Tuesday, october 11, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

Banks' struggle persists as bad loans rise Tony Chukwunyem

here appears to be no let-up in asset quality pressure on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country, as

latest figures released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and international/local rating agencies show a sharp rise in the industry’s non-performing loans (NPLs).

Yesterday, global rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service, published a report on the country’s banks, stating that it expects NPLs

to increase to around 12 per cent over the next 12 months, compared to the five per cent as of December 2015 recorded in the

CBN’s data. It noted that while Nigeria’s five biggest banks share common credit challenges related to the slow-

Buhari: Why Nigeria’s economy must be export-driven }4

down in Nigeria’s oil and gas dependent economy, their ability to withstand weak economic growth and volatile monetary conditions varies. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sanctity Of Truth

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

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Vol. 3 No. 965

36 traffic offenders undergo psychiatric test in Abuja }8

Again, Libya deports 150 Nigerians }10

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'Mad' woman held with tellers, 25 SIM, ATM cards }9

N150

DSS releases judges Abubakar

Oyeyemi

Buhari

The mad woman

Okoro, Ngwuta, Ademola, Auta, Pindiga, Tsamiya, Umezulike to face trial High court judge at large Arrest of judges sad, regrettable –CJN }2 Secret service trailed judges for 7 months Nwabueze: Arrest disgraceful 1

1. Suspected kidnappers of Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, wife of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor

2. Military uniforms used by the suspected kidnappers 3. Money recovered from the suspects, at a press conference in Abuja...yesterday

PHOTOS: Elijah Olaluyi

Police recover N14.7m from Emefiele’s abductors lTwo soldiers, 7 others arrested lEach suspect got N10m share Prescription painkillers could be deadly

}10

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Alleged corruption: DSS releases seven judges Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

fter being kept in custody for over 24 hours, the Department of State Services (DSS) had released all the seven judges arrested in connection with alleged corrupt practices. New Telegraph learnt that the judges were granted bail on self-recognisance. Those arrested and granted bail are Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court; Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court; Muazu Pindiga of the Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike. The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said all the seven judges were released on Sunday night, but they were made to report at the service headquarters in Aso drive, Abuja, yesterday morning. The judges have also been asked to be reporting daily to the DSS office in Abuja pending when they will be arraigned in court. According to the source, the judges were granted bail on self-recognition based on their standing in the society, as they cannot run away. The judges have been instructed to report at the DSS office today by 10a.m. It was also learnt that the DSS had been on the trail of the judges in the past seven months, monitoring their activities and “placing a web around them.” “The judges reported at the DSS office on Monday morning for investigation and they have gone back home. The investigation continues preparatory to their arraignment in court. “Also, the arrest was as a sequel to lack of cooperation by the National Judicial Council (NJC). The NJC refused DDS opportunity to question the affected persons. The investigation on the conduct of the judges started seven months ago, precisely in April 2016,” the source stated. New Telegraph learnt that DSS operatives have

2.6%

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

38.2%

The percentage of the urban population of Somalia in 2012. Source: Un.org

been monitoring the judges, bugging their telephone lines and that of their associates, suspected to be links with some politically exposed persons. According to the source, the secret service is still on the trail of a Federal High Court judge who is said to be at large. “The judge has gone underground. He has failed to report at the DSS office. But we are on his trail,” a source told New Telegraph. The secret service is, however, tidying its end to prefer charges against the seven judges. The secret service had on Saturday morning arrested seven judges over alleged corruption. DSS, in a statement, said huge sums of money were recovered from both Justices Ngwuta and Okoro’s residences. At the residence of Justice Ademola, the DSS said it recovered at least $171,779 and N54 million in cash, in addition to documents of landed property belonging to the judge.

In the course of the raid, the DSS said it recovered N35 million, $319,475 from Justice Ngwuta while N4.3 million and $38,833 were recovered from Justice Okoro. While justifying the

judges’ arrest, DSS said it monitored “the expensive and luxurious lifestyle of some of the judges as well as complaints from concerned public over judgement obtained fraudulently and on the basis

of money paid,” adding that the judges involved were invited, upon which due diligence was exhibited and their premises searched. The DSS is also presently investigating about

Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu [right] with Mr. Aydin Acik from Netherland, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on investment in Nigeria...in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

eight more judges over alleged corruption and may get them arrested soonest. The eight judges are asides the seven that will be charged to court any moment from now. Although the identities of the judges are still unknown as at the time of filing this report, New Telegraph learnt that another justice of the Supreme Court is involved and two judges from the Federal High Court. The service had been investigating the judges for some time now and had got enough evidence to go after them. Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) will be holding an emergency meeting today to discuss whose name it will send to President Muhammadu Buhari as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed had yesterday said that the council will also look into the arrest of judges by the DSS.

Arrest of judges sad, regrettable –CJN lNwabueze: Clampdown disgraceful

Foluso Ogunmodede and Tunde Oyesina

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday described as regrettable, the arrest of seven judges by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged corruption. He, however, appealed for calm. Seven judges are currently in detention at the DSS headquarters in Abuja. Those arrested and in custody are Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court; Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Kabir Auta of the Kano High Court; Muazu Pindiga of the Gombe High Court, Mohammed Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal in Ilorin and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, I. A. Umezulike. Justices Umezulike, Auta and Tsamiya had earlier been recommended for sack by the NJC for alleged corrupt activities. Speaking at the valedictory session held in honour of a retired Supreme Court justice, Justice Suleiman Galadima, the CJN said he was saddened by the event. According to him, “it is indeed very saddening and deeply regrettable, the distressing and unfortunate incident which occurred on Friday October 7 and Sunday October 8, 2016.

“However, I want all Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, as an emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC) will take place tomorrow to comprehensively look into the matter. “I must express my sincere appreciation to the executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ably led by the president, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and, indeed, all members of the legal profession, for their prompt action and continued support.” Meanwhile, the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was conspicuously noticed at the event. It is traditional for the AGF to attend such valedictory session, but Malami was absent and did not send a representative. Speaking at the event, NBA President insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari should call the security agencies responsible for the arrest of the judges to order. “We viewed these actions as illegal and unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the judiciary and must be aimed at intimidating the judiciary and the legal profession. “These military style operations are totally unacceptable in a democratic society. They are unaccept-

able against private citizens, but even more sore against serving justices of superior courts,” he stated. Mahmoud further said that the NBA rejects the explanations and justification by the Presidency that these so-called surgical operations were targeted at corruption and not the judiciary. “We find absurd that the Presidency will accept assurances from DSS that it followed due process of the law! “We maintain our position that these operations are illegal and unconstitutional. I want to reiterate that the position of NBA is not aimed at protecting any judge. We are not also shielding any judges from investigation from charges of corruption,” he stated. Mahmud also addressed the divisions among lawyers over the arrests and raids of the judges’ houses. His words: “We are clear that raiding houses of justices of the Supreme Court in the middle of the night by masked armed men is the way to go. We do not accept it. This portends real danger to the Nigerian democracy. It is contrary to all civilised norms and accepted standards.” He said the association called on DSS to restrict itself to its constitutional and statutory duties. According to him, DSS’ core mandate is to guarantee national security. “It is not its duty to con-

duct police investigation or arraign and prosecute cases of corruption. It is not its responsibility to conduct sting operations on judges for corruption or professional misconduct in the middle of the night,” he added. He called on the CJN to immediately take necessary and urgent steps to set in motion the process of cleansing the system. “Urgent steps to restore confidence of the Nigerian people in the nation’s judiciary must be taken,” he said. The NBA president called on lawyers to remain resolute and speak with one voice, adding that “this is not the time to be divided.” Meanwhile, a foremost law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ben Nwabueze, yesterday berated the DSS, warning the Muhammadu Buhari-led goverment to tread softly as the nation was no longer under a military rule. Besides, he said that regardless of any one in power, the laws of the country must be respected at all times as the arrest of judges on the grounds of corruption was not an attack on individuals but on the judiciary, which had been put into disrepute by the DSS’ degrading treatment of the judges. The octogenarian law professor described the judges’ arrest as not only degrading and disgraceful, but had brought down the

entire institution of judiciary and its sacrosanct role in governance. Although he admitted that judges had no immunity from criminal process, Nwabueze insisted that the DSS’ treatment of the judiciary following the arrest of the judges was disgraceful and must be condemned as its actions had brought the entire judiciary into disrepute and undermines its credibility in the eyes of the public. He said: “Whilst judges are not granted immunity from criminal process, the vital and sacrosanct role of the judiciary in governance entitles them to great respect over and above that accorded to the ordinary citizens. “To disgrace a judge, as by a degrading treatment, is not just the disgraceful treatment of an individual; it brings the entire judiciary, as the third organ of government, the Third Estate of the Realm, into disrepute and undermines its credibility in the eyes of the public. “It diminishes our country and all of us. The matter therefore counsels and demands cautious handling. “We are in a constitutional democracy, not a military dictatorship and the law must be respected and obeyed in the way the affairs of the country are handled, including the handling of the fight against corruption, which we all wholeheartedly support.”

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Police recover N14.7m from Emefiele’s abductors

Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Nigeria Police yesterday displayed the N14. 725 million recovered from suspected kidnappers of Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, wife of the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele. Nine suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of Emefiele were paraded. The CBN Governor’s wife was, on September 29, kidnapped alongside three of her aides at Oquneki Hills, along the BeninAgbor Road in Delta State. Among those arrested are two serving Army personnel (Lance Corporals Musa Maidabra and Edwin George), as well as a dismissed soldier, Ernest A. Uduefe. Maidabra and George are serving at 122D30 Regiment in Maiduguri, Borno State. Other suspects paraded were: Mohammed Abubakar (Gang leader), Mohammed Musa, Mohammed Sule, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Aliyu Musa and Mohammed Yusuf. They were arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other tactical teams, whom the Inspector-General of Police

(IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, had saddled with the responsibility of rescuing the kidnapped victims. One of the soldiers, Lance Corporal Maidabra, confirmed that he only helped in the movement of the ransom. He, however, denied involvement in the actual abduction of Emefiele’s wife. Maidabra said: “We were not involved in the abduction; we only assisted them to transport the money to a location. We carried the money and ran away with it in a vehicle. It was part of my friend’s share he gave me. We didn’t know the money was from an abduction operation.” His colleague, George, admitted that he only provided security cover for the kidnappers to transport the money to Benin City, the Edo State capital. He said: “I was not involved in the kidnap. The money they gave me was over N6 million. I asked about the source of the money, but they didn’t tell me.” Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Don Awunah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said Emefiele and her aides were rescued unhurt on September 30, a day after they were kid-

napped. Though, Awunah declined to state the exact amount that was paid as ransom, the sum of N14,725,000 was displayed as part of what the suspected kidnappers had collected. Items recovered from the suspects include three cars, one AK 47 magazine and two cartridges. The suspects were arrested in Benin City, the Edo State capital, where the ransom money was driven to. According to Awunah, the gang leader allegedly confessed to receiving the sum of N11 million in cash. Also, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) worth N1.5 million and N4 million (all proceeds of the crime), were recovered from Maidabara. For Uduefe, the Police said he bought a Honda car with N1.5 million, even as he allegedly furnished an apartment in Benin City within 48 hours of the incident. Another suspect, Musa, who sustained gunshot wounds after a gun duel with the IRT, was said to have received N10 million from the ransom paid. Like Musa, Sule and Abdullahi, allegedly confessed to receiving N10 million each.

The trio of Maidabara, George and Uduefe, were said to have escorted some of the kidnappers and the ransom money out of the forest, where they had held the victims. They were said to have driven in a maroon coloured Audi car, with the soldiers dressed in Army camouflage. The uniforms were also displaced as exhibits. Other exhibits recovered were two Honda cars and the Audi, which the Police said were parked within the premises of the

Force Headquarters. Awunah said: “The IGP is committed to ensuring that all forms of crime, fear of crime and particularly kidnap for ransom and other violent crimes are brought to the lowest ebb throughout the country. “Similarly, the IGP is determined to making sure that all those who are engaged in kidnapping, abduction and armed criminal activities will not escape justice. To this end, the Nigeria Police will galvanise all available re-

sources at its disposal to make sure that miscreants, hoodlums and deviants have their day with the law. “Against this background, the IGP had ordered the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other tactical teams to swing into action to rescue Mrs. Margret Emiefele, the wife of the Central Bank Governor unhurt and apprehend all those remotely or directly responsible for the dastardly act. “Consequent upon deCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Presidency releases 2 more helicopters to NAF

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered the release of two Augusta AW 101, VVIP helicopters from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, who presented the helicopters to NAF, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the president’s promise to reduce the cost of the amount expended on PAF. Monguno said that in line with this philosophy, two aircraft, 1x AW109 helicopter and 1x King Air Beechcraft, had earlier been released to NAF

in 2015, immediately the president took over. He said it was given out in realisation of the need to immediately enhance the capacity of the armed forces in its campaign against insurgency. Monguno disclosed that the president had also given approval for the sale of one of the 2x Falcons 7x and the Hawker 4000 aircraft operated by the fleet. The NSA also said that a committee for the sale of both aircraft was already sitting and would soon complete its assignment. “AW 101 is a highly versatile helicopter used in both VIP civil and military applications.

“These two helicopters handed to the NAF today (yesterday) have ballistic defence capabilities and are equipped with defensive aid suites against certain forms of missile attacks,” Monguno said. Responding, the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Sadique Abubakar, said the gesture had encouraged NAF to focus on the fight against insurgency in the NorthEast and militancy. Abubakar said that the 2x Augusta Westland 101 helicopters were executive helicopters designed for the transportation of VIPs and equipped with ballistic defence capabilities and defensive aid suites.

Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation Motto: Securing a Better Tomorrow

Tel: 0 9 0 5 4 1 0 11 9 1 08068375967

www.orjiuzorkalufoundation.org oukfoundation@gmailcom

ADDRESS: Orji Uzor Kalu House Plot 322 Mabushi Abuja, Nigeria

Public Notice on Postponement of African Youth Day Commemoration This is to inform the general public that the African Youth Day Commemoration organized by Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation and earlier scheduled to hold on November 3, 2016 has been postponed due to circumstances beyond our control. A new date shall be communicated in due course. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Signed: For: Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation

Peter Ogbonna Eze

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Buhari: Why Nigeria’s economy must be export-driven

Abdulwahab Isa and Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his desire to see Nigeria move from an import dependent economy to a hub of export of goods and services. Speaking yesterday at the 22nd Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, he said the Federal Government was already putting in place incentives that will improve ease of doing business in order to boost local production. He said: "My greatest desire is that Nigeria moves from import dependent to self-sufficiency in local production and becomes an export led economy in goods and services.” According to the president, the summit, themed, "Made in Nigeria,” lies at the heart of so many efforts his administration is making to lead the country through troubled times and lay a firm foundation for the future. "As I have said in the past, we need to diversify the economy so that we will never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country so that we can produce the food we

Police recover N14.7m from Emefiele’s abductors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

ployment of Intelligence Platform, Mrs. Emiefele and her aides were rescued on September 30 unhurt and they have since been reunited with their families after debriefing. “The Nigeria Police Force will continue to limit the capacity of kidnappers and other criminals to disrupt the quality of life of Nigerians by the deployment of adequate manpower and resources in crime reduction, detection and effective prosecution of offenders in courts of competent jurisdiction. “The curtailment of the activities of kidnappers in our communities will be ultimately successful through the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders. There must be collective ownership of law enforcement. “It is instructive to mention that money or ‘ransom’ is sometimes used as a bait or bargaining chip to save the lives of the victims of crime, which is primary to security operatives.” Notwithstanding, the Police have cautioned against payment of ransom for the release of kidnap victims, saying it was “inherently counterproductive.”

eat, make our own textiles, produce most of the things we use and create the right environment for our young to be able to benefit and create jobs through technology. "This has been the commitment and the mandate of this administration and I have remained focus on it since the assumption of this administration," he noted. Buhari explained that there was clearly no better way to achieve diversification without building an economic foundation of made in Nigeria goods and services. He said: "Fortunately, we have champions of made in Nigeria that have defied the odds over the years to produce locally and contribute to our economy. "I understand some of them will be discussing at this event to share their experience in your sessions. "The initiatives and incentives that will enhance your work are already being done by this administration. I encourage more local production to improve our ease of doing business environment, transfer our technology and innovation capabilities, improve quality and standards, promote, export and change our old attitude and behaviour to made in Nigeria products and services.” He expressed hope that

the summit would bring all stakeholders on board to stay on course. The president told the organisers of the event that the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, would be attending the key sessions of the summit. He also said he had instructed members of the cabinet to fully participate at his summit. In his opening remarks, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said government was already on track of implementing policies aimed at getting the economy out of the current recession. “These include, among other things, taking action to reduce the disruptions

in the Niger Delta; fast tracking measures to raise funding from foreign loans and other sources to fund the 2016 capital budget, targeting capital releases to projects with impact on employment and speeding up the implementation of the social investment programmes etc. “Already, our focus on agriculture is beginning to yield fruit as indications are that the agriculture sector will show quite strong growth in the third quarter,” he said. He added that after getting out of recession, “we will continue with the implementation of our Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), which was launched by government at the time

the 2016 Budget was signed into law by the president. The plan will restructure our economy onto the path of sustainable growth.” On his part, the Chairman of the NESG, Mr. Kyari Bukar, said government and the private sector must jointly promote production and consumption of made in Nigeria goods and services while also maintaining a trade balance between imports and exports and recognising the realities of globalisation. “This will reinvigorate moribund industries and services that have shown potential in the past and curtail the growing demand for foreign exchange for consumption rather

than capital products and equipment,” Bukar said. Also speaking, an economist and a member of Monetary Policy Committee of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Doyin Salami, said: “One area where I think the government is doing itself a bad service is that it doesn’t communicate well. Government needs a comprehensive development plan.” Salami urged the government to ensure everything possible was done to boost the confidence of those who invest in the country. According to him, the current state of the Nigerian economy provides a platform for all stakeholders to move forward.

President Muhammadu Bubari (left) with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during Obasanjo's visit to the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… yesterday

Banks' struggle persists as bad loans rise CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The banks – Zenith Bank Plc (B1 stable, b1), Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (B1 stable, b1), Access Bank Plc (B1 stable, b2), United Bank for Africa Plc (B1 stable, b2) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (B2 negative, b3) – have all been affected by the weakening domestic operating environment following the prolonged period of lower oil and gas prices. The more challenging environment, coupled with Moody’s view of the high likelihood of support from the Nigerian government (B1, stable), largely explains the narrow range of issuer ratings of the five banks, the experts said. “However, despite shared credit challenges, there are differences among the banks in terms of their respective abilities to withstand weak economic growth and volatile monetary conditions, which are reflected in their differing baseline credit assessments (BCAs) that range from b1 to b3,” said Akin Majekodunmi, a Moody’s Vice President – Senior Analyst and co-author of the report. “Overall, Moody’s views Zenith and GTBank as best

placed to cope, followed by Access and UBA and then FBN.” The publication of the peer comparison report follows Moody’s announcement on September 15 that the ratings agency has assigned first-time ratings to Zenith, GTBank, UBA and FBN, which account for approximately 48 per cent of Nigeria’s banking assets. The agency said the forecast rise in NPLs stems from lower oil prices, a weakening naira, slower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and rising inflation. Likewise, it expects foreign currency deposits, which have fallen around 30 per cent since the start of 2015, to stabilise over the next 12 to 18 months, as the impact of lower oil prices and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s adoption of a Treasury Single Account fades. Moody’s expects lossabsorbing capital buffers to hold steady on account of muted loan growth of around five -10 per cent over the next 12 to 18 months. However, as a result of this weak loan growth, net interest income and fee and commission income will remain depressed.

On the upside, Nigeria’s economic potential remains strong and continues to attract investment, the experts said, adding that depositor confidence and local currency buffers at the banks also remain robust. The agency noted: “The forecast rise in NPLs stems from lower oil prices, a weakening naira, slower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and rising inflation.” In fact, last week, the apex bank released its Financial Stability Report (FSR) as at June 2016, which indicated that NPLs rose by 158 per cent from N649.63 billion as at December 31, 2015 to N1.679 trillion as at the end of June 2016. The FSR stated: “Nonperforming loans in the period under review grew by 158 per cent from N649.63 billion at end-December 2015, to N1,678.59 billion at end-June 2016. The industry wide NPL ratio rose to 11.7 per cent from 5.3 per cent, thus exceeding the prudential limit of 5.0 per cent.” Besides, the report noted: “At end-June 2016, loans to the oil and gas sector constituted 28.77 per cent of the gross loan portfolio

of the banking system as credit to that sector grew to N4,511.34 billion, compared with N3,307.87 billion at end-December 2015. Loans to state governments rose to N1,386.61 billion from N1,053.97 billion at end-December 2015, as declining revenues continued to constrain payment of salary by some states, funding of key services and execution of developmental projects.” Indeed, the report also disclosed: “The total exposure to the top 50 obligors stood at N5.23 trillion (33.4 per cent) of total industry credit exposure of N15.68 trillion. Credit exposure to the dominant sectors as follows: 28.77 per cent to oil and gas sector; 12.95 per cent to manufacturing; 8.84 per cent to governments; and 8.69 per cent to general commerce.” Perhaps, more significantly, the report predicted: “Credit risk is expected to trend higher into the second half of 2016 owing to increased loan impairments resulting from the depreciation of the naira, inability of obligors to service foreign currencydenominated loans, as well as bank exposures to the oil and gas sector.” Similarly, in its 2016

Nigeria Banking Report launched a few weeks ago, financial services group, Afrinvest, forecast that the volume of bad loans in the banking industry would hit 12.1 per cent by the end of the year. It will be recalled that the CBN had in August acceded to a request by lenders to amend its rule requiring them to keep non-performing loans on their books for one year even after they have been fully provided for. However, in granting the banks’ request, the regulator said it would be a oneoff that will only apply until the end of this year. Industry watchers told New Telegraph last night that it was imperative that the authorities effectively tackled rising bad loans in the industry, pointing out that the CBN and the government have repeatedly stated that the country could not afford another banking crisis at this point. Significantly, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which was set up in 2010 to absorb bad loans during the country’s financial crisis, has said it had stopped buying NPLs and is now focused on recoveries.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

tuesday, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

36 traffic offenders undergo psychiatric test in Abuja

Lagos kidnap:

Student ill, abductors demand N1m to free him

Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

Taiwo Jimoh

idnappers of four students, teacher and vice-principal of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, have asked parents of one of the victims to pay N1 million to release the student. The abductors told the parents on the phone that their child was critically ill and they were unable to treat him. It was learnt that the kidnappers contacted the family yesterday. Sources told our correspondent that the kidnappers asked the parents to bring N1 million and wait for directives on where to drop the money. It was learnt that the abductors said the boy’s temperature was too high and that he was also shivering. They also warned the parents not to contact anybody while bringing the money. Meanwhile, the kidnappers insisted that family members of the remaining victims must pay N3.5 million for each of them.

Owoseni

“The family of the sick student has been able to raise N750,000 which was contributed by relatives and friends,” a source said. It was also learnt that the distraught parents of the abducted persons would be meeting with the management of the school today on how to ensure safe return of their loved ones. The gunmen on was Thursday stormed the school premises about 8a.m and abducted the vice-principal, the English teacher and four students from the assembly ground. Earlier on Sunday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had assured the parents that his government in collaboration with security agencies would soon rescue the victims. Ambode also promised that government would also commence a review of

City Briefs Osun auto crash claims 10 Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

en people lost their lives yesterday in a motor accident which occurred at Abata-Egba village on Ondo Road in Ile Ife, Osun State. The accident involved a truck with registration number MUS 847 XC and a 16-seater Toyota commercial bus marked JJJ 15 XJ. A witness, who refused to disclose his name, blamed the accident on the truck driver. The witness said the

truck collided with the bus while trying to overtake another vehicle. Other occupants of the bus, who sustained various degrees of injury, were rescued by the officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), policemen and sympathisers. The victims’ bodies were deposited at the mortuary of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). Also, those who survived with injuries were rushed to the same hos-

its laws to curb and effectively punish perpetrators of such act. He said: “The safety of our children and all Lagosians is paramount in this administration. We will not allow a few set of people who come into Lagos and stay on our waterfront illegally and then use it as opportunity to kidnap our people. I also want to assure our people that government is seriously on the issue of the children and the teachers that were kidnapped in the Igbonla Model College and very soon, we will get the victims back. “I believe that the era of kidnapping has come to an end. We are going to review our laws and I can tell you sincerely that we will deal with kidnappers squarely in Lagos from this moment onwards. We will review our laws and make sure that there is no room for kidnappers in this state.”

o fewer than 36 motorists have been arrested for beating traffic lights in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and have been subjected to psychiatric evaluation at the Karu Psychiatric Hospital. The traffic offenders were arrested by men of the FCT Police Command of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services. This followed the directive of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, last week to the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command to arrest any motorist that beats traffic lights in the nation’s capital and be taken to psychiatric hospital for immediate test. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Mohammed Hazat Sule, all the motorists arrested and conveyed in ambulances to the hospital have undergone psychiatric tests at the hospital but were certified by the doctor to be medically fit. He disclosed that those arrested have been made to face the consequences of their actions as they have been made to pay fine to serve as a deterrent after bearing the cost of the psychiatric test. “Meanwhile, the culprits have also been made to attend a compulsory three-day lecture at the headquarters of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services on the importance of complying with traffics signs and road markings.” He said The exercise that commenced about five days ago by the Police on the directive of the Minister is a continuous one as it has entered week two. It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police Force recently deployed very senior officers within the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police and Inspectors to man the speed bikes to ensure high level of discipline from them to curb impunity and work in disciplined, efficient and effective manner.

Four die in Niger accident, flood Dan Atori MINNA

A Aregbesola

pital. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye, appealed to motorists to always avoid reckless driving and dangerous overtaking while on the highway.

t least three persons lost their lives in a motor accident at Sabon Daga on Minna-Bida Road in Niger State on Sunday after an 18-seater bus skidded off the road and somersaulted. In a similar vein, one person also lost his life to flood following a downpour at Kuturko village near Fadipe, Minna in Bosso Local Government Area on the same say.

In the road accident, the bus was said to have somersaulted about 6:30p.m. Nine others sustained various degrees of injury. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, said the driver of the bus must have tried to dodge portholes, when the vehicle skidded off the road and somersaulted. He said: “The police are still investigating the remote cause of the fatal crash. The injured persons are recuperating at the General Hos-

pital, Minna.” Speaking on the flood incident, Elkana said the command got a distress call alerting it of the development about 12:45a.m. on Sunday. He said: “On getting to the scene, we discovered a Toyota Corolla car submerged in a shallow river due to downpour. “The corpse of the victim, identified as Abubakar Mohammed of Kuturko village, was recovered, while the vehicle has since been removed from the river.”

METRO

tuesday, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Mad’ woman held with tellers, 25 SIM, ATM cards

NDLEA seizes N2.5bn drugs from two barons

Taiwo Jimoh

Calabar

wenty five SIM cards, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, different bank tellers and a working mobile telephone were yesterday recovered from a supposedly mad woman at Oshodi bus stop, Lagos State. The woman, it was learnt, has been living at the spot in the last two years. The items were discovered when the officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), who wanted to use the place, tried to evacuate her. An NRC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the discovery of the SIM cards, ATM cards and bank tellers came to them as a surprise. He said: “The woman has being living at the sport for some time now. Recently, a canteen was built close to the spot where she is sitting, but some people who patronise the canteen always complain about the presence of the woman. To our surprise, when we were about to evacuate her from the spot, about 25 SIM cards, two ATM cards, different bank tellers and a phone were recovered from her. “We don’t want another incident similar to that of Clifford Orji where human parts were recovered. We suspect the woman has someone she is working for. We are going to hand her over to the task force because we don’t want to take chances. “The woman was behaving normally when we moved close to her, but suddenly she started putting up a strange behaviour and pretending to be a lunatic. We don’t see her to be what she is claiming.” A trader, who identified herself simply as Rebecca, told our correspondent that she did not believe the woman was a lunatic. “She used to come to my shop to buy detergent to wash her clothes and to bathe. I was surprised when she started behav-

Some of the items recovered from her

The woman

ing strangely now. Whenever she comes to buy from me, she always comes with crisp N500 notes. “There was a day I closed late, I saw someone who parked beside the road and was discussing with the woman. But I did

not hear what they were saying. Out of curiosity, I went to her the following day to ask her who the person was. She said those who come to visit her were her family members. Government should clear lunatics from Oshodi and its environs,” she said. Another trader, who did not want her name in print, said the woman never begged for alms from passers-by. She said: “We also want the police to beam their searchlight on that angle, because she was not soliciting alms from people. They should ask her where she is getting the money she is spending from, because we don’t want to lose our children in the market.”

Man kills wife, daughter in FCT

Idris

Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

middle-aged man, Mr. Dominic Ogah, has reportedly stabbed his wife, Omago, and daughter, Blessing, to death. The killing, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, took place at Ajegunle, Mpape, a suburb of the Bwari Area Council in Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Ogah, now in police custody, was said to have a health challenge, just like his wife. While Ogah was said to be suffering mental illness, Omago was said to be an imbecile. Ogah’s in-law, Robert On-

Clement James

wusoaka, narrated the story to our correspondent, just as the Mpape Divisional Police Headquarters confirmed the incident. According to Onwusoaka, who is married to Ogah’s younger sister, the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday while people were asleep. Onwusoaka said he was curious when in the morning, he did not see Ogah’s wife who used to wake up early to sweep the compound. He added that his curiosity made him to send his son to go and check what she was still doing inside the room. Onwusoaka explained that

his son came back and told him that he did not see anybody but saw stains of blood everywhere in the room. Onwusoaka, who is also the owner of the house, said he rushed to the room and confirmed his son’s story. He said he quickly rushed to the house of the chairman of the community to alert him of the development. According to him, while returning with the chairman, he saw people who gathered and were wailing. Onwusoaka claimed that Ogah dragged the bodies of his wife and daughter to school toilet near the house. He added that the people invited the police. It was learnt that the police evacuated the bodies to the National Hospital mortuary in Abuja. “There was no problem between the man and his wife. I was the one taking care of them. Ogah did not use to stay at home, he used to go to the farm and return at night. “He has mental problem, but it does not disturb him as

he can farm very well. A day before he committed the murder, he ironed my clothes and polished my shoes. He can do anything as a human being just that his senses are not okay. “He does not fight people. It is only his farm he would complain about. He would come back and complain that people went into his farm. Any time he goes to the farm and discovers that people went there and destroyed anything, he would come back to complain and make trouble with himself. “He does not like anybody to touch his things. We, including his wife, don’t touch his things. I have been responsible for taking care of the wife and child,” Onwusoaka said. The man said Omago did not have any problem. He said: “She had speech defect and she had challenge in her movement. You could describe her as a half imbecile.” Although the Mpape Police Divisional Headquarters confirmed the incident, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) declined to comment on it.

fficials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two persons, Azuka Emmanuel (55) and Ndubuisi Okafor (23), with drugs worth over N2.5 billion in Cross River State. The state NDLEA Director, Mrs. Anthonia Edeh, who made this disclosure in Calabar yesterday, said they were arrested on the Yahe-Ikom transnational route with 76.050 kilograms of methamphetamine and 100.1kg of ephedrine worth N2.5 billion. Edeh said the barons were intercepted during a “stop-and-search” exercise carried out by NDLEA officials along the route. The director also explained that the methamphetamine was concealed in synthetic Golden Morn cereal packs while the ephedrine was hidden inside Semovita packs and five industrial fillers. While reiterating the commitment of the command to rid the state of illicit drug trade and consumption, she commended officers of the command for their gallantry. Edeh, who also solicited the cooperation of members of the public for intelligence, promised that her agency would “demystify the activities of drug merchants in the state”. The director warned the public to be mindful of methamphetamine which she described as harmful.

Wife burns hubby’s official documents over adultery

36-year-old woman, Ifeyinwa Nlemchi, who allegedly burnt her husband’s official documents to protest his adulterous acts, was yesterday hauled up before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused, who resides at number 45, Church Street, Fiwakesin, Agbede in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on malicious damage. The prosecutor, Roman Unuigbe, told the court that the accused committed the offences on September 16 at their residence. Unuigbe, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), alleged that the accused suspected that her husband was having an illicit relationship with another woman and planted a tape in his office bag to record their conversations. He said the accused also found out that her husband was spending time at a hotel with another woman and out of jealousy, took all the documents he had brought from work and set them on fire. “Her husband, who made a report at the police station, said he wanted her charged for willfully destroying four international passports belonging to clients of Multi Choice Nigeria,’’ the prosecutor said. The offences contravened sections 338 and 348 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011. Ifeyinwa, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. P. A. Ojo, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

NEWS | national

Court strikes out fraud charge against Ogah, others Akeem Nafiu

hief Magistrate Kikelomo Ayeye of a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court has struck out a fraud charge against the President of Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, Uche Ogah and three others. This was sequel to the withdrawal of the fraud charge filed against the accused persons by the police. Ogah, who was declared winner of the last governorship election in Abia State by Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Abuja on June 27, was arraigned by the police on June 16, alongside an ex-employee of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Deji Somoye. Ogah’s firm, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited and United Bank for Africa (UBA) were also joined as co-defendants in the three count charge bordering on forgery and conspiracy. On resumption of yesterday’s proceedings, police prosecutor, ASP Henry Obiazi, informed the court that he had the instruction of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to withdraw the charge against the accused persons. He added that an appli-

cation brought pursuant to Section 73(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of Lagos State, 2011, has been filed with respect to same. The charge was promptly struck out by Magistrate Ayeye. However, there was a mild drama outside the court’s premises when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) tried to force Ogah out of his vehicle to effect his arrest. Following his lawyer’s intervention, Ogah was driven to the Ikoyi office of the anti-graft agency in his car by his driver. A source at the EFCC’s office informed New Telegraph that the commission had received a petition from one, Bridget Adeosun, accusing Ogah of forging some documents in a business transaction she had with him. The source further disclosed that Ogah will be interrogated while his statement will also be taken. He added that other persons named in the petition will be invited for questioning while the matter will be charged to court upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation. However, Ogah has been released by the EFCC after making his statement with regards to the petition.

$30.4m

The total amount of salary/winnings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Soccer) for 2016. Source: Forbes.com

Jonathan's minister backs DSS on judges' arrest Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

s the clampdown on the judiciary by security operatives continues to elicit diverse reactions from Nigerians, a former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, has applauded the action of the Department of State Services ( DSS) in arresting and detaining five judges over allegations of corruption. Gbagi, a criminologist and member of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) who served in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, said corruption in Nigeria had grown to an alarming rate that only a drastic solution such as arresting and prosecuting anybody suspected to have been involved in the act, no matter how highly placed, could rescue the nation from total collapse. In an interview with some journalists in Abuja, Gbagi faulted the com-

ments made by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the PDP condemning the action of the DSS, insisting that the security operatives who carried out the raid on the residences of the judges worked within the ambits of the law. He said that being a lawyer himself, he was conversant with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ( ACJA) which gave the DSS the mandate to break into any home or building in the process of apprehending a suspect of crime. Section 12.1 &2 of the Act stipulates that law enforcement agents have the powers to break into the residence of any suspect for the purpose of effecting an arrest. According to Gbagi, Section 47.1 of the same Act has also granted powers to law enforcement agents and even private citizens to effect arrest of crime suspects with or without warrants of arrest.

tuesday, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Again, Libya deports 150 Nigerians Wole Shadare

ibyan authorities yesterday deported 150 Nigerians from Tripoli. They arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) at around 5pm yesterday. The deportees, according to sources from the Nigeria Immigration Service, said that they voluntarily returned to the country on their own accord but it is recorded that some of them had tried to make their way to Europe and the United States. They arrived the cargo terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)

at around 5:00 pm on an Airbus A330-200 with registration number 5A-LAT. On hand to receive them were officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Police, Air Force Command and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) who facilitated their return to Nigeria. The returnees comprised 96 females and 58 males. Among the 96 females were nine pregnant women, three minors and three others with serious medical issues. This brings to 394, the number of Nigerians that have been deported in two

months by Libya. An IOM Medical Doctor, Abusrewi Zakariya, was also on board to provide first aid to the sick ones among the returnees. Head of IOM in Lagos, Nahashon Maina Thuo, disclosed that yesterday’s exercise was the fourth time in 2016 that the organization would assist Nigerians who volunteered to return home after they were stranded in Libya. He said similar support was provided to Senegal and other African countries. He said another set of Nigerian migrants would be assisted to return home before the end of the year as their profiles were be-

ing sorted. NEMA's Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Salisu Mohammed (rtd) said the agency would assist the returnees to get to their destinations. He warned those seeking greener pastures abroad to have a rethink, saying they can make it in Nigeria. In August this year, 240 Nigerians stranded in Libya were repatriated back to the country. There are indications that the number could hit 1000 before the end of the year owing to the fact that over 800 Nigerians are said to be languishing in Libyan jails awaiting deportation. A crosssection of Allure Friends 2007, during their visit to the Motherless home in Isolo, Lagos… recently

Prescription painkillers could be deadly Appolonia Adeyemi

scientist has raised the alarm about the danger prescription painkillers pose to consumers’ health, saying they are killing more people than heroin and cocaine. According to the State Pathologist for Northern Ireland, Professor Jack Crane, who raised the alarm, Tramadol is 'claiming more lives than any other drug' and should be upgraded to the Class A category. Tramadol is currently classified as a Class C drug

- among the least harmful. Although, Tramadol, an opioid pain medication, is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, Crane warned that they could be deadly when mixed with other medication or alcohol Serious side effects may include seizures, increased risk of serotonin syndrome, decreased alertness, and drug addiction while common side effects include constipation, itchiness and nausea, among others. A change in dosage may be recommended in those with kidney or liver problems. It is not recom-

mended in those who are at risk of suicide. While not recommended in women who are breastfeeding, Tramadol's use in pregnancy is generally avoided as it may cause some reversible withdrawal effects in the newborn. A small prospective study in France found that, while there was an increased risk of miscarriages, there were no major malformations reported in the newborn. Its use during lactation is also generally advised against but a small trial found that infants breastfed by mothers taking

Tramadol were exposed to about 2.88 per cent of the dose the mothers were taking. There was no evidence of this dose having a harmful effect on the newborn. The pathologist said although, they are taken by thousands of people each day to rid them of pain, Tramadol can be deadly when mixed with other medication or alcohol.. But experts said the painkiller doesn't cause any harm so long as it is taken correctly. However, Crane said : 'I don’t think that people realise how potentially risky taking Tramadol is.

N2bn debt: WAEC releases Bayelsa, Ondo guber: S’West stakeholders other states' results sue for non-violenceAddressing poll a press New Telegraph excluMojeed Alabi

ollowing the fulfilment of part of the agreements reached with the 12 indebted states including part-payments, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the withheld results of the 2015 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) of its candidates in Bayelsa and other states.

sively gathered this yesterday in an interview with some officials of the examination body, who craved anonymity. They said that revealing the details would betray the trust and confidence reposed in the Council by the states. It would be recalled that on August 5 when WAEC formally released the results of its candidates that sat for the examination.

Wale Elegbede

head of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, some stakeholders in the South-West have urged political actors in the poll not to undermine the collective democratic wishes and aspirations of the people of the state, stating that political desperation must be checked by all and sundry.

conference yesterday in Lagos, the Concerned Oodua Stakeholders (COS), which is a coalition of professional organizations and platforms, said through its National Cordinator, Mr. Kola Are, that the non-partisan group is keen to ensure that the political consciousness and sensibilities of Ondo electorate must not be taken for granted.

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

News PDP lawmaker lauds Ambode's leadership style

Politics

Power tussle Reps, SGF on collision course over IDP funds

12 13

A budding political alignment A strange political alignment is happening in the South-West, following a budding relationship between Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Ayodele Fayose of Osun and Ekiti states respectively, Wale Elegbede reports

y design or default, the South-West zone of the country has always been a major force that determines where the pendulum of power swings to in Nigeria. Aside being considered in some quarters as being sophisticated when it comes to their choice of leadership, the zone, which has six states under its belt, usually has leaders, who serve as a rallying point when it comes to taking political decisions and directions. Lately, two states in the zone, Osun and Ekiti, and their helmsmen, Rauf Aregbesola and Ayodele Fayose, respectively, have been in the news over what many have described as a questionable political romance. Although both states border each other, Osun State is controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in charge in Ekiti State. For Governor Fayose of Ekiti State, nothing good could come out of the APC-led Federal Government. The man commonly referred to as “Oshoko” by his admirers has never failed to express his resentment for the Muhammadu Buhari administration almost on a daily basis. In fact, he is touted as one of the most vocal opposition voice against the present government. Hence, it left many bewildered about the basis of the relationship between him and Aregbesola, who is a second term governor under the APC. The first talk of public identification between both governors was early this year, precisely in

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

Fayose (right) welcoming Aregbesola to Ekiti State.

January, when Fayose made an unexpected visit to Aregbesola, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. While stating that he was in Osogbo to ensure that efforts to foster unity among Yoruba leaders continue, Fayose denied being in the state for any political reason, pointing out that he was not ready to abandon the PDP for the APC. The governor was quoted to have said: “This is my first official visit to any APC state in Nigeria. I am not in Osogbo to ask Aregbesola to help me beg as being speculated in some quarters. We are all Yoruba, politics is like water, it can flow to anywhere. I was moved by the historic visit of the Ooni of Ife to the Alaafin of Oyo and I am of the opinion that Yoruba leaders must unite. “The Yoruba nation must not be rubbished. Our leaders must not be rubbished irrespective of the political party they belong to. I believe in the Yoruba race, the race comes first before the office of the governor. The race is eternal while that of governor is momentary. We must watch today to be guided by tomorrow. I am here for the unity of Yoruba as it affects the Oodua, the progenitor.” Responding to his guest, Aregbesola described the visit of Fayose to Osun as a demonstration of maturity, saying it takes a matured person to know that at the end of every public office, he will be left with humanity.

Clearly, there are many questions begging for answers over the new mutual relationship between Aregbesola and Fayose

“Oshoko has said that he is not going to leave his party, but I want my good friend and brother to know that PDP has exhausted its stay in Nigeria, it can no longer be revived, let us look at a political party that will give hope to our people. Opposition must be for a purpose, I stand by you on the unity of Yoruba land and that our leaders not put down in the country,” he said. In another form of network, the first ladies of both states have been hosting fora that made both wives to play host to each other. Aregbesola’s wife, Alhaja Sherifat, had last year hosted a programme on eradication of female genital mutilation in Osogbo with the Ekiti State First Lady, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose in attendance. Interestingly, a similar forum had been earlier hosted by Mrs. Fayose this year in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital and Mrs. Aregbesola alongside some other first ladies from the zone was her guests. For political watchers, the latest of the new found political affinity between the two that made Aregbesola to embark on a return visit to his colleague governor in Ado Ekiti on October 1 is more than a coincidence, especially in the face of political happenings within the zone. While some believe it is an alignment move, others are of the view that the Aregbesola faction of progressives are planning ahead for the 2018 governorship election

in the state. Aregbesola was in Ado Ekiti for the 20th anniversary of Ekiti State where he delivered a lecture entitled, “The imperative of unity.” Giving reasons why he invited Aregbesola, who he has had cause to publicly bash during elections, Fayose explained that there was a dire need for the nation to remove the veil of politics and work together as a team to rescue the nation from the current economic woes. His words: “I took this decision that you should come instead of my colleague from my party because if we don’t take away the veil of politics and wear the armour of Nigeria, we would be wasting our time. I have personally visited you before and I am glad you are also here.” For Aregbesola, who was reported to have described Fayose as a reliable Omoluabi , “it is high time the Yoruba nation and indeed the South-West unite in terms of integrating our development strategies in education, commerce, economy, agriculture and tourism among others. There is no reason why we should not unite for the best. The truth is that no Yoruba state, with the exception of Lagos, can survive alone without collaborating with sister states. Therefore, we have to come together, pull together our abundant human and material resources.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

POLITICS

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

A budding political alignment C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 1

defended Aregbesola visit, stating that, “politicians should grow up and should know the difference between governance and politics. Aregbesola is the head of government in Osun just as Fayose is the head of government in Ekiti. We are in a federation in which these two governors don’t necessarily have to belong to the same party. “Their differences in political alignments do not stop interaction between the two as heads of their various governments; neither should the interaction between them be politically driven. It will be irresponsible for any head of government to visit another head and then begin to throw political insults on him simply because one abhors the politics of another. Aregbesola has shown maturity in his interaction with Fayose. To criticise him for doing so, is not politically correct.” Clearly, there are many questions begging for answers over the new mutual relationship between Aregbesola and Fayose. While many have argued that APC’s National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, who seems to be sitting on the edge in his party, is not oblivious of the alignment so as to hold the South-West together, others believe that Fayose’s popularity among his people is what the APC in the zone is trying to leverage on. But, whichever side of the coin the visit is aimed at, it is clear that the two leaders are cooking something and time will tell what exactly is on fire.

While the two governors were clinking their wine glasses, the political romance wasn’t what some certain quarters within the APC especially in both states were excited about. Castigating Aregbesola over his visit to Fayose, the Ekiti State chapter of the APC through its publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the visit as a slight on APC. He said: “Aregbesola’s visit to Fayose praising him as Omoluabi and for the achievements by the PDP-led government is not alone embarrassing but also awful in the face of sustained attacks on APC members, some of whom are still languishing in jail for about two years over trumped-up charges by Fayose. “It is shocking that Aregbesola as a governor and one of the leading lights in APC in the South-West and indeed the nation, would be visiting Ekiti State without putting the leaders into confidence, more so on a visit to a man, who once wished the President dead and had done unbelievable things both in Nigeria and abroad to bring Buhari’s government down. “Worse still, Aregbesola was praising the man, who will stop at nothing to bring the APC-led Federal Government down after several years of failed attempts by the progressives to win the presidency of Nigeria.” On the flip side, however, the Director of Publicity of APC in Osun State, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi,

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Kyari Bukar; Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the opening session of the 22nd National Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja …yesterday.

PDP lawmaker lauds Ambode's leadership style

member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing OshodiIsolo Constituency II on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , Hon. Jude Idimogu, has lauded Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on the construction of 114 roads across the state, saying his leadership style worth emulated. Idimogu stated this during the commissioning of the constructed two roads; Coker-Lafenwa and Ifoshile-Fadu roads in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos. The lawmaker commended the governor for keeping to his campaign promises, noting that the governor leadership style was

RETURNS ON UTILIZATION OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK ENDED FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016 SN CUSTOMER

DATE OF FUND PURCHASE

EXCHANGE RATE

1 EBIREDELU LILIAN THANKGOD

SCHOOL FEES

4-Oct-16

305.50

38.11

2 CHIGBOGWU OKWUDILI/YVONNE CHIDERA

SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT

ITEM OF IMPORT

4-Oct-16

305.50

AMOUNT 66.14

3 CHIGBOGWU OKWUDILI/SOMTOCHUKWU FAVOUR

SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT

4-Oct-16

305.50

66.58

4 OGUNDEKO ABIOLA IBRAHIM

SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT

4-Oct-16

305.50

5 IYKE ONYEIZU CHIOMA ONYINYE/CHIDERA ACHUONYE

SCHOOL FEES

4-Oct-16

305.50

214.31

6 MAJIN FOLAKE

TUITION FEES

4-Oct-16

305.50

5,000.00

7 DAILY NEED INDUSTRIES LIMITED

PHARMACEUTICAL RAW MATERIAL - PROPYLENE

4-Oct-16

305.50

5,124.00

8 MISTER LUCAS INVESTMENT LIMITED

BASE OIL

9 TRUVALU LTD

102.81

4-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIAL-TITANIUM DIOXIDE

4-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

10 ATLANTIC PACKAGING LTD

UNCOATED PAPER BOARD IN SHEET

4-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

11 MICGRACE NIG LTD

METHANOL TECHNICAL GRADE

4-Oct-16

305.50

13,013.05

12 MICCOM CABLES AND WIRES LTD

CONTINUOUS CAST COPPER WIRE

4-Oct-16

305.50

15,000.00

13 EDIC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED

PROCAINE PENICILLIN

4-Oct-16

305.50

15,000.00 16,375.00

14 JEMOK NIGERIA LTD

INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS OF METRICTIONS OF BROWN KRAFT LINER BOARD IN REELS

4-Oct-16

305.50

15 INTER-SWASTIK NIGERIA LTD

PP COPOLYMER

5-Oct-16

312.50

6,858.01

16 YVONNE ISICHEI

SCHOOL FEES PAYMENT

5-Oct-16

312.50

6,370.00

17 SAMAILA HAJARA

SCHOOL FEES

5-Oct-16

311.00

18 KELLYSON INVESTMENT CO. LTD

AUTOMOTIVE SPARE PARTS

5-Oct-16

311.00

6,000.00

19 BANGLE CHAIN INTERNATIONAL LTD

TWO CYCLE MOTOR OIL

6-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

20 FINE CHEMICAL NIGERIA LIMITED

RAW MATERIAL FOR INDUSTRIAL USE: POLYPROPYLENE

6-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

21 JOGOZ INDUSTRIES LTD

UNIGO BRAND MOTORCYCLE SPARE PART

6-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

22 MATRIX IND. LTD

AGRICILTURAL SPRAYER

6-Oct-16

305.50

20,000.00

23 FINE CHEMICAL NIGERIA LIMITED

RAW MATERIAL FOR INDUSTRIAL USE: POLYPROPYLENE

7-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

24 ATLANTIC PACKAGING LTD

UNCOATED PAPER BOARD IN SHEET

7-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

25 INTER-SWASTIK NIGERIA LTD 26 27 28 29 30 31

130.00

PP COPOLYMER

7-Oct-16

305.50

10,000.00

THERAPEUTIC LAB NIG LTD

RAW MATERIAL, PARKING MATERIAL AND PLANT & MACHINERY FOR PHARM USE

7-Oct-16

305.50

15,000.00

BANGLE CHAIN INTERNATIONAL LTD

TWO CYCLE MOTOR OIL

7-Oct-16

305.50

15,000.00

PAL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LTD

CHIPBOARD PAPER

7-Oct-16

305.50

15,000.00

MICCOM CABLES AND WIRES LTD

CONTINUOUS CAST COPPER WIRE

7-Oct-16

305.50

25,000.00

TAANA LTD

WATERPROOF MEMBRANE

7-Oct-16

305.50

25,000.00

EDIC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED

PROCAINE PENICILLIN

7-Oct-16

305.50

25,000.00

RETURNS ON SOURCE OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK ENDED FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2016 SN

SOURCE

DATE OF PURCHASE

EXCHANGE RATE

AMOUNT

GTBANK

4-Oct-16

305.00

100,000.00

AUTONOMOUS SOURCES

5-Oct-16

312.00

CAPITAL INFLOW

5-Oct-16

310.50

6,000.00

JAIZ BANK

6-Oct-16

305.00

150,000.00

13,358.01

JAIZ BANK

6-Oct-16

305.00

50,000.00

devoid of political nepotism. “The state governor promised to construct two roads in each of the local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state during his electioneering campaign and as you can see today, we are commissioning the first set of the roads across the state. To me, this shows how truthful and transparent is the governor to the entire Lagosians," he said. Why urging the residence to maintain the roads, he assured them of state government commitment to provide more dividends of democracy to its people. In his response, the governor said the 114 road projects were a collaborative intervention of the

state and local governments to make Lagos a true megacity. “The 114 road projects as a collaborative intervention of the state and local governments to make Lagos a true megacity shall be an annual rite of development. As I speak, the process for the second round of 114 road projects is beginning. I urge all the communities to be part of it,” he said. In his address, the Ejigbo LCDA Sole Administrator, Hon. Ibrahim Adigun assured the state government that the LCDA will ensure the adequate maintenance of the roads and keep it clean always. He called on Lagosians to pay their taxes to enable government carry out more projects that will benefit the people.

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and North-East Initiative has commenced investigations into how funds meant for IDPs were allegedly misappropriated. PHILIP NYAM beams searchlight on some of the issues

POLITICS

Reps, SGF on collision course over IDP funds

he House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) and North-East led by Hon. Mohamed Sani Zoro commenced investigations into allegations of mismanagement of funds allocated for the welfare of the IDPs and diversion of relief materials in the NorthEast last Thursday. It is indeed unthinkable that highly placed individuals, who are not poor and do not lack the basic necessities of life could descend so low to inflict additional hardship on the already beleaguered and distressed victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. These are people, many of whom have lost touch with their loved ones; some of them have their families completely wiped out by Boko Haram. But the high level of corruption inherent in the fabric of our system has unfortunately found its way into the IDPs camp. Incredible allegations are being revealed. The latest of these revelations is the alleged expenditure of a whooping N270 million by the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE) on clearing of grass and another N188.685 million for Nigerian Refugees living in Minawao, the Republic of Cameroon. The chairman of the House committee, Hon. Zoro, with his colleagues found it curious that such a huge amount could be spent on such a project at this time of recession. He consequently issued a query to the committee to provide adequate information regarding these humongous amounts. This alleged mismanagement is coming at a time when the IDPs are said to be starving and more chilling revelations are coming from the various camps scattered across the North-East. According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), as at today, Nigeria has 2, 093, 030 IDPs in addition to 88, 668 Nigerian refugees in Niger; 7,337 in Chad and 72,975 in Cameroun. With this kind of statistics, it will be criminal and inhuman for anybody to indulge in any corrupt activity on matters involving the IDPs. Although, the committee has just commenced investigations, all the figures being given out still remain within the realm

Zoro

of allegations. But, from the humanitarian point of view, such allegations should not arise in the first place. However, in his defence, the Executive Secretary in charge of the Presidential Initiative, Mr. Umar Musa Gulani, who spoke to the committee through a document explained that the N270 million was used as a contract sum for the removal of 250kilometre of "invasive plant species along river channels and simplified village irrigation scheme (phase II) in Komadugu Basin in Yobe State alone.â&#x20AC;? This however, did not sound pleasant to the ears of the lawmakers who felt that such a project was a waste and the money could have been put to better usage. The committee is interested in knowing how the contract was awarded and executed. The details are to be provided at the next sitting of the committee fixed for later this month. It will be recalled that PINE got N5 billion allocation in the 2016 budget to provide basic and specific requirements for immediate and medium term rehabilitation of IDPs. But the PINE angered members of the House committee when it revealed that it spent over N458 million of the fund on interventions that have no direct bearing to the plight of IDPs in the North East. The committee was taken aback and was compelled to to counsel the executive secretary on the need to get their priorities right as well as the issue of implementation framework as a policy tool guiding its operations in the North-East. "We are of the opinion that the expenditure of the magnitude you have made is not justified. It is not acceptable that such a huge amount was spent on clearing of

Lawal

It is not acceptable that such a huge amount was spent on clearing of weeds while 2.5 million internally displaced victims of terror go hungry

weeds while 2.5 million internally displaced victims of terror go hungry, have no shelter and medical care. "And again, PINE has no business extending relief materials to Nigerian refugees domiciled in Cameroon, it's unacceptable. It is also against the UN charter on refugees who are supposed to be the responsibility of their host countries," Zoro said. Another leg of the investigation was the issue of N12 billion allocated to the Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (OSGF). The investigative committee also suspected foul play in the utilization of the fund but the SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal was absent at the venue of the inquest. Expressing his disappointment with the attitude of the SGF towards the committee, Zoro said: "The SGF who was slated to have appeared hasn't shown up neither did he write to intimate us on why his office would not come to explain why issues of internally displaced persons have remain un-encouraging despite the billions of naira claimed to have been spent. "The PINE officials said he's at the villa. But as the secretary to the government under whose office the rehabilitation of the North-East was placed, we had expected him to come to throw light on the financial expenses made by his office and the implementation framework being used to spend money. "We have been inundated by reports of diversion of materials and funds meant for the rehabilitation of the IDPs, and the North-East and the scandal had led to international embarrassment for the country. "Given the issues of credibility and integrity raised against the

agency in charge of the NorthEast initiative (PINE), which falls under the SGF office, we had expected him to respect the invitation of the National Assembly to shed light on grey areas." The House committee chairman maintained that "IDPs are victims of terror. You are all aware of various criticisms, allegations, scandals and we are not working with scandals or allegations, but we will work with the documents that you would make available to us, however, what we see so far leaves much to be desired. "Very recently, the House itself was put on the spotlight for budget padding. And if we can be placed on such spotlight, then bodies like yours are guilty of budget looting, because it takes two to tangle. The President is known for his fight against corruption and we must support him by exposing and sanctioning unwholesome acts of sabotage and diversion of resources meant to achieve policy objectives." Zoro therefore directed that the initiative supply the committee with the implementation framework that clearly shows the items and their beneficiaries, the deliverables and timetables of delivery to who, and where and when as well as how the supply contracts were advertised and the companies who participated in the bidding process, vis-Ă -vis those selected for the jobs. Against this backdrop, it is expected that the SGF will do a lot of good to his exalted office to respond promptly to these allegations. The earlier this is set aright the better because the allegations are tantamount to stealing from the poor. The committee should also endeavour to do a thorough job and unravel the truth about the various allegations.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Micro-farming:Decentralisedapproachtofoodsecurity Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi

n every industry, humankind keeps pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The realm of agriculture is no exception. When we think of farming, we probably view it as a rural activity often conducted on multiple acres of land by specialists who have dedicated their focus to profitably growing food for others. The notion of growing your own food represents a paradigm shift in how most modern day urbanites perceive the food supply chain. You don’t necessarily need acres of land to do it and the inconvenience of growing your own food has been mitigated by innovations in micro-farming techniques. Micro-farming in this context refers to growing enough food to take care of a portion or even all of what your household needs. Solutions are available for growing food in vessels as ridiculously small as tea cups or in spaces as seemingly inconsequential as the size of a door. Whether you live in a high rise building at the centre of the city, or on sprawling acres out in the open countryside, you can adopt a “farm to plate” lifestyle if you are so inclined. The concept, in its purest form, can be summarised as fresher, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, grown close to where they are going to be eaten, ideally consumed within seven days of being harvested. No long distance haulage across or within countries, no genetic modification, no industrial pesticides, no artificial ripening and no mould. Those more attuned to mechanised farming may picture tractors, combine harvesters, silos and so on, when they hear the word “farming”. But the frontier has been pushed out even further than that with robots the size of a suitcase taking less than 24 hours to mulch, sow and fertilise crops covering 20 hectares. Those droids featured in the 1977 Star Wars movie helping Luke Skywalker on his uncle’s farm are now a reality. Furthermore, you can now farm without soil, or on the side of a building, or on a flat roof top, or even inside a shipping container. These innovations are propelling the growing

movement to localise food production, making it more realistic for individuals or communities to grow their own food near where it will be consumed, even in densely populated cities. This is significant because localised production means you are eating fresher fruits and vegetables. You get the most nutritional value from your fruit or vegetable if you eat it as soon as possible after it has been harvested. The Centre for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture says some apples travel 1,555 miles, or grapes 2,143 miles, before they reach the market. The inherent nutritional value of produce decreases the longer it is kept, therefore the shorter the distance and time it takes to get to the consumer the better. The concept of growing your own food may initially elicit the visceral reaction of “ta lo ra ye?” (who has the time for that?), unless you’re from Benue or Imo states. In Benue, Fridays have been declared Farming Friday for civil servants. Their work week has been reduced to four days instead of five, so that they can use the fifth day to work their farms. This move is designed to reduce the state’s salary bill without massive layoffs. Ditto for civil servants in Imo who now report to the office three days a week, and are expected to utilise the remaining two working days each week to grow food. With the right nutrients and optimal exposure to light, tomatoes, ugu and even strawberries can be grown inside a container. Our understanding of what a “normal” farm looks like is being stretched each day. Hydroponics, growing crops in specialised water rather than soil, is generally viewed as a finicky, energy-expensive method of farming, but it is currently being used to grow lettuce and other greens in shipping containers. This method will eventually become par for the course. These 40ft containers can be stacked as high as is practical, thereby increasing the yield from the same size of land. Furthermore, because the seedlings are exposed to constant light 24 hours a day, there are multiple harvests a year. Its potential in solving food security issues cannot be overstated, particularly in harsh climates or in cities with limited space and infrastructural challenges. Imagine warehouses in Ariaria Market, Aba, Abia State,

Tomatoes, ugu and even strawberries can be grown inside a container

or in Oshodi, Lagos State, or Kori, Kano State, stacked to the roof with 40ft containers, and inside those containers are row upon row of fresh produce being grown for the teeming residents. This form of vertical farming is being used commercially in Japan, the USA, the UAE and Hong Kong. As the technology improves, mini versions for small communities or even residential estates and households will emerge. Aeroculture is another soil-less way for growing plants. This is done by misting suspended plant roots at specific intervals. The process may be too intricate for mass food producers, but it could work for micro-farmers with plenty of time on their hands and little alternative. Those who prefer to stick with traditional geoculture, and want a less technical approach to starting a mini farm, can use seed sheets. These are prepackaged specialised fabrics with the seeds of the fruit or vegetable of your choice neatly embedded and optimally spaced out. You pull the seed sheet out of its bag, place in soil, near light, outdoors or indoors, on the ground or in an appropriately-sized container. Then you tend it as necessary. Non-GMO, locally-found seed supplies may be a good business to develop at this time, though home-farmers can plant healthy cuttings from the type of the produce they want and from that cutting a new batch can yield (even without the use of seeds). Urban homesteading, turning your balcony or garden into a “grow-food” area, reduces your dependence on your salary albeit marginally. Furthermore, edible gardening, like its decorative counterpart, is therapeutic. The sense of fulfilment attained from knowing you’ve developed a measure of agronomic self-sufficiency can be deeply satisfying. Water leaf, afang, ugu, kale, shoko, bitter leaf, corn, egg plant, carrots, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, chili, mint, pineapple, tomatoes, spring onions, bell peppers, basil, parsley, oregano and thyme, are some of the fruits, vegetables or herbs that can be grown in or around your dwelling. It takes time and attention to detail but it can be done. •Aboderin Talabi, an economist, is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Worrisome inconclusive polls in Rivers Marcel Mordi

hile the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to conclude the 2015 general elections in Rivers and other states where some of the legislative polls were voided by the various election tribunals, politicians all over the country are already strategizing for the 2019 polls. In our part of the world, most politicians think of the next election instead of what they can do for the people that voted them into power. However, we have some politicians that think of delivering their campaign promises. Although there are other cases of inconclusive polls that of the Rivers State can be said to be the worst case scenario in the history of elections in the country. Therefore, the electoral umpire must quickly address this deliberate attempt to deny Rivers people of adequate representation in the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly. Rivers

State Governor Nyesom Wike has decried the deliberate non-conclusion of Rivers poll by the electoral umpire despite the bold steps he has taken to ensure security of lives and property. It will be recalled that in Rivers State, the outstanding polls include three Senatorial seats, eight House of Representatives seats and 10 State House of Assembly seats. Because of the inconclusive polls, Rivers has no representation at the Senate, yet decisions taken at the Upper Legislative House will also affect the people of the state. In the House of Representatives, the story is almost the same as the State has only five members out of 13 it ought to have. In the same vein, it has 22 members out of 32 members it should have in the State House of Assembly. That some constituencies in the state do not have representation in the Rivers State House of Assembly does not augur well for our democratic experiment that we started in 1999. The rate of inconclusive polls in the country has reached a worrisome dimension that the electoral umpire

must do something to conclude them so that we do not carry some of these outstanding elections into the 2019 general elections. If we do so, it will lead to a constitutional crisis. The crisis created by staggered polls is still with us. We have just managed to hold the Edo gubernatorial poll that was unilaterally postponed some hours to the exercise but later held on September 28 amid allegations of rigging by the opposition parties in the state. Although the Edo governorship poll has been concluded, the credibility of that poll will soon be contested at the election tribunal as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has vowed to do. While that is in the pipeline, we will soon be saddled with the Ondo State governorship poll. After Ondo, Anambra State gubernatorial poll and some others will be in the picture. Many Nigerians keep wondering how this present INEC with a long history of inconclusive polls will wriggle out of this quagmire. The present INEC under the leadership of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood has used insecurity as an excuse to con-

tinue to shift the remaining Rivers poll. But Nigerians are aware that the same INEC has conducted elections in more dangerous zones of the country than Rivers State. The electoral umpire conducted elections in the North-East, the hotbed of Boko Haram insurgency. Therefore, its recourse to use insecurity to evade concluding the Rivers polls is self-serving and not altruistic. The umpire should assert its independence and stop acting a script seemingly written by certain highly placed politicians on when to conclude the Rivers poll. No doubt, the PDP and some other parties in the state are ready for the poll any day. The atmosphere in Rivers State is peaceful and conducive for free and fair poll. People transact businesses in Rivers State on a daily basis. We believe that with enough security agents, Rivers remaining elections can be concluded. If the Edo poll which was postponed based on serious security threat can be conducted, that of Rivers should likewise be concluded. • Mordi wrote in from Port Harcourt.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EDITORIAL

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Traditional rites and rights constitutional

agos, despite its claim to a mega city status, is still held down by primordial traditions. In corners or junctions on many streets are different sizes of calabash with horrifying contents in the name of offering sacrifices. It is just not limited to any particular section of the metropolis. This is done even in highbrow areas of the mega city. Most of the time, the sacrifices are offered in the middle of the night when the faces of the bearers could not be seen. Some landlords’ associations, in some areas, have to erect signposts to warn against dumping of sacrifices on their streets. As if that was not bad enough, curfew has been declared in many areas of the metropolis, not at night, but during the day. The restriction, which does not have the power of the law, does not just come; it is usually accompanied by threats of loss of lives of those who flout the order. For instance, a few weeks ago, the council of chiefs of Itire community in Lagos purportedly issued a curfew during the day to perform traditional rites of passage for the Onitire of Itire, Oba

Lateef Dauda. Some residents and traders in Itire, Lawanson and Ijesha in Surulere had to dash home in order not to be caught in the web weaved around the traditional rites. The rites included the staging of ‘Oro,’ a traditional secret fiesta usually held in the night. It is strictly for the initiates. Women, strangers and non-initiates are forbidden from witnessing it and are usually killed if caught. The Lagos State government had to step in swiftly to douse the

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The Lagos State government had to step in swiftly

tension. The government, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, denounced the purported restriction of movement announced in Itire community and described it as act of illegality. Bello, in a statement, condemned the action of declaring a curfew without due consultation with government before making the statement public. According to the statement, no individual or group has the right to infringe on the rights of citizens to freedom of movement and association as enshrined in the constitu-

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tion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the last couple of years, it has been reported that Oro cult had been held in broad daylight in communities within Ikorodu division of Lagos where women could neither go to work nor market. This is not limited to Lagos. Ibadan, the historic second largest city on the African continent, has had its own fair share of the attachment to the past. The city’s most popular masquerader, Oloolu,

traditionally must not be seen by women, whereas it comes out during the day. Any woman who sees the Oloolu, according to myth, will die. This has often brought violent conflict between traditional worshippers and some adherents of other religions in the biggest and largest city in West Africa. A few years ago, several people were injured during a fracas which ensued in a confrontation between Oloolu worshippers and some religious faithful because of restriction placed on women. Culture is the total way of life of a people – the way

they drink, eat, talk, walk, dress, live, etc. No one, therefore, is against the culture of any ethnic nationality. But culture is also dynamic. So no one, particularly in this age, should, in the practice of his culture, hamper social and economic activities of others. In this age, everybody – women, children and strangers – is a necessary contributor to the efforts to develop the economy of any given society. No one, therefore, should be restricted from moving at any time, either at night or in the day, or going about his/ her lawful social, political, religious and economic activities. The perfor mance of traditional rites must, on no account, impugn the rights of Nigerians or foreigners legitimately visiting, living or doing business in any part of the country, whether Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt or Owerri. After all, the Nigerian constitution guarantees the inalienable rights of Nigerians to free movement and association, among others. In line with the nation’s constitution, it is where the rights of the traditional worshippers or any religious group end that those of other Nigerians begin.

POLITICS

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ambode’s political metamorphosis Idowu Ajanaku

he strong nexus that exists between the quality of political leadership and sustainable socioeconomic development of any nation has been exhibited for eons. For this salient reason Athenians had a concept of an ideal, well rounded man who is both physically and mentally fit, to dictate the destinies of men and materials. Indeed, centuries ago, Roman education was predicated on producing such thinkers who would have “a sound mind in a sound body,” as handed over to them by Homer. While Socrates (469-399 BC) came up as the founder of ethics, and subsequently Plato, his disciple enunciated skills acquisition as the answer to the leadership question, Aristotle brought the twin principles of ethics and politics, all dovetailing into finding the best hands to pilot the affairs of the state. This has over the years been transmitted to other civilizations and empires. Nigeria is therefore, not an exception. In our determined quest for leaders who are visionary; who know where the shoe pinches the common man and are ready to provide solutions to them, democracy has been seen as the most dependable avenue to meet such. And in the Nigerian context, Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of the country, has had the singular fortune of bringing up governors who are progressively people-oriented and pragmatic in walking the talk, since 1999. The challenge however, became more obvious when the Babatunde Fashola-led administration was winding up in early 2015.Who then would carry on the baton and run the good race? That was the million-naira question. But unknown to many, Akinwunmi Ambode from the backwaters in Epe, was waiting in the wings, tasking himself to be that singular man! When he took that critical decision to throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring, there were some moments of sober reflection. Was he adequately prepared for the onerous tasks ahead? What would he do, as forms of innovation in the delicate art of governance to assuage the pains of the people? What new policies, programmes and projects would he bring to the governance table? And how best was he going to do that? Even then, he was aware that having served the state for 27 years in various capacities, traversing not a few local governments in accounts department that culminated in becoming the Accountant General as well as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, he ought to know the dynamics of Lagos affairs, more like the lines on his palms. Indeed, he knew. But the political aspect was a different ball game. So, what was he to do? The answers came through the assemblage of tested hands that would be the wind behind his sails. For, as the American businessman, Sam Walton had rightly observed, “individuals do not win

Ambode

but teams do.” With that firmly in place, he made a determined paradigm shift by becoming the first governorship aspirant to tour the 20 LGAs and the 37 LCDAs, to learn first-hand what precisely their daily economic, social and even political challenges were. Interestingly, it was during such tours that the idea of bypasses took root, right inside his car. For, he was able to identify the areas that constituted asphyxiating hold on the jugular vein of the sometimes chaotic Lagos traffic. This was instructive. It is therefore, not by any magic wand, or a whiff of imagination that as today commuters enjoy modern bypasses at places such as Oworonshoki, at the tail-end of the Third Mainland Bridge as well as Alapere, Ojodu-Berger, Ile-Epo. There are also the on-going construction of reinforced concrete fly-over bridges at Abule-Egba and Ajah. But that is just part of the intriguing story of good governance emerging from practical experience of policy makers. The other challenge has to do with the long-neglected inner city, pothole-riddled roads reeking of mud and mire. We must admit at

The obnoxious appellation of government as being for the rich as against the interests of the poor would no longer hold sway

this juncture that notwithstanding the accolades received by the previous administration on infrastructural development these were nonetheless, skewed in favour of the elite areas of the city. The rural parts felt neglected and justifiably so. The repeated complaints in this regard became an albatross on the neck of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the campaigns. Ambode, in his characteristic humility listened to them all. He knew that people living in such neglected areas had to resort to the use of motor cycles to move around. That again, inspired his decision to embark on the construction and rehabilitation of 25 roads per local government area to make a total of 4,500 of such over four years. But the harsh reality of the gnawing economic recession has since reduced that to two in each LGA. The piece of good news is that the first phase of 114 roads has been completed across the state. And recently, he charged the LGA chairmen to brace up to complementing such efforts on infrastructural development. Another visible shift in leader-

ship that is people-friendly is that of governance with a human face. As far as Ambode was concerned, the obnoxious appellation of government as being for the rich as against the interests of the poor would no longer hold sway. Nigerians, nay the good people of Lagos must come to view government, more so in a democratic setting as theirs. Only that would engender the spirit of sustained allegiance to the state. It was therefore, a heave of huge relief and breath of fresh air when his hammer fell on Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials, soon after he took over the reins of governance. That organ of government, once noted as notorious and a wicked weapon of intimidation, treachery and harassment of the people was drastically reorganised. It would no longer going to be business as usual, in terms of indiscriminate towing of vehicles, sleazy acts of extortion and throwing poor Nigerians in search of their daily bread behind bars. Such complaints which featured prominently in the course of his interaction with the people, before and during the campaigns informed the reformation of LASTMA. It needed a human face! So also was the prompt attention to the payment of long-suffering pensioners and staff salaries of civil servants. This has assisted in no small measure to win the hearts of the workers who have been motivated to give nothing but their best. Little wonder that Ambode, who many did not give a chance to excel some two years back has now won the hearts of latter- day converts milling around him for one favour or the other. Still, he listens to them all. As Akin Maboguje and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo rightly captured in their edited book on Elements of Development, true development now focuses more on people as their object of attention rather than growth in the volume of goods and services. Good enough, Ambode has started justifying that. Like a lily flower at dawn his petals have started unfolding to the warm rays of the Lagos sun. •Ajanaku is a Senior Special Assistant Media and Strategy to Governor Ambode

Ethno-religious crises: Stakeholders sue for peace Temitope Ogunbanke

orried by ethnic and religious crises in different parts of Nigeria, leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and religious leaders have called on Nigerians to embrace peace. Speaking at the 2016 International Day of Peace Symposium organised by Justice, Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) at the weekend in Lagos, the CSOs and religious leaders also called on politicians to stop using ethnicity and religion to divide Nigerians.

Speaking on the theme of the symposium, “The search for Peace: Stemming the tide of ethno religious conflicts in Nigeria,” former President of Civil Liberties Organisations (CLO), Barr. (Mrs) Ayo Obe, who said Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious background, should embrace peace for the country to move forward. She also urged Nigerians to work towards positive change in the country by ensuring that they hold people in public office accountable, adding that the electorate must cultivate the habit of voting cred-

ible candidates for a just, fair and credible society. In his address, the Chief Imam of University of Lagos, Prof. Murtala Bidmos, attributed ignorance for some of the ethnic religious and ethnic crises in the country, nothing that many of those fighting in the name of religion are ignorant. He also urged politicians and public office holders to stop using religion and ethnicity to divide the people to achieve their selfish interest. Also speaking, a priest from Catholic Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Tony Nwosu, said

leadership is the architect of Nigeria’s problems because many people holding public offices are selfish and ambitious at the detriment of the masses. He implored Nigerians to practice purity of their respective faiths for a just and credible society. An official of the Department for International Development (DFID), Mr. Felix Obanubi, while stressing the need for peace in Nigeria called for re-orientation of the citizenry, adding that it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to work towards peace in the country.

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Transportation KEKE NAPEP: Source of succour, worry to commuters

Inside Abuja

News REDAN, mortgage bank move to resolve housing deficit

18 20

Abuja mass transit buses back on track ey for cooperative, they deduct money for union dues, none of those monies is being remitted to the appropriate authorities which is even against the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he said. Further expressing their bit terness, Waheed said: “We are not even asking for our union’s dues but before Sallah, we pleaded with them that the N3 million owed the cooperative should be paid so that the people will go there and bor row small amount like N5,000 or N10,000, to celebrate Salah with their families but the promise is yet to be fulfilled."

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company was grounded for nearly six months due to its inability to pay its drivers. The high capacity buses were seen parked at the different bus terminals until last week when the firm got a life line. YEKEEN NURUDEEN reports Abuja Urban Mass Transit

arely 72 hours after Inside Abuja beamed its searchlight on the crisis at the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), drivers operating the high capac ity buses of the company who were hitherto on a prolonged strike have returned to their duty posts. Buses owned by the compa ny were sighted on designated routes such as Kubwa, Bwari, Zuba and other routes on Thurs day, September 28 while the re port was published on Tuesday September 26. The development, according to the Marketing and Commu nication Manager of the com pany, Tunde Akintola, followed the intervention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), owners of the company which released an undisclosed sum of money as a bailout to pay the salary arrears of the work ers. "They called off the strike through the intervention of the FCT Minister, Malam Muham mad Bello Musa. The FCTA un der the minister released the outstanding four months’ sala ries. We paid and the remaining ones would be paid at the end of this month," Akintola told Inside

Onwuka NzeshI

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF nzeshi@newtelegraphonline.com

Abuja Urban Mass Transit

Abuja. He said the administration has also given the management of the company the support to go ahead with the operation of AUMTCO after wide consultations and find ings. "The administration believes that it can still have confidence in the acting Managing Director of the company and his team," he added. This is contrary to speculation that the FCTA would shut down the company. Protest in July The AUMTCO workers under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Ser vice Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) had in July locked the entrance to the company along Abuja Kub wa Expressway over their unpaid five months’ salaries. The workers, who car ried placards of various inscriptions, stormed the company premises the early hours of the morning demanding for immediate pay ment of their five months’ sala ries. They vowed that the protest would go on for two days after which they will commence an

The workers are being owed five months’ arrears of salaries by the end of this month

indefinite strike if the manage ment refused to respond to their demand of immediate payment. Speaking to journalists, the FCT Secretary of AUPCTRE, Comrade Sikiru Waheed, ex plained to journalists that the workers were protesting against unpaid salaries. “We are here protesting against the unpaid salaries of workers in Abuja Urban Mass Transport. The workers are be ing owed five months’ arrears of salaries by the end of this month. We have had series of meetings with the management and we have also agreed, written series of agreements to which they have not respected. “At the initial stage, the Per manent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory called us to a meeting and at that meeting, he said we should go back home and address our matter internally. “Five months have come and gone since the agreement. By the time of that agreement, the salaries owed were three months. They agreed they will pay us one month within one week. Today, it is five months and not even a month has been paid. At the same time, when paying salaries, they deduct pension, they deduct mon

Restructuring AUMTCO The Marketing and Communi cation Manager further revealed that the company which has al most 400 high capacity buses is currently undergoing restruc turing to enhance smooth opera tions. The restructuring, he ex plained, was on the directive of the minister to reposition the company for better performance, saying "we are instructed that we should do a proper restructuring for the smooth operations of the company which we have already started. "The restructuring is that very soon we are going to start robust schedule services in all our routes. Commuters will know when the bus will move on a par ticular route. We are also under taking reduction in operational costs to achieve maximum bene fits for the company," he stressed. Speaking on the staff welfare, Akintola said that the welfare of the workers would be adequately taken care of henceforth in order not to experience the ugly situa tion that the company just passed through. Poor operational environment He disclosed that the major problem facing the operation of the company was the lack of conducive environment, stress ing that the administration was already looking into the chal lenges at the bus stops, terminals, BRT lanes, enforcement of ban on unpainted taxis which por tends great risk to commuters. "We have the assurance of the administration to operate more effectively in order to serve our citizens better so that they can enjoy most affordable and most reliable bus services in the FCT and its environs. “We have almost 400 buses in which we have the capacity to de ploy 80 per cent. The workers are no longer aggrieved and already have been paid and won't have any cause to complain again. They have returned to duty," he said.

Inside ABUJA | SLUMS

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Recession takes toll on Abuja Int'l Trade Fair The 11th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair held recently at the Jeremiah Timbuktu Useni Trade Fair Ground in Abuja amidst complaints of low patronage from exhibitors and visitors. CALEB ONWE, who was at the fair, reports

he Abuja International Trade Fair may be young when compared with trade fairs hosted by other cities in Nigeria, but many factors make it so unique and attractive. Its organisation by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry is said to be one of the best and most established shows of its kind. Abuja being the seat of power of Africa's most populous nation has made its trade fair a destination to both local and foreign tourists. The J. T Useni Trade Fair Complex, venue of the fair, is a vast expanse of land along the popular Musa Yar'Adua Expressway, leading to the Abuja International Airport. This strategic location is one factor that has always contributed to the massive attendance at the Abuja trade fairs. The theme of this year's fair which is "Make it in Nigeria" was said to have been coined to underscore the rich but latent human and natural endowments in Nigeria that could impact positively on the global economy if well harnessed. It was also said that the theme seeks to discourage the illegal migration of youths who are purportedly escaping from harsh economic condition and thereby moving in droves to other countries in search of greener pastures. This is the 11th edition and it appears to have a strong message that will refocus both policy makers and other stakeholders to be more pragmatic in all their business endeavours. President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Tony Ejinkonye, said that the choice of the theme for this year's fair was made in response to the current realities of the Nigerian economy. "We believe that we must make it in Nigeria if we must exit the current economic challenges. Thus, "Make it in Nigeria" is a clarion call to government's at all levels to do the needful to improve the business environment and encourage the operations of the private sector, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)," Ejinkonye said. The ACCI boss said that Nigeria and Nigerians need to look inward in facing the challenges arising from the economic recession, adding that the fair was intended to promote accelerated development of commerce and industry. According to Ejinkonye, the ACCI is also passionate about promoting the revitalisation and diversification of the Nigerian economy by promoting the nation's non-oil exports. Other objectives include to direct attention to the role of the private sector by providing access to

Abuja Trade fair ground

resources and technology findings, while attracting foreign investment into the economy. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, who delivered a keynote address to open the trade fair, said that shows of this nature were needed in promoting the inflow of foreign capital, especially considering the present economic circumstances of the country. She noted that the event was relevant to Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and the present move to diversify the economy. Abubakar noted that the Abuja International Trade Fair is a good platform for showing the world Nigeria's potential in producing reliable goods and services and expressed hope that the fair will continue to provide a platform for investors to network within the region. "We should undertake measures to mitigate the lingering negative image Nigeria has acquired abroad by using and promoting our own inputs to produce our goods" she said.

Abubakar

This year's fair did not record the mammoth crowd associated with the event

Corporate endorsement The theme "Make it in Nigeria" seems to embody the recipe that corporate bodies in Nigeria had long wished to become an accentuated norm. This can be inferred from the number of corporate organisations

There are several choices to make in terms of transportation in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The tricycle, popularly called Keke NAPEP, is one of them and those who patronise this mode of transportation have a mixed bag of tales. MONDAY RUTH reports

f you are among the nouveau rich, you can move around in your fleet of flashy cars but if you fall within the low income bracket and live in some remote locations, the taxi cabs and tricycles might be your best bet but you must be prepared for the other side of the bargain. Introducing the tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP into the transportation system of Abuja, was both an economic empowerment measure as well as an effort

that participated in the fair. One of such organisations that were copiously on ground during the fair to showcase its services and also preach the gospel of economic revitalisation was the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). The organisation had its special day at the trade fair on October 6. It was both an opportunity to educate the public about their services as well as canvass for more positive actions towards economic recovery. Managing Director of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, described the Abuja International Trade Fair as "fast becoming a flagship event for promotion of trade, commerce and investment in the country." Ibrahim, represented by one of the directors of the agency, Mrs. Christiana Afabo, said that the theme of this year's fair was a further demonstration of the Chamber's commitment to tapping into the hidden economic potential of Nigeria. He said that new economic frontiers and opportunities were required to revitalise the nation's economy in the face of current challenges. Recession hits the fair Undoubtedly, the effects of the current economic recession in Nigeria show on the trade fair. This year's fair did not record the mammoth crowd associated with the

event. Inside Abuja went round to sample opinion of some of the exhibitors to get their impulse on the fair and many of them were full of lamentations. A foreign exhibitor from Ghana, who simply identified herself as Madam Glory, said her reminiscence of the previous editions of the fairs, shows that the recession in the country has gone deeper that many thought. The exhibitor told Inside Abuja that she has been participating in the Abuja fair for the past five years, but confessed that only four Ghanaian exhibitors made it to this year's fair because of the high foreign exchange rate. She expressed doubts if she could recoup the N160,000 she spent to secure a stand at the trade fair. According to her, every year she comes with some locally produced Ghanaian clothes and other fashion materials which normally puts good foreign exchange in her purse. She, however, bemoaned the scanty attendance that characterised this year's fair, which she said reduced their chances of making brisk business. Another exhibitor, a Cameroonian who deals on traditional herbs was more blunt in talking about the trade fair. The exhibitor, who did not disclose his names, regretted coming to the Fair all the way from Cameroon, adding that he has not enjoyed enough patronage since the fair started. A local exhibitor from Lagos, Mr. Azubuike, also decried the high foreign exchange rate which, he said, has not just affected the trade fair but trade and commerce in Nigeria. He said that some of his colleagues who paid for exhibition stands at the Abuja trade fair could not come because the goods they had expected to exhibit did not come as at when due. Lizzy, a lady in her late 20s, said she always comes to the trade fair to buy materials she use in her hair dressing saloon because she gets them cheaper during the fairs than in conventional market. However, she observed that the difference in prices of goods this year was not much, even in the face of rising foreign exchange rate.

KEKE NAPEP: Source of to curb the rascality of the motorcyclists (Okada riders) who were creating so much chaos in the city traffic system before the hammer fell on them. Aside the fact that the Okada riders were considered to be a nuisance in the city, given their reckless manner of operations, the authorities also thought that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) deserved a more organised informal transport arrangement to cater for the ever-growing population of Abuja. It took the administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Minister of the FCT, to put a nail on the coffin of Okada riders when he banned them and restricted their movement to the suburb and satellite towns. The authorities at that time were aware of the risks and untold hardship that the masses were facing in depending on the Okada riders for their movement. They therefore introduced the tricycle transport system as a palliative. Reasons given by the FCT Administration for banning commercial motorcycles include breach of the traffic laws, such as ignoring traffic lights, dangerous overtaking, operat-

ing without driver's licences, non- use of crash helmets and non-registration of the motor cycle. Since the decision to ban motorcycles was pronounced, about 50,000 commercial motorcyclists have moved from the city to the suburbs. However, the ban on commercial motorcycle owners opened a new phase for another mode of transportation which is known as the KEKE NAPEP. The Keke NAPEP was launched by the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on November 6, 2002. Since then, the Keke NAPEP has made transportation really cheap for the low income earners. It has also played a pivotal role in the transportation system within the nation's capital, given the rapid growth of the population. The tricycle scheme was initiated to service satellite towns like Gwarimpa, Apo, Kubwa and other satellite towns where Abuja painted taxes are less prevalent. But not long after the introduction, the attitude of tricyclists have become another source of

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The city of Abuja is gradually swelling with pan-taker markets, which is a business of buying and selling fairly used goods from people who are either financially distressed or relocating. CHUKWU DAVID reports that opinions are divided on the relevance of these markets

Residents divided over pan-taker markets

he high rate of unemployment in the country, galloping inflation, poor public infrastructure, poverty and miserable standard of living have become the lot of many residents of Abuja. As a result, not a few of them have taken to some unusual means of livelihood while many more have adopted all manner of criminal practices and socially deviant behaviour to survive. Some people even indulge in illicit forms of businesses in order to make ends meet. Pan-taker business is a trade that might not freely find space in advanced economies, where people's standard of living is high and the greater number of the citizens are living above poverty line. However, just as Africa and Nigeria in particular, became the hub for sale of second hand clothes (okrika) and fairly used vehicles (tokunbo), Abuja is also the centre of pan-taker business. These are locations where serious buying and selling take place on a daily basis. Traders involved in pan-taker business usually buy fairly used goods from people who are either financially distressed or relocating from their places of abode to other destinations for different reasons. Many people have different perceptions of the market and the business being transacted there. While some people outright condemn the market as a hideout for criminals to easily dispose of their stolen items, others hold the opinion that it is a place that

Scraps of iron at pan-taker market in Mararaba

brings succour to the teeming population of the unemployed. Those who are against pan-taker markets strongly believe that the enterprise breeds thieves and robbers while those who support it want it to flourish unhindered. The latter group would argue that pan-taker markets have helped to provide employment for many unemployed Nigerians of all ages in those areas where the market operates. They equally say that it has also helped the low and middle income earners across the country to be able to own certain household property, which they ordinarily would not have acquired if they were to buy new brands of such products with their meagre income. In a random survey carried out by Inside Abuja within the suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), such as Nyanya,

Both the rich and the poor flock the market to buy valuables

Mararaba, Karu and Jikwoi, it was found that more people are against the operations of these markets because of the perceived vices associated with it. Some have argued that, there are higher incidences of robbery and stealing in communities where pan-taker market is located. According to them, pan-taker markets are indeed a den of robbers, rapists, drug addicts, drunkards, kidnappers and other deviants in the society. One of the operators of pantaker market at Mararaba, Alhaji Usman Daura, who spoke with our correspondent, said that there were so many benefits accruing from the business, and dismissed the apprehension expressed by those who see it as a security threat to the local communities. He said that it was not true that articles of trade in pan-taker markets were stolen items, stressing

succour, worry to commuters

KEKE NAPEP

worry as many of them do not abide by traffic rules. It turned out to be old wine in a new bottle as most of the motorcyclist of the past simply dumped their motorcycles

and took up the tricycles. Some residents who spoke to Inside Abuja, complained about the poor attitude of the t r i c yc l i s t s in terms of reckless driving, while some others complained of the cost of riding on it. A resident of the city, Engr. Frank Enenmoh complained about the poor driving skills and the general attitude of the operators. According to him, the drivers of the tricycles usually drive above the speed limits

and often veer into the major highways in violation of the rules of Abuja road map and road safety code. "I have had an experience along Area 3 road where one of them had to stop in the middle of the road to pick up a passenger without considering other vehicles behind him. This is against traffic rules and even common sense," he said. Enenmoh suggested that since these tricycles aid transportation for the low income earners, measures should be put in place, such as educating members of the KEKE NAPEP union on the need for adherence to safety rules. He also said that there should be penalty for anyone who disobeys these laws. Investigation carried out by Inside Abuja revealed that the tricycle operators like okada riders were often involved in road traffic accidents due to overloading and dangerous driving. A tricycle driver, who gave his name as Kabiru was once caught with an overloaded Keke from the Galadimawa bus stop to Lokogoma. Upon interrogation,

that most people who held such opinion were ignorant of the nature of the business. Daura pointed out that those in the business usually get their items from demolition sites, as they go to owners of demolished property to negotiate prices for their partly damaged goods. He revealed that they usually got such items at very cheap rates. According to him, apart from goods from demolished houses, there are other sources and opportunities through which the pan-taker markets get supplies of goods for sale. Other opportunities include when people are transferred from one place of employment to another, and they could not bear the burden of transporting heavy loads to their new location. "We do serious business with many people. When government demolishes houses, as it is very rampant in the FCT, we go there and help the owners in buying the items such as iron rods, iron doors, glasses, aluminum and different appliances you can imagine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, when workers are transferred to other cities or towns for their work, and it is difficult for them to convey heavy loads such as fridge, TV, cushion chairs and other household property. So, they bring it to us in exchange for money to make their journey light. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another benefit is that most people who could not afford to purchase brand new property have always found us useful. They come to us because our prices are relatively affordable and it is with this kind of arrangement that some people have been able to buy good furniture for their houses," he said. Inside Abuja gathered that the traders usually buy the fairly used materials from their owners according to each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial capability, bargaining capacity and the value of the good. Contrary to insinuations that only the low and middle income earners patronise the market, our correspondent further found out that both the rich and the poor flock to the market to buy valuable things for their use. One obviously rich man accosted at the Mararaba pan-taker marCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

he put up a defence that he knew what he was doing, adding that overloading cannot cause accident. Kabiru also said that the reason why the tricycle drivers encounter accident is because they drive rough and lack of service. "I am overloading because the distance is short and I need to cover my money for the petrol," he said. Another respondent, Mr. Salisu, who goes to work by KEKE NAPEP every day, said "my major means of transportation is KEKE NAPEP, I take it every day to work because it is cheaper." According to him, those who use tricycle spend less money on transportation compared to commuting in the Abuja painted taxi. Another respondent, who declined to mention her name said that the idea of the tricycle is not a bad idea but the drivers have become a nuisance in the city. According to her, the city has driving laws which must be enforced for the safety of everybody in Abuja. He canvassed that the rules on the use of seat belts, overloading of the front seat and driving tricycle on the expressway should not be treated with levity while failure to obey these rules should attract appropriate sanction.

INSIDE ABUJA

Caleb Onwe

he Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, as well as the Executive Council of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria have opened preliminary discussion on how to resolve the huge hosing deficit and provide affordable shelter for Nigerians. President of the REDAN, Surv. (Rev.) Ugochukwu Chime who disclosed this said that key stakeholders in the housing sector have been worried by the disharmony among operators which has resulted in the deficit in the housing sector. Chime said that the ongoing consultation was to explore new strategies and proffer workable solutions to the seeming impregnable challenges facing them. Chime said that he kick started the advocacy when he paid a visit to some of the stakeholders to canvass for housing sector harmo-

TUESDAY, octoBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

REDAN, mortgage bank move to resolve housing deficit ny, institutionalisation and professionalism among the practitioners, which he said is a sure way to making progress in the sector and achieve better results. At two separate meetings he held with the Executive Management of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, as well as the Executive Council of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria, Chime stated that without harmonising the positions of all stakeholders in the sector, the desired results may not be achieved. He lamented that in spite of all the seminars, workshops and talk shows that were organised in the past, solutions to the challenges were still a far cry. He stressed the need to harness all the identified solutions and channel them towards providing shelter, creating employment, and

making high contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to him, one major bane of the sector is a “ glaring lack of understanding of the roles of each stakeholder, poor interface management and coordination amongst stakeholders”. These, he argued are more critical than the usual identified factors of lack of finance and access to land. “If these were the only problems, strategic financial engineering or capital injection as well as harnessing the vast land mass by opening up the rural areas and creating satellite towns around our cities should have solved the problem.” At a meeting with the Federal Mortgage Bank Nigeria (FMBN) Management, Rev. Chime told the Executive Management of the Bank that the engagement

of critical stakeholders will move the sector forward. REDAN Boss further stated that under the extant laws on housing in the country, the position of FMBN is not in doubt as they are “ container carrying the aspiration of Nigerian masses to

own homes, with duties beyond financial intermediation, as it is also a vehicle looked at to channel and actualize housing desires of all sector” In his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of FMBN, Mr. Richard Esin noted that the role of RE-

DAN is sacrosanct, given the fact that the association is a critical stakeholder. Esin expressed the executive management’s willingness to work with the umbrella body of the organized real estate sector in deepening the housing sector.

FG to employ persons with disabilities Our Correspondent

he Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, has stated the readiness of the Federal Government to provide employment for persons with disabilities (PWD), through the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Oyo-Ita made this

known recently when the Association of Physically Challenge Applicants (APCA), led by its spokesperson, Godstime Ifeanyi, led a protest to her office. She urged members of the association to exercise patience while proper consultation are made to chart the way forward. Speaking earlier, Ifeanyi said that persons with disability are discriminated upon in all areas in the country. “The fact that we are physically challenged

does not mean that we are also mentally challenged, we should be given the opportunity to contribute our quota to national development by giving us the constitutional two per cent of every employment done in the country,” he said. The Head of the Civil Service immediately set up a committee headed by the Permanent Secretary Common Services Office (CSO), Mr. Yemi Adelakun, to articulate and resolve the issues raised by the association.

Residents divided over pan-taker markets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Members of God's Kingdom Society Church, Edo Cultural Group, performing during the Freedom Day Divine Service in Abuja … on Sunday

FG must pay attention to journalists' welfare – NCPC boss Caleb Onwe Abuja

xecutive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, has called on the federal government to improve the welfare of media practioners in Nigeria. Uja who made this appeal while being formally readmitted into the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the NUJ National secretariat in Abuja, said that lack of welfare and absence of a standard conditions of service for journalists was a major challenge facing the media industry in the country.

The demand came as many media organisations in Nigeria have been accused of either withholding or refusing to pay journalists their monthly salaries as when due. Uja emphasised that the mass media has not only been at the forefront of entrenching democracy and good governance but has helped to shape policies and as such, the government should pay more attention to the profession in order to ensure optimal performance. He also demanded that special attention should be paid to journalists covering war torn areas and other conflict zones in different parts of the country The NCPC helmsman

who described the Nigerian press as one of the freest in the world, applauded Nigerian media organisations for their "balanced, decisive and analytical" presentation of news and commended journalists for their work of bringing the news to the doorsteps of the citizenry. He appreciated God for the privilege of reuniting with the NUJ and asserted that the union would see the evidence of his readmission. Uja commended the NUJ for its good work and called on all journalists to help build the young journalists in the profession. He stressed that the yearly Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Rome was under-report-

ed by the media and that there is need to increase the reportage of the activities of the pilgrims and the Christian Pilgrim Commission. President of the NUJ, Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile, while formally receiving the NCPC boss and his management team into the fold described him as a man of integrity. Odusile urged the NCPC boss to “lend his voice to create harmony between Christians and Muslims” because religion was a central issue in Nigeria. He also urged religious leaders to come out and condemn this disparaging act of terrorism in the name of religion.

ket told out correspondent that he patronised the business because he used to access high quality products at affordable prices there. However, a resident near the market, who only identified himself as Donald, decried the presence of pan-taker operators in the area, saying that they constituted a nightmare to the inhabitants of the community. "To be fair, some of these people might be genuine but how many of them are really genuine? Very insignificant number. Pan-taker business is very dangerous in our society. Go to the so-called market, you will see that it is a den of criminals. The market encourages stealing and armed robbery. "When you get to the market, you will see frustrated people; smokers, drunkards, prostitutes and all manner of human pollutants in the place in the name of doing business. "Go and ask anybody who knows, he will tell you that wherever this 'evil' market is located, incidences of theft are usually high. So, what kind of benefit is that kind of menace to the society. For me, the best thing is for government to make it illegal to operate that kind of business in any part of our country," Donald said. Meanwhile, when men

are complaining over the menace of pan-taker business, the operators of the enterprise have since taken steps to legitimise their operations by registering their union with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to be able to function as a recognised legal entity in the country. Another dealer at the pan-taker market, Karu, said, "they used to accuse us of buying stolen items but it is not true. We dissociate ourselves from anything criminal. When people bring suspicious goods to us, we usually alert the police to come and arrest as well as detain such suspect.” Inside Abuja learnt that another way the business is lucrative is that, the operators of the business used to gather pieces of iron including aluminum materials and when it is a full trailer load, they take it to the industrial firm that uses the materials for recycling for sale. It was also learnt that dealers usually receive as much as N1.2 million cash for a trailer load of these irons, aluminum and other items supplied. It was also learnt that, for one to become a member of the pan-taker market association, one must get a form with the sum of N10,000 and bring a guarantor who is resident in the vicinity where the market is located before he is registered.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features

Creating alternative funding for education Private, public partnership-led initiatives may help Nigeria break funding barriers to achieve quality education for all, writes YEKEEN NURUDEEN

nited Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’s much touted benchmark of 26 per cent of every nation’s annual budget for education is mythical, according to former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola. “It only exists in the Nigerian literature on education. I suspect that it is a figure that arose out of a recommendation of a localised UNESCO meeting, which probably held in Nigeria sometime in the past and does not bind the entire organisation. I have had to ask two Directors-General of UNESCO about this figure and they claim not to be aware of it,” Okebukola said. Despite this, the benchmark has been accepted by stakeholders in the Nigerian education sector as a right prescription for funding the sector, given its critical role in national development. “Lip service in funding is what education generously gets in Nigeria,” the former NUC boss added. But despite this, a glimpse into the Nigerian budgetary allocations to the education sector between 2011 and 2016 reveals that even the 26 per cent has never been met, needless to say that funding from government is never enough for the critical sector. For instance, in 2011, N306.3 billion was allocated to education, N400.15 billion in 2012 and N426.53 billion in 2013 while it was N493 billion in 2014 which is 10.7 per cent of the total budget of N4.6 trillion and N492 billion in 2015.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Adamu

The Federal Government, in the 2016 budget, gave education the second highest allocation, yet it fell short of the UNESCO recommended allocation. While educationists like Okebukola believe that Nigeria should strive for a minimum of 30 per cent benchmark for the next 20 years to clear the mess in the sector, others say the country needs to unleash the creative energies and talents of Nigerians, breakdown institutional barriers and collaborate for change to be able to harness huge funds for the sector outside the government's allocations. Experts such as Mrs. Arete Amana, who is also the managing director of Cognitus Consulting, maintained that the Federal Government must begin to find means to fund the critical needs of the education sector at all levels in a recessionary economic environment with dwindling oil revenue and depleting foreign reserves. Amana said the nation must go from the traditional dirges about state of the education sector, public advocacy on more funding and break through the funding barriers, recognising that government alone could not fund educational development. Education, according to her, is regarded as infrastructure of infrastructure which is critical to Nigeria’s economic renaissance efforts and its competiveness in the global economy. “It is therefore a matter of national interest, public institutional interest, organised private sector interest and our collective and individual interest to seek new ways out of the Nigerian education sector conundrum,” she said. The education road map recently presented to stakeholders

Okebukola

There is a vista of hope to source alternative funding for Nigerian education sector

by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, tagged: “Education for Change,” in which all the challenges confronting the sector were highlighted with solutions proffered, also did not hinge its goals on any budget or means of funding the plan to achieve the identified solutions. Amana, who is also the project coordinator of Edu-Invest, pointed out that road maps and strategic plans on any development agenda inevitably become pipe dreams without counting the cost and seeking creative approaches to financing desired reforms. “Development plan is achievable when there is a budgetary figure. The ministerial plan is laudable and we are not trying to shoot it down but it must have fixed budget. But how do you execute the plan without funding? “Our foreign reserves are dwindling. It is time to adopt an innovative approach to finance education. It is time to begin to think outside the box and embrace innovative approach. Government must count the cost of implementing the strategic plan,” she said. But, according to her, there is a vista of hope to source alternative funding for Nigerian education sector without having to rely on budgetary allocations from government. She said the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and Cognitus Consulting were at the verge of staging the nation’s first Education Sector Investment Promotion Initiatives tagged EduInvest Nigeria 2016. EduInvest Nigeria 2016, she explained, is the domestic platform for the convergence of stakeholders

in the education and knowledge industry to discuss investments and innovative financing strategies as well as launch of specific initiatives for educational development. Prior to this arrangement, education has not been an NIPC designated priority sector for investments, but the forthcoming event slated to hold in Calabar, Cross River State, would enable an investment driven and innovative paradigm for the Federal and State Ministries of Education that have evidently run a deficit funding approach to funding educational development in the country. She added that the recessionary economic environment and the effect on the federal and state revenue levels as well as critical sector specific expenditure on education and social services make education sector promotion imperative. Amana said the platform would also not only enable internal NIPC focus on the sector in terms of creating a desk in the Investment Promotion Department but also the enunciation of sector specific incentives, policy mechanism in addition to reflecting it in the communications’ management for the organisation. She added: “It is a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement which will lead to the emergence of a new framework for investments and financing education in Nigeria. “These initiatives are designed to address and arrest the core critical issues of accessibility, affordability, availability of qualitative educational services at all levels as well as support efforts at transforming the education sector. “It underscores the pivotal importance of the education portfolio as the lynch pin for the actualisation of the well-inspired development agenda of the current civilian administration.” The educationist argued that since education development is a critical objective of President Muhammadu Buhari administration, education system needs to be revamped to create the pipelines of trained manpower required for all the sectors. She said: “This is a designated moment in time for both the Federal Ministry of Education and the NIPC to exemplify the ideals of inter-ministerial, intergovernmental and inter-sectoral collaboration through the review and implementation of the proposed initiatives. “NIPC’s role remains that of initiating, facilitating domestic and foreign direct investments across the sectors for national economic development.”

FEATURES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Participants at the event

Sex as elixir for marital dysfunction

ne of the reasons for rising cases of divorce in Nigeria is said to be infidelity. There are many factors responsible for infidelity, but ranking high among them is sexual incompatibility or inadequacy, which may also arise from a number of reasons. But to overcome this, a professor of Biochemistry at the University of Ilorin, Musa Yakubu, said early morning sex is good for love life. According to him, it is also very beneficial to the health of couples. Yakubu, who made the observation in his inaugural lecture entitled: “Knocking Down the Barriers to Four O’clock Activities and Reproductive Inadequacies,” expressed concern over the rate of erectile dysfunction among men and advocated regular screening/ check-ups by individuals. He said: “Four o’clock activity denotes early morning sex or early morning penile-vaginal intercourse.” Yakubu recalled several divorce cases reported in the newspapers, tracing most of them to sexual inadequacies. He said: “Having sex first thing in the morning and a minimum of three to four times a week is not only good for love life, but also beneficial health-wise.” Also, at a dinner organised recently by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), some clerics counselled couples on blissful home. They urged wives to submit to their husbands in line with biblical injunction. At the event held in Lagos tagged: “Evening of Discovery,” a guest speaker, Mrs. Success Oyewole, advised couples not to deprive each other of sex. She

Submission, communication, intimacy and copulation, among others, are some of the factors, according to experts, to ensure blissful marital life, reports TAIWO JIMOH argued that it increases intimacy between a man and his wife. Oyewole, however, gave a caveat: Husbands must not kill their wives with sex. She said: “Couples should be close. The man should love the wife as himself. They should not deprive each other of sex. Sex is very holy. A Christian marriage should radiate beauty and love.” Another guest speaker, Mrs. Bimpe Mfon, buttressing Oyewole’s argument, said: “One of the essences of this event is to educate couples; they need to love and believe in each other. The Bible makes us to know that we should not destroy each other. As Christians, couples should allow the Bible to be their watchword every time.” The hostess of the event, the pastor in charge of Christ the Cor nerstone Worship Centre, RCCG, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Ireti Sholola, argued that one of the factors contributing to increase in domestic violence in the country is poor economy. She added that domestic violence is a menace because a lot of couples are bottling up many issues. She said: “According to Genesis 2: 24-25, couples should be open to each other. Also, the economy is a cause of domestic violence. A lot of people are weighed down by pressures from lack of work, lack of money and inability to meet up with family responsibilities.” She said that sometimes, peo-

ple worked so hard, yet 80 percent of their income was spent on transportation. Sholola added: “The economy is part of the pressures on families. Bad economy is making some couples to behave abnormally. A husband cannot be a man in his house because what he earns cannot take care of his family.” She said that the government must ensure that the basic social amenities are provided and are working well. “It’s only in Nigeria that you pay your taxes, and you also pay for the things that the tax should take care of. You pay for security and you don’t really get it. When you go to America, you still have poor people, but the basic needs are taken care of. “People die in this country because there is no adequate care. If there is a road accident, how effective is the response? When you have the basic amenities, the pressure will be lesser on the families,” she said. Recalling the previous edition of ‘Evening of Discovery,’ Sholola disclosed that testimonies after the last year programme were enormous. “There are two things couples should take home from this programme. One, the home is the key to producing a better nation. Two, couples need to nurture their relationships through programmes like this. Another aspect we want couples to benefit from the programme is this;

husbands should endeavour to take their wives out for a treat. When they go out, their relationships will blossom.” One of the participants, Mrs. Easther Asemota, described the event as refreshing. “I have learnt a lot from what the guest speaker said. My marriage is just a few months. My husband is the type that gets angry easily. He is also a free-minded person. Whenever I see him angry, I keep to myself. Sometimes, I go to him and apologise. But I have come to know what he wants.” Another participant, Mrs. Taiwo Olukoga, said: “We were told how to address our husbands on some issues. The guest speaker educated us on sex-related issues. Even as an adult, there are things we don’t known that we were told by the speaker. We don’t need to be shy when we need our husbands sexually. We should not be waiting for them to invite us. We can also call them whenever we are in the mood.” On his part, Mr. Taofeek Olukoga said sex issues have destroyed some marriages. “We were advised, as men, on to what to do. Sex is one of the basic ingredients in every marriage. There are some men who can kill their wives with sex. But we were told to tolerate each other when it comes to that aspect; sex is a natural gift from God to humanity to multiply. “Couples should see themselves as one, irrespective of where they come from and communicate with each other regularly. Sometimes, lack of communication is the barrier that can destroy most marriages,” Olukoga said.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy

Business OFF-GRID Generators importation flats by 23 million in one year as 95 million Nigerians remain without electricity

Unraveling crude oil exports’ ‘racket’

Aviation Is cell phone use dangerous to air safety?

25 29

World Bank: Nigeria’s power deficit hits 94,500 MW

Adeola Yusuf

igeria’s power generation deficit has touched 94, 500 Mega Watt (MW) mark, New Telegraph has learnt. This disclosure, which was made by the World Bank in a document obtained by this newspaper, came as $3.5 billion annual investments’ dearth rocked the sector, putting the 20,000 MW target by 2020 in jeopardy. Nigeria had, in 2010, cut its year 2020 target from 40,000 MW to 20,000 MW when it discovered that it was impossible to meet, expecting to achieve the new target with fresh $3.5 billion annual investments in the sector. Less than 45 per cent of the populace connected to grid had recently witnessed temporary stability in supply in some parts of the country owing to improved generation from hydro plants. Over 95 million of the Nigerian population, the World Bank document showed, are, however, still without on-grid electricity, even though checks showed reduction of over 23 million generators’ importation due to the on-going recession. About N1.6 trillion was spent to fuel the over 60 million generators imported into

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Adeola Yusuf

L-R: Country Performance Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, Leke Ojulari; reviewer of Management FasTrack Book, Nathaniel Shofarasin; Author of the book, Oladapo Akinloye and the Corporate Key Accounts Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, Bello Saddiq, during the launch and signing of Management FasTrack Book in Lagos.

the country in 2006, former Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Ayodele Omotosho, told lawmakers at a two-day public hearing by Senate Joint Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Finance. Nigeria currently consumes 126 kwh/person, the document showed, adding that “an equivalent power consumption level for Nigeria, given its population, would be 98,000MW.” Nigeria, which System Operator data showed, generates an average of 3,500 MW daily, has an estimated population of 178 million people, according to the World Bank’s 2014 Statistics on Nigeria. This shows a power supply deficit of 94, 500 MW. The Federal Government previously set for itself a target of generating 40,000MW within a 10-year period, starting in 2010. This seemingly modest

target for generating capacity alone, according to government’s Roadmap for Power Sector Reform, will require an investment of $3.5 billion per annum over a 10-year period. Considering the entire value chain that includes generation capacity, transmission and distribution, the effort, further checks showed, require $10 billion per annum over 10-years. Nigeria’s 2016 Federal Budget is $21.3 billion. Therefore, the yearly cost to achieve what is in fact a very modest goal of 40,000MW over a 10year period equals a one half of the country’s annual budget. The 2016 federal budget proposes the sum of $1.4 billion for power sector capital expenditure, $2.1 billion less than the $3.5 billion expected investment. Additionally, owing to missed milestones and exigencies, the initial target of 40,000 MW by the year 2020 has also been revised down to 20,000 MW. “Nigeria currently consumes 126 kwh/person while its equivalent

INFLATION RATE August 2016..........................17.61% July 2016................................17.13% June 2016..............................16.5%

LENDING RATE Interbank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

EXCHANGE RATE

WHAT'S NEW

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parallel Market October 7)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N474 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N595 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N512

l Foreign Reserves – $24.420bn as at4/10/2016

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Being the amount spent to fuel generators in 2014

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Wole Shadare

N1.6 trillion

power consumption level given its population would be 98,000MW,” the World Bank document stated. “When compared to South Africa, which has a population of 53.6 million and an installed generating capacity of 44,000 MW of electricity, the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria begins to come to the fore. More so, given that South Africa’s current electricity consumption per capita is approximately 4,800 kwh/ person/year. Though this is a rough estimate, it, however, confirms the severity of the power generation gap in Nigeria.” Nigeria, the global bank said, presently “has an installed power generating capacity of 12,522.0 MW, available operating capacity of 3,879 MW and transmission capacity of 5,300MW. “Owing to gas supply problems, significant transmission & distribution losses, a lack of maintenance, infrastructure sabotage, and poor water management only 1,864 MW or 25 per cent of installed capacity is distributed

(Interbank as at October 7)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N304 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N385 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N340

Source: CBN

Meggison: FAAN’S N52.5n IGR inadequate for aviation devt

FMBN frets over N70bn loan default by developers

p.24

BUSINESS |NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Meggison: FAAN’S N52.5b IGR inadequate for aviation devt FUND PAUCITY FAAN can provide for renewal of assets as well as its own working capital Wole Shadare

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is insufficient to sustain its network of airports at the current pricing regime, Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Noggie Meggison, said. Besides, he noted that all the airports have low level of traffic, a development the expert attributed to the inadequate route development by domestic airlines. He disclosed these in a paper obtained by New Telegraph in Lagos. FAAN’s IGR for 2016 was said to be N52. 5 billion. But there are indications that it could be more, considering the fact that the agency collects $60 per passenger and if that is multiplied by six million passenger traffic recorded for international traffic, it amounts to $360 million (N57.7 billion with foreign exchange rate of $1/160 as at last year). The amount was arrived at after computing both

Nigeria’s power deficit hits 94, 500 MW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

to consumers per the Nigerian Government’s own data.” Aside this, this newspaper gathered that the transmission and distribution network are also threatening to be major setbacks. On the 31st of March 2016, the power sector suffered a system collapse, which resulted in a national grid output of zero megawatts of power for a three hour period. “When grid power is available, only 45 per cent of Nigerians have access to it, but much of that supply is epileptic and of very poor quality,” the document stated. The report estimated that at a minimum, 6000 MW is generated using petrol and diesel generators. This mode of selfg eneration re presents a financial albatross on Nigerians equivalent to between $6.7 and $10.47 billion compared to grid-based power. This is besides the premature deaths and chronic ailments resulting from breathing polluted air. Although government’s privatisation effort was a step in the right direction, with the backdrop of falling oil revenues, it cannot shoulder the financial responsibility on its own.

Faults concession, backs deregulation aeronautical and nonaeronautical revenue generation within the year 2015. Meggison noted that the situation has also led to insufficient safety and security equipment and trained personnel. His words: “FAAN can provide for renewal of assets as well as its own working capital from IGR if the revenue pricing is appropriate. The agency can then be taken off the Federal Treasury in compliance with provisions by the Bureau of Public Enterprise mandate of graduating from partial to full commercialisation.” “If states continue to support

their airports with basic services, the passenger traffic volume over the entire network will be enhanced.” He said that there should be systematic modernisation of airports development and management in line with international best practices, stressing that FAAN should be allowed to operate as a fully commercialised entity, and be allowed to run professionally. He disclosed that the near insolvency of the agency forced it to go to China for China’s $500 million loan, an equivalent to N152.5billion to be paid in 22 years, which is currently being used to build the four

International terminal buildings at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the PortHarcourt International Airport. The repayment is about N6.9billion per year or N578million per month. This would enable FAAN to increase passenger capacities from 15 million annually to 46 million passengers for these four International airports. Speaking on the controversial concession of four of the aerodromes, the AON chief said the entire exercise would

destabilise economic and social operation and the workforce, describing the exercise as, “usually very fraudulent in Nigeria.” He said: “Anybody who wants to concession a profitable and ongoing concern doesn’t mean well for the organisation. They can equally build their ultra-modern terminal buildings side by side with FAAN’s structures in these International Airports and let us compete. “This is the true spirit of business development. But coming to disposes FAAN of its new terminal buildings is reaping where they have not sown and this is pure stealing.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari; Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirius; Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma; Director of Safety & Technical Policy, Ministry of Transport, Capt. Talba Alkali and Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muktar Usman, during the arrival at International Civil Aviation Organisation [ICAO] headquarters, for the execution of President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate for re-election of Dr. Olumiyiwa Aliu as President of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in Montreal, Canada.

STRUGGLING Some of the mortgage banks have not been able to individually sort out their arrears of payment with FMBN Dayo Ayeyemi

he huge debt profile under the National Housing Fund (NHF), which has risen to N70 billion, is generating concerns among stakeholders in the industry, especially the Federal Mortgage Banks (FMBN) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), New Telegraph has learnt. Despite efforts to resolve some of the issues based on earlier agreement by stakeholders, some of the mortgage banks have not been able to individually sort out their arrears of payment with FMBN. This newspaper learnt that FMBN might not have any option than to publish names of debtors any time from now. According to a source, greater percentages of debts were owed by developers through the

FMBN frets over N70bn loan default by developers Estate Development Loan (EDL) scheme and have refused to pay back as at when due. To arrest the situation, acting Managing Director of FMBN, Mr. Richard Esin, has already sought the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover some of the debts owed by the organisations, especially misappropriated contributory funds under NHF. Besides, there was also an allegation that some mortgage banks, which obtained funds for mortgage finances for on lending to qualified NHF contributors declined to disburse the funds to applicants. Worse hit by the on-going recession, it was gathered, are the industry’s stakeholders, comprising FMBN, Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) and Real Estate Developers’ Association (REDAN), which have held discussions recently on how to resolve some of the issues weighing down on operation of NHF with the resolution to overhaul the modalities for accessing the mortgage loans. The bank had also accused operators obtaining equity

contribution from wouldbe mortgagors, but refused to deploy it in the provision of mortgage finances to the applicants’ benefit. Speaking with New Telegraph on the way forward, Managing Director, HOB Estates Limited, Chief Olusegun Bamgbade, a real estate developer, urged FMBN to create a window for direct processing of NHF Package within FMBN’s confines. He said FMBN should take up the full responsibilities of processing and collecting NHF monthly repayments from allottees through the state offices without bothering mortgage banks. He said: “Codes should be generated for each respective state/developer/allottee just as banks generate codes for their respective customers vis a vis the branches of the banks. The collection of monthly repayments becomes cheaper and less stressful for allottees if FMBN wakes up from it’s slumber and adopts this method. “The affordability ratio can be worked out by FMBN for the respective allottees accordingly without any hue and cry.

“Developers who have built houses should get their next disbursements without any rancor or unnecessary delay. The PMIs who are willing to work by marketing and processing NHF Packages should equally be allowed to continue accordingly.” He pointed out that many PMIs have been moribund and do not have the capacity to execute NHF packages on behalf of any allottee. Principal Partner, M.I. Okoro and Associates, Dr. Meckson Okoro, canvassed for the recapitalisation of FMBN to be able to provide the required mortgage finance for affordable housing delivery in the country. Besides, he advocated merger among the primary mortgage banks to be able to pool resources together to provide loans for home seekers He said: “I am tempted to say that no single primary mortgage institution that is properly funded to the extent of delivering houses because housing project is capital intensive. “Government should make a policy where two or three mortgage banks merge to create a deep pool of fund. It can also fund them through FMBN.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

hell, Chevron, Total and Eni have at different times funded ‘alliance’ with the Federal Government to fight petty crude thieves in the Niger Delta creeks while top executives of the multinational companies were at the forefront of trumping outrageous figures of mind-boggling volumes of even as much as 1.25 million barrels per day as daily losses from their facilities in the Niger Delta. With these different figures, the companies declared huge losses to crude theft in many ways that portrayed them to be on the receiving end of the socalled crude theft and pipeline vandalism scourge in the Niger Delta. As it later appeared in claims made by government in Court, the tears shed by these International Oil Companies (IOCs) was in no way less of crocodile tears. Between 2013 and 2014, when the Nigeria’s crude exports to the United States was said to be at its lowest, these companies, government alleged, did not declare about $12.7 billion crude they exported to the United States (US). Curiously, less effort is made to expose the roles played by officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Joint Task Force (JTF) and officers of Nigerian Customs Service in the saga. Legal fire works Armed with forensic analysis of bills of lading and shipping documents, as well as sworn affidavits of three United States of America-based professionals, the Federal Government claimed that Shell cheated Nigeria of the revenues and had since dragged the Anglo-Dutch company to court demanding $406.75 million. The amount, according to Lagos court papers, represents the shortfall of the money paid by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and its surrogate, Shell Western Supply & Trading Limited, in the account of the Nigerian government with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for crude oil lifted in 2013 and 2014. Government’s lawyer, Professor Fabian Ajogwu accused the company of not declaring or under-declaring crude oil shipments during the period. Among the three professionals employed by the Federal Government of Nigeria are: Professor David Olowokere, a US citizen who is the lead analyst at Loumos Group LLC, a technology and oil and gas auditing firm based in United States of America and Jerome Stanley, a counsel in the law firm of Henchy & Hackenberg, a law firm based in United States of America and head of the legal team engaged by Loumo Group LLC. The third professional is Micheal Kanko, a citizen of the USA and resident of the state of Arizona, who is the founder and the current Chief Executive Officer of Trade Data services Company. Shell is not the only company facing legal battle with government. US firm, Chevron, French

ENERGY

Oil export terminal

Unraveling crude oil exports’ ‘racket’ The Federal Government’s legal action against Shell, Chevron, Total, Eni and others shows that the volume of Nigeria’s stolen oil estimated at over $12.7 billion may have been undervalued. ADEOLA YUSUF reports Total and Italian Eni are also among the 15 firms that are being accused of organised mega crude theft in Nigeria. Chevron, Total and Agip were sued for a total of $12.7 billion over alleged non-declaration of some 57 million barrels of crude shipped to the United States between 2011 and 2014. The oil firms are among up to 15 oil majors targeted by the Nigerian government for the recovery of $17 billion in deprived revenue. Tracking the alleged crude theft The consortium of experts was able to track the global movements of Nigeria’s hydro-carbons including crude oil and gas with the main purposes of identifying the companies engaged in the practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil and gas exports sales to different parts of the world. In reconciling the export records from Nigeria, with the import records at ports in the United States of America, the experts found mindboggling discrepancies. Counsel to government averred, for instance, that on 6th of January, 2013 the SPDC and its sister firm lifted crude oil using the vessel Authentic and shipped same to BP Oil Supply of 28301 Ferry Road, Warrenville, Illinois, USA at the port of Chester, Pennsylvania, United States of America. The shipment had the Bill of lading number ALMYSVDM161212A3. This particular shipment was not declared to the relevant authorities in Nigeria, resulting in the shortfall of 660,712 barrels of crude oil in the value of $72,678,320 as revenue to the Government. On 3 January, 2013, Shell and its surrogate company lifted crude oil that resulted in the shortfall of 979,031 barrels in the value of $107,693,410 On the 14th of December, 2014, Shell also lifted crude oil

Less effort is made to expose roles played by DPR, Customs and JTF in alleged oil theft

using the vessel Eagle Tuscon and shipped same to Shell Deer Park of 5900 Texas 225,Deer Park, TX77536,USA at the port of Houston, Texas, United States of America with Bill of lading number AETK0909US14. The shipment was not declared to the relevant authorities, resulting in the shortfall of 499,048 barrels of crude oil in the value of $54,895,280 as revenue to the Federal Government. These are not all. At three different times, Shell, with its allied company, was also alleged to have shipped crude on board Eagle Tuscon, Eagle Seville, Overseas Everglades that resulted in the shortfall of 3,697,737 barrels of crude oil. This brings the total value of the entire shortfall to $406,751,070. Before Court action On 21 January 2016, the Federal government wrote a letter, through its legal representative, to the defendants drawing their attention to the discrepancies. Government asked them to clarify the discrepancies, with documentation, as a prelude to the repayment of the revenues and debt they now owe government. “Till date Federal government has not received from the defendants any payment pursuant to the said letter nor the requested documents,” the prosecutor alleged. Government averred that it had suffered huge and enormous financial losses as a result of the defendants under-declaration of the value of the crude oil they lifted and exported to the United States of America. Government now seeks a court order compelling the two companies to pay into the Federal government of Nigeria account with the CBN,

the sum of USD 406,751,070 being the total value of the missing revenue from the shortfall /undeclared/under -declared crude oil shipments of the country, made by the companies to United States of America. Government also demands interest payment at 21 per cent per annum on the sum of $406,751,070 until the entire sum is liquidated. Shell in addition is being asked to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of $406,751,070 and the cost of instituting the legal action. The presiding judge, Mojisola Olatoregun Isola has adjourned till 20th of October 2016 for mention of the case. Shell, Chevron, others keep mum Over 10 days after the September 30 commencement of the Court cases, none of the IOCs has issued a press statement to officially react to the issue or clear the air on the weighty allegation. Inside sources at the multinational oil firms however, told this newspaper of the alleged “innocence” of the firm in the case. “It is an issue emanating from on-going Court cases and you will not expect reaction on an on-going issue in Court from us. All I will like to tell you is that all the companies have teams of attorneys and the are all in Court to prove their clients’ innocence,” a staff of Chevron told this newspaper after his anonymity had been guaranteed. Waking up from slumber The Federal Government was severally accused in the past of not doing enough to address the menace of crude oil stealing either because some officials of CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

BUSINESS | ENERGY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Initial Public Offering: Saudi beats Nigeria, sells oil firm DELAY FG foot drags, as Saudi issues Initial Public Offering (IPO) on Aramco operations

Adeola Yusuf

audi Arabia has beaten Nigeria on the Initial Public Offering (IPO) on its oil company as it declared plans to sell shares its entire business in the world’s biggest oil company, Saudi Aramco. The federal government had been foot-dragging on the issuance of IPO for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with the minister of state for petroleum resources issuing a new 2018 date for the scheme. Saudi Aramco however, said last weekend that the IPO was not just in its refining or distribution operations but the entire business. Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Saudi Aramco, will announce “very soon” a list of investment banks and consultants advising it on the initial public offering, CEO Amin Nasser said in Bahrain. It plans to list shares on the Saudi stock market and is also considering foreign bourses in London, Hong Kong and New York, he said. Aramco’s plan to sell a stake of about 5 per cent could value the company in trillions of dollars. “We need to do a lot of internal work to prepare for this listing,” Nasser said. “We are listing a part of the entire company, and not just downstream,” he said, referring to operations including refining and distribution. Saudi Arabia, under pres-

NNPC headquarters, Abuja

sure from lower crude prices, wants to sell shares in Aramco in early 2018 as part of an effort to generate revenue and reform its economy. The government hopes to raise about $100 billion from the IPO of its flagship asset. The planned sale, which Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in April, could be the world’s largest share offering. “There are no obstacles for the IPO of Aramco,” Nasser said. “It’s going very smoothly, and we are on target. We achieved a lot of progress so far. People have to appreciate the size of Aramco and its complexity.” The company will review its budget “shortly,” he said. “Our spending program is active and evolving.” Nigeria had earlier unveiled plans to make its first initial

public offering of assets owned by NNPC before Kachikwu announced the 2018 date. “It’s inevitable,” Kachikwu, said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. “Part of the cleaning up process that we’re doing is to prepare for that.” Africa’s top oil producer plans to sell shares in its refining and distribution business and “select” exploration and production assets to the public, he said. NNPC, as the state oil company is known, manages Nigeria’s stakes in joint ventures with international oil companies that pump the country’s crude. It also operates refineries and a distribution network of depots and pipelines across the country of about 180 million people. With reorganisation, the NNPC is expected to evolve into four efficient business units

from more than a dozen that are mostly making losses, and return to profitability, according to Kachikwu. This aspiration will remain a cheer wish if nothing is done on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Adebayo Alamutu, a petroleum engineer told New Telegraph. “As it stand now, Saudi has beaten us to it again because it must have addressed all the botttlenecks before going to town with the news of IPO unlike here where we announced a date and later shifted the date based on PIB debacle we need to contend with,” he added. A long-delayed bill to reform Nigeria’s oil and gas industry will probably be passed “quickly” by lawmakers after it was split to separate a “very contentious” fiscal aspect from non-fiscal parts, Kachikwu however, gave assurance.

Saudi Arabia is producing oil at near record highs, with output of 10.58 million barrels a day in September. Aramco cut pricing last Wednesday for its November crude sales to Asia and Northwest Europe and for most of its grades to other regions, in a contest for market share amid a global supply glut. “We are one of the few companies that is still investing. We will continue to invest in our core business. Our rigs are increasing, and our overall activities are increasing.” OPEC, of which Saudi Arabia is the largest producer, agreed last week in Algiers to trim output for the first time in eight years after crude prices dropped to about half their levels in 2014. Oil ministers from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC producers are to meet next week in Istanbul for talks on how to put the cuts into effect. “Saudi Aramco still sees opportunities and is utilising this down cycle to grow its business, especially in the downstream sector and in gas, where we are expanding quickly,” Nasser said. The company seeks to double its total production capacity for natural gas, including shale gas, from 12 billion cubic feet per day over the next 10 years, he said. “Gas is very important to fuel industries, especially in the petrochemical sector,” Nasser said. The use of gas in powergeneration and manufacturing also frees up more crude oil for export, he said. Aramco plans to start producing shale gas in late 2017 from the Wa’ad Al Shamal project in the country’s northwestern region. In 2018, it will begin producing at the al-Jafurah basin in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, Nasser said.

Oil firms back NGA’s move for gas devt

Unraveling crude oil exports’ ‘racket’

il and gas firms have expressed support for the efforts by the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) for the development of gas sector in the country. Addressing the executive council members of the association during courtesy visits to their various offices, the companies including Chevron Nigeria, Energia and Lekoil, according to a statement, expressed delight in identifying with NGA as the voice of industry in Nigeria and the value propositions the association projects. “Chevron delivered one third of domestic natural gas in 2015, helping to eliminate gas flaring and commercialising Nigeria’s natural gas resources in the process. Thus, Chevron’s partnership with Nigerian Gas Association is critical”, said Clay Neff, Chairman/ Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria. “Considering our strate-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

gic development and growth plan along the entire gas-topower value chain, we are glad to work with Nigerian Gas Association to ensure clarity on issues about the sector”, said Felix AmieyeOfori, Chief executive, Energia Limited. Managing Director, Gas & Power, Lekoil, Shola Adekeye, said that as a new entrant into the gas and power sector, “we are glad to be part of NGA that will influence policies to proactively chart a new course for the sector”. President, NGA, Bolaji Osunsanya, in his remarks said that the association has been very proud of Chevron and what it represents especially its gas utilisation projects, expressing his appreciation to the company as “Chevron has been very supportive of NGA over the years”. He also commended Energia for the vision to play in the entire gas-to-power

value chain in addition to its investments in refinery. The NGA president applauded Lekoil for the “feat within a short while and its significant strides, which has demonstrated possibilities within the sector”, adding that the forth-coming international gas conference by the association is a good platform for Lekoil to showcase and post their entrance into the gas sector. The NGA seeks to promote investment in the sector, capacity building and entrenchment of standards amongst members through conferences, study groups and training in addition to working with the government and legislators on policy issues. Amongst the critical issues that the association is currently canvasing include positioning gas as the new resource pride for Nigeria, shoring up gas reserves and re-visiting the Nigerian Gas Masterplan to move the sector forward.

government were directly involved or highly-placed people in the oil industry that are usually close to government and deliberately deceived all into looking at the wrong quarters, blaming the Niger Delta militants for the criminal act. This newspaper had, with several investigations on the menace of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, reported that there could not have been anyway mega crude theft figures posted by IOCs could occur without the collusion of some government officials, major producers in the country and international oil tankers that lift Nigeria’s crude on behalf of the IOCs and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). All these years, oil companies had blamed the Niger Delta militants for the spate of crude oil theft in the region. The government however, hinted that the companies might have had their hand soiled in the trade. It is important to note that

the $12.7 billion reimbursement being requested for by the Federal Government is just for under-declared or rather stolen volume in the USA alone. The “stealing” may be of the same magnitude or even far worse in Italian, Indian and Chinese and European discharge, as some business interests from these areas have over years as revealed in the Salt Pond oil theft scandal, which showed that they have no iota of regard to integrity and transparency in handling of oil transactions in Nigeria. Conclusion The report of collaboration with officials of the DPR and top officers of the military Joint Task Force (JTF) and Customs Services need to be unraveled. While the legal fire works between government and the IOCs continue, these government officials will have explanation on how the huge volume of crude left the Nigeria’s shore without proper records.

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Homes&Property

Model of proposed affordable housing scheme in Lagos

How to break housing barriers, by experts Housing experts critically examined various gaps limiting investment in real estate sector with a call on government to soften the ground. DAYO AYEYEMI reports

etermined to forge ahead despite unfriendly investment climate, housing experts, investment lawyers and financiers have converged to rethink local strategies to approach real estate growth in the period of recession. The forum, which held in Lagos, is the fifth edition of Ruth Obih-led Real Estate Unite. It provided opportunities for real estate developers and mortgage providers to itemise some of the issues currently weighing the sector. Themed: “Filling the G.A.P.S,” participants at the forum did not spare the government of blames, as they listed lack of access to unhindered land, absence of mortgage and archaic land title registration system as some of the gaps restraining affordable housing. While calling on both the federal and state governments to do something urgently to reposition the sector and economy for buoyancy, they lamented that the challenges were limiting construction of mass and affordable houses. Experts’ views Speaking in one of the sessions, Lead Partner, Detail Commercial Solicitors, Mr. Ayuli Jemide, noted that only five per cent of existing housing stock in the country qualified as affordable. He blamed the gap on sub-optima land tenure system, stifling mortgage, outdated land titling and registration system. According to him, the Land Use Act has been controversial,

especially with the problems that have to do with the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O). He pointed out that the nation’s land law was silent on what happens to C of O granted developers after 99 years of expiration. Besides, he said there were associated problems with governor’s consent, pointing out that the fees charged was extremely high, while it took long time to issue. “The cost of obtaining it is exorbitant and it can take two years to get it,” he said. Jemide noted that delay in getting governor’s consent could increase political risk on projects as incoming administration might not want to continue with ongoing projects of his predecessor. He said: “Land titling and registration is archaic; only three per cent of land mass in Nigeria is on the registration list; no regulation for strata titling. It is digital as you must go there yourself; there is dependency on owner’s records, and there is ample subjectivity, which breeds corruption in the system.” According to him, the Land Use Act prohibited foreigners from owning land unlike other countries. This ban, he said, would always limit investment in real estate. He said: “Solution to this is just regulation from Council of States.” On the nation’s mortgage system, Jemide said it had stifled real estate investment, noting that interest rate was on the high side as well as absence of foreclosure laws. “There is no centralised credit history; there is low pool of

A naira denominated single digit mortgage loan is ideal for now. Road to seek foreign fund for housing should stop

affordable loans to middle income housing,” he added. On his part, Group Chairman, Dunn Loren Merrifield, Mr. Sonnie Ayere, stated that access to finance had been a challenge in real estate sector. Managing Director, El-Alan Construction Company, Mr. Andra Geday, noted that it took between two and 18 months to get planning permit in Nigeria apart from other challenges. According to him, building approval, which he described as “highly political,” would take longer time before receiving government’s nod. Mortgage Decrying absence of cheap fund for mortgage finance in the country, the Managing Director, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Professor Charles Inyangete, said that his corporation was not immune from general challenges, pointing out that it also sourced money from the capital market and other avenues. According to him, FMBN’s sole aim is to provide access to liquidity in order to promote wide home ownership among Nigerians. To achieve this goal, he said the firm had put in place uniform underwriting standard for mortgage refinancing; raised new debt instrument (Bond issue); deepened mortgage coverage, created Model Mortgage and Foreclosure Law (MMFL), rolled out a technical platform for mortgage market and provided mortgage market information portal. He said the company has singed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with various state governments to adopt MMFL. Besides, he said the agency was in the process of creating underwriting standard for the informal sector. “That is the kind of market we are developing,” he said Head, Real Estate Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Eseosa John

Ekhaguere, decried current high interest rate, saying, “it’s killing.” Govt’s resolution Minister of Power, Work and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, listed some major reforms the current government has been able to carry out in the housing sector since it assumed office. To tackle the nations 17 million housing deficit, he said that different approaches had been adopted by looking inward to fill the gap. Represented by his Special Adviser on Urban Development and Housing, Mr Abiodun Oki, the minister said that his ministry had adopted six standard house designs for the country by looking inward for building materials. Consequently, he said that major finishing materials for the housing schemes would be locally sourced to empower indigenous industries. He said: “In order to build 250,000 units of that type of house, this market will need to produce one million doors. This does not include pipes, taps and sockets for electrical appliances. “We have resolved not to use imported doors, windows, tiles, ceilings, plumbing accessories, cables, paint and iron – mongery on our housing schemes.” According to him, house designs will include one, two and three bedroom bungalows; blocks of 16 and 24 flats of one, two and three bedrooms; and bungalows of one and two bedrooms The minister disclosed that 24 states had made land available in their territories for the project. In order to differentiate between genuine developers and fake ones, Fashola stated that it had been agreed between his ministry and Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) that developers that will participate in the governCONTINUED ON PAGE 28

TUESDAY, october 11 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Business | Homes & Property

Lagos unveils plans for affordable, sustainable housing BLUEPRINT Lagos to have a comprehensive master plan by 2018

Dayo Ayeyemi and Muritala Ayinla

oining the rest of the world to observe the 2016 World Habitat Day, Lagos State government has disclosed plans to promote adequate and affordable housing. It also reinstated commitment to promote sustainable planned human settlement. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Wasiu Anifowoshe, disclosed this during pre-briefing of the event in Lagos. He stated that approvals had been granted to complete all abandoned housing estates under the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgages Schemes, adding that the authority was also making effort to add to the existing stock. To enhance accessibility, he said the state government, led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had introduced rent to own initiative to the scheme, while outright purchase by home seekers is also encouraged. In an attempt to promote safe, livable and sustainable orderly development, Anifowoshe said that the entire state would have a comprehensive master plan by 2018. He said the government had already awarded Ikorodu and Epe local government master plans,

adding that Kosofe master plan would be awarded by 2017. On its importance, the commissioner stated that the master plan would enable the state government design and promote an orderly development. New Telegraph learnt that a couple of model city plans that cover Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Agege, Ikeja, Alimosho and others have already been prepared to guide the growth of Lagos mega city. The commissioner, while speaking in one of the event to mark the 50TH Anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Lagos, disclosed that the government would commence construction of the New Mile 12 market fence and Phase 1

of the market in Imota before the end of the year, adding that the fund for the project had just been allotted to his ministry. He said: “Before the end of the year, the fencing of Imota Regional Food Market and the construction of phase 1 of the market will commence.” The commissioner said the government had just gotten approval for the re-ordering of the budget for the development of the market, adding that the market was not budgeted for in 2016 but got approval by the state House of Assembly for the fund. Meanwhile, professional town planners have called on Governor Ambode to involve them in the ongoing infrastructural renewal and devel-

opment in the state. Chairman, NITP, Lagos chapter, Salami Adekunle, who made the call, said for the state to build an enduring mega city, town planners must be fully involved. He said: “Town planners are city managers. They are trained to ensure orderliness. They are trained to ensure functionality and sustainability, just as the popular saying goes if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.” “Ours is to ensure that whatever that needs to be placed into a place has to be placed in a manner that will not conflict with other uses. What we do generally is to allocate land uses to ensure there is functionality and economic of purpose.”

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, 3Invest Limited, Ms. Ruth Obih; one of the Special Advisers to the Minister of Power, Work and Housing, Mr. Abiodun Oki; and Managing Director, UPDC,Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran during Real Estate Unite conference at the weekend in Lagos.

FG urged to assist victims of Kaduna tremor

he committee set up to carry out assessment of Kaduna tremor and its impacts on the people, has urged the Federal Government to provide building materials for the affected victims in the interim. This according to a statement, is to allow them rebuild their houses pending the outcome of an assessment report by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The committee is made up of officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and NGSA According to NEMA North

West Zonal Coordinator, Musa Illalah, there is an urgent need to rebuild over 300 houses affected while the report from the NGSA will enable the government take action on whether or not to relocate the victims from the area. Illalah said that his agency was in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the NGSA, local government officials, and traditional rulers in Jaba local Government to undertake an assessment of the affected areas. He said: “We wrote our report and recommendations to the Federal Government for urgent intervention to the victims, whom we

recommended the provision of building materials. “Ours is to keep close touch with the geological service agency and when they share the report with us, we will know what role to play.” He pointed out that the responsibility was on NEMA to determine whether affected residents should be relocated. “That is why the geological agency is on ground and we are working in close collaboration. Unless that recommendation is made, I don’t know whether we can say it is safe or not for people to live there,” he said.

‘How to break housing barriers’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

ment’s housing scheme must be accredited, certified and ranked before participation. Solution Jemide stated that housing was government’s problem, noting that constitutionally, it was the right of every citizens to have a roof over his heads. While private sector investment in housing is imperative, the investment lawyer called on the government to lead by providing adequate framework

According to him, both federal and state governments would have been spending less on medical and accidents cases if the government understand purpose of drainages and ensure the roads are good and designed in a manner that will be accident free. “Planning has bearing in all facets of life. It is like having a home without proper planning on where the chair will be and where the bed and electronics will be stationed,” he said. He advised Ambode to give priority attention to the role and welfare of town planners in the scheme of things, saying that the government should not look at town planners only when building collapses.

that encourages mass and affordable accommodation. He said: “A naira denominated single digit mortgage loan is ideal for now. Road to seek foreign fund for housing should stop, it is not sustainable currently.” Ekhaguere urged the government to do something about the current interest rate. He suggested: “We need to have intervention fund for housing just like we have for power and agriculture sectors, because housing is an

essential human need.” He urged the gover nment and other stakeholders to seek a way out of the current economic recession through massive investment and deployment of resources into real estate. Conclusion One of the barometers for measuring the economy in most great nations is the housing market. The government needs to invest in housing for positive growth in the economy.

‘Technology’ll solve Ghana’s housing challenges’

dvancement in technology will help solve Ghana’s housing challenges, Executive Director, Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), Samuel Amegayibor, has said. Recounting some accomplishments that have been made possible through technology, he said Ghana could make use of technology to provide affordable housing at low-cost to the working class. He is of the opinion that the nation’s housing sector has seen tremendous improvement through the use of modern technology. Amegayibor urged that technology should be embraced by Ghanaians to enhance capabilities in all sectors of the economy in order to reduce daily confrontation between landlords and tenants in managing houses. “It is not that we haven’t done it in the past, but with some of the IT solutions that are available now, if you have a condominium or apartment for example, you can use some of these smart products to automate some of the service,” he said. Amegayibor, who is also the Managing Director of Homes Direct Limited, said technology had become a must learn with the fast changing environment. He urged all industries to embrace technology to advance their businesses and work output.

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AVIATION

Passengers recieving/ making calls onboard an airplane

Is cell phone use dangerous to air safety? All over the world, use of mobile phone on board airplane is prohibited, making users liable to prosecution. Nigeria, like many other nations of the world, do not take kindly to this and the rule is strictly enforced to ensure safety in the sky. WOLE SHADARE writes

The big question Why do airlines advise passengers to turn off all mobile phones and all electronic appliances prior to aircraft taking off and landing, and sometimes even while it is at a cruising altitude? This is one question that almost any curious first time flyer on an aircraft or even regular flyers would like to get an answer to. Sometimes you are still fiddling with the phone trying to make the last call or send perhaps a last Small Messaging System (SMS) to a close friend or family members. It could be to alert that you are about to depart and to get the other person at the other end informed so that they can pick you up once you arrive. It could even be, particularly for those with a phobia to fly, a call for a prayer of supplication for a safe flight. Then from nowhere, comes the warning; it’s a voice from the aircraft public address systems. “Please turn off your phones and any other electronic device”. For years, frequent flyers have complained about the inability to use their electronic

devices on planes. Several people have questioned why they can’t make phone call from their cell phone during a flight. The reasons This reason has its basis in both practical applications of science and in the law. Cell phones and wireless devices such as laptops emit active transmissions on the electromagnetic spectrum, also found in devices that include phones, radios and Wi-Fi networks. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has the regulatory power over the use of electronic devices on airplanes and it has banned the use of electronic devices on planes for fear that the electromagnetic interference associated with their use could affect the delicately calibrated and critically important instruments used to help the pilot fly the plane. Anyone who has ever set a mobile phone near a radio or television speaker and heard the effects, which alters the sounds from the speaker will readily appreciate and understand the reason for this concern. Imagine what that sort of interference multiplied by the dozens or hundreds of passengers on a particular aircraft all using electronic devices at the same time could amount to. It would be a real catastrophe. It could compromise the aircraft safety. American aircraft manufacturer, Boeing also investigated several cases in the 1990s where aircraft crews reported that laptop computers or gaming devices caused autopilot disconnects, un-commanded airplane rolls or instrument display malfunctions. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 ban Recently, Nigeria joined the

If use of cell phones could cause obstruction to navigational aids, so why are some airlines allowing cell phone use?

United States of America, Australia, and other European countries to ban the use or even the charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones on any airborne aircraft in the country. Samsung immediately after the incident recalled over 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices it manufactured recently, citing several reported cases of overheating and outright explosion by users. “NCAA has directed passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft,” said the NCAA. . “In addition, these phones must not be stowed away in any checked-in baggage and importantly, all airlines are hereby advised to emphasise the prohibition of this devices on board during passenger briefings by the Cabin Crew,” the statement added. The saying that to be forewarned is to be forearmed comes handy here. If you are a passenger on an airline and are asked to turn off the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 or any electronic device for any reason, whether you believe it to be valid or not, please comply. Indeed, your compliance will ensure the safety of your flight and will also save you from facing serious criminal charges from the NCAA. The same weight of the law applies to anyone caught smoking on board an aircraft. Poser? The question many are asking is that if use of cell phones could cause obstruction to navigational aids, so why are some airlines now allowing cell phone use? Curiously, all the regulations in the world still haven’t prevented airline passengers from casually whipping out the cell phone every now and then. About one to four cell phone calls were made during every commercial flight, according to a 2006 study from Carnegie Mel-

lon University in Pittsburgh. Funny enough, the FAA even had to advise aircraft crewmembers to turn off their cell phones during take-off and landing, after an incident in early 2009. In that case, a first officer’s ringtone proved potentially distracting during take-off — but as the crew pointed out, their General Operations Manual did not prohibit them from keeping their cell phones on. Social etiquette Another reason many airlines discourage cell phone usage is simple social etiquette. If a passenger wants to relax and enjoy the flight, it doesn’t serve her well to have the person in the next seat gabbing away on his cell phone. Additionally, since cell phone reception tends to be choppy on airplanes, people need to speak louder than they usually would during a phone conversation. According to ABC News travel expert Rick Seaney, some airlines look at cell phone restrictions as a selling point for travellers looking to have a nice, quiet trip. Conflicting safety rules Airline passengers will be able to use their mobile phones on aircraft throughout landing and take-off, as long as the airline chooses to allow it, after the European aviation regulator ruled that they do not pose a risk to aircraft safety. Under current rules, all passengers have to switch their mobile phones to “airplane mode” during take-off and landing, which switches off all transmitters and receivers, effectively making them nothing more than a handheld computer and unable to make phone calls, send text messages or transmit data. But the EASA has now offered new guidance, which alCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | AVIATION

HIGH DEMAND Airbus’ best-selling A320 Family led the month’s deliveries Stories Wole Shadare

irbus’ new business logged in September for 49 of its single-aisle and wide-body jetliners included bookings that brought total orders for the A320neo (new engine option) Family to more than 4,800, while the month’s 62 deliveries ref lected the continued ramp-up in Airbus aircraft production. The transactions included Vietjet’s order for 10 A321neo and 10 A321ceo (current engine option) versions to accommodate growth on this Vietnamese carrier’s domestic and regional network – bringing Vietjet’s firm orders with Airbus to a total of 119 A320 Family aircraft, composed of 54 A320s and 65 A321s. Vietjet currently is operating a fleet of 36 A320ceo/A321ceo jetliners. In another order from Vietnam, Jetstar Pacific Airlines finalised a purchase agreement for 10 A320ceo aircraft, marking its first direct order with Airbus. The booking by this joint venture of Vietnam Airlines and the Qantas Group will supplement an existing fleet of 12 leased A320 Family aircraft that are flying with Jetstar Pacific on domestic and regional routes.

Airbus’ deliveries ramp up 4,800 aircraft production •Sells 62 airplanes in Sept 2016 Also included in the September transactions were eight A320neo and three A330-300 aircraft for an undisclosed customer. Completing the month’s new business was an order for eight A330-200s, which will be converted by Airbus Defence and Space into A330 MRTT multi-role aerial tanker/transport aircraft for the French Air Force based on an order from the France’s DGA defence procurement agency. Taking the month’s bookings and cancellations into

account, Airbus net orders for 2016 totalled 380 aircraft through 30 September (composed of 304 A319/A320/ A321neo aircraft, 13 A320/ A321ceo versions, 16 A330ceo, 14 A330neo jetliners and 33 A350 XWBs). Airbus’ best-selling A320 Family led the month’s deliveries. Of the 53 single-aisle aircraft provided in September, eight were A320neo versions – with four of them received by IndiGo, two by AirAsia, along with one each for Pegasus Airlines and

Volaris. AirAsia and Volaris both became new operators of the A320neo Family. For the Airbus wide-body families, among the three A330s provided to customers in September was the first for RwandAir, making the Republic of Rwanda’s national flag carrier the A330 launch operator in East Africa. The worldwide fleet of A350 XWBs grew by five aircraft during the month, with China Airlines receiving its initial “Xtra Wide Body” jetliner, as well as follow-on de-

Is cell phone use dangerous to air safety? CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 29

lows airlines to change their own rules and allow mobile phones to be used “throughout the flight”. It will be up to each airline to decide whether or not to allow the use of phones on board and each company will have to go through its own assessment process to ensure that their aircraft systems are not affected in any way by the transmission signals. EASA spokesperson Ilias Maragakis said that the latest guidance was “more about being able to offer gate-to-gate services”. Although airlines have been able to offer customers the chance to use their phone during the cruising section of the flight for several years – something, which Lufthansa and British Airways had already taken advantage of - it has been banned during landing and take-off until now. Conclusion Even before cell phone usage was common, a number of airlines provided passengers with pay phones that were built right into their seats. Each time a call is made; a passenger scans his credit card and is charged a sum of money based on the length of his call.

liveries of one each to Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, LATAM Airlines Group and Qatar Airways. Completing the September deliveries was an A380 for Emirates, further reinforcing the Dubai-based airline’s position as the world’s largest fleet operator of this doubledeck airliner. The month’s delivery pace also confirmed Airbus’ ramp-up of jetliner output, with a total of 462 aircraft provided to 72 customers from January through the end of September, compared to 446 deliveries during the same timeframe in 2015.

Cross section of Nigeria airways workers based in Atlanta

Ex-Bristow Helicopters’ workers undergo entrepreneurial training

ixteen ex-workers of Bristow Helicopters Nigeria have been urged to invest their benefits wisely by taking advantage of new opportunities in the businesses environment. The ex-staff, at an entrepreneurial training organised by Bristow Helicopter were challenged to seek for opportunities in various sectors of the economy. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the three days programme in Lagos, facilitator of the training and Chief Executive Officer of Safecrest Services Limited, Mr. Solomon Ohiomah said the programme is de signed to assist the participants to amongst others, plan for a qualitative life after former employment and identify available business opportunities in the business environment. Also, it is to give a guide to the fundamentals of generating business ideas, preparing business plans, setting up and managing a

business as well as personal finance management. Ohiomah explained that leaving formal employment is neither a calamity nor a death sentence, rather it is time to retire and re-fire into other areas of human endeavours and a time to embark on new ways of life. He said the government and companies must prepare workers to look forward with confidence to retirement as a new and inevitable phase of life. The workshop features paper presentations on framework for personal financing planning, economic and coping strategies in a recession, career and personal development. Others are forms of business and how to register them, writing bankable business plans and sources of start-up capital as well will-preparations, prudent management and investment and pension and gratuity administration.

Why Nigeria needs a national carrier, by Ex-Nigeria Airways’ workers

ormer Nigeria Airways’ aircrew based in Atlanta have stressed the need for Nigerian government to float a new airline to ease movement. Speaking at the Xwt aircrew convention 2016, the President of the association, Wola Adegbonmire said having a national carrier will not only transport people from place to place, but will serve as ambassadorial anywhere across the world. Adegbonmire explained that airlines do not only advertise their countries but create awareness. According to her, the Xwt aircrew made up of former workers of the Nigeria Airways, crew among others has been duly registered with the aim of creating awareness to the defunct national airline and public charity works. “This is a lawfully registered nonprofit organization that believe in bringing awareness to the defunct National Airline and public charity works.

It is made up of former staff of the now defunct Nigeria Airways. Mostly predominant in this organization are ex cabin crew, cockpit crew and operations staff. We currently have several chapters in the United States of America, England and Nigeria” She explained that the organisation was deliberating on ideas including ways of developing Nigeria’s aviation sector. While commending members of the organisation, the President recognised the former SAHCOL boss, Dr Olu Owolabi for his various contributions in ensuring the growth of the organisation. “I specially thank the Atlanta X-crew for a wonderful reception and making this convention a unique one. They assured us to just come and I thank the Patron of this association in place of Mr. Olu Owolabi. He is not only supporting the association financially but in all areas to make us progressive and be in unity.”

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Inauguration ECS’ N27m school project lifts pupils’ education

Education

Teachers’ Day Teachers bemoan welfare at World Teachers’ Day

33 35

Row over unity schools’ restructuring •PTA, ASCSN: Govt misplacing priorities •FG: Decision in schools’ best interest DISAGREEMENT Key stakeholders, such as management and parents, under the aegis of Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) of the 104 Unity Colleges have faulted the directive by the Federal Government, pegging all levies charged in the schools at N5,000, saying the order is out to create fresh crisis in the system

Mojeed Alabi

he once cordial relationship among key stakeholders of the 104 Unity Schools, otherwise referred to as Federal Government Colleges, seemed to have grown frosty in the last few weeks. There is palpable disquiet among the stakeholders including the proprietor of the colleges, the Federal Government; management and the National Parents and Teachers Association of Federal Government Colleges (NAPTAFEGC), who are no longer in good terms following moves by the government to put the activities in the colleges under stiff control. Principals, teachers and PTA members of the colleges have frowned at the decision of the Federal Government to peg levies charged by the PTAs to N5,000, as well as reduction in the schools’ admission quotas. “The decision of the Federal Government will definitely affect the management of the schools negatively,” impeccable sources in some of the schools told New Telegraph. For instance, investigations by New Telegraph indicated that the academic and non-academic staff members employed by the PTA in

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

Cross section of Queen’s College students

some of the schools including the King’s College and Queen’s Colleges, Lagos; as well as the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, among others, had been relieved of their appointments following the Federal Government’s directive. In most of the colleges, the PTAs were said to have hired teachers and non-teaching staff as a result of acute shortage of personnel in the schools and the failure of the government, the proprietor of the colleges, to recruit enough teachers. At the Queen’s College in particular, investigations revealed that about 45 teachers, more than 10 cooks, 10 cleaners, six nurses and about 15 private security personnel recruited by and under the PTA payroll, with a salary of about N15 million per term, had been summarily dismissed by the college. The situation was said to be the same in almost all the colleges across the federation, except in some few ones located in the remote communities, where New Telegraph learnt that the PTA had decided to continue with the contributions silently. Following this development, apart from the loss of jobs by several workers, who are affected by the government action, the colleges seem to be on the brink of epidemics projected to break out due to the sack of cleaners and other categories of low cadre workers in most of the schools. There is also the dearth of qualified teachers and health attendants, and thereby leaving the pupils at the mercy of the few available ones,

I will not allow the PTAs to constitute themselves into a government within a government...

who according to the managements of the schools, are grossly inadequate. It would be recalled that based on complaints by many stakeholders, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, through the Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Bem Goong, had on Tuesday, August 9, banned development levies charged by Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) in the 104 Unity Colleges across the country. According to Goong, the ban, which is aimed at alleviating the sufferings of parents, had taken effect immediately. The Minister had in the statement said: “No PTA of any Unity College is allowed to initiate any development project in any of the colleges without the express or written authorisation of the Federal Ministry of Education. The new measures are aimed at arresting the shocking trend where development levies imposed on parents by PTAs are becoming higher than the school fees charged by the Federal Government, the proprietor of the unity schools.” The ministry said that the minister, Adamu Adamu, had noted with dismay the excessive PTA levies, charged especially at King’s College and the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos respectively. In the two schools, according to the statement, fees charged for Junior Secondary School (JSS I) in the first term was N69,400, while the PTA collection was N70, 000 at King’s College and N74,000 at Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba.

The statement reads in part: “This brings the total fees paid by parents of students in the two schools to N139,400 and N143, 400 respectively. With the reduction on development levies and ban on charges for new projects as well as pegging of the development levy to a maximum of N5,000, parents of JSSI students in the two schools will now pay N88,000. “I acknowledge the complementary roles played by parents, under their umbrella union, the PTA and the support provided by the association to the colleges, but I will not allow the PTAs to constitute themselves into a government within a government at the level of unity schools and at the expense of parents.” However, in a swift reaction to the development, the PTA has described the move as misplacement of priority, saying it was standing by its earlier allegation of more than 300 per cent increment in the schools’ fees by the government. Therefore, the National Parents and Teachers Association of Federal Government Colleges (NAPTAFEGC) is insisting that the increment in the students’ school fees would without any doubt place a burden on parents. The association’s National President, Gabriel Nnaji, had told journalists in Abuja, that the alleged increment in the school fees from N20,000 to N75,000 was unacceptable to the parents. This was even as the union leader lamented that an average parent with more than a child in unity schools would not be able to CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

education

University of Ibadan (UI) don and Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Ademola Ladele, has proffered solutions to the challenges confronting of Agricultural Extension Services in the country. The lecturer offered the solutions during the inaugural lecture of the institution, entitled: “Extension Everywhere, Extending Nowhere: The Cacophony of Agricultural Extension in Nigeria,” which he delivered at the Trenchard Hall of the ivory tower. Ladele, in his lecture, told his audience comprising the ViceChancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, who chaired the lecture, and other principal officers of the university that Agricultural Extension grew out of the need to solve problems of those who had non-formal education. “These farmers would be involved in an on-going process of sharing useful information that will assist in acquiring the necessary capability to utilize the information and technologies effectively,” he said.

NISER, AERC decry teachers’productivity Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER and African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) have said that the problem of service provision in Nigeria education and health sectors was not the non-availability of personnel, but the low productivity of available teachers and health workers. The two bodies in a survey presented in Abuja, tagged: “Service Delivery Indicators (SDI),” noted that spending on education and health by the Federal Government may not necessarily result in improved service delivery if concerted efforts were not made to address the various factors responsible for low productivity in the two sectors. Specifically, they want the Teacher’s Registration Council of Niger (TRCN) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education, as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Primary Health Care Development Authority to be alive to their responsibilities. According to Dr. Fadeyibi Opeyemi, who presented the findings of the survey to journalists, low level of technical knowledge required to deliver services, low level of provider efforts, lack of motivation to work and absence of necessary input to deliver services were found to be responsible for low productivity in education and health sectors. The survey, she said, was carried out between June 2013 and January 2014 in four states on education and 12 states of the federation for the health sector, noting that the focus of the two surveys was the assessment of quality of services at the primary level.

Don offers antidote to agric extension services crises

According to him, the strength of agriculture extension is presented in a three-dimensional model as deep, broad, and methodical. The don, however, said that the depth generated from its application in many disciplines would go a long way in positively affecting human livelihood, even as he described it as being

broad-based on the diversity of disciplines from which it must tap knowledge to be effective. He added that the application is methodical, deriving from the research tools and methods adopted for use in arriving at empirical basis for problem solving. In fact, Ladele listed the major challenges that marred the

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayinka and Prof. Ladele after the lecture

effectiveness of Agricultural Extension in Nigeria to include among others, but not limited to unsuitable farmers’ production environment and value chain; weak judgment and faulty agricultural policy implementation; and poor funding of agriculture. Others challenges, he noted are poor extension contact and capacity building initiatives; poor recognition of extension professionals and collaboration; climate change and security challenge; impunity and corruption. Some of solutions proffered to the numerous challenges bedevilling extension services in the country by the don include institutionalising of policies that will create funding arrangement for special university entrepreneurial programmes for the graduates of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development; the creation of more rural community radio across the nation; the professionalisation of extension practice.

Nestle, govt train teachers on water education Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

estle Waters Nigeria has launched a water project education programme in Ogun State with the training of 30 selected teachers from primary school in the state. Tagged: “Project Water Education for Teachers,” the programme is aimed at inculcating the importance of water management and safe water education in pupils of public primary schools across the state. The project is in partnership with State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA). Speaking at the inauguration of the project in Abeokuta, the state capital, the Country Business Manager of Nestle Waters, Mr. Jason Lambe, said a total of 8,500 school children would be reached by the programme this year. Lambe, who was represented by the company’s Marketing Manager, Mrs. Gloria Nwabuike, pointed out that the initiative was aimed at delivering education programmes to help children, parents and teachers to understand water conservation and hydration issues. He noted that access to clean drinking water and sanitation is the right of the people, but expressed regret that 663 million people still have no access to improved drinking water sources, while 2.4 billion others lack adequate sanitation according to the United Nations reports. Lambe explained that Nestle Waters commenced implementation of PWET in Nigeria in early 2012 and expanded the project to Lagos and Osun States, as well as Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “We work with expert partners to raise awareness of water conservation issues by supporting Project WET, a global water education initiative that delivers education programmes to help children, parents and teachers to understand water conservation and hydration issues. “In 2015, a total of 5,994 school children and 363 teachers were trained. During the same period, 115 schools in Lagos and Osun States benefitted from the programme and this year, we aim at reaching 140 schools.” The manager assured the people that as the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company, Nestle will continue to play significant role in tackling water challenges by educating children and teachers on issues such as hydration and health, water use and environmental stewardship. The schools that are piloting the PWET in the state include All Saints Anglican Primary School, Igbesa; Ansar-Ud-Deen Practising School, Ota; ChinaNigeria Friendship Model Primary School, Igbesa; L.A. Primary School, Igere, Agbara; and L.A. Primary School, Ketu Adie Owe.

Others are L.A. Primary School, Orile Igboko; Methodist Primary School, Odugbe; Saint Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Orile Imo; Salvation Army Primary School I, Agbara; and Salvation Army Primary School II, Edu, Agbara. In her remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota insisted that steps should be taken to educate the young ones on the imperative of conserving clean and potable water. Mujota added that such steps would go a long way in helping school children to learn how to safeguard water resources in order to foster good health and living. She said: “We must internalise the consciousness that the way we treat water in our immediate neighbourhood not only affects us negatively or positively, but the entire world. “Research has shown and proved that water-borne diseases and epidemics are the direct product of human abuse and carelessness. If we desire long life and prosperous health, we must therefore treat our waters right.”

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

TETFund seeks expansion of education’s tax net Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has called for the expansion of the two per cent education tax net to more corporate entities. The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, who made this call during the joint TETFund/Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) workshop in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, also made case for enforcement of compliance in the payment of the tax by companies. “One of the key things we want is enforced compliance. Those companies that are within the education tax net should pay correctly and those that are outside should be brought in,” he said. On the recent ranking of the University of Ibadan (UI) as 801best university in the world, Baffa said that more institutions in the country would soon be added to the list of top univerrsities at the global level. He said the improved ranking of UI by Times Higher Education World University Ranking was largely due to TETFund intervention projects. His words: “It is very gratifying for the Fund, as it is for every Nigerian to hear that University of Ibadan is among the top five per cent universities in the world. The 2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, released only last week, has ranked UI at 801st position in the world. “This is one testimony that TETFund intervention is making the desired impact and let me assure UI and indeed all other all beneficiary institutions that they would continue to enjoy the improved and determined support of the Fund at every step of their journey to the top of the league table.” While saying that President Muhammadu Buhari was worried about the low ranking of Nigerian universities, Baffa said TETFund has been tasked to work with relevant institutions to arrest and reverse the trend. “To achieve this, it would require among other things, focused and targeted inflow of funding to benefiting institutions through the Fund,” he said. L-R: Registrar, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Mrs. Folake Okor; ViceChancellor, Prof. Aina Ayandiji and the Dean, College of Postgraduate Studies and President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Segun Ajibola at the university’s 6th convocation press conference.

education

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

ECS’ school project lifts pupils’ education

Kayode Olanrewaaju

he stress and hardship pupils and teachers of Saint Aloysius Primary School, Iloti-Ijebu, an agrarian community in Itamapako in Ijebu-Ode Central Local Government Area of Ogun State, and their teachers are facing in acquiring and delivering qualitative education are now a thing of the past. Thanks to a block of four classrooms, five water system toilets, teachers and pupils’ furniture, sanitary wares and learning toys for nursery classes built and handed over to the school by the Educational Co-operation Society (ECS), a non-profit organisation, working in collaboration with the Association Zabaketa of Bilboa, Spain with funding assistance from Diputacion Foral de Bizkaia, Spain. Prior to the handing over of the classroom structure and facilities, the school, which was founded in 1910 was beset by the problem of dilapidated structures and shortage of classroom facilities, inadequate teachers, lack of functional toilets and dearth of facilities that made teaching-learning process uninteresting and unattractive to the pupils and teachers. “The school, being the only public primary school in the community has been facing series of challenges ranging from poor facilities, lack of school furniture for teachers and pupils, inadequate classrooms for effective teaching and learning, shortage of quality teachers and lack of toilets following the agelong neglect of the school by the Ogun State Government,” the Chairman of the school’s Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Prince A. Ajayi said. With over 500 pupils on the school enrolment, the HeadTeacher, Mrs. Kehinde Oduniyi said the facilities donated by ECS would go a long way in addressing shortage of facilities confronting the school, as well as enhance the quality of education being offered to the children. “It is on this note that I, on behalf of the management, teachers and pupils of the school, as well as the entire Iloti community thank the Educational Cooperation Society for these wonderful gifts to the school,” she said. While handing over the project to the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Educa-

The new classroom block donated to the school

Dr. Iheanacho (2nd left); Mr. Kuoye and Mr. Ajimogobia, cutting the tape to inaugurate the project, while others watch.

tion Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Abdul Jeleel Olatunde Okewole, who was represented by Mr. Lai Kuoye, the representative of Association Zabalketa, Mr. Ajumogobia Sogoma, said the school development project was aimed at strengthening civil society in rural areas of the country. To carry out the project, he said ECS organised women and men in the community as a Community Development Forum who worked jointly and came up with social initiative to design and supervise the construction of the classroom block for their children. Ajumogobia, therefore, urged the state and local government to encourage rural initiatives by supporting their developmental

Kayode Olanrewaju

public school in Ojodu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School has launched the state’s law apps and official website of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), which was developed by the students. The Information Technology device was launched at the Ojodu LCDA Secretariat in Lagos. According to one of the designers of the Apps programme, a 15-year-old Senior School (SS 3) student, Akintola Ebenezer, the Ojodu LCDA website was designed in such a way that everyone could get information concerning Ojodu, the council and

plans and spread the teaching of Gender Studies in schools across the state. As part of its development strategies for education, the ECS has developed a curriculum and textbook on Gender Studies, Civic Education for primary level in public and private schools, which are being distributed to schools pupils to enhance their education. Towards this end, he said: “The Educational Cooperation Society is a non-profit educational trust instituted in 1968 and that is open to partnership with corporate and government stakeholders in the delivery of social services. “Our services have been inspired to a great extent by the

ideas drawn from the teaching of St. Josemaria Escriva, who encouraged us to work with people of good will irrespective of their religion and cultiure, at the service of common good of the society.” Built with N27 million, the Managing Director of ECS, Dr. Chudi Ihenacho, said the educational infrastucture project was the third phase of the society’s intervention, aimed at contributing to strengthen and promoting community and education development. He listed some of the areas of intervention of the group to include women leadership towards analysing and planning to meet social needs of their communities; provision of modern class-

rooms and toilets to enhance school learning environment; development of gender equality studies curriculum for primary schools and teacher training for transmission of gender values to pupils; provision of potable water to schools and water reticulation of homes; and establishment of Community Development Forum as well as community voice portal, as vehicles to enhance women and community participation in development plans in their various local government areas. The traditional ruler of the community, the Baale, High Chief Omonitoju Fesobi, who was represented by the Secretary of Chiefs in Council, Chief Felix Ayankoya, lauded ECS for the project, saying: “This is a project we have attempted for several years, but which we could not realise. We are grateful to ECS and we are aware that the project gulped several millions of naira.” Therefore, the traditional ruler, who bemoaned lack of the state government’s presence in the community over the last 20 years, appealed to SUBEB to provide other necessary facilities for the school. He wondered that teachers were being transferred from the school without replacement, even as he lamented that from 36 teachers, the school presently have 18 teachers, while pupils’ enrolment and facilities are dwindling on daily basis. Receiving the keys to the classrooms, the SUBEB Chairman, who was represented by Mr. Lai Kuoye, said some of the facilities handed over to the school during the commissioning and handing over ceremony include wooden chairs and desks; 40 plastic chairs and 10 tables for the Early Childhood Development Classes (ECDC). While calling on other corporate organisations and wellmeaning individuals to emulate the ECS’ gesture, Okewole, however, noted: “Indeed your gesture at renovating this block of four classrooms is worthy of praise and in line with present administration at improving physical structure by building befitting edifice for our pupils.” He pledged the readiness of SUBEB to take the inventory of the facilities and needs of the school with a view to determining where the Board and the state government would intervene in further development of the school.

Lagos students develop mobile apps, website its environs without hitches. “The training and experience is a worthwhile venture and I will make good use of the knowledge,” he said. Another beneficiary and a 13-year-old SS 2 student of the school, Kaku Kemi Marvelous said the Lagos State Laws mobile apps would enable the public to have unfettered access to the laws of the state through mobile devices, stressing that with the apps Lagosians could download and have access and knowledge about the laws of the state. The convener of the programme, Mr. Rasak Adekoya, who trained the students during the summer on how to develop and

design mobile apps and websites, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the knowledge they have acquired to better the society at large. “The challenge we have in the country today, is that we have schools but lack pragmatic change,” he said, adding that the aim was to impact pragmatic change on 57 schools in 57 Local Government Areas and LCDA in the state by 2018. While saying that unemployment was a major challenge in the country, he noted that with about 1.8 million students graduating from the nation’s tertiary institutions yearly and with 30.5 million people currently unemployed,

such a relevant skill would go a long way in helping to reduce the unemployment rate and solve some of the problems in the society. “I trained these young minds as part of my contributions to better the society. I want to say here that no support from any individual or organisation for the programme, as I spent my personal earnings on the programme,” he noted. However, the Sole Administrator of Ojodu LCDA, Alhaja Olushola Kokumo commended Adekoya and his crew for the laudable project and urged youths to remain focused and resolute in the pursuits in order to live a quality life.

education | public discourse

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Abduction of Lagos pupils

Adebule: We must be united to rescue victims

Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule is the Lagos State Deputy Governor who doubles as the Commissioner for Education

Adebule

It is true that in the last 29 years that this school has been established, we have never experienced such a thing like this, but now that it has happened and it is confronting us, we must come together to find a lasting solution to it. We, as government, parents, the school and security agencies, must remain united to solve this problem. I know as parents you are angry, I know you are worried and I know you are agitated,

but we must look for solution. I plead for the understanding of parents in this matter. I know how traumatic it could be, I know how emotional the issue we are discussing could be, but the best we can do is to handle it with care and with utmost wisdom that God can give us. It is God who secures, it is God who protects and even in other climes where you have everything, you still have this type of incursion once in a while, but what we should be talking about is how we can

collectively solve this problem. We assure you all that the state government would do everything humanly possible to ensure the rescue of the victims, as a team of security operatives would stay behind in the school to secure the students and teachers. All security agencies including the Police, Air Force, Navy, the Army and others have been fully mobilised to ensure the rescue of the victims, and we have strong confidence in the success of the ongoing rescue operation.

Raheem: Our schools are too porous Mr. Segun Raheem is the Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT)

n behalf of the teachers in the state and Nigeria by extension, we express our sadness over this development and sympathise with the victims of this dastardly act. We pledge our support for all security operatives to ensure the safe return of our pupils and our members including a vice- principal. We shall offer necessary support to ensure their safe rescue. However, it is un-

fortunate that this is happening after we had cried to the state government, expressing our worry over the porosity of the security systems in the schools across the state. This is coming many months after our union had written to the state government through the state House of Assembly complaining of this porosity without any clear effort from the concerned authorities to address the situation.

Raheem

Based on the letter of complaint from our union, the House of Assembly had passed a recommendation mandating the state executive to provide adequate security in the schools, but till date, no effort has been made in that direction.

Danjuma: It’s a sad development Alhaji Haruna Danjuma is the National President of the National Association of Parent Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN)

s a parent and major stakeholder in the education sector, I particularly feel very sad about this kidnap. It is a big minus to whatever success we might have recorded within the nation’s education system. We have always discussed the issue of security in our schools and we have always discussed this at stakeholders’ fora, but all our suggestions were yet to be taken serious. The entire National President of the National Association of Parent Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) feels very sad that the

spate of insecurity in our schools is degenerating by the day. That is a big problem for this country because when the future of a nation cannot be secured, then the country is in a big mess. We will go back to the President and the Minister of Education over this development and our chairmen across the states will be mandated to meet with the state governors and other stakeholders to address the situation. The government needs strong partnership with various stakeholders including the teachers, parents and

Danjuma

members of the schools’ host communities to address this ugly development. It is unfortunate that when we are yet to secure freedom for our Chibok girls, and just few months after similar development happened in another Lagos school, we need to rise above these challenges and nip them in the bud.

interviews conducted by mojeed alabi

Adamu, Minister

Alogba-Olukoya, NUT President

Stakeholders kick against FG’s policy on unity schools CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 31

afford the cost. But the Minister had consistently denied any knowledge of the increment in school fees, saying the old regime of fees still stands. Also, in his reaction to the development, a Board of Trustee member of NAPTAFEGC and former Chairman of the PTA of the Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Elder Bode Akinlabi, alleged that some mischievous officers at the ministry might have misinformed the Minister. He said, but for the interventions of the parents, many of the unity schools would have become ghosts of themselves following the age-long neglect by the Federal Government. He said the colleges, which were conceived to be unifying institutions, bringing together young Nigerian teenagers from multifarious ethnic and religious divides with a view to instilling in them high quality education in an environment of academic and developmental excellence devoid of ethnic, religious or social stratification, had been allowed to degenerate due to the long years of neglect by the government. Akinlabi lamented: “Now, through the contributions of the parents, we have not only sustained excellence in the schools, we have also brought about in them unequaled excellent services, moral and religious dignity. “For many years, the Federal Government had not only reduced the subventions to the schools, it had also not been forthcoming in terms of subsidies on their foods, while ad-hoc staff members were no longer employed. In fact, retired teachers are not being replaced to fill the vacuum, yet enrollment has continued to increase over the years, with the bulk of social and physical infrastructure provided by the parents. While we are not complaining that we are

tired of providing for the future of our children and wards, we were shocked with the latest directives by the Minister.” Further investigations by New Telegraph reveled that apart from conducting admission personally by the Minister and his Minister of State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, the schools had been warned against increasing the admission quota allocated to the individual schools by the Federal Government. For instance, the Queen’s College, which used to admit between 550 and 600 candidates for an admission year, under the new order could only offer admission to about 320 new intakes, while the Federal Government College, Ikirun, Osun State, which used to admit about 300 pupils had its admission capacity pegged to only about 200 students, a development that has foreclosed admission to several Nigerian children. This development, according to some of the parents, is against the Federal Government’s quest to open up access to qualitative education and meet the Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking with New Telegraph, an officer of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in one of the schools, who craved anonymity, said its association is not opposed to the restructuring of the school system, but that restructuring without carrying critical stakeholders along could only lead to further destruction of the system. He said by reducing the number of intakes into the schools, the facilities already put in place by the PTAs will be lying fallow while thousands of applicants are being rejected by the schools based on the minister’s directive. “It is unfortunate that this is coming at a time of economic recession, when many parents are withdrawing their wards from private schools and willing to take them to government-

owned schools. But unfortunately, the unity schools that were regarded as standardised are now rejecting students,” the source noted. But Goong, the Director of Press at the Ministry of Education, explained that efforts by the Federal Government are geared towards restoring the schools’ lost glories, by bringing sanity to the administration and management of the schools. He said investigations had so far revealed that that the PTAs had almost taken over the administration of most of the schools, making admissions into the colleges an object for the highest bidders. Goong, who added that the Ministry had been inundated with allegations and counter-allegations of corruption against the school managements and the PTAs, insisted that the Federal Government could no longer fold its arms and allow the situation to degenerate. He said: “At the Admission Meetings for the Unity Schools, which its last edition took place at Akure, Ondo State, we discovered that the claim of the PTAs taking over the administration of the schools was because the schools had been admitting beyond the quotas allocated to them by the Federal Government. “As a result, the facilities have been allowed to be overstretched while the Federal Government is painted as irresponsible. As a solution, therefore, the meeting resolved that all schools should revert to the existing quotas based on their carrying capacities, and that the activities of the parents, under the PTA should be controlled to curb their excesses.” Goong said the government was aware of the need to open up access to quality education for Nigerian children, but that the government is also being cautious not to lose the education quality the pupils are meant to acquire.

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

campus

Teachers bemoan welfare at World Teachers’ Day Chidiebere Ejike and Ayobola Lawal

s Nigerian teachers joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, the Lagos State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has bemoaned the welfare and condition of service of the teachers. The union wondered that teachers are usually at the bottom of the ladder in terms of professional appreciation and called on the government at all levels as well as policy makers to improve the welfare of teachers. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers, Improving Their Status.” While welcoming guests and his colleagues to the event, which took place at the NUT Pavillion, Ikeja, Lagos, the state NUT Chairman, Comrade Adesegun Raheem said “the teachers should be valued and their status enhanced in order to promote the teaching profession and move the nation forward.” He argued that the socio-economic status of the teachers is a direct mirror and reflection of the state of the country’s education, saying: “All over the world, teachers are leaving the profession in droves for greener pastures because of poor working conditions and ignoble salaries compared

to other professionals. Our policy makers must enhance the teachers’ public image and status through improved welfare package to make them regain their lost image.” Speaking on the theme, which he described as apt and relevant, Adesegun noted that the quality of a nation’s education cannot be divorced from the quality of the teachers. However, the union leader lauded the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode for his spirited efforts towards enhancing the welfare of teachers, and for creating an enabling environment for teachers to thrive in the state. Adesegun, who described the governor as an astute administrator and chief patron of teachers in the state, however, noted that the governor was committed to ensuring that teachers receive necessary attention that will promote quality education in the state. He said: “The governor is giving educational infrastructure in Lagos State the desired attention and teachers’ professional and personal welfare in recognition of their contribution to the socio-economic growth of the society. Besides, the NUT Chair praised the pioneering efforts of the erstwhile governors of state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), and appealed to Governor Ambode to sustain their

efforts. In his keynote address, the guest speaker and the Executive Director of Solemilia Resources Centre, Comrade Olu Abiala, described teachers as a “personification of education and a sine qua non of its delivery.” He identified social disregard to teachers, professional obsolescence, scape-goating of teachers for the ills in the school system,as well as official hatred, disempowerment, redtapism and poor working condition as the major challenges facing teaching profession in the country. He commended the Lagos State Government for impacting positively on the education sector, especially the welfare of teachers, and called on other governors in the federation to take a cue from the Lagos State example. However, the National President of NUT, Comrade Michael AlogbaOlukoya, who was represented by Comrade Ola Ayoola, lamented that Nigerian teachers were still denied their rightful status and pride of place in the society. He added that the teaching profession remains the most wanted, but least regarded and has continued to suffer societal disdain, neglect and degradation, even as he called on federal and state government to come to the aid of teaching profession and the teachers by improving their welfare.

Registrar meets staff, unfolds plans for unit

Administrator of Grace School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun (2nd left) with some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme instituted by the school for indigent students in Lagos State.

education

he Registrar of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Mr. Michael Sunday Ayeerun, has called on workers in the registry to strive for excellence and efficient service delivery. This was even as he pledged to protect their interests and ensure fairness and justice in the discharge of their duties. The registrar disclosed this during his inaugural meetings with administrators and other registry staff, where Ayeerun, who was named the substantive Registrar recently after serving in the position in acting capacity since December 2015, said his administration’s will build efficient registry that would be technology driven with well-trained staff who could compete with their peers globally. He said: “We will work towards having an e-registry where operations will be carried out online. We will train and re-train registry staff for efficient service delivery.

“I, therefore, urge you to work towards self-development and training, even as we, as an institution, would pull all the stops to encourage both internal and external training for you.” The Registrar, who warned the registry workers against indiscipline and unruly acts, insisted that the unit would not hesitate to wield the big stick whenever it is necessary. Ayeerun reminded them of their responsibility as parents to the students, saying whatever they do would determine the impression the students would have about the institution. He said: “In most advanced nations of the world, the government does not fund universities as most institutions get the bulk of their funds from their alumni. Many ex-students donate and build infrastructure in their alma mater. The same could happen here, but that depends on your attitude towards the students.”

Ezekiel Efeobhokhan

which posterity will forever be grateful to her. He said on behalf of the students: “I want to use these words to suite the mind of our amiable ViceChancellor as he should take solace in the fact that his mother lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe age. She has also left behind a legacy in the person of the calibre of the vice-chancellor and her other children. This, in fact, is great legacy that posterity will forever be grateful for.” In the same vein, the President of the Students’ Union, Lauretta Obakpolor noted that as far she was concerned the death of Lady Oghogho was ‘a celebration of life.’

Students commiserate with V-C over mother’s death

UNIBEN

he leadership of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Students’ Union has commiserated with the Vice-Chancellor of the university over the demise of his mother. Born in 1924, the late Mrs. Oghogho Orumwense died at a ripe age of 92 years old. Expressing the students’ heartfelt condolences, the Local Officer on Research and Exchange (LORE) UNIBEN chapter, Eddy Uwoghiren noted that the late nee Oghogho Orumwense lived a fulfilled life and has left behind a legacy for

UNN students’association elects officers Oladele Oge UNN

tudents of Yoruba origin, under the aegis of the Oodua Sandwich Students Association at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have elected new leaders to steer the ship of the association for the 2016/17 academic session. The newly elected leaders were formally introduced to the members during the “Amala Festival” celebration, organised by

the students, which took place at the Institute of Education of the university shortly after the dissolution of the outgone executive members. It was tagged: “Celebration of Breakthrough.” The elected officers are President, Toba David; Bukola Mercy (Vice-President); Emmanuel Ogunmefun (General Secretary); Tope Bamidele (Treasurer); while Opeoluwa Hassan (Financial Secretary); Oloni Olanipekun Kolawole (Public Relations Officer); Oloritun Laifez (Audi-

Cross section of members of association

tor); and Agbudu Grace, who is to serve as the Welfare Officer. In his valedictory speech, the out-going President, Akinola Emmanuel Olaniyi, listed some of the salient achievements of the past executive to include

increase in membership, which he said was the highest since the establishment of the association in the university. He, however, called Isokan Omo Oodua Nibi Gbogbo, that is, the Unity of Yoruba across

the universe to strengthen the celebration on campus, even as he commended the students of other tribes, especially the Igbo in Lagos, who trooped out in large number to felicitate with members of the association.

education

Okowa to trainees: Be alive to your training, skills Dominic Adewole ASABA

“Y

ou are being trained and positioned to become job creators that are needed in Delta State and the country at large for national development. You are here to improve on your lives and be in better position to be employers of labour and not job seekers. For you to step into a greater future, you must be determined, focused and hardworking.” With these words, the governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, warned the trainees and graduates of the state’s Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and the Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP), under which the state government has so far spent several millions of naira. The governor gave the

advice at the Songhai-Delta Training Centre in Amukpe, Sapale Axis of the state during the inauguration of 2016 batch of the programmes. The trainees, numbering 500 were trained and empowered to be self-reliant in the labour market and to become employers of labour. Since the governor inaugurated the programmes shortly after his assumption of office on May 29, last year, no fewer than 1,500 youths, including graduates of various tertiary institutions who are origin of the state have graduated from the training institute with starter packs and take-off grants. Okowa, who warned the trainees against losing or selling their starter packs, explained that since the bureaucracy in securing employment in the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) is cumbersome, partly because of the high turnout of university and polytechnic graduates in country and limited available employment opportunity, in-

sisted that it would be suicidal for any of the beneficiaries to sell off the starter-packs to the highest bidder after the training. He further said: “What will you say of the training you have acquired here? If you want to succeed in life therefore, you must rely on God, and be passionate about what you are doing and you should not sell the starter packs or lavish your take-off grant on frivolities.” Corroborating the governor position in their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Emmanuel Efeizomor II; the Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah and Chief Job Creation Officer of the state, Prof. Eric Eboh, expressed delight over the growing stakeholders’ confidence in the scheme. “This is a revolution that will put food on the table and a revolution that will extricate the beneficiaries from the shackles of poverty,” Ukah noted.

L-R:Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro; Governor Okowa and Prof. Eboh during the inauguration of the programme.

Grace Schools award scholarships to indigent students Kayode Olanrewaju

o cushion the financial burden and hardship some parents pass through to train their children, the management of Grace Schools, a private school located in Gbagada, Lagos has awarded scholarships to some indigent students in the state. Under the yearly scholarship scheme instituted to promote the education of the indigent students, the School Administrator, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun, said she has invested about N100 million and reiterated her commitment to continue to support the less-privileged students in the society through access to affordable and quality education. According to Mrs. Edun, the annual Grace Oshino 2016 Indigent Scholarship Award Scheme, was endowed in memory of the founder of the school and her mother, the late Deaconess Grace Bisola Osinowo with the aim of alleviating the plight of less-privileged students in

the society. “The annual scholarship for indigent students is to enable them have unfettered access to qualitative education regardless of their economic background. This is one area that the school is socially responsible by assisting the lessprivileged in the society,” she added. Through the scholarship, the administrator stressed that the scheme, which has become an annual event is to further seek ways of helping indigent students and to ensure that those from less-privileged background who showed academic excellence are given the opportunity to have access to quality education. A major criteria apart from academic excellence for the award of the scholarship is to ensure that the recipients are actually from poor background The scholarship, which is valued at over N1million per session, according to her, covers tuition, textbooks, uniforms, boarding fees and pocket money, and even their

university education. Mrs. Edun, who noted that more than 30 students had so far benefitted from the scholarship awards since its inception in 2004, explained that over 500 students attended the written examination out of whom 10 were shortlisted for this year’s edition. Mrs. Edun, while presenting the scholarship to the beneficiaries for the 2016 award, said the scheme was in honour of her late mother and founder of the school, the late Deaconess Grace Oshinowo, who because of poverty could not start school until she was 12 years old. “I am passionate about the scheme because I realise what poverty looks like. My mother was so poor that she could not afford palm oil in their soup. Instead of processing garri to remove the cyanide, her family used to fry it straight away because they could not afford to wait. When she had to go to school her brother out of excitement bought two left legs of sandals and that was how she wore the sandal,” she said.

TUESDAY, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre

for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Live right, do right

ne August evening some part will not be fulfilled. Whoever years back, the then doesn’t give should not expect to 43-year-old veteran box- get. er, Saoul Mamby, said Besides, it is also important something that every student or and worth emphasising that part youth should bear in mind. It was concerning learning and acquirin Westchester, New York, and the ing skills. Many students these veteran boxer had just beaten the days are interested in schooling 24-year-old Larry Barnes “Little and acquiring certificates only, Tyson” in a fight. not obtaining education. Among Asked how he managed to beat those who even receive education, another younger person, Mamby those who are chosen are few. said, “It is just a gift from God. You The problem here is that many live right and you do right and students in school learn like blessings will be bestowed upon many others do without learning you.” So many things were packed how to “block punches”. Many into the two sentences that they futures have been ruined during are worth digesting. the school years by many young Mamby did not stop there, men and women who do not block he also mentioned his strategy. the punches of future destroyers “What I did in the beginning was in the name of pleasure. All imI learned how to box. Most people moral and socially irresponsible can throw punches. My first thing acts are devastating punches that was to block punches. Any fool can one must block against oneself. throw punches. That’s one of the George Pryron once said, “Pleareasons why I can compete with sure’s a sin and sometimes sin’s a these young fighters,” he said. pleasure.” Though it may be debatWhen I came across Mamby’s able that all pleasure is sinful, the words more than two decades ago unassailable point is that all in the as a freshman, they struck me name of catching fun and seeking hard and I wrote them down in a pleasure, many young people in notebook I still have. I studied the our various institutions do not live words and I felt they were more right and do not do right, thereby compelling than what preachers forfeiting their own future. They would spend hours to address are therefore “punched” out of without having the same impact. God’s favour and they continue to In our world that is increas- struggle in vain forever. It is true ingly going amok and our coun- that those who put everything in try that is serially going adrift, it God’s hand will always see God’s is beneficial for every young per- hand in everything. son to appreciate Mamby’s fundaIt is never too late to make a mentals of success. Success is not new beginning because every new guaranteed by hard work alone be- day is a new opportunity. If you cause porters and labourers work resolve to put God first and decide hard. Working hard is very im- to live right and do right, blessportant but it is ings will descend not enough, one on you and various always needs opportunities will God’s grace. appear before you. As the late Based on It is never too late Chief Obafemi Mamby’s Awolowo once words, the to make a new first thing for remarked, “More every student often than not it beginning because who believes is opportunity every new day is a that makes the he has a future ahead is to be man….” Without new opportunity adequately opportunity, taleducated to acent withers away knowledge God. Everything with- like an unplucked flower. out God is null and void, useless. Every student reading this has Everything we have, knowledge, a choice to make, the Mamby’s beauty, power, strength, skills, path or the popular path. etc., is God’s gift. God gives gifts to whomever He likes or chooses but there are things one can do to make God like one. Acknowledging God is the founocial media is the great gain of dation of a successful life, yet it is globalization that has broken not all. You have to live right and the borders of traditional comdo right to deserve His blessings. munication. The social media platLiving right concerns your rela- form has given room for people to tionship with God and doing right be active participants in the wide is about relationship with your fel- range of issues in the society as it low human beings. Living right is also serves as an avenue to learn all about living according to the positive things. The social menace template provided by God and do- of it has made some people to being right is just doing good, to the have stupidly, using vulgar words deserving and even the undeserv- to express their points and destrucing. tive criticism to rubbish people’s As Mamby pointed out, what posts that do not suit them. It has follows automatically is blessings: also created a lot of political, reli“you live right and you do right gious and ethnic prejudice in the and blessings will be bestowed on minds of brainwashed people. you.” Just fulfill your own part –Aina Akindele Oyebanji, Ketu, of the bargain and wait if God’s Lagos State.

Re: Social media or social menace?

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Naira consolidates against dollar APPRECIATION Sale of forex to Bureau De Change Operators (BDCs) boosts local currency Tony Chukwunyem

he naira yesterday consolidated its gain against the dollar on both the interbank and parallel markets according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). On the official interbank market, the naira closed at N304.75 from N306.71 it ended last Friday, while on the parallel market, it strengthened against the dollar, closing at N470 from N473, re-

market traders. It will be recalled that in a move aimed at reducing the huge gap between the official and parallel market rates of the naira, the CBN had in circular dated July 22, 2016 directed agent banks to approved International Money Transfer Organisations (IMTOs) to sell foreign currency accruing from inward money remittances to licensed BDCs. The regulator said that all international money transfer operators would be required to remit foreign currency to agent banks for disbursement in naira to beneficiaries.

corded last Friday. Analysts attribute the local currency’s appreciation to the resumption of the sale of Diaspora remittances to BDCs by Travelex. Trading at the BDCs segment saw an upward review of the official price of the dollar to N380 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Commenting on the development, the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said that the regulatory authority had to review the official selling price of dollars to BDCs to encourage Nigerians in Diaspora, whose remittances was being sold to BDCs, adding that the move was to discourage speculators. He said that the sustained appreciation of the naira would discourage the patronage of parallel

he Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC) and Association Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train top management team of businesses from various sectors of the economy with a view to building their capacity and instill corporate governance in them. The MoU was signed at training organised for businesses in Lagos. Speaking on the MoU, Senior Manager and Company Secretary, FITC, Mr Alaba Ekundayo, said the partnership would help in maintaining ethical practices in busi-

he European Investment Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) have agreed a new EUR 60 million lending programme to support private sector investment across Nigeria. This according to a statement from UBA, represents the EIB’s largest ever loan to the local lender and will allow UBA to provide longer term loans than currently available to private companies in Nigeria. The new private sector lending programme was formally agreed on the sidelines of the World Bank/ International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington D.C. by Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Kennedy Uzoka, Group Managing Director and Sola Yomi-Ajayi. Head of Global Financial Institutions at UBA. “Private sector investment is crucial for creating

ness. “Our focus is to train the directors so that it will cascade down all through the system. This is a way of tackling corruption. You cannot entirely eliminate corruption. “It is a vice that is found everywhere both in developed and developing societies. When people are enlightened, they will know what to do, this is why we are partnering with ACCA to add value to the works that we do,” Ekundayo said. On her part, the Country Head of ACCA, Mrs. Toyin Ademola, hinted that both organisations are interested not only in the development of financial skills, but also in ethnics and corporate governance.

Economic Indicators As at M2* CPS* INF MPR 91-day NTB Bonny Light Ext Res**

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 17.61

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 August, 2016

14 10.77 US$50.89 US$24,334,631,329

26/09/2016 Mar 2015 10/10/2016 7/10/2016

Source:CBN

Description 15.10 27-APR-2017 16.00 29-JUN-2019 15.54 13-FEB-2020 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.50 22-JAN-2026 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 Tenor (Days) Call 30 90 180

FGN Bonds

TTM

1.07 3.24 3.87 5.82 7.95 9.81 14.31 18.29

Price 104.65 114.59 111.96 120.58 109.60 100.54 83.82 97.56

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.4583 9.1071 11.0102 12.3790

Treasury Bills

Bid Yield 10.38 10.55 11.60 11.44 12.27 12.40 12.44 12.49

Change (%) -2.50 ▼ -0.74 ▼ -0.65 ▼ -0.68 ▼

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲

Price 104.80 114.89 112.26 120.88 109.90 100.84 84.12 97.86

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

However, following complaints by the BDCs that banks were not selling dollars to them, the apex bank approved an increase in the maximum amount that could be sold to the BDC operators from $30,000 to $50,000 per week. But with the banks still failing to sell dollars to BDCs, ABCON began to hold meetings with the banking watchdog resulting in the directive to Travelex to take over dollar sales to BDCs from the banks. Last Thursday, Gwadabe urged all ABCON members and BDC operators to immedi-

ately visit their CBN branches in their respective zones to update or validate their en-cashers and signatories mandate card for Travelex biometric data capturing. The ABCON boss said remittances have direct positive and significant impact on consumption, investment, and demand in the country as it can be used to address short-run output shocks, and even long run growth. He said that remittances tend to be stable and to increase during periods of economic downturns and natural disasters.

European Investment Bank, UBA seal EUR 60m loan deal

ACCA, FITC sign MoU on capacity building, corporate governance Kunle Azeez

BUSINESS |MONEY LINE

Offer Yield 10.24 10.45 11.51 11.38 12.22 12.34 12.39 12.44

NITTY

Rate (%) 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

Change (%) -0.02 ▼ -0.01 ▼ 0.00 ↔ 0.00 ↔ -0.07 ▼ -0.08 ▼ -0.03 ▼ 0.02 ▲ Change (%) 1.12 ▲ -0.27 ▼ -0.17 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.03 ▲ 0.42 ▲

Money Market

Maturity Date Discount Bid Yield Change (%) Discount Offer Yield Change (%) Rate (%) Change (%) 30-Jun-16 7.92 7.67 7.82 -0.51 ▼ Open-Buy-Back (OBB) 3.83 -1.75 ▼ 8.08 -0.51 ▼ 6-Oct-16 8.59 8.34 8.71 -0.31 ▼ Overnight (O/N) 4.33 -2.08 ▼ 8.99 -0.31 ▼ 16-Mar-17 9.36 10.28 -0.07 ▼ 9.11 9.98 -0.07 ▼

jobs and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The European Investment Bank is committed to unlocking investment across Africa and we are pleased to build on past success to strengthen our partnership with UBA that will benefit projects across Nigeria.” said Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank. Speaking at the signing ceremony, said,“Our growing partnership with the European Investment Bank underlines our long term objective of facilitating the development and growth of African businesses. This facility will enable UBA bridge critical financing gaps for Nigerian companies and deepen

our capacity to support their growth aspirations in the local and international market place” Ambassador Michel Arrion, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the programme as an example of the catalytic role the EU and its institutions like the EIB are playing to support Nigeria’s economic development. According to UBA, this represents the first Nigerian operation under the European Investment Bank’s new dedicated Nigeria Private Enterprise Investment Facility, a wider million lending scheme intended to support private sector investment in the country.

‘Innovation, key to creating digital economy in Nigeria’

igeria can create digital economy through digital infrastructure and innovation, the United Nations-based Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) has said. In a recently released research report entitled: “Accelerators to an Inclusive Digital Payments Ecosystem”, BTCA said that Nigeria can become truly cashless by embracing digitisation of payments. The research, which was based on 25 countries including Nigeria, is coming just as the McKinsey Global Institute released projections that digital finance could lead to a $3.7 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) boost by 2025, create 95 million new jobs across all sectors, and save $110 billion annually in leakages in emerging countries. The report also identified obstacles currently lined up on the way of digitisation by a country such as Nigeria. These hurdles include the lack of a broader analytical framework that applies to both govern-

ments and companies. “A range of studies have demonstrated that moving from cash to digital payments can boost productivity and economic growth, improve transparency, increase tax revenues, expand financial inclusion, and open up new economic opportunities, particularly for women and disadvantaged communities”, the study noted. Besides, it observed that although many developing and emerging markets are aware of the positive impact of digital economies, they have not developed a workable framework for reaping the full benefits accruable from it. “The reality is that despite the evidence about what creating digital economies means, until now there hasn’t been a coherent and tailorable framework available to governments and companies about how to realise these gains. This is partly because knowledge about digital payments has been highly fragmented.”

Aisha Buhari to fraudsters: Stop dropping my name

he Wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has decried the manner in which the forms for interest free loans for women across the country being obtained freely from The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs are being sold using her name. Buhari in a statement, said the forms, which are supposed to be given out free, are also interest free, yet they are being

sold between N1,500 (one thousand five hundred naira) and N5,000 (five thousand naira) to the unsuspecting public. This, she said, defeats the purpose of the programme, which is mainly to assist women, especially those at the grass roots. She appealed to those involved in the act to desist from sabotaging the programme and allow the Nigerian women to feel the change mantra.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Stock market in bullish start STRONG The local bourse advanced with N31 billion gain on bargain hunting activities

Stories: Chris Ugwu

rading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market yesterday opened the week on a positive terrain, driven by resumed bargain hunting activities, which lifted the NSE ASI and

market capitalisation by 0.32 per cent. Specifically, the All-Share Index gained 89.78 basis points or 0.32 per cent to close at 27.925 index points as against 27,835.22 recorded the previous day, while the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N31 billion or 0.32 per cent to close at N9.591 trillion from N9.560 trillion. Meanwhile, a turnover of 171.5 million shares exchanged in 3,045 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. Banking services subsector of the financial services

segment was the most active (measured by turnover volume) with 58.8 million shares exchanged by investors in 888 deals. Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activities in the shares of GTB Plc and Access Bank Plc. Premium sub-sector boosted by activities in the shares of FBNH Plc and Zenith Bank Plc followed with a turnover of 42.3 million shares exchanged in 527 deals. The number of gainers at the close of trading session was 17, while decliners closed at 23.

Caverton Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with a gain of five per cent to close at 73 kobo per share, while UBN Plc trailed with a gain of five per cent to close at N5.04 per share. Wapco Nigeria Plc added 3.81 per cent to close at N49.00 per share. On the other hand, Guinness Nigeria Plc led the price losers’ table, dropping 9.75 per cent to close at N79.83 per share. Diamond Bank Plc followed with 5.51 per cent to close at N1.20 per share, while CCNN Plc trailed with a loss of five per cent to close at N5.70 per share.

L-R: Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abubakar Atiku; Sokoto State Deputy Governor Ahmad Aliyu; Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, during inspection of facilities at the site of the Sokoto Independent Power Project (IPP), Arkilla, Sokoto... yesterday.

‘Regulators should adapt rules to suit economic devt’

ome stakeholders in the nation’s capital market have called on the regulatory bodies to ensure they come up with rules and regulations that will create enabling environment for businesses in the country. The operators said this yesterday at a workshop on the Bill to amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Effects on Retail Shareholders organised by Joint Shareholders’ Association, an umbrella Association of Registered Shareholders’ Associations of Nigeria. They said this became necessary to facilitate economic development. The former Chairman of the Board of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osukeye, who also chaired the workshop advised the regulatory bodies to ensure that they reflect rules and regulations that would suite the socio economic development of the country. He described the coming together of shareholders under the aegis of Joint Shareholders’ Association as a welcome development, adding that recent developments at AGMs showed that shareholders should retool to come up with solutions to protect their interest instead of antagonising themselves. “The joint shareholders association is a step in a right

direction, shareholders should have a goal in improving the company they invest in, they should seek to influence the board through collaboration rather than attacking their members,” he said. A University Don, Prof Ige Bolodeoku while speaking on the proposed amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 as regards reform of the

audit committee said removing directors from membership of the audit committee, was commendable. Bolodeoku noted that it removes the specter of conflict inherent in board members who are responsible for the activities the committee is to review serving on the committee. He added that limiting membership of the audit

committee to shareholders was efficient on the face of it, as it ensures proper separation of functions. Bolodeoku however, noted that the reform should address the nature of duty of members of the audit committee as doing so will highlight to them the seriousness of their responsibility and need for accountability for their conduct.

NSE partners ISVs, MDVs on market data

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in collaboration with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Market Data Vendors (MDVs) is set to host its inaugural market data workshop, on Tuesday in Lagos. The workshop according to a statement, aims to increase awareness on the critical role of market data in making sound investment decisions on both the buy and sell sides. According to a statement from NSE, the workshop themed “Understanding Market Data for Savvy Investing and Wealth Creation” coincides with the 3rd anniversary of X-GEN, a next generation trading platform that has contributed to increasing market access, order flow and market transparency. Attendees at the workshop will include investors, market data aggregators, exchanges, market regulators, government

agencies, dealing members, telecommunication operators and other stakeholders from the capital market ecosystem. According to the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, the delivery of market data to users is time-sensitive and requires specialised technologies designed to handle the collection and throughput of the massive data streams. “At the NSE, this effort is underpinned by our ‘next generation’ trading engine, X-Gen, which was built in collaboration with NASDAQ in 2013. X-Gen is not only built to trade a wide range of securities, it is extendable to multiple interfaces for the consumption of market data. It is this system that we rely on daily to deliver approximately 2.5GB worth of data to our various domestic and global market data consumers”.

Speaking on the event, the Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, said, “the conference brings to fore the critical application of market data in making sound investment decisions whilst highlighting the various data products available in the Nigerian marketplace, thereby allowing investors to maximise their wealth creation opportunities. This is a must attend event for all market participants.” Some of the expected speakers for the event include, Dr. Yemi Kale – Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria, Uwa Agbonile – Managing Director, Infoware Limited, Obiora Anyichie – Global Trybe Solutions, Natasha Punwani – Business Manager, Bloomberg; and Kemi Oluwashina – Director, ARM Securities.

Stocks rise with oil on OPEC deal outlook

tocks rose with oil amid optimism that major crude producers will work with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut output. Mexico’s peso climbed on speculation Republican candidate Donald Trump’s performance in a second presidential debate wasn’t strong enough to boost his chances of winning the race. According to Bloomberg News, energy shares led gains in equities as Brent crude jumped to a one-year high after Saudi Arabia said other exporters have expressed their readiness to cooperate and President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia would back an accord. Currencies of oil producers from Canada to Russia rallied, while Mexico’s peso posted the biggest advance among its major peers. UK 10-year gilt yields advanced on concern the plunging pound will fuel inflation. Markets face risks from the US elections to higher borrowing costs and corporate earnings in the final quarter of the year. A poll by the Cable Network News (CNN) indicated a win for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in Sunday’s debate, after Trump’s campaign was hit by a 2005 video in which he made vulgar comments about women. Traders are also keeping an eye on crude as ministers from some of the largest producers gather in Turkey to discuss ways to end a supply glut. “The gains today could be because Putin has said that he’s willing to reduce output and freeze production,” said John Conlon, the chief equity strategist at People’s United Wealth Management, which oversees $5.5 billion. “The earnings season is now going to be grabbing attention for the next three weeks. Earnings are going to push the interest rate and oil discussion aside.” Global trading has gotten off to a rocky start in October amid speculation that the European Central Bank would start tapering stimulus and as hawkish comments by Federal Reserve officials boosted speculation of a rate increase. Minutes from the US central bank’s September meeting will be released on Wednesday, while data on retail sales, producer prices and consumer sentiment are due Friday. Investors are also seeking clues on the health of corporate America, as Alcoa Inc. kicks off the next earnings season tomorrow. MSCI’s gauges of global and emerging-market equities climbed with oil. The S&P 500 Index rose 0.6 per cent to 2,166.99 in New York. Exxon Mobil Corp. advanced to a one-month high. Mylan NV surged after agreeing to pay $465 million to settle a probe over how the drugmaker charged Medicaid for its allergy shot EpiPen. Twitter Inc. tumbled after potential bidders were said to have lost interest in making offers to buy the company.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEWS | national

tuesday, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Economy: Dangote Group, a game changer, says Osinbajo

he Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday described Dangote Group as a ‘game changer’ to the Nigerian economy. Speaking at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, the VicePresident said “Dangote Group was an example of a game changer private sector that had been supporting the economy in many areas.

“Once Dangote Refinery comes on stream, it will help with the forex issue and create jobs for our people,’ the vice-president said. Osinbajo, who was referring to the ongoing construction of Dangote Refinery with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels a day, said the government was proud that a Nigerian company had undertaken to construct such a gigantic refinery and the largest

in the world. He said the Muhammadu Buhari government had a ‘very clear policy and objective,’ even as he urged Nigerians to have confidence in the government’s change mantra. Declaring the summit opened, President Muhammadu Buhari said the private sector was key to his administration, adding that the theme for the 22nd summit; ‘Made in Nigeria,’ was apt in

Amnesty Int’l appoints new spokesman Mojeed Alabi

he Nigerian Office of the global human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), has announced the appointment of a former BBC journalist, Isa Sanusi, as its spokesman saddled with the responsibility to spearhead the group’s communications in the country. In a statement issued yesterday by the organisation, AI’s Interim Director in the country, Makmid Kamara, described the development as a pioneer-

ing and important step for the organisation, saying, “We’re delighted that Sanusi has joined the Amnesty International Nigeria team.” According to the statement, Sanusi’s role will include providing strategic communications direction for Amnesty International, Nigeria; will interface closely with the organisation’s international secretariat and regional offices, enhance the group’s media presence in Nigeria and work to deepen its connection with the Nigerian public.

The new spokesperson, who is formerly a reporter with The Daily Trust newspapers, had spent four years working in London at the BBC Hausa Service before returning to work in Abuja in March this year before he was appointed by the international group. “Not only does he bring his excellent journalistic experience, which is respected at both the national and international level, he also contributes his flair for connecting with Nigerians from all walks of life, in the country.

view of the need to look inwardly and support local manufacturers. Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Kyari Bukar, who commended Dangote Group for its sponsorship, said the private sector is the engine of the economy as it was time to diversified to other sectors. He said: “The summit is an opportunity to tell ourselves the bitter truth and swallow the hard truth.” Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma,

Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

orno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has restated his administration’s commitment to rebuild towns like Gwoza, Bama and Damasak that had been ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency. Addressing a two-day Northern Summit yesterday, Shettima promised

International Ready to Wear Fashion exhibition hits Lagos

Obasanjo meets Buhari in Aso Rock again

Vanessa Okwara

Anule Emmanuel

three-day International Ready to Wear Fashion exhibition is scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 13 to 15, 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, commencing from 10am daily. According to the Managing Director of Meriden International Fair Organisation, Mr. Paul Olugbade, an international fair organiser, exhibitors are expected from various parts of the world to showcase their unique products. He said over a hundred exhibitors will be at the Lagos fashion fair and listed companies from Republic of Turkey, Dubai, Italy, China, Egypt,

Abuja

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday met with President Muhammadu at the presidential villa. The last time Obasanjo visited President Buhari was in July, during which he spoke to journalists of his earlier criticisms of corruption in the National Assembly. Yesterday's meeting, which was held behind closed-doors lasted for about 25 minutes and ended without an official statement from the presidency. State House Correspondents prevailed on the former President to

addition to global economy. He regretted that the economy was shrinking and contracting, ‘and worse than stagflation.’ “We don’t live in the past. It is not what has been done that matters. But what remains to be done,” he said. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said his ministry was bringing in big ticket player into mining sector just as he said that the sector had great potentials should Nigeria diversify its economy.

Shettima promises to rebuild Borno

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (right), conducting the swearing in of the Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen at the Government House, Port Harcourt … yesterday

United Kingdom, Nigeria and many others that will participate in the fair. He added that Nigeria fashion designers, distributors, wholesalers, agents and major retailers, who are driving demands as well as the consumers who love fashions, should see the exhibition as an opportunity to invest in emerging fashion designs. Olugbade also said product groups expected at the exhibition include women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, knit wear, leisure wear, leather wear, cocktail wear, evening dresses, body and beach wear, sports outfit, lingerie, bags, foot wears, caps, ties, accessories, hosiery and women rhinestones, among others.

said the government as a regulator was not only interested in policing the private sector, but also in providing the enabling environment for local businesses to thrive. “We concede that the private sector is the true engine of growth,” he added. An associate professor from the Lagos Business School, Doyin Salami, said the ‘Made in Nigeria’ concept was apt, but that it must cover production, global competitiveness, inclusiveness and value

speak but did not succeed. Obasanjo kept mum as reporters threw questions to him from all directions. He was asked among other things if his visit was connected with the news of the moment - the arrest of senior court judges on corruption charges - but Obasanjo only acknowledged greetings and made funny faces as he climbed into his car before being driven off. It was gathered that the former President was scheduled as the Special Guest of Honour later in the day for the 40th anniversary policy debate and dinner reception of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, a German non-profit organisation.

that those towns will be rebuilt before the end of 2016, while all internally displaced persons (IDPs) will be returned to their homes latest May 29, 2017. The governor lauded billionaire business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his support, including a N2 billion donation towards the rebuilding of the warravaged communities. Shettima, who is also the Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum, further tasked northern leaders to concentrate on education, agriculture and job creation as panacea for underdevelopment of the region. According to him, the issue of resettling the IDPs is very crucial to the development of the north and Nigeria as thousands of orphans and widows in the various camps may become a challenge to the elite in the region and across the country if efforts were not made to cater for their needs now. Governor Shettima commended President Muhammadu Buhari's administration for rescuing the North-East from annihilation, noting that the entire North-East could have been completely wiped out from the surface of the earth by the activities of Boko Haram if not for the timely intervention of President Buhari, who saved the situation. The governor took a

swipe at those calling for the disintegration of Nigeria. He said: "The level of interaction will make it impossible to divide this nation into two, three or four. We should have the courage of remaining together using our level of tolerance and accommodation. "The emergence of the Goodluck Jonathan administration is the biggest mistake that has happened to this country in the last 10 years. There were conscious and deliberate efforts during his tenure to divide this country along religious and ethnic lines. "We have lots of challenges, but we are united by heritage of poverty. The north has no business being poor, because we have two-third of the land mass of this country which is the most important resource." "Beneath the mayhem of Boko Haram, lies poverty, once we create jobs, educate our youths, the menace of insurgency will evaporate." Most of our problems can be explained in economic and social terms, we have to attend to education, agriculture and job creation in the north to address the challenges." Governor Shettima said Borno State has about 50,000 widows as a result of the insurgency, noting that the population of Maiduguri alone is three million, while there are 18,600 orphans in Monguno.

Court adjourns Metuh’s case till Nov 22

Federal Capital Territory High Court yesterday adjourned a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman’s case, Olisa Metuh, till November 22. The judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, adjourned the case after the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, closed his case. Metuh was arraigned by the Economic and

3.3m

The total population of Melanesia in 1970. Source: Un.org

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a twocount charge of destruction of evidence. At the resumed hearing, Metuh’s counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), crossexamined the prosecution witness Mr. Saed Junaid, an officer of the EFCC, who investigated the matter. Junaid told the court that he wrote the cautionary word not the statement, because the defendant could write, but admitted that the third page of the statements did not bear the signature of the Metuh.

News|south-west

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Oke’s choice splits AD youths, executive

lAs Akoko support party candidate Babatope Okeowo and Temitope Ogunbanke

embers of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Ondo State, yesterday split on the choice of Chief Olusola Oke as the party’s candidate for the November 26 governorship election days after he picked the party’s ticket. While the Youth Wing of the party in a statement signed by Arowosafe Oladeji, Adenike Oluwadarasimi, and Ojo Oluseyi Taki, insisted that Dr Akin Olowookere was the party’s candidate, the Chairman and Secretary, Messrs Seriki Adebobola and Sola Agboola insisted that Oke had been chosen as a replacement for the former flag bearer of the party.

The youths under the aegis of Ondo Alliance for Democracy (AD), Youth Vanguard, OADYV, said they would only recognise Olowokere as the flag bearer of the party, denying any involvement in a process which led to the replacement of Olowokere with Oke. Oke came third in the September 3 shadow election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was won by Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN. But Oke defected to AD after APC’s National Working Committee upheld Akeredolu’s election against the Appeal panel’s decision that a fresh primary election should be conducted. The AD youths however vowed to use every legal means to prevent Oke from

using the mandate which was freely given to Olowokere. They said: “It filtered to our hearing lately that our lawful mandate freely given to Dr. Akin Olowokere has been turned to a commodity and purportedly traded off to Chief Olusola Oke. “Considering the effect of this ignoble action on our party which is gradually picking its pieces together in our Sunshine state, we will to the best of our ability and capacity, all known legal means to thwart this unfortunate development brought about by the alleged buyer and seller.” “AD has finalized the adoption of Chief Olusola Oke as the candidate of the party for the November 26 governorship election in the state. Oke is the authen-

tic candidate of AD. No any other candidate again in AD. We AD are members of the same family and we don’t want to promote any wrangling in the party.” Meanwhile, a political movement in the state, Akoko Youth Alliance (AYA) has declared its support for AD and its governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke. AYA in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ayokunle Oloye, after an emergency meeting in Irun Akoko said the group has resolved to shun ethnicity and tribal sentiment to support Oke based on conviction and principle. It said: “We have begun to mobilise youths and voters in Akoko land and the entire Ondo North Senatorial district to ensure support for Olusola Oke. We believe Ondo State under Olusola Oke will move our state forward.”

Ondo: Co-aspirants make Akeredolu’s campaign organisation Babatope Okeowo and Temitope Ogunbanke

overnorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN has appointed his co-contestants for the ticket of the party as his campaign managers ahead of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State. The move seen as a way of pacifying some aggrieved members of the party also saw to the appointment of the Chairman of the party, Hon Duerimini Isaacs Kekemeke as a member of the Campaign Council. Among the governor-

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Muritala Ayinla

egal luminaries yesterday described the ongoing probe of the nation’s judiciary officers as a step towards justice reform in the country, saying corruption in the judiciary was too conspicuous for any government to ignore. They said thousands of Nigerians were constantly denied justice due to corruption and insensitive to the plight of the nation’s citizens, saying people had suffered justice delay when judges were abruptly transferred or during rehabilitation of court buildings. They spoke at a One-Day

2,926

The total number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation of Mali at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

$0.01m

The capital importation of the Drilling sector of Nigeria in Q1 2014. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Experts task Lagos on justice reform, laud cleansing of judiciary

Workshop organised by the Public Advice Centre (PAC) in Lagos, saying with the ongoing prosecution of judges, the judicial officers would now have a taste of what many Nigerians had gone through while seeking justice. One of them and executive director of Access to Justice, Mr. Joseph Oteh said the nation’s ought to have strategic plans to reduce corruption and justice delay as many citizens

were losing confidence in the nation’s judiciary as the arm was gradually becoming enmeshed in corruption such that justice was no longer given freely in some courts but bought. He said: “In some courts, before you process bail, you need to settle some people, you need to settle judges, police in charge of the case, the court clerks who will take the file to the judges, court officials, and the fake

sureties,who will stand in for you. “There is no doubt that the nation needs a total overhaul of the justice system must be reformed to address justice delay and corruption.” Law Professor, Oludayo Amokaiye said PAC established by the state government would address some of the challenges confronting many residents in the state especially on how to seek justice.

Ex-deputy gov rallies support for PDP candidate, Jegede

head of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, a former deputy governor, Chief Omolade Oluwateru has asked voters in the state to vote en masse for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, describing his choice as “God’s given project.” Oluwateru, the former deputy governor and Nigerian ambassador to Uganda

said of all the governorship candidatess jostling for the Alagbaka, Akure Government House, Jegede was the most suitable, having worked in governor’s cabinet for the past seven and half years. The former deputy governor, who served under the late former Governor Olusegun Agagu, said this at the weekend when a group, Jegede Network Forum received the candidate

in Akure. According to Oluwateru, “Jegede was chosen by God and he is extremely lucky. He is not about Akure agenda or project but he’s God’s own project. For him to have worked in the outgoing governor’s cabinet for seven and half years, gives him an edge over his fellow contestants in terms of experience, comportment and proactive reflexes.”

ship aspirants of the party, Akeredolu made Hon Victor Adekanye Olabimtan Director-General of the Campaign Organization. Already, Akeredolu has engaged Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, daughter of first civilian governor of the State, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin as the head of the search party for the deputy governorship candidate of the party. Aside Olabimtan, other members of the council are Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba, Dr. Tunji Abayomi and Mr. Boye Oyewunmi all of who contested in the September 3, APC governorship primary.

Bankole seeks reconciliation of aggrieved PDP members Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State Chairman of the occasion, Aremo Segun Osoba and author of the book, ”ONE DAY & A STORY,” Mr. Dare Babarinsa; Elderstatesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo at the public presentation of the book in Lagos…yesterday.

ormer speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, yesterday admonished leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the SouthWest region to emulate the reconciliatory move of two erstwhile warring national leaders of the party by bringing back aggrieved members for the party to regain its former status. Bankole made the call during a meeting of the regional wing of the party held in Ibadan with the theme ‘Working together to regenerate our party in line with the spirit of the founding facilitators.’ Those present at the meeting included former Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran; former deputy governor in Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi; Senator Buruji Kashamu; former Minister of Sports, Prof Taoheed Ad-

edoja, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; as well as the National Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman of the party, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe. At the meeting facilitated by the South-West PDP Board of Trustees aimed at reconciling the aggrieved members and strengthening the party in the SouthWest, Bankole, said that he was encouraged to attend the meeting because of the reconciliatory efforts of the party leaders. He however warned that “there will not be reconciliation without negotiation. I attend this meeting because it is targeted at negotiating and reconciling forces in the party.” Bankole went on: “The option of going to court will not take this party anywhere and I will not be a part of it. This kind of meeting is not complete without some key figures that are still aggrieved out there.”

Osun introduces development levy Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State government yesterday launched an Economic Development Levy (EDL) programme that would not only boost the state’s revenue but turn around its economic fortune with a view to cushioning the effect of the nation’s dwindling economy. Acting Chairman of the Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS), Prince Dayo Oyebanji, who said this yesterday in Osogbo, urged residents to key into Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s economic drive and contribute their own quotas to the state’s economy by paying their taxes and other developmental levies. He said: “The levy is imperative following the current economic downturn

which was actually caused by the appalling fall in the prices of crude oil over the years. “Nigeria’s over dependence on oil revenue has encouraged tax and other levies avoidance and inhibited the development of other sectors of the Nigerian economy including an efficient and effective levy administrative system. “The agency has recruited well-trained branded officers who will be moving round the state with Point of Sales PoS machines to fast track quick collection of levies so as to curb multiple and unlawful levy payment. “The generation of additional revenue is a key function of levy as this would enable the government provide qualitative and quantitative services and utilities to its people.”

NEWS | south-east

tuesday, october 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

IPOB urges members to embrace non-violence approach Charles Onyekwere ENUGU

he leadership of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Biafrans anywhere in the world to be resolute and determined for the restoration to be achieved through no violence approach. The organisation in a statement made available to the media through their media officer, Emma Powerful, pointed out that Biafra was a divine project which would only be actualised if the Biafrans were determined and focused in their quest. It further stated that when actualised, Biafra would be the envy of the whole world, especially Africa because Africa would benefit technologically and economically in the envisaged country. The statement reads: “The Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide and the directorate of State, DOS urge Biafrans to be resolute and determined

towards the restoration of the God's project which is Biafra republic. "The project was ordained by God Almighty (Chukwu Okike Abiama). Biafra will be a country where people of Africa will benefit and the Africa will be technologically, economically, politically and spiritually free through the new republic. "However, we are aware of the systematic way of delaying the members of IPOB who were detained illegally in all the prisons and security cells across the country. "The leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide is now one year in detention illegally while the courts of competent jurisdiction granted him unconditional release on 16th and 17th December 2015 by magistrate and Federal High Court Abuja but since then till now the federal government, APC and the DSS are still holding him and others in prison custody. "Nevertheless, it came as a surprise on Friday

I wasn't barred from Anambra guber race, Nwosu replies Ekwueme Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer Minister of Health, Professor ABC Nwosu has denied that he was barred from contesting the 1999 governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was referring to a recent interview by the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, that ABC Nwosu was barred from contesting the gubernatorial position in Anambra State. In a statement on Monday, the former Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said that it was not true that there was an agreement for him not to contest the governorship primary as claimed by Ekwueme in the interview.

Ekwueme had in the interview, denied that he influenced the emergence of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju as PDP gubernatorial flag bearer in 1999. He also said there was an agreement that Professor Nwosu who was the state secretary of the party, should not have contested the governorship primary. But Nwosu described it as complete misrepresentations of facts. "I know for a fact that there were two primaries – the first primary was held on the 21st of December 1998, same day with other PDP gubernatorial primaries nationwide. It was a 'direct primary' held in all Local Government Areas of Anambra State and supervised by the national electoral committee for Anambra State led by Major General A.B.

Offor's rites father’s burial begins Nov 17 Damian Duruiheoma NNEWI

usiness mogul and chairman of Chrome Group of Companies, Sir Emeka Offor will on November 17 commence the burial rites of his late father, Chief Benneth Onwudiegwu Offor (JP). According to a statement signed on behalf of the family by Sir Offor and made available to New Telegraph, funeral arrangements of late Pa Offor begins Thursday

November 17, 2016, with a service of songs at Offor's country home in Umudalagbaim Nkalafia, Irefi, Orifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. The funeral service, interment and condolence visits will hold on Friday, November 18 at All Saints Anglican Church, Irefi, Oraifite. Thereafter, the family will receive visitors on condolence visit and continue same on November 19 while outing service will take place November 20, 2016.

7th October 2016 at exactly 11:45am, we received information that the Biafra national coordinator of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr. Chidiebere Onwudiwe, who was abducted by the Department of State Security (DSS), was called up in the Federal High Court Abuja without the prosecutors being in court to defend the matter

against him. "The DSS being the prosecutor of the matter were nowhere to be found in court on Friday 7th October. They are running because Chidiebere Onwudiwe committed no crime against humanity or the federal government of Nigeria. "Comrade Chidiebere Onwudiwe, who was ar-

rested in the odd hour of midnight in Igweocha, Rivers State where he was sleeping on Friday 22nd June 2016, is still being detained in DSS cell incommunicado and has not been taken to any court since 128 days. "The chief judge Ademola who granted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi

Nnamdi Kanu unconditional release on the 17th December 2015 has been under threat since last year and he is still under threat by DSS now in Abuja with other chief judges who were bent to redeem the image of the judiciary by declaring that the case concerning Nnamdi Kanu is not a treasonable offence.”

Obi tasks institutions on Online property platform national unity, integration launched in Imo Okegwo Kenechukwu ONITSHA

ormer Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has called on the traditional institutions in the country to be at the vanguard of peace, unity and development of the country. The former governor, who stated this yesterday while fielding questions from Journalist at the Obi Wilfred Achebe’s Ofala festival, underscored the importance of culture in the unity and development of the society. He said that even though

culture was dynamic, it remained the symbol of the peoples’ way of life and as such would not be relegated to the background. He commended Obi Alfred Achebe for his love for the tradition and customs of Onitsha people and indeed the Igbo nation, even as he called on others to emulate his pride, carriage and respect for the traditional institution. Meanwhile, resident of Onitsha community yesterday turned their back on the Glo mobile Network marketing agents over what they described as sharp practices.

Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

brand new online platform for buying and selling of property in the real estate industry made its debut yesterday in Owerri, the Imo state capital. The platform, easternproperties.ng, is a property website conceptualized and managed by ALM Buildmart Limited, an innovation-driven real estate company, to provide easily accessible online meeting point where buyers and sellers can advertise or buy their choice home, land and other com-

mercial property. The online portal provides the medium for landlords, estate agents and developers to advertise their properties free of charge to the vast network of persons expected to patronize the site with the aim of buying, renting or making any other property investment. Speaking at the launching of the platform, the Managing Director of the ALM Buildmart Limited, Mr. Obinna Onwunali, assured that the company will continue to invest heavily in the promotion and marketing of the online platform across the globe. Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left), with the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, 6th African Veterinary Association/53rd Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Joint Congress, Prof. Den Chris Onah, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu… yesterday.

Pamela Eboh AWKA

outh East association of cattle breeders under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), yesterday at a meeting of the group declared war against criminals who parade themselves as herdsmen, in the South East. They made the declaration at Amansea, in Awka South local government area of Anambra State, pleading with their host communities in the zone not to eject them. The group noted that those parading as herdsmen were criminals and not genuine herdsmen. In his address, chairman of (MACBAN), in the South East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, hailed the state

Herdsmen: Cattle breeders to wage war against hoodlums

Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for having cordial relationship with members of the community in the state and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his positive response to the security challenges in Enugu State. Siddiki maintained that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria is unarguably the most recognised organisation that superintends over the activities of herdsmen across Nigeria and pleaded with other governments in the South East to lend sufficient support to eliminate avoidable rancor between host communities and cattle breeders. He said: “As South East

Zone members of this group, we wholly submit to the injunctions of the national body as much as benefit from the shelter the umbrella readily provides us. “We represent the Fulani stock of herdsmen who are genuinely engaged in the business of shepherding cattle across the country, particularly here in South East Nigeria. “By this we mean that every herdsman of ours who steps into the South East immediately becomes our concern. We seek to make herdsmen compliant with our underlying codes and practices for plying the trade across the zone. “This is the utmost re-

sponsibility we strive to attain and sustain in the South East; indeed we strive to export our successes in this regard to other geopolitical zones in, Nigeria. “We counsel our members in the South East to quickly report any unpleasant encounters to me or any other Leader who will notify relevance authority for prompt. They are advised not to resort to self-help or seek any form of revenge.” He further stated: “We also insist that other members who are coming from our neighbouring states should obtain clearance from the chairman of MACBAN of the state they are coming from."

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

CONFIRMATION/change OF NAME Usman: I, formerly known and addressed as Akinola Roheemot Modupeola now wish to be known and addressed as Usman Roheemot Modupeola. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Fasesin

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwabusayo Esther Kolade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwabusayo Esther Fasesin. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Edward

This is to correct and confirm my name Grace Atonbara Nation, which was wrongly written as Grace Atonbara Edward in some documents. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Grace Atonbara Nation. All documets bearing these names remain valid. The general public please take note.

Ugwuala

This is to confirm that these names Ugwuala Ndidi Endurance and Ugwuala Ndidi Peace refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Ugwuala Ndidi Endurance. All former documents remain valid. Diamond bank Plc, First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Ezemwenghian

I, formerly known and addressed as Peter Imade Morgan Ogunrobo now wish to be known and addressed as Ezemwenghian Imade Morgan. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Hopewell

Ayeku

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ode-Ikwue Bukola Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ayeku Bukola Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Daudu

I, formerly known and addressed as Humphrey Aseimo Joseph now wish to be known and addressed as Daudu Aseimo Joseph. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc, FCMB Plc and the general public should please take note.

Nwoye

I, formerly known and addressed as Adaora Gloria Nwosu now wish to be known and addressed as Adaora Unice Nwoye. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Onwu

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikedi Nkiruka Enderline now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onwu Nkiruka Enderline. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA) and the general public should note.

Nwangbo

I, formerly known and addressed as Ikape Hope Hovaldo now wish to be known and addressed as Ikape Onwakpo Hopewell. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that these names Nwangbo Ogba Ambrose and Nwangbo Ogba refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Nwangbo Ogba Ambrose. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Ayerite

Oyinbonogha

I, formerly known and addressed as Amaegbe Ayerite Prince now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Amaegbe Ayerite. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Ozioma

I, formerly known and addressed as Simon Okome Chinwe Ozi now wish to be known and addressed as Okome Chinwe Ozioma. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Kizzi

I, formerly known and addressed as Nwanekezi Chioma Roseline now wish to be known and addressed as Kizzi Chizzy Roseline. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Ecobank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Ime-Johnson

I, formerly known and addressed as Faith Johnson now wish to be known and addressed as Ime-Johnson Faith Uduak. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

Adegoke

I, formerly known and addressed as Bukky Kemi Fasina now wish to be known and addressed as Kemi Juliana Adegoke. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that my name Oyinbonogha Siloko was wrongly spelt as Onyibona Siloko. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as Oyinbonogha Siloko. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Wodi

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sarah Chinonso Enwerem now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Emmanuel Wodi. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Matty

I, formerly known and addressed as Torukuru Matty Nwene now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Torukuru Matty. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

Onuorah

I, formerly known and addressed as Okpala Okechukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Okechukwu Onuorah. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Ayegba

I, formerly known and addressed as Alex George Enejo now wish to be known and addressed as Ayegba George. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

REKINDLE EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES

This is to inform the general public that the above named Seminary has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Cap. C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Trustees are: 1. Pastor (Dr) Ugbo Kingsley Nosa - Chairman 2. Professor Iyoha Friday - Member 3. Dr. Ugbo Oswald Osemwegie - Member 4. Ugbo Nosayaba - Member 5. Ugbo Kenneth Oghogho - Member

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Elder Abode Imohiosen Abode Josephine Okoduwa Nicholas Odiase Doris Omovbiye Ugbo Orobosa Harrison

Member Member Member Member Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To re-enforce Biblical value systems in the life of every student and expose students to the theological teachings and expansion of the ministry of Jesus Christ. 2. To encourage the children of God to salvation in Jesus Christ and to support, nurture, and disciple every child of God in spiritual growth and commitment, the importance of evangelism and missions shall be emphasized. 3. To develop a sense of patriotism in every student, teaching them the Christian heritage of our nation and recounting to them how the Lord has blessed us as a people, respect for those in authority shall be emphasized. 4. To develop in every student an understanding of biblical moral, ethics, and values, and to encourage them to read and obey the instructions of the Holy Bible as the only authoritative and inherent word of God. 5. To teach and communicate the theology and doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ from the inherent knowledge of the Old Testament and New Testament, in a religious atmosphere of servitude and discipline, using modern communication tools. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has directed the state Local Government Service Commission to ensure the payment of outstanding salaries owed to local government council workers in the state. Inaugurating 19 local government caretaker committee chairmen at

27.92%

The percentage of the individuals using the internet in Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2007. Source: Itu.int

$1.00m

The capital importation of the Drilling sector of Nigeria in Q4 2014. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

News|SOUTH-SOUTH

Wike directs payment of council workers’ outstanding salaries the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, Governor Wike said before the release of imprest and security votes to the council chiefs, salaries must first be paid. The governor said his administration will monitor the pattern of expenditure of the local government areas to ensure that funds were deployed to areas that will promote the interest of the people. He noted that the local government caretaker committee chairmen must get approval before they access their security

votes and imprest. “All salaries owed local government workers must be settled before any security votes are released to the caretaker chairmen. We must uphold the welfare of workers at all levels,” the governor said. He warned local government heads of personnel management and treasurers against colluding with caretaker committee chairmen to negatively manipulate the financial process in the councils. He said: “If any local government head of personnel management or

Total, AGIP blamed for deadly flood in Rivers Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he people of Obagi in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have blamed oil giants, Total ExP Nigeria Limited and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) for the flood wreaking havoc in their homes and farmlands. They said that the flood, which had been on for weeks, stemmed from the operations of the two oil companies that had constructed an access road that prevents natural water from flowing. The paramount ruler of Obagi community, Eze Abella Benson, who spoke on behalf of the people, said among the areas affected by the flood water, which also contains oil include Igburu swamp in Ukehin, Akamukwu, Eweri, Agbominiokan, Igburutazi, Agbulor, Uwon, Ohia Orji-Igburu-Ntite. Also affected are Agbor-Ubrun, Agbor-Usoma, Utu-Ije-Ebor, Egbo, Edimomia and the surrounding communities. He said: “Their operations have caused serious blockage such that the natural water chan-

ASABA

he election of executives into the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Delta state has ended in fiasco. Reports from the state said two people have emerged for the chairmanship position of the council in the state. Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Fred Obi and his

treasurer colludes with a caretaker committee chairman to release unauthorised funds, such official will be sanctioned.” The governor directed the local government caretaker committees to always remit taxes deducted after the payment of salaries. While congratulating the caretaker chairmen on their respective appointments, the governor advised them to interface with security agencies to promote law and order. In an interview after the swearing in ceremony, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Mr. Simon Hart, said the chairmen will work with the directive of Governor Wike. Meanwhile, the governor yesterday advised parents to groom and inculcate in their children values that would prepare them for future leadership positions. A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, said Wike gave the charge on Sunday on the sideline of the centenary celebration thanksgiving of Saint Michael’s Anglican Church, Rumuomasi Deanery. A statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the governor was represented by his wife, Justice Eberechi NyesomWike.

nels have all been blocked due to the construction of access roads by the firms. “The access roads do not have comprehensive drainage system and the flooding has affected agricultural activities as crops have been submerged while aquatic lives have been destroyed. “Our cassava farms, plantain plantations, cash crops, fishing rights and sources of drinking water have been polluted by the flood.” The traditional ruler pleaded with Total and

NAOC to urgently visit the impacted areas and find out the extent of damage caused by the flood, which according to him, has been on for weeks. The community equally appealed to the Rivers State Ministry of Environment as well as NOSDRA to come to the rescue of the people. He stressed that the community’s main source of livelihood was seriously affected by the flood and appealed for relief materials.

Camillus Nnaji and Ola James

Delta community protests exclusion from NDDC board

he people of Ndokwaland, a Delta State community, have protested to the Federal Government about the exclusion of their people from the newly reconstituted board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The National President, Ndokwa Political Leaders’ Forum (NPLF), Mike Onah, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved community, described the exclusion as an act of injustice, while calling on the Federal Government to intervene in the matter. Onah said Ndokwaland

remained the only oil-producing nation that was yet to have a representative on the board of NDDC since the commission was established 17 years ago. He said: “In Delta State, we have five oil producing ethnic nationalities namely Isoko, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and the Ndokwa. But strangely, it is only Ndokwa people that are yet to have any representative on NDDC’s board since the year 2,000 when the commission was set up. Delta State representatives on NDDC board are

Okowa’s N27.5m election largesse tears IPAC apart Dominic Adewole

counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Chief Frank Igwebuike, were laying claim to the seat. Trouble started after members of the group gathered that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa transmitted N2.7 million through his office to IPAC to deliver a preferred aspirant in the race. It was also gathered that the governor promised to make it up to N25 million,

which would serve as a yearly grant to the association, if the preferred aspirant, who hails from his council area in Ika North East axis of the state, wins the election. Irked by the development, the ‘popular camp’ which was supporting Fred Obi, disassociated itself from the outcome of the election and conducted a parallel election, which produced Obi as chairman.

supposed to be produced on a rotational basis among these five ethnic groups, but surprisingly no representative from Ndokwaland has ever sat on the NDDC board. It is only representatives from Ijaw, Isoko, Urhobo and Itsekiri that are being appointed while our people have been neglected. This is unfair. We want the Federal Government to remedy the situation now,” Onah declared. Meanwhile, a group, Delta Oil and Gas Stakeholders’ Group, has warned against alleged plan to dissolve the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commissions (DESOPADEC), saying it could lead to crisis in the state. The group gave the warning yesterday in a statement made available to our correspondent in Warri and signed by Dr. Tagbiretse John, Obakpo Goodluck and Joseph Ebidenwei Gregory Eze, President, External Affairs Officer and Acting Organising Secretary, of the group respectively.

News|north

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEF meets in Kaduna, advises Buhari to overhaul economic team, end recession

r Hakeem BabaAhmed, a Chieftian of the All Progress Congress (APC),yesterday advised President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul existing institutional mechanisms to quickly ease the nation out of recession. Baba-Ahmed made the suggestion at the opening of a two-day summit organised by Northern Elders Forum in Kaduna. He said that the president must also tinker with his economic team to inject fresh ideas on how to quickly steer Nigeria out of its cur-

rent economic problems. Baba-Ahmed, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, said the government must apply urgency in tackling the recession, just as is being applied to tackle natural disasters. According to him, the level of response so far, has not done justice to the magnitude of the problem. “Nigerians all understand that a combination of past abuses and mismanagement of the economy and the collapse of crude prices and sabotage of oil and gas facilities have created a most challenging environment

for the management of the economy. “Wewillnotjointhosewho say President Buhari should stop reminding us of a past that is haunting us today. “We will insist that we hear daily what leaders did in the past, so that we can guard against letting people like them back into power. “But we will join those who remind him daily that hunger is stalking millions of homes. Inflation is making life difficult by the day.“ The APC stalwart said that people are losing jobs, businesses are closing down even as infrastructure is de-

caying. “Moving from where we are to where we need to be will require patience and fortitude. “Until we get there, it will be President Buhari’s lot to assemble the Nigerians to advise him and take forward his vision. “He will need people who will convey his concerns and compassion; who will reach and bring comfort to millions who suffer in an economy under recession; and people who will combine his personal integrity with competence and commitment.” L-R: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Naaba; representative of the Senate President, Senator Kabir Marafa; Deputy Chairman, Northern Elders’ Forum, Mr. Paul Unongo and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar I11, at the Annual Pan-Northern Group Summit on Security and Political Development, in Kaduna …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Prosecute killer herdsmen, Sultan tells FG Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has urged the Federal Government to prosecute killer Fulani herdsmen, describing them as criminals who should be treated as such. The Sultan, a Fulani man, further said Nigerians should stop mistaking the devilish act of a few killer herdsmen as being the script of the Fulani or Muslim community in the country. The monarch, who disclosed this yesterday in Kaduna during a two-day Annual Pan-Northern Groups Summit on Security, Socio-Economic and Political Development,” however, noted that the clashes between farmers and the herdsmen in some communities across the country were purely economic in nature and not ethnoreligious as insinuated in some quarters. He said: “There are some terrible herdsmen, who kill people, but they are acting on their own; they are criminals and they must be treated as criminals. Therefore,

the Federal Government should prosecute them. “It is disheartening to hear when people say Fulani herdsmen want to Islamize Nigeria and that is why they are killing. Any Fulani herdsman, who kills is not acting the script of Fulani community in Nigeria, neither is he working for the Muslim community.” Speaking on the state of the north, the Sultan said that its unity was non-negotiable if the region must develop with a common front, even as he lamented that the North of today was not the North that Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello left behind. While adding that, there was ethnic awareness among northerners now than ever before, the Sultan insisted that “the question is why the sudden consciousness in ethnicity and religion?” On state of infrastructural decay in the north, the Sultan charged Northern governors to build roads, instead of using N28 billion to build airport, adding that common people will feel their impact more on roads than in building airport.

Kogi: Workers’ screening not Tambuwal inaugurates 50,000 prepaid meters punitive measure Umar Abdullahi Zacchaeus Ozovehe Lokoja

he Kogi State government has said the decision to verify actual number of workers in the state was to save the state from the impending economic collapse. This was disclosed in Mopa area of the state yesterday by the DirectorGeneral of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, who said that the state was heading to the rocks economically as the wage bill was unsustainable given the economic situation in the country. “What the governor did with the staff verification exercise was to arrest the state’s drift towards economic collapse,” he noted, saying the payment of over N1 billion monthly to unintended beneficiaries was simply not acceptable and unsustainable given the economic situation of the country.” Fanwo, however, added that because the governor did not fear the possible backlash, taking such bold decision indicated he was thinking about the next generation rather than the next election, as this action has surely saved

Kogi State of billions of naira. “I urge all the people of the state to continue to pray for the governor for his good plans for the state to materialise. With the people’s support, the governor is on course to prove to the whole world his readiness to redefine development in the state,” the Media aide said. According to Fanwo, the governor’s action was not aimed at punishing the workers as majority of them have received their salary arrears, and that the exercise was a surgical operation on the state. He pointed out: “The governor has no desire of inflicting hardship on the people as salary of workers was only put on hold for those few months to block the waste. That was necessary to ensure the right thing is done. And, it is a big relief to the state that workers have earned their wages. “The decision of the governor to set up an appeal panel was aimed at ensuring no genuine worker is affected by the screening exercise. A lot of startling revelations were discovered and we shall publish everything for the world to see.”

Sokoto

okoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday inaugurated 50,000 pre-paid meters purchased by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) for use by consumers of Sokoto and environs. The event held at the Sokoto State Independent Power Project (IPP), was attended by the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. According to Tambuwal, the pre-paid meters would go a long way in curbing the menace trailing the controversial esti-

mated billing of electricity consumers in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. He said that the new system would reduce the cost in the use of electricity by residents of the three states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi respectively. According to the governor, the newly introduced prepaid meters system would empower the consumers to control their usage of electricity, even as he noted that the system which was efficient should cover the entire state. Tambuwal, who hinted that his administration had already purchased 172 transformers at over N600 million to boost power supply across the state, assured the people that

the state government’s Independent Power Project (IPP) in partnership with KAEDCO, would soon come on stream. While saying that the state government was undertaking a series of interventions to augment power supply to the state, government was already collaborating with the Nigeria Energy Support Programme, to tap the abundant renewable energy sources in the state. With the abundant wind and solar energy, as well as hydro -power potentials at Goronyo Dam, among others, he said these would be of great potential to the development of the state. On his part, the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr.c Babatunde Fasho-

la said that, the new billing system would curb losses to the power firms, resulting from their inability to collect the normal rates. Fashola also assures that the new meters would eradicate the use of unmeasured electricity by the consumers. “That problem increases waste, while the purchase of the meters abroad always takes its toll on the nation’s volatile foreign reserves”, he added, assuring the people that the new system would ensures fair billing system, as well as enhance regular power supply.”

N33.54bn

The total value of payment channels made by POS of Nigeria in March 2015. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Adamawa constitutes panel to probe Nyako T

he Adamawa State gover nment has constituted a five-member probe committee to investigate the execution of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects during the administration of former governor of the state, Murtala Nyako. The panel was inaugurated yesterday in Yola, the state capital,

by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Martins Babale. The panel, which mandate covers 12 terms of reference has four weeks with which to submit its report. The investigation would determine total projects executed under MDGs in the state since inception, the funds received from the Federal Government, and the total amount paid by

the state as counterpart fund. It was also mandated to “ascertain the total number of capital projects and contracts awarded, the contractors involved, and projects locations from inception to date, as well as “to ascertain the level of compliance with the Due Process and Procurement Act in all capital projects.

Besides, part of the committee’s terms of reference “is to ascertain the compliance of all expenditures in line with the provision of the state yearly budget.” The Chairman of the panel, Alhaji Alfa Belel said that the committee would diligently carry out the assignment without fear or favour, but in the interest of the state and the people.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport

That the Super Eagles 2-1 victory against Chipolopolo in Ndola at the weekend was the first time Nigeria would be recording an away victory against Zambia in competitive match

Mahrez: We’ve a difficult trip to Nigeria

International England drops captain Rooney for Slovenia game

46 47

Rohr: No celebration yet for Eagles

Iheanacho, Iwobi, Mikel scared us – Zambia skipper Ajibade Olusesan

ambia Captain Rainford Kalaba has said several of his teammates were frightened playing against Nigeria’s stars which accounted for the early goals they conceded in the 2-1 loss to the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Ndola on Sunday. Kalaba said that some of the younger players in the team could not cope with the fact they were playing against those stars they were watching in the English Premier League every week. He said the damage had already been done before they could adjust to the game conditioning. Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Nigeria in the first half and their performances were complemented by another EPL stars including Captain Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Ahmed Musa who plays for English champions, Leicester City, while Brown Ideye who led the Eagles’ attack once featured for West Brom before moving to Olympiacos in Greece. “Some of the guys were scared of playing against Nigeria’s experienced players based in Europe because they always watch them every weekend in the English Premier League and when they saw them live, it was often difficult for them to concentrate on the game,” said the TP Mazembe star. “In the first half some of the guys were a bit scared, but in the second half we all saw how things went and we controlled the game.”

Sport News

Charges players to maintain form

Adekunle Salami

uper Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, has said that the 2-1 victory Nigeria recorded at the weekend against Zambia in Ndola was not enough to call for celebration. The German stressed that it was too early to say the Super Eagles were favourites to clinch the sole ticket in the Group B of the African qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup. Rohr said the three other teams –Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon- were still very much in the race because five matches were left to be played in the series.

Onazi

He said: “We won just a match and so the celebration ended on the pitch. It was an important win but we still have plenty of work to do. “I already told the players that the road to Russia 2018 is still very far. We need to win at least four games before anyone can call us favourites. I am also aware that if we are not careful, we could make mistakes at home. “The task is huge and we are just starting. We want to beat Algeria and Cameroon. The players will have to maintain good form in their clubs and work hard to get the results needed in future games.” The coach said the Nigerian national team was work in progress and would get better as they play more competitive games. “The players need more games to understand what we are trying to do. Against Zambia, we changed formation three times,” he added.

Algeria’s coach expects tough match in Nigeria Rues draw against Cameroon

Emmanuel Tobi

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Zambia’s Rainford Kalaba

lgeria head coach Milovan Rajevac has warned his players to expect a very difficult match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both teams battle in the second match of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers billed for November 12 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The former Ghana coach expressed displeasure over his team’s 1-1 draw against Cameroon at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in the city of Blida on Sunday after Hilal Soudani opened scoring for the host in the 7th minute but Benjamin Moukandjo helped the visitors restore parity in the 24th minute. “We will try to call-up the applicable squad for the game against Nigeria, who are leading the group. We will face a difficult opponent in them.

We will make use of Cameroon’s draw and work not to repeat our mistakes in he coming games,” the said at the post-match conference. The Serbian coach also urged his players to avoid repeating the same mistakes against Cameroon when they confront the Eagles next month. “We played to win -- all the players did their best to achieve the target. We are upset with this result as we failed to win over Cameroon in the beginning of the qualifiers,” he added “If we replayed the game again I would make some changes in the starting line up. I have to watch the game again to understand the reason for our dip in form after leading.” Nigeria currently top Group B with three points after defeating Zambia 2-1 away at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the city of Ndola on Sunday

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Did you know?

Sport

That the Super Eagles 2-1 victory against Chipolopolo in Ndola at the weekend was the first time Nigeria would be recording an away victory against Zambia in competitive match

Mahrez: We’ve a difficult trip to Nigeria

International England drops captain Rooney for Slovenia game

46 47

Rohr: No celebration yet for Eagles

Iheanacho, Iwobi, Mikel scared us – Zambia skipper Ajibade Olusesan

Sport News

Charges players to maintain form

Adekunle Salami

Onazi

Algeria’s coach expects tough match in Nigeria Rues draw against Cameroon

Emmanuel Tobi

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

Zambia’s Rainford Kalaba

SPORT NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Police’disruptsEagles’party

Emmanuel Tobi

A Mahrez: We’ve a difficult trip to Nigeria Mahrez (left)

lgeria striker Riyad Mahrez has warned his teammates to expect a difficult trip as they visit Nigeria next month for the second game of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers while expressing disappointment on the 1-1 draw against Cameroon on Sunday. The Leicester City striker added that they must work harder in order to put their World Cup campaign back on track. “Now we have to think about the next match. We will have a difficult trip to Nigeria,” Mahrez said at the post match conference. “We will properly prepare for this match because it will be even more difficult than the first game against Cameroon.” The current PFA Players’ Player of the Year added that, “We have no choice but to seek a positive result. We must do everything necessary to achieve victory.”

Adekunle Salami

Buhari congratulates Eagles over victory in Zambia Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles over the defeat against the Zambian team. President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on media and publicity Femi Ad-

esina said the Nigerian national team had begun its qualifying campaign for Russia 2018 World Cup by beating Zambia 2-1 in Ndola, on a good note. “This is but the first step in a long journey. However, that step has been well taken. An away victory at this level, in which the stakes are quite high, is remark-

able. “The ultimate is to qualify for Russia 2018, and fly Nigeria’s flag alongside those of other giant soccer playing nations,” the President noted. He said: “I look forward to that, and I urge the team and their handlers to always keep their eyes on the ball.”

here was pandemonium at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium on Sunday as two persons who claimed to be policemen halted the celebration of the Super Eagles as they attempted to arrest the Chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko. The supporters club were singing and drumming to welcome the Eagles. Dikko came out of the arrival hall of the airport at about 11. 30pm with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, as two men accosted him in an attempt to arrest him. The two men who refused to identify themselves as policemen claimed they were acting on the directive from the Plateau State Commissioner of Police. It was a rude shock as both federation officials were just returning from Ndola where Nigeria defeated Zambia 2-1 only to face such situation. The sports minister, Solomon Dalung, it was learnt appealed to the ‘security operatives’ in mufti to allow Dikko go home. It was also learnt that Dalung promised to mediate in the crisis.

But shortly after the minister left the police engaged the crowd in a shouting match after which they resorted into shooting sporadically in the air. “This situation is getting out of hand. Something has to be done and urgently to curb this situation. This is not good for football. It is mere distraction, “ Segun Agbede, a football analyst said shortly after the incident It could be recalled that a Jos High Court sentenced Dikko and LMC’s Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar, to 14 days imprisonment for disobeying a court order to either reinstate Giwa Football Club in the 2015/16 season and go ahead with the league or stop it and pursue their appeal. An appeal was also filed by the LMC where it was advised that the police should not intimidate the LMC officials until the case is determined. The case is due to come up again in court today (Tuesday).

Dikko

British School Lagos T20 cricket: Onitolo, Ansar-ud-Deen schools shine NSA, HotSports hold parley on award rganisers of the light on preparations for the Special Adviser on Sports renowned Nigeri- this year’s award. wins Myfamily Ajibade Olusesan to the Governor of Lagos State, an Sports Award, Idowu will also, in nitolo Community High Deji Tinubu, was so excited with Unmissable Incentives the parley, which holds mobile rugby OSchool boys secured a nar- the display of spirit of sports- Limited, in conjunction at the complex of HS

Charles Ogundiya

ritish International School at the weekend defeated Temple Secondary School 5-3 in the final game of the Myfamily Mobile Rugby All School Elite Development Programme. Meanwhile, Temple’s Olaolu Olatunde was adjudged the Manof-the-Match despite been on the losing side. Speaking about the involvement of Myfamily Mobile, the Managing Director of the company, Oluseyi Opanubi, said it was a way of creating a big bond within families. On why rugby, he added that the game was all about team work which was a critical component of a family. “Our company is into technology that creates bond and interaction among families and what a better way than through sports,” he said. “The parents have the opportunity to see their children competing and see what they can do apart from academics. It is an initiative to bring families together. There was enough for them to drink, eat and relax.” Opanubi further revealed that the kids would be taken to the UK on tour by September 2017 in an all-expenses paid trip by Myfamily Mobile

row victory as they beat Ansarud-Deen College, Isolo, at the end of the pulsating final at the Cricket Oval, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos at the weekend. Onitolo won 62 runs for 4 wicket and 8 overs as against 59 runs for 6 wickets and 8 overs recorded by Ansar-ud-Deen College team. In the female event, Ansarud-Deen Girls High School, Itire defeated Surulere Girls Secondary School by 20 runs in 3 overs as against 19 runs in 6 overs by their opponents. Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, who is also

manship among the students. He described the T20 tournament as one of many the sports commission wants to use to keep the youth busy. "We want to create many opportunities to drive our youth into sports. Our target is also to have proper school sports in Lagos State because we believe this is where the future of sports lies, “he said. Chairman of Lagos State Cricket Association, Ayodele Kwesi-Sagoe, disclosed that a total of 17 schools took part in the three-day tournament (11 boys and 6 girls).

with HS Media Group – will hold a Press parley on Tuesday, October 11th 2016 in Lagos to brief the public on the nominations so far as the next edition of the prestigious award, which comes up on December 2nd, 2016 draws closer. With the public choices for the various categories of the award closed on September 23rd, the Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Kayode Idowu, will use the opportunity to shed

Media Group in Oregun – Lagos, dwell on the groundworks thus far and the high dignitaries expected to grace the occasion, which will be the 5th in the series. This year’s award that will hold in Lagos at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels & Suites, the Chairman of the Award panel, Ikeddy Isiguzo, had promised, would surpass all the previous editions in terms of organisation, content delivery and choice of award winners.

Emmanuel,Enosoregbe advance in Lagos Gov’s Cup Ajibade Olusesan

Clifford

igeria’s stars are making statement in the 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship which served off on Monday as some of them including Clifford Enosoregbe and Sylvester Emmanuel battled their way into the main draw. Enosoregbe defeated Delmas N’Tcha of Benin Republic in straight set of 6-3,6-2 in the first match of the campaign while Emmanuel beat compatriot

Ikechukwu Iloputa in another straight set of 6-1,63. Henry Atseye defeated Joseph Imeh in 7-5,6-4 game. Edward Anefu also beat Mohammed Mohammed 6-1,6-2 all in the men’s singles. Other Nigerians who played in Day One of the competition were not so lucky as they met tougher opponents. Christian Paul fell to tour nament number eight seed, Polish Maciej Smola, in straight set of 6-4,6-3. Ugandan Duncan Mugabe beat Christo-

pher Bulus 6-2,6-3. Tournament number one seed, Spanish Enrique Lopez - Perez defeated Adimabua Joseph Iyorovbe 6-2,6-0 in the men’s singles. Some Nigerian women who played on Monday were stopped on their ways to the second round. Melissa Ifidzen lost to Indian Prarthana Thombare 5-7, 2-6, Christie Agugbom was defeated by Sweden’s Brenda Njuki in 1-6,1-6 game. American Alexandra Riley beat Ronke Akingbade in straight set of 6-3,6-1.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

England drop captain Rooney for Slovenia game

a y n e Rooney was last left out of the England side for the last group game of Euro 2016 England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be dropped to the bench for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia. Barring any lastminute injuries, manager Gareth Southgate will leave Rooney out of the starting XI as England look to preserve a 100% record. Southgate will address the press in Slovenia at 18:30 BST on Monday.

Manchester United man Rooney is England’s most-capped outfield player, winning his 117th cap in the 2-0 victory against Malta on Saturday. However, his performances recently have been heavily criticised and the 30-year-old was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd at the weekend, when he operated in a deeplying midfield role. Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier played in that position during Euro 2016. Interim national boss Southgate defended his captain after Saturday’s game, saying the criticism was “at times unfair”.

WORLD \ NEWS

Hurricane Matthew: 'Massive response' needed in Haiti – UN

he UN secretary general has said that a "massive response" is needed to help Haiti recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew. Some towns and villages had been wiped off the map and tensions were already mounting as people awaited help, Ban Kimoon said. The UN has also made an emergency appeal for nearly $120m (£97m) in aid. The category-four storm is believed to have killed as many as 900 people in the Caribbean country. Matthew, the strongest hurricane to hit the region in a decade, destroyed tens

of thousands of homes in Haiti, leaving more than 60,000 people staying in temporary shelters. "Hundreds have died; at least 1.4 million people need assistance at this time. Some towns and villages have been almost wiped off the map; crops and food reserves have been destroyed; at least 300 schools have been damaged," Mr Ban said. "Tensions are already mounting as people await help. A massive response is required." Officials said some people had started to put up blockades to try and stop aid convoys they saw driving through their areas without stopping. An aid

worker told the Associated Press news agency that a convoy carrying food, water and medications was attacked by gunmen in a remote valley where there had been a mudslide. Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian agency issued an appeal to help provide "life-saving assistance and protection" for 750,000 people in southwestern Haiti over the next three months. Officials were still struggling to reach the hardesthit areas, the agency said, with communities in need of food, clean water and clothing. There were growing fears that flooding could cause a cholera outbreak similar to that after the 2010 earthquake.

Rooney

Lampard wants to coach Chelsea

rank Lampard has admitted he wants to go into management once his playing days are over but only if it is at Chelsea The former England midfielder spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge and remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. Lampard now plies his trade with New York City FC but shows no sign of slowing down, having scored 12 times this season. Now 38, Lampard is thinking about his next step and admits a future in the dugout appeals to him. “There was a period earlier in my career where I really fancied it, then I thought I don’t fancy the managerial thing but now I’m back on to it” he said. “The problem is I’ve got to get my badges and the hard thing for me is to have time to do it. Lampard is Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer

Frank Lampard has admitted he wants to go into management once his playing days are over but only if it is at Chelsea The former England midfielder spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge and remains the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. Lampard now plies his trade with New York City FC but shows no sign of slowing down, having scored 12 times this season.

Ethiopia blames Egypt, Eritrea over unrest

E Lampard

Guardiola made it easy for me - Ancelotti

arlo Ancelotti believes the task of replicating Pep Guardiola’s success at Bayern Munich is ‘easy’ because of the condition of the squad the Spaniard left behind when he took over Manchester City. Guardiola won seven honors at Bayern across three seasons, including

Ancelotti

People are in need of food, water and clothes in the most affected areas .

three straight Bundesliga titles, before moving to the Premier League with former Chelsea boss Ancelotti taking on the unenviable task of having to follow him. But the Italian has been impressed with the players he inherited. ‘It’s easy because the team has a lot of football knowledge, and a fantastic quality,’ Ancelotti siad. “I think they build this quality up with Guardiola. I found the team was in really, really good shape, good condition and with great knowledge, the foundations were really good so I never wanted to change them. Every coach has his own idea of football so I tried to implement my idea without having a revolution.” The former Chelsea coach coach asserted. Bayern are three points clear of Hertha Berlin at the summit of the Bundesliga with 16 points from six games. ‘I know what the team is doing very well because they learned a lot in the last three years. I try to do something new,’ Ancelotti said.

thiopia's information minister says groups in Eritrea and Egypt are contributing to the unrest, which has led to a six-month state of emergency. Getachew Reda said the foreign elements are arming and financing opposition groups, but not necessarily with the formal backing of their governments. Under the state of emergency troops will be deployed to quell protests. It follows months of antigovernment demonstrations by members of the country's two largest eth-

nic groups. Violence has intensified since the beginning of the month when at least 55 people were killed during a protest at an Oromo religious festival. The state of emergency, which was announced Sunday, will last for six months. Mr. Getachew told journalists in the Ethiopian, capital, Addis Ababa, that "all kinds of elements in the Egyptian political establishment" are involved but they were "not necessarily directly linked with the Egyptian government", the AP news agency quotes him as saying. The minister also point-

ed the finger at Eritrea, with which Ethiopia has a long-standing border dispute. There has also been a long-running row with Egypt over Ethiopia's decision to build a dam on the Nile, one of the river's sources of which flows from Ethiopia to Egypt. Mr. Getachew earlier told the BBC that the state of emergency could involve banning protests. "For the sake of maintaining public order the government believes that [the] temporary suspension of certain expression rights is warranted," he explained.

Syria conflict: Russia could face war crimes charges –Hollande

rench President Francois Hollande has suggested Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombardment of Syria's second city Aleppo. Mr. Hollande told French TV this could take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC). He also said he might refuse to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit France next week. Last week Russia vetoed a Franco-Spanish UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the bombing.

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians, and said it targets terrorist groups in Syria. Neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the International Criminal Court. "These are people who today are the victims of war crimes. Those that commit these acts will have to face up to their responsibility, including in the ICC," Mr Hollande said that, "If I do receive him [Mr Putin], I will tell him that it is unacceptable. It could also seriously affect Russia's image," the

French president added. Mr Hollande's call for Russia to be prosecuted came as Foreign Minister JeanMarc Ayrault said France was working to find a way for the ICC prosecutor to launch an investigation into attacks on rebel-held eastern Aleppo. Last week US secretary of State John Kerry also called for war crimes charges, saying Russian and Syrian government attacks on hospitals were "beyond the accidental" and part of a deliberate strategy.

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Paden's book on President Buhari

rofessor John Paden, President Muhammadu Buhari's official biographer, is a man that is very comfortable with distorting the truth and telling lies. He is also a man that has been doing so for virtually all his adult life. Anyone that doubts that should read his biography on the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, which was written in 1986 and titled "Ahmadu Bello, Saurdana of Sokoto: Values and Leadership In Nigeria", and which is essentially a self-serving and comprehensive compilation of Bello's numerous virtues. I read that book twenty years ago and I placed it in the "light enterainment" shelf in my library because it lacked gravitas or any real intellectual stamina. It was, at best, a beautiful public relations job for Bello and, at worse, a compilation of disjointed verbiage fit only for the dustbin. Paden's book on Buhari falls into the same category. It is nothing but an illusion: an extraordinary and fantastic fairy-tale built on a shady foundation of pseudo-intellectual clap-trap and garbage. To him, President Buhari is infallible. He is, at best, an angel of light and, at worst, a perfect mortal with no warts. Paden's latest contribution is the greatest exercise in dishonesty and historical revisionism that has ever been undertaken by any foreign or Nigerian historian since independence. The only one that comes close to it in this respect is the book that he wrote on the Saurdana and a number of other books that he authored over the years which were primarily about core northern Nigeria. Writing rubbish seems to be Paden's stock in trade. In his latest book, amongst many other glaring and shameless mendacities, he indulged in two particular lies that are an eloquent testimony to his perfidy. The first was that three names were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for the position of Vice President, namely Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yemi Osibanjo and Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2014 for the 2015 presidential election. This is false and it is simply an attempt to demean and belittle Tinubu and the role that he played in the whole exercise. The truth is that it was Tinubu and Tinubu alone that forwarded the only name that was given serious consideration for the Vice Presidential slot by President Buhari. That name was Professor Yemi Osibanjo. Senator Olorunimbe Mamora was also considered by Buhari but he did not have the backing of Tinubu and neither did Tinubu forward his name. The idea that Tinubu's name was forwarded to be Vice President alongside that of his two protegees in the persons of Osinbajo and Fashola is nothing but fantasy and it was a beautiful and tasteful dish and tale that was spiced, cooked up and prepared in the kitchens of Aso Rock.

Crossfire FEMI FANI-KAYODE ffk2011@aol.com

Buhari

Again Tinubu never pressured Buhari to make him his Vice President as Paden has asserted because he had decided to drop that ambition long before then simply because the idea of a Muslim/Muslim ticket, which was originally on the cards, had eventually been jettisoned and rejected by the party due to public presssure and the division and outrage it attracted. If the Muslim/Muslim ticket had not been rejected Tinubu would have been the Vice Presidential candidate of the APC and no-one else, including his erstwhile protegee Babatunde Fashola, would have had a hope in hell of getting it. This is especially so given the fact that Buhari had originally promised him that position at the time that their parties merged and the APC was established but he later reneged. That is the bitter truth. Paden was either misinformed by those who commissioned him to write the book or he was being propelled by an ulterior and malevolent motive for writing the rubbish that he did on the Vice Presidential issue. Whichever way, he was completly wrong and for the sake of history and posterity we must set the record straight. The second lie that he told, which was infinately more dangerous and repugnant than the first, was that President Buhari has documents which are signed by President Goodluck Jonathan which prove that the latter sought for what he described as "extra-budgetary funds". This is a pernicious lie. It has no basis in rationality, reason or truth. There is absolutely no evidence to

substantiate it and I challenge Paten or President Buhari himself to make those letters and signed applications for "extra budgetry funds" public. The whole thing is simply an attempt to further tarnish and demonise Jonathan and all those that served under him before the world and I believe that that is a crying shame. I can understand such lies coming from a Presidency or a Federal Government that is scared of its own shadows and that feeds off its own propaganda but I cannot accept them coming from a supposedly reputable historian, albeit a foreigner, who has become the official writer and cheerleader of all things caliphate over the last 30 years. Amongst many other things he also suggested that other senior figures in the political and military configuration in our country committed serious crimes and indulged in damning acts of corruption without being specific or even providing details of those acts. Instead of doing so he suggested that the individuals concerned, which included President Olusegun Obasanjo, would have been prosecuted, brought to justice and called to account for their allegedly dastardly acts whilst in governnent if not for the fact that this could have had implications for the stability of the nation and national security. Obasanjo, who is always quick off the mark and who was actually present at the launching of the book in Abuja as was Tinubu, responded in a measured manner by saying that there were "some insinuations" in it which he disagreed with. Frankly that was a cop out. Obasanjo was being far too polite and this was probably due to the fact that he had not read the whole book as at that time and he did not want to dampen the enthuisiasm of the biographer, upset the President or ruin the occassion. The addage is that you do not go to someone's dinner party and spoil it by confronting his lies, challenging his allegations and speaking the bitter truth. Yet I believe that though Obasanjo touched on the matter he did not go far enough. I believe that it is incumbent upon all those that were maligned and alleged to have indulged in acts of corruption by Paden to set the record straight and state their case. It would be very dangerous for all those that have been misrepresented in this so-called book, including President Goodluck Jonathan, President Olusegun Obasanjo and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to keep quiet and not clarify the issues about what was written or insinuated about them because many years from now that book will be

used as a major source and reference point for our history. I urge all those affected to write their own books quickly otherwise they will become victims of historical revisionism. If I had been invited by President Buhari or Professor Paden to the book launch I would have mounted the podium and said as much. Sadly I was not. Permit me to end this contribution by making a suggestion to Paden. Since he wrote about Jonathan's campaign funds and alleged all manner of corruption concerning their source and application, in his next book on President Buhari I would suggest that he sheds more light on how his subjects own 2015 presidential campaign funds were sourced. For a start he should tell us who provided the 10 million USD that was paid as consultancy fees to the company of Mr. David Axelrod, President Barack Obama's erstwhile campaign manager. In addition to that he should tell us precisely how much some of today's ex-governors and a few state Chief Executives amongst many others contributed to Buhari's campaign and where they got the money from. Since everyone is claiming to be holy and righteous in this matter let us all get there and publicly exchange notes. After all the Nigerian public, and indeed the entire world, has a right to know. If Paden fails to ask those questions and declines to provide the answers then he, his accursed books and his questionable and dubious "whitewashing" mission of President Muhammadu Buhari shall undoubtedly remain damned forever. Whether he does so or not other governments that will come to power in the future in this country will not only get the necessary answers but they will also do the appropiate thing and bring them to justice. It is only a matter of time.

Solution to B. Teaser 7

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