world sponsor theatre productions.

That is why in spite of the attempts at synergy or collaborations among practitioners, it is still a very difficult business; extremely difficult, because theatre requires funding for it to work. Even if you put your heads together as practitioners and produce a play, because you do not have money to do the necessary publicity, whether it is online, the electronic or print media, you will see that the theatre is empty when you go to watch a play. This is because people are not even aware of them. And Okafor Nigerian attitude to theatre is gradually disappearing; what you don’t see and you don’t hear of, the thing fades off your mind. That is why theatre is fading; it needs serious funding, with a lot of publicity, a Every serious country lot of hype to come back. That is the should be able to invest on only way people will wake up and say they want to go to the theatre to watch theatre because it can be a play. used for communication He recalled that in those days there of policies of government; were some theatres spread across Lait can be used to educate gos. “Theatre was alive then. Apart from the National Theatre, Iganmu, people there were other venues too, such as PEC Theatre, the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, auditorium, and other venues. Things celebrated to bring the organized priwere happening then. But today you vate sector, the political class and the don’t even hear of such things any- diplomatic corps to a common meetmore. It is a shame. I do not see why ing with practitioners. According to government cannot reconstruct the him, they need to get the organized National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, It private sector to invest in building goes beyond renovation. They should theatre viewing centres across the reconstruct the Main Bowl and the country, as this is the key to unlock Cinema Halls of the National Theatre Nollywood economically. and promote them for theatre to come “Nollywood at 20 was celebrated back,” he said. to bring the organized private sector, Okafor said Nollywood at 20 was

CONTINUED ON PAGE24

24 ARTS

O

ne of Africa’s leading artists, El Anatsui joined the septuagenarian club this year. To celebrate it Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos, organized a special art exhibition titled Playing With Chance, still showing till this Saturday April 12, 2014.

Since its opening penultimate Saturday, the show has continued to draw scores of artists, scholars, critics, art aficionados, admirers, students, among others to the venue to have a rare opportunity seeing the renowned Ghanaian artist's studio.

Playing With Chance is novel given that on display were not just Anatsui’s works but also some of his these archival material. It is a portrait of the man and his work over the past four decades through video, slide images, drawings, sketches, photographs, writings, documents as well as his art. The presentation of these archival material many for the very first time gives an insight into the thinking and working process of Anatsui, arguably one of Africa’s most important contemporary artists.

On display include some of the artist’s letters, planning strategies for exhibitions and business documents on transactions, including the artist’s salary pay slips at UNN for over 36 years.

Also on display are reviews, mostly from newspaper cuttings on the artist's work, published within and outside Africa, and other reviews written by the artist for exhibition catalogues and journals. There is also a set of works tagged From the Collection of El Anatsui, which no doubt gives a hint into Anatsui thoughts as an artist. Also on display are some works of his ex-students Nnenna Okore, Lucy Azubuike and Amarachi Okafor.

In her address, the director of Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mrs Sinmidele Adesanya who was the guest speaker at the opening of the exhibition, described Anatsui as a master artist; "the only Nigerian master born in Ghana, who is one of the greatest artists in the world today." She recalled that she met Anatsui for the first time in 2000 during a project organized by Bisi Silva in collaboration with Ford Foundation. According to her, convinced that the artist has taken sculpture beyond the boundaries they used to know," Mydrim Gallery in 2001, along with Nimbus Gallery, Lagos, showed 11 graduating students

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Playing With Chance: Celebrating master artist, Anatsui at 70

L-R: Adesanya (left), Silva and Prof. El Anatsui at the opening of the exhibition

of Anatsui in a group exhibition titled New Energies.

Director of CCA Silva said, for CCA, it was innovative to celebrate, differently, an artist whose works have been shown all over the world. The exhibition, she said, “Playing With Chance is shaped primarily through archival material in an attempt to present an alternative insight into the work and career of the artist Anatsui.”

Born in Anyako, and trained at the College of Art, University of Science and Technology, in Kumasi, in central Ghana, Anatsui began teaching at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, till date, and has become affiliated with the Nsukka group.

Playing With Chance is shaped primarily through archival material in an attempt to present an alternative insight into the work and career of the artist Anatsui Anatsui's preferred media are clay and wood, which he uses to create objects based on traditional Ghanaian beliefs and other subjects. He has cut wood with chainsaws and

blackened it with acetylene torches; more recently, he has turned to installation art.

Some of his works resemble woven cloths such as kente cloth. Anatsui also incorporates uli and nsibidi into his works alongside Ghanaian motifs.

He has exhibited his work around the world, including at the Clark Art Institute (2011), Rice University Art Gallery, Houston (2010), Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (2008–09); National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C. (2008); Venice Biennale (2007); Hayward Gallery (2005); Liverpool Biennial (2002); the National Museum of African Art (2001); the Centre de Cul-

tura Contemporània de Barcelona (2001);[6] the 8th Osaka Sculpture Triennale (1995); the 5th Gwangju Biennale (2004); and the Venice Biennale (1990).

Some of Anatsui’s solo art exhibitions included Earth Growing Roots, SDSU University Art Gallery, San Diego State University (2009); El Anatsui: Nyekor, Spazio Rossana Orlandi, Milan (2006); El Anatsui: Gawu, Oriel Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno (2003–2008); Hakpa, French Cultural Centre, Lagos (1997); El Anatsui, October Gallery, London (1995); Old and New: An Exhibition of Sculpture in Assorted Wood, National Museum, Lagos (1991); Venovize: Ceramic Sculptures, Faculty of Arts and Design, Cornwall College (1987); Pieces of Wood: An Exhibition of Mural Sculpture, The Franco-German Auditorium, Lagos (1987); Sculptures, Photographs, Drawings, Goethe-Institut, Lagos (1982); Wood Carvings, Community for the Arts, Cummington, Massachusetts (1980); Broken Pots: Sculpture by El Anatsui, British Council Enugu/ Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka (1979); Wooden Wall Plaques, Asele Art Gallery, Nsukka (1976).

The artist is a recipient of several honours and awards such as Prince Claus Award, Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development, Amsterdam (2009); Public's Prize, 7. Triennale der Kleinplastik, Stuttgart (1999); Bronze Prize, 9th Osaka Sculpture Triennale (1998); Kansai Telecasting Corporation Prize, Osaka Sculpture Triennale (1995); Honorable Mention (joint), 44th Venice Biennial (1990); Honorable Mention, 1st Ghana National Art Competition, Accra (1968).

Playing With Chance runs till this Saturday April 12, 2014.

Building theatre viewing centres...

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 3

the political class and the diplomatic corps to a common rendezvous with practitioners so that they can listen to us and hear us; so that we can network. I think that has been successful. So having done that, we need to consolidate now; we need to pull the organized private sector more to us, to see how we can get them to invest in structure – the structure I mean, are cinema houses.

They don’t have to be mag-

nificent buildings; they can be cottage cinemas. But we need to get the private investors to invest in theatres because if we have movie houses, if we have 30 in Lagos here, and if we have them in Abuja and other states too, Nollywood will be in business.

“We are talking to our members to let us also come together and begin to put some pressure group to get the National Assembly to activate that part of the constitution that states that there must be a viewing

centre in every local government. If that happens, we have about 774 local government areas in Nigeria, which means we will have 774 viewing centres, apart from the theatres that already exist. That way you know that you have been able to bring about that action you need to unlock Nollywood.

Building theatre viewing centres is the key to unlock Nollywood economically. Once that happens the picture changes; then you make a movie and earn hundreds of millions of

naira. That way, the banks will be eager to give you facilities.

But now they are not going to give you facility because they believe that there is no structure in Nollywood; therefore it is high risk. They can’t tell if their money is going out, how it is going to come back. So that is the problem that Nollywood has, and those are the things that we want to do to solve this problem. Push for structure, get the cinema houses to come alive with Nollywood, then we are in business,” he said.

BUSINESS TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Electricity firms make N3bn from fixed monthly charges Electricity firms in Nigeria rake in N3 billion monthly as compulsory fixed charges from unwilling customers regardless of whether there is power supply or not, investigation by New Telegraph has revealed.

}p-26

Shell’s $3bn assets sale winners emerge April 30 Winners of the $3 billion Shell’s assets are expected to be announced before the end of April, a source close to the deal told new Telegraph at the weekend.

}p-27

FG misses March deadline for marginal fields bid rounds The federal government has failed to meet the March deadline, which it set to complete the marginal fields’ bid rounds.

}p-28

Economic downturn takes toll on tenants amid high rents High rent is driving tenants and home seekers crazy in the Lagos metropolis with highbrow neighborhoods such as Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island taking the lead.

}p-33

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) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

IMPORT GALORE The number of generators in Nigeria has hit 60 million.

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

P

ower generation in Nigeria has fallen below N2,500 Mega Watts (MW) as the shutdown of forcados pipeline began to take a toll on the power sector.

New Telegraph gathered that the country suffered a power supply dip of 1,000 Mega watts due to shutdown of the 400,000-barrels capacity Trans Forcados pipeline, which suffered a leakage close to the Forcados export terminal. The pipeline conveys condensate and gas.

The shutdown of the pipeline has suspended the 220 million standard cubic feet (scf) of gas supply to the national grid.

A report by the Financial Derivatives (FDC) obtained by New Telegraph show that the market size is growing, but electricity

EXPLOITATION NPDC produces 30,500 barrels per day as first oil from OML 42

O

il production capacity from Nigeria will hit 2.6 million barrels by October, the highest in four years, investigation by New Telegraph has revealed.

Nigeria produced this figure in 2010 immediately after the militancy in Niger Delta was subdued.

The country depends large-

L-R: Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Sonye Allanah; Founder/National President, Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI), Mr. Linus Okorie; and Deputy Director, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Mr. Vincent Nemieboka; during the GOTNI Emerging Leaders Conference in Lagos.

supply is dwindling “and the standby generator has now become a must buy.”

According to the report, the lingering “power outages across the country are getting worse, with households and businesses suffering discomfort, rising production costs, lower revenues as well as staff lay-offs. Analysts

put the blame on non-availability of gas, as about 80 per cent of the power plants, which are gas-fired, are deprived of regular gas supply.”

This translates to more than one gigawatt of power, which is about 1,000 megawatts (MW).

By implication, national power supply has reduced by 1,000 MW.

Nigeria’s daily oil production to peak 2.6m barrels in Oct.

ly on proceeds from crude to service over 85 per cent of its budget.

Crude oil production from the Africa’s biggest producer, it would be recalled, increased from one million barrels per day in 2008 to 2. 6 million barrel per day in 2010 due to the improvement in post-amnesty programme.

Already the country’s production has exceeded 2.5 million barrels per day buoyed by the production from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42.

The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), operator of the field declared that it made the first producCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

The pipeline, which has been out for three weeks, has denied companies like Seplat, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and PanOcean Company of the capacity to transmit the gas they produce to the nation’s power generating plants.

But David Ige, the group executive director, gas and power, NNPC, said repair works was being done on the pipeline and that very soon gas supply would be restored to the power stations.

The Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline and Trans Forcados pipeline are the most strategic arteries for gas supply in the country.

Any stalling on these results in severe supply problems, which then hinder power supply.

It is obvious that gas shortage remains a lingering problem and until this is solved, there CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Rates Dashboard

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Power supply crashes below 2, 500 MW

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

NEW TELEGRAPH

IS NATIONAL CARRIER PROJECT JINXED? }p-37

INFLATION RATE February 2014......................7.70% January 2014 .......................8.00% December 2013....................8.00%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Maximum Lending Rate..25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at April 4)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N172 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N286 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N236

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at April 4)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.74 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N259.01 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N214.32 Source: CBN

26 BUSINESS | NEWS ALTERNATIVE Federal Government plans to reduce dependence on weak national grid.

Adeola Yusuf

E

lectricity firms in Nigeria rake in N3 billion monthly as compulsory fixed charges from unwilling customers regardless of whether there is power supply or not, investigation by New Telegraph has revealed.

The cash is from N750 fixed charge per customer on four million electricity customers in Nigeria who are faced with epileptic power supply on daily basis.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country generates less than 4, 000 Mega Watts for over 160 million people. The United Nations Report on access to power in the country states

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Electricity firms make N3bn from fixed monthly charges that there “is still a wide gap in power supply.”

Notwithstanding this huge deficit in power supply, customers, according to a document obtained by New Telegraph at the weekend, are “now four million in number,” and are unwittingly made to part with N750 monthly.

This amount is independent of other charges; actual power consumption charge and other service charges, which are reflected on the monthly bills.

The N750 fixed charge is also deducted on the cards of those who use pre-paid meters monthly.

Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

has joined civil societies to condemn the N750 charge, describing it as crude and criminal.

The compulsory charge, Oshiomole said, amounts to extortion and exploitation of electricity consumers.

“As someone elected to represent the interest of the entire Edo people, I cannot be silent to this type of exploitation by one company, which claims that there is somebody in Abuja or somewhere responsible for generation and transmission of electricity,” he said.

He spoke while addressing the civil society organisations in the state.

Nigeria, which generates below 3,500 Mega Watts (MW)

of electricity, needs 160, 000 MW to meet the electricity development indices, the report obtained by this paper has indicated.

The report, which was published based on the rule of thumb for developed industrial nation, states that at least 1 gigawatt (i.e. 1,000 megawatts) of electricity generation and consumption is required for every one million head of population.

Over 120 million Nigerians are yet to have electricity connection from the national grid, according to the minister of power, Professor Chinedu Nebo. The report reads: “Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Its population currently stands at about150 million people and is expected to grow to 230 million by 2030.

“The rule of thumb for any developed industrial nation is that at least 1 gigawatt (i.e.

1,000 megawatts) of electricity generation and consumption is required for every 1

million head of population.”

The above, it continued, “shows that Nigeria’s power supply of 2,500-4,000 mw is grossly inadequate to serve the population. Ideal level is 160,000 MW,” It added: “Hence the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to allow for the required massive private sector investment.

“The electricity customers in Nigeria are now about four million people but the current Average Daily Power available per hour is less than three hours. Whereas the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN’s) targeted 2020 , energy available is 20,000 MW.” Meanwhile, the minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Godknows Igali, noted the training is meant to sensitise and mobilise stakeholders to initiate an equity fund through private sector participation to promote sustainable energy.

Power supply crashes below 2, 500 MW C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5 L-R: Vice President, Press Relations, Schneider Electric, Thierry Nicolet; winner of the 2014 Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, Kenenisa Bekele; Communications Manager, Schneider Electric Anglophone West Africa, Anne Ezeh and Senior Vice President, Corporate and Solution Marketing, Schneider Electric, Jo Hart, at the 2014 Schneider Electric Paris Marathon in Lagos.

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 6

tion from OML 42, which has been unproductive since two years ago.

NPDC took over the operatorship of OML 42 assets from SPDC (Shell) in January 2012.

The station was then producing about 25,500blpd (12, 300 bopd net) from 11 strings.

Six months after successful takeover of operatorship, NPDC raised the production level to 30,500 blpd (13,800bopd net) from 13 strings. This milestone production was unprecedented in the history of Batan production even when SPDC was operating.

The next phase will be opportunity maturation through the commencement of Odidi and Jones creek Re-entry Projects.

“These projects have several modules in phases with Phase 1 geared towards additional 30,000 bopd and 45mmscfd gas from Odidi field and about 48,000bopd production increase

Nigeria’s daily oil production to peak 2.6m barrels in Oct. from Jones creek,” the company said in a statement.

A source at the company however told New telegraph that this level of production is expected by October.

“This high level of production activity, together with activities in other field, is going to be a major booster to the country’s oil production. By and large the figures available to NPDC shows that the country will hit 2.6 million barrels daily production in six months time,” he said.

The company, however added that the key achievements on OML 42 since the takeover of operatorship includes achievement of zero Lost Time Incidence (ZLTI), the conclusion of engagements with the host communities in OML 42 for Freedom to Operate (FTO) and the conclusion of engagement

of Operations and Maintenance Contractor for Batan Flowstation.

Other feats are the ability to put in place over 40 service contracts for the sustenance of Batan Flowstation operations, notations of the SPDC contract for the rehabilitation of Oil and Gas Facilities and Installation of Power generation facilities at Odidi Node by Lee Engineering and Construction Company, the repair of Ajuju 1S flowline to secure about 1,200bopd crude oil production, the repair of Ajuju 6T flowline to secure about 1500bopd crude oil production, sustainability of the Batan Flowstation production at about 30,500blpd (13,800bopd) from 13 strings, and the hook up of Batan Flowstation Houseboat to the Flowstation Gas Generator to reduce diesel consumption by 500litres per day.

may not be an end to the epileptic power supply.

In a related development, the manufacturers have declared that the number of generators in the country has hit 60 million.

Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Imo, Abia Branch, Dr. Frank S.U. Jacobs, who said this, added that the same number of people spend a staggering N1.56 trillion ($13.35 million ) to fuel their generators annually.

“An estimated 60 million residents use generators of varying sizes. In the last one year, average residential expenditure in fuelling power generators climbed to an all-time high of N1.56 trillion, about $13.35 billion per annum,” Dr. Jacobs lamented.

He was of the view that, “similar level of expenditure on private power generation has characterised the affairs of industrial and commercial power consumers.”

He noted that early last year, independent investigations recorded about half the figures outlined above.

Jacobs recalled with grief that the Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Mr. Steven Dimitryer, noted: “Nigeria experienced the worst electricity crisis among its contemporaries, which underscores the nightmarish generation, distribution and supply in the country.”

Jacobs insisted: “Electricity crisis is the most important infrastructure bottleneck in Nigeria today”, adding that all types of firms in Nigeria experience power outages and 85 per cent of them own generators as alternative source of power generation.

Nigeria’s power generating capacity has degenerated from 4,200MW in 2012 to 3,463MW per day on the average today.

And there is no indication this will improve in the near future. There were even times when power supply went below 3,000MW, especially when the bombed Escravos-Lagos pipeline was undergoing repairs.

In recent times, Lagos State, which houses two distribution companies, has been getting less than 500MW because of low generating capacity.

BUSINESS 27

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Shell’s $3bn assets sale winners emerge April 30 A worker at an illegal refinery

ROLL CALL Glencor, Seplat, Dangote, Taleveras, Aiteo and Sahara are in race for Shell’s assets.

Adeola Yusuf

W

inners of the $3 billion Shell’s assets are expected to be announced before the end of April, a source close to the deal told new Telegraph at the weekend.

Blue ship companies like Glencor, Dangote, Seplat, Taleveras and Aiteo have submitted bids for the assets, which include the Shell’s stakes in Oil Mining Leease (OML) and 18 kilometers Nembe Creek Line.

“Choosing the right buyer, rather than the highest bidder, can be crucial to securing sales, in a country where political influence can decide deals and legal disputes or financial problems can scupper them” Reuters had said in a report.

Shell’s spokesperson, Precious Okolobo had earlier said that the process was confidential, even though he confirmed the company’s on-going divestment process for the assets.

Taleveras and Aiteo have made the highest bid of $2.85 billion for the biggest of four Shell assets up for sale, but the oil the

major is holding back while it tries to persuade them to team up with Seplat, an existing operator.

Several oil industry sources told Reuters that, although there is little doubt the duo can raise cash for the block, Shell is concerned about the reputational risk of selling it to two exporters of crude and importers of gasoline that have no previous experience in running producing oil assets.

Shell is divesting its 30 per cent stake in four Nigerian oil blocks, with France's Total and Italy's Eni also set to profit from their 10 per cent and 5 per cent shares. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

PROSECUTION FG to prosecute pipelines’ vandals as Boko Haram terrorists, insurgents Adeola Yusuf

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he $16billion power projects in Nigeria are wasting away due to lack of gas supply, the Presidency declared at the weekend.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who said this, quoted Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, James Olotu

owns the remaining 55 per cent.

Seplat is set to list its shares in London and Lagos this month.

Shell declined to comment.

Taleveras, Aiteo and Seplat did not respond to requests for comment. Bidders are bound by confidentiality clauses.

The total assets, which include stakes in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and the 18 kilometers Nembe Creekline are estimated to worth $3 billion.

Dangote, it was gathered, has put in the highest bid for Shell’s stake on OML 18 in an auction the Anglo-Dutch giant organised last year in the Niger Delta.

On the field, which houses reserves of nearly 1.5 billion

barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) of gas, Shell operates the Alakiri Creek plant, which processes 80 MMpc/d of gas, a figure that will shortly rise to 120 mmsf/d.

The plant belongs to the Shell East Nigeria Gas Cluster that accounts for other processing plants on Okoloma, Obigbo and Imo River. Like Sahara Energy, which had just acquired OML 24 from Shell, Dangote already tried to buy stakes from the oil major in 2010, putting in a bid for Shell’s 45 per cent holding on OML 30, to no avail.

Neither Dangote nor Sahara responded to requests for comment from Reuters. Dangote,

who owns two power plants and several cement factories, is more interested in the gas, two sources said.

The blocks between them have more than 1.5 trillion standard cubic feet (scf ) of gas. Up until now, the Dangote Group of Companies, primarily active in cement, had held only minority stakes in the upstream, all of which it acquired during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Dangote strongly supported.

Shell is divesting its 30 per cent stake in four Nigerian oil blocks, with France’s Total and Italy’s Eni also set to profit from their 10 per cent and 5 per cent shares.

Why $16bn power projects are not operational –Presidency to have disclosed this to him.

“When I spoke with the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, James Olotu and was told that inaugurating or not, the power plants are not operational due to lack of gas supply. The $16billion project lies in waste due to lack of gas supply,” he said at the end of a one-day summit for all State Publicity Secretaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The power projects are under the National Independent Power Projects (NIPPs).

The federal government, according to Okupe, is to set up special court to try pipeline vandals and power station saboteurs.

He said the establishment of the special court to facilitate quick prosecution of vandals and saboteurs would also be backed by a decision for troop deployment to areas prone to pipeline vandalism.

Okupe said: “These people have resolved to continue to play a dangerous political game. They know that all things being equal, President Jonathan will deliver on the promise of regular power supply, and once he does that, the people will vote him into office for second term. Those who are unrelenting at querying the capability of the president to deliver have resolved to sabotage the effort and destroy the Nigerian dream.

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Sanctity of Truth

FG misses March deadline for marginal fields bid rounds 2015 elections fingered in oil blocs’ allocation hullabaloo SEALED LIPS DPR is yet to make known the identities of 31 onshore and offshore fields for sale.

Adeola Yusuf

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he federal government has failed to meet the March deadline, which it set to complete the marginal fields’ bid rounds.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke, had announced on November 28, that the bid round would be completed by March, 2014. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is yet to make available the lists of oil fields that are available for sale, putting prospective buyers in the dark on the oil fields allocations and eroding transparency in the process.

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the DPR has also been accused of flouting guidelines on new marginal fields’ allocation.

Some investors, who earlier expressed the belief that

the DPR is not sincere with implementation of the guidelines for the fields accused the agency of being used by the Federal Government to woo politicians with oil blocs ahead of the 2015 polls.

For the first time in 12 years, the federal government kick-started the process for the second marginal field licensing round, offering 31 onshore and off-shore fields.

As at the time of filing this report, none of the foreign and local investors, who have interests in the bid round, is aware of what is going on, while some of them alleged that a list of the fields for bidding is being circulated among oil companies in which politicians in the opposition and the ruling party have larger stakes. Among the 31 fields are Uzuaku field on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ogoni land, the Egbolom field on OML 23 that was previously operated by Shell in Rivers State, three offshore fields on OML 100 (Usoro, Ikong, Ibiom) and two on OML 67 (Amaniba

Nigeria pursues 1, 200 MW generations from nuclear sources TRAINING Federal government targets 4 000MW by 2030.

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he federal government has started implementation for its plan to generate 1, 200 Mega watts of electricity from nuclear sources, nuclear power specialist, Abida Khatoon has said.

Nigeria, Khatoon told a news agency, has begun this with the training of nuclear engineers on power safety ahead of ambitious plans to produce 1 200 MW of power by 2020 through nuclear sources.

Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is championing the training.

Abida Khatoon, who doubles as the leader of the training team, said the partnership between IAEA and NNRA would provide basic professional training, especially in the area of nuclear power safety.

“It is basically a training programme for engineers working on the country’s nuclear power project. Ours is to offer technical support in area of training and that is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.

He said that about 10 more engineers would be trained in the current programme, which would be concluded by next month. Nigeria’s nuclear power project is also projected to contribute at least 4 000MW to the total national electricity supply by 2030.

The country currently has three nuclear energy research centres sited in University of

and Ekpat).

Spokesperson for the DPR, Paul Osu, who confirmed his agency’s failure to make the list available as promised, expalined that this delay was caused by some reasons, which he declined to mention.

“The list will be uploaded on our website when it is ready,” he said, adding that it “was not made available by January as promised,” by the DPR Director “because it is yet to be ready for some reasons I do not know, but all I can tell you now is that anytime that

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

it is ready, it would be made available on our website.”

Asked whether he was aware of the existence of a list, which is being circulated among influential companies, Osu told New Telegraph in a telephone interview that he did not know anything outside DPR website and that he would not comment on it.

“Anything outside the DPR website, I do not know anything about that,” he declared.

Executive Vice Chairman, Terra Energy Services Nigeria Limited, Akin Adetunji, however, said that the DPR should explain why the list has not been published.

Chairman of Session/ Managing Director, Strata Oil and Gas Services Ltd, Mr. Smart Fadayomi (left); President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Mrs. Adedoja Ojelabi; Guest Speaker, Mr. Kolade Adeleye at the NAPE's monthly technical/business forum in Lagos recently.

Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and University of Port Harcourt.

The three centres jointly graduated six nuclear engineers last month.

In a related development, at least three African nations are looking to add nuclear power to their grid. Kenya and Nigeria want to establish nuclear energy, and South Africa, the only sub-Saharan nation with nuclear facilities, is looking to expand its capabilities. Until now, African nations have relied on ageold forms of energy generation: Hydropower and coal among them. But those sources have taken a social and environmental toll, displacing communities.

But does Africa have the means to turn on nuclear power?

A NASA space flight over a darkened continent illuminated a fact that many Africans already know. The World Bank says fewer than 10 per cent of African households have access to electricity. That, in turn, hampers industry and development on the world’s poorest continent.

New policy for safer cooking gas out in April, says SON T he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced plans to introduce new policy aimed at promoting consumption of safer Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) otherwise called cooking gas among Nigerians.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on the need to promote safety and ensure standards in the sale, distribution and consumption of cooking gas, the Director-General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, stated that it had become imperative for the regulator to ensure strict compliance to the industry standards.

He said: "The recent explosions in Abuja were discovered to have been caused by cylinders near LPG plant. The cylinders had expired but still in use. As at today, nobody checks the expiry date and the re-qualification of cylinders.

"The NIS532 standard provides for five years re-qualification for cylinders and 15 years

life span."

He said by mid April, the Council of SON will meet and may approve new policy that will help in having better control over cylinders and other accessories like the valves and pipes.

Furthermore, he argued that under the new system, individuals will not own cylinders but marketers who are licensed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

"This policy aims at holding people responsible in case of any explosions or accidents.

The cylinder and its gas content can be traced to a particular marketer who will be saddled with the responsibility of re-qualification.

"Only qualified individuals can market LPG under the new system to be introduced because it can also be used in terrorism. Every dealer will have a code to enable tracking of gas and cylinders," he stated.

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Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Another look at failing refineries Refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri are grounded because of lack of crude while companies like Sahara Energy, Televeras and Aiteo get 445, 000 barrels of crude daily in exchange for refined products. ENERGY EDITOR, ADEOLA YUSUF who periscopes the alleged grand conspiracy, reports that the national assets may not be allowed to function well.

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ew weeks after refining activities in Port Harcourt refinery were grounded, the same fate befell the 36 year-old Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company last week.

New Telegraph investigations showed last Thursday that the 125, 000 barrels capacity facility became docile due to in-availability of crude for refining.

The Port Harcourt refinery is starved of crude, a situation that had already made it to, in just 82 days, beginning from last year; lose a cumulative of 17.22 million barrels.

General Manager, Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Farouk Ibrahim could not be reached for comment but a source at the corporation told this newspaper that the refinery is not functional.

"Yes, the refinery is not functional.

This is all I can tell you for now. As at the moment, the refinery is starved of crude oil and I don't know how it would be functional without oil," the source said.

Irony of failing refineries While these national assets are been starved of crude due to what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) blamed on pipeline vandalism, the corporation gives a huge chunk of crude meant for domestic refining to Televeras, Sahara Group and Aiteo.

About 445,000 barrels of crude per day exchange hands in this crude-for-refinedproduct barter deal.

APC seeks probe The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the National Assembly Committees probing alleged revenue losses and sleaze at the NNPC, especially the crude-oil-for-refined-product barter programme, to beam their searchlight on the activities of the companies involved in the programme, in view of recent developments concerning the firms. These firms are Sahara Group, Televeras and Aiteo.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said that two of the firms involved in the swap programme, Taleveras and Aiteo, recently submitted the highest and unmatched bid of $2.85 billion for the largest of Shell Nigeria's four oil blocks slated for sale, the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29, which Shell is selling with its 97-kilometre Nembe Creek oil pipeline.

It described as simply incredulous the fact that the two firms, with a track record as oil marketers (not explorers) of less than five years, could make such a

huge bid, adding that this has put into a glaring context what may be the opacity of the barter programme under which the NNPC exchanges a huge chunk of the 445,000 barrels per day meant for domestic refining.

NNPC, pipeline vandals Although the Federal Government had been hiding information on the state of the refinery, Managing Director, Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Prince Haruna Momoh, unwittingly confirmed the ugly state of the installations.

He, however, blamed it on the pipeline vandals. It was also gathered that the management of the refinery is mulling an alternative option to get feedstock to the plant. The plan is to supply crude to the plant with vessels through coastal marine from where it would be taken to the plant for refining.

“By June, 2014, this arrangement would be operational and whatever quantity that comes through the pipe would only be complementary,” a source at the refinery said. Momoh said that his company spent over N12.4 billion on repairs of vandalised pipelines and in securing them between 2008 and last year due to the incessant pipeline vandalism.

To show the extent of the damage, Momoh said that the PPMC spent over N12.4 billion on repairs of vandalised pipelines and in securing them between 2008 and last year. Speaking on the sidelines of the recently concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas conference in Abuja, the PPMC boss said that between 2008 and 2010, the company recorded over N377 billion losses due to crude theft. “The spate of vandalism had risen in recent times far above what obtained in the past. We have recorded 5518 line breaks, but as at last year, it dropped to 3567.

The impact of this in monetary terms is that between 2008 and last year, we have spent over N12.4 billion on repairs and securing our pipeline. “In terms of crude oil and product losses, between 2008 and 2010, we are talking of over

While these national assets are been starved of crude, NNPC gives a huge chunk of crude meant for domestic refining to oil trading companies

Mrs. Alison-Madueke

N377 billion. Now we have adopted the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), another kind of technology to protect the pipeline from thieves accessing them.

Sale of refineries Oil workers in Nigeria expressed the belief that the refineries are being starved of crude to give room for the government’s plan to sell them.

Rising under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, the workers advised the Federal Government against any attempt to secretly sell the four public refineries without following due process and addressing all labour concerns.

The umbrella body for senior employees in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, threatened that any attempt to discreetly privatize the refineries, would cause unprecedented industrial unrest in the sector.

Reacting to a recent media report where the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, was quoted as saying the sale of the refineries was the best option and that the Federal government would soon put them on sale, President of PENGASSAN, Babatunde Ogun, and the General Secretary, Bayo Olowoshile, declared that the minister was heating up the polity of the country with her utterances.

Ogun insisted that labour (PENGASSAN and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers), opted for the adoption of the Strategic Partnership Model, SPM, just like Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, model for the ownership structure of the refineries, where core investors shall take the 51 per cent golden stake and sector unions and workers shall join the government and others to buy into the remaining 49 per cent to reduce government undue interference in the running of the state-owned edifice.

He noted that the issue about the sales of the refineries had been laid to rest during a tripartite meeting between labour, government and other stakeholders on January 7, 2014.

“The first time she talked about the sales of the refineries was in London at an investment forum, when she said that the refineries will be privatized before April and at the end of the day, the Presidency halted the process for the sales.”

He said that even if the government would release the minority shares, the refineries must be in 100 per cent functional position by carrying out a Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, on the refineries with a guaranteed supply of crude, which is the feed stock of the refineries.

He noted that adequate security should also be provided for all oil and gas infrastructure, especially pipelines supplying crude to the refineries and those transporting refined products to depots and terminals throughout the country.

No plan to sell facilities President Goodluck Jonathan has said his administration has no plan sell the four refineries in the country, contrary to widespread reports that the move has received his blessings.

The president, who made this known through his spokesman, Reuben Abati, was reacting to reports that he had given the go-ahead for the privatisation of Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd. (PHRC) I, Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd. (PHRC) II, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd. (KRPC) and Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd. (WRPC) and also approved the setting up of a steering committee headed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Last line The Federal Government should solve the problem of lack of crude at the refineries. This will prevent the facilities from being sold at a give-away price when the government eventually decides to sell them.

The House of Representatives’ committee, which is probing the crude swap fraud, also owes Nigerians the sacred duty of unveiling those who are culpable of the case.

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SOLIDARITY Nigerian Voices Group has drummed support for Jonathan's power sector reforms Adeola Yusuf

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igeria loses over $100 billion annually in earnings due to vandalism of oil and gas pipelines, a group, Nigerian Voices said at the weekend.

The group’s helmsman, Ken Uwotu, who said this, added that the destruction of gas pipelines, which is a recent trend is reported to be the primarily reason for a ‘significant drop’ in power generation being experienced across the country.

Power output has a dropped by 25 per cent, from 4000MW to 3000MW. Calling for more support for President Goodluck Jonathan, he said Jonathan has shown, "strong political will and leadership qualities to end the power shortage problem that has plagued Nigeria for decades.

In a statement signed by Uwotu, the group opined that previous administrations have either not considered reforms in the power sector as a priority or have simply seen the power sector industry as a ‘cash cow’ project.

He said: "In an argument supported by a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) article titled “Nigerian deals 'wasted billions'”, where it was reported that $16billion of investment in the energy sector from 1999 to 2007 failed to end power shortages. This assertion by the BBC provides clear evidence Goodluck Jonathan’s government started from scratch in its

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

‘Nigeria loses $100bn to gas pipeline vandalism in one year’ quest to provide Nigerians with adequate electricity service.

“What Nigerians are witnessing today from the current government is a carefully thought out plan to deal with the ‘real issues’ of power shortage in Nigeria as laid out in the government’s 'Roadmap for Power Sector Reform’ programme."

While calling on Nigerians to support Jonathan's reform in power sector, the group explained that natural gas has been identified by the government as a major driver that will generate 75 per cent of the country’s electricity requirement.

This it said is "an estimate based on the nation’s huge gas deposit (184 trillion cubic feet).

However, one of the biggest threats to achieving this objec-

tive lies in the rampant destruction of gas pipelines by vandals and saboteurs. Vandalism of oil and gas pipelines cost the nation over $100 billion annually in lost earnings; the destruction of gas pipelines, which is a recent trend is reported to be the primarily reason for a ‘significant drop’ in power generation experienced across the country recently; a drop of 25 per cent (from 4000MW to 3000MW) in power output."

He hailed the Federal Government for recently announcing its decision to establish special courts to facilitate quick prosecution of pipeline vandals and saboteurs and also deploy troops to areas where oil and gas pipeline vandalism frequently occurs.

He added that the proactive measures by the government are currently being backed up with a commitment to spend N155 billion on a programme designed to tackle vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan made this commitment during a recent official visit to the Netherlands.

The group said: "These actions by the government show strong leadership and the political will to tackle a very serious problem affecting the economy, it also gives an indication the government is adopting a ‘holistic approach’ in addressing the issue of pipeline vandalism in order to ensure the smooth transition process from ‘natural gas to electric energy’ with a view

Eleven employees of Chevron Corporation are under prosecution in Brazil

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razilian judges ordered a criminal prosecution of Chevron Corporation and 11 employees over an oil spill in November 2011, in a process reinstated more than a year after being thrown out following a settlement with the government.

The case is likely to revive concern over the speed and security of Brazilian legal rulings and open other closed cases of

How Eni CEO bagged three years jail term

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Crude pipeline

Chevron faces criminal oil-spill charges TRIAL

to generating sufficient power output to meet the country’s electricity needs.

"Privatisation of the telecommunication sector brought about numerous tangible benefits to the Nigerian people, it is therefore imperative we look at the medium to long-term benefits of privatising power and wholeheartedly support Goodluck Jonathan’s government reforms in the sector. The benefits of privatising power include a strong and robust economy, the provision of jobs for millions of Nigerians across the country but more importantly privatising power will provide a measured ‘positive’ difference in the lives of every Nigerian by raising the standard of living."

spills by Chevron in Nigeria.

A gas leak in an offshore field operated by Chevron Nigeria Ltd impacted the Niger Delta last August.

A local fisherman, Larry Gabriel from the Brass area, who witnessed the then failed efforts to cement the leakage by the multinational's local subsidiary, said that the company, with the aid of a jack-up barge, attempted to cement the leakage with over two hundred and fifty bags of cement.

“It was after two days that while going out for fishing activities we saw unidentified chemicals at the sea shore which has affected the water which has no salt content again,” Gabriel said.

He added: Chemical dispersants known to be toxic were poured on the spilled crude oil, which could exonerate the company from liability.

“The jack-up barge had left the spot, which has a blue and white color and presently the flame has been put out. The chemicals were settled at seabed deep with the crude oil spill and the ocean current took them to the sea shores which are visible even now.”

Meanwhile, an Appeals panel in Brazil made the 2-to-1 decision in October, but kept it quiet as judges reviewed Chevron's challenges to their ruling, Brazil's public prosecutor's office, which opposed the dismissal,

said last Wednesday.

Chevron confirmed the ruling late last Thursday.

The same prosecutor's office that drew up a settlement to help get the charges dropped is now working to re-open the criminal part of the case. Similar, and even larger, spills by other companies in Brazil have not led to criminal charges.

"The prosecutors are trying to show that the defendants' arguments that there is no proof of an environmental crime are wrong," the prosecutors said in a statement.

Prosecutors say their evidence shows the defendants are responsible for environmental pollution.

n Italian court has sentenced the chief executive of oil major Eni, Paolo Scaroni, to three years imprisonment, according to a report.

The ruling, which also bars Scaroni from holding public office for five years, puts a question mark on his chances of being reappointed head of Italy’s biggest listed company.

A court ruling in the northeastern town of Rovigo, said Scaroni had been sentenced, though no other details were provided, Reuters reported.

Sources cited by the news wire said the ruling was a result of violations of “environmental norms” at the Porto Tolle power plant in northern Italy during a period in which Scaroni was chief executive at Italy’s top utility, Enel.

Scaroni said he was shocked by the decision in a statement seen by Reuters.

“I am in no way involved in this matter and will appeal immediately,” he was quoted as saying.

“As shown by the defence, Enel’s Porto Tolle station has always met the existing standards including at the time of the facts contested,” he said.

The Italian court said that the current chief of utility Enel, Fulvio Conti, had been acquitted in the same case, Reuters reported.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

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Fuel scarcity: FG to boost reserves to 30 days NO PAY PPMC has insisted that there is no provision to pay marketers for first quarter.

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he Federal Government at the weekend disclosed plans to increased the national reserves for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also know as petrol to 30 days sufficiency.

Managing Director of the Pipeline and Products marketing company (PPMC), Prince Haruna Momoh, who said this, maintained that this is one of the strategies to combat fuel scarcity in the country.

The National Strategic Reserve Stock, according to Momoh was at 14 days but added that efforts were being made to restore it to the standard 30 days required by the end of April.

He said that no provision had been made to pay oil marketers for the first quarter of 2014.

Momoh said on the sideline of a Sitting by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) in Abuja that in spite of this, he added that Federal Government owed the marketers N100 billion for the third and fourth quarters of 2013.

He added however that out of the amount, the Ministry of Finance said it had released N41 billion to the marketers. ``One hundred billion naira was being owed but we have confirmation from the ministry of finance that N41 billion has been released for payment for

Fuel tankers

the third and fourth quarter of 2013,’’ Momoh said.

Momoh said that in spite of the debt, normalcy had returned to fuel supply across the country as the other marketers had begun to import to meet their 50 per cent obligation.

He said the situation was at its worst about two weeks ago.

Momoh said that although the NNPC continued to meet its 50 per cent supply, it also had to take products from the National Strategic Reserve Stock.

He said this was to ensure that Nigerians had fuel in full supply so as to reduce the long

queues at filling stations across the country.

Momoh said the National Strategic Reserve Stock was at 14 days but added that efforts were being made to restore it to the standard 30 days required by the end of April.

The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Sen. Danjuma Goje (PDP-Gombe), wondered how the situation could be normal if out of N100 billion, only N41 billion had been paid for 2013.

He further wondered how soon provision would be made for the payment of the first quarter of 2014.

SPE charges IPMAN to resolve crisis NATIONAL INTEREST SPE wants IPMAN to consider National Interest.

Johnchuks Onuanyim ABUJA

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he President of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Engr. Andrew Ohiawhere has called on Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria to resolve whatever crisis that is bedeviling it for the interest of the economy.

Ohiawhere, who stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting President of IPMAN, Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, also submitted that the persistent

fuel scarcity in the country is causing a huge loss of over N20 billion daily.

Also the Pastor of Christian Church International, Rev. Chikere Ukpolor has warned detractors to desist from using fuel scarcity to disrupt the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Rev. Ukpolor, who spoke when he paid a solidarity visit to the IPMAN President, queried why NIPCO plant that serves more than 50,000 trucks of petroleum could be shut down arbitrarily.

In a statement issued by the Eastern Zonal Chairman of IPMAN, Chief Fred Ezinwa, Rev. Ukpolor noted that the fuel crisis has lasted longer than is necessary due to the activities

of detractors of the Goodluck Jonathan regime.

The President of SPE speaking in his remarks on the IPMAN crisis said, "Over 10,000 petrol stations in Nigeria and 50,000 tanker drivers are vital to the growth of the Nigerian economy and every effort should be made to resolve the crisis plaguing IPMAN".

Ezinwa stated that he appealed to all affiliating agencies of the IPMAN to give their absolute support to the new leadership of he acting president Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo.

In another vain, the Nigerian Women pledged their support for the success of the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan.

Representative of the Group Managing Director of NNPC could not to provide satisfactory answers concerning the refurbishment of refineries.

The NNPC was asked to fur-

nish the committee with details of the refurbishment of refineries, record of volumes of sales, crude oil swap and management of aircraft- both chartered and purchased.

World Bank boosts power with $1bn investment guarantee

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nvestments in the nation’s electricity power sector has received a boost, with the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, MIGA, pledging to provide more than $1 billion guarantee in the sector.

The Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, CEO, of MIGA, Mr. Michel Wormser, told journalists in Abuja yesterday that his organisation was taking the step to make investments in Nigerian infrastructure more attractive for Foreign Direct Investments.

“Let me talk about what MIGA is planning to do in this country. Over the next couple of years, I would expect that MIGA would provide guarantees above $1 billion in Nigeria.

“This is primarily going to be in the energy sector and the discussions that we are going to have today is to precisely identify with the governments and agencies where they would see the highest value from MIGA involvement, given the development priorities of the country,” he said.

Wormser explained that his organisation had provided investment guarantees in the country to the tune of $364 million in the past but decided to strengthen its involvement in the Nigerian economy, given its impressive growth records and the need to further expand its capacity for job creation.

His words: “Nigeria is a country which has been growing very fast and has become the envy of many countries of the world in terms of the growth.

“But there is an understanding that jobs have to be created and competitiveness has to be assured and this can only happen if more investments occur in projects.

“In the past, we had provided guarantees of about $364 million in Nigeria.

“At this moment, our biggest area of concentration is going to be in energy – to strengthen the investment in the sector – whether in gas to power, transmission, distribution –MIGA can help in all of these areas.”

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Oando rakes in $250m from EHGC gas franchise sale CAPITALISATION Oando has announced that its market capitalisation has exceeded $1 billion.

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

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ando PLC decalared at the weekend that it made $250 million from the sale of its East Horizon Gas Company (EHGC) subsidiary to Seven Energy

Limited.

The company, which said this in a statement, also added that it’s current market capitalisation is now over $1 billion.

EHGC was originally set up as an Oando midstream Special Purpose Vehicle to build and operate an 18-inch, 128km natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline with a capacity of 100mmscf/d, traversing Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The divestment of this asset signifies a considerable profit margin for the company, and

validates the intrinsic value that lies within its gas business and indeed, the midstream sector."

The statement reads: “This is testament to the enabling environment evolving in the midstream created by the Nigerian government. This validation is likely to attract more funding and instil confidence in potential investors in infrastructure development and pipeline networks in the midstream.

“Oando’s commitment to the development of midstream

infrastructure and energy solutions aims to unlock and harness the available vast resource potential of Nigeria, thereby reducing the perennial power challenges currently plaguing the country.”

The EHGC sale, the statement added: “Underlines Oando’s desire to divest into the more profitable Upstream, whilst rationalizing its present business portfolio to reflect key opportunities for growth and value extraction.”

Commenting on the sale, Mr.

Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC said: “This transaction aligns with our corporate strategy, as the proceeds of the sale will boost the group’s overall liquidity in furtherance of our main growth initiatives in the Upstream.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow the midstream business, evidenced by our ongoing expansion efforts of our various assets: the construction of the 4th phase of our Greater Lagos pipeline to increase our capacity and customer base in Lagos, the enhancement of our newly acquired Port Harcourt pipeline franchise; the growth of our Compressed Natural Gas distribution programme, which we commissioned in 2013; and the increase in our power generation to 23.55MW, with the addition of our 2nd power plant, the 10.4MW Alausa IPP. “We also have projects which are at the conceptualization phase and are expected to create value for us in the longer term; the 400km SW-NW EIIJ pipeline and the Central Processing Facility that will serve as a gas gathering and processing hub in the Niger Delta.”

OPEC daily basket price close at $101.57/b

T Oil rig

OTC announces 2014 spotlight on new technology AWARD Winners recognized for Innovative Products for Offshore Exploration and Production.

T

he Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) has announced 12 technologies that will receive the 2014 Spotlight on New TechnologySM Award.

The OTC, which made this announcement in a statement, said that the awards will be presented at the conference, which takes place between 5 and 8 May in the Reliant Center Rotunda Lobby, Houston, Texas, United States (U.S.).

The conference held annually in Houston is founded in 1969 as biggest assembly of energy professionals to exchange ideas and opinions on how to advance sci-

entific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

The Spotlight on New Technology Awards—a program for OTC exhibitors—showcase the latest and most advanced hardware and software technologies that are leading the industry into the future.

"Our Spotlight Award winners embrace OTC’s mission to advance technical knowledge of offshore operations and environmental matters," said Spotlight Award Committee Chair Moe Plaisance. "Thanks to their pioneering spirit, offshore E&P will continue to play a key role in supplying the world with energy in a sustainable manner."

Winning technologies were selected based on the following five criteria: New: less than 2 years’ old; Innovative: original, groundbreaking, and capable of revo-

lutionising the offshore E&P industry.

Proven: through full-scale application or successful prototype testing.

Broad Interest: broad appeal for the industry.

Significant Impact: provides significant benefits beyond existing technologies.

"I congratulate this year’s Spotlight Award recipients for helping the industry reduce risk and increase productivity in ever-more extreme conditions," said OTC 2014 Chairman Ed Stokes.

"Cutting-edge technologies like these are always a highlight of OTC, as they demonstrate the ingenuity and forward thinking that is advancing the industry to new levels of safety, productivity, and efficiency."

Spotlight Recipients and Products for 2014: Baker Hughes – Launch-

PRO™ Wireless Top Drive Cement Head FMC Technologies – Iso™ Pump FMC Technologies – Offshore Loading Arm Footless GE Oil & Gas – SeaLytics™ GE Oil & Gas – Zenith GFI™ Ground Fault Immune ESP Monitoring System Geoservices, a Schlumberger Company – FLAG Fluid Loss and Gain Detection Service.

Halliburton Drill Bits and Services – TDReam™ Tool SBM Offshore – Very High Pressure Fluid Swivel Schlumberger – Seismic Guided Drilling Pore-Pressure Prediction Ahead of the Bit Weatherford – CasingLinkTM West Production Technology AS (Part of WeST Group) – SwarfPak Technology WesternGeco – IsoMetrix Marine Isometric Seismic Technology

he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket of 12 crudes stood at 101.57 dollars a barrel at the weekend, compared with $101.72 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Meanwhile, oil prices rose slightly last Friday after a monthly U.S. jobs report showed stronger hiring in the U.S. in recent months.

Benchmark US crude for May delivery rose 85 cents to close at $101.14 a barrel in New York. For the week, the contract fell 53 cents. The price has vacillated around $100 per barrel for most of the past month.

Brent crude, used to set prices for international varieties of oil used by many U.S. refiners, rose 57 cents to close at $106.62 a barrel in London.

PROPERTY&ENVIRONMENT PAGE 33, Tuesday, APRIL 8, 2014

Economic downturn takes toll on tenants amid high rents RISING RENT Residents can no longer afford rents due to the downturn in the economy Dayo Ayeyemi

H

igh rent is driving tenants and home seekers crazy in the Lagos metropolis with highbrow neighborhoods such as Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island taking the lead.

While sitting tenants see the escalating rental prices as bitter pill to swallow and accommodation seekers moving to the suburb in search of houses they can afford, landlords and their agents are finding it difficult to collect rents.

But experts, especially estate surveyors and valuers, insisted that the rental values have been stable in the last two years. They saw that tenants have not been able to afford the price due to the downturn in the economy.

“Many have lost their jobs, companies are closing shops, money is not available, security crisis and bad government policies are affecting the people,” they said.

Consequently, many who cannot afford high rent in Victoria Island and Ikoyi are moving down to areas such as Surulere and Maryland on the mainland, while tenants of Surulere are moving to Egbeda and Sango Ota where rent is relatively cheap.

Presently, in locations such as Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikoyi, New Telegraph’s survey show that rental value has hit the roof top as luxury apartment in these neighbourhoods goes for between N8 million and N11 million, N8 million and N12 million, and N2.5 million and N3 million respectively.

Rental values for detached houses/duplexes in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki are between N8 million and N13 million, N8 million and N15 million, and N3.5 million and N5 million per annum.

Eko Court, Victoria Island, Lagos

In locations on the mainland such as Surulere, Maryland, Ikeja and Yaba, a three bedroom apartment goes for N1.5 million, N2 million, N1.5 million and N650,000 per annum in that order.

In Lagos suburbs like Egbeda, Ipaja, Agbado, Ikotun and Abule-Egba, rental values for a three bedroom flat range between N400,000 and N350,000; N300,000 and N250,000; N250,000 and N200,000; N250,000 and N180,000 and N300,000 and N250,000.

Speaking with New Telegraph, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos chapter, Mr. Stephen Jagun, said that the issue on ground now is that landlords have jerked up rents, tenants are unable to pay, while estate agents/caretakers are finding it difficult to collect outstanding rents.

He said: “People are not payProperty type Luxury apartment Detached apartment/ duplexes Three bedroom apartment

Rental price Lekki N8m-N11m N8m-N13m

ing rent, not because it is too high, but because they cannot afford it.”

He blamed the situation on the economic meltdown and the country’s financial institutions’ reforms. He narrated how one of his tenants who had been paying his rent promptly suddenly defaulted.

“I have a tenant who, when he was doing well as a banker, would carry out repairs of his flat without the knowledge of anybody or landlord. In the last two years, that man had been struggling to pay his rent.

I had to enter into an agreement with him to pay his rent installmentally,” he narrated.

He also narrated the story of another tenant who he said when the going was good, would pay his rent upfront but now struggling to pay.

Speaking to the New Telegraph, a tenant in Ogba, Mr. Chris Okpraku, a civil servant, said that since he had not been Rental price Ikoyi N8m-N11m N8m-N15m

Rental Price Lekki N2.5m-N3m N3.5m-N5m

able to renew his rent as at when due, his landlord wanted him out.

According to him, he had been living in the house for the past five years and has been paying N300,000 yearly for a three bedroom flat, but could not meet up now due to other pressing challenges.

Among the tenants living in the house, he said he was the only one paying N300,000, being an old tenant. Others, according to him, pay N400,000 per annum.

In the latest report of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), it was noted that the asking rents had remained high while affordability was low.

The report cited government regulations, which it said hampered free movement of cash; CBN’s policy on deposit and withdrawal limits; and request that all transactions must pass through the Financial Reporting Council

Rental Price Surulere N2m N1.8m

Rental price Maryland N2.5m N2m

Ikeja Area N2m N1.5m

Egbeda Akowonjo N700,000 N500,000

N1.5m

N2m

N1.5m N400,000

of Nigeria, as factors that negatively affect real estate sector in the first quarter of 2014.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is battling with problems of housing shortage as experts in the sector have called on the authorities to embark massively on rental houses to reduce homelessness among Nigerians.

They based their suggestion on the premise that most lowincome earners, owing to the low minimum wage of N17,000 and job insecurity, may not be able to afford high price tags on available houses.

First Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dr. Joshua Patunola-Ajayi, said the solution remains in rental houses, urging government to partner the private sector to build more houses for rental purposes. According to him, rent collected from such scheme would be used to pay the loan incurred by private partners.

He said: “I believe much in housing for rent. All these houses that government is building should not be sold.

Government should make sure that when the project is to commence, an estate surveyor is brought in so that as you are finishing the project, he is taking tenant in and managing it.

“The rent collected will be used to pay the loan of private partners. We should look into this area because not everybody can buy a house. The cleaners, where will they get money to buy houses? But they can rent a studio room and graduate to two-bedroom apartment later.”

To boost supply, real estate developers were urged to give more attention to houseownership/rental options for vibrant housing market. Justifying the call at different fora in Lagos, experts in the build environment explained that it was erroneous to think that all households would need owneroccupier housing, stating that rental housing has been and would continue to be the bulk provider of housing for the lower income groups.

C

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property & ENVIRONMENT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

‘Surveyors should be involved in property valuation’ Mr. Bamidele Ogunleye is Ondo State Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

He is also a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. In this interview with Babatope Okeowo, he spoke about issues affecting the institution, upsurge of quacks in the profession and efforts being made to assist governments at all levels to get accurate valuations for acquired properties. He also speaks on the double taxations of properties in Lagos State, among other national issues.

Excerpts What are the duties of estate valuers and what differentiates you from the quacks? What are you doing to checkmate the quacks in the profession?

Estate surveying and valuation is the art of managing properties and carrying out the valuation of the real estate. When we talk of the valuation, we are talking of both the land and the properties therein. We have machinery valuation, the valuation of buildings and most especially the management of buildings in which the quacks are fully involved. Although there is an act that regulates the ethics of estate surveying and valuation, up till now we are yet to get an act that will regulate estate agency. We quite agree that anybody can practice estate agency, but the sole right is that of the estate surveyors and valuers and what we do is that we try to distinguish ourselves from the quack.

Quackery in the real sense of it is someone who is doing a job which he does not have the knowledge of. He has not gone to school, he has never practiced it and he has not even tried to do an apprenticeship on it.

Estate management entails going to school to either acquire Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor of Science and Technology (Bsc Tech) in Estate Management. So, from there you can go ahead to practice estate agency and thereby you go to the institution to acquire the knowledge.

We have tried to distinguish between the estate surveyors and valuers and the quacks, we have even tried to wage war against them but we have now discovered that it does not work because there is no law regulating the practice of estate agency. But what we have done in our institution is that we are trying to bring them into our fold. We now have association of Estate Agents of Nigeria. We are trying to first of all bring them to the fold before we know what to do with them. We started in Lagos State and all estate surveyors and valuers are enjoined to join and they have been joining. Thereby we become certified estate agents. When we bring them to our fold then they become estate agents and by the time we are able to train them to a level, we try to give them cadre up to when they are able to do our professional exams and when they pass they become certified estate agents, but not estate surveyors and valuers. It is going on in Lagos now and very soon we are trying to replicate that in Ondo State.

Is there any move by the organisation at the national or state level to sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to get an act for the regulation of the profession?

Ogunleye

Estate surveying and valuation is being regulated

by Decree No 24 of 1974, but what I explained earlier is about estate agency and we are trying to propose a bill because sometime ago one of our members was a member of the House of Representatives but, of course, everybody knows that estate agency comes and goes. We have so many lawyers who practice estate agency even though it is the sole job of an estate surveyor and valuer.

We have all other professions that have delved into the profession but if we try to sponsor a bill now, it is going to be thrown out of the assembly because we have little or no representation. What we are doing is that at our own level, we are trying to encourage every of our member to join politics and once you are a politician who is vying for a post, the national body has a specific amount that has been earmarked to sponsor the person.

By the time we are there, we will know how to sponsor a bill. Because we feel it is not necessary to sponsor a bill that will be thrown out at the end of the day. I am not leaving any stone unturned at my constituency in Owo. I’m trying to see a way that I can come in so that I can help my profession. So, what we are doing is to encourage our members to go into politics to be able to settle this at the upper level.

What are the other steps being taken at the national level to sanitise the profession?

Our major problem is that of the estate agency because that is our core area and that of valuation; as an estate surveyor, you have stamp and seal, so nobody dares do any valuation without having the stamp and seal. We have captured that area. There are bad eggs who could be influenced, who can, for instance, inflate the value of a building from N10 million to N20 million.

All what we are saying to government is that they should use professional advice of estate surveyors and valuers in the areas where we have the competency

If there is a problem, we have a professional body that will come in and punish the offender if he/she is found guilty; we don’t have any problem because we know how to regulate ourselves. But at the other levels in the area of the estate agency, in the past we used to have War Against Quacks and there is a programme which we have launched in Ondo State tagged “Do not patronise quacks; they may ruin your lives and property,” and we have a slogan “ANDREW” I have assured my members that our administration will continue in that wise but because we are going to bring them into our fold now there is going to be another slogan that we are going to use to that effect. So we are really making move to ensure that we sanitise the profession.

What are the things you are expecting from both the state and the national level to enhance professionalism?

We know that we cannot do without both the president and governors. But talking about the state, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State is our patron, he knows about estate surveyors and valuers because he was once a Minister of Housing and Urban Development, so he knows about the build industry. He has given us his support all along. For the past three years, we have been involved in the development of the state.

We were involved in the dualisation of the Arakale road by advising on value of the property to be paid to the claimants whose properties are to be demolished.

We have done the same thing in Owo, Ondo and Democracy Park, we were the ones that advised government how much compensation they are to be paid and we have not stopped, we have just started. All what we are saying to government is that they should use professional advice of estate surveyors and valuers in the areas where we have the competency. For instance, we have just been told that government is trying to introduce land charge which has been done in Lagos and Kwara and it is going on in Oyo State. But we are saying we should be involved. We are trying to put a proposal to government on why we need to carry out individual valuation. If you talk of zoning, Ijapo Estate is there.

For instance, you bill them high, and at Ijoka you give another amount. It does not work that way because properties differ, just like individuals; so there is the need for them to have records of individual properties and know how much to pay for that. So we are trying to put a proposal to them to enable us advice them.

Apart from that, there are many things we should do for them like the Olokola project.

What are your proposals on the Land Use Act that you want to be corrected?

We are advocating for a change in the Land Use Act especially Section 29, which talks about compensation.

We have been involved fully in compensation in Akure, Ondo State, but it is being controlled by government.

Section 29 states that “Government has right to acquire your property.” It states further the kind of valuation method that a valuer will use but we are opposed to that.

We want an estate surveyor to be given a free hand to apply any method because there are different methods that can be used depending on the circumstance, so we have made a proposal on that and some other areas.

On the land Use Charge, it has been operated in so many places. For instance, in Lagos State, government just announced one day that it has promulgated the land use charge. They brought in three taxations in one, which are the tenement rate, neighborhood charges and the improvement charges. As professionals we are opposed to that because a tax should be treated in its own entity. But Lagos brought this into one and we are trying to tell government that if that’s their plan it’s not going to work.

They went ahead to promulgate a method of calculation which nobody knows where it comes from.

So there are so many problems in Lagos and we are trying to advice government due to our experience. We are trying to prepare a position paper to advise them on the need to try what has been done in other places.

property & ENVIRONMENT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Consider comfort, productivity when buying office furniture While it is easy to choose office furniture based on visual appeal, the truth is that there is more to it than that according to experts @ www. sydneyofficefurniture.com.au.

F

rom your office desk to the chair you will sit in while working, they said, the furniture you choose is important to your comfort and productivity in the home office space.

They advise that the following guides must be taken into consideration: Ensuring fit: Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing your office furniture is its fit. Nothing is worse than ordering furniture for your office and later realising that your office desk is too big for your space or that your office chair does not fit beneath your desk as you had thought it would. Be sure to take accurate measurements of your office

Dayo Ayeyemi

I

n order to ensure quality of water and services, the Lagos State Water Regulation Agency, (LSWRC), said it has commenced a process for the adoption of drinking water standards for the state.

Fielding questions from newsmen during the media launch of the agency’s toll-free lines, website, consumer unit box and corporate locational signage in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs.

35

space to ensure that you purchase furniture that is an exact fit for your particular space.

to stand up to reach things on its corners.

Functionality and productivity: A functional workstation is important when buying your furniture to outfit the office in your home, and the pieces you choose for you space will have a definitive impact on how well the space works for you and how well you will work in the space. Look for furniture items that have predrilled holes to accommodate the wires to your electrical components. The drawers should be situated for fast opening and closing. An office desk with a pull-out platform to hold your keyboard can also be a great option for the busy home office. Your workstation should be ideally set up so that you can wheel yourself from one spot to the next within just a second, which will add to your productivity.

Comfort Even if you are only in your home office for a few hours each day, your comfort is important. Selecting furniture that is comfortable to use is an important part of choosing the right furniture for your space. Go for an office chair and desk that have been designed with ergonomic principles in mind. Your chair should provide proper lumbar support for the health of your back. The chair’s height should allow you to rest your feet on the floor without them dangling midair and without you feeling cramped up. Your desk should be sufficiently tall to allow your elbows to rest naturally while you work. It should not be so large that you have

Quality: Quality is also important when buying furniture for the home office. While keeping value in mind is always a good thing, it is also crucial that you do not throw your money to the wind by buying cheaply made furniture that will not last very long. Buy the best, highest quality furniture for your office that you can afford. You can consider the purchase of your furniture an investment in your office. As a bonus, you may be able to write off the cost of buying furniture for use in your home office as a business expense. This can greatly offset the cost of buying office furniture.

Lagos to set water standards for residents Tanwa Koya, disclosed that the state government has already engaged some microbiologists working with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital to set water standards in the state.

She noted that, though there is an existing national drinking water standard, the state government is trying to adopt its own standard, being a peculiar city with larger percentage

of human and vehicular concentration.

She stated that with the Lagos State drinking water standard, government’s plan was to go higher so that it can be at par with the World Health Organisation’s average.

She said: “We plan to go higher than the Federal Government’s standard; we will publish our own in conformity

with the World Health Organisation (WHO). We will use our standards to test their own to ensure good water quality.”

She pointed out that LSWRC is an agency of government established to ensure an enabling environment for a viable and sustainable water supply and wastewater management.

Meanwhile, in its quest to facilitate easy communication

with members of the public, the agency has commissioned its multi-channel media.

The channels, which include six toll-free lines, website, consumer complaints box and corporate locational signage, will provide veritable avenues to the public to have unfettered access to the commission, according to LSWRC’s executive secretary.

36 property & ENVIRONMENT

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

LagosHoms a promise kept –Fashola • Winners relive experience

Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

I

t was like a dream to Mr. Amos Kime Omodunni, Jubril Omotayo, Ejiro Ogene Madedor, Rukiat Abdulmalik and a few others when bunch of keys to their new homes were handed over to them last week at a brief ceremony held at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

To their surprise, their long dream to become homeowners came to pass less than two months after they subscribed to the Lagos Homeownership Mortgage Scheme (LAGHOMs) recently launched.

Radiating joy when the key was handed over to him by Governor Babatunde Fashola, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Amos Kime Omodunni, who won a three bedroom apartment at Shita-Bay Housing Scheme in Surulere, said he it was like a dream to him that he could become homeowner soon, revealing that he was initially skeptical about the mortgage scheme.

He narrated how he came about the scheme: “I ran through the brief history and later came across the advertisement in a forum and I have been tracking it.”

He told the audience that he applied online for the scheme and did everything within his office, adding that “when the raffle draw was on, I was watch-

PETITION The inquiry stemmed from a petition by Suncity Properties Limited

I

n a bid to unravel allegation of fraud in the execution of a warrant and certificate of execution of a Supreme Court judgment over a prime landed property located in Lekki-Peninsula, Osapa Village, Ajah, EtiOsa Local Government Area, Lagos State government has ordered an enquiry into how representatives of Gbadamosi Bandele Eletu family obtained an “irregularly” procured warrant.

The state’s intervention was as a sequel to a petition by a firm, Suncity Properties Limited, developer of classic Milverton Flats and friends of Colony Estate, both located at Ajiran area of Lekki in the state.

In its reaction to the alleged fraudulent execution to the

ing it on one of the television stations in my office, and when my name was announced, I was elated. This has reinforced my confidence in government.

“We are very strong advocates of the transparency and fairness that we now know are the bedrocks of this particular scheme.

“We will sing it high and loud everywhere we go; to our friends, to our neighbours and colleagues, people around us. I will again say, go and apply, it is real.

You don’t need to know anybody, just send in your application and you can become a home owner.”

He thanked Governor Fashola on behalf of other beneficiaries, saying that they have all become advocate of transparency of the scheme.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Jubril Omotayo, a banker, who subscribed to one-bedroom apartment in Shita-Bay Estate, Surulere, said he would have loved to apply for two or three bedroom apartment but for the financial implications.

He said: “When I looked into the down payment of other apartments, I quickly made a down payment for the one-bedroom house.

“If you ask me in January that I will be a homeowner in March, I will say no. I am grateful to the Lagos State Government.”

Another allottee, Mr. Ejiro Ogene Madedor, a civil servant

with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who won a two-bedroom apartment at the Shita Housing Scheme in Surulere also said he had been saving for mortgage since 2009, waiting for the opportunity like the Lagos Homeownership Scheme to become a homeowner.

He disclosed that he had paid over N3 million being 30 per cent down payment for the home mortgage.

Speaking after presenting keys to the new home owners, Governor Fashola noted that the success of the first draw was a strong message to the present generation not to lose hope in Nigeria. He opined that regardless of the present state of our

affairs, it was possible to build a better Nigeria.

Fashola while giving an assurance that the number of new homeowners would continue to increase, described the handingover of keys as the beginning of a journey.

“I am happy to see very young people who have become home owners in their country and in our state, and in a place where young people are struggling. Go and apply, pay your taxes, register as a Lagos resident and the rest is easy,” he enthused.

The governor described the first draw, which produced the new first time home owners, as a modest start. According to him, there were 31 successful applicants out of 200 new homes

that were to be allocated for the month of March.

In light of that, he informed that the remaining 169 successful applicants would be added to the 200 homes at the second draw on April 4.

Making reference to the assurance given earlier by Omodunni on behalf of other successful new home owners, Fashola expressed satisfaction that even if Omodunni were the only successful allotee, the efforts of the state government and the Lagos Mortgage Board would have been worth it.

He commended the Lagos Homes Committee members for their firm commitment that resulted in the inauguration of an easy- to-use mortgage system.

L-R: Board member, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun; Executive Secretary, Mrs. Tanwa Koya; Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Sebiola; and Board member, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi; during the media launch of the Commission, in Lagos.

Govt orders inquiry into warrant on Ajiran land Supreme Court judgment, the office of the Attorney General had directed an enquiry into the allegation.

The letter reads in part: “It was brought to my knowledge that a warrant of possession dated 18th September, 2013 over land measuring 254.558 hectares of land at Osapa Village was fraudulently procured.

In the course of executing the said warrant of possession, the Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu family has taken over and destroyed properties covering over 1,000 hectares in Lekki axis from Osapa Vilalge to Agungi, Chevron Estate and Shell Housing Estate.

“I have taken time to read the judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal No: SC/146/2005, in Major Muritala Gbadamosi (Rtd.) & 2 Ors. (“Appellants”) and H.R.H Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye & 2 Ors. (“Respondents”), upon which the war-

rant of possession was based.

I see nowhere in the lead judgment and other concurring judgments, where the Supreme Court specifically ordered that the appellants are entitled to possession of land measuring 254.558 hectares at Osapa Village in Eti-Osa Local Government and covered by a Deed of Conveyance dated 23rd August, 1977 registered as No. 36 page 36 Volume 1648 at the Lands Registry, Lagos.

“Three Justices of the Supreme Court, Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, Olukayode Arioola and Clara Bata Ogunbiyi who sat in the appeal in their various judgments also allowed the appeal and abided by consequential orders made in the said lead judgment including the order as to costs. Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour who also sat in the appeal also allowed the appeal but made no

consequential orders.

“In the circumstances, the said warrant of possession appears to have been irregularly procured.

“I have therefore requested the Hon. Judge of Lagos State to investigate circumstances leading to the issuance of the warrant of possession.”

But according to the petition

by Suncity to Lagos Attorney General, it was stated that the property company, which got its title from UACN Property Development Company (UPDC), had earlier gotten a court order setting aside the purported warrant and its certificate of execution, claiming that it was void on the basis of gross documentary irregularity; and not based on any subsisting order of a court of law.

Meanwhile, Suncity has filed a fresh suit at the Lagos High Court seeking a determination

whether or not the revocation of land at the Lekki Peninsula Area by Notice No.20 published in the Lagos State government official Gazette No. 20 Volume 26 of 13th May, 1993, in Eti-Osa Local Government of Lagos is still valid and subsisting, among others.

Historical records obtained revealed that the Ojomu Chieftaincy family as owners under native law and custom from time immemorial had been in exclusive and undisturbed possession of a vast area of land in the Lekki axis and had exercised rights of ownership over the said land, which is bounded by the land of the Elegushi Chieftaincy family to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the South, the land of Olumegbon Chieftaincy family to the East and the Lagos Lagoon to the North. The Supreme Court upheld this claim in its decision in Suit No. FSC 1268/1963.

BUSINESS 37

AIR RAGE

WITH

Air France unveils new Business p–39 class seat

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Wole Shadare

How aviation ministers stumble on banana peels

F The defunct Air Nigeria's Embraer aircraft parked at the Lagos Airport

Is national carrier project jinxed?

What is the fate of the national carrier promised Nigerians by the government?

Did the project die even before take-off?

WOLE SHADARE writes that hopes were raised; questions were asked about the desirability of a national airline for the country

S

ince the death of Nigeria Airways in 2003, Nigerians have been clamouring for an airline that would at best replace the liquidated national carrier.

Virgin Airline The best the country could get was the floating of Nigeria’s flag carrier, Virgin Nigeria, which as predicted, did not last because of the way and the insincerity of government in giving Nigerians airlines that would stand the test of time.

Virgin Nigeria never went far, as intrigues between the government and Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Group made the billionaire business mogul to pull his investment out of the company.

That singular decision greatly affected the fortune of the company, which was at that

time, Nigeria’s biggest airline by aircraft size with its foray into domestic, regional and international routes while the Virgin brand, in no time strengthened its reputation amongst global airlines.

With the dwindling fortune of the company following Branson’s withdrawal of his stake, the carcass of what remained was bought by another business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim. He tried to turnaround the fortune of the airline but the humongous debt profile made the carrier unattractive to investors. Labour crises allegedly engineered by forces within and outside the airline forced the airline to suspend operations and this could equally lead to the demise of once a promising airline.

Since the stoppage of operations by Virgin Nigeria, which was later re-christened Air Nigeria, there was a deafening call for the setting up of another national carrier to serve Nigerians and fly the country’s flag.

There were calls that Arik should transmute to Nigeria’s new national airline because of

Stakeholders kicked against the idea, arguing that the project was a 'fraud' on Nigeria and one that did not follow laid down procedure

its large fleet of aircraft coupled with its experience on international routes. It is a leader as far as Nigeria’s airline industry is concerned.

Despite its challenges, the carrier had been able to weather the storm deliberately set for it by some ‘powerful’ people in a bid to take their pound of flesh on an airline that refused to ‘play ball with them’.

Aero Contractors The high level politics at the time, made the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah to look the other way by picking Aero Contractors as the choice for the agenda they had.

A new airline, Nigerian Eagle was clandestinely set up, allegedly using Aero Contractors to midwife the process.

Stakeholders kicked against the idea, arguing that the project was a 'fraud' on Nigeria and one that did not follow laid down procedure.

The public out cry over the issue forced government to suspend the idea or feign ignorance of what was happening then.

The following questions were raised by stakeholders. According to them, “Was the floating of the national carrier advertised to invite bidders as required by law? How was the purchase of the aircraft funded? Was it appropriated for by the National Assembly or is it the usual illegal extra-budgetary expenditure?”

But the former Minister’s C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 8

or many years, the aviation industry has taken a few steps forward and many backward. It was not for dearth of ideas that the sector has remained where it is, but because of factors that bothers on graft and nepotism.

Successive Ministers of Aviation have equally found themselves enmeshed in corruption cases that have done incalculable damage to their reputation even after leaving office.

So many scandals ranging from inflation of contracts, diversion of funds, white elephant projects are some of the things they were entangled in.

The banana peels in aviation industry are so many that it becomes very tempting for many of them to overlook.

The industry is highly dollarised. Virtually all avenues of generating funds are in hard currencies, thereby making pilfering very alluring for the ministers and top managers of the sector.

There are many cases of corruption against past ministers of aviation that are still in court.

The N19.5 billion aviation intervention fund said to be for ‘safe tower’ was allegedly diverted. It caused the Senate to hold public hearing to ascertain the high level of involvement of Prof. Babalola Borisade and Chief Femi FaniKayode in the alleged misappropriation of funds.

They were arrested in 2007 shortly after the public hearing in the vicinity of the National Assembly and were later released on bail.

The duo has continued to maintain their innocence, saying they did no wrong and had put up a team of lawyers to defend the allegation leveled against them.

Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Felix Hyatt, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze and to some extend Mr. Babatunde Omotoba never got enmeshed in allegations of ‘stealing’ of public fund.

Omotoba was reported to have come close to it when Mr. Dino Melaiye uncovered plot to have a second runway for the Abuja built at an inflated cost of N64 billion. The plan was still at its infancy stage,

shortly before Omotoba assumed office.

That was how close he came to being ‘rubbished’ by the plans to allegedly build a second for the airport many said would have been the most expensive runway in the world.

At that cost, it would have been more expensive than the JFK, London Heathrow airports and those of major airports across the globe.

Not a few thought that the scandals that rocked the tenure of past ministers were over. Yes, Stella Oduah, the immediate past Aviation Minister came with a lot of zeal, passion to right the wrongs of the past.

She started well by turning the entire airports into a huge construction sites. But as time went on, focus was lost, greed and allegations of huge graft continued to surface to the consternation of many who expressed disappointment of how she fell from grace to grass.

The bullet proof BMW cars scandal was an eye opener to the enormous wastage of funds under the guise of unending airport remodeling project.

Not many could comprehend how a right thinking person would consider the purchase of four luxurious cars (two purchased by the NCAA and another two by the FAAN) far more important than the provision of safety critical tools for the sector that is ever asking for more money.

It is sheer stupidity for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to have claimed that it bought the N255 million cars for the protection of Oduah. In one breath, the NCAA claimed the armoured cars were for Oduah’s protection. Less than 24 hours later, it recanted, saying the cars were purchased to convey foreign dignitaries.

Many other scandals overshadowed her ‘little’ achievement and President Goodluck Jonathan had no choice than to dispense with her services in February this years.

Let us hope that a new aviation minister would study the sector very well and rise above parochial interest to reposition a ailing sector that needs urgent rescue to guarantee safety and efficiency.

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Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Delta Airlines relocates key business flights To join Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow

D

elta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways have marked another major step forward in their partnership as Delta relocates some of its key services to join Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow Terminal 3.

The move comes as both airlines start flying their new and aligned summer schedules that offer customers more choice and flexibility while reducing onward transit times.

Delta moves its arrival and departure terminal for several

important business markets including its London to New York-JFK, London to Boston, and new London to Seattle services to Heathrow's Terminal 3.

The move enhances convenience and a seamless customer experience. For example, on the world's most important business travel market between London Heathrow (Terminal 3) and New York JFK (Terminal 4) Delta and Virgin Atlantic will now operate from the same terminal and make it easier for customers to

manage their travel plans including any last minute flight changes. The two airlines have also introduced a dedicated New York to London schedule with the customer in mind.

"From the outset of our partnership with Virgin Atlantic we have been committed to putting the customer first and creating more competition on trans-Atlantic routes," said Ed Bastian, Delta's president.

"The co-location of our key business flights with Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow is another step forward in delivering against these commitments.

A cabin of an aircraft C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 7

handlers had responded that Oduah never anointed any airline or tried to convert a domestic airline to a national carrier.

For once, Oduah must be commended for working tirelessly to give Nigeria a national airline and she made the promise on more than five occasions that Nigeria would have a national airline by the end of 2013. The date kept changing until it never materialised. Many lost hope, not only because of the many postponement, but the lack of clear-cut idea of what the Federal Government wanted to do and lack of the legal framework to kick start the process.

Now that Oduah has been removed from President Goodluck Jonahan’s cabinet, the idea seemed to have been killed and buried. It was not that people believed her; they opined that the idea was just like a house built without solid foundation. They opined that even if she succeeded, the airline would have gone the way of other Nigerian airlines that were built with so much promise but died shortly after.

Together we are offering new routes and more flights this summer and making a real difference for customers."

The new routes announced

by Delta and Virgin Atlantic include Delta's new West Coast service between Seattle and London Heathrow, which commenced flying on March 30, 2014. And in co-operation with Virgin Atlantic, Delta will also operate a second daily service between London Heathrow and Detroit Metropolitan Airport effective June 2, 2014.

The service will be particularly appealing to corporate customers needing an early morning arrival into London while offering more schedule choice for customers between London and the US Midwest.

The two airlines' summer schedule includes a total of 32 peak daily nonstop flights between North America and the UK.. Of these, 25 flights will operate between London Heathrow and popular US destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington.

Both airlines provide a competitive offering for the New York to London travel market. It is designed with business travelers in mind and offers a total of nine daily nonstop flights.

The schedule includes departures every 30 minutes during

the early evening peak and then hourly until 22:30 from New York-JFK to London Heathrow.

From London Heathrow to New York-JFK there is a spread of seven daily flights including two late afternoon and early evening departures.

These services will be complemented by two daily nonstop flights between New York's Newark airport and London Heathrow.

"Today marks another important step in our joint venture with Delta. We're really pleased to welcome Delta customers into our home at Terminal three to enjoy a shared experience of our award-winning Clubhouses and industry-envied customer service. Virgin Atlantic prides itself on seamless journeys for our customers and we can now extend that to Delta's New York, Boston and Seattle customers through an enhanced flying schedule and smoother connections. Couple these factors with our on board experiences and we're confident our joint venture is the best transAtlantic offering in the marketplace," said Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic's CEO. The airlines' customers benefit from a high-quality and complementary travel experience with customer service being an absolute.

Is national carrier project jinxed?

Expert’s perspective Speaking to New Telegraph at the weekend, aviation analyst, Mohammed Tukur disclosed that many people did not take Oduah seriously on the issue of national airline, alleging that there was no transparency and sincerity about her plans.

Tukur wondered why it became difficult for the former Minister to do the needful in that area.

“Why is it becoming so difficult to go the way of Kenya Airways, which has become one of the most successful airlines in Africa? Kenya Airways had a far worse problems and challenges than the liquidated Nigeria Airways and has risen from the ashes to become one of the biggest players in the continent”.

In fact, the carrier was three years ago, rated as the second most profitable airline after Ethiopian Airways. Just recently, it took delivery of its first Dreamliner airplanes,

otherwise known as B787. The East African carrier is further boosting its planned capacity increase on Nairobi – Lagos service, which began last week Friday.The airline is a case study in privatisation.

In Africa, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, Egypt Air and South African Airways are some of the most formidable airlines that have brought pride to their nations. They have helped to reduce huge capital flight, occasioned by the dominance of mega carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, Air FranceKLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta, United, among others.

The privatisation of Kenya Airways was the first-ever privatisation of an African airline.

The sale of a major stateowned asset is usually a highly charged political event, and the two-year process by which 77 per cent of the shares of Kenya Airways were sold to a broad array of private investors was no exception.

From the outset, the press and public of Kenya speculated as to how and when the process would fail, and which interests would profit from that failure.

Yet the privatisation was carried out successfully.

Former Commandant, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) said the move was that of senior partner (government) whom he said had never made a success of any business. He said that a new national airline is a return to the corrupt practices of the past.

Ojikutu advocated that government should establish two strong flag carriers through the capital market to enable the public to buy into them. “Is the country thinking with the rest of the aviation world where the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is planning for only 12 world airlines?” he asked.

His words: “Moreover, government cannot be trusted to

play by the rules. Nigerian government, being what it is, would like to throw its weight around like it’s been doing for some private airlines who are owing public and private aviation service providers and encouraging them sometimes to circumvent established regulations, especially commercial and BASA agreements”.

The setback Nigerian flag carrier airlines have not done too well owing to lack of good business model, crippling debts, lack of war chest to develop both old and new routes that are viable, coupled with lack of government’s assistance. It is a fact that most of the carriers are in serious financial dire straits. Multiple taxations, obsolete infrastructure at virtually all the airports and serious security breaches, both in the air and on ground among others have also conspired to put them at the door of extinction.

BUSINESS | AVIATION

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

39

Air France unveils new business class seat INVENTION Customers have a wide touch screen offering a high definition image Wole Shadare

A

ir France is continuing its move up market unveiling its new Business class seat, for a completely renewed travel experience.

In total, 2,102 seats will be installed between June 2014 and summer 2016 on 44 Boeing 777, the core of Air France’s long-haul fleet.

Every detail, according to a statement from the company, has been specially modelled to give the seat its unique design.

The passenger is instantly enveloped in its graceful curves into a cocoon-like state of special care.

“This real cocoon, with its particularly refined finishing touches (leather upholstery, topstitching) provides an ideal level of comfort and offers the prospect of a perfect sleep.

“Specially designed for Air France, this seat was developed in collaboration with Zodiac Aeros-pace, a world leader in the manufacture of aircraft seats. Its unique design was specially created by designer Mark Collins of Design Investment, specialised in the world of high-end transportation and by the design and branding agency, Brandimage.

“Seeking to offer the ultimate in comfort in the sky, the airline engaged customers, company employees, designers and ergonomic experts in the seat’s cooperative design effort.

“In the Business cabin, customers have a wide touch screen offering a high definition image.

This 16-inch (41 cm) screen

offers a unique onboard navigation experience similar to a tablet.

With a completely redesigned user interface and available in 12 languages (French, English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian and Arabic), choosing an entertainment program from over 1,000 hours of entertainment has never been so easy and intuitive.

“Within the framework of its Transform 2015 plan, Air France is continuing to develop the move up-mar-ket of its entire range of products and services called “Best & Beyond”. With an investment of over 500 million Euros, this project aims to place Air France at the best possible level in terms of products and to make a difference with a caring attitude towards its customers,” the statement said.

Air France's new business class seats

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tihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has commenced daily operations between Jaipur and Abu Dhabi.

A traditional lamp lighting ceremony greeted the disembarking passengers at Jaipur to celebrate the new service and the airline’s tenth destination in India, a statement from the airline said.

Craig Thomas, Etihad Airways’ Regional General Manager-Asia Pacific North and Indian Subcontinent, said, “The addition of the Jaipur service reinforces Etihad Airways’ commitment to the Indian Subcontinent. We are confident that the newflights will continue the strong pas-

Melbourne airport control tower

FSF calls for global summit on aircraft monitoring, others Wole Shadare

I

n the wake of the Malaysian government's announcement that flight MH 370 ended in the Indian Ocean and the continuing search, the Flight Safety Foundation has called on the commercial aviation industry and national civil aviation authorities to gather for an international symposium on the current state of technology and need to incorporate practical in-flight aircraft monitoring and communications systems to enhance location tracking.

Chairman of the FSF Board of Governors David McMillan said, "We will hopefully know soon what happened on this tragic flight. We do know, however, that emerging technology exists to provide much more real-time data about aircraft operations and engine performance. That data can help us unlock mysteries, leading to timely safety improvements and more focused search and rescue missions, while avoiding some of the pain and anguish felt by victims' loved ones in the wake of a tragedy."

FSF's acting president, Kenneth Hylander said satellite communications, navigation,

Etihad Airways begins services to Jaipur senger growth between Indiaand the UAE. “The new service will provide travellers from Jaipur with seamless connections to the Gulf region and Middle East, as well as Africa, Europe and North America, via our Abu Dhabi hub.”

Neerja Bhatia, General Manager – India, Etihad Airways, said: “Jaipur is the perfect addition to our growing network of destinations.

Jaipur is a widely recognised premium destination attracting leisure and business travellers from around the world.

It is also known for host-

ing many international cultural events, including the

Etihad's air plane

renowned Jaipur Literature Festival.

and surveillance systems also represent efficient ways of tracking aircraft, especially over water, stressing that given existing technology, “we simply should not be losing contact with aircraft for unknown reasons.”

Out of respect for the families, it's also time for the media speculation to stop, and for a knowledgeable, responsible, professional dialogue to begin to examine technological options for practical tracking of aircraft."

The Foundation, which has long been a leader in calling for greater use of data for risk mitigation, emphasised today that the combination of data gathering, analytics, and sharing would improve safety and operational efficiency.

The migration toward exploiting "smart machines" that supply real-time, actionable information not only helps in determining what went wrong in the wake of an accident, but assists operators in determining the status of aircraft, engines and sub-systems in order to predict and prevent failures, ultimately further advancing the industry's already outstanding safety record.

“With the addition of the new Jaipur flights,to our existing Delhi services, we now fly to two destinations in the world-renowned Golden Triangle, offering our guests more choice and convenient travel options,” the statement added.

Jaipur is known as the pink city for its pink-painted cityscape. It is the capital, and the largest city, of the State of Rajasthan. Renowned for its distinct heritage and landscape, the city has witnessed a 70 per cent increase in tourist arrivals during the past 10 years. It is a modern yet traditional city offering the ideal gateway to ancient, cultural and historical sites within the State

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BUSINESS | AVIATION

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

NAHCO endows professorial chair in aviation Wole Shadare

T

he Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has endowed a professorial chair in Aviation Economics at the Bayero University, Kano.

The endowment, according to the statement, would enable the Chair carry out research in Aviation Economics in particular and the Aviation industry generally.

Speaking at the event in Kano, the Chairman of the Company, AlhajiSulemanYa-

hyah pointed out that Kano deserved such a honour being the first city to receive an aircraft in Nigeria as far back as 1930s.

An elated Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor AbubakarRasheed, said that the money coming with the research will go a long way in creating an impact in transport economy in such a way that after five years of the duration of the present endowment, the department would have acquired enough competence by training some can-

didates including doctorate students in the area of Transport Economy or holding annual conference in Transport Economy and publishing the proceedings of the conference and circulating them widely.

The VC said that the endowment of the professorial chair by the leading ground aviation handling company in the West Africa sub-region would also go a long way in sensitizing the general academic community about the field of Transport Economy.

Explaining the choice of

Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, (NAHCO Aviance), Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun- Ojo (left); renowned motivational speaker, Dr. Myles Munroe and other senior management members of NAHCO Aviance during a leadership seminar at the NAHCO Aviance’s Learning and Development Centre, Lagos.

Kano, Yahyah said Kano is one of the centres of excellence in Nigeria. He stated that Kano has to its credit, several hundreds of years of history of commerce, dating back to trans-Sahara trade.

“The Mallam Aminu Kano Airport was the first airport established in West Africa in 1930s and our core business in nahco PLC is aviation handling. So, when we decided as a company to realign our CSR from mere donations, and interventions and support to longerterm sustainable support, we felt that BUK having sustained a tradition of academic excellence and who had bred several champions who are today in positions of leadership in various sectors of Nigeria economy, this should be one of our first port of call,” Yahyah said.

On her part, the new chair, Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo said the new endowment is a way of moving the society forward.

She expressed appreciation to nacho for choosing her department for the endowment. She said it marked a giant stride in the search for advance knowledge in a core area of human endeavour.

Ahmed-Jalingo commended the company for setting a great example and promised that she would not let the company

down as she was sure that the whole country stands to benefit from the investment, which nacho is making by endowing the professorial chair.

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (nahco aviance) is a Nigerian diversified enterprise with interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, passenger facilitation, crew transportation and aviation training. The company currently serves more than 35 airlines at seven airports across Nigeria.

It handles about 70 per cent of domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria. nahco aviance was incorporated on December 6th 1979 as an aviation servicing company but started operations in April 1979 with the commissioning of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In 2005, nahco aviance, a former federal governmentowned company was privatised and subsequently listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2006.

The company is now owned by over 80, 000 shareholders, including two international airlines – Air France and Lufthansa; as well as local investors; Sycor Private Investment Limited and Rosehill Group Nigeria Limited. The company’s stock exchange symbol is “Nahco”.

Clearing agents seek review of customs documentations T he Federal Government has been asked to review the series of documentations in the clearing of goods at various airports to alleviate the sufferings of agents and importers.

Chairman of ANLCA MMIA chapter, Aloysius Igwe said the evaluation unit of the Nigerian Customs service should device means of determining documents on imported good as about 80 percent of goods into the MMIA were informal arriving from Dubai and China where receipts were issued on goods purchased instead of invoices.

“The procedure now is no more destination base, customs is really responsible. The new idea is that before the arrival of your shipment all the necessary documentations must be ready and customs

will prepare your documents for payment, (Pre arrival assessment report) This ought to quicken the clearance of goods but we are having challenges here” Igwe said the demand for original invoices from these Dubai and China traders were making it cumbersome for the clearing of their goods on arrival adding that it will lead to frustration and capble of sending out traders from business.

According to him. “Customs are trained to look at imports, evaluate them and collect duties for the government, so the essence of the series of documentations and bottleneck will not help us. They are suppose to examine all these from their data bank and appraise value so that some of these Nigerians that have seen this as an avenue for existence will

not be thrown out of job” He condemned a situation whereby customs licensed agents were black mailed by customs anytime illicit drug was discovered in consignment handled by agents.

He explained that agents had no business with the content of the goods being packaged by the exporter or importer as they were not allow to examine them adding that the owner of the goods should be invited for questioning instead of detaining the agent.

“The owner has handed his goods to you and he has left. We are now enlightening our members to always invite the owner of the goods to be exported to be there before examination of the good. We don’t indulge in any illicit drug trafficking here” He warned that ANLCA

MMA2 terminal

will no longer tolerate such detention of its members by the customs as it was denting the image of the association.

On the restoration of normalcy to the cargo village, he explained that the movement of the association and all the agents to their new site has restored sanity, discipline and dignity in the association add-

ing that touts could be easily identified since they no longer have their offices at the entrance of NAHCO. The ANLCA boss called on the airport authorities to dislodge all those that have no legitimate business parading themselves around the airport to ensure sanity within the environment.

MOM&PARENTING

NEW TELEGRAPH

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www.newtelegraphonline.com/mum&parenting

OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI oluwatosin.omoniyi@newtelegraphonline.com tosin042001@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014

When is your child assertive or rude?

There is a thin line between being assertive and being rude. Many parents don’t understand the slim line when their children insist or speak out on any issue.

To some, it simply means rudeness. OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI writes

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very parent wants assertive and polite children. They want children with self-esteem and a high confidence level. But no parent wishes for rude and badly behaved children. Unfortunately, not all parents can differentiate between rudeness and being assertive. Such is the case between Kamso and his father, Hillary Chukwunonso, last week in the church during the consecration of the Holy Communion in a Catholic Church. Kamso was supposed to kneel down during that period as every other person do, rather, he opted to bow his head in reverence, which is not entirely wrong. To some people, it probably does not matter but to Kamso’s father, it was inproper. Furious, he couldn’t wait till they got home. He called the boy aside and nearly pulled the boy’s left ear off his head. Again, the boy asked assertively, “but daddy, what is the problem? What have I done wrong?” The father was more taken aback and outraged. He felt challenged as Kamso has never spoken to him in that tone. He calmed down. At home, he flogged the poor boy, even knelt him down for daring to look him in the face to ask what his offence was.

But the boy insisted that bowing his head was equal to kneeling down in church.

Omotayo James, 47, and lawyer, is still carrying the scare he sustained when he was eight-years-old from his father. Why? He engaged his dad in an argument where he told him “but daddy, you can’t be right all of the time and I can’t be wrong all of the time.” James said the only thing he offered in prayer at the hospital where his dad rushed him to was death. James, a human rights lawyer based in Plateau State, said, “Where the lines get blurred, is how to raise an assertive child. To teach them to get their needs met, without being obnoxious and rude should be paramount.” He explained assertion as a theory that is based on the premise that every child or individual possesses basic

Assertive Board

The key to assertiveness is learning how to stand up for yourself, without making others feel imposed upon human rights: • the right to be treated with respect • the right to make mistakes and be responsible for them • the right to refuse requests without having to feel guilty or selfish • the right to ask for what you want (realizing that the other person has the right to say ‘no’) •the right to be listened to and to be taken seriously • the right to say “I don’t understand” •the right to ask for information.

He added that the real reason assertive children or even adults often come off as rude or controlling is because most people do not like to be told what to do, or how to do it. “So, the key to assertiveness is learning how to stand up for yourself, without making others feel imposed upon. Assertiveness is a skill anyone can develop with time and the proper practice,” he said.

Jane Adah, a child psychologist, who runs an orphanage home, in

Cross River State, said there are five important tips in raising assertive children that can stand up for themselves, and that are not rude. They include; 1. You must be the role model. Your children will copy you. So, if you want them to have integrity and assertiveness, model good behavior.

Don’t be weak; your children will see it. Stand up for your beliefs and views, even if it means going against the grain. You have to explain to them that standing up for what they believe in may feel uncomfortable or strange, but it is the right way to go, to stand up for their own rights, and the rights of others.

2. When your child acts assertively, praise them. Let your kids know that you value people who speak their mind in an honest way.

Positively reinforce their actions if they display good behaviour.

When you show your children you value and honour this type of behaviour, they will better assert themselves.

3. Controversial: Try and find a few less domineering friends for your kids. If your child has the tendency to be a shyer, less assertive type, and seems to cling to a bossy and domineering friend, give him the opportunity and expose him to a less domineering

PHOTO: INVER GROVE HEIGHTS PATCH

friend. Being around a less domineering friend may teach and encourage your child to speak up a little more.

4. Provide leadership opportunities early. New studies show that kids gain confidence by entering into individual sports, team sports, activities, extra-curricular activities, group projects etc. And the key factor behind it is… the earlier the better. So provide opportunities for your children to be a member of a team, or even the team captain. Encourage them to take charge of a project or even organize the school assembly. There are other programs you can expose your children to such as public speaking, singing, acting classes, where they can demonstrate overt kinds of leadership. These have all been proven to boost confidence.

5. Teach your child C.A.L.M. assertion. These include four steps that help kids stand up and speak up for themselves or others if verbally attacked. The four steps are C - Stay Cool. If you get upset, ticked off, cry, you don’t appear as confident.

A – Assert yourself. Teach your child a few comeback lines to say in different situations.

L – Look the person in the eye. The best way to appear more confident is C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

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MOM&PARENTING

Sanctity of Truth

Two, early to school Oluwatosin Omoniyi

F

or Ebube Daniel, three, waking up at the early hours of 5.30am and going to school from Monday to Friday, is a burden. He complains bitterly every morning when he is woken up. He is full of complaints. If his stomach was not paining him, his head would ache or he was too tired to go to school. “Oh, must it be every day that someone will be going to school?”

In the class room, he often quarrels with his teachers and aunties. “I’m tired, I can’t write. I want to sleep.” Azubuike Sonto, a year, six months old child, cries every morning when the parents bundle him inside the school bus. For Sonto, a pupil of St.Leo’s Catholic Nursery and Primary private school, it is sheer punishment at the early hour of 5.30am when ordinarily, he should still be in bed snoring and probably peeing in his pampers.

But alas! By that time, his busy mother wakes up to prepare him for school. And by 6.15am, when the school bus blasts it’s horn, signalling that it has arrived, Sonto would start screaming, crying and running back inside his compound calling “dada”,meaning daddy to come to his rescue from his mother bundling him unto the bus. While in the bus, Sonto’s cry has become like music to the ear of other children because he would not stop crying. His face would be smeared with tears. Oreoluwa Orebiyi, 4, another child, has become a regular customer at the Lagoon hospital, Ikeja. His doctor said the girl’s health is not yet developed to accommodate the type of stress his parents subject her to. It has become a tradition that almost every fortnight, she falls sick, either of headache, cough or allergy due to stress and compounded by fumes of vehicles and school dust.

In Nigeria, most parents are careless about the right age a child should start school. They care less about the psychological, social and health impact it will have on the children. It is also a social status thing or competition among parents to register their children earlier than required regardless the child’s mental alertness, readiness for school. Just last week, at a school car park in the hot sun, some parents displayed their foolishness and ignorance openly in front of other parents. They were struggling for ample space at the car park. In the course of the struggling, the one who felt cheated called the other lady a “big fool” for not regis-

tering her child early enough. The other retorted that “every mother can’t be like you who shift her responsibilities to the school aunties to be taking care of a two year old child whom the mother should be responsible for” Of course, they both degenerated to fisticuffs, a real show of shame.

Njideka, Sonto’s mother, said sending her child to school at that early age and time is for several reasons. They include, her having time to carry out domestic work and being able to move about for her business freely before the closing time that she will get home to prepare their lunch. Modupeoluwa, Orebiyi’s mother, said she is the breadwinner of her family and she doesn’t have a house help to help take care of her child while she is away at her business. The best way for her is to just keep the child in custody of the school pending the time the older ones arrive home. It is purely vain reason for Precious Nwabara, 29. “What will my child be doing at home when his mates are in the classroom?”

Nwabara put it that she strongly believes in competition. She adds that, she

school at an early age. Nowadays, instead of mothers to stay at home with their children or put in care of grandmothers, she said it is saddening to see that mothers at the period they are supposed to be with their children are out working to support the family. Shockingly too, grandmothers are still working. So school is about the safest place they could put their children An American based education expert, Dr. Richard House, claimed that children should not have to start school until they are six to prevent early ‘adulcification.’

He said their intellect would be fed, stimulated and even over emphasized on the three Rs - reading, writing and arithmetic, which can actually cause long term damage. He said that bright children put into education too early could even suffer life-long negative health effects if they grew up in an ‘intellectually unbalanced way.’ He said that only children from deprived backgrounds should enter formal education at the younger age because they would ‘benefit from such early interventions’. An 80-year study in the U.S. found that children who started later and developed naturally benefited from not being slowed down.

Early Education

Assertiveness is a communication style C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

At age four, parents should take their children to school. Because at that age, the child would have been properly matured, emotionally and psychologically prepared to learn

wouldn’t want her child, regardless of the age to be left behind. She said there is room for relaxation and play for different age grade in school. Therefore, age shouldn’t be an issue. But educationists view it differently.

Temitayo Gbemisola Gidado, an educationist and proprietor of Lesley Foundation school, University of Lagos estate, Idimu, Lagos, advocates age four as the proper age parents should take their children to school. Because at that age, she said the child would have been properly matured, emotionally and psychologically prepared to learn. “Truth is they learn at a faster pace at that age. They are more stabilised and calm to learn. They also would have overcome the toileting problem at that stage”, she said. Gidado pointed that children who attend school at early age don’t always understand what they do in school. According to her, “they are easily influenced by bad children. They are the children that are mostly found in cult activities.”

Gidado highlighted bad economy and embrace of wrong culture as the major reasons why parents put their children in

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

by using eye contact.

M – Mean it.

Theresa Ajewole, children guardian counsellor with a private school in Ikeja, advised parents to teach their children the difference between how an insecure and a strong voice sound.

She asked parents to encourage their children to assert themselves using a strong and firm tone–but not yelling tone–to get their points across. “Teaching your children how to be assertive without being rude is no small under-

taking. But remember, all the clichés are true. “you reap what you sow, ” and “you get out what you put in.” Spend the time with your kids, talking and teaching,” she said. Ajewole added that she marveled with joy and pride the day she witnessed her 10 year old daughter confidently and majestically walk over to get her graduation certificate on her graduation day, “I beamed with pride.

And the tears of joy flowed down my cheeks.”

Assertiveness according to Ajewole is a communication style. It is

being able to express one’s feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and opinions in an open manner that doesn’t violate the rights of others.

According to Centre for clinical Interventions, Cultural and Generational Influences: “There can also be strong cultural and generational influences children’s behaviour. For example, in some cultures, assertiveness is not as valued as in Western society. “If you are from one of these cultures, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons about being assertive in particular situations.”

FEATURES

NEW TELEGRAPH

43

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

TUESDAY, APRIL8, 2014

Bayelsa and the dwindling fortune of education Government’s attention in Bayelsa State seems to have shifted from growth of education, writes PAULINE ONYIBE

W

hen Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State assumed office on February 14, 2012, he listed education as his priority.

Right on the podium during his inauguration, Dickson promised Bayelsa State citizens a free and qualitative education bearing in mind that the state was ranked one of the educationally disadvantaged states in the country.

He said: “If we play with the education of our children, empowerment and training, we play with our future. One area I want to leave a lasting mark is in the area of education.”

Before declaring free and compulsory education for primary and secondary schools however, the governor, it seems, did not get prior information from the education stakeholders in the state.

This is because after two years on the saddle, the much-touted free school uniforms, free sandals, free text books are yet to materialise.

In some schools at Onopa and Amarata, among other places in Yenagoa, the state capital, pupils are still sitting on the bare floor to receive lectures.

The promise of having the same school uniforms for both primary and secondary pupils seems to be eluding the students.

Principals still go ahead to collect illegal fees from students contrary to the spirit of free and compulsory education.

A principal of a girls’ secondary school in Yenagoa, who does not want her name in print, said they were collecting levies because the Ministry of Education did not provide the schools with funds.

She said: “Although they are announcing that there is free education, the government is not providing anything for us to work with so we make do with these little levies.”

An SS1 student, who was in the school to register, was billed N4,000, which the principal said was part of funds used to run the school.

The Commissioner for Education, Salo Adikumo, and the Executive Secretary, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Walton Liverpool, are aware of the levies but are not doing anything to stop the

Pupils receiving lessons on the floor

Ahmed-Rufai

Dickson

collection of the illegal fees.

Although it is not all bad news, some measures of success have been recorded in the education sector.

For instance, 400 young graduates of the state origin are beneficiaries of government’s N1 billion postgraduate scholarship scheme.

The administration has relocated the state College of Education, formally at Okpoama Brass which had only 100 students because of the difficult terrain, to Sagbama Local Government.

Now the college, which can be assessed by road, boasts of over 1,000 students.

The administration also gave a boost to the state College of Art and Science.

Observers said the governor had a good agenda for the education sector but the approach was bad.

For instance, the sowing of the school uniforms is done at India, leaving out artisans in the state and

country as a whole.

After the first presentation of the uniform, which the former Minister of Education, Hajia Rukkayatu Rufai, witnessed, there has not been any other one.

In fact, pupils are still wearing the former uniform after two years.

The SUBEB seems to be a bit active in terms of service delivery because half of its counterpart funding comes from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

SUBEB has built over 100 headmasters’ quarters, including other mega projects to boost the sector.

But during a visit to St. Mathias School, Amarata in Yenagoa metropolis, pupils were sitting on the bare floor to learn.

Also, there were over 200 pupils in one class.

When contacted, the teachers said they were afraid they might be sacked if they complained.

A walk round the school compound

showed that a section of the school buildings had been taken over by the Ministry of Local Government to the discomfort of the pupils.

Other structures expected to be used by the pupils are in a state of disrepair.

Liverpool, however, said that people only saw pupils sitting on the floor but did not see the positive impacts which had been made by the government in the education sector.

The SUBEB executive secretary, however, assured that before June more chairs would be distributed to schools across the state.

At the Ministry of Education, activities seemed to be moving at a slow pace as the workers said there were no funds to execute projects.

A man, who did not want to be quoted, said in November last year, the ministry was planning to commit funds to some projects without knowing that the money had been stopped at the treasury.

According to him, the ministry depends only on N580,000 monthly overhead which cannot do anything in such a big ministry.

Recently, Dickson announced that because of the dwindling allocation from the Federal Government which, according to him, has been reduced by about N5 billion, Bayelsa State citizens, including politicians, needed to tighten up their belts.

Recently, the governor, who seems to be operating from Abuja, went to the Niger Delta University (NDU) to ascertain the level of things.

But there is need for the government to focus mainly on the primary and secondary schools, which form the foundation of education.

44 FEATURES

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Kwara: Creating affordable healthcare for rural poor Health is wealth. Maybe that is why affordable healthcare is often out of the reach of poor rural people in Africa. Kwara State is redefining the process of access to affordable healthcare, particularly among the rural poor, reports BIODUN OYELEYE

K

wara State Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) operates like any insurance business: an enrolee pays an amount of money which entitles him/her to medical services.

The premium, in the case of CHIS, is no more than N300 per year.

The state government, and the other partners in the project, pay the remaining. It guarantees the provision of equitable access to affordable health and quality healthcare services through subsidised community health insurance.

In Lagos State, beneficiaries of the scheme pay N1,200 as premium but that of their counterparts in Kwara State is subsidised by the Dutch Health Insurance Fund while medical care is provided by designated private and public hospitals and clinics within the benefiting communities.

Enrolees of the scheme have access to comprehensive healthcare package including outpatient care, specialist consultation, hospital admission, drugs and pharmaceutical care, antenatal care and postnatal care services, immunisation, minor and intermediate surgeries such as appendectomy, herniorrhapies and HIV/AIDS treatment.

When the scheme was first introduced in 2007 at Shonga, the agrarian community in the northern part of the state that became host to the now popular Zimbabwean farmers, the then Governor Bukola Saraki said a virile primary health sector was the solution to health-related challenges in the country.

Saraki noted that the scheme would serve to ease off the pressure on existing secondary and tertiary hospitals in the state and reduce the rate of ‘avoidable deaths’ in the rural areas.

He said: “There are some avoidable deaths at the rural areas across Nigeria due to lack of good health system at the local level; the result is heavier pressure on the secondary and tertiary sectors, which is not too good for the system.”

As at last year, the programme had secured a total of 80,000 rural folks, especially women and children as enrolees.

Speaking at the recent inauguration of the scheme in his hometown, Share, in Ifelodun Local Government, Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed, said his administration intended to push the figure to 600,000 by 2018.

About 15 clinics and hospitals, which have been upgraded, are participating in the programme. Over one million rural people have visited the clinics under the scheme since it became operational.

The scheme has secured the backing of the state legislators. In 2012 the state

Ahmed

Chukwu

You no longer have to sell your car to pay the hospital and the doctor and the services in the health centres are very good House of Assembly passed a bill to give legal backing to the scheme.

The bill tagged: “The State Health Insurance Scheme 2012,” gives the state a mandate to provide affordable quality healthcare services for low income earners in the state.

At the Share launch, Ms. Aattye De Ross, Senior Policy Officer, Dutch Foreign Office, whose country is a strong partner in the project, expressed delight that given the success of CHIS in the state, poor rural people no longer need to spend all they have in order to access good healthcare.

She said: “Seven years ago, we were in Shonga to launch the first Kwara Community Health Insurance Scheme.

“In 2007, the Community Health Insurance Scheme was very new for all of us. We have learnt a lot. Doing insurance you no longer have to sell your car to pay the hospital and the doctor and the services in the health centres are very good.”

At the Share event, Ahmed pledged to personally pay for the first 1,000 enrolees into the scheme in the area while political appointees from the local government pledged to offset the cost of another set of 1,000 enrolees.

Other groups supporting the governor also pledged to finance 800 enrolees.

Ahmed descried the scheme as “an ideal example of the much-recommended public-private partnership” as it involves the state government, the Dutch Health Insurance Fund, Hygeia Com-

Saraki

munity HealthCare, and PharmAccess Foundation with public and private healthcare providers in the state.

He said: “As a testimony to the programme’s success, it has received commendations locally and internationally, including from the UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, who described our health insurance programme as ground-breaking and innovative.”

The governor disclosed that government would pay the premium, roughly N180 million at N300 per head, for the entire 600,000 low-income enrolees it envisages to be on the scheme by 2018 and meet all financial commitments with the other stakeholders.

He said: “Improving access to quality health services is of utmost priority on the development agenda of this administration.

“Unhealthy individuals cannot participate optimally in socio-economic ventures and without health insurance their scarcely available resources are diverted to the treatment of illnesses.

“We will provide further demonstration of this commitment by prioritising the prompt payment of counterpart funds in view of the positive impact of this scheme and its huge potential for enhanced access to quality healthcare for a greater number of our people.”

Ahmed disclosed that the government had committed considerable resources to scale up the programme in tandem with its Strategic Health Development Plan 2010 – 2015 and its

Health Reform agenda which seeks to establish health service delivery points within 500 metres in all communities in the state.

About N4 billion has been committed under the agenda for the rehabilitation and upgrading of five General Hospitals. It will also provide and improve 50 primary health care centres across the state every year.

The Chairman, Health Insurance Fund, Mr Kees Storm, described Kwara State as the first state in Nigeria to take the important step of enhancing access to affordable health by rural people.

He said: “The commitment of the government is truly inspiring. I am confident that it will be a success because this unique public-private partnership has proven that it can be done; we have created a workable model in one of the poorest states in Nigeria, giving a growing number of people access to the quality services they need, in their neighbourhoods.”

On his part, Representative of Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas, said if other states of the federation had followed in the step of Kwara State, then perhaps there would have been no need for the Federal Government to have introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He said: “It is only Kwara State that has really assisted the National Health Insurance in achieving its mandate. If all the states are to emulate the Kwara, the National Health Insurance Scheme would have nothing to do again in the whole federation. So we are proud of your achievement in the health sector, most especially in providing access to qualitative and affordable healthcare services for all Nigerians through the health insurance.

“We have just concluded Universal Healthcare Assessment and we looked at all the programmes the states are doing. It is only Kwara that has a structured, well-organised, progressive enlistment of people as you have here. I am not surprised about this because every revolution and transformation started from Kwara State.”

The Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, in his goodwill message delivered by a senior official of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), expressed full support for the scheme.

He said: “The Kwara programme has our full support. It is scaling-up to 600,000 low-income people in the rural communities of Kwara by 2018, with premium subsidies largely paid by the Kwara State Government.

“The results of the programme in combination with the efforts of the Kwara State Government have created an effective channel for the state to set the pace for other states interested in adopting this model of healthcare delivery, on the road to Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians.”

METRO 45 Tuesday, April 8, 2014

re youths protest epileptic power supply, bad road

nd provision of es

ic ies

Babatope Okeowo Akure

Y

ouths from Iyange and Okeogba in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday protested the incessant power failure and bad road linking their communities to other parts of the town.

The protesters blocked all the major roads linking the communities to the main town and prevented free flow of traffic for hours.

For hours, social and commercial activities were paralysed in the communities as the youths prevented anybody from transacting their lawful businesses.

The youths sat on the major road to prevent any resident of the communities from using their vehicles.

Armed with different placards, the protesters said the government should intervene in the plight of the communities by providing social amenities for them.

They decried the neglect of the communities by successive administrations in the past.

Many of the residents who had wanted to drive their cars out had to drop their ve-

One of the blocked roads in the community

hicles along the road and tracked several kilometres to their offices.

Some commercial motorcycles popularly called okada used the opportunity to make more money by carrying passengers from one short distance to the other at exorbitant prices.

Many of the residents who could not

afford to trek long distance or drive to their work place had to return home for the day. Many people who wanted to take alternative route were frustrated as the youths blocked all the link roads.

The protesters said the over 20,000 residents of the area were cut off from the rest of the world because of bad roads,

Amuwo clash: We’re not violent – Group Militants invade police marine base, steal arms, ammunition

M

he world to think ns who cannot put to use. rated with the poy get to the root of y are doing it for

dent

sal showed that ictims died imhile two others Intensive Care f the National

lack of potable water and incessant power failure.

It took the intervention of the police who persuaded the youths to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters, instead of taking laws into their hands before the situation could be brought under control.

Adewale addressing members of the group during a courtesy visit

Taiwo Jimoh

A

muwo Community Policing Youth Vanguard has refuted allegations that it was a violent organisation.

The group’s spokesman, Mr Muyiwa Adekunle, told journalists in Lagos yesterday that his members were not touts as being speculated in some quarters.

Adekunle spoke on the background of accusation by the leadership of Neighbourhood Watch in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area that group attacked and wounded its members.

He said: “We convene this gathering to put the story in a proper perspective, from what has been going on since last

week.

“We are not hoodlums nor tout as being speculated. We were inaugurated by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, in 2013 to assist the Area E’ Police Command to fight crime in the community.

“Immediately after the launch of the group, we paid the council Chairman, Mr Ayodele Adewale, a courtesy visit and he promised to give us a Hilux van if we removed policing from the group’s name. We even had a group photograph with him after addressing us on the council premises.

“When we refused to yield to his request, it led to what we are witnessing today.

“Those of us living in the community know ourselves very well. That was why we came together and formed the group to assist the police in fighting crime.”

But when contacted on phone, Adewale said was not fighting members of the group because of politics.

He said: “What I asked them to do when they came to my office on a courtesy visit to intimate me about their group was to go and see the State Security Service (SSS) for scrutiny.

“Anybody can hide under the guise of being a police community vanguard and perpetrate evil. As the chief security officer of the council, I would be held responsible for any crisis in the community.”

en suspected to be militants yesterday evening invaded Police Marine Base in Oron, Akwa Ibom State and stole arms and ammunition worth millions of naira.

A top police officer, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent in Uyo that the militants had easy access to the station as there was no resistant from policemen.

He explained that from the information available to him, the officers ought to be on duty were either attending to their personal matters or in boats, cruising on the ocean.

The source added that 11 officers, who ought to be on duty at the time of the invasion, had been detained at the state police headquarters for interrogation He said: “The officers have been arrested and are presently being

File picture of suspected militants

detained. I thought the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) had briefed you journalists on the matter.”

However, when contacted on phone, the PPRO, Mr Etim Dickson, confirmed that the base was attacked and ammunition were stolen.

Dickson said that the police and other security agencies were working round the clock to arrest the fleeing criminals.

He said: “Well, honestly we are looking into the matter. It is not true that they carted away all our ammunition; though we lost one or two arms.

“It is unfortunate that we had that encounter. But we are looking into it. Our men are combing the entire area at the moment with the support of other security agencies.”

46 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035

Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014

Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 7, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Bonds)

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities) 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

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY U A C N PLC. CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Diversified Industries Totals

No. of Deals 1 7 15 23

Current Price 0.50 42.00 42.00

Quantity Traded 5,500 18,187 100,165 123,852

Value Traded 2,750.00 725,661.30 4,230,687.55 4,959,098.85

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 3.23

Quantity Traded 646,159 646,159

Value Traded 2,058,837.34 2,058,837.34

770,011

7,017,936.19

48 Symbol No. of Deals AGLEVENT 1 CHELLARAM 1 JOHNHOLT 1 Daily Summary (Equities) SCOA 1 TRANSCORP 184 UACN 39 Symbol

No. of Deals 227

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.40 3.95 1.21 5.06 3.56 54.37

Quantity Traded 1,920 18 225 140 19,055,035 724,451

Value Traded 2,784.00 67.68 258.75 673.40 68,227,020.07 39,426,226.42

Current Price

Quantity Traded 19,781,789

Value Traded 107,657,030.32

19,781,789

107,657,030.32

Page

227

1

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 1.41

Quantity Traded 38,760 38,760

Value Traded 52,995.20 52,995.20

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 70.85

Quantity Traded 49,500 49,500

Value Traded 3,346,854.00 3,346,854.00

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 51 51

Current Price 24.00

Quantity Traded 781,419 781,419

Value Traded 19,283,288.02 19,283,288.02

869,679

22,683,137.22

Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY GUINNESS NIG CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Beverages--Brewers/Distillers INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. U TasCof NIG. PLC. Daily Summary 07/04/2014 Food Products Totals Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

71 Symbol DUNLOP

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Computer Based Systems Totals Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals IT Services

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

ICT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © IT Services Totals Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

13

Electronic and Electrical Products Activity Summary on Board EQTY CUTIX PLC.

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 6,093 6,093

Value Traded 3,046.50 3,046.50

No. of Deals 51

Current Price 195.00

Quantity Traded 148,142

Value Traded 28,447,659.26

No. of Deals 26 178 255

Current Price 26.41 152.00

Page Quantity Traded 176,705 3,864,942 4,189,789

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 90.00

Quantity Traded 20,912 20,912

Value Traded 1,839,110.70 1,839,110.70

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 47 59 66 27 21 1 1 4 226

Current Price 8.50 9.03 70.00 3.67 11.31 22.01 14.14 0.53

Quantity Traded 567,581 1,696,714 579,423 768,815 495,184 2,400 33,500 86,697 4,230,314

Value Traded 4,820,708.60 15,487,711.90 40,596,098.96 2,813,362.95 5,663,627.69 50,184.00 450,240.00 45,949.41 69,927,883.51

No. of Deals 53 95 (Equities) 148

Current Price 72.00 1,124.35

Quantity Traded 162,229 106,714 268,943

Value Traded 11,372,727.41 123,466,454.83 134,839,182.24

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol GUINNESS Symbol INTBREW NB

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

Daily Summary

2 of 13 Value Traded 4,655,172.90 587,443,457.70 620,546,289.86

Page

3

of

Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 1 12 1 14

Current Price 32.27 4.24 1.58

Quantity Traded 920 177,030 1,000 178,950

Value Traded 28,207.20 738,121.40 1,510.00 767,838.60

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 22 65 87

Current Price 31.00 46.00

Quantity Traded 182,602 891,167 1,073,769

Value Traded 5,629,546.22 40,552,995.92 46,182,542.14

9,968,770

874,105,893.55

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Banking Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035

ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board STERLING BANK PLC. EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. Published by The Nigerian UNITY BANKStock PLC Exchange © WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Daily Summary asINSURANCE of 07/04/2014 OASIS PLC Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

754 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK Daily Summary GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK

Integrated Oil and Gas Services

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLCStock Exchange © Published by The Nigerian ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals 13

Courier/Freight/Delivery TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Totals Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Quantity Traded 19,485,313 2,133,812 5,898,880 9,704,280 62,327,526 4,800,650 11,625,392

Value Traded 142,972,172.37 13,463,059.08 75,943,435.08 19,194,668.58 1,669,729,719.22 17,277,736.58 29,070,204.70

No. of Deals 295 61 4 36 322 1,571

Current Price 6.98 10.44 0.50 0.96 21.00

Quantity Traded 47,357,439 388,872 Page 123,600 5,584,803 68,135,777 237,566,344

Value Traded 341,000,234.38 4,007,611.92 4 of 13 61,800.00 5,266,112.96 1,430,322,969.86 3,748,309,724.73

Symbol No. of Deals AIICO 11 CONTINSURE 1 CORNERST 3 EQUITYASUR 1 GUINEAINS 1 INTENEGINS 7 LASACO 2 MANSARD 16 MBENEFIT 1 NEM 25 OASISINS 16 PRESTIGE 1 STACO 1 STDINSURE 2 Daily UNICSummary (Equities) 1

Current Price 0.79 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.58 0.50 2.21 0.50 0.75 0.60 0.58 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.72

Quantity Traded 125,953 21,000 384,000 263 5,950 260,000 35,000 423,990 100,000 200,233,940 1,548,800 50,000 100 750 4,481 1,220,448

26

Hotels/Lodging

Page

5

of

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 0.97

Quantity Traded 2,888,592 2,888,592

Value Traded 2,648,210.44 2,648,210.44

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 57 31 375 50 40 98 651

Current Price 2.90 2.19 12.40 3.50 19.40 2.57

Quantity Traded 1,552,663 1,659,600 22,007,701 10,959,391 9,340,770 5,987,458 51,507,583

Value Traded 4,494,555.42 3,563,961.80 273,897,295.70 38,340,116.86 186,898,013.00 15,325,540.21 522,519,482.99

496,377,194

4,456,646,830.44

Quantity Traded 89 89

Value Traded 315.06 315.06

Quantity Traded 2,928 2,928

Value Traded 5,328.96 5,328.96

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.91

Page

Value Traded 183,169,412.28

6

of

Value Traded 30,000.00 30,000.00

No. of Deals 7

Current Price 5.85

Quantity Traded 5,745

Value Traded 31,942.20

Symbol CWG

Symbol NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 9

Current Price 15.99 1.97

Quantity Traded 749 68 Page 6,562

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 920 920

Value Traded 460.00 460.00

217,482

162,414.84

18 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER FIRSTALUM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Value Traded 11,384.80 of127.8413 43,454.84

No. of Deals 36 12 23 12 39 1 1 1 72 (Equities) 197

Current Price 16.50 9.00 35.96 9.50 234.99 1.16 0.50 4.10 107.93

Quantity Traded 643,879 88,270 89,599 174,258 154,796 10,000 100 322 6,052,047 7,213,271

Value Traded 10,529,675.82 787,039.43 3,312,881.87 1,596,911.71 36,363,628.68 11,600.00 50.00 1,323.42 635,535,482.64 688,138,593.57

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 12

Current Price 1.80

Quantity Traded 1,034,156

Value Traded 1,908,579.70

Symbol

No. of Deals 12

Current Price

Quantity Traded 1,034,156

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 5 7

Current Price 1.41 19.95

Quantity Traded 379,026 22,047 401,073

Value Traded 534,426.66 440,279.30 974,705.96

8,648,500

691,021,879.23

Quantity Traded 9,350 9,350

Value Traded 4,675.00 4,675.00

9,350

4,675.00

Daily Summary

Page

216 Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

1

8

of

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,017,600 1,017,600

Value Traded 508,800.00 508,800.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 140 140

Current Price 16.98

Quantity Traded 1,800,334 1,800,334

Value Traded 30,353,162.57 30,353,162.57

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price 30 51.90 5 3.80 70 106.20 26 125.01 3 54.44 14 181.45 148

Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded Page 37,078 25,513 326,345 51,535 2,956 21,318 464,745

299

Value Traded

9 1,741,170.62 of 13

87,514.99 33,938,596.60 6,443,368.83 152,884.32 3,675,010.09 46,038,545.45

3,282,679

76,900,508.02

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals Current Price 9 1.20 9

Quantity Traded 104,202 104,202

Value Traded 119,082.28 119,082.28

Symbol TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals Current Price 6 2.47 6

Quantity Traded 228,038 228,038

Value Traded 556,653.86 556,653.86

No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.50 2 Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 90,000 90,000

Value Traded 45,000.00 45,000.00 Value Traded 11,912.00

Symbol CILEASING

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,200 1,200

Value Traded 600.00 600.00

Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 10 5 15

Current Price 1.87 4.38

Quantity Traded 149,373 21,864 171,237

Value Traded 279,562.05 91,172.88 370,734.93

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.96

Quantity Traded 240,000 240,000

Value Traded 231,000.00 231,000.00

Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 30,300 30,300

Value Traded 15,150.00 15,150.00

Symbol No. of Deals AIRSERVICE 5 NAHCO 28 Daily Summary (Equities) 33

Current Price 2.58 5.08

Quantity Traded 28,503 968,011 996,514

Value Traded 73,123.65 4,909,742.51 4,982,866.16

76 Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 10 of 13 11,912.00

1,880,691 542,845,186

4,126

13

Value Traded 1,908,579.70

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

6,332,999.23 6,247,764,570.80

Page

11

of

13

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Current Price 1.37

Quantity Traded 2,100 2,100

Value Traded 3,003.00 3,003.00

1

2,100

3,003.00

ASeM Board Totals

1

2,100

3,003.00

Equity Activity Totals

4,127

542,847,286

6,247,767,573.80

Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 Exchange Traded Fund

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

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Daily Summary (ETP)

No. of Deals 1 6 7

Current Price 2,063.00 17.41

Quantity Traded 50 50,130 50,180

ETF Board Totals

7

50,180

ETP Activity Totals

7

50,180

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

13

7

Quantity Traded Page 19,200

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 13

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

Current Price 3.72

Quantity Traded 60,000 60,000

Current Price

EQTY Board Totals

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Activity Summary SERVICES Totalson Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 204,414,675

Symbol EKOCORP

No. of Deals 2 2

No. of Deals 2

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

Current Price

HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. Healthcare Providers Totals

Symbol OMATEK

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol

Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035

No. of Deals 115

2,358

Value Traded 88,500.00 88,500.00

Quantity Traded 19,200

SERVICES Hotels/Lodging Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Quantity Traded 150,000 150,000

No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.63

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

5,231,266.76

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

Activity Summary IKEJA HOTELon PLCBoard EQTY

Value Traded 98,573.47 19,950.00 192,000.00 131.50 2,975.00 150,800.00 17,500.00 937,868.82 50,000.00 179,891,125.40 896,450.00 29,000.00 50.00 375.00 2,240.50 880,372.59

1,039,041 Current Price 0.59

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

Current Price 7.33 6.27 12.70 1.95 26.80 3.62 2.50

WAPIC

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

Value Traded 112,773.36 2,495,050.00 2,425,611.08 172,224.30 9,108.00 10,031.00 825.00 5,225,622.74

No. of Deals 6 6

Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 NATURAL RESOURCES Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 Totals

OANDO PLC on Board EQTY Activity Summary

No. of Deals 152 50 63 111 (Equities) 287 61 129

Symbol UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

Quantity Traded 52,228 845,570 34,613 95,030 6,600 1,433 550 1,036,024

Symbol COURTVILLE

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSUMER GOODS

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Current Price 2.12 2.99 70.00 1.81 1.45 7.36 1.57

58

ICT Totals

of

Symbol COSTAIN

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Printed CONSUMER 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 GOODS

No. of Deals 5 23 12 10 1 2 2 55

HEALTHCARE Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 07/04/2014 Printed 07/04/2014 15:22:35.035 Diversified Industries

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN PHARMDEKO

Page

Value Traded 103,150.00 876,736.50 979,886.50

12

979,886.50 of

979,886.50

13

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 47

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

7-Apr-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

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description

Price

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

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

45.00 100.00 535.00 327.47 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 50.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

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

0.23 0.48 1.04 2.36 3.06 3.30 3.40 4.15 5.23 5.55 7.81 9.94 14.64 15.12 15.62 16.29

12.72 13.65 13.92 13.54 13.51 13.42 13.43 13.49 13.65 13.54 13.49 13.63 13.50 13.49 13.48 13.52

12.05 13.31 13.74 13.46 13.39 13.30 13.31 13.39 13.58 13.44 13.44 13.58 13.45 13.44 13.42 13.47

99.15 98.03 90.66 99.00 103.85 90.67 89.14 91.32 108.50 75.06 113.65 103.00 109.45 93.60 67.85 77.00

99.30 98.18 90.81 99.15 104.15 90.97 89.44 91.62 108.80 75.36 113.95 103.30 109.75 93.90 68.15 77.30

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,132.04

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

0.57 1.13 1.61 2.67 3.04 3.25

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

14.77 16.52 15.99 15.46 14.89 14.42

92.28 83.59 101.73 91.28 88.51 87.00

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 06-Jan-21

0.33 0.52 1.40 1.00 1.30 1.31 3.03 1.86 3.73 2.71 4.49 2.71 2.71 3.29 3.36 5.63 3.32 4.03 6.64 4.04 4.08

4.88 5.99 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 7.60 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 2.46 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.44 1.95

18.17 19.75 18.23 17.16 18.29 17.30 18.99 21.23 15.25 15.25 14.52 14.45 14.66 14.42 15.88 15.47 16.16 16.22 14.50 14.92 15.43

98.56 97.26 93.16 96.42 95.39 98.29 79.95 89.14 96.49 97.43 98.33 100.28 108.01 100.25 99.09 96.38 96.61 95.90 95.80 105.10 104.75

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14

0.50 0.70

1.00 5.21

14.75 19.03

98.49 96.46

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 A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS *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 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 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 14.50 15.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

567.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

*UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS

A-/Agusto

FSDH UBA

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 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

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

*C & I LEASING # *DANA *TOWER#

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

UBA

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

*TOWER

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

#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09

11.50 13.50

11.80 13.17

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.73

8.71

22.54

96.33

17-Aug-10

10.00

15.00

17-Aug-15

0.88

4.88

18.77

93.29

09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11

12.00 14.00 13.00

37.50 1.50 15.00

09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16

0.96 1.04 2.48

1.00 2.63 1.00

14.92 16.55 14.50

97.59 97.98 96.97

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.55

1.34

14.82

98.80

30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12

13.00 18.00

20.00 0.94

30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17

3.48 2.10

4.52 1.88

17.96 15.45

87.56 105.57

09-Apr-11

16.00

8.01

09-Apr-18

2.01

3.48

17.06

98.17

09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11

18.00 16.00 14.00

3.63 1.00 35.00

09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18

2.42 2.42 4.46

5.20 5.06 3.06

18.71 18.57 16.57

98.90 101.87 92.09

18-Oct-13

15.75

3.00

18-Oct-18

2.28

2.29

15.82

99.93

17-Feb-12 14-Nov-13

17.00 15.25

0.54 2.05

17-Feb-19 14-Nov-20

2.61 6.61

6.11 2.76

19.58 16.26

95.33 95.97

11-Feb-18

3.85

1.00

14.46

87.71

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

175.67

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

11-Feb-13

10.20

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.41

5.26

107.53

108.42

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.48

4.28

102.48

103.25

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.84

5.70

103.81

104.76

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

3.82

3.33

113.29

114.22

GTBank PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.15

4.54

104.63

105.88

GTBank PLC II

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.07

5.84

99.71

100.65

B+/S&P

Access Bank PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.86

6.53

101.12

102.08

B/S&P; B/Fitch

Fidelity Bank PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.50

7.99

94.49

96.17

B/Fitch

Afren PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.14

4.75

114.20

115.02

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

NA

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

NA

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

48 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Rating/Agency

Issuer

LEAD

Agency Bonds AMCON

FMBN Stanbic, others occupied NA leading position in first ***LCRM quarter TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto KWARA Stories

by Chris Ugwu A-/GCR NIGER 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 A-/GCR

KADUNA *EBONYI

Aa/Agusto

GTB µ NGC

S

Description

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

3.06 3.30 3.40 4.15 5.23 5.55 7.81 9.94 14.64 15.12 15.62 16.29

13.51 13.42 13.43 13.49 13.65 13.54 13.49 13.63 13.50 13.49 13.48 13.52

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

*UPDC

BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

cap Securities Nigeria Limited 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 followed with N77.789 billion 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 or14.00 14BENUE per 30-JUN-2016 cent. CSL Stockbro15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 kers Limited occupied the 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 third place N43.121 billion 13.75 BAYELSA with 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 which is 7.9 per cent. Cordros 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 Capital Limited accounted for 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 5.7 per cent or N30.959 billion.

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 FBN Securities Limited re15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 corded N23.774 billion or 4.38 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 per cent, while Vetiva Capital 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 Management Limited account13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 ed for N16.111 billion or 2.9 per 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 cent. Primera Africa Securities Limited recorded N15.373 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 billion or 2.8 per cent. Chapel 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

*FLOURMILLS

T

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

NAHCO rading activities on the A-/Agusto FSDH A/GCR floor of the Nigerian Stock UBA BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING Market on Monday opened BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA A-/DataPro†; *TOWER the weekBB-/GCR on a negative note as AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER the stock market lost points A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCRto red *LA CASERA and returned followBBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS ing sell A-/GCR pressure on blue chip A+/Agusto; NAHCO TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE companies.

The twin market perforSupranational Bond AAA/S&P mance measures,IFC the NSE TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE ASI and market capitalisation, dropped by 22 per cent as the Rating/Agency Issuer market tempo lowered.

FGN Eurobonds At the close of the day’s tradBB-/Fitch; B+/S&P ing, 16 stocks recorded price #

# #

#

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

FGN

104.15 90.97 89.44 91.62 108.80 75.36 113.95 103.30 109.75 93.90 68.15 77.30 Sanctity of Truth

#

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

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

0.57 1.13 1.61 2.67 3.04 3.25

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

14.77 16.52 15.99 15.46 14.89 14.42

92.28 83.59 101.73 91.28 88.51 87.00

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

05-Aug-14

0.33

4.88

18.17

98.56

14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

3.29 3.36 5.63 3.32 4.03 6.64 4.04 4.08

1.00 2.46 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.44 1.95

14.42 15.88 15.47 16.16 16.22 14.50 14.92 15.43

100.25 99.09 96.38 96.61 95.90 95.80 105.10 104.75

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

1,304.32

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

103.85 90.67 89.14 91.32 108.50 75.06 113.65 103.00 109.45 93.60 67.85 77.00

4,132.04

05-Aug-09

14.00

Hill 15-Oct-09 Denham Management 14.00 31-Aug-10 12.50 Limited accounted N13.964 30-Sep-10 13.00 billion or 2.5 per cent, 30-Jun-11 14.00 just as 15.50 BGL30-Jun-09 Securities Limited traded 19-Apr-10 10.00 30-Jun-10 worth N12.84 13.75 billion securities 30-Dec-10 14.00 or 2.3 per cent.

30-Sep-11 14.00 04-Oct-11 Alliance14.00 African Stockbro09-Dec-11 14.50 kers12-Dec-13 Limited completed 14.00 the top 14-Feb-12 15.50 10 brokers list with 2.1 per cent 02-Oct-12 15.50 or N11.274 billion.

22-Nov-12 14.50 In12-Dec-12 volume terms,14.75 FBN Secu30-Sep-13 14.75 27-Nov-13 13.50 10.623 rities Limited led with 31-Dec-13 14.50 billion shares which is 23 per 06-Jan-14 15.00 cent of the total transactions in Q1. Stanbic IBTC followed 11.50 with07-Oct-11 5.584 billion or 12.2 per

cent, while CSL Stockbrokers 15-Oct-14 0.52 31-Aug-15 1.40 had 3.855 billion shares or 8.4 30-Sep-15 1.00 per cent.

30-Jun-16 1.30 30-Jun-16 1.31 Rencap Securities Nigeria 19-Apr-17 3.03 30-Jun-17 3.665 billion 1.86 Limited recorded 31-Dec-17 3.73 shares or 8.0 per cent.

BGL 30-Sep-18 2.71 04-Oct-18 4.49 Securities and Cardinalstone 09-Dec-18 2.71 Securities Limited had 2.447 12-Dec-18 2.71

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

appreciation, while 28 others 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 constituted the losers’ table.

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 The twin market indicators, MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 the All-Share Index, rose by MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 86.65 basis points or 0.22 per 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 last Fricent from 38.712.76, MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 day close at 38,626.11, while 15.25to NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 the market capitalisation dropped by N27 billion or 0.22 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 per cent from N12,434 trillion to N12,407 trillion.

Further analysis of the Description day's trading showed that UBA Capital Plc topped the 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 day's gainers table with 4.90 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 6.38 JUL 12, 2023

A

ccess Bank Plc, has announced its audited result 567.90 for the financial year ended 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.50 December, 2013.

An analysis 18-Dec-09 13.50 13.17 18-Dec-14 0.70 of the results released on the 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.73 17-Aug-10 10.00 15.00 17-Aug-15 0.88 floor of the Nigerian Stock Ex09-Dec-10 12.00 37.50 09-Dec-15 0.96 change Monday validated1.04 the 06-Jan-11 14.00 1.50 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-11 13.00 15.00 29-Sep-16 2.48 bank's capacity for sustainper cent each to close at N2.57 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.55 30-Sep-10 13.00 20.00 growth.30-Sep-17 3.48 while Honeywell Nigeria Plc able 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.94 30-Nov-17 2.10 The results showed an infollowed with 4.87 per cent 09-Apr-11 16.00 8.01 09-Apr-18 2.01 09-Sep-11 18.00 share.

3.63 09-Sep-18 2.42 crease in the bank's deposit to close at N3.23 per 09-Sep-11 16.00 1.00 09-Sep-18 2.42 trillion N1.33 Tranex added 4.8614.00 per cent base 22-Sep-11 35.00 from N1.201 22-Sep-18 4.46 15.75 3.00 18-Oct-18 2.28 trillion, an 11 per cent growth each18-Oct-13 to close at N3.67.

17-Feb-12 17.00 0.54 17-Feb-19 2.61 over last year's figure while On the flip side, Dangote 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.61its loan book rose impressively by Sugar led the losers with a 175.67 drop of 5.94 per cent to close 33 per cent, from N609bn in 11-Feb-13 10.20 Energy 12.00 to N810bn 11-Feb-18 3.85 2012 in 2013, demat N9.03, International onstrating the bank's resolve Insurance shed N4.92 per cent 12.00 to empowering critical sectors to close at 58 kobo while AcIssue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) cess Bank, irrespective of the of the economy.

The performance for the earnings it posted, dipped by 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 5.41 4.81 per cent to close at N7.33. financial year under review

is strong testament to Access Bank's positioning as one of Nigeria's Tier 1 banks.

1.00 98.49 A glance14.75through the 5.21 19.03 96.46 numbers also revealed that 8.71 22.54 96.33 18.77 93.29 the4.88 Bank's earnings grew to 1.00 14.92 97.59 N206.7bn from N206.4bn in 2.63 16.55 97.98 1.00 14.50 96.97 2012.

Similarly, the Bank re1.34 14.82 98.80 4.52 17.96 87.56 in corded an improvement 1.88 15.45 105.57 its 3.48 cost of funds from 98.17 4.5 per 17.06 5.20to 4.6 per 18.71 98.90 cent cent while Non5.06 18.57 101.87 Performing Loans (NPL) ratio 3.06 16.57 92.09 2.29 99.93 decreased to 15.82 2.7 per cent from 6.11 19.58 95.33 5.02.76 per cent which is owed 16.26 95.97 to the bank's enhanced risk management framework.

1.00 87.71 Also, the 14.46 Bank posted a Profit Before Tax (BPT) of N44.9bn 3.4Price per Offer Yield (%) which Bid Price is aOffer cent decrease compared to the Prices & Yields N46.bn recorded for the corre5.26 107.53 108.42 sponding period in 2012.

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.48

4.28

102.48

103.25

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.84

5.70

103.81

104.76

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

billion shares or 5.34 per 5.99 19.75 97.26cent 4.44 18.23 93.16 and 1.466 billion or 3.2 per cent 3.23 17.16 96.42 respectively .

4.46 18.29 95.39 3.48 17.30 98.29 Cordros Capital Limited trad5.59 18.99 79.95 ed 7.60 1.19 billion21.23 shares or89.14 2.6 per 1.79 15.25 96.49 cent Securi1.80while Independent 15.25 97.43 14.52 98.33 1.08 ties1.00Limited accounted for 1.00 14.45 100.28 billion shares14.66 or 2.36 per cent.

1.21 108.01

Access Bank grows deposit to N1.33tr

Stock market opens week in negative trajectory Nil

13.39 13.30 13.31 13.39 13.58 13.44 13.44 13.58 13.45 13.44 13.42 13.47

Stanbic, Rencap, others top brokers performance in Q1 2014 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014

tanbic IBTC*BENUE Stockbrokers Limited*IMO led the top LAGOS 10 stockbroking firms *BAYELSA EDO on the Nigerian Stock *DELTA NIGERquarter Exchange for the first *EKITI ended March 31, 2014. *NIGER While the top *ONDO 10 broking *GOMBE firms accounted for 61.2 per LAGOS cent of the value *OSUN of transac*OSUN tions in Q1, Stanbic LAGOS IBTC dominated with 16*EKITI per cent or *NASARAWA N87.371 billion.

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE In a report Corporate Bondsobtained from the A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ren-

452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 50.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

1,500.00

7-Apr-14

The FMDQEurobonds Daily Quotations Corporate

the FMDQ B-/S&P; B/FitchOTC

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 and Disclaimer Statement.

PLC Terms of Use 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 Afren PLC I 3.82 3.33 113.29 114.22 GTBank PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

FGN Bonds B+/S&P

GTBank PLC II

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

Access Bank PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

B/S&P; B/Fitch

Fidelity Bank PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

First Bank PLC

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

Afren PLC III

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

B/FitchRating/Agency

Afren PLCIssuer II

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE **Treasury Bills DTM 10 17 31 NA 38 45 52 59 73 80 87 94 101 108 115 TOTAL OUTSTANDING 122 129 136 150 Rating/Agency 241 276 290 Agency Bonds 304 318 332

Maturity 17-Apr-14 24-Apr-14 8-May-14 NA 15-May-14 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 VALUE 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 Issuer 4-Dec-14 8-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 AMCON 19-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 FMBN

Description

Issue 10.25 APR 08, 2019

Date

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

9.20 29-JUN-20146.63 DEC 09, 202029-Jun-07 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 11.50 11.25 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 11.45 11.20 12.20 11.95 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 12.10 11.85 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 12.00 11.75 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 12.10 11.85 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 12.15 11.90 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 12.25 12.00 12.30 12.05 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 12.90 12.65 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 12.15 11.90 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 12.90 12.65 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 12.90 12.65 12.95 12.70 12.75 12.50 12.90 12.65 12.95 12.70 12.90 Description 12.65 12.60 12.35 12.80 12.55 12.75 12.50 12.70 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1)12.45 12.60 12.35 0.00 FMB 12.70 24-MAY-2015 12.45

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 *from the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration # 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums NA

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Bonds

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.15

4.54

104.63

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.07

5.84

99.71

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.86

6.53

101.12

09-May-13

6.88 Outstanding Value 10.25 (N'bn)

300.00

02-May-18

8.50

Offer7.99 Yield 4.75 (%)

94.49

Coupon (%) 08-Apr-12 07-Aug-13

9.20 9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 Bid Yield (%) 9.85 11.54 9.35 11.51 12.33 10.70 12.25 16.00 12.18 7.00 12.31 16.39 12.39 14.20 12.56 12.64 15.00 13.31 12.49 12.54 8.50 13.38 10.00 13.41 09-Dec-13

13.50 13.32 13.52 13.61 13.62 Issue Date 13.74 14.17 14.19 14.20 28-Dec-11 14.15 24-May-10 14.36

03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

8.25

Maturity Date 300.00

TTM (Yrs) 08-Apr-19

Bid Yield 5.14 (%)

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.08

45.00 29-Jun-14 6.63 360.00 100.00 28-Sep-14 2,960.00 535.00 23-Apr-15 327.47 FIXINGS 16-Aug-16 452.80 27-Apr-17 NIBOR 20.00 27-Jul-17 Tenor Rate (%) 100.00 31-Aug-17 CALL 10.7500 7300.00 DAYS 11.0000 30-May-18 30 DAYS 11.3750 351.30 29-Jun-19 60 DAYS 11.7083 233.90 23-Oct-19 90 DAYS 11.9583 600.00 27-Jan-22 180 DAYS 12.2083 50.00 14-Mar-24 365 DAYS 12.5417 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NITTY 200.00 20-Nov-29 Tenor Rate (%) 591.57 23-Jul-30 1M 12.1207

0.23 12.72 6.20 0.48 13.65 1.04 13.92 2.36 Money Market13.54 3.06 13.51 Tenor Rate (%) 3.30 13.42 OBB 10.25 3.40 13.43 4.15 13.49 O/N 10.50 5.23 13.65 REPO 5.55 13.54 Tenor Rate (%) 7.81 13.49 Call 10.33 9.94 13.63 1M 11.08 3M 12.08 14.64 13.50 6M 12.42 15.12 13.49 15.62 13.48 NOTE: 16.29 13.52 09-Dec-20

6.72

:Benchmarks 12.3271 13.0326 * :Amortising Bond 13.6396 µ :Convertible Bond # 14.0897 Risk AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Avg.ofLife/TTM 14.7791(N'bn) FGN: FederalDate Government Nigeria (%) Issue Value Maturity Premium (Yrs) FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (%) IFC: International Finance Corporation LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management NIFEX NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 0.00Current Price ($/N) 978.35 31-Oct-14 0.57 1.00 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 24.56 2.63 BID($/N) 0.00 163.8750 UBA: 24-May-15 United Bank for Africa 1.13 17.25 6.00 1.61 Company 2.27 OFFER ($/N) 163.9750 UPDC:03-Apr-17 UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Africa Portland2.67 Cement Company 0.00/16.00 112.22 09-Dec-16 2.00 3M 6M 9M 12M Coupon

116.70 66.49

20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

100.65 102.08 96.17

Bid Price 114.20

Offer Price 115.02

104.27

105.65

12.05 99.15 99.30 5.95 101.67 102.69 13.31 98.03 98.18 13.74 90.66 90.81 13.46 99.00 99.15 Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) 13.39 103.85 104.15 13.30 90.67 90.97 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 13.31 89.14 89.44 Spot 163.93 164.03 13.39 91.32 91.62 7D 164.08 164.35 13.58 108.50 108.80 14D 164.34 164.72 13.44 75.06 75.36 1M 164.92 165.65 13.44 113.65 113.95 2M 166.14 167.51 13.58 103.00 103.30 3M 167.38 168.71 6M 171.07 175.32 13.45 109.45 109.75 1Y 178.14 187.32 13.44 93.60 93.90 13.42 67.85 68.15 13.47 77.00 77.30

2M 4,132.04

0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

105.88

Price

3.04 3.25

1.49 1.00

0.33 0.52 1.40 1.00 Implied Yield 1.30 1.31 3.03 13.52 1.86 13.54 3.73 13.52 2.71 13.53 4.49 2.71 2.71 3.29 3.36 5.63 3.32 4.03 6.64 4.04 4.08

4.88 5.99 4.44 3.23 Implied Portfolio 4.46 Price 3.48 5.59 109.2419 7.60 120.6080 1.79 84.1295 1.80 107.5015 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 2.46 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.44 1.95

NA :Not Applicable # :Floating Rate Bond ***: Deferred coupon bonds

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

14.77 16.52 15.99 15.46 14.89 14.42

92.28 83.59 101.73 91.28 88.51 87.00

†: Bond rating expired

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 A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI Modified Duration *BENUEBuckets *IMO <3 LAGOS *BAYELSA3<5 >5 EDO *DELTA Market

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00Porfolio EBONYIMarket 30-SEP-2015 Total Outstanding Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 794.43 780.27 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 1,063.06 951.30 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 455.51 591.57 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,313.00 2,323.14 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS *EKITI *NASARAWA

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

05-Aug-09 14.00 17.00 FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX 15-Oct-09 14.00 6.00 31-Aug-10 12.50 8.50 30-Sep-10by 13.00by Mkt 16.50 Weighting Weighting Bucket Weighting Outstanding Value 30-Jun-11Vol 14.00 13.00 30-Jun-09 15.50 18.50 19-Apr-10 10.00 34.35 57.00 0.34 33.59 30-Jun-10 13.75 45.96 50.00 0.41 40.95 30-Dec-10 14.00 19.69 25.00 0.25 25.46 30-Sep-11 14.00100.00 50.00 1.00 100.00 04-Oct-11 14.00 9.00 09-Dec-11 14.50 20.00 12-Dec-13 14.00 12.00 14-Feb-12 15.50 27.00 02-Oct-12 15.50 20.00 22-Nov-12 14.50 80.00 12-Dec-12 14.75 30.00 30-Sep-13 14.75 11.40 27-Nov-13 13.50 87.00 31-Dec-13 14.50 5.00 06-Jan-14 15.00 5.00

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 %30-Sep-15 Exposure_ Mod_Duration 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-1717.49 30-Jun-1740.82 31-Dec-17 41.69 30-Sep-18 100.00 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 06-Jan-21

18.17 19.75 18.23 17.16 INDEX 18.29 17.30 18.99 1,037.58 21.23 1,021.26 15.25 1,018.45 15.25 1,020.05 14.52 14.45 14.66 14.42 15.88 15.47 16.16 16.22 14.50 14.92 15.43

98.56 97.26 93.16 96.42 YTD Return (%) 95.39 98.29 79.95 3.7575 89.14 2.1262 96.49 1.8455 97.43 2.0049 98.33 100.28 108.01 100.25 99.09 96.38 96.61 95.90 95.80 105.10 104.75

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 49

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

GDP: Nigeria's external position not strong, says Rencap 24th biggest economy, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), has said the new figures revealed that Nigeria’s external position is not as strong as the old GDP series suggested.

For the first time in two decades, Nigeria had rebased her GDP, which increased from $258,555.58 to $509.9 billion, making the country to beat South Africa to become the biggest economy in Africa.

The nation’s external reserves, which stood at about

RATING Experts downgrade Nigeria's foreign status despite growth in GDP Ayodele Aminu

D

espite the rise in Nigeria's rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in which the country jumped 12 places to become the world’s

$37.8billion as at last Friday, has suffered a decrease of some 18.7 per cent from 2013 peak and 8.9 per cent fall from last December level.

RenCap in a research note stated that Nigeria's higher GDP led to a drop in the current account surplus to five per cent of GDP, as against nine per cent previously.

"We think this means Nigeria’s external position is not as strong as the old GDP series suggested. This is negative,

Wema Bank assets rise by 35% N1.9billion compared to a loss position in previous financial years.

He said, “The bank continues to reaffirm its position as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects in the financial services industry with the successful completion of the first phase of its repositioning programme and its return to full profitability as announced in its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2013.

“This comes on the heels of the successful completion of the bank’s N40 billion Tier 1 capital raising exercise in Q3, 2013, which was fully sub-

Bayo Akomolafe

W

ema Bank Plc has recorded a 35 per cent growth in its assets with customer deposits, loans and advances to customers also increasing by 25 per cent and 34 per cent respectively in the last one year.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, while declaring the bank’s full year audited financial results for the period ended December 31, 2013, explained that the bank recorded a strong capital adequacy ratio of 27per cent and a Profit Before Tax of

scribed by Nigerian investors.”

Oloketuyi stressed that the bank achieved a significant milestone and had returned to full profitability following its concerted efforts in implementing the first phase of the bank’s turnaround project, despite the increasingly competitive and highly regulated operating environment.

He explained, “We are particularly encouraged by our year-on-year growth in our total assets, customer deposits and loans and advances to customers which grew 35 per cent, 25per cent and 34 per cent respectively."

As at 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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

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

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

UNEMPLOYMENT School leavers advised to work towards being self employed.

T

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

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

o checkmate the rising trend of unemployment in the country, Sterling Bank Plc has assured of its continued support to youths who are poised to develop their entrepreneurship skills and become employers of labour.

Making this declaration at the 2014 ‘Get Ready for Work’ Concert organized by the bank in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, the Group Head, Strategy & Communications of the bank, Mr. Shina Atilola, explained that such support would be in terms of soft loans and grants.

Atilola who represented the Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, noted that with the alarming increase in unemployment rate in the country, the youths must begin to change their mindset about being employed in the banking, oil or telecom-

munications sectors and now begin to think of how they will become self-employed and even employers of labour thereby contributing meaningfully to the economic growth of the country.

Also, the various speakers at the event charged Nigerian youths to begin to see themselves as world changers and make necessary impact in their environment.

Speakers at the event include the Managing Director of DGV Academy, Mrs. Ronke Olubanjo, Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Mrs. Iyaduni Olubode, Mr. Muyiwa Afolabi of Frontiers International Services, Mr. Obinna Ekezie of Wakanow.com and Mr. Awoyemi Opeyemi of Jobberman.

Over 2000 youths attended the Concert.

Olubanjo, who spoke on ‘How to Be Your Own Boss,’ urged youths in the country to change their mindset about searching endlessly for white collar jobs after graduation but should rather look for opportunities around them, acquire specialised skills and make the best out of it.

Access Bank records 3% loss

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX

new sector, ‘Nollywood’ (1.2 per cent of GDP)," the company said.

Nigeria’s rebased GDP, according to RenCap, is on a par with that of Poland and Belgium, and ahead of Argentina, Austria and Iran.

Offering further explanations on the rebased GDP, analysts at RenCap said the threefold increase in manufacturing/GDP, to seven per cent (vs two per cent), was countered by the fall in oil and gas/GDP to 14 per cent (vs 33 per cent), which explains the decline of industry/GDP to 25 per cent (vs 36 per cent).

"Nigeria’s fiscal position looks stronger to us under the new metrics – the budget deficit/GDP and public debt/GDP for 2013 fall to one per cent (vs 1.8 per cent previously) and 11per cent (vs 20 per cent), respectively."

Sterling Bank to support entrepreneurship among youths

Sunday Ojeme

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

especially given the $11billion Year on Year (YoY) drop in Foreign Exchange (FX) reserves," the international investment and research firm stated.

It also thinks this may lead to more aggressive revenue mobilisation by the government, and possibly "implying upside risk to taxes."

RenCap estimated that services sector helped to raise the size of Nigeria's GDP as it accounted for 85 per cent jump in the country’s 2013 GDP to $503 billion.

"The dramatic increase in GDP was largely due to services, which increased more than threefold in nominal terms. Services’ share of GDP jumped to 53 per cent, vs 29 per cent previously. This is partly due to the surge in telecoms’ contribution, to nine per cent of GDP, vs one per cent previously, and the emergence of a

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

A

ccess Bank said on Monday its 2013 full- year pretax profit fell by three per cent to N45 billion from N46.53 billion naira the previous year.

Revenue rose marginally to

N206.78 billion, from N206.49 billion previously.

The bank also cut its dividend to 60kobo from 0.85 kobo previously. The dividend will be paid by April 30.

50 FOREIGN

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Oscar Pistorius apologises for killing Reeva Steenkamp

A

n emotional Oscar Pistorius has apologised to the family of girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on the first day of his evidence at his murder trial.

In a trembling voice, he said he was "trying to protect" her and said he could not imagine the family's pain.

Mr. Pistorius said he suffered "terrible nightmares" and often woke up smelling Ms Steenkamp's blood.

Prosecutors say he killed

her in February 2013 after an argument. He says he mistook her for an intruder.

The athlete told Ms. Steenkamp's relatives that there "hasn't been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven't thought about your family.

"I wake up every morning and you are the first people I think of, the first people I pray for. I can't imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness that I've caused you and your

family.

"I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise that when she went to bed that night she felt loved.

"I've tried to put my words on paper many, many times to write to you. But no words will ever suffice."

Mr Pistorius said he was taking anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

"I'm scared to sleep, I have terrible nightmares, I can smell blood and wake up ter-

rified," he said.

He added that he never wanted to handle a gun again.

The athlete, 27, told the court about his difficult childhood after being born with parts of both legs missing and needing to wear prosthetic limbs.

After a recess, Mr. Pistorius was asked whether he and his family had been exposed to criminal acts.

He said there had been many break-ins while he was growing up.

Mr. Pistorius said on one occasion he was followed by a car into his gated community. He said he had his gun with him and the two men in the car had sped off.

On another occasion, he said he had drawn his firearm as he tried to protect a taxi driver who was being assaulted.

Mr. Pistorius testified: "They started beating him with rocks in his face and in his head. At that point I jumped the lights.

I hooted until I pulled up.

William and Kate arrive in New Zealand with Prince George

T

Gusts of wind threatened to lift up Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coat as she descended the steps, carrying Prince George.

he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have carried Prince George off the plane at the start of a three-week visit to New Zealand and Australia.

It is the first official tour for the eight-month-old prince, who was awake in his mother's arms as the trio were greeted at Wellington airport by Prime Minister John Key and waiting media.

It was only the second time the baby has faced the press.

The party were met with cold, wet and windy weather.

After greeting them on the tarmac, Mr Key tweeted: "The Royals have landed in Wellington. Let's make them very wel-

come, New Zealand."

The couple were then taken to Government House, the official residence of the governor general, where they received a traditional Maori welcome.

They were greeted with a nose-press, called a hongi, and met Maori warriors.

A minor controversy marked the start of the trip - which ends in Canberra on 25 April.

Plunket, New Zealand's national childcare agency, published photos of a baby seat facing forwards in the royal car, with critics claiming this contradicted Plunket's advice that children of the prince's age should face the rear window.

Pro-Moscow protesters seize arms, Leftist Luis Solis wins Costa declare republic; Kiev fears invasion Rican presidential poll

P

ro-Moscow protesters in eastern Ukraine seized arms in one city and declared a separatist republic in another, in moves Kiev described yesterday as part of a Russian-orchestrated plan to justify an invasion to dismember the country.

Kiev said the overnight seizure of public buildings in three cities in eastern Ukraine's mainly Russian-speaking industrial heartland were a replay of events in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula Moscow seized and annexed last month.

"An anti-Ukrainian plan is being put into operation under which foreign troops will cross the border and seize the territory of the country," Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said in public remarks to his cabinet.

"We will not allow this."

Pro-Russian protesters seized official buildings in the eastern cities of Kharkiv, Luhansk and Donetsk on Sunday night, de-

manding that referendums be held on whether to join Russia like the one that preceded Moscow's takeover of Crimea.

Acting President Oleksander Turchinov, in a televised address to the nation, said Moscow was attempting to repeat "the Crimea scenario". He added that "anti-terrorist measures" would be deployed against those who had taken up arms.

Police said they cleared the protesters from the building in Kharkiv, but in Luhansk the demonstrators had seized weapons.

In Donetsk, home base of deposed Moscow-backed President Viktor Yanukovich, about 120 pro-Russia activists calling themselves the "Republican People's Soviet of Donetsk" seized the chamber of the regional assembly.

An unidentified bearded man read out "the act of the proclamation of an independent state, Donetsk People's Republic" in

front of a white, blue and red Russian flag.

"In the event of aggressive action from the illegitimate Kiev authorities, we will appeal to the Russian Federation to bring in a peacekeeping contingent," ran the proclamation.

The activists later read out the text by loud hailer to a cheering crowd of about 1,000 outside the building.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on March 1, a week after Yanukovich was overthrown, that Moscow had the right to take military action in Ukraine to protect Russian speakers, creating the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. The United States and EU imposed mild financial sanctions on some Russian officials over the seizure of Crimea and have threatened much tougher measures if Russian troops, now massed on the frontier, enter other parts of Ukraine.

L

uis Guillermo Solis of the centre-left Citizen Action Party (PAC) has won the presidential election in Costa Rica.

With almost all the votes counted, Mr. Solis had 78 per cent.

He had been expected to win after his rival - governing party candidate Johnny Araya - had stopped campaigning after opinion polls suggested Mr. Solis had an unassailable lead.

Mr. Solis's win breaks with the traditional two-party system, which has dominated in Costa Rica for decades.

Mr. Araya, whose name remained on the ballot even after he pulled out, got 22 per cent.

Forty-three percent of the electorate abstained, the highest rate in the past 60 years.

Nevertheless, Mr. Solis - who had appealed for a solid voter turnout - surpassed by more than 300,000 votes his own goal of getting more than a million

people to cast their ballot for him.

Mr. Solis, a 55-year-old historian and former diplomat, had started campaigning in October to raise his profile, which was rather low at the time.

His PAC party, which was founded in 2000, has never before been in power.

The PAC's narrow victory in the first round on 2 February against the well-established governing National Liberation Party came as a surprise.

Analysts say Mr. Solis's campaign promise to tackle corruption and poverty in the Central American nation won over many undecided voters.

On 5 March, an opinion poll suggested Mr. Solis had the support of 64 per cent of voters with his rival lagging behind with 21 per cent.

This prompted Mr. Araya to give up his presidential bid.

He said proceeding would be a waste of money.

NEWS

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

51

Again, Lagos goes tough on buildings without approval Muritala Ayinla

O

wners of buildings without building plan approval may again be in for hard times as the Lagos State Government yesterday vowed to begin demolition of such buildings across the state.

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Toyin Ayinde, who gave this warning while briefing journalists, warned prospective building owners, developers and site engineers to ensure that they obtain layout approval before commencing construction work.

He noted that buildings without proper planning and approval often collapse because the developers fail to follow due process and normal procedure.

Ayinde added that it was mandatory for owners of any land proposed for development to apply and obtain layout approval,

especially when the land is in excess of one hectare (10,000 sq. meters) before the commencement of building.

He said: "We advise developers, corporate organizations, groups and landowning families to ensure they apply and obtain layout approval for their properties essentially because it will ease the process of obtaining development permit and increase land value. It will also enable them to approach formal financial Institutions to fund their projects.

"Layout plans are instruments meant to guide and correct haphazard developments thereby eradicating the growth of slums and promoting environmental conservation and regeneration.

Also, punitive measures such as refusal of building plan approval, site sealing and demolition of any illegal development have also been put in place.”

Omisore, Osun PDP chairman brand APC violent Adeolu Adeyemo

T

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9 election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and the state party chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, have described the APC as a violent party.

They accused the APC of raising a false alarm to cover its atrocities.

Omisore, in a statement by his Director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, said: "It is high time security operatives started questioning the APC whenever it raises false alarms of insecurity and bloodshed because they always accuse others of what they plan to do."

He said his desire to serve the state was not at the expense of the blood of any Osun citizen.

According to him, "My governorship ambition is about the people themselves and it is from them that I draw my inspiration and determination to serve.

"The August 9 gover-

norship election in Osun would be a step forward from the overwhelming support that brought me in as the generally-acceptable candidate of Osun PDP and by now, the APC in Osun should be burying its head in shame for raising false alarm in respect of the very peaceful, transparent and fair primary of the PDP in Osun.

"I congratulate the people of Osun over the postponement of another orgy of violence in respect of the postponed ward congresses of the APC in Osun."

Omisore, who appealed to the APC to try and imbibe the attributes of democracy whenever it wishes to conduct its ward and state congresses, said: ''I doubt if members of the APC have the political maturity and temperament to go through real congresses.”

Also speaking, Olaoluwa advised the state chapter of APC to learn from the PDP in the way and manner it peacefully conducted its governorship primaries.

L-R: Principal Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mallam Lawal Mai’Iyali; Winner’s elder brother, Muhammad Auwal; winner, Nutricima Mega Cash Promo N1 million, Maikano Ibrahim, and Kano Area Sales Manager, Nutricima Limited, Idris Bello, during the Nutricima Mega Cash Promo Prize presentation in Kano.

N5.03bn

The internally generated revenue of Katsina State in 2012.

Source: National bureau of Statistics

7.17m

The total number of internet users in Venezuela in 2008.

Source: Blatantworld.com

21.4%

The percentage of households with a computer in developing countries in 2009.

Source: Itu.int

Defecting governors: Court to rule on Originating Summons May 23 JUDGEMENT

PDP and APC await ruling on the state of 5 governors who changed camp

Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed May 23 to deliver ruling on whether the five governors who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) have been duly served the Originating Summons seeking to sack

them from office.

PDP had through its counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon, (SAN) dragged governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) , Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) before the court seeking to sack them from office having left the party on which platform they got to office.

The governors had, through their different counsel, told the court that they had not been duly served with the court papers and hence they could not move ahead with the matter.

The PDP had in turn argued that the governors were using delay tactics in order to frustrate the suit.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the defected governors, through their counsel, asked the court to set aside its order of December 13, 2013 which ordered the PDP to serve the Originating Summons in the case at No. 6, Bissau Street, Zone 6, Abuja.

The court had on December 13, 2013 granted an order of substituted service to the effect that the court process be served on the governors

through the APC headquarters in Abuja.

Counsel to the governors, Chief Akin Olujinmi, Lateef Fagbemi, Awa Kalu, Yusuf Ali and John Bayeshea, all SAN, told the court not to rely on the affidavit in support of the Originating Summon because it was contradictory.

They argued that the decision of the plaintiff in the matter not to take the processes to the address ordered by the court was a clear disobedience of court order.

There has been confusion on the exact address of the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja.

‘Nigeria’s economic growth will boost ties’ Ummal-fadal Babagirei

N

igeria’s emergence as Africa’s largest economy would boost trade between the country and its friends.

Minister of state, two foreign affairs Prof. Viola Onwuliri, said this yesterday at the second session of Nigeria – Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the first being 22 years ago in

Islamabad.

Onwuliri said the meeting would deepen relationship between the two countries, especially in the areas of economic development.

According to him, Nigerian and Pakistani experts will strive to explore and negotiate on issues like trade and investment, cooperation in petroleum resources, health, defence, education and technical training, agriculture and agro-allied matters, con-

sular and other matters.

She added: “All bilateral issues between the two countries will be discussed. Necessary bilateral agreement/MOU will be reactivate in order to strengthen the economic bond between our business and investment.”

Onwuliri noted that relationship between Nigeria and Pakistan have continued to grow stronger citing co-operation in international fora, especially at

the United Nations where Pakistan supported Nigeria in its “successful election into the UN Security Council seat from 2014 to 2016.”

The leader of the Pakistani delegation, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, urged the two countries to use the platform more effectively this time around for effective growth of trade between the two.

NEWS

52

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Rivers police, banks inaugurate stakeholders’ forum COLLABORATION Police and banks collaborate to bring enduring peace to Rivers Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

R

ivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, has called for more understanding and cooperation among the differ-

ent sectors of the country’s socio-economic and political life.

His call came as members of the industrial sector in Rivers State have forged a collaborative platform to strengthen the security of life and property against the background of increasing crime rate in the state.

Ogunsakin was speaking at the inauguration of the stakeholders’ forum after a brainstorming session of the command’s of-

ficers and legal officers of the banking sector in the state as part of efforts and strategies to ensure safety of lives and property in the state.

New Telegraph investigation revealed that the meeting was a during a major security collaboration between the police and industry movers in one of the most ambitious steps towards combating crime and fostering security in the state in recent times.

Inaugurating the forum, Ogunsakin appreciated the banks for their efforts in supporting the command with the provision of adequate information that has aided police investigation of cases.

He also stressed the need to take the partnership to a greater level by urging members of the forum to strive towards ensuring that lives and property are protected in the state.

The forum also high-

L-R: Executive Director, Investment & Corporate Banking, Skye Bank Plc; Timothy Oguntayo; Partner, Constant Capital, Barbara Iyayi; Head, Developing Markets, Atlas Merchants Capital, Jyrki Koskelo and Group Managing Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc; Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, during a business visit by Atlas Merchants Capital Partners to Skye Bank in Lagos

4.2m

The total number of internet users in South Africa in 2008.

Source: Blatantworld.com

3.2

The number of fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions of Asia & Pacific region in 2007.

Source: Itu.int

1.237bn

The total population of more developed regions (representing 17.9% of the total world’s population) in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

lighted the need for a designated office for the police to handle cases involving garnishee orders so as to reduce the rigours involved in such cases, the time-frame given by the

police for information from banks to aid investigation as well as the need for police officers handling investigations to be more courteous in their approach.

Kalu seeks roles for monarchs in quest for peace

F

ormer governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the Federal Government to accord traditional rulers’ roles in the country’s quest for lasting peace.

Kalu, who spoke when he visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Arowolaran, on Sunday, said since the traditional institution is the closest authority to the people, monarchs across the country have roles to play in the restoration of peace in the country.

Speaking at the palace of Oba Sijuwade in Ile Ife, Kalu urged the Ooni not to abdicate his bridge-building initiatives.

While he commended the monarch for his consistency in preaching and practicing peaceful coexistence in the country, the former governor said there was the need to take it further to achieve lasting peace.

He said: “You are known

across the country and worldwide as a man of peace and Kabiyesi, I must tell you there is still much more to do.

“I want you to galvanise our people to support our leaders instead of fighting our leaders and ourselves.

President Goodluck Jonathan has done well for Nigeria and needs our support.

“Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has done well and we should support him, Kabiyesi, you have also done well and I am calling on your subjects to also support you.”

Also, in Ilesa, Osun State, where Oba Aromolaran received Kalu, the former governor thanked the monarch for granting him audience.

He said his visit was to preach love and unity, adding that as the custodian of tradition and the representative of the people, traditional rulers have dominant roles to play in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

Lagos boat mishap: Victim’s Kwara lawyers carpet state govts family berates waterways authority over judiciary independence Muritala Ayinla

T

he family of one of the victims of the ill-fated boat that capsized in Lagos last week has carpeted the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) for claiming to have found the body of one of the victims, Isaac Akere, when local fishermen in the area actually did.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Bolaji Dehinde, expressed dismay over the way the agency treated such unfortunate incident, saying contrary to the claim by LASWA, his uncle’s body was found floating in a different part

of the waterways, where it was recovered.

His words: “How can they say they recovered the body? His body was discovered hanging at a place on water. We had earlier sent fishermen around the area to help search for it when our efforts to get the agency search for his body proved abortive.

“When we called LASWA they told us to call back by 5.00pm, when we called again, nobody picked our call. As a result, we deployed fishermen to the neighbouring riverine communities to intensify the search. As

at 7.00pm on Friday, they told us that they could not find him.

“But, we were about leaving the lagoon shore, when a small boy came to inform us that his father saw a body hanging between some carcasses suspected to be fish trap on the water. He told us to call his father, but we insisted he lead us to his father’s place.

“We appealed to the fishermen not to go fishing that night so that the water won’t take the body away to another place. We appealed to them to help guide the body in the water. So, what LASWA claimed was a big lie."

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

L

awyers in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday lamented the alleged failure of state governments to ensure genuine independence of the judiciary.

The lawyers, at the beginning of their biennial Law Week celebration, argued that only Bayelsa and Nasarawa States have independent judiciary in the country.

Chairman of the Ilorin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mobolaji Ojibara, who addressed newsmen on behalf of the lawyers, warned on the

need for the independence of the judiciary, saying only a virile, fearless and independent judiciary can guarantee lasting democracy, law and order in the country.

The theme of the NBA week is “A Centenary of Legal Practice in Nigeria, 1914-2014: Legacies and Lessons for the next Century.”

Ojibara charged state governments to give the judiciary financial autonomy and the required independence to function effectively, adding that it is not proper for one arm of government to go cap-inhand in order to survive as it is the case with the judi-

ciary in the states.

While tasking the Kwara State government on the need to “look into the issue of funding of the judiciary and make it self-accounting,” the NBA commended the state government on the approval of research assistants to support work of judges in the state.

The NBA boss also lauded the efforts of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in sanitising the judiciary, adding that the bar is complementing CJN’s efforts by punishing erring lawyers towards ensuring that the system is corruption-free.

Chukwumerijie tips taekwondo junior team for glory Emmanuel Tobi

N

igeria’s Olympic bronze medalist Chika Chukwumerijie has tipped thetaekwondo junior team that

recently returned from the Youth Olympics Qualifiers in Chinese Taipei for success at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Speaking in an exclusive in-

terview with New Telegraph, Chukwumerijie, who was part of the delegation to the qualifiers, expressed optimism in the young athletes stating that they have all the qualities to become champions

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

in the nearest future.

“These young athletes will rule taekwondo in Africa very soon if the government and Sports Ministry can build and sustain this moCONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

53

That Norman Whiteside was the youngest player ever to play at the World Cup. He broke Pele’s record by playing at the age of 17 years and 47 days

Emenike

Mikel

Eagles need match winners A –Owolabi

Oboabona

Charles Ogundiya former Nigeria international, Felix Owolabi, has decried the lack of a genuine match winner capable of singlehandedly winning games for the country in the current Super Eagles. He also expressed doubts over the team’s chances at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Owolabi

PSG won’t miss Ibrahimovic – Cavani

‘Keshi, NFF crisis could affect World Cup’

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Boxing ‘ll do well in Glasgow, Rio - Okorodudu }p-55

CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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Sport

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Heineken promo winners emerge this week

BUSINESS

FOCUS ON CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

with Emmanuel Tobi emmanuel.tobi@newtelegraphonline.com

0805 400 5669

T

scheduled to come up at the Lesukka Event Centre in Port Harcourt where one lucky winner to the Lisbon final will emerge during the

interval of the matches. In all, 500 participants will have their tickets in the hat for a ‘lucky’ consumer to emerge.

“We have concluded ar-

rangements for a hitch free ceremony that will come up at half time of the matches in real time. Considering the fact that a winner emerged

he suspense and anxiety that has gripped passionate Nigerian fans in the UEFA Champions League will reach the boiling point in this week’s match days when the five winners of the all-expenses paid trip will emerge from the Heineken ‘Road to the Final’ promotion.

The international premium lager beer, Heineken, will foot the bills of the five lucky Nigerians.

Traditionally in the last seven seasons of the competition, this period is always crucial to passionate Nigerian football fans that are always eager to be part of Heineken’s team to the final match just as the remaining eight clubs battle to make the semifinal berth.

Tonight (Tuesday), while the 39,000 capacity Stamford Bridge of Chelsea hug global television attention in anticipation of how the London Blues handle the 3-1 deficit from the first leg last week, hundreds of thousands of passionate fans in Nigeria will still The Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Walter Drenth, welcoming the Heineken ‘Match Your Half ‘ ticket have their minds on the outcome winners from the sponsored trip to Allianz Arena where they watched the Bayern Munich/Arsenal second round match in of the transparent draw ceremony Munich last month.

from this city last year and was part of the five consumers to the Allianz Arena spectacle last month, we envisage a frenzy atmosphere but we urge consumers to be calm all through the ceremony,” the Senior Brand Manager Heineken, Ngozi Nkwoji said on Monday.

The following day, while Manchester United and FC Barcelona attempt to turn the heat of qualification against their respective hosts, Bayern Munich and Atletico, activities will move to Dreams Active Recreation Bar in Abuja where another winner is expected to emerge from the pool of 400 consumers. Two winners will also emerge at the Heineken House, Lagos when the second leg final matches of the quarter final stage are being played in Madrid and Munich respectively.

WAMPCO named official milk of Okpekpe race MTN boosts Integrity Marathon

P

amodzi Sports Marketing (PSM) have announced that Friesland Campina WAMPCO are the official Milk of the second Okpekpe 10 kilometre road.

Pamodzi stated that WAMPCO’s sponsorship package of the second edition of the Okpekpe 10 kilometres race slated to take place on May 3 will help fulfil the corporate social responsibility objective of the organisers to the host communities.

WAMPCO’S Public Affairs Manager, Ore Famurewa confirmed the partnership with Pamodzi on the Okpekpe 10 kilometres road race adding that: We are proud to be associated with the Okpekpe Road Race and we strongly believe that this initiative will go a long way in promoting the values of having a sound and healthy populace.

This is indeed a laudable initiative and we congratulate you and the team at Padmozi

Sports Marketing Nigeria Limited.

“As a company dedicated to promoting good health and nutrition, Friesland Campina WAMPCO will be providing two trailer loads (6000 cartons) of our nutrious diary based ready-to-drink product. Also, there will be Peak School Smart (Assorted flavours of chocolate strawberry and Vanilla) and Ten thousand (10,000) notebooks for children.”

Charles Ogundiya

T

elecommunications giant MTN has expressed its satisfaction on the standard of the 2014 edition of the Integrity Marathon, promising to support the tournament to meet international standards from next year.

Speaking at the end of the competition won by Jaiyeade Sodiq from Ibadan, the head of sales and marketing, MTN Southwest, Olaleke Fakeye, said MTN was proud to identify with the lofty idea

Mikel returns for PSG clash

PSG won’t miss Ibrahimovic – Cavani

Cavani

P

aris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani is confident he can fill the void left by the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Chelsea on Tuesday.

The Swedish frontman picked up a hamstring strain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash between the sides, which PSG won 3-1 at home, ruling him out of

Tuesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Yet Cavani, who scored against Reims at the weekend in Ibrahimovic’s absence, is sure he can shine in a more central attacking role.

“I am better in the axis,” the Uruguayan is quoted as saying by L’Equipe. “This is normal; this is my job. It’s a great responsibility for me.”

Les Parisiens won the opening encounter at Parc des Princes and Lucas Moura, who came on in place of Ibrahimovic last Wednesday, says the Ligue 1 leaders have a duty to progress.

“We have a great advantage,” the Brazilian said. “We will be very focused. It will be hard but we can do it. We have a responsibility to finish the job.”

of the founder, Splash FM Chairman, Chief Adebayo Akande, to fight corruption in Nigeria with the long distance race.

Akande said; “Splash FM will continue to champion the crusade against corruption and promotion of good governance with the attributes of stamina, resilience and perseverance, which are necessary for a marathoner. We all need to embrace this spirit if we are to attain the goal of a corruption-free society in Nigeria.”

Mikel

Ajibade Olusesan

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igerian international, Mikel Obi, may play a part in Chelsea’s Champions League quarterfinal return leg against

PSG today (Tuesday) as the player trained with the rest of the squad on Monday.

Mikel missed the Stoke game through injury and his presence on the training ground was a boost for Chelsea given that Ramires is suspended and Nemanja Matic is ineligible to play.

Mikel and Andre Schurrle trained with the rest of the Chelsea squad on Monday morning but Samuel

Eto’o did not take part in the session.

Eto’o has been nursing a hamstring problem and he is a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter final second leg against Paris St-Germain.

The striker reported for training but worked with assistant first-team coach Rui Faria while the main group of Blues players were put through their paces.

UEFA Champions League Chelsea

v PSG

Dortmund v Real Madrid

7:45pm 7:45pm

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Chukwumerijie tips taekwondo junior team for glory C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 3

Mexican players battling Mikel Obi(middle) during a friendly match against Nigeria

Eagles need match winners – Owolabi

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 3

Speaking to New Telegraph, Owolabi said some players sometimes carry the hopes of their nations, citing the likes of Diego Maradona, Ronaldo de Lima and Zinedine Zidane, who have in the past led their respective countries to glory at football’s biggest competition.

Other players in their prime like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, can in a moment of individual brilliance decide the outcome of games in favour of their respec-

tive clubs or country.

“All these players can singlehandedly win games. I remember in our playing days, there were certain individuals who can turn the game with their brilliance; changing a game from a losing situation into a win,” said Owolabi, a member of Nigeria’s 1980 Nations Cup winning team.

“Anytime there was a free kick around the penalty area, we knew Christian Chukwu can bend the ball into the net. And when it comes to heading the

mentum,” the 2008 Beijing Olympic medalist said.

He added that, “I see junior team taekwondoists winning medals at the next All Africa Games because of the enormous talents imbedded in them.

“I was just 18 years old when I fought and won my first medal at the 2007 All Africa Games where I got a bronze medal. With the average age of these athletes who were selected at the last National Youth Games in Abuja being 15 and 16, the international exposure garnered at the Youth Olympics qualifiers will surely propel them to greater heights.” ball into the net, we all knew what Segun Odegbami could do. All we had to do was cross the ball from the wings to the far post and Odegbami will be there to nod it into the net.

“And when it comes to giving telegraphic passes that even a child will not find difficult to score, you could count on Muda Lawal. Those were the kind of players we had back then which we no longer have,” recalled Owolabi.

“I could also on my own win a match for my club or nation just like Odegbami, Chukwu and Lawal,” he added.

Asked if any current Super Eagles player fits his definition of a match winner, Owolabi replied: “None of our players can do that, but the coaches can

Keshi, NFF crisis could affect World Cup –Onyemachara Mercy Jacob

A

former Nigerian international, Mike Onyemachara, has expressed concern over the faceoff between Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, and the Nigeria Football Federation stating that danger looms for the national team in Brazil if the

problem is allowed to persist.

Onyemachara, who is currently the head coach of BRF Academy Lagos, in an interview with New Telegraph, cautioned both parties, adding that if Nigeria does not intend to go the World Cup on a jamboree, peace must be allowed to reign.

“I am seriously afraid with the way

Boxing ‘ll do well in Glasgow, Rio - Okorodudu Chimaobi Uchendu

F

ormer African boxing champion, Jeremiah Okorodudu, has berated those predicting doom for Nigerian boxers at this year’s Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland and the Olympic Games scheduled for Rio, Brazil in 2016.

The former National boxing champion said he is disappointed at comments by some individuals who, having lost favour with the powers that be had resorted to cheap blackmail by castigating efforts of boxers and their coaches who are preparing to do Nigeria proud at both games.

“It is a disservice to Nigeria and the boxers for some individuals to take to

blackmail and publicity- seeking antics,” Okorodudu said while speaking to Brila FM in Lagos.

“This tactics is not likely to take them anywhere and my advice is for them to come and lend a hand of support to the boxers”.

He also dismissed as unfounded, rumours that boxers are yet to master the latest scoring technique recently introduced by the International Olympic Committee. He revealed that coaches and referees at the Nigeria Boxing Federation were regularly updating their knowledge about the sport, through seminars and workshops organised for them by the NBBF and the National Sports Commission.

things are going between the NFF and Keshi,” said Onyemachara. “At this crucial period if we lose focus, believe me, we will just go to Brazil on a jamboree.

“The issue of selection of players should not create problems if both parties understand themselves. I think what Keshi should be doing now is to concentrate on how to achieve results in Brazil.

“He already has enough problems to worry about. He has the problem of his key players continuously warming the bench in their various clubs to contend with. No matter how we look at it, this is a big problem facing the nation and will definitely affect their performance in the World Cup.” The former defender and a key member of the silver-winning Flying Eagles team to the 1989 World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia stressed that Nigeria had a good team that could compete well at the mundial if all stakeholders support Keshi.

“Keshi is not finding it easy. The decision to pick or drop players is not easy. As Nigerians what we have to do for now is to support the coach to get it right for us all to enjoy the World Cup,” he added.

However, Chukwumerijie while praising the leadership of the National Sports Commission for facilitating the Asian trip, appealed for more international tournaments to enhance their exposure and knowledge of the game.

The Nigerian team under the tutelage of newly appointed Korean Technical Adviser, Jin Beom Kimm, will return to camp soon for preparation towards the Africa Championship billed for May in Bostwana as well as the 2014 Youth Olympics holding in August in Nanjing, China after the country was awarded a wildcard entry in Chinese Taipei.

imbibe such characters in the players.”

“I remember our match against Senegal at the 2000 Nations Cup. We were losing and Sunday Oliseh, despite being ill, came into the game and propelled the team to victory.

“We need such players in the team and I hope someone can rise up to the billing among the players going to the World Cup,” stressed the Shooting Stars of Ibadan legend.

Sport Trending

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Abiola Kazeem January Arsenal 1st on d table. February Arsenal 2nd on d table. March Arsenal 3rd on d table. April Arsenal 4th on d table. So May will be? @biolakazeem kenneth omeruo Wishing my lil Bro a successful trial at Standard Liege. lSuper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, wishing his younger brother, Lucky, all the best as he undergoes trials at the Belgian club. @omeruo22 Enee Udo-Obong Nothing has changed in the EPL. It’s still a 3 horse race. Chelsea remain the small horse, but there is a new horse in town. @eneeudo fred okoligwe So Arsenal will not finish in the top 4? @fredokoligwe Faulkner Joseph There’s nothing more sad than riding with a disgruntled Arsenal fan to work on a Monday morning. I’ve heard an earful already. @kallyjoe Segun Agbede Oscar Pistorious currently giving an Oscar rated performance in the witness box. Saying he can’t sleep cos he has nightmares and has lost weight. How does that affect the price of rice in Ghana? @SegunThePundit Lewis Hamilton The team have done amazingly well. Another one-two is fantastic for us! @LewisHamilton Jerome Boateng To spend time with the family is the greatest gift of all. @JB17Official Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli What a win! Proud moment for all the blues in the world! This is great thanks for the support. @RomeluLukaku9 Robert Lewandowski Last year, we were a different side. We have lots of injured players, but still a lot of potential @Rob_Lewandowski SEYI OLOFINJANA Events unfolding for imperial soccer academy. We look forward it a wonderful year God willing. Heads boys @IYES20

On Marble All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honour, duty, mercy, hope.

– Winston Churchill

World Record

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 TUESday, APRIL 8, 2014

The record for longest distance walking over hot plates is 22.90cm (75ft 1in) and was achieved by Rolf Iven (Germany) on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy on 18 April 2009.

N150

Nigeria’s latest push for territorial integrity

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s we collectively commend Nigeria for “rebasing” its gross domestic product (GDP) data, purportedly sufficient to swiftly propel the nation above South Africa as the continent’s largest economy, international attention continues to focus on matters of security. Indeed coverage persists regarding the Federal Government of Nigeria’s security meetings within the FCT over late March, those held in order to discuss and debate how best to fortify the nation’s territorial integrity.

Meetings of such importance are certainly not rarities in the public sector, often taking place as a nearweekly institution. However, the gatherings of March would have undoubtedly served as a host forum for political leadership to strategize on how best to check the movements of illegal aliens, the Boko Haram terrorist cabal and narco-smugglers, respectively.

Long a topic of discussion in this regard has been the establishment of a multinational joint border patrol comprised of representatives from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and the Republic of Benin. Their goal would be to establish cooperative patrol teams along all common borders in order to develop a united partnership to fortify domestic and indeed international security. Said patrols would further allow for the sharing of timely intelligence in all matters of cross-border crimes and, from a commercial viewpoint, seek to proactively implement a renewed commitment to better transportation between border margins as well as liberalize trade between the countries.

These are all worthy aspirations and convening to take them forward would raise significantly positive global attention (as should no doubt further buttress the efforts of those to be commended for GDP rebasing).

Nonetheless, from informed and uninformed audiences alike around the globe, it has become abundantly clear that decisive action is needed to develop and support border patrols, and interestingly, innovations found in high tech surveillance and communication are assets able to do so.

Two years prior to the Federal Government meetings in question, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior introduced a plan to incorporate technology-driven modernisms for the effective surveillance of borders, all overseen from a

World View SAM AMSTERDAM

central post in Abuja. Since that announcement in 2012, the prospects for both reactive defense and pragmatic economic growth have only become more effervescent, voices for such action truly clamorous.

Whether tackling the developing threat to Nigeria’s once-prosperous maritime industry within townships and village communities bordering the Gulf of Guinea, to checking calculated acts of terrorism in the North and the Central Belt (those which have claimed the lives of more than thousands of Nigerians), it is clear that in order for the jewel of the ECOWAS to fulfill its potential of becoming the economic powerhouse it is projected to be by accredited economists from around the world, and in doing so, deescalate risk and elevate the prospects for prosperity for it citizens, the nation has a tremendous opportunity to strengthen itself through security technology.

And there is no more critical time to do so than now. Despite the rebasing, oil export figures have been projected to drop sharply in the near future due

to unabated theft and violence enacted upon energy industry expatriate workers. The threat to international investment from this state of affairs is doubled by the recent spilling over of Boko Haram-driven violence into bordering nations such as Cameroon, occurring on a recurring basis.

Beyond international collaboration, shared intelligence and the incorporation of technology to survey and protect Nigerians, there is truly great commercial potential to be unlocked through buttressing interborder trade.

As an import-dependent economy, Nigeria’s trade has remained unbalanced; Jan Thorhauge, managing director of Maersk Nigeria Limited (MNL) recently stated in a trade report that Nigeria’s export ratio can be improved if government advances on infrastructure.

Ultimately, we must support thought leaders such as Jan Thorhauge, following such globally-resonating remarks. We must foresee that decisive action at the State and Federal levels would assuredly secure

The threat to international investment from this state of affairs is doubled by the recent spilling over of Boko Haram-driven violence

Nigeria’s borders and promote a climate that would be near-inevitable for economic diversity and further growth.

OmoBaba

NIGERIA’S ECONOMY NOW BIGGEST IN AFRICA - News

- And the price of garri is still high!

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