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Friday, April 25, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 66

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Electricity consumers protest erratic power supply, may sue DISCOs

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lectricity consumers in Lagos State yesterday staged a protest over the poor electricity supply and inappropriate

billing by the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

They also threatened to sue the DISCOs for poor

services.

The consumers, who came out in their hundreds at the Akowonjo Business Unit, demanded

the immediate stoppage of extortion by the DISCOs. Vice-Chairman, AsC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4

Security Council condemns Nyako’s genocide claim

lTasks military on abducted girls lSilent on emergency rule in North East Anule Emmanuel

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overnor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State was yesterday humbled in his fight against President Goodluck Jonathan.

Discussions on his memo to the other 18 northern governors where he accused the Federal Government and President Jonathan of carrying out genocide against the North dominated the expanded meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) yesterday.

The security meeting was, however, silent on the emergency rule in the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2

Censors board bans Half of A Yellow Sun }5 Dangote, Iweala join TIME’s 100 Most Influential in the World }6

L-R: Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kassim Shettima; Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji; Minister of Defence, Gen. Mohammed Gusau; Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the security meeting chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Confab: South East gets nod for additional state Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

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he South East yesterday scored a major goal as the Committee on Po-

lCommittee tinkers with legislative list

litical Restructuring and Forms of Government at the National Conference agreed that an additional

state be created for the zone.

Also, Co-chairmen of the Committee on Power Devolution at the National

Conference, Obong Victor Attah and Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie yesterday urged delegates of the North and

South to soften their extreme positions on resource control in the interest of the peaceful coexistence of all regions in the country.

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

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Security Council condemns Nyako’s genocide claim CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

North-East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

At the end of the meeting, Nyako was tonguelashed by his fellow governors, security chiefs and others at the meeting.

The governor was asked to guard against such utterances.

At the start of the meeting, Nyako was asked to read his memo.

He alleged, among others, that President Jonathan had no exit strategy to the problem of insurgency.

The governor argued that whereas the Federal Government ought to have declared amnesty to the insurgents, the administration had rather behaved as if all was well.

He also accused the Federal Government of being responsible for the wanton destruction of lives and properties and kidnapping of school children in the North-East.

After Nyako’s reading, the NSC unanimously upbraided him over his genocide claim.

Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau, who was joined by Governors Babangida Aliyu

(Niger), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Theodore Orji (Abia), Ibrahim Shettima (Borno) and presidential spokesman Reuben Abati to brief State House correspondents, said the meeting cautioned political office holders against making inflammatory statements capable of causing more confusion and insecurity in the country.

He said: “It was decided that the Federal Government will do everything within its powers with the collaboration of the state and local governments and citizens to see that we bring this unfortunate security situation under control.

“Security is every-

body’s problem. It is not only the responsibility of the government. Every individual should be security-conscious and should report anything suspicious to the authorities,” he said.

Aliyu, who spoke on details of the meeting, said the security council specifically considered the recent memo of the Adamawa State governor.

“I am sure many of you will be curious about the letter written by our colleague, the Governor of Adamawa State. We looked at it all; in fact, he was allowed to read the memo to all of us. We concluded that for many of us, we need to be very careful the kind of state-

ments we make.”

Aliyu noted: “We need to be very careful that whatever we say, are either evidence-based or something that can be authenticated, otherwise there is no need to be giving terrorists the opportunity of thinking that they are succeeding. Because a terrorist, all he wants is for him to find out that what he does is really carried out in such a way that people will have the impression that he had made impact.”

He said council expressed concern over the nature of coverage given to security issues by the Nigerian media. “I hope that with continued engagements we will be-

come more responsible in the way we report some of these things,” he added.

Buttressing Aliyu’s remarks, Governor of Abia State explained that there was a unanimous condemnation of the Nyako’s memo.

He said the meeting also cautioned all officers and people in positions of authority to be careful of what they say.

Orji noted: “The memo that was written by one of our colleagues, that is, Governor Nyako of Adamawa State, was discussed and there was a very unanimous condemnation of that memo. All officers and people in positions of authority were C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5

30o C 26oC Thunder Storms

ABUJA

33oC 24oC Storm

PORT HARCOURT

30oC 23oC Storm

KANO

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ENUGU

34o C 25oC Thunder Storms

IBADAN

32oC 24oC Storm

CALABAR

30oC 24oC Storm

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

42o C 28oC Partially Cloudy

33o C 24oC Thunder Storms

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubarkar III; Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, during an expanded security meeting in Abuja …yesterday

South East gets nod for additional state CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The duo gave the charge same day the committee tinkered with the Legislative List sending labour matters, commercial monopolies, evidence, fingerprints identification, bankruptcy and insolvency, registration of births and deaths and copyright from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List.

It, however, left Aviation, External Affairs, Airports, Census, Creation of States, Customs, Defence, Arms, Ammunition and explosives among others in the Exclusive List.

The committee could not reach a consensus on the bid to move mines and minerals from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List due to stiff opposition by delegates from the North who saw it as giving the South South sole access to oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta.

At the resumed sitting

of the Committee on Power Devolution, delegates deliberated on resource control and legislative list as part of the ingredients of devolution of powers.

Attah observed that the seeming grandstanding by delegates of the North on resource control did not reflect a fair appreciation of the challenges those in the oil-producing areas face.

He dismissed the arguments of some delegates that the South South had the highest per capital income among the six zones, stating that there was no guarantee that such statistics would remain in perpetuity given the depleting nature of oil revenue.

He said that there was evidence that every region had resources that could be developed for the benefit of the people and the country.

He however wondered why the solid minerals in the North and bitumen in the South-West have been left

untapped.

“Let me say that the people of the Niger Delta are very conscious of this and indeed this has been their greatest fear. Time will come when the oil will dry up completely, then what will happen to the people of the Niger Delta? No farmlands and no fishing in the polluted waters.

“But that is not the only fear. When the time comes, everybody will laugh at us, bid us goodbye and tell us that there is no more Nigeria and they will go home and enjoy their own resources. These fears must be allayed and assurances must be given. We must negotiate and reach a consensus,” he said.

On his own part, Coomassie, who hails from Katsina State, said his state was in the arid region in the far North lying on the country’s porous borders with Niger Republic. He said the state had no in-

dustries, was plagued by epileptic power supply and no employment for the teeming population of the people.

Under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, he said, oil mineral resources belonged to the Federal Government and unless there was an amendment to that provision it would remain so.

According to him, the issue of resource control arose because the oil has made Nigeria to abandon other resources instead of developing them to generate more revenue for the country.

He expressed dismay as he alleged that some of the delegates have not exhibited the expected maturity since the debate began and urged them to learn to appreciate the position of others.

“Some have not only expressed their views, they C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 5

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

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

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NEWS

Tunde Oyesina and Ibrahim Abdul

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ormer Information Minister and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to suspend all democratic institutions in the troubled northern states to enable the military exercise full control till peace and order returns.

Clark, who spoke in Abuja while addressing a press conference, called on Jonathan to declare an extension of the state of emergency in the frontline states in exercise of his constitutional powers as done in Plateau and Ekiti states.

“This in effect means that all democratic institutions should be suspended to permit military exercise full control until peace and order returns. Securing and safeguarding the lives of the citizens of Nigeria is a more sacred duty than considerations of political expediency at this point of our national life.

“I wish to further appeal to the leadership and members of the National Assembly to give their support and pass a resolution approving the proclamation of extension of state of emergency in the frontline states by the President in the interest of peace,

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Declare full emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Clark tells President Maku a tragedy, Nyako fires back security, national stability, cohesion and unity,” Clark stated.

He further observed that the escalation of post-election crisis in the North-East in 2011 was the product of highly inciting comments from some politicians and political leaders from that part of the country.

“This is why the statement made by Governor Nyako must not be treated with levity but deserves all serious check and attention because of the inherent security implications.

If he feigns ignorance of the import of his deprecatory innuendo, the security agencies should without further delay call him to order appropriately,” Clark declared.

According to him, “It appears that the governors in the frontline states of the Boko Haram insurgency are playing deadly politics with lives of innocent citizens. It is my conviction that highly-placed Nigerians may not be exculpated from responsibility in this unending Boko

Electricity consumers threaten to sue DISCOs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sociation of Electricity Consumers of Nigeria (AECN), Mr Salaudeen Folarin, who is the spokesperson of the protesting consumers, described the electricity supply in Lagos State as disappointing.

Folarin said that the poor electricity supply was compounded by the arbitrary billing of consumers.

According to him, the association has already registered its complaints with the Consumers Protection Council of Nigeria.

He said that AECN had equally concluded plans to sue the DISCOs in Lagos for breach of contract.

“We appeal to the agencies concerned with electricity distribution in Lagos State to discontinue with the system. This estimated billing is not in the best interest of Nigerians,” the association’s vice-chairman said.

Folarin said that most electricity consumers in Lagos had yet to receive pre-paid meters after more than over two years of paying for the meters.

He said that the difficul-

ties associated with billing and measuring electricity consumption ratio would cease if every consumer has pre-paid meter.

Folarin also said that the privatisation of the power sector had not improved the power supply situation in the country.

“The reality with the private investors in the scene now is that they possess no magic wand to supply more power than what government used to do. We have not been enjoying electricity supply since these new owners took over. I don’t know what is happening,” he said.

Sources at the Ikeja DISCO, who preferred anonymity said that it was unfair to blame them for the erratic electricity supply in Lagos State.

“Power supply is more attributable to our national grid and not the DISCOs. DISCOs will only distribute the energy given to them,” he said.

He also said that the Ikeja DISCO had commenced the distribution of pre-paid meters to consumers that paid for it in the last two to three years.

Haram saga. No other explanation is more germane and appropriate to explain the unrelenting deployment of highly sophisticated combat weaponry, the series of vehicular assets and other logistic equipment at the disposal of the terrorists.

“To my mind, Nyako’s statement is most callous,

bizzare, insensitive, impenitent, unimpressionable and irresponsible, especially coming from a retired military officer and serving governor who was supposedly democratically elected.”

Meanwhile, Nyako has replied his critics, especially, the Minister of Information, Labaran

Maku, describing him as a tragedy.

According to Nyako, “The likes of Labaran Maku represent the tragedy that has befallen Nigeria as a nation. Their views on governance and manifest actions clearly prove the gutter level public policy has descended to in today’s Nigeria.”

Nyako, who spoke through his Director of

Press and Public Affairs, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said Maku betrayed the calling of his office by his remarks.

“Labaran Maku and all the pretenders in the corridors of power will one day account for their deeds, good or bad and that they should be reminded of both the inevitability of an end to their positions and the vanity of power.”

L-R: Members, Committee on Citizenship, Immigration and Related Matters, Hajia Bilkesu Magoro; Uwajumogu Chidinma, and the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammed Abdullahi, during the of the committee meetingn at NICON Luxury…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

MTN records growth in Nigeria, slows in South Africa Jonah Iboma

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TN yesterday released its group results, with MTN Nigeria growing its subscribers’ base by 0.8 per cent to 57.224 million while it recorded a reduction in its South African operations subscriber base by 824,768 to 24.9 million in the quarter ended March 31.

The result showed that although MTN Nigeria’s market share declined marginally to 49.3 per cent, it was still the group’s largest market and accounts for over 27 per cent of its total subscriber base of 210.1million. In the same period (2013), the firm’s total subscriber base was 195.4million with quarterly increase put at 3.2 per cent.

The company said the “marginal” rise in subscriber numbers was mainly due to the ban on the sale of SIM cards in Nigeria last March, the disconnection of non-revenue generating subscribers in South Africa and slower

subscriber growth in Iran.

However, it said it had seen strong subscriber growth since the lifting of the ban in Nigeria.

MTN’s operations in Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Uganda all saw an increase in subscribers, with Sudan being the only country apart from South Africa, to see a decline in customer levels.

MTN attributed the decline in Sudan to “increased competition and a spike in unrest in the southern region of the country.”

Revenue generated from data usage increased substantially across the board. MTN South Africa saw a 13 per cent increase in data revenue, now contributing 23 per cent of the company’s total income.

Nigeria saw data revenue growth increasing 21 per cent year-on-year. According to the company, each customer uses an average of 41 megabytes (MB) per month. Data revenue was 13.1 per cent of total revenues in Nigeria

for the quarter of 2013.

In Nigeria, the firm said there had been a significant improvement in network quality and capacity with 483 2G and 597 3G sites added during the quarter.

It noted that effective data pricing and locally relevant product offerings also remained key focus areas. Local currency data revenue continued to grow strongly, increasing by 21.1 per cent year-on-year with the average data usage per customer at 41MB per month. This was mainly attributable to the growth in 3G enabled devices on the network, which increased to 7.1million and improved 3G-network quality and capacity. Local currency ARPU was 3.2 per cent lower due to lower effective tariffs.

“MTN Nigeria delivered a satisfactory performance during the quarter and increased its subscriber base despite the one-month ban on the sale of SIMs imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission,” the company said.

“This was mainly attributable to the growth in 3G enabled devices on the network, which increased to 7.1 million and improved 3G network quality and capacity, company said.

However, the highest data growth occurred in Sudan, increasing 127.2 per cent, followed by Ghana at 99.8 per cent, Uganda at 67.7 per cent, and Cameroon at 60.6 per cent.

“Data and Mobile Money remain key areas of focus for the Group as traditional voice revenue remains under pressure.

We note encouraging growth in data revenues increasing 43.3 per cent year-on-year and contributing 17 per cent of total revenue and a 12 per cent increase in Mobile Money subscribers.

“Cost containment and the execution of our infrastructure sharing strategy, particularly in South Africa, continue to make good progress,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Sifiso Dabengwa.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

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Jonathan assures participants of safety at World Economic Forum Anule Emmanuel

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has assured the global community of the safety of all participants in next month’s World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja.

The forum will bring together regional and global leaders to discuss innovative structural reforms and investments that can

sustain the continent’s current growth trajectory and create jobs, The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said the President gave the assurance while receiving the new Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, who presented his letter of credence at the presidential villa.

According to Abati, President Jonathan said that the security challenges being experienced in parts of the country would have no adverse effect on the safety of participants in the forum.

He welcomed the confirmation by China that its delegation to the forum will be led by Premier Li Keqiang.

“I am quite pleased that

the Premier of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed that he is coming.

We will be addressing the World Economic Forum on Africa together. We will also sit down together to discuss shared national interests.

“We will give all participants a good reception in Abuja. We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will over-

come the situation so that our economy can move forward faster. Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit,” President Jonathan told the Chinese Ambassador.

The ambassador on his part assured the President of China’s confidence in Nigeria’s security measures and the country’s ability to host the World Economic Forum on Africa successfully.

“From our assessment, we are confident that all is

under control and we have relayed that to our people,” Xiaojie said.

Also yesterday, President Jonathan received the letters of credence of the new Malaysian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lim Juay and the new Ambassador of Thailand, Mr. Chailert Limsoboom.

The President urged all three new ambassadors to do their best to further expand areas of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and their respective countries.

South East gets nod for additional state

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Ohinoyi of Ebirraland, Ado Ibrahim; Senior Manager, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mamman Yusuf, and his wife, Salamat, during the presentation of certificate of honorary membership to Yusuf at the traditional ruler’s palace, Okene, Kogi State...yesterday.

Censors board bans Half of A Yellow Sun Sony Neme

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he widely publicised and internationally acclaimed film, Half of A Yellow Sun which has been premiered in Nigeria has been partially banned by the Nigeria Film and Video Censorship Board, (NFVCB).

New Telegraph gathered exclusively from Abuja, early yesterday

that the film promoters are making frantic efforts to remove the offensive sections and get the film approved today.

Efforts to speak with the Nigerian promoters met a brick wall as text messages and email were yet to be responded to as at the time of filing this report.

According to an impeccable source, the film is

being stopped from getting into the market due to parts that tend to whip up tribal sentiments, especially on issues that led to the Nigerian civil war.

The filmmaker further revealed that, “with the Boko Haram insurgency and the Adamawa State governor’s outburst, the NFVCB is living up to its billing.”

Half of a Yellow Sun

is a 2013 Nigerian drama film directed by Biyi Bandele and based on the novel of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The film is a love story that follows two sisters who are caught up in the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Onyeka Onwenu, Genevieve Nnaji and OC Ukeje.

Security Council condemns Nyako’s genocide claim CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

advised to be cautious of what they say. That what they say should at least enliven every person and make us to know that this country belongs to all of us and not something that will demoralise us, not something that will incite people to go the negative way.”

Other issues agreed at the meeting were the need for government to increase investment in advanced security technology that will boost the capacity of the country’s security agencies.

Governor Fayemi, however, told reporters that the issue of emergency rule three states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno did not come up for discussions at the meeting.

“The meeting agreed that the issue of the moment is Chibok and the abduction of the children and we must do everything to ensure that the abducted children are retrieved and rehabilitated and returned to their parents,” Fayemi said.

The governor said the meeting frowned at the rising partisanship in dealing with security issues and cautioned political leaders against unguided utterances.

“As Nigerian leaders, the meeting agreed that it is absolutely important for us to tackle security issues in an objective manner and with restraint, avoiding hasty speeches, and anything that will heat up the polity.”

Fayemi said the meet-

ing also stressed the importance of security agencies being scrupulously professional and non-partisan in the way they delivered on their duties.

The meeting which commenced at about 12:15am lasted for six hours.

Also at the meeting which commenced at about 12:15pm is the Sultan of Sokoto and President of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Orisejefor.

Others in attendance were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governors Willie Obiano (Anambra), Theodore Orji (Abia), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Se-

riake Dickson (Bayelsa), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) Martins Elechi (Ebonyi) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).

Others are Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna ), Garba Umar (Taraba), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Seidu Dakingari (Kebbi), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi).

Governors of Jigawa, Imo, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Yobe and Plateau were represented by their deputies.

have gone beyond saying their minds to doing so with intimidation. We are selected and not elected.

The President in his address enjoined us to work towards a consensus and be our brother’s keeper.

“It behoves on us to discuss maturely. We should soft-pedal as we hold on to our opinions. We have so many things in common.

We have come a long way and we should look for compromise rather than trying to intimidate anybody,” he said.

Attah appealed to all delegates to consider one another in the course of the proceedings knowing that all the groups have been living together for the past 100 years.

The committee has also opened the gates for other regions agitating for additional states, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

In view of the apparent failure of the demand for a return to the regional system, the committee further resolved that states within contiguous zones who desire to work together may merge for that purpose.

According to the committee, such a merger will be predicated on three conditions: *That a majority of the two-thirds of all members in each of the Houses of Assembly of each of the states, in which such merger is proposed, support by resolution, the merger. *That a referendum is conducted in each of the states proposing to merge with 75 per cent of the eligible voters in each of those states approving of the merger and *That each House of the National Assembly, by resolution passed by a simple majority of membership of each of the Houses, approve of the merger.

Chairman of the Com-

mittee on Political Restructuring, General Ike Nwachukwu, described the concession to create an additional state in the South-East as a win-win situation for all zones in the country.

“I must thank my committee members for their maturity and ability to discern the needs of Nigerians to have more states based on merits, particularly the South-East an additional state, thereby bringing the zone at par with other zones. I want to indeed say to my colleagues that they have shown great understanding and they believe in win-win option. That is the spirit we should maintain in this conference.

“At the end of the day, we will be recommending that there should be equality of states in the various zones of the country, and then allowing the zones that have agitations across the country to decide which state should be created,” Nwachukwu said.

Earlier, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariway, had made a strong case for the SouthEast which currently has only five states, the least among the six zones in the country.

Also, the Committee on Law, Judiciary and Human Rights has adopted a recommendation for the separation of the office of Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Prof Auwalu Yadudu, made this known yesterday.

Yadudu said that the recommendation was to ensure the independence of the office of the Attorney-General from political influence.

He said that the two offices should not be occupied by an individual in order to ensure justice.

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Okorocha, Umeh in war of words lI won Imo governorship, not APGA - Okorocha lImo people want to see your back soon - Umeh SPAT

Former buddies tackle each other over claims to the winner of Imo State election

Geoffrey Ekenna and Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

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he soured relationship between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh and the Imo State Governor,

Chief Rochas Okorocha, took another bad turn yesterday when the two leaders, who used to be buddies before Okorocha left for the All Progressives Congress ,were engaged in an exchange of words yesterday over who won the governorship of the state in 2011.

While Okorocha in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, berated Umeh for laying claims to winning the election with APGA, Umeh replied that Okoro-

cha has lost touch with reality and all stakeholders who helped him emerge in 2011.

The Imo State government was reacting to stories credited to Umeh that Okorocha’s administration has failed and will not be re-elected in 2015. The statement by Onwuemeodo dismissed Umeh’s threat to upstage Okorocha in 2015 as an empty threat, insisting that the simple truth remains that neither Umeh as an individual nor APGA, as a party has the capacity to sack Okorocha and his

party, APC from the Imo government house.

He said, “Chief Umeh, after being the National Chairman of APGA for more than 12 years, and even with Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu alive could not win election beyond Anambra State with his APGA, until 2011, when Owelle Rochas Okorocha, came and delivered Imo State to the party, with a Senator, House of Representatives member and the State Assembly majority to APGA.” “And unfortunately for APGA and Umeh, the man

who brought victory to APGA in Imo had left, and even the Senator from Imo on the platform of APGA had also left, and all these only show that, APGA winning another election in Imo, will be like building a castle in the air.”

He further said that even in Anambra State, where Umeh comes from, APGA is sick, and if that was not the case, the party would not have needed the “stampede that characterized the last gubernatorial election in that state to manufacture victory for

its candidate”. But reacting to the Imo State Government’s tirade against him, Umeh., who spoke in a telephone interview with the New Telegraph, told Okorocha and his supporters to go and watch all the videos of his 2011 victory, “if he has forgotten who delivered him.”

Umeh, who said he was sure that the people of Imo State would not return Okorocha over his “failures”, said that nobody in Imo State trusts Okorocha again and as such, nobody will vote him again.

Leaders want Oshiomhole to relinquish APC structure Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

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trong indications emerged yesterday of a major crack in the wall of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Edo State.

The leaders of the party, drawn from the 18 Local Government Areas and three senatorial districts of the state, at a well attended meeting held in Benin City, descended heavily on the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, accusing him of deploying divisive tendencies, non inclusiveness and dictatorship. They also accused him of using his aides to promote violence in running the affairs of

the party in the state.

According to the resolutions read by the convener of the meeting and a former chairman of the defunct ACN, now, APC, Prince Tony Omoaghe, the party leaders declared that “the party has become a shadow of itself ” and vehemently rejected what they called “the unfortunate actions of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his determination to hijack the party to serve his personal interest and those of his lackeys”.

The leaders demanded, among others, “the immediate cancellation of the sham registration of party members in the state and that of “the sham ward and local government congresses.”

Osun PDP, APC disagree over Tinubu’s comment

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he recent outburst of the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ahmed Tinubu, that those who rig in the South-west will get roasted is now causing ripples between the Osun State chapters of the APC and PDP. The chairman of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, described the statement as threat to the peace of the zone and called on se-

curity agents to caution Tinubu before he causes chaos, disintegration and calamity in the South West.

Olaoluwa, then charged security agencies in the state to take note of all individuals beating war drums ahead of the elections.

However, the APC in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Kunle Oyatomi, said "Our Leader, Asiwaju Tinubu has only told them not to rig."

“The p people kn name app same ele in 2015. M bags and his back to the AP in order, him.” him

(L-R) Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, welcoming the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to his office in Awka.

Dangote, Okonjo-Iweala join TIME’s 100 most influential in the world HONOUR

Two Nigerians make the annual list of the World's most influential people

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frica’s wealthiest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, were on Wednesday named among the100 most influential persons on earth by the TIME Magazine.

Dangote was classified in the Titans category which boasts of eminent world personalities like

Hillary Clinton, former USA Secretary of State, Jeff Bezoz, Tony Fadell, Janet Yellen among others.

Those in the Pioneers category include: Jason Collins, Natalie Massenet, Mary Jo White, Edward Snowden, among others.

Barbara Brown Taylor, Robin Wright, John Green, Kerry Washington were in the Artists category among others, while Jerry Brown, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, John Kerry and Angela Merkel were among those in the Leaders Category.

In the Icons category were Pope Francis, Alice Waters, Marina Abramov-

ic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carl Icahn, among many others.

Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world assembled by the American news magazine TIME. First published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists, the list is now an annual event. Although appearing on the list is often seen as an honour, TIME makes it clear that entrants are recognized for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions.

Bill Gates, Microsoft

Founder and Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gate wrote a tribute in honour of Dangote in commemoration of his listing by the Time magazine. Gate dwelled extensively on the philanthropic gestures of the President of the Dangote Group in the areas of health, especially polio eradication and job creation efforts.

While Gates was lavish in his praises of timely response of Dangote to the need for an health alliance by the private sector, Buno a lead singer of U2 and a co-founder of One and (RED) wrote the tribute for Dr Iweala.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 4, 2014

I’m not campaigning or endorsing candidates -Kalu

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ormer Abia State Governor has described reports in certain online media that he has endorsed certain persons for the 2015 elections, as misleading handiwork of his political opponents.

“Kalu said; It has come to my notice that some unidentified persons are bent on misleading the general public in certain media outfits that I have endorsed some candidates for the 2015 elections and also that I have dared the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) and gone ahead to campaign even when INEC has said that time for campaigning is not yet.

“I want to tell the general public to discard such stories as they are not only meant to mislead the general public but also to malign my personality. It is sad that some persons have taken my recent courtesy visits to some states across the country to mean that I’m on electioneering campaign; even

when people or groups visit me, they knowingly or erroneously say that I’m campaigning,” Kalu said through his aide, Kunle Oyewunmi.

According to Kalu, asking citizens of the states he visited to support their governors since in his estimation the governors have performed well, did not translate to campaigning.

“As a peace-loving Nigerian, I should not be expected to incite and initiate hatred in the country. Even though I’m a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I should not be expected to talk evil of members of other political parties; besides I’m not a propagandist, but a lover of humanity.

“I support the PDP 100 percent, but should I be expected to hate individuals in other political parties?

Our politics should not be against individuals in other parties because they could be our friends.

Ekweremadu urges ECOWAS to prioritize war on terrorism Chukwu David Abuja

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he Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has implored the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana to make war against terrorism and youth unemployment the priority of his tenure.

Ekweremadu, who has shown so much concern about the deteriorating state of insecurity in Nigeria made the call yesterday while meeting with President Mahama at the State House, Accra, Ghana.

2.9m

Uyo

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he Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has fired his Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bassey Albert and his counterpart in the Ministry of Rural Development, Barr. Effiong Abia.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Uyo and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, the

He said: “Ghana is a very important country in this sub-region. In terms of democracy, you hold the light in this sub-region and we believe that emerging as the Chairman of the ECOWAS will spread this light.

“However, our greatest challenges today are terrorism, militancy, and youth unemployment. It is our hope that addressing these challenges would be the top priority of your tenure. We at the ECOWAS Parliament want to assure you of our solidarity and total support as you confront these challenges.”

Ekweremadu had earlier stressed the urgent need for a summit of heads of state and government of both the ECOWAS

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions in Algeria in 2010.

Source: Itu.int

Akpabio sacks two commissioners, six board members Tony Anichebe

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and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), to build better synergy and raise the capacity of the member states to combat terrorism.

He had called for the summit of the ECOWAS leaders at the opening ceremony of a two-day dialogue session on the challenges of border crossing and opportunities for trade and finance for ECOWAS countries organised by the National Institute for Legislative Studies, Abuja for Members of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra, Ghana.

The ECOWAS Speaker, who is also the Deputy President of the Senate emphasized that the ECOWAS Protocols on

88.1m

The number of internet users in Japan in 2007.

Source: Blatantworld.com

free movement should go hand-in-hand with adequate infrastructural and human capital capacity to police the borders.

Ekweremadu further lamented the very low intra-regional trade among West African nations, describing it as “very negligible, alarming, and embarrassing.”

The politician also decried the alleged unscrupulous practices of uniformed officers along the West African corridors and the proliferation of border posts and security checkpoints, noting that these have hindered the free movement of persons and goods rather than promote regional integration and curb cross-border crimes.

45%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Argentina in 2010.

Source: Itu.int

governor cited the need to reinvigorate the machinery of governance for optimal performance, as the reason for dropping the commissioners and Board Chairmen.

According to the statement, “In view of the need to reinvigorate the machinery of Government and drive further the Uncommon Transformation Programme of the State, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Dr) Godswill Akpabio has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle”.

NUJ moves against quacks in Rivers Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

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orried by the activities of quack journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to arrest anyone that parades himself as a journalist without the national identity card of the Union.

CORRECTION of name

Anwuli

Formerly Idayi Cordelia Nneka and Susan Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Idayi Cordelia Anwulika, all former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

New Telegraph investigations has revealed that corruption and lack of job had led to an influx into the profession in Rivers State by many school leavers and even support staff from some media houses. Many of these quacks have been seen operating in remote areas as reporters and extorting money from unwary members of the public.

Often these impostors stroll into events, look around and when they find any news Paper that is not represented at the event , they claim to represent such newspaper.

This has prompted the state council of NUJ to set up a task force recently, to monitor the activities of these touts and apprehend them.

Wife of Abia state governor, Lady Mercy Orji (middle), flanked on the right by, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, and wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Nene Ananaba and others, during an awareness campaign on‘’Roll back Maleria’’ in Umuahia…yesterday.

FG wants university, poly staff on IPPIS Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

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he Federal Government, yesterday inaugurated a committee to develop payment template that will lead to the introduction of Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System(IPPIS) in Nigerian universities.

That is notwithstanding opposition by Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU); Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the NonAcademic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities against its introduction.

Stakeholders, especially workers of Nigerian Universities had kicked against government’s plans to introduce IPPIS, a new template introduced by government to compute staff salaries of various MDAs in the country.

The Coordinator of IPPIS in the Office of Account General of Federation, Mrs. Fatimah Mede, inaugurated committee on IPPIS in Nigerian Universities yesterday with representatives from stakeholders in the university system, One of its mandates is to review the current Management Information

System of Nigerian universities, and evaluate the IPPIS in its current form with a view of identifying the shortfalls.

The inauguration is sequel to November 30th deadline given by government to all federal universities and polytechnics in the country to migrate their mode of salaries payment to the IPPIS platform.

The IPPIS scheme is one of the Federal Government’s reform initiatives designed to undertake human resource management activities from recruitment to separation including payroll

and pension processing.

Mrs. Mede said that currently, 318 Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government had been moved to the IPPIS platform noting that their movement had been able to facilitate prompt payment of workers' salaries.

She said in the Month of April, the Federal Government was able to pay 254,000 workers on the IPPIS platform a total amount of N25bn as salary before the Easter celebrations.

"We have 318 MDAs on the IPPIS platform with total staff strength of about 254,000."

NEWS Abuja Bantaba to honour 100 travel persons today 8

Andrew Iro Okungbowa

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NE hundred Nigerians in the travel and tourism industry would be honoured for their various pioneering roles and contributions to the development of the tourism industry as Abuja Bantaba holds today.

The one day travel trade exhibition is billed

to hold at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Sheraton Hotel with a speed date exhibition and networking by various players and operators in the travel and tourism as well as tourism destinations from across Africa in attendance.

According to the head of Africa Travel Quarterly (ATQ), organizers

of the yearly event, Mr. Ikechi Uko, the event is also symbolically a celebration of the centenary anniversary of Nigeria hence 100 persons have been pencilled for award as a result of their outstanding and pioneering contributions towards the nurturing of the country’s travel and tourism industry.

Honorary degrees: VCs blacklist politicians, businessmen Dan Atori MINNA

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o forestall the award of Honorary Doctorate degrees to undeserving persons in and outside Nigeria, Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities have agreed to scrutinise and vet any person before being awarded such in any University across the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the Ibrahim Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai, Professor Ibrahim Kolo said in Minna while speaking with Journalists that the issue has been discussed

at the Keffi meeting of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria Universities in Nassarawa State and decisions taken to forestall such development.

According to him; “It was brought to the attention of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria Universities that the manner in which some universities were beginning to award degrees to those who do not deserved them was becoming unacceptable.

"In order words, people were being given awards not for their tangible contributions to the university or the society

but on the basis of what they can offer to the university. We have taken measures to curb the purchase of honorary degrees by politicians and businessmen who do not deserve such honour.”

He explained that the committee wanted to stop such University from falling into the abuse of the award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees, adding that “when somebody is awarded a doctorate degree in the university it should be in recognition of his selfless service and tangible contribution not necessarily money, that individual has done to the university”.

19 children rescued as Lagos shuts orphanage centre Muritala Ayinla

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arely two weeks after the Lagos State Government rescued five children from an illegal orphanage home, another 19 children have been rescued at Ikotun area of Lagos from an illegal orphanage centre.

The orphanage centre, Bethlehem Charity and Orphanage Centre located at No 9, Andre Close, Abaranje, Ikotun was said to have been operated by Mrs. Taiwo Olowoyeye since 2003 without being registered with the state government.

New Telegraph learnt that a combined team of officials of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and policemen stormed the place yesterday morning and immediately shutdown the place and took away 19 children from centre.

Some of the rescued children, according to the Director, Social Welfare of the Youth and Social Development, Mr. Musbau Abdullahi, who led the operation, are between the age range two months and 15 years.

He added that none of the children were en-

rolled in school but were being taught at the centre.

Debunking the claim by the officials, the proprietor of the orphanage, Olowoyeye, said her orphanage was duly registered with the government. She added that she had never given out any of the children at the orphanage for adoption for once, adding the children were given the needed education.

The proprietor, who described her job constitutional, confirmed that she did not have a certificate to that effect.

Kwara PDP boss seeks good funding for INEC Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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he Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, yesterday called for a proper funding of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) to be able to properly manage the 2015 elections.

Oyedepo, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, shortly after the inauguration of the party’s local government executive councils, was reacting to recent alarm by the INEC Chairman, Professor Atta-

2015: Ogoni give conditions for Rivers governorship Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

T

he United States Chapter of the Ogoni Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday, told the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party, to forget Ogoni votes if they don’t pick an Ogoni as governorship candidate in 2015.

The Movement lamented that as significant as Ogoni is in the ethnic calculations in Rivers State, the Nationality has not produced a Governor, Deputy Governor or Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The Ogoni is one of the three ethnic clusters that that broker power in the emerging political battle in the state.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

hiru Jega on the shortfall in funding for the agency in the 2014 budget. He said it was the responsibility of government to fund the electoral umpire to ensure credible poll.

"Government had better provide money for INEC because it's not the responsibility of political parties to fund INEC”, the PDP chairman said, adding: “it’s the responsibility of government.

"But as political party, I am sure even we in Kwara state can mobilise opinions of political class to ensure we advocate that INEC should be properly funded.

"We'll see it as if they are not well funded, the election may not be credible. So, we would also be able to speak to the government, including President that INEC should be properly funded".

L-R: Chairman, League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo; Treasurer, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Ajayi Kehinde Theresa; Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye and General Secretary, Nigeria Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Abdul Kareem Motajo, during the NUJ Chairman’s familiarization visit to LAAC, in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE.

APC accuses LP of violence, exonerates Fayose Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has accused the Labour Party (LP) of political violence in the state.

Briefing journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the state Chairman of the APC, Chief Jide Awe, said in the last three days, supporters of LP governorship candidate, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, had

been going about, attacking his party members in places such as Ipole Iloro, Ikogosi, Okemesi-Ekiti, Aramoko-Ekiti and ErioEkiti.

Awe noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose, had been conducting his campaign in peaceful manner.

He said; “None of the violence in all these towns can be traced to the doorstep of Mr Ayodele Fayose. It has been the LP

members that have been causing the violence and the party is so minute that if we are pushed to the wall, my members may be forced to resort to self-help."

However, Bamidele, who briefed the newsmen in Okemesi-Ekiti on Wednesday on the crises in those towns, shifted the blame on the APC, saying the party was persecuting him for daring to contest against Governor Kayode Fayemi.

I’ll promote full council autonomy - Bamidele assures NULGE

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abour Party, LP candidate in the forthcoming June 21st, 2014 gubernatorial election; Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele yesterday assured granting full autonomy to the third tier of government in Ekiti State if elected to office.

Bamidele gave the assurance during an integrative meeting with leadership of the Ekiti State chapter of the Ni-

geria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE in Ado Ekiti yesterday.

At the meeting attended by NULGE Executives across the 16 local councils, Bamidele noted that financial and administrative autonomy of all the local councils in Ekiti would be his priority.

The candidate, who sought support of Ekiti council workers at the

parley, also noted that his intention to prioritise LG autonomy was to take a cue from dictates of the 1999 Constitution on local governments.

If elected, Bamidele also promised to amend the Ekiti State House of Assembly law which pegged tenure of elected Local Government leadership at two years, describing it as undemocratic and counter-productive.

Ekiti will roast APC election riggers - PDP scribe Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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he Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Dr Tope Aluko, yesterday accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to rig the coming governorship election in the state.

He, however, added that those planning to rig the poll would be dealt with appropriately by the people of the state.

He stated this in a press statement in AdoEkiti while reacting to a comment credited to the National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Tinu-

bu, on the alleged plan to rig the June 21 poll and the August 9 poll in Osun State.

Aluko said with the APC involved in multiple registration, falsification of figures and procurement of voter cards for foreigners it imported to the state during voter registration exercise, the dubious plans of the APC had been uncovered by the PDP. Aluko said," I want to assure Tinubu that Ekiti people are fully prepared to roast to ashes any APC member whether in Ekiti or thugs imported to rig the poll or cause mayhem. Tinubu should understand that this is Ekiti

State and not Lagos and the APC should never think it possesses the monopoly of violence.

This is a stern warning to Tinubu.

"At the appropriate time, we will expose the frauds which the APC has done in connection with active support of Ekiti some of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC." On the claim by Tinubu that the APC would not go to court to challenge election results, Aluko said that Tinubu said that because judges being used by the APC to pervert justice were no longer in the judiciary.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Electoral law makes room for ‘rogue’ politicians – Salami Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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etired President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, yesterday expressed reservations over some aspects of the country’s electoral law, saying it makes room for the emergence of a rogue as president.

He said: “The electoral law and its subsisting interpretation by the Supreme Court, if left unchallenged, would one day produce a ‘rogue’ as President."

Salami, who spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State on the topic; “2015 General Elections and Sustainable Democracy: Judicial Challenges and Public Expectations,” at a lecture in honour of Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd), argued that the current

regime of electoral laws in the country, with the powers it has given to political parties, would not allow for an enduring democracy.

The retired jurist condemned the power of political parties to nominate their candidates without such being challenged by anyone under the current electoral laws and advocated ‘an activist judiciary’ that will give more bite to the raw content of the law to guarantee an enduring democracy.

He defended his position on the basis that a vibrant and dynamic system of law cannot make any meaningful impact with a docile or timid judiciary.

He also condemned the provisions of Section 185 (6) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulate 180 days for election tribunal, as very

rigid and immutable, saying it violates the petitioners’ and appellants’ rights to fair hearing.

According to the retired jurist, while it is true that justice delayed is justice denied, the other side is equally applicable that justice hurried in an election matters, is also justice denied.

His concern was that political parties under Nigeria’skindof arrangement are too powerful to be left unattended to, as he pointed out that courts must always be concerned about how politicians get into elective posts, when such issues are placed before them, and ensure that political office seekers do so only by legally set down means.

His words: “Like many democracies of the world, our kind of democracy is partybased.Itmeanspoliticalparties

Bayelsa not indebted to Berger – Dickson Chris Ejim Yenagoa

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ayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday dismissed as mischievous and politically sponsored the claim that the construction giant, Julius Berger has abandoned the construction work on the Sani Abacha road project in the state.

The governor also said it was not true that the

construction firm has sacked 108 workers over an alleged contractual debt of N18 billion owed by the state government.

He said though preliminary findings from the position of the management of Julius Berger to the state government showed that the workers were sacked due to reduced work load in the project site.

Governor Dickson added that the state government was committed

to its contractual responsibility and its silent infrastructural revolution of the state.

The governor spoke while handing over a N2billion bank draft to representatives of Julius Berger during the state transparency briefing in Yenagoa. He said the claim of a frosty contractual agreement between the state and the construction company, was a product of what he called bad politics.

N/Delta Ministry, elders to check oil theft

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upervising Minister of the Niger Delta, Mr. Darius Ishaku, said the ministry would collaborate with elders in the region to find ways of stopping oil theft.

Ishaku said this yesterday, when he received the Chairman of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), Eze Raphael Ikegwuruka, in Abuja.

TROMPCON is the um-

brella body of traditional rulers from the nine oil producing states of the federation.

He said the menace of oil theft in the region would be reduced if the elders encouraged the youth to register at the various vocational skills centres.

The minister said no fewer than 100 Niger Delta youths had been trained on how to assemble phones, iPads and other Information

Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets.

Ishaku said the first batch of trainees comprised youths from the nine Niger Delta States of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

He said the skills’ acquisition centre in Otuoke, when inaugurated, has the capacity to train 400 youths in the second phase of the ICT skills’ acquisition programme in Bayelsa State.

determine who, eventually, occupies which elective post.

Thechoiceof thewinningparty wouldeventuallybecrownedas thechoiceof thepeople.

“As a result, party election or intra-party election, must be taken seriously. In essence, if democracy must find its footing in the country as a whole, the political parties must be made to serve as a fertile nursery, where its roots are allowed to form and its leaves tendered to survival.

“Unfortunately, however, the current regime of our electoral laws is one that seems not to allow for enduring democracy within the political parties.

It is widely believed that political parties belong to the members, who are free to organise their affairs as they deem fit without let or hindrance from anybody.”

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Assembly wades into Dangote Cement, Gboko East crisis Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

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s controversy continue to trail the crisis that rocked the Gboko plant of Dangote Cement, the Benue State House of Assembly has constituted a three-man ad-hoc committee to investigate the petition brought before it by the people of Gboko East against the cement firm.

The committee has the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Stephen Omenje, as chairman with the member representing Gwer West and Apa constituencies, Hon. Kenneth Iyo and Hon. Samson Ocholi, as members; while Mr. John Hwande, is the committee’s secretary.

The committee was put together following a petition by some key stakeholders in Gboko East on alleged murder of some youths by armed

military men attached to the cement plant and presented by their representative in the House, Hon. Dehiin Dzuai.

Speaking while constituting the committee, Speaker of the House, Mr. Terhile Ayua, lamented the recent crisis between the host community and the cement company that led to the killing of some youths and the destruction of property worth millions of naira, and sued for urgent consideration of the petition brought before the House.

Ayua directed the committee to investigate the crisis in a fortnight and report back to the House.

It will be recalled that in March 2014, crisis erupted at Dangote Cement Company at Gboko between youths in the area and the soldiers deployed to the company that resulted in the killing of seven youths by the soldiers.

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Benue governorship aspirant faces probe over missing N150m INVESTIGATION Another pension scam seems to be unfolding in the North Central Zone

Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

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Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Prince Andy Akkaayar Uwouku, is being probed over a missing N150 million from the coffers of the Local Government Pensions Commission in the state.

Uwouku was alleged to have cornered the said sum to prosecute his gubernatorial campaign in the state; but security officials were said to have asked him to return the money to the state treasury or be ready to face the music.

The former permanent secretary in the commission had tendered his letter of resignation from the state civil service following a directive by Governor Gabriel Suswam to those wishing to contest in the forthcoming general election to do so.

But Governor Suswam was said to have ordered an immediate probe into the accounts of the commission, following the

discovery of the missing money.

The money, New Telegraph’s investigations revealed, has been deposited in one of the new generation banks in the state, just as the statutory account of the local government pension commission is domiciled with a similar bank.

The cat was let out of the bag when the embattled former permanent secretary was handing over at the commission, a development that prompted immediate reaction from the board, which commenced investigation and discovered that the funds were missing.

While looking into the matter, the board’s findings, New Telegraph

gathered, indicted the governorship aspirant, while board later forwarded its findings to Governor Suswam.

Comrade Richard Gbande, who is the chairman of the state’s Local Government Service Commission, served as the commission’s board helmsman; while the Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman of the state’s chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Permanent Secretary Establishment and the representative of the Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Duties served on the investigation team.

Cashless policy’ll stem corruption – CBN Dan Atori MINNA

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday harped on some of the advantages of its cashless policy to the economy, saying it will eliminate leakages and check corruption in the system.

To this end, the CBN called on the Niger State government to reduce the amount of physical cash circulation in the economy by encouraging more electronic transactions among its people.

In a power-point presentation at the Gover nment House, Minna, yesterday, Deputy Director, Head of Shared Services, Governors’ Department of the apex bank, Mr. Chidi Umeano, made frantic efforts to convince members of the state executive council on the need and benefits to go cashless.

Umeano said if the country migrates from the massive use of cash, it would elimi-

nate all sources of leakages and corruption, increase internally generated revenue, provide easy administration, monitor and coordinate of all revenue activities, while also assist in identifying fraudulent diversion of funds, among others.

According to him; “The objective of the cashless policy is to meet the demands of Vision 20:2020, modernise Nigeria’s payment system, reduce the cost of banking and drive financial inclusion in the system.

Others he said are; “Improving the effectiveness of the monetary policy, reduce high security, safety risks and subsidy and foster transparency, curb corruption and leakages.”

The deputy director said the purpose of the new policy was to reduce, not to eliminate the amount of physical cash in circulation in the economy and encourage more electronic transactions among the people.

Mind your business, Okah tells Rivers APC Joe Ezuma

PORT HARCOURT

A L-R: Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria [FAAN], Saleh Dunoma; Director General, NCAA, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka; Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Authority [NAMA], Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, during the inspection tour of the Kaduna Airport after the fire incident at the control Tower in Kaduna…yesterday

4.92m

The number of internet users of Austria in 2008.

Source: Blatantworld.com

3.3m

The total population of Casablanca, Morocco in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

N27m

The IGR realized from road taxes of Gombe State in 2010.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Ondo PDP cries foul over security report Babatope Okeowo AKURE

O

ndo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday raised the alarm over alleged plans to procure fake security report to prosecute the court case in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo bye election.

Deputy Chairman of the party, Fatai Adams, who addressed a press conference over the plan, indicted some officers of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Labour Party (LP) over alleged plan.

Although, Adams said the PDP is yet to be served with the court processes over the inconclusive bye-

... allegation irresponsible, says Labour Party election, he, however, stated that competent lawyers have been contacted to defend the case.

But, the Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Chief Dele Akinyele, challenged the opposition PDP to provide evidence of their allegation, saying such was irresponsible.

Akinyelesaid,“itisnotthe duty of the party or governmenttowritesecurityreport, but that of the DSS and that they have since submitted same about the election to the appropriate quarters, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

He asked the opposition

party to stop raising false accusation and be ready to explain their actions and inactions in court.

Ratherthangoingtocourt to delay the supplementary election, Adams said, “the ruling LP should have gone into the election if it was popular and controls the electorate in the state.”

He said the party has information that LP has commissionedsomeDSSofficials to manufacturefakesecurity reportthatwouldsuitadesire to mislead the court.

He said the party would resist any plan to mislead the court this time around as it was allegedly done during the governorship election

tribunal.

“It is important to bring to the notice of the general public that the LP has again embarked on a mission to procure a compromised security report from the DSS. “The said report is intended to falsify details of activities on the day of the inconclusive election.

“This warning becomes imperative as we will contend with whoever compromises the privilege of his or her position to commit any crime that is targeted against the interest of the PDP on this issue; a word they say is enough for the wise.”

s calls continue to mount on the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, to run for the governorship of Rivers State, a former Information Commissioner in the state, Emma Okah, has urged the All Prog ressives Cong ress (APC) to take its eyes off the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Okah also advised the ruling party to mind its business and let the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strategise ahead of the 2015 elections.

Since last month, when Wike’s interest in the Brick House of Rivers State started making the rounds in political and social circles, it has been a war of words between the APC and the PDP on one hand and between promoters of Riverine candidate in 2015 and Wike, on the other.

The APC, which has not hidden its interest in what is happening in the state PDP had last month declared a seven-day fasting and praying session for the candidacy of Wike to materialise as that would earn the APC an advantage that would ensure the defeat of the PDP in 2015.

Okah argued that the former Obio/Akpor council chairman would not be breaking any law should he

decide to run.

Speaking in a live radio programme; ‘Editors Round Table’ on 97.7 FM in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okah emphasised that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not preclude any citizen from contesting for the Office of the Governor on the basis of ethnicity, as long as he or she is qualified within the confines of the law.

“Let’s look at the legal dimension, the framers of the constitution did not deny any Nigerian chances of running purely because of ethnic group,” he said.

On whether it was right for the incumbent gover nor (Chibuike Amaechi) who hails from the Ikwerre ethnic extraction, to be succeeded by another of his kinsmen, Okah described the current development in the PDP as a product of necessity, heaping the blame on Governor Amaechi, whom he accused of ‘whipping up ethnic sentiments to antagonise one against the other.’

He said the PDP was facing a contentious time in the state, a situation he attributed to the ‘traitorous’ actions of Governor Amaechi and his cohorts.

He said under the present circumstance, it would be most dangerous for PDP to allow a candidate who cannot challenge the incumbency of Amaechi.

11

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Senator, Speakers weep as Adesina is buried Babatope Okeowo Akure

S

enator representing Ondo South senatorial district, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sumonu and the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Emiola, yesterday wept at the special sitting in honour of the late Speaker of the Ondo State Assembly, Samuel Adesina.

The special sitting drew speakers from across the South-West, South-East and SouthSouth geo-political zones while his former colleagues in the Assembly were on hand to eulogise him.

At the sitting, Kunlere, Sunmonu and Emiola cried as they eulogised the late Adesina. They were unanimous that he should be immortalised by the state government.

Chairman, Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba, led other speakers to call on the government to immortalise Adesina for being a bridge builder in his 11 years in the Assembly.

Garba said Adesina contributed immensely to the cordial relationship that existed between the legislature and the executive arm of government in the state According to him, Adesina should be rewarded for his loyalty and service to the people of his community and the state at large which earned him the confidence and trust to be a member for three consecutive terms.

Sunmonu, who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of Speakers’ conference, Lagos Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Ekiti, Speaker Adewale Omure, among others, across the country in their tribute, described the late Speaker as epitome of humility, peace broker and that he lived a fulfilled life.

We’ll unseat APC in 2015 – Ogun PDP Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State yesterday vowed to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state during the 2015 general elections.

Towards realising its goal, the party said it had already received over 50, 000 members from other political parties in the last six months to further strengthen itself.

State PDP Chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo, made the declaration during the state steering committee leaders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

In attendance at the meeting were a former state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, former Commissioner for Environment, Prince Olukoya AdelekeAdedoyin, former Commissioner for Education, Elder Yemi Akinwonmi and former Zonal Secretary of the party, Chief Pegba Otemolu.

Addressing party faithful, Dayo said despite the intraparty squabbles tending to divide the PDP, the party was resolute in forming the next administration in the state.

He warned party leaders and members against activities that could further divide the party and undermine its efforts towards securing electoral victory in the state.

Dayo said; “Our members remained intact despite our challenges. We have also received 50, 000 members of the opposition parties that have decamped to the PDP from various local governments in the last six months.

“More importantly, many of our aggrieved leaders that suspended their active participation in party activities are now back in the fold, lending their hand of support.

“The task before us all now is the 2015 elections and all hands must be on deck.

We should not allow a situation where some of us will seek to divide us by creating other platforms other than the PDP.”

L-R: Project Consultant, Keskese Limited, Mr. Tade Adekunle; Deputy Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Directorate of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. William Effiok; Managing Director, ARESVEEPEE Limited, Ms. Kemi Koyejo and Executive Director, Nigeria Food Fiesta Limited, Mrs. Yinka Oguntokun, at the opening of the Naija Foods and Drinks Exhibition at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos …yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

23%

The percentage of global arms supply of Russia between 2005 and 2009.

Source: Blatantworld.com

34%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) of 2009.

Source: Itu.int

4.6m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Belgium in 2010.

Source: Itu.int

S’East, S’South professionals angry over Boko Haram WARNING

Group expresses displeasure over activities of insurgents, calling for action-oriented plan to develop the North

Dominic Adewole Asaba

I

rked by Boko Haram’s continued attacks on the country, professionals from the South-East and the South-South yesterday condemned the insurgents and their activities, especially the latest attack in

Nyanya, Abuja, in which more than 72 people were killed.

The professionals under the auspices of the South-East-South South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) said they were sad about the development, calling on the Federal Government to take a drastic action to bring the situation under control.

Their displeasure was also heightened by the recent abduction of more than 100 young female students from their school in Chibok, Borno State.

Warning the sect and those they referred to as “their foreign collaborators,” the

professionals prayed God to give the leaders of the country the wisdom to tackle the menace.

At the group’s 2014 Development Forum in Asaba, SESSPN National President, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, described the sect’s activities as barbaric.

He said the group’s displeasure was “as a result of the continuous assault on the lives and property of many Nigerian citizens, especially in the northern part of the country by the Boko Haram sect and their foreign collaborators.”

Flanked by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha,

representative of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, his Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Kingsley Emu, Ugwu-Oju said the gathering remains pleasurable because the regions were set to rule the world by the 21st century via education, resources and man-power.

He said for the opportunity the forum offered; the people of the regions would no longer fold their alms and watch their “worthy projects” wished away, but adopted of a practical and action oriented 20-year roadmap for the rapid transformation and inclusive development of the regions.

Disengaged Rivers’ workers protest non-payment of gratuities Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

D

isengaged workers of the Rivers State Oil Palm Plantation yesterday protested the non-payment of their gratuities by the state government.

The workers also threatened to shut down the oper-

ations of the organisation that had taken over the company from Rivers State Government.

The 3, 000 hectares Rison Palm Plantation was inherited from the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) by the Rivers State government after it was created in 1967 and was re-named Risonpalm,

with estates in Ubima and oil palm estate at Elele, while the state government has replanted part of the hectarage with high yielding and improved breed.

The company, which rose to the peak of its glory as a flourishing company in the late 90s before its fortune nose-dived, was finally sold out to a private

organisation later.

Speaking with newsmen during the protest that took the workers to the Government House, Port Harcourt, Chairman of the disengaged Risonpalm Workers’ Association, Chief Jude Nwoka, condemned the attitude of the government towards the workers, describing it as injustice.

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10 escape death as building collapses in Lagos Ten people survive despite being trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building

Muritala Ayinla

F

our minors and six others narrowly escaped death in Lagos after a two-storey building under construction caved in yesterday morning.

The house is located at 11, Sand Beach Lanes off Alonge Street, Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government.

It was gathered that the kids were also working as labourers in the building when it collapsed about 11am trapping them. They were evacuated with the workers under the rubbles.

The underage labourers were said to be used by the artisans working in the building as coworkers.

The people, who were rushed to the hospital, sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Three of the minors were identified as Monday Ahungbe (12), Jimoh Adebi (13) and Moses

Kunle Olayeni and Taiwo Jimoh

N

igeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday said it had arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Olusegun Kehinde, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Its Public Relations Officer, Kareem Olanrewaju, said in a statement that the suspect attempted to kidnap a nine-monthold baby in Ijeun-Titun area of Abeokuta.

Olanrewaju added that the 32-year-old Kehinde was picked up by NSCDC personnel who were on patrol of electricity facilities.

He said: “As a result of the alarm raised by the child’s mother, Mrs Olanike Ogundeyi, when she saw her nine-monthold baby (Malik Ogundeyi) with

Atoketi (15).

Witnesses, who said they were alerted by the deafening sound and dust which enveloped the community after the collapse, claimed that the incident caused pandemonium in the area.

A resident of the community, Mr Monsur Olawale, said the building collapsed at 11am while construction works were on-going, adding that everyone scampered for safety.

Another resident, who identified himself as Prince Olowo, said: “We were in the shop when I heard a loud bang and all I saw was that the entire building had collapsed on the workers.

“But some escaped unhurt, while others are still trapped under the debris. I can’t say the number of people under the rubbles but, I know that those in the building were working on the structure.”

The residents also attributed the successful rescue operation to the prompt response of officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

Confirming the incident,

Abuja blast: shun El-Ruf

FEATURES Editor

FRIday, april 25, 2014

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE

Friday, Apr

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

File picture of some of the buses de

Amadi Nnamdi Abuja

A

The collapsed building. Inset: Sympathisers at the scene

the Public Relations Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said the injured had been taken to Afolabi Medical Centre, Oworonsoki.

He said: “It was only two adults who suffered serious injury and they have been transferred to Gbagada General Hospital, Gbagada, for proper medical attention.”

Also, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Femi OkeOsayintolu, confirmed that 10 of the

Photos: Godwin irekhe

construction workers were trapped in the building.

Speaking on the incident, the General Manager, LASBCA, Mrs Abimbola Animashaun, decried the use of underage boys for construction work.

ftermath of the bomb blast at Nyanya Park, commuters now avoid the big Urban Mass Transit buses, popularly called El-Rufai buses.

Our correspondent discovered this during a visit to the makeshift Nyanya Park where transporters now pick passengers to different places within and outside Abuja after the bomb blast.

Many passengers now shun the once popular El-Rufai buses and board taxis or other mini-buses.

One of the passengers, who identified herself as Mrs Theresa Obia, said she had not got over the trauma of the blast.

According to her, she now avoids places which attract crowd.

She said: “We don’t know their next target, so the best thing is to avoid crowded locations for now.”

Ms Grace Okhiedo, a regular commuter on the route, disclosed that even before the bomb blast, she did not patronise the big urban mass transit

NSCDC nabs suspected kidnapper

the suspect.

“The incident happened yesterday at No 1, Elegbede house, Ore-Meji Street, Ijeun-Titun area of Abeokuta about 12 O’clock in the afternoon. The suspect, however, said he was just passing-by.”

Narrating her ordeal, the baby’s mother said that the child was kidnapped when he crawled out while she was busy washing.

Ogundeyi explained the baby was in the passage while she went to pour away used water at the backyard.

“I came back from the backyard to discover that my baby has crawled out, but to my surprise, I saw the man outside carrying my baby and holding him close to his chest. It was when I raised the alarm that the baby

was forcibly collected from him after which he attempted to run away before people with the support of the NSCDC pursued and got him arrested,” she added.

It was learnt that the NSCDC men immediately whisked away the suspect from the scene to prevent mob action.

Olanrewaju told journalists that investigation was on-going in the matter, adding that the suspect would be made to face the consequences of his action through the due process of law.

The NSCDC spokesman added that the case would be referred to the appropriate government agency should the suspect found culpable.

He said: “The suspect claimed he lives at Okanlawon’s Com-

pound, Oke-Ijeun, Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. During interrogation, he was noticed faking a mentally imbalanced person as he spoke incoherently but emphasised that he did not steal the child.”

Olanrewaju advised parents to always be on the alert and ensure their children do not go out of their sight.

Kehinde

RCCG Sunshine Zon

T

he Sunshine Mega Zone of the Redeemed Chris tian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 10 will, today, hold a specia power night programme tagged: “Let God Arise.”

The areas making up the zone such as Sunshine Reigning King, Victory Are na, Comfort, Mercy Land Gate of Praise, Garden of Love and Jesus Palace, wil to converge on the zona headquarters, Sunshine Parish, Mulero, Agege, La gos, by 9pm.

According to the Pastor In-Charge of Sunshine Zone, Pastor Lucky On yeemeosi, God is going to arise and all His enemies will be scattered in the life

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Insecurity: PDP, APC’s spat heigthens tension

Deputy Editor, politics

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Friday, April 25, 2014

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Imoke, Duke’s influence looms large over Cross River Clement James Calabar

“

The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician thinks about the next election while a statesman thinks about the next generation.”

-Hilary Rodham Clinton.

The above quote reflects the mindset of politicians in Cross River State nay in Nigeria, as the 2015 general elections draw near. Everywhere in the state, meetings are being held, alliances are being formed, concessions are being negotiated and promises are being made all in a bid to either topple current office holders or consolidate on gains already made.

Similarly, there are those who feel their involvement in politics should only be limited to behind-the-scene act. They are really powerful as they form the think-tank in the various senatorial districts in the state. Nobody dares ignore their contributions or even their preferences. They are the godfathers and caucus leaders who are in a prime position to discuss or even dictate the direction of politics in their respective localities.

And since the recent official declaration of Chief Gershom Bassey, in an interview with New Telegraph, that he would not contest the governorship of the state, high-wired politicking has shifted to the northern part of the state. Yet, the southern and central districts are positioning themselves for juicy offices. The following politicians are in pole positions to influence events in the coming elections.

Liyel Imoke The governor of the state is central to any decision that will throw up the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)candidates in the 2015 elections. By zoning the governorship to the northern part of the state, Imoke has single-handedly truncated the alleged agreement he and his friends (Gerhom Bassey and Donald Duke) had to return power to the south after his tenure. Although Bassey has publicly accepted this decision, those close to him say this acceptance is reluctant.

There are also reports that Imoke plans to go to the Senate after his tenure, or better still, send his wife there. Since he is from the central, this rumour, if it’s made real, will heighten tension in the zone as the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba has sworn that nobody can stop him from returning to the Senate, come 2015. But so far, the governor, who has virtually relocated to Abuja in recent times, has said nothing, to this effect. And if he is eventually saddled with the responsibility to head a committee on the Super Eagles outing at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, then we may have to wait a little longer for the man many see as being conservative with words.

One thing certain is that Imoke will to a large extent determine the political direction of the state in 2015. What he intends to do on his political future is only known to him. This is given the fact that apart from being a governor for more than six years, he had been senator and minister. So, returning to the Senate may not sound interesting to him.

Donald Duke He was the governor of the state between 1999 and 2007. Duke’s influence in the state cannot be quantified even out of office. His friend, Governor Imoke, has been battling to keep the standard of infrastructural development he left behind. However, the relationship between the two friends has been suspicious in recent times as Duke is rumoured to be identifying with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. But this rumour may not be taken seriously because in the 2012 re-run election, there was a reported friction between the two bosom friends but that was dispelled when Duke suddenly appeared in almost all the campaign rallies with Imoke.

Duke himself is one man who, many say, is unpredictable. He is widely revered in the state and the clean sanitary condition of the state today is credited to him. He is also the architect of the yearly Calabar Carnival and Christmas festival and the one who brought the Obudu Cattle Resort to world reckoning. For these and more, Duke enjoys the goodwill of the people till date. But like while he was in office, he remains controversial out of office.

It is difficult to pin his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where his friends are holding the forte and it is even more difficult to identify the direction of his ambition. Late last year, there were rumours that Duke was eyeing the vice presidential ticket in APC. But that seems to have been overtaken by events as new names have since propped up.

Duke is a force to be reckoned with any day and any time in the politics of the state. In fact, even his friends who currently hold political power are often intimidated each time there is rumour that he was pitching his tent with one party or other. And the rumour mill has always been awash with his alleged dumping of the PDP. Maybe the fog will soon be clear for the people to know the mindset of the former governor. whichever way he goes, he will not lack support, as he has more loyalists in the state than some of the current occupants of political offices.

Victor Ndoma-Egba Senator Ndoma-Egba is from Ikom Local Government Area of the state and is the current Senate Leader. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he has been in the Senate since 2003. Ndoma-Egba is very influential both in the Senate and in Cross River politics. However, in recent times, there have been rumours of a face-off between him and Governor Imoke over the ambition of a particular governorship aspirant.

Until recently, many people in the state have criticised the senator for the bad federal roads in the state. Ndoma-Egba has a chance to return to the Senate in 2015 but the rumoured interest of Imoke and that of member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Owan Enoh in the Senate, and the plan by the Obubra people to produce a senator this time around puts a lot of pressure on the Senate Leader who, many say, is nursing the ambition of becoming the Senate President some day. Although he has been involved in render-

14 POLITICS

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2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Imoke, Duke, Ukpo, Ndoma-Egba, Ita-Giwa, CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

ing some empowerment programmes, his critics continue to say he has not done enough. For instance, many of his critics have questioned the rationale behind locating his computer school in Calabar when his constituency is in far away Ikom. Even in his Akparabong community, many complain about the roads there. But the Senate Leader may still have his way because in politics, the wiser one prevails.

Joseph Wayas He was the Senate President between 1979 and 1983. The Ogoja born politician has continued to hold firm to his political influence, especially in the northern senatorial zone, even from his Abuja base. Wayas it was, who along with the late Senator Victor Akan, formed the then Lagos Front to eject Dr. Clement Isong out of office in the 1983 governorship election and put in Chief Donald Etiebet when Akwa Ibom was part of Cross River State.

Although he has been out of active politics for a long time, he has remained relevant in the state as many young politicians seek his blessings before venturing into the field. And now that the governorship has been zoned to the north where he holds sway, Wayas will have to put his influence to good use. But he will also have to contend with other equally eminent personalities from the area whose influence cannot be wished away. One of his major challenges is the lack of resources to sponsor any candidate. His blessing is limited to moral support while the candidate looks elsewhere for logistics support.

Edet Bassey Otu He is from Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River. Until 2003, Senatore Otu was quietly living his life in the business world. However, in 2003, he contested and won election into the House of Representatives, representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipality and Bakassi Federal Constituency. He chaired the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions as well as Committee on Petroleum (Upstream). The turning point for the Efik Prince came in 2011 when he contested and got an overwhelming victory to represent Southern Cross River in the Senate. His opponent in the PDP primary election was Senator Ewa Henshaw.

Since becoming a senator, Otu has endeared himself to his constituents with a lot of empowerment programmes which has never been witnessed in the history of politics in the area. Although some other personalities, including the immediate past state chairman of PDP, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, are said to be looking forward to upstaging him in 2015, Otu has confirmed his return to the Senate as many people in the southern part of the state now sing his praises. Otu has said he will not step down for anybody. Having added so much money to his already bulging purse, he is really the man to beat in the contest for the Southern Senatorial seat.

For a man who has given out more 200 cars to people and empowered more than one thousand families in the six local government areas that make up his senatorial district with various empowerment equipment and scholarship programmes, it will be an uphill task for any new comer to succeed in unsettling him.

Imoke

Duke

Ndoma-Egba

Mrs Imoke

Linus Okom He is the bespectacled former state chairman of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP), former Board Chairman of Flour Mills plc and former Board Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He holds the traditional title of Ada Bekwara (Chief of Bekwara) and is from Bekwara Local Government Area of the state. It is believed that no politician can make his mark in Bekwara politics or hold an office without the recommendation of Okom. He has long retired from active politics but has continued to produce candidates who have either held chairmanship position in the council or legislative position from the area.

Okom is highly respected even by the state government and he is seen as a deciding factor in the search for a governor from the north, his Senatorial District. His influence, however goes beyond Bekwara as it extends to Obudu. This is the reason why his house in Calabar has become the melting point of politicians from the area who go there for consultations. But like Wayas, Okom has only moral support to give as anyone who seeks his support

will have to source for fund elsewhere to prosecute his election.

Anthony Ukpo Major General Ukpo was once a military administrator of Rivers State during the Ibrahim Babangida regime.

Rich and revered, he has integrated effectively in the civil society such that he has been involved in every government in the state since 1999. Although he has no need of any office, as his loyalists believe, the Yala born General has never been ignored when it comes to putting his men into political offices. In Yala, he plays a key role in appointing a chairman. Perhaps, due to his background and the fact that he once occupied the exalted office in Rivers State, every governor in the state since the Fourth Republic seems to find a confidant in him. Apart from moral support, Gen. Ukpo is rich enough to sponsor whoever he wants to support.

He has established himself as one who can muster the courage to talk to any governor in the state and the people hold him in high esteem.

As the 2015 governorship election draws nearer, Ukpo is likely to play a

crucial role in the choice of a candidate, being the turn of his senatorial district to produce the next governor.

And with so much resource at his disposal, the former Rivers State military administrator is one person to look out for in the evolving 2015 elections.

Kanu Agabi Agabi is a national figure, having been Minister of Steel and later Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in Obansanjo’s second coming. A former senator, the Bekwara born legal luminary is highly respected for his openness and philanthropic disposition. Many people from the northern part of the state say the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has always assisted in defraying legal cost whenever they had any reason to be in court. But beyond this, Agabi has established himself as one who has soft spot for young people. In fact, his political strength lies in the youths of the area and he has their confidence.

That is why it is difficult for any politician to succeed in Bekwara without the consent of Okom and Agabi. However, in recent times, Agabi’s health has not

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

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2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Okon dominate Cross River politics

Wayas

Ita-Giwa

Henshaw

Otu

Okon

Agabi

been sound but he remains a force in deciding the next governor of the state.

Bolaji Anani He is from Abi Local Government Area of the state in the Central Senatorial District. He once served as the chairman, Local Government Service Commission before he moved to Abuja as a member of Federal Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC). Today, he is the National Financial Secretary of the PDP. Anani is from the same area with Governor Imoke and is said to be Imoke’s unofficial adviser on major political issues. Although the Central District is on the last lap of its tenure, Anani remains in the thick of the caucus that will decide the fate of the next PDP candidate. He has always remained silent but has a peculiar way of working and aligning with the winning camp when the chips are down. And being close to the governor, it is believed that Anani is privy to who will succeed Imoke. His house is always a beehive of activities whenever he is in Calabar and most political plots take place in the deep confines of his home.

Clement Ebri The former governor and former national chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has said he would not contest for any office. However, he cannot be ignored in the politics of Yakurr. Although he has been in the opposition camp since 1999, Ebri has loyalists across the three senatorial

The former senator cannot be pushed aside in political decision making in the state, especially with regard to the making of a new governor districts. The Mkpani-born politician has been mostly out of the state, but those close to him say he might soon return to join forces with other like minds in a bid to plant a governor.

One thing is clear however, with the entrenched political structure of PDP and the overwhelming influence of the state governor, Ebri’s efforts may hit the brickwall. That is not to say that he will not do his best. But having been out of government for more than two decades, he has a lean purse to push any candidate to success. His influence is not in doubt but given the new phase of politics in Nigeria which is capital intensive, Ebri’s influence might be restrained even in Yakurr, his local government area.

Bassey Ewa Henshaw Although he has been compensated with the job of overseeing the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) as chairman, Senator Henshaw is still nursing the wound inflicted by his loss of the Southern

Senatorial District seat to Prince Otu in 2011. He least expected that the table would turn against him and he did not do much to prevent his ouster. Maybe he has learnt a great lesson from that experience which was in no way palatable, but the former senator cannot be pushed aside in political decision making in the state, especially with regard to the making of a new governor. His involvement in this matter is so crucial that he is keeping tab on events in the state, even though he is supposed to reside in Port Harcourt.

Besides, many people say Henshaw is still nursing the ambition of returning to the Senate in 2015. This is because the duties of the NDDC board chairman do not carry the same weight as that of the Managing Director. Over the years, Bassey has made enough money to compete on the political field, but most people see him as being tightfisted, the same reason that cost him the senatorial seat the last time.

of producing a governor without her input, and in the present administration, she plays a vital role in advancing the cause of women in the state.

In the local government chairmanship election held last year, Mama Bakassi single-handedly produced the current chairman of Bakassi against stiff opposition from many party members.

In Bakassi, Ita-Giwa decides what happens and what doesn’t happen. Right now, the iron lady of Cross River politics is having a good time in Abuja as a delegate to the ongoing National Conference.

As the search for the next governor of the state continues, Senator Ita-Giwa is likely to be in the thick of events preceding the election. And with the 35 per cent affirmative action adopted by the Imoke-led administration to diffuse gender tension, Ita-Giwa and Mrs. Obioma Imoke, the governor’s wife, are likely to make subtle but decisive contributions.

Florence Ita-Giwa Mama Bakassi, as she is fondly called by friends and admirers, is seen as a political asset to the state. Her experience at the national level, having been a one-time senator aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is seen as one of the greatest achievements by a woman in the state, only second to that achieved by late Mrs. Margaret Ekpo.

Ita-Giwa is a colossus in the political firmament of the state. It is often difficult to take a vital decision as that

Obioma Liyel Imoke She is the wife of the state governor.

Before now, Mrs. Imoke was all over the place. But she has since limited her public outing and taken a vantage position at the rear. She is said to have influenced the election of three female chairmen and 15 female vice-chairmen in the last local government election.

Mrs Imoke is so powerful that even commissioners are afraid of having any kind of face-off with her. In recent CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

Imoke’s associates, lawmakers in CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

times, rumours have been making the rounds that she wants to go to the Senate. This rumour gathered momentum last year when Senator Grace Bent from Adamawa State came to the state and urged her to find her way to the Senate.

Although she has lost made any public pronouncement on the issue, the rumour continues to thicken by the day.

Mrs. Imoke is of Igbo extraction and married to the governor who is from Itighidi in Abi Council Area of the state. Her influence is so enormous that her pet project, Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realisation (POWER), often touted as an NGO, has been enjoying government patronage.

In the coming election, her input will be crucial. So far, potential candidates with close links to her are said to be falling head over heels to get her attention. The state is patiently waiting for the First Lady and her husband to take this vital decision in order to calm frayed nerves.

Nkoyo Toyo She is a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and currently represents Odukpani/Calabar Municipality federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Many have continued to wander how the civil society activist won her election given the fact she hardly parts with money.

Recently, she drew Imoke and Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal to Okoyong in Odukpani Local Government Area for the inauguration of a large expanse of farmland which she claimed is her constituency project. She has refused to say if she is going back to the House, but many people say the lady is no longer interested in returning to Abuja.

Ntufam Ekpo Okon He is the immediate past state chairman of the PDP and until his unceremonious exit, was seen as the second most powerful figure in the state after the governor. Short and stocky, it was alleged that the former chairman ran the state chapter of the party like his fiefdom and the sack was long in coming. Okon was not only the state chairman of the party, he was also the state commissioner in the NDDC Board. Perhaps, he did not realise that power is transient, Okon used his offices to maximum benefit and when he left, many were surprised at the fall of a man who had hitherto remained untouchable.

But feelers from his camp indicate that Okon is re-arming himself to reclaim the front row he is used to in the state. This time, he is warming up for the Senate to represent the Southern Senatorial District. It will however, be very difficult for him, as the present occupant, Otu has cemented his relationship with his constituents.

Apart from the fact that his political structures have since collapsed, he is averse to spending money. With the forces that shoved him out of office still very much around and the space having been narrowed, Okon may need another political platform other than the PDP to realise his ambition. Even then, the odds against him are enormous and he may have to reconcile with his principal, the governor, in order to create a space for him.

Ntufam John Okon He is the immediate past Clerk of the State House of Assembly and cur-

Agba

Toyo

Ode

Agabi

rent state chairman of PDP. He is from Akamkpa in Southern Senatorial District and will likely play a key role on who emerges as the party’s flag-bearer in the state. He wields a lot of political power in the state but many see him as relying so much on the governor to take a decision. In fact, when the former state chairman, Ekpo Okon was removed from office, tongues started wagging that the governor was going to plant someone who would be at his beck and call. However, Ntufam Okon has always seized every opportunity to deny this allegation. But since he came to office in 2012, the state PDP chairman has proved critics right as he cannot do anything without the governor’s input or decision.

Yet, as one who has the ears of Imoke, Okon may have long known who will succeed the governor and, like his boss, he has kept this in the hinder part of his heart. It is believed in many quarters that those close to the state party chairman have been watching his lips but the technocrat turned politician has kept to the rules of secrecy which is creating confusion among intending aspirants.

Nobody dares ignore their contributions or even their preferences.

They are the godfathers and caucus leaders who are in prime positions to discuss or even dictate the direction of politics in their respective localities Wilfred Inah He is a retired Permanent Secretary in the state civil service. During the primaries preceding the state National Republican Convention (NRC) congress in 1991, Chief Inah contested against his kinsman, Dr. Clement Ebri and almost won but for the political ingenuity of some people in Ebri’s camp.

He has since parted ways with Ebri and joined the PDP.

In Yakurr, Inah is more than a godfather as he is seen as a kingmaker in the historic town of Ugep. Last year, Inah launched a book on the civil service which chronicled his experience in the service, especially during and after the civil war. The occasion drew the crème de la crème of the society, including the state governor. Perhaps, it was an occasion to test his political clout and he did so in grand style.

As the 2015 elections draw nearer, Inah is definitely going to play a crucial role in mustering a lot of support for the next governor in the Central Senatorial District given the fact that he holds the dice in Yakurr politics.

Edor Obi The former Military administrator of Bayelsa is from Boki Local Government Area in the Central Senatorial District. Col. Obi (rtd) has continued to play key role on who emerges as chairman in the local government area and was once rumoured to eye the Senate.

Obi, it will be recalled, was the last Military Administrator of Bayelsa who handed over to Chief Dieprieye Alamiyeseigha and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

His relationship with the President

POLITICS 17

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

test of might for governorship seat

Anani

Ebri

Okon

Okon

Okon

Cobham

has remained cordial, giving him access to the president any time he wishes. As next year’s election approaches, the retired military officer is clearly on the radar of those who wish to seek the president’s blessings for their ambition.

Pam Ogar He is another military officer who once governed Kwara State. Col. Ogar (rtd) is from Etung Local Government Area of the state and is a strong political ally of the governor. He currently heads the PDP caucus in the Central Senatorial District. In Cross River State, being at the head of a caucus means allotting a huge percentage of chances to yourself. The Nsofang-born retired military officer is currently busy attending to prospective contestants.

Ogar is not only a leader, he also has enough money to push forward any candidate of his choice. Since retiring from service, he has made so much money out of hospitality business, building hotels in Calabar and Ikom, the best known being Pyramid Hotel, Calabar. Little wonder he has become the toast of possible governorship candidates in recent times.

Asuquo Ekpenyong He is from the Southern Senatorial District of the state and is very rich. He is the Chairman and CEO of Devandy Group, a company that is involved in banking, oil and gas and hospitality. Apart from his personal businesses, Chief Ekpenyong is the Chairman, State Policy Analysis Committee (SPAC) and Chairman, Board of Directors, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) in the

state. He is a quiet actor and knows events in the state even before they take place. A financial expert, the Efik High Chief looks indispensable in the politics of the state as no serious political decision is taken without his knowledge. Because of his huge financial muscle, he is an asset to anybody who gets his blessing to run for an office.

William Archibong Sir Archibong is a political consultant for many budding office holders.

Anybody who thinks he can achieve his political ambition of governing the state without him is deluding himself.

He is the Chairman and CEO of Eskor Nig. Ltd., and, until last year, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Obudu Mountain Race. Archibong is at the head of a formidable Efik group which is canvassing for a better deal for the Efik stock in case a northern candidate emerges governor. He is a strong member of the PDP Southern senatorial caucus and an indispensable factor in the choice of a candidate.

Mr. Efiok Cobham He is the incumbent deputy governor of the state. A lawyer by profession, the Creek Town born politician has been seen as a loyal disciple of the governor. This has perhaps accounted for his retention as deputy since 2007.

However, his political future remains uncertain. The Deputy Governor was frightened out of his wits last December when some elements kidnapped his father, who was later released. Their grievance was that

the second-in-command has refused to throw his hands open even though he has been in government for a long time.

It is speculated that Mr. Cobham may go into limbo at the end of the present administration.

Larry Odey He is presently heading the legislative arm of the state. Odey has so far declared his intention to contest the governorship to the 18 local caucus chairmen in the state. But since his rumoured declaration, he has retreated into his cocoon, perhaps, focusing for now on his legislative duties.

However, he has a lot of interest to contain with in the northern axis of the state. His predecessor, Hon. Frank Odey who is currently in the House of Representatives, is also interested in the plum job. Although the Speaker has the resources to weather his political storm, his name has found little or no place so far when contenders are mentioned.

Benedict Ayade He is currently representing the Northern Senatorial District in the Senate. Prof. Ayade’s name has become a recurring decimal each time there is an impending governorship election. But after taking over from the immediate past senator, Greg Ngaji, Ayade seems to be enjoying his parliamentary duties. Yet, his name is being flaunted by those who wish he should run. Those who know him say he is open-handed and has contributed immensely to people’s lives in the area. His welfare transport scheme, Ayade Transport, has

given relief to many indigenes from the north who simply pay a token to get home. Indeed, Ayade has a good number of supporters but whether he will abandon the Senate and go the governorship is a matter is still unclear.

Goddy Jeddy-Agba He is the son of the longest serving traditional ruler in the state, Chief J. D. Agba. Until he declared interest in the governorship, it was assumed that his father had an untainted relationship with the governor. But since his rumoured interest, things have fallen apart between the governor and the Obudu monarch.

Jeddy-Agba is wealthy as he is the General Manager (Crude) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). His financial arsenal is intimidating, making many to believe that he may end up being his own man if and when he becomes governor. But the Obudu Prince is not resting on his oars as he his raising political structures across the state. His campaign manager, Dr. Sandy Onor looks a well chosen figure as the same Onor anchored Imoke’s campaign in the 2011 governorship election.

Onor has not only been working for Jeddy-Agba since he was dropped from the cabinet in December 2013, he has carefully identified aggrieved party members and is holding meetings across the state, selling his candidature. Only recently, the campaign office of the Obudu Prince was formally declared open.

18 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Insecurity: PDP, APC’s spat heigthens tension

Jonathan

Against the backdrop of security challenge bedevilling the nation, the blame game between members of the ruling party and the opposition poses a threat to efforts to tackle the issue.

Etaghene Edirin reports

N

ot too long ago Nigerians woke up to a terrible day. Penultimate Monday morning, a highly populated motor park in Nyanya, a town on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, was rocked by a terrible explosion, leaving in its wake, over 70 dead bodies, and many more injured. It is not clear yet how the bomb was ferried into the park, but witnesses suspected it was planted by a suicide bomber.

Several dead bodies littered the blood spattered park and the expressway leading to the city, before the arrival of security, and emergency management agencies. Several vehicles, including about 12 government-owned high capacity buses operated by the Abuja Mass Transit Company Limited, were destroyed in the attack. Some of the buses were said to be loaded with passengers when the explosion occurred.

Hardly had the smoke from the explosion abated, than the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, issued a statement, stating that the bombing was “politically motivated by unpatriotic persons, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been making utterances and comments, promoting violence and blood-letting as a means of achieving political control”.

From that point on, the insecurity concern pervading the country, especially the north-eastern parts, became a political issue, as the two major political parties, the PDP and APC, threw remarks back and forth at each other. As if that was not enough, the Presidency was also accused of playing politics with the security situation in the country.

Former Head of State, and chieftain of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) irked by Metuh’s statements issued a seven-day ultimatum to the PDP to retract its “wild accusation” linking him with the Boko Haram acts, and offer a public apology or face a legal action.

In a statement he personally signed in Kaduna, Gen. Buhari, who has contested for the presidency three times, said: “I cannot sit back and allow my image, and that of my political party be smeared by falsehood in the name of politics.”

He continued that the allegations made against him by the PDP and its

Buhari

spokesman Metuh, to the effect that his utterances were responsible for the current state of insecurity and terrorism bedeviling Nigeria, were without basis. ‘’I take very serious exception to this grave accusation against me by the PDP Publicity Secretary. It is a false allegation aimed at tarnishing my image and reputation in the hope of destroying my political and electoral standings, and that of my party, the APC, in the country”, he said.

Buhari also cited the report of the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu-led Panel of Inquiry which was constituted by President Jonathan to investigate and report on the post-election violence in some parts of the country.

According to him, “the panel discharged its duties within its terms of reference and submitted its report to the President. This report was accepted by government and a Whitepaper issued.

Nowhere in that report, a product of thorough investigation of that unfortunate incident, was I mentioned in the remotest way to have uttered a word or acted in any form or manner that sparked off the violence. If I had, certainly that investigation would have uncovered it.

The truth is that I had not”.

Not long afterwards, the media was awash with news that APC governors shunned an expanded meeting of the National Security Council, which was summoned by President Jonathan in his office, and which was to have involved all governors of the 36 states.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati had issued a statement the day before that the meeting was convened to “review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.”

There were speculations also that the decision by the APC for its governors to boycott the meeting may not have been unconnected with allegation by the PDP that the opposition party was responsible for the bomb explosion in Nyanya.

Governors present at the meeting were mostly PDP governors, as well as Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo and Willy Obiano of Anambra states, who are from Labour Party (LP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) respectively.

The APC, in its characteristic attack manner, lashed out, and accused President Jonathan and the PDP of politicising Nigeria’s security by engaging in outright deception to exclude APC governors from the meeting the president himself had called to discuss the security situation in the country.

In a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said after deliberately excluding the governors from the meeting, the Presidency and the PDP then engaged in outright disinformation and

Metuh

distortion of facts to make it look as if the APC governors deliberately boycotted the meeting, apparently in an effort to make political gain from the whole issue.

Mohammed alleged that after the Presidency publicly invited all state governors to the meeting, then clandestinely reached out to the APC governors to say the meeting has been called off, only to turn around and blame them for shunning the meeting.

In a counter reaction, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who is the leader of the PDP Governors Forum, stated that APC governors were absent at the meeting to discuss the security problems facing the country because they were not invited.

“No, they were not invited. This meeting is a fallout of our meeting which we held with PDP governors and we felt that there was a need for us to meet the president and the security chiefs”, he said.

Akpabio added that the president had ‘graciously agreed’ to an expanded National Security Council meeting with all state governors rescheduled for April 23.

He also agreed that, “we must face the situation and it is not something we can politicise; you don’t politicise security”.

Nigeria’s Former permanent representative to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Gambari lashed both parties and others, warning that they should not turn what has become a national problem into a game to garner political point.

Gambari, who served as the U.N Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political Affairs, said: “It is absurd and they should stop it. Whether it is APC or PDP, or whatever; the security of this nation is far too important to become a political football, one accusing the other. It should be stopped immediately because they are trivializing the lives of Nigerians who were cut short as a result of this mindless killing. We have to stop playing politics with the security of our nation.”

Speaking at the public presentation of a book in Lagos, Gambari further warned that Nigeria would not develop in the absence of peace, and that there would not be durable peace where there is no sustainable development. Accord-

It is absurd and they should stop it. Whether it is APC or PDP, or whatever; the security of this nation is far too important to become a political football

ing to him, the security agencies could not do it alone.

Also speaking on the issue, Lagos state chairman of the PDP, Mr. Tunde Shelle reiterated the stand of Metuh, that “Buhari made some unnecessary comments sometime in 2011, when he lost the election. And that comment is still hunting him, up to today. That’s the issue. He said Nigeria will be made ungovernable for Mr. President”.

Shelle who spoke at a church programme in Lagos, said: “So if somebody is now accusing him of the Boko Haram insurgency, definitely they are saying the truth. So he should retrace his steps and watch his utterances, so that PDP will not point accusing fingers at him in future”.

As the insecurity situation in the north-east persist, in spite of the state of emergency declared in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, many Nigerians have expressed amazement at the actions and utterances of major players in the Nigerians state, and the level of insensitivity being exhibited by these highly placed officials, who should know better.

The Presidency, some governors, and the two major political parties have exhibited more tart for politicisation of the matter, than a resolve to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at alleviating the problem, which has led the loss of many innocent lives, and total disruption of the economy of the states affected.

For one, many analysts wonder why Metuh has not been invited by security agencies investigating the Nyanya bombings to substantiate his allegations, against the opposition party. Not forgetting, that misinformation, or providing false lead to security agencies is a serious crime under the laws of the land.

Meanwhile, seems the major actors are now trying to get it right, as President Jonathan later commended Gen. Buhari for condemning the killings perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorist sect. The president said that such an open attack against the activities of fundamentalists by the APC chieftain was an indication that terror will become a thing of the past if all Nigerians can join hands with the Federal Government to fight the evil.

Buhari had earlier condemned the Nyanya bombing saying those who committed the killings have declared war against the government of Nigeria.

Jonathan, in a statement signed by Dr. Abati, said: “President Jonathan believes that the position taken by General Buhari is that of a true patriot, respected former Head of State, revered elder statesman and nationalist”, even as he welcomed him, and all Nigerians to remain steadfast and work in unity to overcome terrorists and other merchants of death who currently threaten the nation’s security.

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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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19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

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

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

FRIday, APRIL 25, 2014

On banning candles and kerosene lamps

he Federal Government plans to phase out candles and kerosene lamps and replace them with solar energy lamps which are more environmentally friendly, according to the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam. She said concerns over the various environmental hazards and the avoidable deaths by the use of candles and kerosene are partly responsible for this move.

The Minister further explained that the switch from the use of candles and kerosene lanterns would crash the price of kerosene and possibly eliminate the use of candles in Nigeria, thereby improving the position of the country on the list of ozone friendly nations in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

As important as this issue is, the real factor that could effectively discourage the use of candle and kerosene lamps is for the government to get to the brass tacks and provide uninterrupted power supply to the people, as is being successfully done in neighbouring West African countries like Ghana, Togo and Republic of Benin. It is as simple as that.

With electricity available consistently, the use of candles and kerosene lamps would become obsolete without any need for legislation. Policy making should be hinged on realistic goals, taking into cognisance the practicability of what is being proposed

and how it fits the living conditions of the citizenry. Moreover this mindset of making policies from an elitist perspective, without thinking it through holistically, results in legislation that is warped and unenforceable. At the end making a mockery of policy-making and governance.

Perhaps, the honourable minister, in the euphoria of her new appointment hurriedly made the statement without thinking of its practicability.

We are of the view that there are a host of more germane issues that the ministry should preoccupy itself with for now, serious challenges such as flooding and de-flooding processes, ocean surge, desert encroachment, gas flaring and environmental issues in the Niger Delta.

Others include gully and coastal erosion, deforestation, illegal logging, bush burning, over grazing, desertification, industrial pollution, chemical pollution, oil pollution, toxic wastes and gas flaring, mining issues, and management of a wide range of waste. While most of our cities lack comprehensive drainage plans, the rural communities are at the mercy of the elements, water pollution, sanitation, land grabs and false climate solutions.

No doubt candles and kerosene lamps contribute to fire outbreaks and health issues. It is what the poor and lowly easily have access to. The plan by government to eradicate them is all the more unrealistic as they are also used in religious practices by

some faith based organizations. Moreover, the production of candles and kerosene lamps is what some households depend on. What plan has the government put in place to ameliorate their plight if this directive is implemented? After all, government exists to cater for the welfare and security of the people.

What the environmental ministry must be willing to do and should focus on presently, is how to declare a National Environmental Emergency.

Such a programme would enable it embark upon national environmental audit and management plan, the systematic detoxification of the Nigerian environment, the provision of ecological Funds strictly monitored and used to remediate or restore damaged environment through strict sanitation and waste management.

The over 4000 oil spills sites should be revisited and cleaned up urgently, alongside a massive reforestation programme across the nation. Furthermore, at least 10 per cent of the national budget should be set aside for issues highlighted above, coherence brought in between government structures to ensure convergence of efforts, and an immediate stop to gas flaring.

Government has to usher in a real energy evolution to clean and renewable energy. It should decentralise power supply based on community or regional grids as well as halt new oil concessions and install meters at appropriate points to determine out-

flows from flow stations. In addition, the environment ministry should concentrate its efforts in curbing the menace posed by gully erosion, fisheries loss, coastal erosion, wildlife and biodiversity loss, air pollution, unchecked spread of water hyacinth, global warming and ozone layer depletion.

It is also very important to ask how the solar lamps can be as cheap and affordable as candles and kerosene lamps. The vast majority of the people are already living in penury.

The grim statistics of the population of Nigerians living in abject poverty is provided by the National Bureau of Statistics which states that about 112million Nigerians live below the poverty line. About 70 million Nigerians representing half of the population are living in poverty with Jigawa State being the worst afflicted part of the country according to a recent economic report published by the World Bank.

We are fully in support of bolstering local commerce, creating jobs, enhancing incomes, cleaning the air, and improving health, safety, and quality of life. Provision of electricity is one of the most important elements for increasing personal productivity, which is the key to economic growth, and reduction in the level of poverty. The environment ministry in churning out any policy must be all-inclusive, representing all shades of interest and not just impressing groups of people.

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

OPINION Stephen Keshi’s steeplechase N

othing new about it, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is used to all that now. The Mundial is not a tea party.Going to the greatest soccer carnival in the globe comes with a lot of challenges.

The World Cup made Keshi. It is a long story. Let us go back to 1985. Nigeria was set to battle Tunisia in a crucial Mexico ‘86 qualifier. Big names had come in from outside our, shores to beef up the Eagles squad. From Portugal came the duo of Sylvanus Okpala and Okey Isima. John Fashanu flew in from England.

New Nigeria Bank Benin (NNB), Keshi’s team, had broken Nigeria’s WAFU Cup jinx. Twice the Bankers lifted the trophy[1983,1984]. The Football Association needed invitees to join Chris ‘Ajilo’ Udemezue’s training camp. Keshi was not so much in a hurry to report, and NFA boss Tony Ikazoboh would take none of that. The young central defender was banned from soccer here.

That turned out to be a big blessing. Keshi wandered to Cote d’Ivoire to join Stella Abidjan. The road to professionalism was wide open. From there to Lokeren Belgium and later Anderlecht.

Big Boss never saw World Cup action until the last years of his career, when he made the USA’94 edition as an ageing skipper. It was just a bonus. Clemens Westerhof wanted to honour his captain.

Today Keshi is fully in charge of the team as Manager, and is Brazil bound. And we must all accept him as the boss. The man toiled for this moment. He suffered a lot of denial previously. In 2002, the NFA sacked him as assistant coach after then Eagles qualified for Korea/Japan. Four years later, Togo did the same to deny the Nigerian a place

at Germany 2006.

Let the universe hear it now. Brazil 2014 is Keshi’s World Cup. From Calabar to Kano, Ilorin to Maiduguri, tell the story in Potiskum, shout it out in Talata Mafara.Echo it in Iworo Ajido, make some noise in Otanzu-Otanchara.

This is Stephen Keshi’s show.

The man loves this country more than we understand.

Let us hear it from former Cameroun international Joseph Antoine Bell. “A day to the Cote d’Ivoire ‘84 Nations Cup grand finale,a journalist interviewed Roger Milla, Keshi and I Keshi sounded so confident in the midst of elders like us. ‘We came here to win ,we promised our people that, and we are going back to Nigeria with the trophy’. I asked Milla, who is this small boy talking like that. Since that day, Keshi became my friend,”Milla told me in Dakar Senegal in 1992.

Eagles scored first in the ensuing game but lost 1-3 to the Indomitable Lions. Keshi was captain, and ever since, love for Nigeria remains as hot as goat meat pepper soup prepared in Delta.

The board room game between the NFF and the Big Boss over the Brazil 2014 team list is normal. Keshi has the right to pick his team. The technical committee may have a different agenda. However, with a man like Paul Bassey, I know they must agree to agree.

I do not know about others. I can vouch for Bassey. He also knows the game. Permit me to be Keshi. I would just bounce Joseph Yobo and Ike Uche. I do not see them doing more than the country needs. Then Chigozie Agbim should go shed some weight and prepare for the next World Cup. Keshi could make mistakes. That is human. But the man is ready to die for Nigeria. In January 1993,coach Gilbert Gress of Strasbourg France took the captain’s band from him just because Keshi was in South Africa for Eagles in a USA’94 qualifier. In 1994, RWD Molenbeek Belgium sacked him for the same reason.Once robbers attacked Big Boss around Oshodi, Lagos after playing for

Friday, April 25, 2014

the country.All that did not diminish his belief in Nigeria.

Born to Igbo parents from Ilah, Delta state, in Zaria, bred in Lagos and married to an Esan Edo woman,here is a true Nigerian.

Keshi has affected our football more than many others.

First compatriot to qualify another county for the Mundial, first to lead another country to the Nations Cup, first Nigerian to take three countries to the Nations Cup, CAF Coach of the Year 2005 and crowned Igwe of Nigerian football by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

Keshi was not the first Nigerian to play soccer in Europe. Albert Osakwe did before 1949,Titus Okere joined Swindon in 1952, Teslim Balogun played for Peterborough in 1955 and later Queens Park Rangers. John Onyeador and Elkanah Onyali were also in England before Ade Coker, Tunji Banjo,John Chiedozie and Emeka Nwajiobi.

Damian Ogunsuyi was in Egypt and Christian Nwokocha in Portugal.

None of these stars affected movement as much as Keshi.

And till date, he is still in touch with players, old and new, within and out of the country. Paul Okoku, Segun Olukanmi, Franklin Howard, name them.

And who says Keshi loves money more than football.” I joined NNB because of my friends Henry Nwosu and Edema Benson. I earned less than my friends even when Aloy Atuegbu was wooing me to join Rangers”,Keshi revealed in the air across the Gambia on the way back from Senegal ‘92.

This is the magic man that will lead us to Brazil. And to Brasileira he must go. Whoever expects Nigeria to win the cup must be down with malaria. And i am sure Keshi’s road will be rough, very rough. It is like steeplechase. A lot of hurdles, obstacles. Now for a man whose journey to the World cup began as a substitute on October 10, 1981 in the 0-2 loss to Algeria in Lagos, 33 years is enough to achieve something different. Jesus Christ died at 33,and as an ex-pupil of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic school Ebute Metta, this Stephen can neither be stoned in Sao Paolo nor in Rio de Janeiro.

Fellow countrymen, expect the unexpected.

Lagos APC’s campaign of calumny against Obanikoro (1) Tope Aileru

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he massive campaign of calumny, which the Lagos State Government, and especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have declared on Senator Musiliu Obanikoro since his appointment as a Minister of State for Defence recently, in no small way, leaves so much to be desired. Going by the recent actions of the Lagos APC, it has been confirmed that Senator Obanikoro’s skyrocketing political profile has become a big headache to them. Just in two months in office, the LASG and the Lagos APC have been attacking the personality of the Minister in a manner which will make one wonder whether he (Obanikoro) is actually an indigene of Lagos.

This piece is a response to an article written by the Interim Publicity Secretary of the Lagos APC, Joe Igbokwe, which was widely circulated in the media few days back. The article, entitled “Musiliu Obanikoro Endangers The Nigerian Army” is one of the various reckless media attacks the Lagos APC and Lagos State

Government have been launching against the person of the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana whose rising political profile Lagos indigenes are proud of.

Engineer Igbokwe, a radical newspaper publisher and politician who I respect, I want to believe, was trying to raise some issues regarding the way Obanikoro has been discharging his duties as a Minister (with reference to the Nigerian Army). It was however, unfortunate that rather than address the issue, the Lagos APC’s Mouthpiece opted for name calling, character assassination and lying, all in his bid to drag Obanikoro’s image in the mud.

He engaged in cooking up un-imaginable allegations against the Minister and using un-savoury statements to describe him. This act is unexpected of a man of Igbokwe’s caliber and tells more about the desperation of himself and his co-travellers in the Lagos, APC, who are seemingly threatened by Obanikoro’s pace in politics, just as the elections are drawing near.

In his piece, Igbokwe said that the day Senator Obanikoro was appointed the Minister of State for Defence is the day he wrote off the Federal Government.

Of course, that is his personal opinion, which doesn’t represent any significant meaning.

It is also unfortunate that going by most of the things Igbokwe said in his piece, made it obvious that the Igbo politician who is Nnewi, Anambra State is alien to the political developments in Lagos prior to the time he was brought into the ACN. He showed in his piece that he doesn’t even know the man he intended to attack, that much.

Igbokwe said “Obanikoro came into limelight when he became the executive chairman of Lagos Island Local Government few years back. No doubt, he is ignorant about the fact that as far back as 25 years ago, precisely 1989, Obanikoro had become the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Surulere Local Government. He was appointed as the State Deputy Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) after that, and was thereafter appointed by Governor Sir Michael Otedola as Director, before he eventually got the mandate of the people of Lagos Island to become the council chairman.

Igbokwe and people who follow his line of thoughts should be educated that

Obanikoro has been a grassroots mobiliser and a well-loved politician from Lagos Island for close to three decades.

Despite his non-deep knowledge about him, Igbokwe still went ahead to join the band of ‘lying choristers’ who have been singing of the false allegation that during the tenure of Obanikoro as Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, the council was looted with reckless abandon and that when he (Obanikoro) was leaving office, the council secretariat was set ablaze by the “Forces traced to his table in the bid to cover up”. All these are baseless allegations the Lagos APC had been peddling for years, all in a bid to drag Obanikoro’s name into disrepute, and they haven’t succeeded.

Maybe I should also refresh Mr. Igbokwe’s memory by informing him that before Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) handed over power to Senator Tinubu in 1999, it set up a probe panel, which thoroughly investigated the case and submitted its report. Obanikoro was never indicted of any complicity in the case.

• Aileru, a journalist writes from Lagos.

ARTS FRIDAY, April 25, 2014

21

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CULTURE

If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him " ― John F. Kennedy

Prof. Soyinka (middle) and the 1st place winner Anjola Olarenwaju (2nd right) and 2nd place winner Okey Ogunjiofor (2nd left), Diamond Bank E.D. Mr. Ezenwoko (3rd Left), and others, at the presentation of prizes for the 2014 edition of the LBHF Vision of the child painting competition held in Lagos.

11-year-old Olarenwaju wins VOTC painting competition 2014 Tony Okuyeme

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n a colourful gala night, the organisers of the Vision of the Child (VoTC) painting competition, a component of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, crowned 11-year-old Anjola Olarenwaju, a student of Master’s Hand Academy Badagry as the winner of its third edition.

The little girl clinched the N250,000 cash prize with her outstanding painting which impressively captured the theme of the painting competition “The Rule Of Law And The Law Of Impunity”. According to the festival consultant, Professor Wole Soyinka the theme was a deliberate effort to stretch the creativity of these young talents. “When we embarked on this project, some thought that the theme was very challenging and that we were pushing the children too far.

From time to time, we give them an opportunity to express themselves in a unique way and to hone their creativity skills. The theme is indeed challenging but sometimes you give them a near impossible theme. It is deliberate because it stimulates them to do more and they have proved that they are equal to the task.”

The well attended event had promi-

nent personalities such as the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Disun Holloway, Hon. Tola Wewe, executive director of regional business of Diamond Bank, Victor Ezenwoko, HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, among others.

The guests were thrilled to a night of outstanding performances by the kids. During the literary presentation by the kids, the guests were stunned at their tremendous showmanship. Each of them interpreted the theme in different literary forms such as poetry, short stories and essays. Of all the presentations, Angela’s poem “The Mosquito” got the highest applause of the night. Fortune who played the Compere put Professor Soyinka on the spot by asking him to judge the kids

When we embarked on this project, some thought that the theme was very challenging and that we were pushing the children too far

performance and for once the professor appeared to be speechless. Each of the six children who emerged winners of the literary arts competition got a free copy of Yetunda Aina’s book ‘My Nigeria’.

Musical performances by Gbenga and other artistes as well as a dance performance by TTB made the evening more entertaining.

An emotional Anjola said she wasn’t expecting to win the competition. She explained the inspiration of her painting: “My painting was all about the tree which stands for the law of impunity, and the land stands for the rule of law where things are meant to grow but the law of impunity just uprooted from the ground and started stepping on all those things that are meant to grow like education, economy, banks, aviation which are meant to be growing to make Nigeria better. But impunity is waxing stronger over them so that they can’t grow.”

The winners are: 1st Position - Anjola Olarenwaju (Master’s Hand Academy Badagry): N250,000; 2nd Position - Okey Ogumjiofor Joseph (Apostolic Faith Secondary School Anthony Village): N200,000; 3rd Position - Hodonu Mawuton Mayowa (Beulah Comprehensive College Badagry): N180,000; 4th Position - Williams Babafemi

Oludotun (Apostolic Faith Secondary School Anthony Village): N150,000; 5th Position - Chinedum Eziuku (Igbobi College Yaba): N120,000 and 6th Position - Adelere Joseph (Jesse Schools Ikotun): N100,000.

Designed as an interactive test to stretch youthful creativity even more than in previous editions, which were also very successful, the 2014 edition of the Vision of the Child, instead of the uni-disciplinary interpretation of the given theme, participants will expressed their vision in both Painting and the Literary Arts.

This year, the competition began with the literary section -- a poem, essay or short story of 300 to 500 words, on the theme. Those who scaled through were invited to the festival’s base, Freedom Park (by Broad Street, Lagos); provided with brushes, paint and easel and set to illustrate their literary presentation in the complementary medium of Painting.”

This is the premiere edition of what could be regarded as a mini Artistic Decathlon, tailored to the capabilities of the child. The Festival already envisages an even more intensive contest, with a disciplinary repertory whose menu will change from edition to edition --- but all that is in the future.

22 ART

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Tinsel, Africamagic Original Movies, search for new stars Tony Okuyeme

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fricaMagic, home of African movies and producers of some of the continent’s hit TV shows, is throwing its doors open as it auditions for Africa’s next brightest TV and Film stars.

As part of its contribution to the development of local productions of film and TV initiatives in Nigeria, AfricaMagic is once again calling on aspiring actors and actresses in the country to audition for various roles in the popular multi-camera soap opera, Tinsel and its first ever film feature initiative, AfricaMagic Original Films.

The auditions are scheduled to hold simultaneously on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd May 2014, from 7am to 5pm at different locations across the country and neighboring country, Ghana. Venues include Lagos – Protea Hotel Leadway, 1 Mogambo Close, Maryland Estate, Ikeja; the SS Lounge, 7 Sapara Williams Close, Off Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island; Theatre Arts Department Hall, University of Ibadan, among others, and Ghana. The audition, according to a statement from the organisers, seeks to provide the opportunity for talented Nigerians to live their dreams of starring in the popular soap opera or in an AfricaMagic produced movie, launch their acting careers to a continental audience and is open to male, female; young and old.

To audition, interested persons are required to come along with; three (3) copies of an individual five-by-seven (5x7) coloured, non-photo shopped studio-shot portrait photograph.

Since its debut to a continental audience in 2008, Tinsel, a thirty minutes series, has gone on to win the hearts of hundreds of DStv viewers both in the country and on the continent, becoming a daily show with a widely watched omnibus on Sundays on AfricaMagic Entertainment, Channel 151. Currently in its sixth season, Tinsel has become a must watch for millions of DStv audiences on the African continent; a

Cast of Tinsel

AfricaMagic is always excited at being a part of the fast growing African film and television industry, we are equally excited at the opportunity to create pure African content development that prompted the AfricaMagic brand to air previous seasons of the show on some of the other AfricaMagic channels and Silverbird TV to the delight of many television viewers. Tinsel is shot on location in Nigeria and is part of AfricaMagic’s

local investment drive dedicated to developing the television industry in the Africa.

In the wake of AfricaMagic’s many successes and its continued efforts in building and supporting the thriving African film industry, AfricaMagic in September 2013 launched its ever feature films platform, AfricaMagic Original Films which debuted on AfricaMagic Entertainment, Channel 151. With a fast growing film library, AfricaMagic Original Films has produced over 60 movies in the first phase of this film initiative and on its way to the second, prompting these auditions, to seek potential film stars and give opportunities to a wide range of film enthusiasts.

Speaking on the plan to launch widely spread auditions for two of the brand’s biggest initiatives, the Regional Director, Wangi MbaUzoukwu said “AfricaMagic is

always excited at being a part of the fast growing African film and television industry, we are equally excited at the opportunity to create pure African content, but more importantly, we have the chance to continue to tell the African story on a continent wide platform” adding that “this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who truly believes he or she has what it takes to be a TV or film star and what better platform to launch an acting career, if not on the continent’s largest content provider and we are hopeful of a huge turnout at the auditions.”

Tinsel and AfricaMagic Original Films is produced out of Nigeria and a testament to AfricaMagic’s commitment to the development of local content and support for skills development in Africa. “Venues for the open audition are confirmed by AfricaMagic Production.”

From Jamaica, Khalilah Rose comes with peace, unity Moses Kadiri

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any people preach peace, love and unity using diverse media. While some prefer the use of books, paintings, Khalilah Rose prefers music, which she uses to communicate her

Khalilah Rose

message to her teeming fans all over the world.

For this talented reggae singer, being in the music business is not about the pursuit of fortune and fame. Apart from her concerned about setting the standards for roots reggae music on a global level, she also has a passion, indeed, a heart for making the less privilege to be happy. This stands her out from other artistes.

Khalilah Rose is a conscious spirit whose music brings about awareness of the world around her. This is one of the reasons the Jamaican born artiste left Bob Marley’s country to Nigeria to preach love, and unity in a concert tagged ‘Peace Seminar, Peace Concert, Merit Awards, Poem, Drama, Comedy, and Playlet’ held in Kaduna State.

Organised by Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Kaduna State Chapter, the concert which is in collaboration with Arewa Visionary Fourm and LA-Shah Foundation would not have come at a better time.

“The concert is about ‘peace and unity amongst Muslims and Christians in Nigeria’. It was set out to bring aware-

ness; so that love can be within both communities. I am so happy that at the end of the day we achieved what we set out to achieve,” the award-winning reggae star said.

At the peace concert, Khalilah Rose performed to the admiration of all.

She sang her debut single “No Gunz”, produced by Carl James. The number relates the unfortunate story of many who have lost their loved ones. This particular song captures the essence of the show. “No Gunz” also take a political stand while asking the question, how all those guns got in the ghetto. Other songs that delighted the crowd include “Weep Not”, “Not Giving Up”, “Your Eyes”, “Hail Him”, “Destiny”, “Exodus”, a song originally done by Bob Marley. Others are “Black Starliner”, “Refugee”, “Love of a Lifetime”.

The turn-out at Musa Yar’Adua Hall, located at Murtala Square, Kaduna State was massive; the people came out in large numbers to show support. At a point the crowd was asking for more performance from the talented singer who has worked as the host for Forever

Reggae Television, also as a teacher for children with special needs, and also as a staff worker in a local homeless shelter.

For Khalilah Rose, whose first contact in Nigeria was during the peace concert said if given another opportunity she will come to Nigeria again.

“Coming to Nigeria was a great experience regardless of the hassle in airport at Lagos and Kaduna,” she said.

The reggae singer who bagged a Master’s degree from Hofstra University in education noted that Nigerians are hospitable people “lovely culture, lovely private citizens, but the ones in authority seems to think they own the country”.

With the show, Khalilah Rose has successfully stamped her authority in the Nigerian music scene, pushing her work through different boarders with her career. Her next point of call is in New York City; where she will be performing in June. Khalilah Rose will also be performing in Florida, in July.

She will be in Europe for a month spreading message of love.

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Conference of Music Educators in Nigeria honours Ayakoroma Tony Okuyeme

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or his sterling contribution to the development of music education in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma has been honoured by the Conference of Music Educators in Nigeria (COMEN).

The award was presented to Dr. Ayakoroma on the occasion of the 11th annual Conference of Music Educators in Nigeria (COMEN) held at the College Auditorium of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, which is the first to be held in the South-East geo-political zone of the country.

Ayakoroma who was the Chairman of the occasion, in his remarks, commended the executive committee of COMEN for keeping faith with the hosting of this conference; and for the choice of the theme “Indigenous Knowledge System and music education in Nigeria”, which is designed to advance the course of music art education in Nigeria. He pointed out that the bane of Nigeria’s development has been utter neglect of the indigenous knowledge system and enthusiastic acceptance of Western or modern knowledge system occasioned by colonialism, modernity and globalization, adding that modern science and technology has recorded remarkable achievements in human societies but has not been able to provide solution to development challenges confronting developing countries such as Nigeria in the global South because of its disconnection from culture.

He charged the conference to deliberate extensively in order to be able to proffer lasting solution which will engender the most appropriate method (indigenous knowledge system, Western/modern knowledge system or an integration of both) suitable for the entrancement of music education in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Ayakoroma, the conference should critically assess the national policy on education

The bane of Nigeria’s development has been utter neglect of the indigenous knowledge system and enthusiastic acceptance of Western or modern knowledge system occasioned by colonialism, modernity and globalization

Ayakoroma

(NPE) and the cultural policy of Nigeria (CPN) in order to determine whether not the policies made provisions for a gratifying music education in Nigeria, and make necessary recommendation for policy review.

In her address, the provost of the college, Dr. Blessing Ijioma, who was represented by the deputy provost, Chief Sir B.C. Maduka, commended COMEN for initiating the conference and thanked Dr. Ayakoroma for answering the clarion call.

The award, which is the latest of the numerous awards received by Dr. Aya-

koroma since his assumption of office in 2009, is in recognition of his landmark achievements in the culture sector, aimed at promoting and harnessing culture for national development.

The conference attracted dignitaries and music education exponents from different institutions of higher learning across the country notable among them are: Dr. Mrs. Patience Oguoma, Dean,School of Arts,AIFCE, Owerri, Professor Dan Agu, immediate past Dean, Faculty of Arts Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Professor Onyee N. Nwanpa, Dean,Faculty

of Arts, University of PortHarcourt, and others too Numerous to mention.

Recipients of the awards of excellence cut across various institutions of higher learning, including the Provost of the College, Dr. (Mrs.) B.C. Ijioma, ES NICO, Dr. Ayakoroma, Dame Chinwe Kalu Ogba of the hit song fame, “Enebebe ejegholu”.

Other recipients are Dr. AlvanIkoku O. Nwamara of the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Professor Dan Agu, the keynote presenter and immediate past Dean, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Professor Onyee N. Nwankpa, the lead paper presenter and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Port Harcourt, and others.

The Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Ayakoroma graced the occasion in company of the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Godson Ordu and some staff of the SouthEast zonal office of the Institute.

MajMua Theatre stages new play, Band Aid

Etisalat holds private screening of Half of a Yellow Sun in Lagos

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ollowing the official premiere of the film adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s novel Half of a Yellow Sun, telecom partner of the film, Etisalat Nigeria, penultimate Tuesday, organised a private screening of the movie at the Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos for its high value customers and select guests.

The event which was graced by the Chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Bello-Osagie, also had in attendance Nollywood stars and Etisalat Easyflex Ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji, and OC Ukeje who also starred in the movie.

According to the acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, “Etisalat is pleased to be identified with this unique work of art that places Nigeria proudly on the world map and promotes the country’s movie industry. At Etisalat, we believe in pushing boundaries and expanding the frontiers in our product and service delivery to our customers. This movie with its stellar cast, all round quality in production and poignant story shares this same attribute.”

Members of MajMua Theatre

and Aid, a play written and directBLeye ed by Abiodun Kassim with Femi as Music Director, comes alive

A scene in the movie Half of a Yellow Sun

on stage this Sunday May 4, 2014, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, lagos.

Produced by MajMua Theatre, the play centres around three friends with distinct personality disorders who are united by their love for music but soon fall in love with the same girl.

They think she has come to save them from themselves but she takes them on as a project to fill a void in her life. What happens when her demons emerge from the past she is trying to escape from?

That is the conundrum at the heart of this funny, reflective and exhilarating play which will star veteran, Toyin Oshinaike as well as Patrick Diabuah, Toju Ejoh, Adesua Etomi,Tosin Oluwadare, Demi Olubanwo and Tosin Gregory.

24 TOURISM

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Splendour of Lagos Regatta 2014 Olushola Ricketts

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aster Sunday witnessed the staging of Lagos Regatta 2014 on Lagos waters. It was meant to be a colourful and entertaining celebration of the aquatic splendor of Lagos, a state surrounded by waters but yet the people hardly experience the beauty of water leisure, especially cruising, which only few of the wealthy ones engage in sparingly and boat regatta, which before now was scarce on Lagos waters.

Since the introduction of the event over five years ago, it has brought joy and excitement to the city at this time of the year. Despite the rain, which threatened the full execution of the programme as planned, people still came in their hundreds to be part of the celebration.

Even the children and the aged where not left out of the celebration, which turned out to be a family event of sort. It was a display of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Lagos with many of the water – based communities in the state and the different local government councils and the local council development areas entertaining the people in their colourfully decorated floats.

Besides the various displays on water, there were lots of fun and excitement on land as well with various groups entertaining the people gathered at the Oyinkan Abayomi end of the city. There were live bands for fuji and gospel music lovers. There were also performances by hip-hop artistes thrilling the children to different renditions.

Before the rain started, some of the activities that caught the attention of fun seekers were the swimming competition for male and female, search and rescue demonstration by Apapa Sea School, canoe race competition for both male and female, parade and cultural performance of decorated traditional regatta boats and floats, among others.

The paddled canoe competition involved all the local government councils and LCDAs in the state. All the regatta floats comprised large fishing boats, ferries, barges and other marine vessels were adorned to depict social, cultural and traditional folklores as well as the diverse occupation of the people of the state. Some boat clubs and associations also featured in the parade of speedboats and yachts.

According to a staff of Lasaco Assurance Plc, one of the sponsors of the event, Mrs. Okeke Paricia, the experience was fun and exciting. She said it was a good atmosphere to enjoy, relax, meet new people and exchange views. ‘‘We have always been part of activities in Lagos State, but this is the first time my company will be partnering with Lagos Regatta,’’ she disclosed.

She advised on creating awareness about the event so as to get many of the residents to attend the event, especially the family as she sees it as a family affair.

While Tunde Bakare, another observer of the event, also attested to the beauty of the event. ‘‘I enjoyed what I am seeing here today; it is just like any other carnival to me,” he said.

To Dayo Aladeijebi, an employee of Sky Bank, the programme was about tourism and brought ethnic groups together. He added that it celebrated the rich heritage of Lagos, saying that ‘‘is where you will always find Sky Bank.”

He disclosed that Sky Bank believes so much in ethnic diversity, richness of Lagos and tourism in general.

A student of North American University, Benin Republic, Awele Moloko, said she came to be part of the event because she knew it would be all fun.’’ Another observer, Mrs. Abosede Moloku, a retired Federal Civil Servant from Lagos Island, said, ‘‘Lagos is a fun place to be right from the early days. This is beauti-

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Marine Services on display during the Lagos Water Regatta 2014 at the Regatta Village, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos on Sunday, April 20, 2014

ful and the arrangement is fanatic. ‘‘I did not expect it to be this well arranged and I wanted my children to be part of the experience because they are not really Lagosians. They need to know what we Lagosians enjoy. My children, grand children are here,” she said.

Amidat Mustapha is from Niger State and a student of North American University too. She said she was invited by her friend. “I just wanted to have fun and keep the culture because I am not really from Lagos. I really wanted to have a feel of Lagos culture,” she informed.

According to the Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Otunba Segun Jewando, one of the reasons for

the event is to draw the people’s attention to the usefulness of water. “It is also to show to the people that water is a resource that they can use for recreation, sport and agriculture (fishing) and transportation. So, it is all packed into one to show people of Lagos that water is part and parcel of their natural environment and we should try to utilize it.”

As for the turn out, he said it was larger than they ever had, explaining that unfortunately the rain affected the performances on the water.

“But despite that, you can see that a lot of people are still waiting and we hope the rain could stop a bit so that we

can continue.”

For the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Disu Holloway, the objectives of the regatta are two folds. The first is economical in nature while the second is for Lagosians to have fun.

He however lamented the fact that the rain disrupted the full blown event as most of the water related activities couldn’t hold as planned due to the heavy down pour. The commissioner assured that next year’s celebration would be better, bigger and more fun filled baring of course any natural occurrence as witnessed on Sunday.

Ghana tourism earns $8.3 billion in 2027 Andrew Iro Okungbowa

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head of 2027, Ghana tourism has projected a earning of 48. 3 flowing from an estimated 4.3 million international visitors to the country, this was disclosed by the country’s minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Art, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu- Adjare.

The minister revealed that in 2012 the tourism sector raked in $1.7 billion from 993,600 international tourists, providing employment for 359,000 people. Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, who made this known at the launch of a Domestic Tourism Promotion Project in Accra recently, said tourism is a pillar of the Ghanaian economy and called on stakeholders to assist the ministry to promote the sector.

The project dubbed: “Explore Ghana,” seeks to encourage Ghanaians to visit the country’s attractive tourism sites through vigorous promotion and showcasing of aspects of the cultural heritage and creative arts products and services.

It is being organized by the Ministry in collaboration with Ghana Tourist Authority, Graphic Communications Limited, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Voltic Mineral Water and other stakeholders.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said domestic Tourism or internal tourism could reinforce Ghanaians appreciation of their rich cultural heritage and natural endowments and foster national cohesion and peace.

“The movement of tourists within the country can help create income earning opportunities for residents of rural communities and help alleviate poverty through the sales of arts and craft items, provision of hospitality services and tour guiding services and others,” she said.

The Minister announced that the Ministry in conjunction with Government Ministries, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other stakeholders are making tourist sites accessible by reconstructing major roads to the centres.

She cited the reconstruction of Fulfuso-Damango road in the Northern Region into a first class asphaltic surface road to link the Northern and Upper West Regions through Damango to enhance travelling to the Mole National Park.

She said the construction of the Eastern Corridor Road to facilitate travel to the mid Volta Region where Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and the Tagbo Waterfalls are located as some of the efforts.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare urged NGOs, MMDAs, traditional authorities and civil society organis0ations to get involved in the development and promotion of the tourism resources of their districts.

Affail Monney, Director of Radio, GBC, noted that the domestic tourism promotion initiative would enhance economic growth and create more jobs for the youth.

He pledged the corporation’s preparedness to join hands with the ministry to stimulate domestic tourism by showing the country’s natural and historical sites on National Television.

He announced that GBC would soon revisit the collection of Television License Fees, which would be started with hotel operators adding that the GH¢3.00 fees is no longer relevant and so the corporation is getting Parliament to review the sum.

Samuel Atta Mills, Acting Chief Director, Ghana Tourism Development Corporation, said the socio-economic benefits of tourism are enormous and urged all to support the Ministry to market the sector.

Responsible Tourism headlines WTM Africa Andrew Iro Okungbowa

Tourism Rtheesponisble event is to form one of major highlights of

the forthcoming WTM Africa, which is making its debut in the Africa continent with the International Convention Centre (ICC) Cape Town, South Africa playing host to the two days travel trade exhibition billed for May 2 – 3.

The programme is expected to form the key component of the education session during the two

days event. It is to be anchored the industry leader and organizer of the WTM Responsible Tourism Program in London, Professor Harold Goodwin of the Manchester Metropolitan University.

Some of the speakers at the occasion include Fabrice Leclercq, CEO T.R.I.P. Ghana, AGAMS Group and Heidi Van der Watt, Director ICRT South Africa. The Responsible Tourism programme begins on Friday May 2 with a debate on whether Responsible

Tourism is good for businesses, local communities and economies and how principles of Responsible Tourism can be used for.

While on the second and final day of the exhibition it would continue discussion on Environmental Responsibility.

“Looking after the environment can benefit not only our surroundings but also the bottom line of any business and ensure that a destination is maintained for long term business benefits.”

Entertainment

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SOny Neme Entertainment Editor

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FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

2014 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) unveils nominees stories by sony neme

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marting from the 2014 Academy Awards (OSCARS), all eyes will be on Africa, as MTV Base last week unveiled nominees for the MTV Africa Music Awards, MAMA 2014. The show piece supported by Absolut & The City of Durban is billed for Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), KwaZuluNatal on 7 June. The first edition was in 2008.

MAMA nominations were revealed at a glittering nominations celebration at The Sands, Johannesburg, South Africa by MTV Base VJs Nomuzi Mabena and Sizwe Dhlomo, alongside Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Tim Horwood, Channel Director, MTV Base and Shirley Mabiletja, Brand Manager: Absolut, Pernod Ricard South Africa.

Tied for first place in the nominations are Nigerian’s Davido, South African’s Mafikizolo and Uhuru who each scored in four categories in Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration.

Expectedly, MAMA 2014, arguably, the biggest contemporary music spectacle on the continent, will be celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year.

Those expected to feature in a dazzling performances are from African and international artists, including the awards’ signature collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures – a high point of every show.

An excited Okosi, said, “We congratulate all the nominees for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. This year, the MAMA offers a stunning platform for African artists; it also celebrates the young personalities, leaders and creatives who are making a positive impact on the continent.”

While congratulating the nominees, Mabiletja said, “As a brand, ABSOLUT is thrilled to be associated with the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards, and wish nominees the best of luck on this journey.”

She further stated that, “In each generation, there are a handful of artists who leave a transformative mark, and the MAMA most certainly celebrates these artists. As the perfect platform, ABSOLUT has proudly sponsored one of the new categories, ‘Transform Today by Absolut’, which forms

Those expected to feature in a dazzling performances are from African and international artists part of ABSOLUT's Transform Today campaign, aimed at celebrating the power of young individuals who transform the image of Africa through their creativity and vision. We are excited to celebrate this initiative and our ongoing involvement in contemporary culture through creative collaboration.”

Some of the nominees in attendance were Nigerian golden boy, Burna Boy, AKA, Beatenberg, DJ Clock, Mafikizolo Professor, Oskido and Yuri Da Cunha.

The biggest and brightest contemporary artists from across the African continent and beyond were nominated in 15 different categories including Best Male, Best Female, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year. Broadening the scope of the MAMA awards franchise, achievement in non-

music fields was recognised in “Personality of the Year”, and “Transform Today by Absolut”, an award designed to recognize and support young, emerging and original African creative talents who use their imagination to fuel social transformation and bring positive attention to the continent.

For international artiste manager, Collins Enebeli, who spoke with New Telegraph from his Dublin, Ireland base, “The nominations are good, just as Mavin has constantly been in the various chats and this speaks volumes of their constant relevance. This is an indication that when African

influenced afro pop genre is included for the Grammy, the chances are that Mavin will have a strong showing and likely visibility in the awards table. One can only but wish them well as Don Jazzy works very hard to keep his Mavin mission statement on course to make Mavin records a production power house in Africa.”

Voting for the MAMAs is open at www.mtvbase.com from 16 April 2014 until midnight on 4 June 2014. The awards will air live across the continent at 21:00 CAT on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

Full list of MAMAs 2014 nominees are as follows: Best Male Davido (Nigeria) Wizkid (Nigeria) Anselmo Ralph (Angola) Diamond (Tanzania) Donald (South Africa) Best Female Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Chidinma (Nigeria) Arielle T (Gabon) DJ C’ndo (South Africa) Efya (Ghana) Best Group P Square (Nigeria) Big Nuz (South Africa) Mafikizolo (South Africa) Mi Casa (South Africa) Sauti Sol (Kenya) Best New Act Burna Boy (Nigeria) Heavy K (South Africa) Phyno (Nigeria) Stanley Enow (Cameroon) Uhuru (South Africa) Best Live Act 2face (Nigeria) Fally Ipupa (DRC) Flavour (Nigeria) Dr Malinga (South Africa) Zakes Bantwini (South Africa) Best Collaboration Amani ft Radio and Weasel – ‘Kiboko Changu’ (Kenya/Uganda) Diamond feat Davido – ‘Number One’ (Remix) (Tanzania/Nigeria) Mafikizolo feat May D – ‘Happiness’ (South Africa/Nigeria) R2bees feat Wizkid – ‘Slow Down’ (Ghana/ Nigeria) Uhuru feat DJ Buckz, Oskido, Professor, Yuri Da Cunha – ‘Y-tjukutja’ (South Africa/ Angola) Artist of the Year Davido (Nigeria) Mafikizolo (South Africa) Mi Casa (South Africa) P Square (Nigeria) Uhuru (South Africa) Song of the Year Davido- ‘Skelewu’ (Nigeria) DJ Clock feat Beatenberg – ‘Pluto’ (Remember Me) (South Africa) DJ Ganyani feat FB – ‘Xigubu’ (South Africa) DJ Kent feat The Arrows –‘Spin My World Around’ (South Africa) Dr Sid feat Don Jazzy – ‘Surulere’ (Nigeria) KCee – ‘Limpopo’ (Nigeria) Mafikizolo feat Uhuru ‘Khona’ (South Africa) Mi Casa- ‘Jika’ (South Africa) P Square – ‘Personally’ (Nigeria) Yuri Da Cunha -‘Atchu Tchu Tcha’ (Angola) Best Hip Hop AKA (South Africa) Ice Prince (Nigeria) Khuli Chana (South Africa) Olamide (Nigeria) Sarkodie (Ghana) Best Pop Danny K (South Africa) Fuse ODG (Ghana) Goldfish (South Africa) LCNVL (South Africa) Mathew Mole (South Africa) Best Alternative Gangs of Ballet (South Africa) Michael Loman (South Africa) Nakhane Toure (South Africa) Parlotones (South Africa) Shortstraw (South Africa) Best Francophone Arielle T (Gabon) Espoir 2000 (Ivory Coast) Ferre Gola (DRC) Toofan (Togo) Youssoupha (Congo) Best Lusophone Anselmo Ralph (Angola) JD (Angola) Lizha James (Mozambique) Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde) Yuri Da Cunha (Angola) NON MUSIC CATEGORIES Personality of the Year Chimamanda Adiche (Nigeria) Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Nigeria) Trevor Noah (South Africa) Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya) Yaya Toure (Cote d’Ivoire) Transform Today by Absolut Anisa Mpungwe (Tanzania) Clarence Peters (Nigeria) I See a Different You (South Africa) Leti Arts (Ghana) Rasty (South Africa)

26 Entertainment

Friday, April 25, 2014

Seyi Sodimu drops Obey’s Pele Pele as new single indications.

Seyi's style is Afro-soul; a fusion of African music, soul and highlife. An adult contemporary that is geared towards mature crowd, but also appealing to the youth and the masses. He had taken a break from the music scene to venture into real estate, fashion, automotives, and other

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eyi Sodimu has released a single titled Pele Pele, a re-make of legendary juju music maestro, Evang. Ebenezer Obey's Ore mi se pele pele. His last single Gbedu was released two years ago, and the new single is bound to be a big hit from all

businesses.

New Telegraph reliably gathered that the new single is the first in a series as subsequent singles will follow to mark his return to the Nigerian music scene. The video was directed and shot by Sesan Ogunro of Film Factory

in a serene location in London. On this project Seyi Sodimu worked with master producer Shizzi (Seyi Akerele) and Bankulli of Bankulli Entertainment for A&R and direction of the whole project.

The horns arrangement with a compliment of the sax is a delight to the ears. Little wonder he says Pele Pele is, “beautiful music, for beautiful people”.

Seyi Sodimu was born in Nigeria.

He grew up in Lagos and was influenced by various genres of musichighlife, juju and afro beat; and they the basis of Seyi’s style of music.

After his high school education, where he majored in the arts, he travelled to Washington DC, America for his University education, where he also began his musical pursuits. He sings smoothly in English and Yoruba and accenting with Yoruba chants.

He writes all his songs in a style that celebrates life, love and the truth, as well as the spirituality of a higher existence. The Love Me Jeje crooner acknowledges the trials of everyday people in today’s society and the strug-

gles of oppressed people, but never animated in hate or revenge. His music also tells a story, and inspires people.

Seyi has attracted a huge following in Nigeria, England and in America among Nigerians and Africans alike.

His music has made so much impact.

Seyi released his first album titled Born in Africa featuring the hit single LOVE ME JEJE, on an independent record label, GOODLIFE Entertainment, in 1998. The song topped the charts in Nigeria for over six months and with the album reshaping the sound of modern music in Nigeria and Africa as whole. It also earned him several nominations and musical awards.

His follow up in 2002 titled STATE OF MIND was released with rave reviews in Nigeria, England and America among Nigerians and Africans. The hit single, Money Man also topped the charts in Nigeria for several weeks and once again raised the bar in modern African music. Afterwards, Seyi has done several singles like Boys Will Be Boys, Dying Young, and Sophisticated Woman, featuring Wayne Wonder.

He has performed around the world, alongside artistes like Wyclef Jean, Guru of Gnagster, Genuwine and Wayne Wonder.

AFRIMA’s conference on music industry

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he All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Nigeria Stakeholders’ Conference with the theme: ‘Harnessing Our Music Potential for Africa’s Development’ held on Tuesday, April15, 2014, in Lagos. The well-attended event was geared towards heralding the biggest music awards on the continent billed to hold in Nigeria on October 25, 2014.

According to AFRIMA CoProducer/Regional Director, East Africa, Mr. Mike Strano, in his opening speech, “AFRIMA is a narrative of African music, culture and heritage on the global stage. It is fashioned as a medium to enhance African music industry’s bottom line and communicate harmony in Africa. Its mandate is to produce an international platform to celebrate our cultural heritage and values, rewarding up and coming as well as established talent, and celebrating sustainable growth of the African music industry as a contributor to national and continental economies”.

The Special Guest of Hon-

our at the event was Director, Entertainment and Creative Services, Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Grace Gekpe, while the Keynote Speaker was Nigeria entertainment industry impresario, Mr Dayo Adeneye (D1).

Mrs. Gekpe, in her speech, reaffirmed the support of ministry for the AFRIMA project and expressed her delighted to be involved in the project in her capacity as the director of the new department.

Her words, “The Ministry is enthusiastic about AFRIMA because of what the project has set out to accomplish. We are aware that it intends to celebrate and honour the creative industry talents in Africa and to also enhance the business aspect of the industry thereby increasing the GDP of not just Nigeria but other countries in Africa”, she stated.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Adeneye, whose address was on the event theme: “Harnessing Our

A cross section of dignitaries at the AFRIMA confab

Music Potential for Africa’s Development”, praised the AFRMA team for their courage to embark on the continental project which is not only positioned to reward talents in music but export of Africa’s music culture and creative economy potential to the rest of the world.

Anchored by Olumuyiwa Osinuga, better known as Nomoreloss, there was a panel discussion and a session where members of the International Committee of AFRIMA fielded queries from the guests.

AFRIMA Executive Producer, Mike Dada, explained that, “The 525 members of the Academy of AFRIMA to conduct the adjudication process will be selected from among renowned music scholars, journalists/critics, disc jockeys, Vee Jays, and record label owners in Africa. He also gave some insight to the format of entry submission and voting process, adding that the call for entry would be announced at a later date.

Classiq

How uncle’s Rock of Ages influenced Classiq Olushola Ricketts rich music family backAband, ground buoyed by an uncles Rock of Ages had einspired Barnabas Luka Buba aka Classiq in to music. When he told his father, Prof. Luka Fitto Buba, about his desire for music as a career instead of his computer science’s degree at Bayero University, Kano, it met a brick wall. But Prof. Buba later gave Classiq a year to prove himself in the music terrain or forget about the idea.

In an exclusive with New Telegraph, Classiq recalled thus: “It was not easy to convince my father who believes so much in education and has immense principles. Since parents want the best for their children, the best to them is what they desire for you, not what you want for yourself.”

With that at the back of his mind, he showed strong deter-

mination and his parents saw prospect in what he believed in, and they gave in.

His words: “My parents officially gave me one year to prove myself and it is over. I think I have been able to win my father’s heart. When my father saw the video of Sama, he said, ‘Barnabas, I watched your video; it was very nice.”

He does R&B, Pop and Rap. Sama was shot in Lagos and directed by Clarence Peters.

The video had some dance queens and the eccentric DJ Sose. Finesse Entertainment’s ace producer, Supersoniq produced it.

Classiq, a graduate of Computer Science, started out as an undergraduate before move to Lagos and was signed

by Finesse Entertainment.

The 24- year-old rapper traced his love for music to the Church. His uncles used to own a music band, Rock of Ages.

Entertainment

Friday, April 25, 2014

27

LYRICS for the week Johnny

By Yemi

Alade

Hawkins

Sarah Boulos

Sadare

U.S. Consulate General to mark international dance, jazz days

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he Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General in Lagos and the MUSON Center will mark the 2014 International Dance and Jazz Days. The program, powered

by Inspiro Production, will take place at the AGIP recital Hall of the MUSON Center on April 30 from 4 - 7 pm. The events are coming with performances and a workshop aimed at increasing jazz and dance appreciation in Nigeria.

According to organizers, the program will end with a jam session by musicians, music students and dancers.

In the words of Ayoola Sadare, CEO, Inspiro Productions, “International Jazz Day proclaimed by the UNESCO is observed yearly around the world on April 30 to celebrate the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity and dialogue among

people.”

The International Dance day, April 29, 2014 is also known as World Dance Day and celebrated through promotions by the International Dance Council.

The day was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute.

Sadare further explained that, “The annually observed World Dance Day is to create an understanding of the importance of dance among the general public. Its goal is also to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education.

US Consul General Jeffrey Hawkins will declare the event open with a brief background on jazz in the U.S. and some influential jazz musicians in American

Miley is 2013 highest

Nikki Laoye as voice female celebrity earner pop sensation Miley for the refugees American Cyrus caused quite a stir when

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he National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Southwest Zone has unveiled singer Nikki Laoye as one of their Celebrity Voices, who would help bring to the forefront the activities of the NCFRMI as well as the plight of refugees and other persons of concern.

Held in conjunction with the Lions Club International and presided by Mrs. Magaret Ukegbu, the South West Zonal head, the meeting was a forum of interaction with the refugees to determine their needs and discuss their challenges of integrating into the Nigerian society as well as present them with donations of materials, food stuffs, multivitamins and clothing materials.

she broke out of her good girl image and went through what can only be describe as a morally unstable career. But it appears that her bad girl image has gotten her some good deal.

According to reports, Miley raked in a whopping $76.5 Millionin2013accordingtoParade Magazine‘s What People Earn List,makingMileythetopfemale andsecondhighestearningcelebrity on the list in 2013.

She comes in behind Tyler Perry who earned a whooping $78 Million.

Other people on the list include Beyoncé who brought in $57 Million, thanks to her surprisealbumwhichsoldamillion digitalcopiesinlessthanaweek, SandraBullock($63M),50Shades of GreyauthorE.L.James($51.7 M),BrunoMars($38M)andLiam Hemsworth with ($1.75 M).

history.”

He said Hawkins will also speak on youth and music development as tools for cultural diplomacy and international understanding.

The event will be featuring workshops and performances by the 2013 OneBeat Program Alumnus, Biodun Kuti, Dr. Sheyi Kehinde a lecturer at the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, Sarah Boulos, Executive Director of Society of Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), students from the SPAN Academy of Jazz and students of the MUSON Center Music School.

“Biodun Kuti will speak about his OneBeat experience and play music from his OneBeat program, featuring collaborations with other international musicians and artists on the U.S. Program,” Sadare enthused.

Naeto C & wife expects 2nd child

igerian rap sensation NaeNknown tochukwu Chikwe better as Naeto C and wife

Nicole Chikwe, a former model and founder of Organic Skincare are expecting their second child. That was reportedly confirmed by Naeto C’s manager, Asa Asika in a telephone conversation with a cable television station.

“Yes Naeto and Nicole are expecting their second child as you all have heard”. But when further asked if an ultrascan has been carried out to tell the gender of the child, Naeto’s manager declined to comment stating that the family wish to keep certain details personal and in time we will find out.

The rapper who was born in Houston, Texas was married to Nicole Chikwe on the 21st of July 2012, and they had their first child in March 2013.

Big, bold dancers with Elvina Ibru, others re you big, bold and can Aorganizers dance? Then this is for you as of the first ever Ibog

National Plus Size Ladies Dancing Competition is under way as winner will be going home with a return ticket to South Africa, and dancing contract.

Meanwhile audition date has been confirmed for Saturday May 3, 2014 at Rodizzio, located at Issac John Street, GRA Ikeja by 10am. The grand finale comes up on Saturday May 24 at Tera Cuture, Tiamiu Salvage Street,Victoria Island by 5pm..

Billed to entertain at the event are Julius Agwu, Sunny Neji, Pasuma, Weird Mc, Olu Jazz, Koffi, and Omo Baba.

Others are Elvina Ibru, Kaffy, Bash, Mandy, Lepacious Bose,Yetunde Omo Ibadan, Bimbo Thomas and Ajele.

Ho ah Ehn Habokoto bokoto eh Selebobo pon the beat Selebobo on the beat Yemi alade It’s effyzzie baby Johnny leave me follow cynthia And i don’t know what to do And he talk say i no do am Like the way cynthia dey do Johnny give uche belle He talk say he wan marry nene Nwokem ke di fe neme Johnny mo, johnny mo I’m looking for my johnny eh Where is my johnny Johnny mo Do you know johnny…question If i no see my johnny Fefe geme I’m looking for my johnny I’m looking for my honey…ya ya ya You telling me this, you telling me that I say this is not for me Johnny do me corny Johnny do me corny He’s doing me this He’s doing me that But i no go tell mummy He go canada. He go tokyo Yesterday he say he dey morrocco He dance disco He sing awilo. Na lie Na lie, na pinocchio This one na gobe…ayakata Original gobe See me see wahala eh Johnny leave me follow cynthia And i don’t know what to do And he talk say i no do am Like the way cynthia dey do Johnny give uche belle He talk say he wan marry nene Nwokem ke di fe neme Johnny mo, johnny mo I’m looking for my johnny….ah ayakata Where is my johnny. Johnny mo Do you know johnny…question If i no see my johnny Fefe geme…eh Selebobo on the beat He get dollar. He get hummer He dey drink palmi with patience and jonah He dey toronto. He dey sokoto Or the lie he dey lie. He dey sokoto…ha This one na gobe eyeh…ayakata Original gobe See me see wahala eh Johnny leave me follow cynthia And i don’t know what to do And he talk say i no do am Like the way cynthia dey do Johnny give uche belle He talk say he wan marry nene Nwokem ke di fe neme Johnny mo, johnny mo I’m looking for my johnny eh..eh eh eh Where is my johnny. Johnny mo Do you know johnny…question If i no see my johnny…ah Fefe geme. He go canada He go tokyo Yesterday he say he dey morrocco He dance disco. He sing awilo Na lie, na lie na pinocchio This one na gobe…ah ayakata Original gobe See me see wahala eh Johnny leave me follow cynthia And i don’t know what to do And he talk say i no do am Like the way cynthia dey do Johnny give uche belle He talk say he wan marry nene Nwokem ke di fe neme Johnny mo, johnny mo I’m looking for my johnny eh Where is my johnny Johnny mo Do you know johnny…question If i no see my johnny Fefe geme..eh Selebobo on the beat Yemi alade eh

28 Entertainment TELEMOVIES

Friday, April 25, 2014

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ward-winning Hollywood actor, Danny Glover, who is now a member of the Africa Film Academy, AFA, is charting a path for Africa cinema. Glover bared his mind at the colourful ceremony, which took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Hollywood actor was is in Lagos last weekend at an event for the public presentation of a 10th anniversary commemorative book that captures the first decade of the pan-African award titled From Dream to Reality: The AMAA Legacy.

He said that collaborating with other professionals in other big markets in the US, North America and South America is the only way motion picture professionals in Africa can maximize their talents for social and economic relevance.

At the event attended by billionaire businessman, Chief Sunny Odogwu, the Ide Ahaba of Asaba and other business leaders and Nollywood practitioners, Glover said, “After 10 years of AMAA it is now time for filmmakers and professionals in the industry to collaborate with their counterparts in America, North America and South America to create a huge creative economy that will bring good monetary returns for them”.

He said he is working with AFA on a number of initiatives that will bring global focus and right par tnership to t h e

Hakeem BelloOsagie, Genevieve Nnaji, OC Ukeje, Others at the Etisalat Private Screeing of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ in Lagos

F Glover, Peace, Mbanefo and Odogwu at the book launch.

Danny Glover charts path for Africa cinema business of film making in Africa.

His words: “To start with I am leading a global effort to raise funding for film projects with AFA. We want to start with two major films that will tell the real story of Africans and those of us in Diaspora.

The films will have actors and actress and other professionals from Nigeria and other parts of Africa with our colleagues in Hollywood, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Trinidad and Tobaggo.”

He further stressed that, “What this project will do for us is that we will be tapping into the huge market in these regions of the world where we have large black population. Our actors, actresses and other people

who will work on these projects will have cross-continental and global exposures working with their counterparts from these countries.

“We will have access to a global distribution network that will guarantee revenue and good returns. That is the type of collaboration where are talking about. This fusion of talents will give us the creative economy AMAA, and Peace (Anyaim-Osigwe) has been talking about”.

The Hollywood star noted that AMAA might have started as a dream of Anyiam-0sigwe, but 10 years after it has grown bigger than the dreamer, adding that it is now a worthy continental and global project that all professionals in the motion picture industry should embrace. ‘’I was part of this dream 10 years ago. I have stayed with it since inception. Going into the next 10 years I will hold Peace’s hand and work with her to realize the objectives of making black film makers and professionals anywhere in the world relevant,’’ he opined.

Announcing Glover’s new status as the Chairman of AFA governing Board, the AMAA boss said the board is pleased

to have the global film icon as its chairman, adding that Glover is expected to bring to the organization his wealth of experience in the business of film making, talent development and international reach.

She stressed that, “Mr. Glover helped the Kenyan Lupita Nyong’o who won the Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Oscars for her role in 12 Years As a Slave. This is the kind of value he is bringing to African cinema as the Chairman of AFA. He will provide the necessary linkages between our industry and the rest of the world. ‘’Like he said we will soon start with him on two major international film projects. Two scripts that tell the story of Black Africans and those in the Diaspora will be selected. Our film makers and writers will be able to submit their synopsis and profiles whether as Actors, Actresses, Directors and any other professional in the industry to a website that will soon be unveiled for the projects. The deadline for submission of scripts and profiles will be October 31st, 2014. Members of the cast and crew for the film projects will be selected from the entries we get.’’v

Monalisa calls it quit with Lanre

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op Nollywood star, Monalisa Chinda, have called it quits with her longtime lover and business partner, Lanre Nzeribe, due to some irreconcilable differences.

This is contained in a statement by her publicist, Isaac Oladipupo, Executive Director of Media Wise Worldwide.

Oladipupo reportedly stated that, ”Our attention has been brought to a media report making the rounds about the resignation of our client, Monalisa Chinda, from her business venture with Mr. Lanre Nzeribe. For the records, kindly find attached an official statement from Monalisa Chinda regarding the is-

sue.”

It further expressed regret to officially announce the resignation of the Nollywood actress, from Monalisa Magazine, which also marks the end of her partnership with Mr. Lanre Nzeribe, due to irreconcilable professional differences.

It stated that, “Over the past few months, both parties have made concerted efforts to retain their partnership, to no avail, which led to their mutual agreement that a separation would be the best course of action. Though she has, so far, committed so much time, energy and resources into the project, it is high time she moved on, as she pursues renewed ethos to raise her standards of professionalism and focus on projects closer to her heart.”

The actress thanked the entire staff of the company for what she described as “the great working experience during the time.”

ollowing the official premiere of the film adaptation of Chimamanda’s Adichie’s novel ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, Telecom Partner of the film, Etisalat Nigeria, on Tuesday, April 15th organized a private screening of the movie at the Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos for its high value customers and select guests.

The event which was graced by the Chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Bello-Osagie, also had in attendance Nollywood screen diva and Etisalat Easyflex Ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji, and OC Ukeje who also starred in the movie.

According to Matthew Willsher, acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, “Etisalat is pleased to be identified with this unique work of art that places Nigeria proudly on the world map and promotes the country’s movie industry. At Etisalat, we believe in pushing boundaries and expanding the frontiers in our product and service delivery to our customers. This movie with its stellar cast, all round quality in production and poignant story shares this same attribute”, he said.

Easter groove with Laff & Jamz

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ll roads on Monday led to ABVIC Executive Hotel, at Gbodu-Gberigbe Road, Ikorodu, Lagos. It was for the Easter LAFF & JAMZ with MC MAYOR LCFR and DJ jimmy West featuring Naija finest comedians. On hand to entertain at the fiesta were MC Stylo, AbdulUchedeen, Mikel De Bobo, T-Blaze and MC Black-Talk. it was not just about comedy as the event was well spiced with the following upcoming musicians who gave good account of themselves.

They are Medullar (dat ibile boi), Chezzy (Abuja finest), Save, E-Flex, Soul Saint and lots more.

Entertainment

Friday, April 25, 2014

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide) Zone-In: Nicki Minaj on Channel O on Friday 25 April at 19:00 CAT Nicki Minaj has always done her own thing – and her February 2014 move of releasing a brand new video at the same time as Mariah Carey more than proves it! Titled “Lookin Ass N----," it’s the first single off the upcoming Young Money compilation, Rise of an Empire and is more proof that Ms Minaj is more than worthy of a Zone-In feature.

Don’t tell the Bride airs on BBC Lifestyle every Sunday from 27 April at 19:00 CAT Don't Tell The Bride gives cash to 12 couples to help them create the wedding of their dreams. But here's the catch the bride and groom can't see each other for the month leading up to the nuptials, and the groom has to plan the whole wedding in secret. Tell The Bride promises DStv viewers tantrums and sometimes a few unexpected tears of joy before the big day is done.

In a Mans mind on Africa Magic Entertainment on Sunday 27 April at 22:00 CAT Michael and Maxwell are two best friends who share one thing in common: lust for beautiful women. The women feel they are the most beautiful, loved, and respected and have met their perfect men.

The next minute they are hurt and ready for pay back.

M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv channel 103) The internship: Two salesmen manage to talk their way into a coveted internship at Google. They must now compete with a group of the nation’s top tech savvy geniuses to prove they have what it takes to be there. The men are in for big surprise when they realize what is expected of them.

Catch them on DStv on Sunday 27 April at 20:30 CAT. Africa Magic Entertainment (DStv channel 151) In a man’s Mind: Michael and Maxwell are two best friends who share one thing

Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol 4 top 12 contestants unveiled

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APRIL 25 – May 2 HIGHLIGHTS also look forward to an exciting line-up of shows in April.

This includes special shows such as Ben 10 Omnivere – Glactic Monsters, Grojband Ben 10 Omnivere – Glactic Monsters: Monsters, mummies and werewolves are taking over this season of Ben 10 Omniverse! Ben 10 has defended the universe from the worst of the worst, but now, monsters! It’s hero Time on Monster Planet! Catch Ben 10 every weekday from Monday 28 April at 18:50 CAT. JimJam (DStv channel 310) Anastasia: Life is a fairy tale of royal palaces and fabulous wealth for Princess Anastasia. But Anastasia’s perfect world changes forever when the evil Rasputin topples her father, the mighty Czar Nicholas, from power. Anastasia embarks on a thrilling new adventure in which she finds a new life and a true love.

Tune in on Sunday 27 April at 10:00 CAT.

DSTVs Mistresses

in common: lust for beautiful women. The women feel they are the most beautiful, loved, and respected and have met their perfect men. The next minute they are hurt and ready for pay back. Catch it on DStv on Sunday 27 April at 22:00 CAT. BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) Don’t tell the bride (series 6): Don't Tell The Bride gives

fter auditions in cities across Nigeria the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol season 4 has finally announced its top 12 contestants. The 12 contestants, who were unveiled at an event in Lagos last weekend, will be housed for another eight weeks to showcase their musical prowess before the judges and audience as they battle for the top prize of N7.5 million, a Galaxy Tab, a Blackberry, an iPod and a brand new SUV car.

Those unveiled are; Zibili Evelyn, Lisa Omoregebe, Elvis Ejiro, Paul Enoma, Odugbemi Idown Sarah, Ogechukwu Okafor, Obed Emmanuel Ogbonna, Ese Idowu, Ese Nyerhovoo, An-

29

cash to 12 couples to help them create the wedding of their dreams. But here's the catch the bride and groom can't see each other for the month leading up to the nuptials, and the groom has to plan the whole wedding in secret. When it comes to a wedding, there's always drama, and Don't Tell The Bride promises DStv viewers tantrums and sometimes a few unexpected tears of joy before the big day is done. Tune in every Sunday from 27 April at 19:00 CAT. Four Weddings (series 4): Everyone has a different idea about what the perfect 'big day' should be, whether it's a traditional white wedding, or something altogether more unconventional. In this series, a self-confessed princess splashes out £35,000 on a Highland fling, and a teenage bride invites more than 300 guests to her traditional traveller wedding. If you thought wedding planning was stressful enough, add the element

of competition and these stressed out Bridezillas could turn nasty. Tune into DStv every Sunday from 27 April at 18:00 CAT. BBC Knowledge (DStv channel 184) Embarrassing bodies (series 6): Embarrassing Bodies takes a startling look at the nation’s most uncomfortable ailments. Desperate for some much needed medical attention are a brand new blushing array of highly embarrassed patients. In this series, the doctor’s visit the holiday hot spot Magaluf, where there’s been a high rise in hospital cases due to 24-7 partying and promiscuity. They also visit Caerphilly in Wales, where a woman has been hiding a secret pain, and Bristol, where one poor patient suffers from excessive body hair. Tune in every Monday from 7 April at 21:00 CAT Cartoon Network (DStv channel 301) DStv’s young audiences can

The top 12 contestants

thony Akpan, Beebee Bassey and Jesse Okonkwo.

Director, Brands & Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye said, the concept is to formally showcase the talents that the viewers have selected to move to the gala show.

Denloye said, “We are happy to witness another high point in this season.

As we have promised, this season will be more interesting and it will once again empower another set of Nigerian youths, in line with our brand commitment of youth empowerment and development.”

Recapping the journey and appreci-

ating the effort of the sponsor, Chief Executive Officer, Optima Group, Rotimi Pedro expressed joy with the continued support of Etisalat.

His words, “I appreciate the effort of our sponsor, Etisalat in the last four years. We appreciate their investment in this show right from the beginning and we believe that they will continue to do more. Before getting to the top 12 stage, the show has gone through series of stages, starting from the auditioning, to the top-100 stage, and gradually to the top-30 stage.’

He stressed that, “At the top 30 stage, the contestants were divided

into three groups of 10; 9 contestants were selected by the viewers at home through their votes, while the remaining three contestants are the judges’ choice through the wild card show. At this stage, the decision as to who stays or leave will be fully determined by the audience.”

On their part, the new set of judges for the season shared their joy on the success the show has recorded so far.

According to Nneka who spoke on behalf of the judges, “We are all happy for the choice made and we are confident that the twelve finalists would not disappoint us as we move on.”

30 Entertainment TELEMOVIES

Friday, April 25, 2014

Coming Soon to the cinemas Silverbird Cinema

Son of God (Rating:13 Movie of The Week) Viewing Time - Friday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Saturday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Sunday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Monday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 4:00PM Viewing Time - Thursday 4:00PM KNOCKING ON HEAVEN'S DOOR (Rating:18 NEW MOVIE) Viewing Time - Friday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Saturday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Sunday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Monday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Viewing Time - Thursday 2:10PM 6:40PM 9:00PM Misfit (Rating:R NEW MOVIE)

Viewing Time - Friday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Saturday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Sunday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Monday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM Viewing Time - Thursday 12:00PM 2:20PM 6:30PM The Single Moms Club (Rating:15 MOVIE OF THE WEEK) Binta Goudiaby Time - Friday Viewing 6:35PM

Viewing Time - Saturday 6:35PM Viewing Time - Sunday 6:35PM Viewing Time - Monday 6:35PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 6:35PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 6:35PM Viewing Time - Thursday 6:35PM Hours (Rating:15 MOVIE OF THE ) Viewing Time - Friday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Saturday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Sunday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Monday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 2:05PM Viewing Time - Thursday 2:05PM

8:45PM Viewing Time - Sunday 8:45PM Viewing Time - Monday 8:45PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 8:45PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 8:45PM Viewing Time - Thursday 8:45PM Noah (Rating:15 Movie of the Week) Viewing Time - Friday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Saturday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Sunday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Monday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 11:30PM Viewing Time - Thursday 11:30PM

6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Monday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Wednes-

day 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Thursday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM

Rio 2 (PG: MOVIE OF THE WEEK) Viewing Time - Friday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Saturday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Sunday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Monday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM Viewing Time - Thursday 12:00PM 2:20PM 4:30PM

6:40PM DIVERGENT (Rating:15 Movie of the Week) Viewing Time - Friday 8:45PM Viewing Time - Saturday

Render to Caesar (Rating:R) Viewing Time - Friday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Saturday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Sunday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Monday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 4:20PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Thursday 4:20PM 8:40PM Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Rating:15) Viewing Time - Friday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Saturday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Sunday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Monday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Viewing Time - Thursday 12:30PM 3:20PM 6:00PM 8:40PM Heaven Is for Real (PG: MOVIE OF THE WEEK) Viewing Time - Friday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Saturday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM 6:40PM 8:50PM Viewing Time - Sunday 12:10PM 2:20PM 4:30PM

When Dreams Fall Apart (Rating:R) Viewing Time - Friday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Saturday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Sunday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Monday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 11:50PM 4:35PM Viewing Time - Thursday 11:50PM 4:35PM

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (PG: MOVIE OF THE WEEK) Viewing Time - Friday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Saturday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Sunday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Monday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 12:10PM Viewing Time - Thursday 12:10PM Paranoia (PG:15) Viewing Time - Friday 8:50PM Viewing Time - Saturday 8:50PM Viewing Time - Sunday 8:50PM

Viewing Time - Monday 8:50PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 8:50PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 8:50PM Viewing Time - Thursday 8:50PM Winter's Tale (PG:15) Viewing Time - Friday 4:10PM Viewing Time - Saturday

4:10PM Viewing Time - Sunday 4:10PM Viewing Time - Monday 4:10PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 4:10PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 4:10PM Viewing Time - Thursday 4:10PM About Last Night (Rating:R) Viewing Time - Friday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Saturday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Sunday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Monday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Tuesday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Wednesday 4:30PM Viewing Time - Thursday 4:30PM

BUSINESS FRIDAY, APRIL25, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS CAC targets threehour registration, sacks 15 The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has disclosed that plans are underway for a three-hour business registration.

}p-32

IITA to govts: Use agriculture to create job The Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, has called on governments to make use of the potential in agriculture to create wealth and jobs.

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Nigeria may emerge top UK pension agency investment choice The fast growing pension arrangement under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) may have attracted the investment consideration of a United Kingdom’s pension protection outfit as it considers investment in Africa.

}p-36

Pensioners to get advise on live expectancy Pensioners will be given estimates of how long they have left to live to help them manage their savings, a minister has disclosed.

}p-37

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business)

POLICY The Federal Government is set to protect local fish production

N

igeria has commenced the implementation of a new import quota regime for fish as it has placed embargo on the importation of catfish, tilapia and croaker.

These are part of efforts to sanitise the fish industry, which has recently been dodged with importation of spoilt fish.

The aim is to stimulate the country to become self-sufficient in fish production over the next four years through a 25 per cent annual fish import cut.

Annual baseline fish import figure has been put at 700,000 metric tons for 2014, which will reduce the quantity of imported fish to 500,000 metric tons for the year.

Apart from the fish species farmed in the country such as catfish, tilapia and croaker that are now strictly regulated and under prohibition from being imported without control, other fish species can be imported within the set quota.

In October 2013, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Adewunmi Adesina, declared that government would ban fish imports over four years, and raise the import duty from 10 per cent to 50 per cent, and possibly as high as 100 per cent beginning from January 1, 2014.

Director of Nigeria’s Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF), Folake Areola, con-

RETIREMENT Better life awaits potential retirees in some states’ public service registered under the Contributory Pension Scheme as their contributions rise

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

Sunday Ojeme

S

even state governments that have registered their workers for the Contributory Pension Scheme have so far contributed over N100 billion

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor

ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

}p-38

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

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

Nigeria begins fish import quota policy Bans catfish, tilapia, croaker

L-R: Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Graduate Internship Scheme representative, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Lassa Samaila; Chief Consultant, Supreme Management Consultants, Mr. Yinka Fasuyi; and a consultant, SMC, Mr. Folarin Animashaun, during the opening ceremony of a three -day GIS orientation and employability training for graduate interns , in Lagos.

firmed that government had begun implementation of the new import quota policy for fish.

It was learnt that government had decided to approach the quota administration through the use of foreign exchange.

Fish importers, like other importers, apply to the Cen-

tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (equivalent of Federal Reserve in the United States) to obtain the foreign exchange required to pay for their fish imports by completing a “Form M” document.

The “Form M” applications are attached to letters of clearance for foreign exchange to

import fish issued by the FDF (the section of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture responsible for supervising and regulating the production, import and distribution of fish and fishery products), indicating among other things, the quantities and values of fish to be imported.

Pension: Seven states contribute N100bn to CPS to the scheme as pension for their workers on retirement.

The seven states are among the 11 out of the 36 states, which record of registration was obtained by New Telegraph.

According to the breakdown, Lagos State tops the list with a contribution of N46.50 billion in respect of 45,730 workers followed by Jigawa and Delta with N16.49 billion and N16 billion respectively.

Others are Kaduna, N9.46

billion in favour of 143,722 workers; Zamfara, N534.4 million in favour of 63,254 workers; Ogun, N10.90 billion in favour of 24,902 workers; and Osun, N4.15 billion in favour of 45,106 workers.

Lagos State is one of the pioneers in the implementation of the CPS, having enacted its law in 2007. It recently paid over N22 billion to 4,199 retirees, who left the state public service under the CPS between 2010 and 2014.

According to the DirectorGeneral, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of each of the 299 retirees in the tenth batch, had been credited with a total sum of N1.21 billion, being their accrued rights for past service to the state prior to the commencement of the CPS in 2007.

He also confirmed that from inception of the scheme CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

NEW TELEGRAPH

‘BANKS MUST REDUCE INTEREST RATE TO STIMULATE GROWTH'

INFLATION RATE March 2014...........................7.08% February 2014........................7.70% January 2014 ........................8.00%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at April 18)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N170 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N282 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N235

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at April 18)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.74 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N260.56 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N216.15 Source: CBN

32

BUSINESS | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

CAC targets three-hour registration, sacks 15 NEW REGIME Intending business owners can now obtain certificate of registration within three hours of filing in their applications Dele Alao

T

he Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has disclosed that plans are underway for a threehour business registration.

Register-General/Chief Executive Officer of CAC, Bello Mahmud, said this in Lagos during a meeting with entrepreneurs, business membership organisations and other key stakeholders at Niger Palace Hotel, Yaba, as part of the on-going business campaign.

Mahmud, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, added that the commission has sacked no fewer than 15 staff for various offences inimical to the commission’s vision of zero-tolerance to corruption.

“The commission has zero tolerance to touting and corruption. Staff are not allowed

to engage in registration activities. Their only involvement is to the extent of their official role of receiving these documents, processing it and issuing certificates,” he said.

He added: “A staff is not allowed to go out of his way to collect application either for name reservation or incorporation of companies for customers. Any staff that is

caught doing that will be summarily terminated.”

The Register-General said that the three-hour business registration is achievable through a new programme software, which is undergoing various stages of development.

Also speaking at the forum, the Director-General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines

and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede, urged players in the informal sector to move to the formal sector by registering their businesses with the CAC. He explained that such registration will enable business owners to have access to various opportunities such as access to funds and official recognition.

Nigeria gets GEF $4. 4bn for environmental projects Dayo Ayeyemi

T

he Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved 4.4 billion dollars about (N713.71 billon) for Nigeria, for the implementation of environmental projects in the next four years.

GEF is the largest funder of environmental initiative in the world.

Disclosing this at a two-day GEF National Steering Committee meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurencia Mallam, said that the funding, approved at the just concluded replenishment meeting in Geneva by 30 donor countries, would be executed under the GEF-6 Cycle.

She described the gesture as an unprecedented landmark decision, adding that it represents an increase of 3.5 per cent over GEF-5 allocation.

She said that the steering committee meeting was to

ensure inclusiveness in the implementation of the GEF project.

“The meeting is one of the strategies, which we have put in place to broaden engagement that will ensure inclusion of all stakeholders in the sector.

According to her, the priority now remains actions that will contribute to the economic transformation of Nigeria as conceived under the Vision 20:2020,” the minister said.

According to her, Nigeria’s participation in the GEF programmes is one of the major ways of ensuring that environmental challenges, with global dimension, are adequately addressed at the country level.

Represented by Mr. Danjuma Dauda, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Jimeta said that GEF projects had supported the poor and marginalised communities.

Pension: Seven states contribute over N100bn to CPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

in 2007, the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), had contributed over N46 billion to the scheme, being the monthly deduction of 7.5 per cent of the bbasic, rent and transport allowances from the salary of every worker and the counterpart 7.5 per cent contribution by the state government into the RSAs of every employee with the state’s approved PFAs. Osun State adopted the CPS and enacted its law in 2009 and apart from the N4.15 billion pension contributions; the sum of N1.90billion has also been remitted into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account, while Ogun also remitted the sum of N3 billion into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account.

Ekiti State enacted its law 2011 and has also 37,676 employees registered under the Scheme.

Oyo State is yet to com-

mence full implementation even though it enacted its law in January, 2010.

Ondo State has only drafted a Bill on the CPS, a copy of which had been reviewed by the commission and comments duly forwarded to the state. Ondo State’s move into the scheme was met with some resistance from the workers who complained that they did not trust the state government enough to transparently implement the programme in their favour.

Details from the North Central zone reveal that Niger State has fully complied with the scheme while Jigawa State in the Nortn West had long appointed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to manage the Pension Funds.

Kaduna State had conducted an actuarial valuation and determined the accrued pension rights of its employees for their service prior to the CPS and established a Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund which currently has a balance of N1.6 billion.

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ringim Farms, Mr. Kabiru Ringim; Group Chief Operating Officer, Notore, Mr. Charles Odita; and Managing Director,Total Environmental Resources Limited, Mr. John Ehikwe, during the Notore Dealers Forum in Abuja

Dayo Ayeyemi

L

agos State Water Corporation will require N300 million per month, totaling N3.6 billion annually to achieve 85 per cent capacity utilisation of all infrastructure and to be able to deliver water supply effectively to the populace, Wash Media Network has revealed.

While blaming inadequate funding for low performance of Lagos Water Corporation, the Chairman of Wash Media Network in Nigeria, Mr Babatope Babalobi, disclosed that the state government allocates between N23 million to N25 million monthly to the corporation, while the latter generates about

‘Lagos requires N3.6bn to meet 85% water needs’ N100 million monthly, bringing all its monthly income to about N125 million, leaving a deficit of N175 million.

The monthly allocation of the corporation, he said, was grossly inadequate to cover the recurrent cost of utility, adding that appropriately about N75 million is needed for staff salaries and emoluments monthly.

Babalobi disclosed these during a media roundtable

Nigeria hosts Africa’s biggest outdoor conference Dele Alao

L

agos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA)’s bid to host Africa’s biggest outdoor conference and exhibition in June has received a boost as world’s biggest outdoor agency, JCDecaux, has signified interest to participate.

The Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux Southern Europe, this week, confirmed participation, indicating willingness to share his wealth of experience with other international speakers and conference delegates.

Managing Director of LASAA, Mr. George Noah was upbeat about the development saying that it will augment the

level of debate at the event. “Mr Jean-Sébastien Decaux’s presence will add more pep to the intercontinental flavour of the conference owing to his wealth of experience in European markets,” Noah enthused.

JCDecaux is the number 1 Outdoor advertising company in the world, playing a major part in transforming urban landscapes across the world. The company was established in 1964 when JeanClaude Decaux - JCDecaux’s founder and today Chairman of JCDecaux’s Supervisory Board - installed the first advertising bus shelters in Lyon, France, driven by his vision of city beautification financed through advertising revenues at no cost to the municipalities and taxpayers.

on “Resource Mobilisation for Improved Water Supply and Sanitation Service Delivery in Lagos State.”

This huge funding gap of about N175 million monthly, he stated, accounted for partly failure of the corporation to deliver water supply services efficiently and sustainably.

Painting the scenario, Babalobi explained that the cumulative financial inflows into the water supply and sanitation sector in Lagos State has not been sufficient to meet the financial needs for a rehabilitation, expansion of facilities and generation of energy, as well as operation and maintenance of facilities.

Though, he lauded the state government for creating the Wastewater Management Office, he expressed concern that the agency is still in dire need of funds to meet the sanitation challenges of the mega city.

He pointed out that the capital investment in the range of N10 billion per year or N300 billion over 25 years will be required in order to reach 80 per cent water supply coverage for the state.

Corroborating Babalobi, one of the Directors of Lagos Water Corporation, Mr. Rapheal Oshinaike, said that underfunding was a major problem of the agency. He said that N15 billion is needed to construct

Agric

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

BUSINESS 33

Where is Nigeria in horticulture business?

It is clear from our findings that horticulture and floriculture business in Nigeria and a number of African countries are begging for support.

Siaka Momoh

W

hat is Nigeria’s status in horticulture and floriculture business? The 19thNigerian Economic Summit Group report tags this business new growth frontier for Nigeria. The opportunities that abound in this frontier are listed as including potential export earnings; the readiness of the aviation industry to support horticulture and floriculture and access to land; and the suitable soil type to cultivate fruits and vegetables. The report notes that effort was made to tap into possible ways to harness these opportunities to diversify the Nigerian economy, alleviate poverty and create jobs.

In the report, former Aviation of Minister, Stella Oduah, cited as achievement in horticulture and floriculture development “the ongoing construction of 13 new perishable terminals at various airports across the nation. We are told that these terminals are being constructed to aid the exportation of perishable goods in Nigeria and “will be launched

by December 2013.”

In the report too is information from the former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Tijani Bukar, that: Nigeria is now global player in the production of 15 key agricultural commodities, backing it with the facts that Nigeria is ranked second highest producer of citrus in the world (with 3.5 million metric tons produced per year); Nigeria is ranked the number one producer of pineapple in Africa (with 920,000 metric tons produced per year); and Nigeria currently ranks 14th largest tomato producer in the

Vegetables

world.

Challenges According to the NESG report, challenges militating against the development of the sector include the issue of inadequate infrastructure in the form of roads and rails which slows down accessibility to rural farmers and makes it difficult to move perishable goods from rural production centres to the mostly urban markets.

Holistic policies required to harness the enormous potentials and opportunities in the industry have not been properly articulated; most farmers in the rural areas are fragmented and there is the need for them to be organised into groups and clusters to aid coordination and management; difficulty in meeting and complying with standards and regulations to ensure that the country’s products qualify for export – they need to be globally competitive; dearth of skills; costs associated with certifications.

Others include losses brought about by lack of refrigeration infrastructure, lack of policies to ensure availability of seeds and the capacity of farmers, lack of the right technology and financial muscle to transform the industry in the country for processing. Fruits and factories are located far apart without putting into consideration costs of transportation as well as the perishable nature of these fruits.

Other shores In Mozambique, Maputo’s

Challenges militating against the development of the sector include the issue of inadequate infrastructure

green zones provide livelihoods for 13,000 market gardeners.

By 1990, Mozambique’s urban population had grown from 1.6 million to 2.9 million. Almost a quarter of the Maputo city area was under agriculture, and 12,000 of its green zone female farmers had joined a General Union of Cooperatives (UGC) that was producing some 200,000 chickens and 5,000 tons of vegetables annually. Food price inflation and unemployment have made food production a common practice in urban Mozambique, particularly in smaller cities and towns in the north and centre of the country. In backyards and on vacant lots, residents grow vegetables, fruit, maize, cassava and beans on small plots, known as machambas, mainly for home consumption.

The daily income of a commercial vegetable grower in Maputo is around US$4, well above the national poverty line of US$0.50. Since less than 20 per cent of growers’ house-

holds have a member in formal employment, market gardening is critically important to family survival, representing almost half of average household earnings.

In Rwanda, sustainable development of horticulture in Kigali faces familiar constraints: growers’ limited access to inputs, insecurity of land tenure, rudimentary farming methods and low producer prices. The 2001 planning study noted that since half of the city’s farmers had no title to their land, they preferred crops such as sweet potatoes, which require only small investments of time and money. To diversify production away from traditional staples to higher value vegetables, growers will need secured title to land and access to production loans. There are also concerns about the quality of produce.

In Senegal, horticulture in the Niayes zone generates liveCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

IITA plans more women representation in key positions GENDER Thumbs up for women at IITA. Institute not interested in just upping their numbers but also in improving their productivity and efficiency.

I

ncreasing the quota of women in research transcends the clamour for gender mainstreaming; it is all about improving productivity and efficiency,

says IITA Director General, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga.

Addressing women staff members in Ibadan on March 11, 2014, Sanginga said that the need to increase the population of women in IITA was driven by the productivity of women staff, which had proven to be above their male counterparts over the years.

Citing an instance at the Threshing Building - a unit involved in the threshing of crops such as maize, soybean, cowpea, and rice - Sanginga said that out of a workforce of over 100 in that unit, 30 per cent are women, but in terms of output, they account

for over 70 per cent.

“Another example that comes to mind is the IITA Women’s Group that is involved in charitable programmes including donations to orphanages, community development, and the provision of scholarships.”

The Director General described the women workforce as productive but yet to be fully tapped resource.

But more than increasing the numbers of women, Dr. Sanginga said that he envisioned more women in management of the institute in the years ahead. He called on women to come out of their shells and aspire for

higher positions.

“You need to be excellent in whatever you are doing... You need to be innovative,” he said.

“But like elsewhere, challenges abound that limit the performance of the women folk. For instance, several young working mothers have children and husbands to take care of. For many, taking higher positions that would compromise the care of their children is a non-starter.”

As positive sentiment across several organisations to increase the quota of women grows, several organisations have different propositions to address this challenge of low

population of women.

In IITA, the key is for women to muster more courage and participate in project execution to ensure that IITA meets its delivery goals. “If we are able to meet our delivery targets, I will not hesitate to employ more women. But if we fail to meet our project execution targets, we will have no option but to downsize,” Dr. Sanginga said.

In less than two years, IITA has doubled its annual budget and there are still prospects for growth. Dr. Sanginga said that the energy from the women is CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Nigeria in horticulture business

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

lihoods for over 400,000 people.

In Dakar, they include local youths hired as day labourers, seasonal workers from Burkina Faso, and a multitude of intermediaries, called banabanas, who provide production loans and have first rights to the harvests of most small-scale growers. Sustainable development of UPH faces several challenges. First among them is urbanisation itself, which competes intensely for increasingly scarce land and water. At the same time, strong demand for peri-urban land has led to widespread “illegal” transfers, usually to well-off beneficiaries. As municipal authorities expropriate land for sale to developers, gardening basins have been filled in and local farmers driven out.

In Ghana, the challenge is translating policies that favour horticulture into “facts on the ground. Two out of every three households in Accra engage in food production. They grow mango trees around their homes for fruit and shade, graze goats along roadsides, and keep mudfish in backyard ponds.

But the dominant agricultural system is irrigated market gardening, which supplies most of Accra’s leafy vegetables and provides livelihoods for about 1,000 growers, most of them settlers from rural areas. About 50 ha of land in and around the capital are used for market gardening, while another 250 ha are under mixed cereal-vegetable cropping. In a year, one hectare of land can yield 180 tons of lettuce. The downside is that urban market gardening relies heavily on wastewater from open drains and polluted streams.

Horticultural sector in India is an important segment of the economy. In recent years there has been a big leap in production and productivity of horticultural products. With this increased importance given to the horticulture sector, India has emerged as the second largest producer of horticultural products in the world.

Indian agriculture occupies an important position in the global agriculture platform and accounts for about 14.7 per cent of the country’s total export earnings (2004-05). India is the world's second largest producer of vegetables (next only to Chi-

na) and the third largest producer of fruit (Brazil and USA ranked first and second respectively). However, the country only ranks 15th when it comes to exports of these products.

Storage infrastructure is vital for carrying the horticultural produce from production periods to consuming periods and to cushion against seasonal price fluctuations, besides preventing losses. Due to lack of dedicated space for fruit and vegetables in cold storage facilities, the seasonal production starts decaying fast and has to be sold off within a short time. These often resulted in over supply and thus lower price realisation for farmers, some of whom resorted to distress sales during this period.

One of the consequences of the lack of cold storage facilities is either the unavailability of the Freight Transport for Development, a policy toolkit 113 products in the off-season, especially in southern parts of the country or availability at very high prices.

Barriers to export Barriers to export of perishables from India include: The high logistic costs. Com-

paring India to selected countries, across destination markets, modes of transport and commodities traded indicates that, on average.

India’s international transportation costs are 20-30 per cent higher than those faced by other countries. Since transportation costs are found to account for about 50 per cent of FOB price when air transport is used and 25 percent in case of maritime transport.

Indian products are 5 to 15 per cent more expensive than their foreign counterparts simply on account of high international transportation costs. Low conformity to quality required in international markets and trade barriers in foreign markets.

High leakage in the supply chain. – wastage from the farm gate to the local wholesale market. The wastage in horticultural products at different levels of the supply chain is different horticultural products varying from around 5 per cent for Apples to 20 per cent for Tomatoes.

The total revenue lost due to wastage in horticulture was estimated at around US$ 2.2 billion in 2003-04. Infrastructure available to cater to the whole value chain is either not functional or does not exist. There is only a limited amount of cold storage facilities and most are used for potatoes only. These problems were also compounded by road infrastructure, freight transport system having poor service quality, low reliability and high transit times, inadequate reefer trucks, capacity constraints on Indian Railway network and Container trains, Container terminals in ports and high freight rates for air cargo.

It is clear from the findings

Indian products are 5 to 15 per cent more expensive than their foreign counterparts

Horticulture

here that horticulture and floriculture business in Nigeria as well as a number of African countries is begging for support. Clearly, there is the problem of access to land and the legal issue related to this. There is also the problem of capacity.

The farmers operate solo. Their cooperatives are only cooperatives in name and not in action.

There is the need for smallholders to come together to press in their case and do business as a team. Individually for instance, these horticulturists cannot explore cooperative export window which is begging for exploration. It is time for a rethink.

India’s solution move There was an urgent need to develop world-class cold storage and handling infrastructure in India as absence of proper storage and organised cold chain facilities leads to large-scale wastage. Post-harvest losses account for approximately 3035 per cent of India’s produce.

Inadequate cold storage also affects the quality of the remaining 65-70 per cent. To become a successful exporter, India needs not only to remain a low cost producer but also become an efficient and low cost transporters and distributor of commodities, i.e. India must lower its high logistics costs of about 10-14 per cent.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) studied the current status and suggested a road map for development of infrastructure to promote exports of agro perishables and provided a facilitative policy framework for exports and also to provide financing through grants/equity. It also encouraged the private sector to establish the export terminal markets in partnership with APEDA or concerned state governments and container train logistic operators to provide logistics for freer container transport. APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985.

IITA seeks more women representation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

needed now to ensure that the institute meets its obligations, emphasising that “if you (women) take care of IITA, IITA will take care of you.”

Our say In response to the call for greater participation of women and to be able to fill top management positions in IITA, some women called for policies that would enable them further their education while at the same time keep their jobs and take care of their babies.

“We need to further our education,” Mrs Kafilat Odesola, IITA scientist, said, emphasising that such opportunities would not compromise research “because women can multitask and do a hundred things at the

same time.”

Besides the challenge of furthering their education, women at the forum also voiced out other limitations.

However, Dr. (Mrs) Bussie Maziya-Dixon, IITA Crop Utilisation specialist, noted that climbing the corporate ladder would entail women setting their priorities right. “Women should know what they want.

What you want to achieve at 30... What you want to achieve at 40 etc. I have seen a lot of women who come with the ambition to do a PhD. And the supervisor looks for funds because he/she knows that if he/ she educates a woman, he/she is actually educating 20 people at a go. But in the middle of the program when the boyfriend comes and says we are getting married, she drops everything

just like that. So my advice is: “know what you want as an individual and pursue it.”

Corroborating Dr. MaziyaDixon’s position, Mrs Bukky Adeyemo, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director General (Corporate Services), encouraged women not to look at limitations if they wanted to be at par with their male counterparts.

Way forward But more than rhetoric, the women staff set up a committee to map out an implementation strategy to increase the workforce of women and advise on matters relating to staff promotions in IITA. The committee, which has strong institutional backing, plans to raise the number of women staff by 50 per cent over

the next three years. At the moment, women represent 22 per cent of nationally recruited staff and 30 per cent of internationally recruited staff according to April 2013 recruitment figures from the institute.

The committee met on March 14 and pledged to work with IITA management to ensure: • Gender balance for short term staff.

• Training for women which could be in the form of mentorship, training, and seminars • Women are given the opportunity to further their studies (possibility of study leave for female staff members).

• Introduction of flexi-time for workers, particularly crèche workers. (The crèche could be open after working hours and on Saturdays).

• Promoting IITA as a good fam-

ily company to work for to potential female candidates.

In the area of women taking senior management/leadership roles, the women promised to work with the IITA management in the following areas: • Mentorship/guidance counselling to women staff • Heads of unit to encourage women to take on more responsibility that will enhance their careers • There should be good dissemination of information among women on potential openings in the Institute • Encourage career advancement • Conduct empowerment seminars The women also went ahead to constitute committees that would implement the promised/ pledged actions.

business | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

IITA to govts: Use agriculture to create job EMPLOYMENT Need to make youths entrepreneurs should be in the front burner today.

Stories by Siaka Momoh

T

he Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, has called on governments to make use of the potential in agriculture to create wealth and jobs.

In his address delivered to stakeholders at the Oyo State Economic Summit, Dr Sanginga said that there were opportunities for the youth to start small businesses in seed production, input supply, weed control and processing, among others.

Represented by Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Capacity Development, Dr Sanginga further explained that the youth could also be farmers and use modern methods that reduce the labour required, raise yields, and increase income.

Citing the example of the IITA Youth Agricpreneurs model, Dr Sanginga said that there was the need to change the mindset of the youth.

He explained that the Youth Agricpreneurs project – the first

of its kind in the CGIAR—engages young people from various educational disciplines and through mentoring and training transforms them into agricpreneurs. He added that making agriculture a business is at the core of the programme.

“This project has so far been successful and we need to scale up,” he said.

The economic summit attracted industrialists including the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, Oba Otudeko; the Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Executive Chairman, Philips Consulting, Mr Foluso Philips; and the Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in his welcome address, said that the state was ready to offer incentives and partnership to investors willing to explore opportunities in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

He commended the partnership the state was enjoying with IITA, noting that plans were underway to train young people in agriculture.

The governor solicited more synergies from other foreign bodies in the human and capital development of the state.

Unveiling data from the private and public sectors, the governor spoke about several opportunities that abound in

various sectors and the efforts his administration had undertaken to make Oyo an investment destination of choice.

His list of opportunities included infrastructural development, urban renewal, peace and security, training and retraining of civil servants and political appointees and accountability.

Ajimobi called on investors and private sector players to avail themselves of the opportunities. He listed as part of the attraction the large market in Oyo State, the huge working population, peace and security, proximity to Lagos and good governance.

A

total of N1,056.3 million was guaranteed to 2,060 farmers under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in January, the Central Bank Economic Report has revealed.

This represents an increase of 12.5 per cent and 68.7 per cent above the levels in the preceding month and the corresponding month of 2013, respectively.

A sub-sectoral analysis of the loans guaranteed indicated that the food crop sub-sector had the largest share of N923.3 million (87.4 per cent) guaran-

Units USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USD/cwt USd/bu.

USD/st USd/lb.

CAD/mt

Price 500.50 674.75 362.75 15.33 1,464.50 468.70 42.75 458.40

Change -1.50 -4.75 -1.00 +0.02 -6.25 -1.60 -0.23 -2.20

% Change -0.30% -0.70% -0.27% +0.10% -0.42% -0.34% -0.54% -0.48%

Contract Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14

Time(ET) 09:42:45 09:41:50 09:39:58 09:31:54 09:42:00 09:41:55 09:42:09 09:42:09

Units USD/mt USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb. cents/kg USD/tbf JPY/kg USD/gal.

Price 3,016.00 214.00 17.85 165.00 91.76 333.20 202.40 2.17

Change +10.00 +0.60 +0.23 +0.30 -1.49 +0.90 +1.20 +0.02

% Change +0.33% +0.28% +1.31% +0.18% -1.60% -% +0.27% +0.60% +0.79%

Contract Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jun 14 Jul 14 Sep 14 Jun 14

09:35:44 05:59:57 09:37:09

Units USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb.

Price 134.73 182.25 123.05

Change +0.18 -0.03 +0.70

% Change +0.13% -0.01% +0.57%

Contract Jun 14 Aug 14 Jun 14

Time(ET) 09:41:49 09:41:49 09:42:00

Softs Commodity ICE Cocoa ICE Coffee "C" ICE Sugar #11 ICE Orange Juice Conc ICE Cotton #2 SFE Greasy Wool CME Lumber TOCOM Rubber CME Ethanol

Agripreneurs

Fund paid to farmers under ACGS up 12.5%

Agricultural Commodity Prices - Grains Commodity CBOT Corn CBOT Wheat CBOT Oats CBOT Rough Rice CBOT Soybeans CBOT Soybean Meal CBOT Soybean Oil ICE Canola

Time(ET) 09:41:07 09:42:40 09:41:51 09:39:57 09:41:55

teed to 1,653 beneficiaries, the livestock sub-sector received N74.7 million (7.1per cent) for 192 beneficiaries, while fisheries sub-sector received N27.8 million (2.6 per cent) guaranteed to 84 beneficiaries.

The mixed crops sub-sector received N18.2 million (1.7 per cent) guaranteed to 65 beneficiary, cash crops sub-sector got N6.2million (0.6 per cent) for 20 beneficiaries, while “others” share was N6.1 million (0.6 per cent) for 46 beneficiaries.

Analysis by state showed that 23 states benefited from the scheme during the review month, with the highest and lowest sums of N500 million (47.3 per cent) and N0.1 million (0.02 per cent) guaranteed to Jigawa and Borno states, respectively. At end-January 2014, the total amount released by the CBN under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) to the participating banks for disbursement stood at N228.2 billion for 307 projects/promoters.

According to the report, agricultural activities witnessed the prevalence of dry harmattan weather across the country. The major farm-

Livestock Commodity CME Live Cattle CME Feeder Cattle CME Lean Hogs

35

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price.

Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

Money

ing activities in the southern states were harvesting of tree crops and fruits and clearing of land for the 2014 cropping season, it says.

It notes that in the northern states, the predominant operation was cultivation of irrigated lands, that in the livestock sub-sector, farmers intensified the raising of broilers and layers to replenish the stock sold off during the last festive season.

The ACGSF was established by Decree No. 20 of 1977, and started operations in April, 1978. Its original share capital and paid-up capital were N100 million and N85.6 million, respectively. The Federal Government holds 60 per cent and the Central Bank of Nigeria, 40 per cent of the shares. The capital base of the Scheme was increased to N3 billion in March, 2001. The Fund guarantees credit facilities extended to farmers by banks up to 75 per cent of the amount in default net of any security realised. The fund is managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which handles the day-to-day operations of the scheme.

36

BUSINESS

Pension

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

EXPANSION The nation’s growing pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme attract more foreign interests Sunday Ojeme

T

he fast growing pension arrangement under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) may have attracted the investment consideration of a United Kingdom’s pension protection outfit as it considers investment in Africa.

The Pension Protection Fund wants to reassess how it looks at frontier markets and already considering its options on investing in Africa for the first time.

A report by aiCIO said the progressive UK pension lifeboat, which had been in surplus since 2010, had already met with several managers and discussions were being had internally on how best to get money into Africa.

An anonymous respondent, who is an investment chief at one of the UK’s largest corporate pension funds said it currently had a watching brief on private equity in Africa, but lamented the difficulty of negotiating deals to take majority ownership of African companies.

He said: “There are problems around liquidity outside the major markets in Africa, and the Arab Spring has created issues in further reducing the size of the potential universe.

“Because of liquidity issues, public equity managers may be permitted to hold private/pre-Initial Public Offer issues. On the private side there are a few managers with track records but they tend to be in the major markets, such as South Africa and Nigeria.”

An official of the PPF, Barry Kenneth, also said, “Frontier markets are an asset class that I’m not convinced we invest in the best way at the moment.

“We’ve seen a couple of people about it but there are no conclusions yet. We need to think about the asset allocation as it evolves over the next 15 years or so. You can’t ignore frontier area—people need to spend more time understanding these areas.”

The PPF is one of a growing number of UK pension funds looking to African funds, particularly equities and real assets, in the search for yield and diversification.

The report also affirmed that while the political, socio-economic, and corruption risks were still too difficult to overcome for some, others were, however, becoming pioneers for the sector.

It added that the Cornwall local authority pension fund has just appointed two fund managers to run a £60 million frontier market mandate, some of which may well be sourced from Africa.

Elsewhere in Europe, pension funds in Denmark have invested in the region. Old Mutual Asset Management, one of the key players in this space, told aiCIO the Danes were supportive of African funds because these investors were very sophisticated in how they treat illiquidity premia.

There are even signs that US investors are starting to become more positive too. Traditionally, US investors have been rather cold on African investments, but Wale Adeoson a former CIO at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Albany, NY, and now the founder and CIO of Kuramo Capital in New York City, has revealed some investors are starting to come on board.

“US endowments and foundations

Managing Director Premium Pension, Wilson Ideraa

Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala

Director-General PenCom, Chinelo AnohuAmazu

Nigeria may emerge top UK pension agency investment choice are the most sophisticated investors with a long-term horizon and appetite for venturing into non-traditional asset classes and regions of the world that are growing really fast,” he said.

The funds are attracted by the “excellent risk-adjusted returns by capturing the tremendous sub-Saharan Africa growth opportunity”, Adeosun continued.

“The biggest concern is risk perception. However, some investors are savvy enough to understand that they more than get compensated for that risk perception by attractive returns.

Mitigating the risk perception is all about education to lower the required risk premium.”

Nigeria’s pension project has become the fastest growing in Africa in recent time and also generating investment concerns among the stakeholders and foreigners alike.

Recent outlook reveals that stakeholders and investment experts believe the time has come to grow the funds bigger by moving part of it into areas not originally considered while planning the investment guidelines.

With about six million workers so far registered with the scheme, the assets have grown to over N4 trillion as at February this year. The fund is expected to grow far beyond this figure by the end of the year as more organisations and institutions register their workers under the scheme.

This is evident from the recent campaign tour embarked upon by the Director-General, National Pension Commission, Ms. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, across the six geo-political zones of the country in a bid to woo more states to register their workers.

According to the investment record revealed by the PFAs, a total of N609.8bn had been invested in shares, making up about 15 per cent of the entire pension funds as at the end of the 2013 financial year.

According to the breakdown as at November ending, N558.17bn or about

14 per cent of the pension assets had been invested in domestic ordinary shares, while N51.67bn or one per cent was invested in foreign ordinary shares.

A total of N1.7tn or 44 per cent of the funds was invested in Federal Government of Nigeria securities; N643.45bn or 16 per cent in treasury bills; while N407bn or 10 per cent of the funds was invested in local money market securities.

In the same vein, N205bn and N192bn were invested in state government securities and real estate properties, respectively while N83.3bn went into corporate debt securities and N65.7bn invested in cash and other assets.

About N8.7bn was invested in private equity fund, while the rest of the balance of about N736m was invested in foreign money market securities.

With the assets prudently spread across the instruments stipulated by the extant law, some experts still believe that more could be done as regards locating other profit yielding investment areas that more of the funds can be channeled into.

Besides the Pension Fund Administrators who are statutorily in charge of taking investment decisions as sanctioned by the National Pension Commission, other experts are also indicating interests in how the funds could be invested.

The fund administrators recently

We’ve seen a couple of people about it but there are no conclusions yet.

We need to think about the asset allocation as it evolves over the next 15 years or so.

held a parley with the United States Agency for International Development in bid to plough some of the assets into energy.

The discussion with the international agency, according to reports, stemmed from the fund managers’ fear of inadequate and reliable investment instruments over the apprehension that in the next few years if no new instrument comes up, investment returns might be hampered. For now, they rely mostly on government bonds.

According to one of the administrators and the Managing Director, ARM Pensions Limited, Mr. Sadiq Mohammed, the issuance of bond in the Nigerian market is reducing and yields also would begin to taper with time, so there might be drought of investment instruments going forward.

He said, “From the capital market, we expect new issues to come up as stakeholders including the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are working on the background to woo more firms to list in the market, and that we expect will bring liquidity.

He also hinted that alternative assets were coming into the market to access pension funds, expressing hope that all of these would offer investment opportunities for the Pension Fund Administrators.

Also pulling its weight in ensuring a good investment process for the fund is a United Kingdom-based group, Africonomie, a boutique marketing and communications services business outfit specialising in Africa and emerging markets investment funds and asset management industry.

The group, which assist capital owners, sovereigns, corporates and investment managers establish contacts, communicate their corporate strategy as well as make effective business decisions, believes that the growing pension assets should be pushed further into some other instruments in order to give it a higher leap in returns than it is currently witnessing.

BUSINESS |PENSION 37

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Pensioners to get advise on live expectancy NOTIFICATION Government wants to provide pensioners with rough life expectancy guide to allow them to make better financial decisions

P

ensioners will be given estimates of how long they have left to live to help them manage their savings, a minister has disclosed.

The Telegraph quoted Steve Webb as saying that the government wants to provide pensioners with a rough life expectancy guide when they reach retirement to allow them to make better financial decisions. Experts will take into account factors including gender, where a pensioner lives or whether they smoke, the pensions minister said.

Life expectancy should be part of “guidance” given to help people decide how much to save.

In last month’s Budget, George Osborne announced the scrapping of rules that force most Britons to use their pension savings to buy an annuity.

From next year it will be much easier and cheaper to withdraw money directly from a pension savings pot for other purposes.

But critics fear that people could end up struggling financially if they spend all their money soon after retiring.

Mr Webb said that individuals often underestimated their life expectancy.

“The idea is that you come to think about retiring, [but] you don’t know how long that retirement is going to be,” Mr Webb said.

“What we do know is people get it wrong and they underestimate how long they’re going

to live.

“At 60 most people will have parents still alive so the best guide they’ve got about how long they are going to live is their grandparents. That’s two generations ago so they tend to underestimate how long they are going to live.

“My idea … is to say to somebody, 'Look, someone of your generation, living in this part of the country, you’ve not smoked, someone like you could easily live for 27 years’.”

Newly released figures show that life expectancy is rising steadily in the UK with females born now projected to live 82.7 years on average. Average male life expectancy is now 78.9 years.

However, for those who reach the age of 65, life expectancy is considerably higher, as the overall figure is an average brought down by the number who are likely to die young.

The new figures, from the Office for National Statistics, also suggest that young people with healthy lifestyles from poorer parts of the UK are moving to more prosperous regions.

Mr Webb said that the guidance would be given face to face by savings advisers to any pensioner who requests it.

He promised that the plans would not be “crass and insensitive”.

“I don’t think it would be tailored to the individual,” he said.

“You would potentially have a table … with gender, where you live … and you could then say, 'This is the number on the chart for you’.”

He has said that he is “relaxed” about the idea of the retired buying Lamborghinis with their pension savings. “It’s entirely people’s own choice what they do with their money,” Mr Webb said. “This isn’t the Government telling them what to do with their own money. But

Suspended pension fund head calls for transparency

J

ohn Oliphant, suspended as head of South Africa’s 1.2 trillion-rand ($114 billion) Government Employees Pension Fund, said he wanted an independent report on the matter to be made public in the interests of transparency.

A former Chairman of Africa’s biggest pension fund, the GEPF, Arthur Moloto, suspended Oliphant after receiving the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP last September. Oliphant breached GEPF policy by approving an increase in the fee for an advertising contract to Johannesburg-based agency Mother Russia to 2 million rand from 531,555 rand, according to the PwC report, obtained by Bloomberg News.

“An amicable resolution of the dispute should include making public the PwC report, the initial charge sheet, the amended charge sheet and my response to the charges,” Oliphant said in an e-mailed

statement today. “While an amicable resolution still eludes us, we are perplexed now that the report has been leaked. Transparency is important, the GEPF is a publicinterest institution.”

More than 1.5 million South Africans have retirement funds in the GEPF and the organization is the singlebiggest investor in Johannesburg’s stock exchange. Oliphant’s disciplinary hearing is due to start tomorrow and is scheduled to run until April 25. Oliphant has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Joelene Moodley, acting principal executive officer of GEPF, and Emmanuel Lekgau, head of the governance and legal committee, did not immediately respond to two sets of e-mailed questions today. Calls to the GEPF’s offices weren’t answered. A call to the Johannesburg offices of Mother Russia wasn’t answered after regular business hours.

what it is saying is that when they make their own choices, we want to make sure they do it on the basis of full information.”

He added that people would have “longer working lives” in future and could take on a second or third career before reaching retirement.

“The Chancellor has talked about pension ages of 69 and beyond, so the idea that people will leave higher education at 21 or 22 or leave school at 18 or whatever and just do one job for 50-odd years is implausible,” he said.

“That means doing different things, retraining, moving from something more physically demanding to something less demanding [or] gradually easing your way out of work.”

The ONS figures also showed stark regional divisions in life expectancy and suggested that the migration of healthy young people to prosperous areas in search of better paid jobs is widening the north-south life-expectancy gap.

Estimates suggest that a girl born today in Purbeck, Dorset

can expect to live to 86.6 years on average, 14 years longer than a boy born in inner-city Glasgow.

Overall life expectancy is rising across the UK with women born now projected to live a full year more than was the case four years ago. Men are narrowing the gap rapidly, gaining almost 17 months.

In a handful of areas in southern and eastern England, the overall figure for male life expectancy has passed 80. It is highest in East Dorset, at 82.9 years.

L-R:Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adeshina; Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ben Akabueze, and Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, Airtel Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava, at the unveiling of Airtel's Club for Elite customers in Lagos

Delta contributes N16bn pension counterpart funds T wo weeks after Ogun State government released N1.5 billion to offset pension payment to retirees in the state’s civil service, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan , has also disclosed his administration’s contribution of over N16 billion as counterpart funding to the New Pension Scheme since its inception in 2007.

Disclosing this while inaugurating the Chairmen and Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Bureaus in Asaba, he said he spent over 800 million naira monthly for the payment of pension to retirees under the old and new pension schemes.

“The state government was committed to the wellbeing of its pensioners' stressing that 'it has cleared up the backlog of payment for retirees caught between the old and new pension schemes until till 2013,” he said.

Speaking on the pension disparity in the state, the gov-

ernor noted that a committee under the state’s Head of Service was already looking into the differences in the amount paid to state and local government pensioners with a promise to pay the difference.

He also asked for more understanding from the pensioners over their initial experience at the early stage of the new scheme He said the state government would clear the backlog of payments and other issues affecting the scheme, adding that the state was contributing 16 per cent to the fund as against the approved 7.5 per cent.

The governor pointed out that even with 10 per cent, the state government was still paying above what was required to be paid.

While commending the chairmen and secretaries of the state and local government pensions bureaus \ for their excellent performance during their first terms, he said while pension funds in the country

had been characterised with fraud and embezzlement, the story has been different in Delta State.

He said that hard work, transparency, integrity and honesty have characterized the officials of the bureaus in their first terms in office, accounting for their reappointment for a second term.

Gover nor Uduaghan charged them to redouble their efforts and surpass the enviable performance and record they have set at the bureaus.

While responding, the Chairman of the State Pensions Bureau, Mrs. Christiana Siakpere, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and promised that the Bureaus would move the state pension schemes forward.

She said the Bureaus would continue to introduce methods and procedures that would help them serve pensioners better in order to achieve the vision of the state government for the pensioners.

38 BUSINESS | INTERVIEW

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

‘Banks must reduce interest rate to stimulate growth' Mr. Sunday Oduyale is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Esbee Limited, one of the leading automobile companies in Nigeria. In this interview with Chris Ugwu, Oduyale spoke on the lull in the economy, the effects of the ever-rising exchange rate and the efforts of Sterling Bank to support businesses.

We are in the fourth month of 2014 and the National Assembly has just passed the national budget. How is this affecting the economy?

Don’t you think that Nigerians no longer wait for the passage of the budget except for, perhaps, government contractors who want to confirm provisions in the budget to pay for outstanding job done and what is available for the current year? A national budget is a financial document prepared at the end of each fiscal year with the expected expenditures of the entire nation. It mainly includes the sources of revenue and expected expenditure and so on.

For any business concern or even for the various government agencies and parastatals to plan for the year, they will need to have information on the policies of government for the year. We need to look at what government intends to do for the year; where it is likely to pump more money; the exchange rate policy; crude oil prices and production targets, and other policies that will affect the way businesses will be conducted in the current year. Unfortunately, we don’t have all that even in the fourth month of the year. The non-passage of the budget is doing so much harm to the economy.

We were all happy when the president started the process last year November.

However, between then and now, nothing has happened, so we cannot plan anything. We are all guessing and this is having a negative impact on businesses and this is not good for the economy.

What was responsible for the delay of the budget?

It is all about politics and l think they (the National Assembly and the political parties) should come together in the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria to pass the budget so that the economy will hit the ground running. First, it was the failure of the two chambers to harmonise their differences on the crude oil benchmark. This led to the cancellation of the president’s visit to the National Assembly last year. While the Senate passed $76.5 per barrel as the benchmark, the House passed $79, consistent with the benchmark for the 2013 budget, so it is politics and they just have to resolve their differences in the interest of the people.

What are the likely implications?

It is obvious that the delay will slow down the execution of capital projects.

This is April already. Just like some financial analysis have posited, instead of having 12 months we are now going to have about eight months if passed this month and so capital projects would suffer and the standard of living will fall because capital projects are what impact on the standard of living. For those of

power, you have taken care of 40 per cent of the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

The small and medium size companies/ businesses are worse off. Then again you have to fix your roads. Communities now come together to fix their roads through contributions from members.

I have seen situations where owners of businesses embark on road construction to ensure that customers and raw materials get to their premises. This is not good enough for a fast growing economy like ours. Then look at the level of insecurity in this country presently. A lot still needs to be done as it is impacting the cost of doing business.

What do you think is responsible for the high interest rate?

Well, I think that the banks should tell us, but I think that the Central Bank has a role to play in this respect. Banks will tell you also that the cost of sourcing for funds from the market is high, but that does not justify the rates charged by them (banks). For instance, interest rate in the UK has been kept unchanged at a record low of 0.5 per cent by the Bank of England. Are we saying that this is not possible in Nigeria? With the political will, it is possible.

Oduyale

us in business, this is already having adverse effect on us. We won’t have any problem with recurrent budget but what we are going to have problems with is in the area of capital projects because this is what business organisations rely on to make their own projections. A lot of plans are dependent on capital releases and if the capital budget does not start early it will affect businesses because most of us look at the budget to make informed decisions. Apart from slowing down the execution of capital projects, investors and businesses which depend on the fiscal document to make their investment decisions would have to wait.

How has the banking sector faired in terms of providing support for businesses especially in the south west?

The banking sector is trying but we need the sector to still play a more critical role in supporting business growth.

In the south west region, we have all the banks adequately represented. I particularly chose to bank with Sterling Bank because of its unique business offering and provision of personalised services to justify the slogan: “One-Customer Bank.”

The quality of service is fantastic and they are very good in the area of providing quality advisory banking services.

The fact is that the bank is part of this business. The team from the branch, led by its manager, visits my office regularly to see what we are doing and advise when we are not getting it right. Response to enquiries is swift and I don’t think you want to lose that kind of partnership.

The partnership between Esbee Group and Sterling Bank is awesome. However, where I have issues with Sterling Bank is in the area of interest, although this is not peculiar to the bank. I have also gone to other banks to verify this and I realised that it is a general challenge. I started banking with Equitorial Trust Bank when the Ijebu-Ode branch was established and continued with it when it merged with Sterling Bank because it was the same people. A team from the bank came here (my office) to market me and after 30 minutes I was convinced that they had something different to offer.

They have answers to all my questions and from the way they presented themselves and the bank, I was convinced that it was time I changed my bank. Your next question will be any regrets? And l say emphatically, no, none whatsoever.

What are the major issues that you think government must address this year to get the economy back on track?

From the outside and based on what we hear and read in the media,, government has done well so far in the area of power. The president has promised that by June, Nigerians will enjoy stable power supply. We are praying for this to come to pass. However, I am a bit disturbed by the comment made by the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, in an interview, where he stated that our hope of getting constant electricity is dim. His reason is that the new owners don’t have sufficient financial resources to ensure efficiency in distribution and therefore have limited power to serve their clients. I just hope that all these challenges will be taken care of in no time. The fact is that power is very critical to the growth of any economy. No business, be it small or big, can survive without adequate power.

What is happening is that a lot of big companies are barely surviving. Provision of alternative power supply takes over 40 per cent of the total cost of doing business in this country, so if you fix

Operators in the agric sector enjoy different interest rates on loans.

Their loans are subsidised by government. They pay about 7-9 per cent on their loans while we pay about 25 per cent

What are the implications of this?

People in business will be discouraged from borrowing for business expansion.

In fact, with high interest rate, people will not be willing to take the risk of taking loans with the current interest rate to start a new business. The implication of this is that the economy will remain stagnant, there will be unemployment issues and banks will also lose a lot of money because people will take loans and will have issues repaying such loans.

What are your expectations from government in this regards?

There is an urgent need for government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to come up with policies that will bring down interest rate.

Government must support businesses in this area honestly. For instance, operators in the agric sector enjoy different interest rates on loans. Their loans are subsidised by government. They pay about 7-9 per cent on their loans while we pay about 25 per cent. This is not fair. You cannot grow a sector while other sectors suffer. I am not particularly fuzzy about loans anyway except it is extremely important.

If you don’t rely on loans, how do you source for funds to run your business?

You won’t believe it but those of us in this business now support ourselves to survive. For instance, we do monthly contributions where we pull resources together to support each other. We take the fund one after the other depending on our financial needs. We are also into Co-operatives, so you must think very well before you obtain loans from banks if you want to remain in this business for a long time.

Government is working on the local manufacturing of cars. Don’t you think this will not only checkmate the importation of vehicles into the country, but reduce the cost of acquiring cars by Nigerians?

The pronouncement by government is fantastic, but until I see that happen, I will not make any comment. There was a time in this country that a new Peugeot 505 cost less than N20,000. Beetle was sold for N3,000. I will love to see that happen again in this country. That is all I have to say about that.

CRIME

39

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JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Save my sons from prison, widow begs governor Juliana Francis and Dominic Adewole Asaba

A

widow, Mrs. Patience Adumekwe, whose two boys have been remanded in prison for almost two years, is calling on the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to intervene and help her sons regain their liberty.

According to the widow, her sons, Chika and Charles (Omoh) were charged with the murder of a 400level undergraduate identified as Ogikighere Emmanuel, alias Onos.

Mrs. Adumekwe, who said that her children were innocent of the charges levelled against them, added that the case had no witnesses.

She explained that the only witness was the complaint, who also happened to be the deceased boy’s mother, Mrs. Anna Mayemi.

She further alleged that Mrs. Anna pinned the murder on her sons because,” she had earlier vowed to deal with Chika for dragging her son to the police station over a stolen phone.”

When Onos was killed, seven boys, alleged to be members of the Eiye Confraternity were arrested. Others were, however, allowed to go after police investigation, but Mrs. Adumekwe’s boys are still in prison for almost two years now, waiting for the trial to start.

Chika and Charles had also distanced themselves from the killing of Onos.

Indeed, while Chika said he knew nothing about the shooting to death of Onos, his younger brother, Charles, a member of Eiye cult group, alleged that one Uche shot and killed Onos over battle for the leadership of the group.

Charles further said that Onos had spent more than the stipulated tenure for a Capone (leader of the cult group), but had refused to step down for Uche to take over.

The police are, however, not too sure of the boys’ innocence, even though all other suspects who had been granted bail confessed not to know who shot Onos.

While the boys are in prison custody, waiting for the case to begin, their mother is asking Uduaghan to intervene and urged the State’s Ministry of Justice to grant her sons bail.

Mrs. Adumekwe said: “My boys were charged to court and remanded in prison for almost two years now while the case

Uduaghan

Mrs. Adumekwe

had not even started. They would have been released like other suspects in the case, but the only problem is that I don’t have money. I’m just a struggling widow with 10 children. Since my husband died, life not been easy.”

The woman, who broke down in tears as she narrated how her children got to prison, said that she was worried that the boys might be condemned to death or sentenced to life imprisonment.

The young men, who were once stu-

CRIME QUOTE “My heart becomes so heavy and I develop a serious headache because when I look into the eyes of my young daughter, I wonder how the parents of these students feel when faced with the harsh reality that their loving daughters are either in the hands of abductors in fear and desperation for freedom or wandering somewhere looking for safety while their parents do not know the status of their children.”

–Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

dents of the Delta State University, Abraka, had had trying situations.

Chika, the eldest of the two, popular in campus, was once accused of killing a boy during a factional cult groups. Indeed, New Telegraph gathered that Chika was a member before he renounced the group.

The victim, the New Telegraph learnt, was lynched after he allegedly slapped a rival member who later mobilised and unleashed terror on him. Chika was later allegedly exonerated from the crime.

Barely 18 months after that, Mrs. Adumekwe was, once again, thrown into another round of trauma; this time around, it was a murder case.

This was the case involving Onos. The father of Emmanuel who is a politician in the university town, refused to listen to pleadings.

Mrs. Adumekwe felt that the trouble that visited her sons could be traced to when some unknown youngsters, attempted to set their family house ablaze.

Mrs. Adumekwe recalled: “The following day, one of the boys who set the house on fire came back to check whether the house actually got burnt. Chika and his friends caught him and handed him over to the police. Chika was later invited for interrogation. That was how he was detained. We made efforts to bail him but to no avail.

“He was later transferred to the Command Headquarters, Asaba; from there he was charged to the High Court in Isiokolo CONT INU E D ON PAGE 40

40 CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Brothers remanded for death of cult leader The 3rd Eye DPO detained for raping detainee

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

and remanded in prison custody in Sapele.

Barrister Tayo secured bail for Chika. Few weeks after, Chika was thrown into prison in Sapele again.”

She said that while this drama was going on, Charles, his younger brother, was in Lagos.

Mrs. Adumekwe recalled: “Seven boys were accused alongside my sons to have killed Mrs. Anna Mayemi’s son. Five others had since been set free, except my sons. As I speak with you now, there is no witness in the matter except that the victim’s mother has become a witness in her own matter.”

She continued: “Trouble started close to two years ago when Anna’s late son, Emmanuel (Onos) stole Chika’s Black-Berry phone on campus. Anna got angry because Chika reported the matter to the police. She said my son tarnished her image. The matter was later settled out of police station.

“Emmanuel again stole another person’s phone and the person happened to be Chika’s friend. Chika, again, led his friend to report the matter to the police. That was how the woman became furious and threatened to deal ruthlessly with my family.

“I understand that the late boy was caught up in a cult clash that ensued between rival groups in the university. Since there was no one to be blamed for his death, Mrs. Anna blamed my sons.”

The widow said because the boy’s mother was highly placed in Delta State, she wanted her sons dead for accusing Onos of stealing phones.

In a court suit, filed at the High Court of Justice Delta State, Isiokolo, Chika Adumekwe was charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

The suit further states: “Chika, on or about 25th September, 2012, at Abraka, within Isiokolo judicial division conspired with others at large to murder one Ogikighere Emmanuel alias Onos.”

According to a statement of witness made by one Godwin Akume, 42 Uncle to the late Ogikighere Emmanuel, apparently, the deceased had been receiving threatening calls from Chika before his death.

The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) of the case, Mr. Corporal Ekaezne Chinedum, attached to Abraka Police Station, stated in statement of witness transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), “The mother of the boy who was shot stated that on July, 21, 2012, she was in her house at Sapele when she received a phone call via this number 08038567333 and the number belonged to B1 (Chika) of this case file and the caller told her that his name was Chika, which she later knew to be Chika Adumekwe. He told her to warn her son, Onoriode (Onos) that was killed, that he should beware of him, that if she did not warn him, that anything she sees, she would manage it. She reported the case to Abraka Police Station.”

In her own statement, Mrs. Anna, married to Honourable Isiah Omasheye, explained that sometime in July 2012, Onos complained that one Chika used to have quarrels with him.

“So I went to Abraka from Sapele to see them, that was how I got to know Chika and we exchanged phone numbers,” wrote Mrs. Anna.

After a while, the next text messages she received from Chika, were threatening ones.

S Charles

Chika

The text message states in part: “…that thief you called a son have started. I have been calling you since yesterday with a glo line, but you refused to pick, tell him I am giving him 30 days from now, to return that phone he collected or else he will have a case with the school authority and the Police Force…”

After that message, her son was allegedly killed in 30 days. She had later received a text message which states: ‘The names of the killers are; Omoh (Charles), Chika, Festus, Jeff and Precious.”

According to Mrs. Anna, after the death of her son, his cellphone was used in sending her another text message which read thus: “Don’t point hand on anybody, we were only sent to do a job. He had a quarrel with somebody.”

Mrs. Anna said she felt it was Chika behind her son’s death because, “he was the only person I settled a quarrel between him and my son and he used to send text messages to me. I don’t know how my son got to know Chika and I did not know my son belonged to any bad group.”

Mrs. Anna got to know about her son’s death through his girlfriend, Regina, who called her.

The lady told her that she and the late Onos were inside the house when the deceased’s phone rang. He told his girlfriend that somebody was calling him, that he would be back soon. Onos called a friend, Essey to accompany him. The two guys left and the next thing Regina heard was that Onos was dead.

In his own statement, Chika said that he was a member of Eiye cult group in the year 2006, but he later renounced it. He said that he was forcefully initiated by one Efe Bose, now in the UK. He said that he knew the late Emmanuel as Onos and as Eiye cult group leader.

He added: “I happened to know this when I reported him to police for stealing my friend Churchill’s phone. Onos friend, Doggy told me the person I reported was their cult leader.

“On 25/9/2012, at about 2am, some group of boys came to my house. They set house on fire and we succeeding in dousing it. I called police to my house. They came and witnessed the incident. By then, the boys had ran away. They later came back on 26/9/2012 and set my house on fire again. I came out and chased them, but could not arrest any of them. We went back to douse the fire.”

According to Chika, it was when he went

back to the police station to make a second report that he heard that Onos had been shot dead. He was arrested and detained. It was also there he heard that the deceased’s mother had made a formal complaint against him for threatening her son’s life. “ I agreed that I sent her a text message, but not a threatening text message. What I said was that she should tell her criminal son to return the phone he forcefully collected from Gift Omare in campus. She replied me that it’s my generations that are criminals. That I will die prematurely,” stated Chika.

Chika added that he used to see his brother, Charles, with the late Onos, but he didn’t know the nature of their relationship.

He added: “I have no hands in the death of Onos.”

In his own statement, Charles said he gained admission into the Delta State University, Abraka in 2008, but later dropped out because of cult activities. He left for Lagos, to start repairing handsets.

He said that he was in Lagos when he received calls from Precious, telling him that he was with other friends, Uche and Awele, at that point in time. They told him that their leader, Onos, had ruled for a year and did not want to vacate the position as was the rule. They said that they were all angry with their leader.

Charles wrote: “They told me that they had called for a meeting, so that they would discuss about the handing over. Precious told me this entire story on phone.

“He said that the boy called Uche brought out a gun. I don’t know what happened when both of them started arguing, the gun with Uche killed Onos. I had told the members that I had renounce d cultism, which was why I left for Lagos. Precious told me this entire story on September, 25, 2012.”

He argued that he was set up by the cult members because he renounced the group.

“I know Onos before I left for Lagos. He was the Head of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity while I was a member. Precious told me that Uche shot Onos. I had been in Lagos since September 15, 2012. They told me that they sent a message to Onos’ mother, including my name Charles (Omoh).”

He said that since his arrest, he had not discussed with Chika for them to tailor their story along the same way. He added that Chika was not a member of the confraternity.

ince the news of SP. Adekunle Awe, former DPO of Onikan Police Station, Lagos State, broke; I had heard a lot of commentaries against and in support of his conduct from different policemen.

Awe was alleged to have raped a suspect, Idowu Akinwunmi while she was under his custody.

While some of the arguments were sensible, others were outrageous. One of the outrageous ones is policemen’s argument that the ‘sex’ or ‘rape’ act between Awe and Akinwunmi was supposedly consensual.

Buttressing their argument, the policemen said: “The DPO did not tear off her clothes or panties. Did he force her into his inner room?

Was there any struggle or resistance from the girl?”

Rape has gone beyond the traditional definition obtainable in the dictionary. Rape is now beyond a guy tearing off clothes and panties of a resisting lady before pouncing on her.

Policemen can be charged with rape of their wives! Yes, a woman you married and paid her bride price.

If your wife refuses you sex and you forced yourself on her, its called statutory rape and you can be jailed for it if you’re dragged before a modern magistrate or judge.

Whether Akinwunmi seduced Awe out of desperation to secure bail for her country men or not, is not the issue. The issue is that she was a detainee, under Awe’s custody. That he had sex with her, is like holding an invisible gun to her head, because at that point, she had no choice! It was a time she was psychologically unbalanced and clearly not thinking. The fact that Awe threatened her with jail after she refused his sexual advances, settles the question on rape.

Whatever the ongoing panel comes up with, it should be a punishment that must serve as deterrent to other police officers. The Nigeria Police Force should also begin to educate their officers on rape.

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FAMILY AFFAIRS Page 41, FRIDAY, April 25, 2014

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PRINCESS ODUNAYOMI OKE

WOMAN EDITOR

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Tackling marital distractions Odunayomi Oke

I

counselled with a woman who shared with me the story of how she practically lived in hell in her matrimonial home as a result of an undue interference by a woman who refused to allow her concentrate in making her marriage work. The issue so much troubled her, she became hysterical.

I am using her story on this page, so other women could benefit from it, and not allow any form of distractions in their matrimony to turn them to emotional wrecks; which could lead to acute depression.

Flora Roberts (not her real name), her husband, and their three children; a boy and two girls lived in an estate acquired by the organization her husband worked with. Her husband’s office, the children’s school, her own business arena; were all located within the estate. So her entire life revolved round her family and the vicinity, as she had little or nothing, to take her out.

But when trouble came knocking in her home, she began to visit mountains, go for women seminars, and at times retreat that kept her away from her family for days. She felt all that would help; rather it created more strain in her relationship with her husband.

Flora said a woman in one of the flats behind their own who became a major issue between her and her husband, was a widow, with two young children; both in a boarding school.

They had been family friends from when the woman’s husband was still alive, but the first sign of trouble showed up when she was transferred to her husband’s department, and she started spending her lunch hour in his office.

She said she got to the office one afternoon on her way from the children’s school, and met both of them having lunch which she learnt was cooked by the woman. She starred at them in dismay, but managed to control her dis-approval.

She said she was with her husband one evening, when his phone rang, and before she could ask who it was, he climbed out of bed, picked up his car keys, and left in haste. Bewildered, she ran after him, but he drove away without uttering a word. He apologised to her, when he returned later in the night, and explained to her how their neighbour (the widow) had a flat tyre on her way from town; where she went to pick her children from school.

The woman said it continued like

that, to the extent that she would leave her children in their flat till late in the night, and would call her husband to help return them to her flat. Until the night she agreed she had taken enough of the distraction, and reacted violently.

She said she was with her husband on the said night. Immediately his phone rang, he picked it and told the person on the other end to remain calm that he would soon be with her.

Then he went straight for the rechargeable lamp by the bed side and mumbled some words to her. Whatever he said, she did not hear, but something told her it must be something that had to do with that same woman.

That aroused her curiosity, and she followed him few minutes after. On getting there, she met the living room door ajar, so she entered and peeped in. She heard their voices faintly, so she tiptoed to where the voices were coming from. She slightly pushed the door open, and saw her husband standing on a stool doing something,

The woman was startled, and went for a wrapper to cover her body, because she was dressed in provocative lingerie. At that, Flora got mad and started yelling at both of them

while the woman sat on the bed talking to him.

She could not think straight, so she did the first thing that came to her mind, which was to damn the consequences, and enter the room. The woman was startled, and went for a wrapper to cover her body, because she was dressed in provocative lingerie. At that, Flora got mad and started yelling at both of them.

Their raised voices drew the attention of neighbours, and to worsen the situation, the scene before everyone was embarrassing; the man in his pyjamas, his wife in her nightie, and the widow clutching to a wrapper.

The story was that the light in the other woman’s flat went off, and since she did not know anything about the connection, she called her husband’s friend; who was also her colleague at work, and her closest neighbour.

The man’s explanation was that he was only trying to show loyalty to his late friend; whose wife had not fully recovered from the shock of his death. He also said a woman that young should not be left to bear the yoke of widowhood alone.

Flora said, though, some people agreed with her action, she felt she over-reacted, and has since lost the respect of her husband; hence the need for counselling on how to win back her husband’s love.

Anything that stops a person from paying attention to what he or she is doing per time is a distraction. This could come in a direct approach, or otherwise. To Flora, the other woman was the main distraction in her marriage. But truth remains that distractions is inevitable in marriages, though good news is that such could be handled without messing up issues.

Following tips could be helpful • Be mature in your approach, don’t get quarrelsome with your husband over an unfounded rumour.

• Think straight first, before you react; so you don’t end up taking a regrettable step.

• Operate from a wise angle, so you don’t end up as the loser or a fool at the end of the day.

• Stay closer to your spouse the moment you start to get an uncomfortable signal from a distractor.

• Get close to any friend of the opposite sex you feel your spouse is getting alarmingly friendly with.

•Be an interesting partner, share your spouse’s interest and let it be genuine to the extent that it will always create a bond between you.

• ‘Adore’ and praise your spouse often, even when it seems difficult.

Relationship blossoms when praise is lavished.

• Let the line of communication between you and your spouse be strong.

• Be free to discuss sex with your spouse, it could be what the other person is using to get his attention.

• If possible, keep mutual opposite sex friends, this will help to avoid distraction, and help you to remain close as a couple.

42 FamilY AFFAIRS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Women, must we be this mean?

Odunayomi Oke

L

ast week, we shared the story of two women who had a hand-to-hand combat over a man said to be the husband of one of them, and promised to bring to us some of the things women do to keep their spouses without fighting or quarrelling with anybody.

I heard some funny stuffs and I did not want to run with them until I get a better confirmation.

But where to get such information became an issue; then I remembered the salon. Yes, that same salon where I got the story of the woman whose husband sent packing because she changed her wardrobe.

By the time I got there, my regular stylist was busy attending to one of their new customers, so the boss had no choice but to attend to me. That made it cool, as it gave me the privilege of moving into the inner room where such deep discussion holds. As expected, the ‘high class customers’ were all there debating on an issue which was of no interest to me, so I waited for a suitable time to chip in my own topic of interest.

As if she had been waiting for me to say something, the madam asked for my opinion on an issue, and I guess I missed the point.

At that, they all laughed, which helped me to press my point further. But is it completely possible to stop a man from showing some affection to another woman other than the one he is married to, I asked.

A woman doing her nails said no one is saying he should not show love, but by the time he is properly tamed, he will know the cutlass must only have one face. I got excited at that, nice one, my plan worked! I immediately cashed on the opportunity to probe further.

How do you mean; I asked.

Then she began by saying wisdom is greater than might, anytime, any day. Gone are the days of meddling with some women or girls over what belongs to you, now you claim it by force by fire.

Another woman interjected, you mean to say ‘what belongs to you legally, and by right. Let the ones outside try to seduce them with fresh fish and calabar vegetable, we will make them vomit it by giving them the stronger stuff.’

Exactly! The other woman continued, I used to think all those women seminars are mere waste of good time, until I was dragged to attend one few years ago, and since then; I have been the one in charge where it matters. I am not just the first lady, but the only lady reigning in my husband’s life.

Within me, I was like ‘woman please talk, I did not plan to come and sleep here.’ And really, I had some pressing issues to attend to, that could not be postponed till another day. More so, that particular information was the major thing that took me to the salon; otherwise, I would have asked my stylist over.

By the time she was done with explaining what the stuff was, what it was designed to achieve, and how the ‘empowerment’ has worked for her, I felt like; God, why did I bother to hear it all, and hear that much? It is not like they were stuff diabolical in nature, but all the same; they were mean stuff.

I mean, the empowerment stuffs could be likened to using a sledge hammer to kill a mere mosquito. For women who are familiar with what we are discussing here, I want you to consider it, if your spouse gets to know you went that far to keep him from straying, will he ever forgive you?

Yes, in carrying out the art of

marriage, a woman could decide to go all out and do some outrageous things, just to ensure the man gets maximum satisfaction; but a man might not be so willing to give the woman that same pleasure. Oh, I think I have to stop this right now, or else, I would have succeeded in giving a detailed narration of the whole stuff, before I knew it.

Don’t even ask me to go there, whether in part or in full, because it will irritate, rather than educate you. They were things I may never be comfortable enough to share on the pages of a newspaper. I mean, they were weird revelation. Though, to some women, these might no longer be news, but if we divulge that to the men folk, it will definitely create a stir.

But, the essence of this bit

(FAMILY AFFAIRS) is to promote family ties, and strengthen unions; as against creating cracks in the walls of marriages.

Hence, we will only plead with the women practising or empowering others with that, to ‘temper mercy with justice’ in their attempt to keep their spouses where they rightfully belong.

Honestly, I know it hurts to discover one is no longer the only sugar that sweetens one’s husband’s tea again, but cutting off the head can never be the cure for headache. More so, whether diabolical or not, anything administered to others without their knowledge is like giving them poison or infringing on their rights. And whatever bitter pill we cannot take, let us cease in giving to another.

Watch out!

IT’S NEW, IT’S EXCITING, IT’S HERE AT LAST!!! l Is your family a happy one? l Have you been together as a Family for a decade or more? l Is your Family the envy of friends and people around you? l Are you proud of your family, wanting yours to be an inspiration for others to stay strong? lDo you have a good (award winning) family photograph, recently taken?

Then, you could be the winning family for this year 2014.

To participate, simply send your family photograph, which must be SHARP, BOLD, and PRESS READY; to odunayomitide2010@gmail.com NOTE: Entries will be treated on first come, first served basis, while quality of photograph is a major criteria for selection.

To qualify as a weekly, monthly or overall winner, you must encourage your family and friends to vote for you by texting to a shortcode to be provided soon. The entry with the highest number of votes takes the prize.

Voting starts immediately on days of publication (Fridays) and ends 10:00 pm on Tuesdays.

Prizes to be won at the different levels are cool, while the overall prize is fantastic.

COUNSELLING I got a shock just last month, after about two years of marriage. My wife’s hair has reclined almost to the centre of her head. I cast my mind back, and remembered she wore a style of hair weave-on that covered her forehead, all through our courtship period, on our wedding, and even after; but I felt it was just her style. Now, the discovery has reduced the affection I have for her, as the ugly picture refused to clear off my mind.

Here we go again, ‘the ugly picture’. What made the picture ugly? The reclined hair or the woman you loved when you did not see the real hair? Why did you make it look like a total disaster? I mean, the total make-up of a woman is more than the hair on her head. If, when you have not seen the hair, or the lack of it, you loved her, why should that discovery now reduce your affection for her?

I often say it, until both men and women learn to love for the right reasons; love remains a four letter word that exists only in the dictionary. Yes, we have heard it over and again, that men are majorly moved by what they see, but marital love should be deeper than those ephemeral things. And to think about it, don’t some women keep complete skinned hair style, and still look great?

God forbid, what if she had a chemo session, and lost her entire hair in the process, would you cease from loving her? Love should be beyond the outer body, to the real person under the skin. I am by no definition a feminist, but when it comes to issues like this, I think kudos should be given to women.

A woman will love a man, and keep loving him; irrespective of his look, height or skin colour. If you don’t believe this, check all the beautiful women around you, and see how ‘handsome’ their husbands are.

My worry again, is the issue of chaperoned courtship. Assuming the two of you had time together without constraints, you would have had cause to discover, or uncover your fiancée’s hair. It could be she hid that part of her from you intentionally, not knowing what your reaction would be upon discovery, and when she felt ‘the leave has mixed well with the soap’, she let down her guard. But see what that has caused.

Anyway, I don’t think anything is loss here, just the hair. So get the ‘ugly picture’ off your mind, and keep the beautiful picture of her in those her trademark hairstyle fixed in your heart. Also think of the other things that endeared her to you. And if her hair was one of them, it would just be only minus one point. But I doubt that, because you never really got to see her hair all along.

FamilY AFFAIRS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

43

Women, Work & Home with

Christianah Akindolie | 081666555271 (sms only)

Teamwork in the home

M

Six reasons he does not want sex TURN-OFF It is a common stereotype that for men, sex is like food, even when it is bad, they still relish it. But truth is, men actually have times they don't feel like it lHis Sexual Confidence Is Low Men with low confidence levels in their erectile function were more likely than other men to report a lack of desire in this study. Even just one incident of erectile dysfunction for a lot of guys can create a cycle where they think it could happen again and their whole libido lowers, says sex therapist Brandy Engler, Ph.D., author of The Men on my Couch. If your guy is having trouble getting or keeping an erection, take the focus off that for a while and put it into something else, like kissing, fondling, or your own pleasure. lHe's Stressed At Work According to the study, this was the number one reason reported for men having a low libido. Really, it's not all that different from how your own body reacts to stress by dampening desire. "When you're stressed and in your head all day, your nervous system is all wound up, your body's releasing cortisol, and you're not relaxed enough to experience pleasure." If this is the case, make sure foreplay is slow, sensual, and calming; like taking a hot shower together, massaging each other, or just having an old-school make out session that will allow you both relax and get in the mood. lThere's Something Off in the Relationship You would be surprised how important the mind-body connection is for men when it comes to sex. If there is a relationship issue he's holding on to, or some kind of resentment he's feeling, the body is unlikely to respond to desire. So don't be too surprised if guys are not always amped for makeup sex, he might still be mulling things over. In that case, it may be worth sorting things out to see if there are any issues that should be addressed outside the bedroom.

lHe's Bored Sexual boredom in long-term relationships was another major reason that men reported a lack of sexual interest in the study. Don't panic, this doesn't mean he's bored with you. While women tend to take this personally, it's often not about the woman at all. It could just be that your sex life has fallen into a routine. Most of the time, men shut down when they're always the ones initiating sex. So if you've fallen into a rut, make an effort to mix things up and show some passion. Suggest roleplaying, take the reins when it comes to trying a new position Also, play more of a role when it comes to being creative, and be present in the experience. lHe Already Masturbated That Day Hey, it is totally possible that he got a little carried away without you, and now he's not feeling as strong an urge to hop into bed. For some men, especially as they get older, they don't feel as strong as they desire if they have recently masturbated.

Just let him know that next time you would like to join in the fun. lHe's Just Not Feeling Sexy You know you don't feel as frisky after too much food and not enough exercise, and neither does he. If he's just not feeling great, he doesn't have a willingness to get aroused, which means sex just isn't on the agenda for him. He suggests taking a little longer with foreplay, kissing, and touching to see if you can get him over that desire hump. Sometimes if you can just get arousal going, your body will do the rest of the work.

- culled from Women Magazine

If there is a relationship issue he's holding on to, or some kind of resentment he's feeling, the body is unlikely to respond to desire

y house-help of two years suddenly informed me of her mother’s illness and the need to travel to see her. I gave her a few weeks off, but guess what, I have not heard from her till date.

For a working mother with three kids to take care of, one can imagine the effect of this unanticipated situation. Getting a replacement was futile. My husband and I decided not to venture into getting another help as the last girl ran away leaving my kids all alone in the house. This condition afforded me the opportunity of involving my children fully in house chores such as doing the dishes and laundry, sweeping, cleaning the bathroom, taking out the trash, making their beds and even cooking some simple meals. Together we set up a schedule of chores for every child to perform including my smallest boy who is six.

KIDS AND HOUSE CHORES We are our children’s first teachers.

From their beginning they rely on us for everything. It is our duty to teach them the basics of responsibility towards themselves and others. Teaching your children about doing household tasks is one of the best ways for them to learn life-long good habits. Your kids might groan about doing household chores, but it is your duty to see that they accomplish them.

As children, I remember we all detested the inevitable demands of our parents to clear our room, sweep the floor, set the dining table, wash the dishes etc. But looking back, it’s easy to see how these “tedious chores” we were forced to do helped to shape our ideas of hard work.

We live in a society that somehow has moved away from core values like hard work. We have produced generation of kids who don’t want to study or do anything that does not involve computer games. Many moms and dads probably had chores in their childhood years, but now they somehow believe that they are good parents if they give their children everything. The result has been a generation of young boys and girls who are often lazy, materialistic, disrespectful and self-centred. In those days, when an older person is sweeping, you are expected to take the broom and finish up the sweeping. What do we have now; children who will even raise t,heir legs for their parents to do the sweeping. It is no more news to hear that a bride is sent packing out of her matrimonial home for lack of good culinary and housekeeping skills. Food they say is the way to a man’s heart. All these attitudes start from childhood.

Most of us had household chores assigned to us as children. Now, as parents we should assign chores to our children.

At some point, your children may feel it’s unfair, but you know what? It is not unfair but it’s for their good. What lessons are they learning when they do chores?

WHAT DO CHILDREN LEARN BY DOING CHORES? Responsibility: Children learn how to be responsible for themselves and others while doing chores. Children that don’t learn how to do chores will carry that mindset through life. It may seem unreasonable to them now, but household chores teach them that there are certain things in life we must do.

Teamwork: Since everyone in the house will have chores they have to accomplish,

your children will learn that when everyone work together to accomplish their goals, the work can be done faster and more efficiently.

If everyone in the household has certain tasks for which they are responsible, then there is a sense of working together. When they work together, there is a great sense of belonging to a group. Your child may not realize this consciously and may take this for granted, but it is definitely a gift and a wonderful lesson to learn.

Organization: When your children accomplish their chores they will see how much better it is to have things in an orderly fashion. Organization is an important tool that we use throughout our lives.

It is much easier to find something we are looking for when it is where it should be.

Your children will soon realize that things are easily done when they are organized.

Appreciation: When you have practised doing chores, you will understand the work that goes into. If your child has experienced this, then they will learn appreciation when you do things for them that require work, because they can identify with how much effort goes into the task.

Good work ethic: Your children will learn about good work ethics through tasks completion. They will know what is expected of them and know that they have to complete it within a certain amount of time in order to get the reward that lies at the end. The reward could be something as simple as being able to go outside to play after their chores are done. When they get older and have to take a regular job, they will know that if they complete their tasks there will be the reward of a pay check at the end. Children will also learn that when they want something, they have to work to get it.

This is an urgent message to send to the children. There is nothing worse than to see a child who has become so dependent on their parents that when they become adults they have no idea how to make it in the world.

Self-sufficiency: When children grow up and need to be on their own, there are a lot of things they will need to know how to do to be able to function. A male colleague gained admission to study a Master’s programme abroad, he was all alone. His mom had to explain how to cook rice and stew to him on the telephone! House chores must not be left for girls alone, boys need to learn how to cook meals, wash the dishes and other general cleaning basics.

Finally If children are taught responsibility and accountability early in their lives, these attributes will carry over to school, homework, and to any job they perform as adults.

Any company that hires these dependable adults will thank the responsible parents who reared them.

Parents, please take advantage of this vacation to teach your kids some household tasks and cooking of meals. Do not leave the domestic chores to house-helps, laundry man, cook, gateman or the gardener. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.

By the way, as I was rounding up this piece, my 15 year old daughter echoed to me, “Mom, your fried yam and plantain is ready, can I bring it over”? Then I said to myself, “Thank God, this is really paying off”. Household chores really are a great learning tool. It is an opportunity to share some time with your kids. Have fun and make the best of it.

E X HORT A TION

44

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/islam

adeolaomoyusuf@yahoo.com 0803 438 0340 APRIL 25, 2014

The National Mosque in Abuja

Abductors of 234 girls not true Muslims-NASFAT SUMMIT

NASFAT has held its 4th Biennial women conference with focus on Women/Girl–Child Education and National Sustainable Development.

Adeola Yusuf

T

hose who abducted 234 school girls in Borno State could never be true Muslims, Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has said.

The association, which said

this at its 4th Biennial women conference with focus on Women/Girl–Child Education and National Sustainable Development, called on all Muslims to condemn the abductors and those with intention to tarnish image of Islam.

The 234 students were by abducted at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.

Guest speaker at the conference in Osogbo, Dr. (Mrs.) Shareefah Olubunmi Labo-Popoola said: “Worldwide, women are known to be an indispensable group and agent of social development. They have great potentials necessary to evolve a new economic order, to ac-

celerate social and political development and consequently transform the society to a better one. They are therefore, dynamic agents of societal change and development.”

She continued: “The peace and stability of home depends largely on the woman’s managerial abilities. Mothers especially plan, organize, direct and coordinate all the resources at home, both human and material to the benefit of all members of the family including their husbands.

NASFAT had on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest and matched to the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, insisting that the members

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.” (Quran 17:23)

of the sect are not genuine Muslims.

The leader of the Ilorin branch of NASFAT, Ummuhani Abdulrahman, told the State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, that they were in the Government House to protest the Nyanya Municipal Motor Park killings and female students’ kidnap in the northeast.

She lamented that, as mothers, they were mostly affected by the kidnapping of girl students and called on various governments to intensify efforts in curbing the menace.

The women leader noted that it was obvious that the frequent bombings and kidnappings had no religious undertone, urging Nigerians to rise to the occasion by speaking out against the crimes.

Receiving the letter of protest from the group, Governor Ahmed of appealed to Nigerians irrespective of political parties, tribes and religious affiliations to come together and beef up security in Nigeria to stem the tide of killings and kidnapping.

He also stressed that all hands must be on deck in addressing the current security situation in the country, saying that security of all, is the responsibility of all.

Governor Ahmed who expressed sadness over the incidence pointed out that it was unfortunate that such calamity befell the nation at this time, stressing that no nation could survive under such atmosphere of insecurity.

It is the prayers of all Nigerians that the students abducted on April 14 will soon regain their freedom and join their parents soon.

Prospects, challenges as MSSN marks 60 T he Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria fondly referred to as MSSN was 60 on April 18 this year by lunar year or Gregorian calendar reckoning. The celebrations being held across the geo-political zones have drawn many dignitaries from across the federation. At 60, Members of MSSN have every cause to be grateful to Allah for sustaining the organisation for six decades, but as the popular saying goes: it is not how far but how well?

Established on April 18th, 1954, MSSN was officially launched at Ansar-ud-Deen School Mosque Hall, Alakoro, Lagos on 30th May 1954 amidst prayers, joy, exhilaration, high hopes and great expectations.

Since the task of educating the local population was virtually undertaken by the Christian evangelists, Muslim students had to study under the tutelage of Christian missionary society schools. Some were forced to change their religion and their names.

Thus, forceful evangelisation and denial of fundamental rights of Muslims students propelled the establishment of an organisation whose objective was to basically serve as a rallying point for organised Da’wah activities in educational institutions and a source for religious fulfillment for Muslim students.

The struggle was initiated

by Tajudeen Adisa Aromoshodu, Sumola Akin Luguda and Abdurrahman Alade Sahid of the then Methodist Boys High School, Lagos.

The three with Babs Fafunwa and about 10 other students founded the organisation.

Within a year of its formation, branches spread across more schools in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, llesha, IjebuOde, and Ikorodu. Two years later, the Society’s presence covered virtually all government schools in the North.

At the first National Conference of the society in 1955, which was declared opened by Oba Adeniji Adele II of Lagos,

Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite of the Kings College, Lagos and Alhaji Abdul Rahman Alade Sahid were elected as the 1st National President and Secretary General respectively.

Also at the conference, the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello; Alhaji A.R.A. Smith of Ilesha; Dr. S.O. Biobaku; Alhaji Inuwa Wada, then Minister of Works; Mrs H.M. Shodeinde, M.B.E. and Alhaji Hummu Alaga of Ibadan were appointed patrons of the society.

MSSN has thus produced great personalities in Nigeria.

Hence, the slogan like the ‘Future of the Ummah’ and ‘the goose that lay the golden egg’ become synonymous with the organisation.

Adegbite, the first President stood like a colossus in the history of Nigeria, defending Islam and Sharia’ till he heaved his last breathe.

At the constituent assembly in 1976, Adegbite argued in favour of introducing Islamic courts of appeal into

the Southern states of Nigeria, arguing that Muslims had the right to have their affairs judged according to Shariah law, stating that “Muslims have no other constitution and law apart from what Shariah had laid down. Shariah as a divine law supersedes all other civil and moral laws.”

Similarly, Adegbite stated in an October 2003 newspaper article that “the US and its allies should be persuaded to accept that the prevailing international terror would reduce considerably if justice is entrenched in the Middle East.

Give the Palestinians back their land, there will no longer be platforms for the Osama bin Ladens of this world to thrive.

Without justice there can be no peace”, he concluded.

MSSN has also produced the likes of Dr Usman Bugaje, Atiku Abubakar, Ibrahim Shekarau, Adamu Muazu, Prof Babs Fafunwa, Prof Jubril Aminu, the great innovator, Solaja Alagago, Yisa Yagboyaju, Tajudeen Salahudeen, Prof Nuru-

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH CONTINUED FROM LAST FRIDAY

AL-TOHARAH - PURIFICATION

Meaning: Purification is the cleansing of impurities. In Islam purification is the cleansing of body and soul and places of worship of all form of impurities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PURIFICATION There are two basic types of purification; Internal and External.

Internal Purification is to purify the soul from the effects of sins and acts of disobedience, purification of the heart from the filth of polytheism, doubt, envy, resentment, rancor, treachery, haughtiness, boasting and showing off.

The purification of these sinful acts is achieved through Pure Tawheed, sincerity, love of goodness, kindness, truthfulness and modesty and the intention to do every righteous deed for the sake of Allah.

The performance of good deeds is obligatory on the Muslims.

If one performs the obligatory acts in the way and manner commanded

by Allah (SAW) one will get closer to Him. Some of these obligatory acts expected of us include, the five daily prayers (Solat), fasting in the month of Ramadam (Saom), giving of Zakat, keeping away from adultery, and all other bad acts earlier mentioned and many more.

Performance of voluntary deeds in addition to the compulsory deeds will purify a person’s soul and draw him/her closer to Allah.

The internal purification is the prerequisite before one can get the best benefits of external purification External purification is the cleansing of physical impurities from body and clothes. There are two types of external purification.

1) Taharat-ul-khabath which is achieved by using pure water to remove filth from worshipers’ garments, body and from the place of worship.

2) Taharat-ul-Hadath is achieved by performing wudu (ablution), Ghusl (bathing) or Tayamammum (wiping of the face and the hands to the elbows with pure earth).

Taharat-ul-Khabath – This is to purify one’s garments body and surroundings such as place of worship form impurities.

deen Alao, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Dr Jubril Oyekan, Prof Ishaq Lakin Akintola, Prof Ibrahim Sulaiman, Prof Lai Olurode, Maitama Sule, Shehu Musa, Prof FOA Egberongbe, Musiliu Smith, Admiral Nureni, Ayinla, Raheem Shittu Adebayo, Muhammad Olatunji, Prof Mikail Munzamil, Abdul Rahman Ahmad, Prof Aliyu Tanko, Dr Siraj Abdul Kareem, Sule Lamido, and many others.

METRO

ril 25, 2014

: Commuters fai buses

T

ne holds special service

e sd 0 al e

p e ed, f ll al e a-

re no s e

NO RESPITE

Juliana Francis

buses because they were slow and stuffy.

“With this bomb blast, it is now permanently a no-go-area for me,” she added.

Also contributing to this boycott by passengers is the military checkpoint mounted in between Karu Bridge and Kugbo Mechanic Village on the ever-busy Keffi-Nyanya Expressway to screen motorists going into the town.

The checkpoint is part of security measures to forestall further penetration and attack of the city centre by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Many passengers, who usually ply the routes in ElRufai buses, now prefer to take motorcycles, popularly called Okada to manoeuvre through the gridlock caused by the checkpoint all the way to Mogadishu Barracks or A.Y.A Junction from where they now board vehicles to their destinations.

On the other hand, one of the operators of the El-Rufai buses, who did not want his name in print, confirmed that it is no longer business as usual.

of the entire participants on the night.

Ministering will be Pastor-In-Charge of Lagos Province 10, Pastor Joseph Olagbadegun, with special song ministration by Sunshine Mega Zone Voices and RCCG National Praise Team.

Also on Sunday, April 27, Sunshine Parish will be having her monthly Super Sunday service with Pastor Ben Akabueze, Pastor-In-Charge of Lagos Province 39, as the guest minister.

During the combined service which starts by 9am, Akabueze will reveal the secrets of breakthrough among other special features of the programme.

21

Alleged rape: DPO to face another panel in Abuja The DPO accused of rape still has a long way to go to wriggle out of the allegation

estroyed in the blast

45

he former Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onikan Police Station, Adekunle Awe, a Superintendent of Police, still has a long way to go to extricate himself from allegation of rape hanging on his neck.

About two weeks ago, a female detainee, Miss Idowu Akinwumi, accused Awe of forcefully having carnal knowledge her while in police custody at Onikan Police Station.

The man still facing a probe panel ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, may later be transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja to be quizzed by another panel.

A top police officer, who craved anonymity, disclosed this to NT Metro.

The officer said that the police hierarchy was not handling the allegation, which he described as grave, with levity.

On Tuesday, there was a rumour that Awe had been granted bail, but the officer denied it.

IG, Abubakar

He said: “The DPO is still in our detention. He is at Area F cell as I am speaking with you now. It is not possible to release a man with such a magnitude of allegation bothering on rape.

“Just go to his cell and tell policemen on guard that you are his sister and that you want to see him, they would bring him out. You will see him for yourself.

“This case has generated global attention and the Nigeria Police Force does not handle such cases with levity. After this panel, Awe would be moved to Abuja to face another panel.”

Also, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, said the panel set up by the IG to investigate the rape allegation was still battling to get to the root of the matter.

The commissioner spoke while fielding questions from journalists in his office at the command head-

quarters, Ikeja.

He said: “The rape is still an allegation. I was not around when it happened, but I have been briefed.

I can, however, assure you that the panel set up by the IG is working hard to get to the root of the matter. I believe that at the end of the investigation, the truth will come to light.”

Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in charge of the case, the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), yesterday petitioned the IG, urging him not to allow the matter to be swept under the carpet like previous cases.

The National Coordinator of NOPRIN, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said in many documented cases of police misconduct or abuse of citizens’ rights, the tendency was to cover up and shield the perpetrators from accountability thus, denying the victims justice.

Nwanguma expressed worry that eight days after Awe was arrested and detained by the Lagos State Police Command on the directives of the IG for allegedly raping a detainee, the panel was yet to conclude its investigation.

He said: “Despite the clear evidence of the DPO’s culpability, the investigating team empanelled to investigate the case is yet to conclude investigation and make its findings public.

Police recover two-year-old boy’s head

“The Lagos State Police PRO, Ngozi Braide, who is a member of the team investigating the rape case, was quoted last week as saying that the investigation will be concluded and the findings made public after Easter.

“There is no reason to continue to delay the conclusion of investigation and taking the necessary disciplinary measures.

“This is one case that a cover-up will not be accepted by members of the pubic who are anxiously waiting and looking up to the IG to make a resounding statement through prompt and appropriate action.”

But when contacted, Braide denied any cover up. She said the matter was still being investigated, adding that its outcome would be made public.

However, Nwanguma also said that the public was also anxiously watching to see what will become of the case of the Police Mobile Officer identified as Corporal Nasir Mohammed whom the Lagos State Police Command confirmed his arrest and detention after he was caught on video brutalising a lady inside muddy water.

“NOPRIN calls on the Inspector General of Police to expedite action and ensure that the police officers indicted in these cases of rape and brutality are appropriately dealt with in accordance with the law.”

lArrest four for killing mad man

OPD handles 8,106 human rights cases

Kunle Olayeni

Muritala Ayinla

Abeokuta

P

olice in Ogun State yesterday said they had recovered the head of a two-year-old boy that was decapitated barely two weeks ago in Ofada, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

The severed head was said to have been recovered from a bush in Mokola area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday.

The police had, on April 16, arrested a middle-aged man, Mahmud Bashir Ibrahim, for allegedly beheading the boy on April 12 shortly after raping the infant’s mother.

Ibrahim, identified as a national of Niger Republic, reportedly sold the head to an unknown woman in Ibadan.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the recovery in a statement.

Adejobi said that the suspect was still keeping some information to himself, regarding those who hired him.

The PPRO, however, said the police would intensify efforts to

unmask the buyers and others who engaged in such dirty deals.

He said: “The suspect took the investigation team to Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo State where the head was recovered in a bag in the bush on Tuesday 22nd April.

“He has confessed to the crime but still keeping some information to himself as to those who sent him to get the ‘commodity’.

“The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has, however, directed the detectives to intensify efforts to uncover the buyers and those who engage in such dirty deals in our society.”

Meanwhile, Adejobi said yesterday that police detectives attached to Adatan Division in Abeokuta arrested four suspects, including two females, in connection with the killing of a mad man on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old mad man, identified as Kazeem Akindele, resided at No 1, Onikola Street, Iberekodo, Abeokuta, until he was attacked by the suspects and other angry youths in Kugba area of Abeokuta for alleged attempt to kidnap a 19-year-old lady.

Adejobi gave the names of the

L Ibrahim

arrested suspects as Fausat Ogunbiyi, Mariam Yahaya, Blessing Joseph and Nurudeen Adebayo.

He said: “The deceased was attacked by the suspects and other angry youths in the area who are at large presently. The commissioner of police had ordered the arrest of the fleeing suspects who embarked on that jungle justice that led to the death of the mad man.

“These suspects will be charged to court as soon as the command concludes its investigation.”

He added that Okoye had directed that anyone caught in the act of jungle justice or attempting to do so should be arrested and prosecuted.

agos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has in the last one year handled over 8,106 cases in various courts on behalf of indigent residents for free.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, made the disclosure at the state secretariat.

Ipaye said that the OPD also received and treated about 4,199 complaints and petitions from the public in the past 12 months.

He said: “OPD also facilitated the collection of a total of N57,984,829.56 as compensation on behalf of complainants.

“As lawyers to the good people of Lagos State and legal adviser to the state government, we shall continue to ensure that every citizen of Lagos State has access to justice.”

The commissioner also cleared the air on government’s decision to endorse the controversial Cremation Law. He said apart from decongestion of the morgues, cremation was legalised to encourage those who chose to do so.

Ipaye urged the Lagos residents to obey all laws and regulations while warning them not to take the laws into their hands.

The commissioner also said that government was prosecuting 950 criminal cases in courts across the country.

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

24-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

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Rating/Agency

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NA

NA

Description 9.20 29-JUN-2014 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

9.20 9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

45.00 100.00 535.00 435.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 75.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

AMCON FMBN

NA

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.18 0.43 1.00 2.31 3.01 3.26 3.35 4.10 5.18 5.50 7.76 9.89 14.60 15.08 15.58 16.25

11.11 11.71 12.98 13.23 13.16 13.05 13.05 13.09 13.22 13.13 13.16 13.22 13.32 13.34 13.35 13.43

10.29 11.34 12.40 13.15 13.04 12.93 12.93 12.99 13.14 13.03 13.10 13.16 13.28 13.29 13.29 13.38

99.60 98.97 91.84 99.60 104.70 91.68 90.17 92.57 110.15 76.53 115.35 105.30 110.65 94.53 68.49 77.50

99.75 99.12 92.34 99.75 105.00 91.98 90.47 92.87 110.45 76.83 115.65 105.60 110.95 94.83 68.79 77.80

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

4,264.84

Issuer

Agency Bonds

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

***LCRM

Description

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

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

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.52 1.08 1.57 2.63 2.99 3.20

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

12.92 15.63 15.33 15.07 14.53 14.05

93.74 84.96 102.67 92.73 89.94 88.47

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.28 0.48 1.35 0.96 1.25 1.26 2.99 1.82 3.69 2.66 4.45 2.66 2.66 3.24 3.31 5.58 3.28 3.99 6.59 6.69 3.99 4.03

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 1.94 1.44 1.95

16.21 17.81 17.47 16.12 17.48 16.50 18.63 20.69 14.86 14.86 14.11 14.06 14.27 14.05 15.51 15.07 15.79 15.82 14.12 15.06 14.52 15.04

99.27 98.30 94.18 97.56 96.34 99.23 80.89 89.97 97.57 98.30 99.64 101.10 110.34 101.17 100.05 97.88 97.52 97.01 97.37 99.70 107.39 107.04

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 14-Nov-20

0.45 0.65 0.69 0.83 0.91 0.99 2.43 2.50 3.44 2.05 2.21 2.38 2.38 4.41 2.48 2.57 6.56

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 4.52 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 3.06 2.29 6.11 2.76

12.76 17.42 21.00 17.50 13.79 15.60 14.08 14.42 17.58 14.99 16.58 18.29 18.15 16.16 15.37 19.18 15.88

99.43 97.62 97.46 94.50 98.63 98.92 97.81 99.66 88.53 106.32 99.09 99.73 101.92 93.32 100.77 96.13 97.47

11-Feb-18

3.80

1.00

14.08

88.84

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

175.67

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%)

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

5.33

5.18

107.97

108.85

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.51

4.31

102.31

103.10

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.76

5.63

104.35

105.28

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.96

3.43

112.66

113.63

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.31

4.50

104.21

105.82

GTBANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC AFREN PLC ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC AFREN PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 10.25 APR 08, 2019 6.25 APR 22, 2019 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 6.63 DEC 09, 2020

08-Nov-13 25-Jul-12 09-May-13 08-Apr-12 22-Apr-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13

6.00 7.25 6.88 10.25 6.25 8.25 6.63

400.00 350.00 300.00 300.00 500.00 300.00 360.00

08-Nov-18 25-Jul-17 02-May-18 08-Apr-19 22-Apr-19 07-Aug-20 09-Dec-20

6.14 6.99 8.24 5.02 6.27 7.13 6.32

5.89 6.49 7.72 4.46 6.12 6.68 6.09

99.47 100.72 95.40 114.22 99.92 104.03 101.20

100.43 102.17 97.14 115.35 100.55 105.72 102.13

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE **Treasury Bills DTM 14 21 28 35 42 56 63

Maturity 8-May-14 15-May-14 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14

3,460.00 Bid Discount (%) 10.30 10.40 10.50 10.50 10.85 11.20 11.10

Offer Discount (%) 10.05 10.15 10.25 10.25 10.60 10.95 10.85

Bid Yield (%) 10.34 10.46 10.59 10.61 10.99 11.40 11.32

FIXINGS

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5250 12.7630 13.6132 14.9104

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

O/N Tenor Call

10.53

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

161.00 161.45 161.70 162.31 163.44

161.10 161.72 162.08 163.05 164.76

NA

NA

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

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

10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 75.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

FMBN

***LCRM

Coupon (%)

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

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

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

bination of a 14 per cent rise in fees and commission and fair value gains on financial Zenith Bank lowers instruments helped to boost expectation in Q1 the non-interest income.

They said that in q/q terms, the picture was similar, with Chris Ugwu net interest income declining 9 per cent while non-interest enith Bank Plc yesterday income grew by 1.5 per cent. posted a marginal growth However, the impact of the of 0.1 per cent in its first former was significant, leadquarter profit before tax ing to profit before provisions (PBT) for the period ended declining 6 per cent q/q.

March 31, 2014.

“It appears that interTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE The 0.1 per cent marginal est earning assets may have Corporate growth inBonds PBT, translates to grown faster than deposits 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO N28.919 billion compared with q/q; as such the q/q decline 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 Aa/Agusto GTB µ N28.877 billion in the same pe- in17.00 netNGC interest income is some31-DEC-2014 Nil NGC 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 Thankfully, riod of 2013. what surprising.

Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 A-/Agusto Similarly, profit*FLOURMILLS after tax provisions and OPEX were 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS (PAT) increased slightly 1.1 down q/q, helping PBT rise 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO per cent from N23.408 billion by14.25 about 5 per cent. NotwithFSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH toA/GCR N23.677 billion inUBA the review standing, PAT fell 16 per cent 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING period. q/q because taxes were up 163 # MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA Also, gross earnings per cent q/q (the Q4 tax rate MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER# climbed 8.4 per cent from was quite low at 7.2 per cent),” MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER# N86.977 billion to N94.324 bil- they 14.00said.

UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA lion.

The analysts noted that 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA # MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS According to analysts at compared with IItheir esti15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCRZenithNAHCO FBN Capital, Bank’s Q1 mates, PAT came in 9 per cent TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 2014 results published by the below what “we were expectNSE showed that PAT of N22.7 ing because of Zenith’s tax Supranational Bond billion by 1.9 per rate of 18.1 per cent was AAA/S&P fell slightly,IFC 10.20in IFCQ1 11-FEB-2018 cent y/y . PBT of N28.9billion higher than the 15.0 per cent TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE was flat y/y. Although profit they forecast.

Rating/Agency Description before provisions grew Issuer 8 per “PBT was only 1 per cent becent y/y to N68.4billion, a rise hind our forecast. “However, FGN Eurobonds of 11 per cent in operating ex- further up the P&L, in terms 6.75 JANof 28, the 2021 differBB-/Fitch;and, B+/S&P penses to a lesser extent, of contributions a BB-/Fitch; 27 per cent y/y increase in ent revenue lines, net interest FGN 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P provisions to N1.95billion off- income was weaker-than-exBB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 2023 set that performance to leave pected, missing our12,forecast by BB-/S&P PBT flatOUTSTANDING y/y.

12 per cent because interest exTOTAL VALUE The analysts noted that pense came in well above our Eurobonds ofCorporate the two revenue lines, forecast, while non-interest 11.50 FEB positively 01, 2016 B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I net interest income fared income surprised .

7.50 MAY 19, 2016 PLC at I worse, coming in GTBANK flat y/y “The differences between B+/S&P; B+/Fitch 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 GTBANK PLC a N45.5billion, compared with loan loss provisions and OPEX 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC stellar 29 per cent y/y growth relative to our forecasts offset 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC inB/Fitch non-interest income.

A com- each other: the came in 10.25former APR 08, 2019 AFREN PLC

Z

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

92.57 110.15 76.53 115.35 105.30 110.65 94.53 68.49 77.50

92.87 110.45 76.83 115.65 105.60 110.95 94.83 68.79 77.80

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.52 1.08 1.57 2.63 2.99 3.20

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.49 1.00

12.92 15.63 15.33 15.07 14.53 14.05

93.74 84.96 102.67 92.73 89.94 88.47

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

CIS tasks FG on review bond regulation

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC AFREN PLC

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

Abdulwahab05-Aug-14 Isa

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

18 per cent ahead of our forecast while the latter was 4.5 per cent behind our expectation.

“We were not expecting any major surprises in Zenith’s Q1 results. We do not expect consensus estimates for 2014 to move much on the back of these results. We believe that guidance of PBT growth of around 10 per cent in 2014 is still achievable. Our estimates are under review. We rate Zenith shares Neutral,” the analysts said.

Chris Ugwu

T

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.28 0.48 1.35 0.96 1.25 1.26 2.99 1.82 3.69 2.66 4.45 2.66 2.66 3.24 3.31 5.58 3.28 3.99 6.59 6.69 3.99 4.03

he Chartered Institute Of Stockbrokers [CIS] yesterday advocated enthronement of policy that would give local governments and states unhindered access to mobilise funds from the capital market.

It therefore, wants the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review its current limit of funds assessment set by the various tire of governments.

The President, CIS, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, made the appeal yesterday in Abuja while declaring 572.90

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 2.05

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 14-Nov-20

0.45 0.65 0.69 0.83 0.91 0.99 2.43 2.50 3.44 2.05 2.21 2.38 2.38 4.41 2.48 2.57 6.56

6.25 8.25 6.63

500.00 300.00 360.00

22-Apr-19 07-Aug-20 09-Dec-20

6.27 7.13 6.32

bers confirm a reacceleration at Heineken and suggest the downgrade cycle has finally eineken NV (HEIA), the come to an end.” Fyfe, who has world’s third-biggest brewer, an “accumulate” rating on the reported first-quarter sales stock, plans to review his forethat beat analyst estimates, as casts yesterday. demand for its namesake beer After a drop in profit last surged in markets including year, Heineken is anticipat175.67 Nigeria and Brazil. ing stronger sales in 2014 as Revenue gained 3.4 per cent, some economies start to imcompared prove. The 11-Feb-18 brewer is looking 11-Feb-13with the 2.9 10.20per cent 12.00 3.80 median estimate of 12 analysts 12.00 to expand sales of pricier beers surveyed by Bloomberg News, such as the eponymous flagship Issue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bidrose Yield (%) Amsterdam-based Heineken Heineken brand, which 8 said. Beer volume rose 1.5 per percent in the quarter. It’s also cent compared with the 1.6 per turning to developing markets 28-Jan-21 stagnation, 5.33 cent 07-Oct-11 median analyst6.75 estimate. 500.00 to offset European Both18-Dec-09 figures are reported on a 500.00 and bought control of its 4.51 joint 5.13 12-Jul-18 so-called consolidated basis, and venture Asia Pacific Breweries 01-Apr-10 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23S$5.6 billion 5.76 exclude effects of acquisitions, in 2012 for about disposals and currency swings. 1,500.00 ($4.5 billion).

“It is particularly pleasing Revenue rose 1.8 per cent and to note that two of the group’s volume 2.1 per cent in Western 01-Feb-11 11.50 3.96 as growth engines, Africa and 450.00 Europe, the01-Feb-16 company said, 19-May-11 are kicking 7.50 5.31 America, back 500.00 it benefited 19-May-16 from the compari6.00 08-Nov-18 6.14 into 08-Nov-13 gear,” Jonathan Fyfe, an 400.00 son with destocking in France 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 6.99 analyst at Mirabaud, wrote. in the same period a year ago 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 8.24 “We are confident today’s numafter a tax increase.

08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 5.02

H

6.25 APR 22, 2019 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 6.63 DEC 09, 2020

22-Apr-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17.00 6.00 ABUJA 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

Heineken’s revenue exceeds analysts’ estimates 07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 WITH30-Sep-10 AGENCY REPORTS 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 14-Nov-13

47

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds

TRIVAL

12.99 13.14 13.03 13.10 13.16 13.28 13.29 13.29 13.38

Issue Value (N'bn)

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

13.09 13.22 13.13 13.16 13.22 13.32 13.34 13.35 13.43

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Issue Date

Zenith Bank records marginal growth in Q1 AMCON

NA

4.10 5.18 5.50 7.76 9.89 14.60 15.08 15.58 16.25

4,264.84

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014 Agency Bonds

30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

4.88 the 3rd16.21 99.27 open Annual National 5.99 17.81 98.30 Workshop organised by the Insti4.44 17.47 94.18 tute its contributions 3.23as part of 16.12 97.56 4.46 nation's 17.48 to the economic 96.34 growth, 3.48 and sustainability 16.50 99.23 equity .

5.59 18.63 80.89 He said the cardinal role 7.60 20.69 89.97 played in mo1.79 by capital 14.86 market 97.57 1.80 14.86and a source 98.30 of bilising savings 1.00 14.11 wealth creation could not99.64 be over 1.00 14.06 101.10 emphasised.

1.21 14.27 110.34 “This 3rd14.05 Annual National 1.00 101.17 2.46 100.05at a Workshop is15.51 taking place 1.94 15.07 97.88 time when perhaps the most cur2.74 15.79 97.52 rent issue 2.74and widely 15.82discussed 97.01 14.12 economy 97.37 on1.00 the Nigerian is the 1.94 15.06GDP figures 99.70 for rebasing of the 1.44 14.52 107.39 2013, which now puts an estimate 1.95 15.04 107.04 of N80.3 trillion on the size of the nation's GDP resulting in an 89 percent jump in value and ef1.00 12.76 99.43 fectively placing Nigeria97.62 on the 5.21 17.42 number one21.00 spot in Africa in 8.71 97.46 4.88 of GDP 17.50 94.50 terms size”, he said.

1.00 98.63 Chairman13.79of Honeywell 2.63 15.60 98.92 group, who was also the Chair1.00 14.08 97.81 man of the occasion, Dr. 1.34 14.42 99.66Oba Otundeko, said 4.52 17.58it was time 88.53 for 14.99 private 106.32 the1.88public and sector 16.58 to make 99.09 to 3.48 work together Nige18.29 99.73 ria5.20 great notwithstanding the 5.06 18.15 101.92 challenges facing to 3.06 16.16 the nation 93.32 become a world bigger economy .

2.29 15.37 100.77 6.11 19.18 He said, ''It is a fact 96.13 that no 2.76 15.88 97.47 country can transform its economy without routing it through the capital market, I am advising government to ensure 88.84 that its 1.00 14.08 laws and policies are attractive enough to further encourage the Offer Yield (%) Bid and Price by extension, Offer Price private sector foreign direct investments.

Prices & Yields ''We would like to see the 5.18 107.97 108.85 transfer of technology into the country , we 102.31 would like103.10 to see 4.31 improved power supply, there is 5.63the need 104.35 105.28 also for improvement in security of lives and property, corruption issues must be taken seriously and other infrastruc3.43 development 112.66 113.63 tural needed to be 4.50 104.21 105.82 he put in place.”

All of these, 5.89 99.47 said, would require the100.43 efforts 100.72 102.17 of 6.49 the public and private sector 7.72 95.40 97.14 to 4.46 come to play .

114.22 115.35 6.12 6.68 6.09

3,460.00

99.92 104.03 101.20

100.55 105.72 102.13

24-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 **Treasury BillsFMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

FIXINGS Money Market subject to the Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

DTM 14 21 FGN Bonds28 35 42 Rating/Agency 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 112 119 133 NA 168 224 259 273 287 301 315 350

Maturity 8-May-14 15-May-14 22-May-14 29-May-14 5-Jun-14 Issuer 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14 4-Sep-14 NA 9-Oct-14 4-Dec-14 8-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 9-Apr-15

Bid Discount (%) 10.30 10.40 10.50 10.50 10.85 Description 11.20 11.10 9.20 29-JUN-2014 11.35 10.90 9.25 28-SEP-2014 10.90 4.00 23-APR-2015 10.85 13.05 16-AUG-2016 11.05 15.10 27-APR-2017 10.90 9.85 27-JUL-2017 11.40 9.35 31-AUG-2017 11.40 11.35 10.70 30-MAY-2018 11.15 16.00 29-JUN-2019 11.20 7.00 23-OCT-2019 11.90 16.39 27-JAN-2022 11.85 14.20 14-MAR-2024 11.80 15.00 28-NOV-2028 11.90 11.75 12.49 22-MAY-2029 11.85 8.50 20-NOV-2029

10.00 23-JUL-2030

*from the Amortising

Offer Discount (%) 10.05 10.15 10.25 10.25 10.60 Issue Date 10.95 10.85 29-Jun-07 11.10 10.65 28-Sep-07 10.65 23-Apr-10 10.60 16-Aug-13 10.80 27-Apr-12 10.65 27-Jul-07 11.15 31-Aug-07 11.15 11.10 30-May-08 10.90 29-Jun-12 10.95 23-Oct-09 11.65 27-Jan-12 11.60 14-Mar-14 11.55 28-Nov-08 11.65 11.50 22-May-09 11.60 20-Nov-09

23-Jul-10

Bid Yield (%) 10.34 10.46 10.59 10.61 10.99 Coupon (%) 11.40 11.32 9.20 11.60 11.16 9.25 11.18 4.00 11.15 13.05 11.39 15.10 11.25 9.85 11.81 9.35 11.84 11.84 10.70 11.75 16.00 12.03 7.00 13.00 16.39 13.00 14.20 13.01 15.00 13.19 13.08 12.49 13.37 8.50

Bonds

10.00

# TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Agency Bonds

Issuer

AMCON FMBN

NA

Modified Duration ***LCRM Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR

<3 3<5 >5 KWARA Market NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO

Description

Issue Date

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 800.24 1,079.06 458.47 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 2,337.76 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

Rate (%) 10.5250 12.7630 13.6132 Maturity Date 14.9104

45.00 100.00 NITTY 535.00 Tenor 435.27 1M 452.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 9M 300.00 12M 351.30 233.90 600.00 NIFEX 75.00 75.00 Current Price ($/N) BID($/N) 150.00 OFFER200.00 ($/N) 591.57

29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 11.0470 27-Apr-17 11.3457 27-Jul-17 11.6100 31-Aug-17 12.1819 13.0408 30-May-18 13.6284 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 161.1000 22-May-29 161.2000 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

O/N

10.53

TTM (Yrs)REPOBidRate Yield (%) Tenor (%) Call

10.25

Tenor Spot 7D Offer14D Yield 1M (%) 2M 10.29 3M 6M 11.34 1Y 12.40

0.18 11.11 1M 11.25 3M 12.00 0.43 11.71 6M 12.42 1.00 12.98 2.31 13.23 13.15 NOTE: 3.01 13.16 13.04 3.26 13.05 12.93 :Benchmarks 3.35 Bond 13.05 12.93 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 4.10 Bond 13.09 12.99 AMCON:5.18 Asset Management Corporation 13.14 of Nigeria 13.22 FGN: Federal of Nigeria 5.50 Government13.13 13.03 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 7.76 IFC: International Finance13.16 Corporation 13.10 9.89 Contractors 13.22 13.16 LCRM: Local Receivables Management 14.60 13.28 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation13.32 Handling Company O/N: Overnight 15.08 13.34 13.29 UPDC: 15.58 UAC Property Development Company 13.35 13.29 WAPCO:West 16.25 Africa Portland 13.43Cement Company 13.38

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

161.00 Price 161.10 161.45 161.72 161.70 162.08 Bid Price Offer Price 162.31 163.05 163.44 164.76 99.60 99.75 164.70 166.65 165.33 172.51 98.97 99.12 175.29 184.33 91.84 92.34

99.60 99.75 104.70 105.00 91.68 NA :Not Applicable 91.98 90.17 Rate Bond90.47 # :Floating ***: Deferred 92.57 coupon bonds 92.87 110.15 110.45 †: Bond rating expired 76.53 76.83 115.35 115.65 105.30 105.60 NGC:110.65 Nigeria-German110.95 Company UBA:94.53 United Bank for94.83 Africa 68.49 68.79 77.50 77.80

4,264.84

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

NIBOR

Tenor O/N 1M Outstanding 3M Value 6M (N'bn)

780.27 951.30 591.57 2,323.14

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

28-Dec-11 0.00 978.35 24-May-10 FMDQ FGN 0.00 BOND INDEX 24.56 03-Apr-12 17.25 6.00 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 112.22 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 116.70 Bucket Weighting Outstanding Vol Value 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50 66.49 33.59 40.95 25.46 05-Aug-09 100.00 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

34.23 46.16 19.61 14.00 14.00100.00

12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50

1,304.32 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

0.34 0.41 0.25 1.00

#

Risk Premium (%)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

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

0.52 1.00 1.08 2.63 1.57 2.27 2.63 2.00 Implied 2.99Yield 1.49 Implied Portfolio Price 3.20 1.00

17.28 40.88 41.84 05-Aug-14 100.00 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

13.18 13.18 13.43 0.28 0.4813.28

1.35 0.96 1.25 1.26 2.99 1.82 3.69 2.66 4.45 2.66 2.66 3.24

110.6627 123.0685 85.1161 4.88 109.2375 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

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

12.92 15.63 15.33 15.07 14.53 INDEX 14.05

93.74 84.96 102.67 92.73 YTD Return 89.94 (%) 88.47

1,051.07 1,042.10 1,030.40 16.21 1,036.52 17.81

17.47 16.12 17.48 16.50 18.63 20.69 14.86 14.86 14.11 14.06 14.27 14.05

5.1070 4.2097 3.0399 99.27 3.6522 98.30

94.18 97.56 96.34 99.23 80.89 89.97 97.57 98.30 99.64 101.10 110.34 101.17

48 BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Shell assets: ‘Aiteo followed due process’ CALUMNY Its unfair to cast aspersion on Aiteo’s managerial capacity.

Adeola Yusuf

T

he bid for Shell’s N480 billion assets’ sale was free and fair, it was learnt yesterday.

Each of the bidders, including the highest bidders for the facilities, Aiteo, got equal opportunity to bid for the assets.

The bid, which is already behind schedule, is presently undergoing scrutiny by the foreign security agency, the Economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

While many see this probe as a normal requirement for such transaction, others have casted aspersion on companies that are in the bid for the assets.

Alison-Madueke

These aspersions against Aiteo and others, a source close to the transaction said, were unfair.

“Each of the bidders was given equal opportunity to bid for the oil blocks, so it is unnecessary, unfair and ir-

FG issues N50bn bond at lower yields

he Federal Government has Tmillion) issued N50 billion ($309.31 in three-year and

ment Office (DMO) said yesterday.

The DMO sold N25 billion in the three-year paper, maturing in August 2016, at a yield of 13.14 percent, down from last month's 14.10 per cent, while the 10-year bond,

10-year bonds, with strong demand chasing yields lower than what the government paid at its previous auction last month, the Debt Manage-

maturing in March 2024, fetched 13.10 per cent, down from 14.20 per cent, according to Reuters.

Subscription for the bonds stood at N183.07 billion, lower than N185.56 billion at the previous auction.

responsible for people to cast aspersions on the capability and experience of Aiteo,” the source said.

He stated: “Since Aiteo is a Nigerian company, to cast aspersion on its managerial capacity is more or less to say that Nigerians are not competent to compete globally.

“This bid by Aiteo is an opportunity to place another Nigerian integrated energy company on the global scene,” he stressed.

Since every company worth its salt strives to diversify and grow, having harnessed and mastered downstream subsector of the Nigeria’s multibillion dollars oil and gas industry, Aiteo, the source said, is now strategically moving to the upstream to consolidate its hold on the Nigerian energy sector.

The company, which is one of the fastest growing energy companies in Nigeria, has proven its capability in the oil sector given its tract record since over 15 years ago.

“Being a Nigerian company, Nigerians are going to benefit immensely from the Aiteo’s

CBN confirms Dikko as Unity Bank Chair APPROVAL CBN endorses Dikko as Unity Bank's boss.

Economic Indicators

T

As at M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

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

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

bid. There will be creation of jobs and capacity building. The host communities are also going to be at advantage,” he said.

The four oil wells, in which Shell has a 45 per cent stake, are OML-18, OML-24, OML-25 and OML-29.

Successful bidders for the four blocks are to pay over $5 billion for the stakes held by Shell, in conjunction with two other international oil companies.

Aiteo has actively been participating in the downstream sector since 1999 when it started as Sigmund Company Limited.

Dangote/Dansa, Midwestern/ Mart/Notore and Sahara Consortium are bidding for OML-18 while Sahara Consortium, Pan- Ocean/Newcross, Shoreline and Aiteo/Taleveras are bidding for OML-24.

Lekoil, Crestar, GreenAcres/CCC/Signet Petroleum, NDPR/SAPETRO and Essar are bidding for OML25 while Vertex/Seplat/ Maurel&Prom/VP Global, Glencore/Neconde, Transcorp and Aiteo/Taleveras are also bidding for OML-29.

he Central Bank of Nigeria has confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Lamis Dikko as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unity Bank Plc. The approval, according to information, was contained in a letter from the apex bank dated April 22, 2014, signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins.

The letter also conveyed the approval of Mr. Thomas Etuh as the pioneer vice chairman of the Bank. Collectively, Dikko and Etuh, will be bringing in over 40 years of collective experience to the Board of the bank.

The Board of Directors of the Bank had on March 27, 2014 forwarded the names of Dikko and Etuh to the banking watchdog, following the resignation of the former chairman, Alhaji Numan Barau Danbatta. While awaiting the approval, Etuh had been serving as interim chairman.

Alhaji Dikko is a seasoned banker who has extensive banking experience and a strong background in the financial services sector. He was also an intricate part in the consolidation process that led to the establishment of the bank in 2006 and will bring to bear his many years of experience and wide contacts to the current re-organisation and rejuvenation of Unity Bank.

Dikko holds a B.Sc. Economics from Queen Mary's

College, University of London. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School for Management Development.

He is currently Chairman of Infrastructure Bank and a Director of Legacy Pensions among others. To take up his new appointment, he had to relinquish his position as a Director at Enterprise Bank.

Etuh was in 2011 appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank. He is widely exposed to corporate business leadership.

He is a serving Director on the Board of Federal Superphosphate Fertilizer Company, Kaduna; Tak Agro & Chemical Limited, Lagos; Cape Cross Salt (PTY), Namibia; and a principal partner of Thomasses & Associates Limited, Kaduna.

He is currently the Chairman, Tak Continental Limited.

Lamis Dikko

Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Sanctity of Truth

Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006

Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 Friday, April 25, 2014

BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET 49

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at April 24, 2014 Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 32 14 46

Current Price 36.33 43.00

Quantity Traded 396,180 226,115 622,295

Value Traded 14,644,898.80 9,408,575.00 24,053,473.80

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 3.15

Quantity Traded 628,699 628,699

Value Traded 1,983,252.28 1,983,252.28

1,250,994

26,036,726.08

Quantity Traded 171,861 100 9,820,508 723,312 10,715,781

Value Traded 270,167.21 115.00 35,990,075.86 42,673,390.87 78,933,748.94

10,715,781

78,933,748.94

AGRICULTURE Totals

71

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 U A C N PLC. Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 13 1 168 68 250

CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 1.56 1.21 3.64 59.01

250

Page

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

1

of

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 IT Services Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Printed ICT 24/04/2014 Totals 16:56:06.006

13

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 1.26

Quantity Traded 147,000 147,000

Value Traded 183,860.00 183,860.00

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 69.90

Quantity Traded 62,180 62,180

Value Traded 4,202,997.90 4,202,997.90

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 25.00

Quantity Traded 218,750 218,750

Value Traded 5,448,841.45 5,448,841.45

427,930

9,835,699.35

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

60

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol DUNLOP Symbol GUINNESS Daily Summary INTBREW NB

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic CONSUMER GOODS 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. UNION DICON SALT PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 21,408 21,408

Value Traded 10,704.00 10,704.00

No. of Deals 51 (Equities) 41 175 267

Current Price 190.00 26.01 148.00

Quantity Traded 244,862 397,563 10,574,660 11,217,085

Value Traded 46,510,854.75 10,086,021.81 1,591,155,454.77 1,647,752,331.33

No. of Deals 30 No. of Deals

Current Price Current 90.00 Price

Quantity Traded 90,977 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 7,778,533.50 Value Traded

30

Current Price 8.08 9.26 67.35 4.00 0.50 11.51 22.01 13.44 0.53

Quantity Traded 196,638 5,323,158 635,365 1,783,831 2,000 254,370 48 2,000 15,507 8,212,917

Value Traded 1,597,611.88 49,854,856.65 42,827,720.81 7,121,548.94 1,000.00 2,942,342.48 1,003.68 25,540.00 8,218.71 104,379,843.15

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 32 98 130

Current Price 79.00 1,100.00

Quantity Traded 299,327 2,260,971 2,560,298

Value Traded 22,213,811.70 2,487,052,837.20 2,509,266,648.90

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price

Personal/Household Products CONSUMER GOODS P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products © Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange

No. of Deals 54 No. of Deals

Current Price Current 36.00 Price

Quantity Traded Quantity404,599 Traded

Value Traded 14,586,390.77 Value Traded 15,306,939.28 329,893,330.05 of 13

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Micro-Finance Banks Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

829 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA Daily Summary UBN WEMABANK ZENITHBANK Symbol Symbol

AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST INTENEGINS LAWUNION MANSARD NEM NIGERINS OASISINS PRESTIGE STDINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 210 148 51 87 277 70 58 194 (Equities) 72 51 405 1,623

Current Price 8.87 6.15 13.60 2.00 27.33 3.60 2.35 6.85 10.19 1.00 23.50

326,105 730,704 Page

23,137,106

4,300,308,633.50

Quantity Traded 21,142,932 9,926,170 588,677 18,590,220 8,482,064 2,999,135 9,729,369 1,150,718,579 904,076 22,241,933 130,726,026 1,376,049,181

Value Traded 187,096,407.20 60,958,233.41 7,978,405.61 36,290,350.14 235,696,147.67 10,590,036.80 21,990,499.17 7,882,385,453.22 9,083,519.32 22,240,562.05 3,035,897,000.29 11,510,206,614.88

No. No.ofofDeals Deals Current CurrentPrice Price Quantity QuantityTraded Traded

Value ValueTraded Traded

0.78 0.95 0.51 0.55 0.50 2.31 0.78 0.50 0.51 0.58 0.50 0.72

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 0.88

Quantity Traded 360,989 360,989

Value Traded 303,340.65 303,340.65

Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1 8 10

Current Price 1.35 1.61 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,000 2,000 6,600,000 6,622,000

Value Traded 25,800.00 3,380.00 3,300,000.00 3,329,180.00

No. of Deals 75 6 473 95 2 47 78 776

Current Price 3.08 2.20 13.21 3.52 0.62 22.75 2.29

Daily Summary (Equities) ABBEYBDS INFINITY RESORTSAL

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

2,563

1,480,311 14,740 156,800 235,899 3,000 Page 174,660 5,175,015 30,000 2,787,462 220,665 1,000 1,097,593 11,377,145

1,155,090.07 14,003.00 79,968.00 130,052.43 1,500.00 4 of 13 407,962.77 4,113,075.43 15,000.00 1,431,655.96 127,992.35 500.00 784,608.64 8,261,408.65

Quantity Traded Value Traded 1,468,388 4,395,762.58 Page 5 698,204.60 of 13 317,774 160,733,636 2,031,423,385.66 7,406,916 25,969,172.62 761 448.99 1,317,470 29,783,105.59 3,036,597 6,943,145.79 174,281,542 2,099,213,225.83 1,568,690,857

13,621,313,770.01

Value Traded 23,856.00 23,856.00

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 25,000 25,000

Value Traded 12,500.00 12,500.00

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.97

Quantity Traded 1,141 1,141

Value Traded 2,145.08 2,145.08

63,341

38,501.08

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 700 700

Value Traded 350.00 350.00

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.91

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 182.00 182.00

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

No. of Deals 3 29 18 18

Current Price 2.20 2.88 70.00 1.78

Quantity Traded 11,420 493,192 125,856 279,793

Value Traded 23,956.00 1,430,632.44 8,749,564.11 496,260.47

Page

6

of

7

No. of Deals 26 12 No. of Deals 33 15 42 3 No. of Deals

Current Price 16.80 8.90 Current 42.00 Price 8.81 228.00 1.11 Current Price

Quantity Traded 231,515 156,392 Quantity304,791 Traded 121,436 Page 318,257 2,693 Quantity Traded 103,600 75,000 16,614 70,000 1,527,159 2,927,457

Value2,908.44 Traded 51,800.00 43,500.00 25,917.84 308,700.00 171,749,827.13 263,846,207.73

Daily Summary (Equities) ASHAKACEM BERGER Symbol CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER Symbol

FIRSTALUM IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

2 5 2 4 83 227

0.50 0.58 1.64 4.20 112.50

Value Traded 3,868,377.58 1,373,673.25 Value Traded 12,802,030.20 1,073,387.50 772,546,085.79 of 13

Quantity Traded 60,549 60,549

Value Traded 111,728.13 111,728.13

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 18.97

Quantity Traded 5,747 5,747

Value Traded 104,020.70 104,020.70

2,993,753

264,061,956.56

237 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 6.47

Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 3,075.00 3,075.00

Symbol ALUMACO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.75

Quantity Traded 200 Page 200

8

Daily Summary (Equities)

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

2

700

Page

Value Traded 1,474.00 of 13 1,474.00

9

4,549.00 of

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 198,600 198,600

Value Traded 99,300.00 99,300.00

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 145 145

Current Price 15.96

Quantity Traded 2,340,048 2,340,048

Value Traded 37,339,150.96 37,339,150.96

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 26 11 24 20 1 15 98

Current Price 0.50 49.20 3.79 148.99 122.10 51.72 161.20

Quantity Traded 500 36,742 136,900 155,604 109,308 400 65,834 505,288

Value Traded 250.00 1,727,124.14 494,209.00 22,025,746.20 13,413,172.40 19,656.00 10,612,241.88 48,292,399.62

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 73 73

Current Price 597.01

Quantity Traded 794,642 794,642

Value Traded 499,010,459.24 499,010,459.24

3,838,578

584,741,309.82

OIL AND GAS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

319

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

10

of

13

13

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol AFROMEDIA

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 300.00 300.00

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

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 1.25

Quantity Traded 345,859 345,859

Value Traded 437,040.85 437,040.85

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 7 1 8

Current Price 4.47 2.13

Quantity Traded 175,999 5 176,004

Value Traded 784,970.53 10.15 784,980.68

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 1 10 11

Current Price 4.55 0.56

Quantity Traded 200 809,218 809,418

Value Traded 954.00 456,162.08 457,116.08

Symbol LEARNAFRCA

No. of Deals 4 3 6 13

Current Price 1.65 2.40 4.15

Quantity Traded 13,452 1,620 12,694 27,766

Value Traded 22,113.85 3,855.60 51,046.00 77,015.45

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Hotels/Lodging Totals Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

STUDPRESS Daily Summary (Equities) UPL

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Road Transportation SERVICES ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation

Symbol ABCTRANS Symbol

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 9 0.87 No. of Deals Current Price 9

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 8 52 60

Current Price 2.31 4.80

Road Transportation Totals

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

Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 Board Totals PrintedEQTY 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006

Activity Summary on Board ASeM OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Activity Summary on Board ASeM CAPITAL OIL PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded 390,982 Quantity Traded 390,982 Page Quantity Traded 500 500

Value Traded 344,388.12 Value Traded 344,388.12 11 of 13 Value Traded 250.00 250.00

Quantity Traded 241,540 2,208,733 2,450,273

Value Traded 575,542.00 10,619,887.83 11,195,429.83

118

4,201,402

13,296,521.01

4,541

1,616,512,710

18,909,583,485.79

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CAPOIL

ASeM Board Totals

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

2,000

2

OIL AND GAS Totals

2

Equity Activity Totals

1,000.00

2,000

4,543

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol UNIONDAC

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Quantity Traded 37,200 37,200

Current Price 1.90

SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC Advertising Totals

30 2 4 11 1 13 32 1 13 3 1 30 141

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals

47.15

Current Price 0.67

No. of Deals 8 8

Exploration and Production Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol PZ Symbol UNILEVER

11,012,070.44

No. of Deals 4 4

NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Value Traded 1,227,242.57 1,227,242.57

1,192,268

Symbol COURTVILLE

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Quantity Traded 303,717 303,717

Value Traded 309,869.42 1,256.00 11,011,538.44

Symbol CUTIX

Metals Activity SummaryMANUFACTURING on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC ALUMINIUM Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Metals Totals

4.01

Quantity Traded 280,407 800 1,191,468

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

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

16 16

Current Price 1.14 1.57

85

Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006

VITAFOAM

44 98

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials Activity Summary on Board EQTY ASHAKA CEM PLC INDUSTRIAL BERGERGOODS PAINTS PLC Building Materials CAP PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © DANGOTE CEMENT PLC INDUSTRIAL GOODS

DN MEYER PLC. Building Materials FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

7,778,533.50 2 of 13

No. of Deals 37 96 59 63 1 25 1 2 2 286

NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 24/04/2014 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. WEMA BANK PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Insurance InsuranceCarriers, Carriers,Brokers Brokersand andServices Services

90,977 Page

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON NNFM UNIONDICON UTC

Daily Summary of 24/04/2014 Foodas Products--Diversified Printed 24/04/2014 16:56:06.006 CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables TotalsEQTY Activity Summary on Board

No. of Deals 2 2

Symbol 7UP Symbol

No. of Deals 14 1 83

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

1,616,514,710

1,000.00

18,909,584,485.79

Page

12

of

13

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 1,990.00 17.75

Quantity Traded 40 2,750 2,790

Value Traded 80,230.00 48,811.50 129,041.50

ETF Board Totals

4

2,790

129,041.50

ETP Activity Totals

4

2,790

129,041.50

13

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

13

of

13

50 WORLD | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

All parties in Syria blocking aid, say Ban Ki-moon

T

he UN Secretary General has accused all parties in Syria’s civil war of “flagrant violations” of international law over the delivery of aid.

Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to act to implement a resolution passed in February demanding greater access.

In his second report to the council on the resolution, Mr Ban said almost 3.5m civilians were being denied vital aid, including medicine and medical care.

Activists say about 150,000 people have died in Syria’s threeyear civil war.

Millions of people have fled their homes as fighting shows no sign of easing.

In a report described by the BBC’s Nick Bryant at the UN as a strong rebuke, Mr Ban wrote: “The Security Council must take action to deal with these flagrant violations of the basic principles of international law.”

The report did not specify what measures the council should take.

The resolution approved in February called on all parties to allow aid to cross conflict lines and borders.

However Mr Ban told the council that Syria remained “an extremely challenging environment in which to work”.

He added that the situation was getting worse.

“Thousands of people are not getting the medical care, including life-saving medicines, that they need,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos told Reuters news agency that hopes for a political deal to end Syria’s war were fading and it was getting harder every day to

send aid to trapped and displaced civilians.

Our correspondent says Britain, America and France are considering a further resolution taking punitive measures against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, but it would almost certainly be blocked by Russia.

The uprising in Syria began in March 2011 after security forces opened fire on protesters.

The country has since descended into civil war as rebel brigades - including Islamists and jihadists linked to al-Qaeda - battle government forces for control of cities, towns and the countryside.

Ukrainian armoured personnel carriers outside Sloviansk yesterday.

South Sudan President sacks army chief

S

outh Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has sacked the head of the army following recent rebel advances.

The decree announcing the immediate removal of Gen James Hoth Mai did not give any reason.

The country has been in turmoil since December. Last week rebels seized the oil hub of Bentiu.

Meanwhile the UN has accused the government of providing “erroneous information” regarding a massacre of hundreds of civilians in the town.

The sacked army chief of staff, James Hoth Mai, had been under intense pressure for some time.

As an ethnic Nuer, he wasn’t fully trusted by many

of President Salva Kiir’s supporters, while some of his fellow Nuer accused him of betrayal.

Gen Hoth may even feel it is a relief to be removed from such an environment. However the symbolism of the sacking is strong.

In an increasingly ethnicised conflict, President Kiir has removed an extremely important official who shares the rebel leader Riek Machar’s ethnicity - and replaced him with a Dinka from his own Greater Bahr el Ghazal region.

When interviewed a couple of years ago, Paul Malong, the new chief of staff, readily accepted the description of a “natural fighter”.

He is also accused by his opponents of directing an ethnic

militia that carried out killings in Juba at the beginning of this conflict.

At a time when the loyalist troops have suffered several defeats on the battlefield, President Kiir is sending an uncompromising signal to his enemies.

South Sudan Minister of Information Michael Lueth was wrong to tell reporters that residents seeking protection had been barred from entering a UN base, the UN mission said in a statement.

After rebel forces captured Bentiu on 15 and 16 April, they targeted hundreds of people who had taken refuge inside a mosque, a church and a hospital, and killed them because of their ethnicity, the UN Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) said.

“At no point did the mission ever turn away any civilians who came to its camp to seek protection and instead opened its gates to all unarmed civilians,” it added.

Correspondents say last week’s killings are among the most shocking since the conflict began.

The rebels say the retreating government forces were responsible. Gen Hoth, is from the same Nuer ethnic group as rebel leader and former VicePresident Riek Machar.

His replacement, Gen Paul Malong, is an ethnic Dinka, liked President Kiir.

South Sudan analyst James Copnall says by sacking Gen President Kiir is sending an uncompromising signal to his enemies.

Three Americans killed in Kabul hospital attack

T

hree Americans have been shot dead by a policeman at a hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, US officials say.

A spokesman for Afghanistan’s interior ministry described those killed as “medical staff ”.

The hospital, which specialises in children’s and maternal health, is run by Cure, a small US Christian charity. Two others were reported wounded.

The attacker, who reportedly shot himself, is in police custody. His motive remains unclear, officials say.

Afghanistan suffered a spate of deadly attacks in the run-up to presidential elec-

tions on 5 April.

The US embassy in Kabul tweeted that it was “with great sadness we confirm that three Americans were killed in the attack on Cure Hospital”. No other information would be released for the moment, it added.

According to Kabul police, a group of five or six foreigners were entering the hospital in western Kabul early yesterday when a policemen at a nearby checkpoint opened fire before turning his weapon on himself.

The policeman was named as Ayunullah.

A journalist based in Kabul, Bilal Sarwary, says he worked for the Afghan Public Protec-

tion Force (APPF), which is assigned to guard the hospital.

Mr Ayunullah’s family members are being questioned in the eastern city of Jalalabad.

Cure took over the 100-bed hospital seven years ago and restored it to specialise in providing healthcare for women and children. The hospital employs 27 doctors and 64 nurses, the charity says.

Yesterday the latest highprofile attack in the Afghan capital in recent months.

There were a spate of deadly attacks in the run-up to presidential elections held on 5 April, including a Kabul restaurant bombing in January and an attack on a hotel in the

city in March.

In the same month, the Taliban attacked a guest house used by foreigners working for a US-based agricultural charity, Roots for Peace.

More than seven million Afghans turned out to vote earlier this month, defying threats by Taliban militants to disrupt the poll.

With President Hamid Karzai stepping down after two terms in office, the election should to the country’s first democratic transfer of power.

Votes cast in the first round are still being counted. A runoff will take place in late May if no candidate secures a majority.

UK School confirms US Paedophile abused pupils

I

nvestigators believe William Vahey, who worked at an elite London school, targeted dozens of boys for over 40 years.

Chairman of Governors at Southbank International School Sir Chris Woodhead told Sky News the thought of Vahey makes him “physically sick”.

A prolific paedophile who taught at a London school was a “very popular” teacher who never showed any hint of wrongdoing, the school’s chair of governors has said.

Sir Chris Woodhead confirmed pupils had been abused

by William James Vahey, a 64-year-old American who taught in schools around the world.

British detectives are helping an international investigation into the scale of his crimes.

Vahey killed himself in a Minnesota motel room on March 21.

His suicide came two days after FBI agents filed for a warrant to search a computer thumb drive containing abuse images of at least 90 children, dating back to 2008.

Sir Chris told Sky News he discovered children at the Southbank International School had been targeted after receiving information from the Met Police, who were informed by the FBI. He said: “When we appointed him (Vahey) we had a criminal records bureau investigation done.

“We had another CRB check three years later; we requested interviews from his previous schools covering 17 years of his previous professional employment. The references were immaculate.”

Vahey worked at the school from 2009-2013, teaching history and geography to pupils aged 11-16.

“He was a very popular member of staff with both parents and students, perhaps an index of his sophistication and cleverness as a deceitful man who abused children,” said Sir Chris, a former chief inspector of schools.

Police broke the news to staff at the £25,000-a-year school this morning and a letter is being sent to parents.

One couple said he taught their 13-year-old son last year.

The mother said: “I couldn’t sleep for worrying about it and I had to sit my son down and ask him if anything had ever happened in school.

“Mr Vahey also took my son on a field trip abroad and this is a big concern for us.

“My son is fine though and I would have expected his behaviour to change if anything happened so I don’t think anything did.

“I know there are pictures that police have of boys but if my son is on the list, I don’t want to know and I don’t want him to know.”

Families and pupils at the school are to be offered counselling.

Hull city place £7m on Aluko

Stoke to chase down records - Odemwingie

FG set to reward victorious powerlifters

}p-52

}p-54

}p-54

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

FRIday, APRIL 25, 2014

51

NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

Michael Laudrup was a part of the Barcelona team when they won against Real Madrid 5 - 0.

He was also a part of the Real Madrid team when they won 5-0 against Barcelona as well

Eagles will fly in Brazil -Alloy Agu Charles Ogundiya

A

former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Alloy Agu, has tipped Nigeria to surprise all at the World Cup in Brazil by going beyond the second round stage.

Agu who was part of the team to the 1994 World Cup in the United States of America, told New Telegraph that with determination, Super Eagles will be the team to beat in Brazil.

“In football, determination can move mountain. It’s a case of if you want it, you get it. Most of the time it is not just about the quality; quality is important, but it is more about determination which is very vital. I see Nigeria going further than what we achieved in 1994. The players have to be determined like the way they did at the Nations Cup where no one gave them any chance to win the trophy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

World T/Tennis Championship: Confusion over Nigeria’s trip to Japan Ajibade Olusesan

C

onfusions have dogged the trip of Nigerian contingent to the World Table Tennis Championship holding in Tokyo, Japan.

The competition starts on Monday in the Far East and some of Nigerian players told New Telegraph that they were still oblivious of the travelling arrangements.

According to a player, the initial arrangement was for the foreign-based players to meet the rest of the squad at the venue of the competition but he claimed that until Thursday evening travelling tickets had not been sent to anyone while no one from the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation had contacted him on the developments.

Some of home-based players also told our correspondent that they were as confused

with no one certain when the team would leave Lagos for Tokyo.

However, the secretary of NTTF, Chinedu Ezeala-Ogundare, said that all arrangements have been concluded and the team will depart on Saturday.

“We don’t really have financial problems.

I can tell you that we are all travelling on Saturday. The foreign-based players will join us, we have told them,” she said.

52 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Countdown to Fifa World Cup 48 To Go Africa cannot win World Cup now- Oliseh Days

When Sunday Oliseh was a young boy kicking a football around the dusty streets of Lagos, he never dreamed he would one day carry the hopes of 170 million people on the world’s biggest sporting stage. He did eventually and ever since he had never looked back. In an interview with CNN, Oliseh tells his story. Excerpts

Oliseh

Childhood “As a child, the World Cup was something that was not for us but for others,” says the man who became one of Nigeria’s pioneering football exports.

“It was something like a mirage for my nation until my generation came around.”

Indeed, football was not even considered a respectable profession in the Oliseh household.

“For my parents growing up, football was taboo and you could understand them because way back then, in Africa, nobody made a living out of playing football,” the 39-year-old tells CNN’s Human to Hero series.

“For my parents, there was no way you could play football because you’re going to grow up, become older and be unemployed, so you had to be schooled and I really thanked them because it’s made me get that education that has helped me to manage myself as an adult.

World Cup outings Oliseh, a defensive midfielder, would

captain his country, win an Olympic gold medal, and star at World Cups in the United States and France.

African nations had regularly appeared at the World Cup since the 1970s, but Nigeria had to wait until 1994 for its first appearance.

The scene was the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, and the opponent was a star-studded Bulgaria team that would go on to reach the semifinals.

“We were so nervous,” Oliseh says. “The men’s room was filled up before the game.”

The talented Super Eagles (and their bladders) needn’t have been so concerned.

Oliseh and co. powered to an impressive 3-0 victory and topped the group despite losing to an Argentina team captained by Diego Maradona.

“I got the opportunity to rub shoulders with the player whose poster was on my wall at the time,” Oliseh says.

“He was the best player of our generation. That was when it dawned on me that I was ready for the big league.”

The Super Eagles lost to eventual runner-up Italy after extra time in the last 16, but their swashbuckling style captured the imagination of fans around the world and set the tone for a golden age of Nigerian

football.

For Oliseh, the 1998 World Cup was even better as he scored one of the goals of the tournament in a 3-2 win against Spain, though Nigeria would lose heavily to Denmark in round two.

The goal was not only special for sending Nigeria into the knockout stage, but also because it was predicted by former teammate Dosu Joseph -- a goalkeeper whose career was ended by a serious car crash.

“All I could think about was, ‘Damn, Dosu Joseph said this!’ So he was the one I was running up to in the stands, to my brother to just share the moment with them,” Oliseh says.

“And my nation was going through a dark period at the time. Our President had just died, and this victory united our nation again.”

These were halcyon sporting days that the football-mad country has yet to repeat.

Oliseh helped Nigeria qualify for the 2002 World Cup, but was not selected for the finals. As would happen again at the team’s next appearance -- at Africa’s first World Cup in 2010 -- Nigeria exited at the group stage.

But now, Africa’s most populous nation

is daring to dream again. And the omens are strong.

Just like in 1994, the Super Eagles will go into the World Cup finals as African champions, and in Brazil they have been handed what is on paper a favorable draw after qualifying undefeated.

World Cup dream Pele famously said an African nation would win the World Cup before the year 2000 -- a prediction that has yet to be met.

No African team has ever gone beyond the quarterfinals.

Oliseh, who has set up coaching projects in Belgium since retiring in 2006, has strong opinions on why this is the case.

“I think an African country will eventually win the World Cup. What is lacking now, it’s simple to say ... what is wrong is that we don’t plan well. We leave the planning ‘til late,” he says.

On the park, Oliseh also has a radical diagnosis for player development and tactics.

“Africans need to learn how to start pressurizing the opponents. Football has changed now. It’s no longer football where you pick individuals and expect them to do well,” he says.

“Now it’s more about team work, team dynamics, team schemes, things that are planned out. How to look at the opponent, how to bring about antidotes to the opponent’s playing star.

“When it comes to physical strength and bursts of speed, you can’t beat an African. But what is lacking now is just that technical and tactical know-how. Then we’ll get it.”

Nigeria qualifies for World Challenge in Slovenia Hull place £7m price-tag on Aluko Emmanuel Tobi Ajibade Olusesan

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igeria duo of Ibrahim Umar (male) and Rophia Jimohon has secured their places at the 2014 ITTF World Hopes Week, Challenge holding in Otocec, Slovenia after qualifying on Wednesday at the Africa Table tennis Federation and Kenya Table Tennis Association championship held at the Safaricom

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remier League outfit, Hull City, have placed £7m price tag on Nigeria international, Sone Aluko.

Aluko is getting frustrated at the club after dropping down the pecking order behind January signings Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic.

But Coach Steve Bruce said he would not allow the player to leave on the cheap if he decides to go.

“In my eyes, Sone is a £7m player,” Bruce said. “I can understand his frustration because, if you are not playing and you’ve got something about you, then of course you question it.

“At the end of the day a player only thinks of one thing, and that’s himself. I was the same - if you are not

Aluko

playing, you’re not happy.

“But, just because we paid £7m each for Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic in January, it doesn’t mean Sone is out on his ear.”

The coach said that the former National U-23 team striker is still a big part of his team if he can stay.

“I see Sone as a big part of what we are trying to do here, but we need to get him fully fit and back to being the player I know he is,” he said.

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi in Kenya.

The teenagers who competed against their counterparts in the continent emerged champions in the boys and girls singles to pick their slots in the eightman team expected to hoist Africa’s flag at the global tournament.

The Nigeria four-man team was made up of Michael Obayan-

mi, Ibrahim Umar (male) and Rophia Jimoh and Habibat Olawale (female) and Coach Friday Abah accompanied them.

Meanwhile, The International Table Tennis Federation on Thursday confirmed the2014 Lagos World Tour in the official prospectus for the tournament holding in June this year as well as uploading the prospectus on its website for the 214 national associations.

Apapa Club tennis tourney serves off

Ifeanyi Ibeh

T

he annual Apapa Club tennis tournament will get underway on Friday (today), and the club’s members are already bracing up for the tourney organised by the Tennis Section of the Club and sponsored by Heineken and Lagos Channel Management.

Captain of the Tennis Section, Dozie Udeze, said at a press conference that the opening ceremony of the two-day tournament would commence 4:30pm on Friday while the

first playing session would take place between 5:30 and 9:00pm.

The second playing session will serve off at 9:00am on Saturday, while the third and final playing session, which will have members of the invited Nigeria Ports Authority Sports Club in attendance, will hold from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. The closing ceremony comes up immediately followed by the Chairman’s night party.

Udeze explained that sponsors of the event, Heineken and LCM, have decided to partner with Apapa Club following the giant strides achieved by

the club under the leadership of the Club’s President, Tunde Akin-Taylor and Chairman of the Tennis Section, Ben Ozoadibe.

Ozoadibe said; “My Captain (Udeze) has turned around this section in less than one year and has brought in a lot of corporate sponsorship to the section and more to come. I am sure our sponsors have been following the tremendous transformation going on here especially in the Tennis Section and have chosen to identify with us.

We are a club of great history having been established in 1930.”

sport fanzone

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Liverpool surprisingly found themselves in pole position to clinch the EPL title.

Stakeholders bare their minds on the chances of the Anfield team going all the way.

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EPL: Can Liverpool They won’tI throw it away go all the way?

believetheywillgoalltheway towinthetitle.Nobodywould have predicted that Liverpool will be in this position when the season just started and I am sure they will never throw away their chance. The best decision they took is keeping (Luis)SuarezwhenArsenalwantedtobuyhim.

ThebestthingthisseasonisSuarezpartnership withSturridge,itisphenomenalandthetitlewill be the adequate reward for that even though I don’t like it as a Chelsea fan.

Annabel Edewi, Banker

Liverpool deserve it

I

t is for Liverpool to lose now, Chelsea bungled their chances by losing that match against Sunderland, but Liverpool need to take their remaining matches as the cup final itself. For me, they deserve the trophy this time after all the efforts the team put in this season especially during the second half of the season.

I want the title for Gerrard

Ibut I have the conviction that this is the

have never supported Liverpool as a club

Kunle Olabelurin, Engineer Liverpool vs Man City

Nothing can stop them

ure, the league title is theirs already. It is hard to admit because S of my hatred for the team but the truth must be said. They have been consistent all through the reason despite little blips

They have suffered enough

here and there, and they have also been having good results against the top teams. They have not lost in their last twelve matches, they are the highest scoring side in Europe with around 100 goals in all competition this season, these are hallmark of a champion, nothing can stop them again.

Yemi Olanrewaju, footballer

They are mentally strong

They are hungry for it

iverpool showed they were serious about winning the title especially since the start of 2014. My club, Arsenal were on top of the table for four months and sadly they are now in fourth position because they lack what it takes to go all the way. But Liverpool came from nowhere and they are now coasting home because they are mentally strong to get what they want.

Olatunji Lawrence, Insurance broker

iverpool has proved to soccer enthusiasts’ that they are hungry for the EPL title after it has eluded them for many years they have shown that the title belongs to them through the fantastic performances they have put up since the start of the season, I see them wining it.

Eme Ogwo -Businessman

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L

Only Liverpool can stop Liverpool

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hey have probably won it already, is it Chelsea that will stop them or Man City? Liverpool is the only team that can stop Liverpool from winning the trophy not even when they have only three matches to go. So many reasons why they are champions already; first, they have been the most consistent club this season, secondly, they have a strong and physical team next to only Man City, the team is hungry for the trophy because it has been long they won it last. They are already sitting at the top of the table and I don’t see anyone unseating them, not when it is just three matches to go.

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he EPL title is for Liverpool to win. They have suffered enough after 24 years without the trophy. I want to congratulate in advance Coach Bredan Rodgers, Captain Steven Gerrard and the entire Liverpool supporters worldwide.

Olusegun Adebeso, Banker

They have shown character

I

’m a die-hard Arsenal fan, but I would like to see Liverpool take the title this season. They have shown strength, character, resilience and above all hunger for this silverware and I pray they get it at the end of the season

Suleimon OkonlawonHair Stylist

Sanmi Makinwa, Lokoja

Clark wrestling meet holds June

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he Nigeria Wrestling Federation has fixed June 2 to 4 for the second edition of the E.K Clark Wrestling Championship holding in Warri, Delta State.

President of the federation, Dr Daniel Igali, said the championship was a prelude to the Commonwealth Games holding in Scotland in July.

The wrestling championship featuring all the 36 states of the federation and clubs started last year with the backing of the Delta State government in honour of the politician, Edwin Clark.

The first edition was a glamour to behold as Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan pledged to make it a yearly wrestling show adding that he would personally assist the federation to prepare well for the Commonwealth Games where Nigeria is targeting multiple medals in wrestling.

“I am delighted that the championship is coming again. It affords the federation an ample opportunity to start full preparations for the Commonwealth Games,” Agali said on the telephone.

year for the club to win the England Premier League. I want Stephen Gerard to savor the taste the English Premier League title before he retires and it should be now.

Kate Obialor- Administrator

They are unstoppable

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he coast has been cleared for Liverpool to win the English Premier League after Chelsea lost to Sunderland last weekend.

As it stands now, they looked unstoppable, the EPL is for Liverpool. They will definitely win it.

Onyerechere Uche –Worker

They must beat Chelsea to be sure

L

iverpool title hope depends on the outcome of their match against Chelsea on Sunday, if they are able to conquer Chelsea the trophy is theirs, because Chelsea is also eyeing the English Premier League title despite losing their match at the weekend but it is not over until is over, even though everything seems to be going on their favour. I believe Liverpool can do it with a very good attacking force that is capable of breaking down any defence.

Princewill Okike- footballer

I want them to win

I

don’t follow foreign Leagues a lot, but I became interested when someone explained the rise Liverpool over favourites, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. I would like to see them lift the trophy.

Okon Edet- Estate manager

The crew Chimaobi Uchendu Ifeanyi Ibeh Ajibade Olusesan Charles Ogundiya Mercy Jacob

Obiku banks on Keshi’s experience Chimaobi Uchendu

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ormer Green Eagles player Michael Obiku has described Coach Stephen Keshi as a good and tested coach going into the World Cup in Brazil.

Obiku said that Keshi’s wealth of experience will stand him in good stead to progress beyond the first round of the World Cup. “I think we are going to do our best, we have a very good coach who it took a long time before Nigerians could trust him to take over the job because he has always been as-

sisting others . He’s gone to Togo to prove himself, did well in Mali before becoming the national team coach and also winning the Nations Cup in South Africa. I think he will do well to go past the first round of the World Cup.” Obiku also talked about playing style and philosophy of coaches in the handling of teams.

He explained the Dutch blue print in the way the coach see his team and pointed out things that could be learnt as well while also crediting the strong nature of the Nigerian team.

54 SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Stoke determined to chase down records - Odemwingie

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Osaze (left) in action against Manchester Utd

eter Odemwingie says Stoke City are chasing down records in this season’s run-in.

The Potters head into the final fortnight looking to claim their highest Premier League points total, best top flight finish in 39 years and first top Midlands club title.

Nigeria striker Odemwingie told The Sentinel: “There is a lot on the games still. I’m

Eagles will fly in Brazil -Alloy Agu CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

“I will implore them to give their all for the country, the coach, their family and themselves. They should give nothing short of what they did in South Africa,” he said.

On the list of players submitted by the chief coach, Stephen Keshi, to the Nigeria Football Federation during the week, the assistant coach of Nasarawa United assistant said; “Keshi is well informed about all the players, he has been monitoring them and I am sure he has done his homework to get the best players available in the list. He knows what is expected of him and what Nigerians

are looking up to at the World Cup; many people will be happy when the names are finally made known.”

Defending the likely inclusion of CHAN Eagles goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, on the list, Agu said that Agbim has improved tremendously since joining a Nigeria League side, Gombe United, at the beginning of the new season.

“I believe Agbim will be on the train to Brazil, he is currently the best bet of all the goalkeepers playing at home.

He has been part of the team, and there is something we call match rustiness which actually affected him at the last CHAN

tournament, but now he has been playing regularly for Gombe and this is very important as it has helped his game.

I have watched him play, and I can say he is ahead of the rest,” Agu said.

The next major assignment for the Super Eagles is the friendly match against Scotland, and Agu said it was another opportunity for Keshi to perfect his tactics ahead the World Cup. “Every friendly game is a preparation for the World Cup, the Scotland match is an opportunity for the coach to try out his tactics ahead of the tournament in Brazil,” he added.

pleased the next two are at home because we’re chasing that ninth position, and you never know, maybe eighth too.

“We have to look at other results for that, but our main focus is our own job, doing our part of the deal.

“Our form at home has been fantastic and we have shown

there is no relaxation at all.

This is the game to show how much we want to finish in the top half.

“Hopefully our home run can continue and we can finish the season with every fan being able to say our record at the Brit is excellent, the best.”

Flying Eagles get Benin friendly date Ifeanyi Ibeh

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anu Garba’s Flying Eagles side will on May 4, in Porto Novo, continue their preparations for their upcoming African Youth Championship qualifier against the winner of the two-legged tie between Kenya and Tanzania, with a friendly match against their Benin Republic counterparts.

Benin are also using the game against the Flying Eagles as part of their build-up for their AYC qualifier against the winner of the first round qualifier between Congo and Niger, and moved into training camp in Porto Novo earlier this week.

The Nigerian side, according to a statement from the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu, will depart their Abuja camp for Lagos on May 2 before

proceeding to Benin Republic the next day.

They will return to Lagos on May 5 and travel out from there for their qualifier against either Kenya or Tanzania.

Kenya and Tanzania played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their first round qualifier in Nairobi and will meet this weekend in Dares Salam.

However, before travelling to Porto Novo, the Flying Eagles will continue their preparations for the AYC qualifier on Friday morning with a game against Nigeria National League side, FC Abuja.

The match will kick off at 7am at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja.

Plans are also at an advanced stage for the team to play another tune-up match against a top Nigeria Premier League side next week.

Oshiomhole fit for Okpekpe race

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overnor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, is fit and ready to run in the 2nd Okpekpe 10km road race, his trainer, Yusuf Ali, said this on Wednesday.

“The governor has been going under five minutes per kilometre in training and this is an indication of his readiness for the race,” said Ali, a former Af-

rican long jump record holder.

Ali, who is also the race director is confident this year’s event will be a huge improvement on the inaugural edition held last year both in terms of its technical organisation and quality of elite runners.

“We have confirmed the participation of the who is who in the road race world,” said

Ali who reiterated Pamodzi’s plans to make the race one of the eagerly anticipated races in the world.

“The race is already one of the highest paying 10km races in the world. The quality of athletes the second edition has attracted is a confirmation that the race will become very successful,” he said.

FG set to reward victorious powerlifters Mercy Jacob

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igeria’s victorious powerlifters to the just concluded International Paralympics Championship, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, are on the verge of being rewarded by the Federal Government.

According to the Secretary of the Nigeria Paralympics Federation, Dapo Akinyele, the federation’s president, Sulola

Johnson, was informed by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, that athletes who won medals at the championship are likely going to receive government’s recognition next week.

“I can confirm to you that there are moves by the Federal Government to reward the powerlifters who won medals at the just concluded Paralym-

pics Powerlifting World championship,” said Akinyele, in an interview with New Telegraph.

“I got the hint from my president (Sulola Johnson) and I was so excited because I believe the athletes deserve it. To finish first at the championship is a great achievement. In a competition where you have all the world powers present and our athletes topped the medals table, they deserve all the honour.”

Flying eagles in trainning session

Nobody in NFF shares money with Coaches - Amadu

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eneral Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Musa Amadu on Thursday described as ‘totally senseless and baseless,’ insinuations in a section of the media and by some idle souls that key officials of NFF are in the habit of sharing salaries and allowances with Coaches of National Teams.

Amadu, who has over the past four years presided over the most successful Secretariat in the history of Nigeria football, lampooned the

insinuations and challenged the proponents of the rumours to hit the public space with their facts.

“I want to say without mincing words that nobody in the NFF, not among Members of the Executive Committee, or the Management, or Staff, or the sub-Committees, have been sharing any money with any of our Coaches.

“I really want the persons vending these scandalous and scurrilous stories go to town with the facts available to them.

NEWS 55

FROM THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, April 25, 2014

Stopping Sharia funding will provoke Muslims - Prof. Muzzammii

Delegate suggests payment of pensioners through PENCOM system

Abuja

Lateef Ibrahim

Louis Achi

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here was no letting up of heat at the National Conference Committee on Religion yesterday as members took entrenched positions over the issue of government funding of religious courts.

According to Prof. Muzzammii Hanga Sani, a delegate and member of the Committee on Religion, stoppage of government funding of Sharia will trigger a crisis in the polity.

“Withdrawal of funding of Sharia will incite Muslims and be an invitation to crisis in the country,” he said.

Prof. Muzzammii, a lawyer of 35 years standing, expressed this position when the committee was debating a key element its work-plan at the NICON Luxury Hotel venue of committee sittings.

He further noted that, if the big picture was looked at, the implication of funding religious courts solely by religious bodies will also have to accommodate religious prisons and a gamut of other religionspecific measures.

Muzzammii found a soul mate in this submission in Prof. Jibril who was sponsored by the Academy of Letters to the conference.

Jibril who totally con-

demned sponsorship of religious pilgrimages by governments, however, supported the funding of religious courts and religious education by government.

Also supporting continuation of funding of Sharia by government were Hajiya Laraba Dattijo and Hajiya Amina Omoti, also members of the Committee on Religion.

But countering the funding of religion by government, Pastors Bosun Emmanuel stated that continuation of the trend would then encourage Christians to opt for Ecclesiastical Courts.

He invited the members of his committee to look at

the United States model of religious secularism and stressed that a new order was needed to decouple religion from the state.

It will be recalled that midweek, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) formulated a strong case for the revocation of all laws establishing and funding religious courts in the country.

In a position paper presented to the Committee on Religion of the National Conference, CAN held that government should make new provisions in the constitution to permit each religion that needed religious courts to establish and fund such only for its own members.

Abuja

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IQUED by the delay and other bottlenecks involved in the payment of pensions in the country, an expert in Labour Matters and delegate at the ongoing national conference in Abuja, Comrade Olakunle Olaitan has advised the Federal Government to change the old system of pension administration in the country to the new system regulated by the Nigerian Pension Commission, PENCOM. Comrade Olaitan gave the advice while briefing the Conference’s Public Service Committee led

by Engr. Ebele Okeke.

The delegate noted that the contributory pension system regulated by PENCOM is preferable and more trans-

parent than the old one which is associated with a lot of confusion.

Comrade Olaitan, who pointed out that he had already received the last month’s pensions under the PENCOM’s system, maintained that instead of subjecting the old people to the sufferings in an endless search for pensions, government should find a way of allowing PENCOM to regulate it.

Olaitan, a Trade Union Congress (TUC) chieftain at the ongoing national conference, noted that even though the PENCOM system may also has its peculiar problems, it is more effective, efficient and transparent than the old system under which many old pensioners are still collecting their pensions.

Youth delegates threaten to disown report Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

A L-R: Members of Committee on Trade and Investment, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande; Chief Kola Jamodu, Mr. Ali Safiyanu Madugu, and President, Nigeria Economic summit, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, during the committee’s meeting at Nicon Luxury Hotel…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Govt paying lip service to employment - Labour leader Louis Achi Abuja

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riefing the National Conference Committee on Public Service, the national president of Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) and also the Deputy President Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC) Comrade Mohammed Shuaibu Kiri has criticised the federal and state governments for paying lip service to employment generation and youth employment in Nigeria.

Kiri told New Telegraph that out of the N4 trillion national budget, labeled “Budget of Employment and Inclusiveness” by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iwela, only the miserly amount of N800 million was allocated for the creation of employment.

According to Kiri, administrative allocations have usurped the capital allocations in the budget holding that the amount allocated to the building of zoo at the Aso Rock Villa far superseded that allocated to the University of Benin Teaching Hospi-

• Miserly N800m allocated for employment creation tal.

Knocking the subsisting embargo on employment even when there existed many vacancies at the states civil service, Kiri revealed that the reason for the numerous vacancies were the mass retirement of people employed in the state civil services during the General Olusegun regime in 1977.

A miffed Kiri explained that huge savings existed in the wage bill of the states’ civil service and wondered why the embargo in employment was still in place.

According to him, the issue of insurgency spearheaded by Boko Haram was as a consequence of unemployment, adding that if the youth were employed they would not be wandering around as easy targets for terrorists’ recruitment.

Decrying the disparity in the salaries of civil servants in the ministry and their counterparts in the parastatals, he explained that the salary

gap between the two government agencies placed those at the parastatals far above their colleagues in the ministry.

He further explained the disparity was capable of demoralising those in the ministry, rendering them less productive.

Illustrating with a graduate of economic and a lawyer who graduated the same year, he said the lawyer as a fresh employee is given level 12 in the parastatal while his economics counterpart is placed at level 8 in the

ministry.

According to Kiri who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, there might not be cases of ghost workers in the civil service since a system has been introduced which ensures that workers were captured into the database.

People’s photographs were captured and the person must come in person, he noted, acknowledging that whatever is garbaged into the system would be the data to garbaged out.

fresh crisis seems to be brewing at the ongoing national conference in Abuja as Youth delegates to the conference yesterday threatened to disassociate themselves from the outcome of the committees’ final report.

The youth delegates pointed out that they were excluded from key committees of the conference.

While briefing journalists yesterday at the committees’ sitting in Nicon Luxury Hotel, the Head of the Youth Delegation, Comrade Ben Duntoye said all their protests to the secretariat of the conference about their exclusion from key committees have not received any response.

He said that there had been subtle blackmail of the youths since the conference began anytime they expressed views that ran counter to the position of the elderly delegates.

According to him, “it is interesting to note that of the 493 delegates,

the youths have only 18 representation which is a marginalization of the majority by the minority considering the youth population.

“We started the conference with a subtle blackmail that we should respect our parents at the conference once it is noticed that our opinion varies with the status quo. As young Nigerians well brought up with our various rich cultural values for respect, we have immense respect for our elders at the conference.

“But we also understand that we can respectfully disagree and insist on our position except a superior position emerges. It must be understood that we are here in our official capacities to represent the youth and not to massage the egos of some people”, he said.

Duntoye said further that when the conference ran into problem over some gray areas and a 50man committee was constituted to resolve the contending issues the youths were completely ignored.

Physically-challenged delegates angry with confab secretariat, Anenih over committee membership, bill Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

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ore protests have continued to trail the composition of committees at the ongoing national conference as a delegation of the physically challenged people insisted yesterday that they were short-

changed in the placement of the delegates into the committees.

They pointedly declared that many of their members ought to have been appointed into the social sector committee, which oversees issues affecting the physically challenged persons in the country.

Speaking through one of them, Mamman Chinan Kumo, the physically challenged delegates said after several protests from their members at the conference to put them into the social sector committee, only one of them made it to the Iyom Josephine Anenih-led committee.

They accused the leadership of the conference of insensitivity toward their plight, describing the gesture as an afterthought.

Kumo also accused Iyom Anenih, a former Minister of Women Affairs, of worsening their problems during her tenure as minister.

World Record

On Marble Life isn’t about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself.

– George Bernard Shaw

Sanctity of Truth

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha FRIday, APRIL 25, 2014

N150

The oldest track and field record still standing belongs to Jarmila Kratochvílová from what was then Czechoslovakia, who set the 800m mark back in July 1983.

Caught on the wrong foot C Graffiti onventional wisdom matters a lot. Most people rely on it for guidance, especially in situations that demand critical decisions including those that could make or mar their reputation. It may not be as simple as common sense but it is as important. A rule for those who rely on conventional wisdom as a compass is to avoid deliberately courting controversy. Simple explanation being that it could disastrously backfire.

Communication strategists, in particular, are familiar of instances where utilizing controversy as a means of generating awareness and attention horrendously backfired.

Consequently they were left in the awkward situation of seeing the object of their branding campaign portrayed in a negative light. It takes even more effort to ride such an ensuing storm and the crisis management does not always provide the needed redemption and restoration, because it requires an uncommon adeptness to erase the damage imprinted on the mind of the public.

There are a few exceptions.

Charles Branson, for instance, has successfully used controversy deliberately as an entrepreneur, such that that his personal life and business brands are seen as two sides of the same person. The secret could be that he has carefully avoided impunity and ensured his products are delivered with integrity and honesty.

Once those values are missing, he cuts his losses and ends his involvement as was the case with Virgin Nigeria.

Courting controversy is a no-no though for most public office holders, especially in societies where integrity and honesty are of prime value. Thus public officers in such climes do all they can to avoid causing controversy. Many a promising political career has been destroyed by an accidental lapse in judgement, particular when reacting to a situation under pressure. The public gladly punishes such a lapse where it matters most, at the polls. Although one concedes that is where polls really count. Hopefully, polls will count here too someday soon.

It was almost a rain of controversies last week. More than one public official was caught on the wrong foot. First, it was the President.

Less than twelve hours after Abuja witnessed its deadliest bomb blast, accounting for over a hundred lives and hundreds of injured victims, he set out to Kano for a highly publicized political rally. The trip and his actions elicited more than a negative ripple.

The Vice –President too was not to be left out of the gaffe train. Shortly after being named as the Party’s campaign manager for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Osun and Ekiti States, he said “Ekiti State election is a war”. His statement is a classic political gaffe, also known as a Kinsley gaffe. It is an inadvertent statement within a political context

EMMAN USMAN SHEHU prohabe@hotmail.com - 08051614969 (sms only)

that has been uttered without analysing before-hand the consequences of publicly stating it. It is something that should not be uttered in public, the unutterable.

A military gaffe also followed.

In the wake of the Abuja bombing, Boko Haram or some other rogue group, abducted over 200 female students from their school premises in Chibok, Borno State. A handful initially escaped when one of the vehicles of the abductors broke down.

Within hours the military claimed it had successfully rescued most of the girls. Before sunset, the military was forced into a highly embarrassing retraction. Apparently there was no rescue operation. The military has been badly caught on the wrong. As much as it has tried to explain what happened, the more it has become entangled in a web of infamy.

Another wrong footing was not too long in the offing. Consequent upon the bombing and abduction, graphic indicators of increasing insecurity in the country, a National Security Council meeting was summoned. The Thursday meeting threw up a controversial drama. Sixteen of the governors from the main opposition party were not invited, while two from the lesser opposition parties got the nod.

Curiously, after the meeting, reporters were told by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State that the meeting was at the instance of the PDP governors and was not planned to include governors from the opposition parties.

Hence, more than one gaffe was on display as the President’s spokesman had given a different version before the meeting. Apart from the strange exclusion of the sixteen governors including three from the states at the heart of the insurgency, the inclusion of the two governors from the lesser opposition parties implied that those two parties are actually appendages of the ruling party.

The aforementioned gaffes are a cause for concern. Although involving different public figures, the controversies surrounding their actions and utterances are indicators of a country in grave trouble. These are far from accidental lapses of judgement. Rather they are pointers to some of the fundamental problems of leadership, as well as the unhealthy state of the nation.

It is far from a sign of good leadership when a President shows no compassion for the pain and sorrow of his citizens. A few hours after the bomb explosion, there he was literally dancing on the corpses and severe in-

Jonathan

juries of the victims. It was not only a PR disaster, but a brazen show of impunity. The political rally itself, no matter how it was disguised, was an illegality given the standing order by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on political campaigns. An order which the President has serially disobeyed to the extent that even campaign adverts are being aired. He has the responsibility to stop the adverts. Even if he is not the sponsor, he is a direct beneficiary of the messages in the adverts. The helplessness of INEC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in the ongoing violations is something to ponder as the 2015 general election approaches.

It was not only the dancing in public that was in bad taste, his utterances were shockingly uncouth. What we are witnessing is the unveiling of the President’s true character, which had hitherto been artfully masked. It is not a pleasant sight to behold and confirms that the recent pilgrimage was a hollow ritual. All the Nice-Guy, He-Wont-Hurt-A-Fly, Don’t –Rig-ForMe, and Free-And –Fair-Election image evaporated with each dance step and with each contemptible utterance.

Now we know that elections in 2011 were manipulated right from the Party’s presidential primaries. Now we can guess where the N2 trillion subsidy money was diverted. Now we safely sense where the missing N20 billion are being kept and for what purpose. It is part of a political war chest as underscored by the VicePresident’s declaration of war on

Osun and Ekiti.

Everything smirks of a desperation that is colouring the nation’s atmosphere, and confirming the anxiety of a looming disaster in 2015. An anxiety confirmed daily by the utterances and actions of those drunk with the wine of impunity. For them even a highly volatile issue like national security means nothing more than a political chess-game. The fate of the citizens, especially those in the epicenter of the insurgency counts for nothing, as they are merely pawns in the avowed battle to retain power at all costs.

The military is not helping matters. The rescue debacle has exposed what keen observers have suspected all along, that misinformation is playing a huge role in the fight against the insurgency. Insurgencies are not conventional conflicts, hence requiring unconventional strategies for counterinsurgency. But reaching for the unconventional is no justification for misinforming the public in a battle that demands winning hearts and minds of the populace. Even before Chibok, there was the Composite Air Force Base attack where the PR was also a blunder.

From every indication the country is in serious trouble. There is something about the early sixties in the air. A situation fed by the twin evil of impunity and deliberate misinformation, with honesty and integrity interred in the graveyard of desperation and greed. Thankfully, the gaffes of last week have revealed several unintended truths. However long this impunity and greed last, the exposure of unintended truths will eventually force Nigerians across every divide to open their eyes. One day, and sooner than later at the present rate, conventional wisdom indicates the chickens must come home to roost.

OmoBaba

IT’S JONATHAN OR NOTHING - Dokubo-Asari

- Yes, but let the largesse go round!

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