20th October 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,615 THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

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TODAY'S SPECIAL Want to stay healthy? Read regularly

By Sade Oguntola THERE’S nothing quite like becoming immersed in a good novel for many readers, it is a way of fuelling the imagination, providing a period of escape from the more laborious aspects of daily life, at least temporarily.

But increasingly, researchers are finding that reading may offer some very real benefits for health and well-being.

Experts reported on a study

published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, that reading books could increase lifespan.

The researchers from Yale University School of Public Health revealed that adults who reported reading books for more than three and half hours per week were 23 per cent less likely to die over 12 years of follow-up, compared with those who did not read books.

Policemen checking vehicle particulars are on illegal duty —AIG

From right, Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede; his running mate, John Ola Mafo; national publicity secretary of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and the South-West chairman of the party, Eddy Olafeso, at the Ondo PDP governorship campaign kick-off rally, at the Democracy Park, Akure, on Wednesday.

IMF report: Nigeria's economy returns as largest in Africa Continues pg2

—P35

—P11

•Overtakes South Africa, Egypt

DSS raid: Senate summons affected judges

Buhari hosts Chibok girls, says they've seen the worst the world can offer

•PDP demands judicial probe of Okoro's letter •Wants APC, Amaechi, Umana investigated —P4

—P2

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, with the freed Chibok girls, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE.

EFCC quizzes Chime, 3 others over N450m campaign fund —P35

2 news

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Want to stay healthy? Read regularly Continued from front page

Although researchers were unable to identify the specific mechanisms by which reading may boost longevity, they pointed to previous studies which establish that reading can increase connectivity between brain cells, possibly lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that can shorten lifespan.

Will reading for pleasure also confer other health benefits, too? Well, in a new review, psychologists in the journal, Trends in Cognitive Sciences, claim fiction may be more beneficial than we realise given, that it has the ability to encourage empathy.

Improved empathy not specific to literary fiction More and more, researchers are developing an increasing interest in how fiction might affect the mind. They are recognising that there’s something important about imagination and that it is partly fuelled by increased utilisation of brain imaging in the field of psychology.

For instance, one study that used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the brain’s response to imagination-inducing phrases, such as “a dark blue carpet” or an “orange-striped pencil” found these phases were enough to produce the most activation of the hippocampus, a brain region associated

with learning and memory.

From the study’s finding, they pointed out that fiction is a “simulation of social worlds,” and “similar to people who improve their flying skills in a flight simulator, those who read fiction might improve their social skills. Fiction might be the mind’s flight simulator.”

Compared with subjects who read nonfictional books, the study found that those who read fictional books had significantly higher test scores, indicating a much higher level of empathy. This ironically was after accounting for individual differences in personality and other characteristics.

Studies have indicated that increased empathy may not only occur with literary fiction. Evidence to date suggests that any form of fictional media that involves the reader or viewer engaging with the characters may lead to improvement in empathy and other social skills in the real world.

Now reading books is not just a popular pastime; perhaps learning more about how it could improve health and well-being will encourage you to shun the TV for the library.

Reading can reduce stress Stress contributes to around 60 per cent of all human illness and disease. Experts say that stress can raise the risks of stroke and heart disease by 50 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. Nonetheless, reading can help to reduce stress and stop it from becoming a

serious health issue.

According to a 2009 study conducted by the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, reading can reduce stress levels by as much as 68 per cent, even more than listening to music or going for a walk.

They found that participants who engaged in just six minutes of reading - whether a newspaper or a book - experienced a slowed heart rate and reduced muscle tension.

Why is this so? Being engrossed in a book allows an escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination. This is more than merely a distraction but an active engaging of the imagination.

Reading enhances mental agility in old age With ageing, brain slows down and as such cognitive tasks that were once found easy such as remembering a name or a house number may become more challenging.

Experts in many studies have shown that reading could help slow down or even prevent cognitive decline, and it may even help stave off more severe forms of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Reading can improve sleep Smartphones and laptops have become our regular bedtime friends. But research indicated that this habit could wreak havoc on your sleep.

A study published earlier this year in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that using a smartphone just before bedtime is linked to shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality because the light emitted from the devices reduces production of melatonin in the brain — hormone that tells us when to sleep.

But swapping your smartphone for reading a book before bedtime, according to Mayo Clinic, can “promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.”

Reading can enhance social skills While some people view books as a way to escape the real world and the people in it, research has shown that when it comes to social skills, reading may have its uses.

For example, a 2013 study published in the journal, Science, found that individuals who read fiction may have better “theory of mind” — that is, the ability to understand that people’s beliefs, desires, and thoughts are different from their own.

Reading may boost intelligence, attention span Studies have shown that reading can increase an individual’s vocabulary, which has been linked with greater intelligence.

It appears that the stronger a person’s early reading skill is, the more intelligent they are likely to become.

Buhari hosts Chibok girls, says they’ve seen the worst the world can offer

FG’ll cater for their rehabilitation, education, he says Clement Idoko -Abuja

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that the Federal Government will take responsibility for the rehabilitation and education of the 21 Chibok girls that recently regained freedom from the Boko Haram captivity.

Buhari, who made the commitment on Wednesday, at a reception held at the State House for the girls who were released last week by the Islamic sect, said government would redouble its efforts to bring back the remaining girls.

The president, who was ostensibly excited, said emotionally “these dear daughters of ours have seen the worst that the world has to offer. It’s now time for them to experience the best the world can do for them.”

He also announced that the Federal Government would take care of their educational, medical, nutritional care and support to facilitate their quick reintegration into the society.

He said: “The release of these 21 girls followed series of negotiations between government and the Boko Haram group, brokered by our friends, both local and International. Since this administration assumed office, we have been working towards the safe release of the girls.”

Buhari also disclosed that with the first credible step taken in effort to secure

the release of the over 200 girls kidnapped from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, since 2014, government would not leave any stone unturned as it would work for the return of the remaining girls.

The girls were presented to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who had received them on his behalf last Thursday, when they were released.

Buhari said: “My dear chil-

dren. This is a happy moment for me and for all Nigerians. I welcome you back to freedom. It is a moment your parents, the nation and the international community have been eagerly waiting for, since your abduction on April 14, 2014.

“We must, from the outset, thank Almighty God for this day that 21 of the Chibok girls have again breathed the air of freedom and are reunited with their parents. We are equally prayerful, that God, in his infinite mercies and bene-

volence, will see to it that the girls remaining in captivity will be freed and returned to us soonest.

“These 21 girls will be given adequate and comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological care and support. The Federal Government will rehabilitate them and ensure that their reintegration back to the society is done as quickly as possible.

“Aside rescuing them, we are assuming the responsibility for their personal, edu-

cational and professional goals and ambitions in life.

Obviously, it is not late for the girls to go back to school and continue the pursuit of their studies.”

Earlier in a brief remark, Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, said the release of the girls ignited the fire of joy in all Nigerians, because it was the moment they had long waited for.

Speaking on behalf of the girls, Rebecca Malu urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the remaining girls

to be released safely, saying that during the long period of their captivity, they never knew they could return home as Nigerians.

In his remarks, chairman of Chibok Local Government, Honourable Ya’aga Yarakuwa, thanked President Buhari for the safe release of the girls, noting that if the president did not come on board, the entire Chibok community would have been wiped off by the terrorists.

Reps to FG: Release ecological funds to flood prone states now To probe activities of FERMA, insecurity in Southern Kaduna Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to release funds from the ecological fund to all the states being threatened by flood.

To this end, the House mandated its Committees on Environment, Emergency/ Disaster Management to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies to promptly execute floodcontrol projects in the affected states.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved

by Honourable Mojeed Alabi, who said some flood-prone states must initiate precuasionary

measures towards preventing flood.

According to him, “The alarming devastation attributable to the perennial incidence of flooding in Nigeria, and its suffocating impact on the nation’s farmland, human habitation and sources of livelihood, with the attendant deleterious impact on accruable revenue are hinderances for developmental purposes.”

He pointed out that the early warning notices released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the annual flood outlook of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) suggested that about 11 states of federation were prone to flooding.

The House, however,

urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to fasttrack the processes of making essential relief materials to the victims of recent flooding in Osun State and other affected states.

Meanwhile, the House has resolved to investigate the operational activities of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) from 2015 till date.

The House Committee on FERMA is expected to carry out the probe and will report back to the House within two weeks.

The resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved

by Honourable Adamu Kamale and four others, entitled: “the arbitrary and unauthorised creation of

positions of acting executive directors in FERMA in outright violation of provisions of FERMA establishment Act, 2012.”

While moving the motion, the lawmaker alleged that, “between 2015 and 2016, billions of naira have been released to FERMA without commensurate work to show for the amount received so far.”

Also on Wednesday, the House called for declaration of security emergency in the Southern part of Kaduna State, over persistent killings in the area.

As part of security measures to curb the insecurity in the area, the House called on the Federal Government to set up a military strike force in the affected area.

The resolution was sequel to a motion on matters of

urgent public importance, sponsored by Honourable Shehu Garba and five other legislators, while also noting that since 2011, various communities in Southern Kaduna senatorial district had been consistently attacked by Fulani herdsmen, which had resulted in the deaths, injuries, loss of properties and displacement of people in the affected communities.

He noted that between October 15 and 16 this year, the Godogodo community in Jama’a Local Government and other communities were attacked by Fulani herdsmen resulting in the deaths of so many people.

When the motion was put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Yusuf Lasun, majority of the members supported the motion.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

4 news PDP demands judicial probe of Justice Okoro’s letter

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Wants APC, Amaechi, Umana investigated Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, demanded the judicial probe of the letter written by a justice of the Supreme Court, Justice John Inyang Okoro, to the Chief Justice of

Nigeria (CJN).

The justice had, in the letter claimed that the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umana Umana, attemp-

ted to bribe and sway justice against the PDP candidates in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia states, respectively.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, by its national publicity secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party said that the call became necessary as it viewed

“the allegation as grievous, dangerous, criminal and unhealthy for our democracy and the rule of law.”

According to the PDP, the information by Justice Okoro must not be swept under the carpet, like previous petitions and the report of the Rivers State judiciary

$13.9bn probe: Senate engages forensic experts to probe MTN, minister, others •I’m not guilty of any offence —Enelamah Taiwo Adisa -Abuja THE Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions has engaged forensic experts to investigate the procedures adopted by telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah and four banks in repatriating the sum of $13.9 billion from Nigerian shores.

The committee, headed

by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, said on Wednesday that the experts would help it unravel how $13.92 billion was allegedly repatriated from Nigeria between 2006 and 2016, in violation of the nation’s extant laws.

Senator Ibrahim, who stated this while addressing newsmen in the Senate, said the stage was set now set for the investigation, adding that all those concerned persons had been invited for the public hearing today.

His statement was coming on the heels of a declaration by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Enelamah that he was innocent of any crime in the MTN saga.

Enelamah, in his submission to the committee, denied any wrongdoing, adding that he was never appointed as a director of MTN. While addressing newsmen, however, Senator Ibrahim, accompanied by the sponsor of the motion seeking a probe of MTN and others, Senator Dino

Melaye and Senator Peter Nwaboashi, said forensic experts who would come from within and outside the country were already on hand to help carry out thorough investigations.

“The committee has written and invited MTN and its promoters and stakeholders to appear before it on Thursday, October 20, 2016,” he said.

He stated that those invited included the Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Dr Pascal Dozie; Dr Enelamah; Ahmed Dasuki; Gbenga Oyebode; Babatunde Falowiyo; Mohammed Sani Bello and Victor Odili.

Others invited included Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank.

“The committee has also written to the Central Bank of Nigeria and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria for information on this matter.

“This is because the activities of MTN and it bankers are in clear violation of Section 15 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous) Act, 1995, and Memorandum 20 and 22 relating to the purchase and sale of Securities and Direct Foreign Capital Investment in Nigeria respectively,” Ibrahim said.

Enelamah, in a letter to the committee, insisted that he never earned any dividend directly from MTN shares, adding also that he was never the owner of Celtelcom Investment Limited or a shareholder of

Celtelcom, as recorded in the votes and proceedings of the Senate on Tuesday, September 27, 2016.”

“It is also important to note that investors do not have responsibility for the remittance of proceeds from the company they in-

vested in.

“Therefore, at no time was I ever in a position to transfer funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN and at no time did I transfer any funds out of Nigeria on behalf of MTN,” he had written in the letter.

THE Senate, on Wednesday, made a U-turn on its earlier resolution in respect of the raid of the homes of judges by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The lawmakers has, therefore, decided to investigate the matter, contrary to their earlier stance to only condemn the development.

At the Senate plenary, chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters,

Senator David Umaru, raised a point of order with which he told senators that his committee had concluded plans to investigate the raids.

He said the Senate committee had concluded plans to summon the six judges for further investigation into the matter.

According to him, the affected judges would appear before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on a date to be fixed.

While raising a personal

many corrupt leaders and members of the APC, but due to party affiliation and their huge contributions to the Buhari Presidency, they are seen as ‘sacred cows’ and shielded from prosecution.

“We wish to, therefore, reiterate that the recent arbitrary and Gestapo style of arrest, detention and release of justices is a charade targeted at gagging the judiciary to sway justice in favour of the president and his party, the APC. “Finally, we call on President Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, investigate this weighty allegation and prosecute the perpetrators. We once again call on the judiciary to remain neutral and fearless, despite this orchestrated threat to our democracy,” the PDP said.

EFCC quizzes 2 more federal high court judges Saliu Gbadamosi -Abuja IN continuation of its investigations of some judges for alleged corruption, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, quizzed two more judges.

Two Federal High Court

judges, Justices Mohammed Nasir Yunusa and Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa, were at the Lagos office of the commission, on Monday, following their invitation by the anti-corruption agency, while Justice Musa Haruna Kurya was at the office on Tuesday.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that Justices Agbadu James Fishim and Uwani Abba Aji reported at the commission’s office at Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, their invitation by EFCC. It was learnt that some of the judges who were accompanied by their lawyers had

so far been cooperating with EFCC operatives handling their matter.

Meanwhile, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, one of the invited judges who was expected to show up at the commission’s office on Wednesday, is yet to honour the invitation.

Recession: FG approves N30bn for mining, exploration activities To concession railway lines to GE Clement Idoko -Abuja THE Federal Government has approved N30 billion intervention fund to boost mining and exploration activities in the country, as part of deliberate efforts to diversify the economy of Nigeria.

The initiative was part of the effort of the government to reflate the Nigerian economy, following the recession while, at the same, streamline the extractive industry in Nigeria.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who briefed State House correspondent after the Federal Executive Coun-

cil (FEC) meeting, lamented lack of geological data in the solid minerals sector.

He said the FEC, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, approved the fund to serve as incentives for local miners and investors, in the bid to stimulate growth in the sector.

He disclosed that deployment of the funds would cut across all exploration activities relating to agriculture, water resources, transportation, including research and development in partnership with local universities in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, FEC has also concluded arrangement to

DSS raid: Senate summons affected judges Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

commission of inquiry that allegedly revealed misappropriations of funds by Amaechi as Rivers State governor.

The party declared that the letter, dated October 17, 2016, had confirmed its earlier position that the war on corruption by the APC was actually the war against the opposition.

“We wish His Lordship, Justice Inyang Okoro and the CJN/chairman of NJC did not keep quite over this bribery attempt since February 2016 until now. It appears that the public would have remained in the dark without the prompting of the DSS harassments and invasion of his home.

“This allegation against Amaechi has again vindicated us that there are so

explanation, the senator said: “Mr President, by virtue of the 1999 Constitution as amended and order 96, Rule 37 of our rules, the powers of this committee to oversight the judiciary and particularly its powers include judicial matters and judges and justices of the court.

“I am bringing this to the attention of the Senate so that we can take the permission of this Senate to enable us to conduct proper oversight on this matter and invite the

justices to enable us interact with them in order to conduct proper oversight as we are enjoined by the provision of our rules and the 1999 Constitution.”

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who gave the committee the go-ahead to conduct the investigation, said “you do not need to come to us, you have your powers under the oversight and you should be able use the powers and do whatever you deem necessary. So do your job in line with your powers.”

concession the narrow guage railway lines in the country to General Electric, an American firm.

According to the preliminary arrangement, General Electric would rehabilitate the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail lines, which will pass through Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Gombe, Bauchi to Borno.

It will also rehabilitate that of Lagos to Kano to pass through Lagos, Abeokuta,

Ibadan, Ilorin, Kano, Funtua, Zaria and terminate at Kauradamuda.

According to the Minister of Transport, RotimiAmaechi, who gave further insight into the project, he said it was essentially to encourage freight movement, particularly of agricultural products.

He said over N30 million worth of freight ought to be transported from the Lagos-Kano route daily, but the country presently moves slightly above 100 tonnes.

Ortom commends NURTW, seeks efficient transport system BENUE State governor , Chief Samuel Ortom, has commended the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for ensuring peace in various motor parks throughout the country, even as he noted that no nation can progress without an efficient transport system.

The governor stated this when members of the National Administrative Council (NAC), led by its president, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, paid a solidarity visit to him in Makurdi.

The governor, who was inaugurated as the grand patron of the union, said the present leadership had rebranded the union in such

a way that “everybody now wants to associate with the union.”

Going down the memory lane, Governor Ortom stated how he started his career as a taxi driver in a motor park in 1979 when he dropped out of school, due to financial problems.

“Now, I am a PhD holder.

I have been a local government chairman, a minister.

Now I am a governor of my state. I am always proud of by beginning,” he said.

Responding, Alhaji Yasin said the decision to inaugurate the governor as the grand patron of the union was in recognition of his contributions to the development of labour movement in general and NURTW in particular.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Metro...

Police smash car snatching gang, recover 2 cars in Osun Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE Osun State Police Command has arrested two armed robbery suspects— Ismail and Raheem (surnames withheld) who were notorious for snatching cars in Osogbo and other parts of the state.

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olafunmihan Adeoye, who made this disclosure during an interaction with journalists, said two stolen cars, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Camry and other items, including one LG flat screen television, one DVD player, three laptop computers and one i-Phone were recovered from the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed that the suspects made away with the loot in two separate rob-

bery operations in Ilesa and Osogbo, adding that they have made useful confessional statements to the police investigating team.

Adeoye also said the police arrested a 25-yearold man, Azeez (surname withheld), suspected to be a member of an armed robber gang who robbed a house at Living Faith

crime, security, court

Customs chides CDHR for joining smugglers’ protest

Church area, Asipa, in OdeOmu, recently.

The police boss noted that two locally-made pistols were recovered from the suspect and that police detectives were still on the trail of other members of his gang, who had escaped.

Adeoye said the suspects would be arraigned after conclusion of investigation.

THE Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A has chided the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Lagos State branch for joining in protest aimed at releasing two notorious smugglers, Mr Oyedeji Rashidi and Mr Shuaib

withheld), who all claimed to be homeless and had been staying under different bridges in Lagos State in the last four years.

They also blamed their involvement in crime on the harsh economic situation in the country.

They were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad under the

popular CMS bridge on the island of the state after an operation.

The arrested suspects were said to have vandalised some street lightings around the CMS and were escaping from the area when they were intercepted by the policemen.

A police source at the RRS told Metro that one of the

Tola Adenubi - Lagos

SIX suspected cable vandals, who have been allegedly responsible for the destruction and stealing of ‘Light Up Lagos’ project have been arrested by the police.

Metro gathered that the suspects were Saheed,Tunde,Deji,Jelili, Sunday and Taofeek (surnames

The suspected cable vandals.

2 die as masquerade festival turns bloody in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos TWO persons have been killed as factions of suspected hoodlums clashed during a masquerade festival on the Island of Lagos State.

The police in the state confirmed the death of one person, adding that four people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

One of the deceased persons was identified as Char-

Sheyi, unconditionally.

The FOU Zone A, in a statement signed on Wednesday by its Spokesman, Jerry Attah accused the CDHR of failing to verify its claims before embarking on the struggle to free the two notorious smugglers.

According to the statement, “the FOU, Zone A has arraigned two notorious smugglers, Mr Oyedeji

6 cable vandals arrested Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

les (surname withheld), whose body was recovered by the police.

Metro gathered that the clash started after the masquerade, Adakeja, was ordered to return to the shrine following “unfavourable security reports.”

It was learnt that the protest led to a clash between the Onala Evans youths and their counterparts from Okepopo area of the Lagos Island.

A resident, who pleaded

anonymity, while speaking with the Metro said “it actually started on Saturday, but continued till Sunday and early Monday.

“The masquerade was already outside when one of the white cap chiefs ordered it to return to ‘Igbale’ “The masquerade belonged to the Onala and Evans boys. They have spent a lot of money and were very angry that the masquerade was not allowed to move around.”

The resident also added

Nigerian Tribune

that “they went to Oke Popo area on Sunday and there was a clash between them and the boys from that area.Two people died in the clash.”

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, but insisted that there was only one person that was reported dead.

She also stated that four persons had been arrested and taken to the Special Offences Court in Ikoyi.

policemen had sighted the vandals and mobilised his colleagues to the scene.

Jelili told Metro “I came to Lagos about seven years ago. When I arrived, I was a bus conductor which I did for about two years. I joined the other accomplices under the bridge when I had no other place to live after my landlord had evicted me for non-payment of house rent.

He also continued “before now, I was working as labourer with the road construction company around Marina, but after our project ended, I chose to steal the cable to earn a living.”

Another member of the gang,Tunde, also disclosed that the constant clashes by factions of hoodlums in Isale Eko forced him to relocate to CMS. Tunde said “I ran for my life for fear of death. Lagos Island is not safe for me any longer because of rampant killings and clashes between rival groups in the area. I moved to the ‘under bridge’ for shelter.

He added that “although, I have not been doing anything tangible since I arrived the state, but I did have my daily meals through the sales of cables and iron steels.”

Deji Afolorunso said “I swept the whole market every night and they paid me N2,500 daily, but I lack contentment which led me to this crime.”

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, adding that they had been transferred to the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment and other related offences for prosecution.

Rashidi and Mr Shuaib Sheyi before Chief Magistrate Y.A. Aje-Afunwa of the Magistrates’ Court, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Tuesday, 18th of October, 2016, on a nine-count charge of smuggling prohibited items.

“The two suspects have been remanded in Ikoyi Prison awaiting trial as the case was adjourned to February 15, 2017. Badejogbin David, who led the legal team of the Nigeria Customs Service prayed that the court expedite the legal proceedings to serve as deterrent to others.

“However, when the smugglers gang leaders learnt that our Unit was charging the suspect, Oyedeji Rashidi to Court on the 18th of October 2016, they mobilised with the CDHR, Lagos State branch to stage an unruly protest to the Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja demanding the unconditional release of the suspect in our custody.

“The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Umar Mohammed Dahiru, commended the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, for his prompt deployment of his men to stop what would have caused serious tensions and casualties.

“The Controller advised the CDHR to always verify their claims before embarking on any struggle to enhance their credibility and integrity. He noted that taking sides with suspected smugglers is not within their mandate.

“He noted that the economic saboteurs are desperate to smuggle into the country over 600 metric tonnes of rice rotting away in warehouses located across Nigeria’s borders. He restated the determination of his operatives to frustrate their plans and bring them to book accordingly.”

It will be recalled that on Thursday, 13 of October, 2016, Customs operatives, while on a tip-off trailed some smugglers to Alakuko /Kola Junction area of Agege Lagos and intercepted two vehicles laden with smuggled rice.

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Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik

08116954633, 08078891950 e-mail: tribunecrimedesk@gmail.com Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

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HE Joint Military Force deployed in the Niger Delta, ‘Operation Delta Safe’ says it killed five suspected militants, two pirates and arrested three suspects in several operations in the past three days.

Troops reportedly rescued a boat laden with rice and passengers from suspected Niger Delta militants who were killed during a rescue operation at Parrot Island in

Troops rescue rice-laden boat, passengers •Kill 7 militants during operation Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, spokesman of the joint task force, Lieutenant-Commodore Thomas Otuji, said the feats were achieved in the ongoing operations against criminals and oil thieves in the Niger

Delta region.

According to Otuji, troops deployed in its sector 4 and local vigilance group ambushed and killed five suspected members of Bakassi Strike Force militants’ gang who hijacked the cargo laden boat and passengers.

“The militants had earlier

seized the boat conveying large quantities of rice from a marketer and passengers on board and the owner of the rice was asked to pay N500, 000 as ransom.

“The troop placed ‘bait’ during the rescue operation and later professionally engaged the militants in gun-

The suspects on parade at NNS DELTA, Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday. PHOTOS: EBENEZER ADUROKIYA

duel, killing five of them and rescuing the passengers unhurt,” Otuji explained.

He said the troops also arrested two suspected militants and a cultist at Ikot Ene, Akpabuyo local Government Area of Cross Rivers State, who were presently in custody for interrogation.

Otuji also said that in another development, troops of Sector 3 of ‘Operation Delta Safe’ at Idama water side in Rivers State got reports of pirates’ attack on innocent citizens and responded by sinking the pirates’ boat.

The spokesman said one Ak-47 riffle, three magazines with 20 pieces of 7.62 mm special ammunition and a life vest were recovered from the pirates who used a banned 200 Horse Power outboard

engine.

He said that following a tipoff, troops deployed in Kula-Abonema waterways killed two suspected sea pirates at Sonykiri creeks near Olakpoko in Kula while two escaped with gunshot injuries.

According to Otuji, one Ak-47 riffle, two AK-47 magazines, 40 pieces on 7.62 mm special ammunition, two mobile phones and one speedboat mounted with 140 Horse Power outboard engine were recovered by the troops.

He, however, noted that troops had intensified patrols in the ongoing operations and urged members of the public to support the military by providing timely information to aid in securing the Niger Delta region.

Navy parades 5 sea pirates, 13 others in Delta Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

One of the arrested Cotonou boats laden with crude oil at the naval base in Warri.

Gunmen kill 5 in Benue Johnson Babajide - Makurdi FIVE persons were killed on Tuesday by gunmen who invaded a popular drinking spot in a semi-urban Tor Donga community, in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The police spokesman, ASP Moses Yamu said that three persons were killed in the attack.

Metro gathered that the gunmen rode on motorcycle around 9.00 p.m. to the drinking spot and shot indiscriminately into the crowd, leading to the death of the five persons and many critically injured.

According to eyewitness, “this happened around 9.00 p.m. when people gathered at the drinking joint enjoying themselves when suddenly, we heard gunshot continually, as people scampered for safety, but at the time the dust settled, I saw many peo-

ple dead.

“Some youths who came around also helped the injured ones to vehicles and were taken to hospital in Katsina Ala.” The eyewitness said no fewer than five persons died.”

The sole administrator of Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Honourable Vera Akwua, condemned in totality what she described as unwarranted attack on innocent people in his council area.

Speaking through her special assistant on media, Mr Godwin Iwananm, he regretted the attack, saying ‘this is coming barely a month a traditional ruler in the council was gruesomely murdered by yet to be identified gunmen.

She expressed sadness that this acts of cruelty were being perpetrated at a time government was making concerted efforts towards ridding the state of crimi-

nal elements as exemplified by the stick approach of the Governor Samuel Ortom amnesty programme.

The council chairman, while condoling families of those who lost their lives, as well as the injured appealed to the people to remain calm, as according to her, government

was going to do all within its powers to ensure the safety of lives and property of people in the area.

Confirming the report, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Moses Yamu, said three persons were killed by gunmen who stormed a drinking spot.

EIGHTEEN criminal suspects were, on Wednesday, paraded by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA) in Warri, Delta State.

The suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in crude oil theft, sea piracy and impersonation of officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to sleaze unsuspecting traders.

Paraded alongside the suspects were assorted bombmaking items, metal and electric tools for illegal oil bunkering and handsets, among others.

Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Jo-

48 touts arrested at Lagos Court premises Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

FORTY-EIGHT people suspected to be miscreants, were on Tuesday arrested around the premises of the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Twenty of them were later released after they were able to convince the police of their mission around the court, while 28 others were handed over to the Lagos State Task Force.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, while

speaking on the raid, said it was as a result of a complaint by the state chief judge.

Badmos said the chief judge had complained to the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, that unholy activities were daily going on in the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court premises.

“Based on the complaint from the chief judge of the Lagos State judiciary through the command’s Commissioner of Police that all sorts of unholy activities are being carried out on daily basis at

the premises of Magistrates’ Court,” Badmos said.

She added “further to the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command that Ikeja division should ensure sanity at the court premises.”

According to the police, a raid of the court premises on Tuesday led to the arrest of suspicious people around the court.

Badmos added that the released persons were witnesses for court cases, business owners and workers.

seph Dzunve, who paraded the suspects, said they were apprehended a few weeks ago at various parts of the creeks, including Opunama in Ughelli South of the state.

The naval boss also led journalists to the jetty of the naval base, where arrested three vessels and over 50 Cotonou boats laden with several litres of crude oil were anchored, awaiting evacuation by the DPR. According to Commodore Dzunve, operatives from the base also arrested three vessels, destroyed four metal tanks, three fibre speed boats and several pumping machines used to perpetrate oil theft.

These, he said, were in line with the mandate handed by the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy to rid the waterways of criminality and illegalities.

Meanwhile, four of the five pirate suspects arrested, who spoke to journalists, accused one of them, Joseph Oba, of being the person manufacturing bombs and guns for hoodlums.

Commodore Dzunve, however, said the navy was still sustaining the fight against crude oil theft, security in the waterways and protection of oil and gas facilities in its area of responsibility.

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businessnews

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

IMF report: Nigeria’s economy bounces back, overtakes S/Africa as biggest economy •Nigeria can lead most recognised countries, if ... —FG Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Ademola Adegbite-Abuja with agency report

A

new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Nigeria as Africa’s biggest economy, in spite of its current challenges.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is placed ahead of South Africa and Egypt which are second and third respectively.

In August, Nigeria was reported to have lost its position as Africa’s biggest economy to South Africa, following the recalculation of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

IMF had downgraded Nigeria’s economy vis-à-vis South Africa’s as a consequence of the sustained loss suffered by the naira against the dollar while the rand, on the other hand, had gained against the dollar.

Specifically, the rand gained more than 16 per cent against the dollar between January and August 2016, while the naira lost more than a third of its value after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) removed a currency peg in June.

While the two economies had faced serious challenges since the beginning of the year as a result of dwindling value of commodities, the impact was more on the Nigerian economy as it shrank by 0.4 per cent in the first quarter as a result low oil prices and output as well as shortage of

foreign currency to sustain imports. On the contrary, South African economy contracted by 0.2 per cent from a year earlier as farming and mining output declined.

As a result, the IMF then scaled down the value of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was $510 billion in 2015, to $296 billion, a contraction of about 42 per cent. Although the South African economy was also scaled down, the contraction was comparatively marginal

A leading indigenous downstream sector has acquired 60 per cent stake in Mobil Nigeria Plc, becoming the majority shareholder of its rival.

The 60 per cent stake originally belonged to ExxonMobil. According to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mobil Nigeria Plc has informed the Exchange of the divestment by its parent body which is now being acquired by NIPCo Plc. However, in a chat with the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, the Managing Director, NIPCo Plc, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy, stated that the acquisition was agreed with the execution of a Sales and Purchase Agreement with ExxonMobil on Monday.

available, but its 2015 size remained at 330.159 dollars while that of Algeria, one of the largest economies on the continent, is put at 168.318 billion dollars.

The United States, China and Japan maintain their spots as the largest economies in the world, ahead of Germany, United Kingdom and France.

According to a review in September, the current economic recession will outlast 2016, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

contraction of 1.7 per cent.

The IMF had predicted that Nigeria’s economy would grow away from a recession in 2017.

The country last witnessed a recession, for less than a year, in 1991, and experienced a prolonged one that started in 1982 and lasted until 1984.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has so far disbursed over N700 billion in capital expenditure this year, part of a record N6.06 trillion (30 billion dollars) budget for

From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Fidelis Ayebae; Chairman, Felix Ohiwerei and Company Secretary, Yomi Adebanjo, at the 17th Annual General Meeting of Fidson Healthcare Plc, held at Sheraton Hotel, on Wednesday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

NSE: Investors lose N105bn in 3 days Kehinde AkinseindeJayeoba-Lagos

THE Nigerian stock market recorded a new month low of 27,478.04 basis

NIPCo acquires major stake in Mobil Plc Olatunde DodondawaLagos

from $370billion to $310 billion. With that South African economy moved to the first position as the largest on the continent.

South Africa had lost the prized position to Nigeria in 2013 after the rebasing of Nigeria’s economy.

But the IMF’s World Economic Outlook for October, puts Nigeria’s GDP at 415.08 billion dollars, while South Africa’s GDP was put at 280.36 billion dollars.

According to the report, Egypt’s 2016 data is not

“With the signing, we will start the transition period which will span about six month. We have also initiated the process of obtaining regulatory approval from Securities and Exchange Commission and the NSE. “While assuring stakeholders that Mobil Oil Nigeria will continue to run as an independent company, NIPCo shall respect the terms of all collective agreements with employees and unions that represent them,” he said.

He said the goal of the company is to increase presence and efficiency by expand in MON’s retail footprints to a minimum of 300 by December 2017.

He however declined to reveal the cost of the deal, according to him, due to confidentiality clause as contained in the contractual agreement with EXXONMOBIL.

points following a 0.28 per cent decline recorded in the benchmark index at the close of equities trading today. With the day’s performance, the negative year-to-date returns stands at -4.06 per cent.

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) likewise followed the downward pattern as Investors lost N27 billion, bringing the losses incurred by investors in the last three trading sessions to a total of N105 billion.

Market breadth remained negative, closing with 12 advancers to 20 decliners.

Ashaka Cement Plc led the day’s five top losers

with a decline of 9.71 percent or N1.46 to close at N13.57 per share. Forte Oil Plc followed with a loss of 7.67 percent or N10.57 to close at N127.30 per share, GlaxosmithKline Plc and Custody & Alliance Insurance dropped 5 percent each to close at N15.78 and N3.80 per share respectively. International Breweries Plc came fifth having shed 4.95 percent to close at N19 per share.

Conversely, Caverton Offshore Support group Plc led the five topmost gainers with an appreciation of 3.95 percent or 3 kobo to close at N0.79 per share.

Stanbic IBTC Plc followed

with a growth of 3.03 percent or 50 kobo to close at N17 per share while Wapic Insurance Plc came third having gained 2 percent or 1 kobo to close at 51 kobo per share.

An increase of 1.56 per cent or one kobo in the share price of Skye Bank Plc that closed at 65 kobo per share placed it fourth on the list of the day’s gainers while CAP Plc added 1.50 percent or 50 kobo to close at N33.75 per share.

Market performance measured by volume and value traded in 2,520 deals settled at 81.9 million units and N592.5 million respectively.

FG laments loss of jobs, forex in printing industry Sanya Adejokun- Abuja FEDERAL Government on Wednesday lamented heavy losses that the economy had suffered in terms of jobs and scarce foreign exchange due to lack of high quality printing facilities in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Lai Mohammed, said this in Abuja at the commencement of the 4th Digital

Print Solution Expo organised by Skysat Technologies with the theme “Exceeding your business expectations.”

He wondered that although “Nigerian print industry is over 100 years old and that the industry has grown to become a multi-billion-naira industry with thousands of small, medium and big printing companies across the country, the country sadly is not the number one choice

for Nigerians who desire cutting edge printing jobs.”

Mohammed noted that often times, people travel to Dubai, China or the United States to print their books, magazines and other materials, which inevitably leads to the flight of scarce foreign exchange and even more worrisome, it creates jobs in those countries, while printing industries in Nigeria gasps for breath.

2016.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said that Nigeria could lead and take over from the most recognized countries in the world, if it utilised the enormous power of science and technology to attain remarkable achievements in industrialization, military capability, economic prosperity and social harmony.

It said Nigeria, being the most populous nation in Africa could take the lead and show what China achieved for Asia, the United States of America for North America, if Nigeria sought for the diversification of her economy in a sustainable and competitive manner by deploying science and technology as an instrument for economic growth.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu stated this at the 1st African Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Sciences with the theme, “Appropriate Biomedical Technology for Africa”, organised by the National Association of Biomedical Sciences of Nigeria, held at the Nicon luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Dr Onu, in his keynote address, said that Nigeria was placing stronger emphasis on deploying biomedical engineering and sciences to develop innovative technologies.

This deployment, according to him, when fully operational, would create a new class of scientists and engineers that would strengthen the role of biomedical engineering in health care delivery and management.

He reiterated the commitment of President Buhari’s administration to promote innovative technologies that would reduce import dependence, enhance local content and strengthen self-sufficiency.

The minister then challenged the participants to critically examine the role that biomedical engineering and sciences could play in strengthening Africa’s search for its own identity and place of honour in the world, saying that,” the time has come for us to work as hard as we can in the pursuit of our peoples happiness, in a competitive world”.

Earlier in his address, the Deputy President of the International body, Professor Ir. Marc Nysenn, called on Africa to develop her technological innovations through harnessing her natural resources and intellects domiciled in the continent through biomedical engineering and sciences to make it a hub for Africa, as a developing economy.

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businessnews

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Aviation probe: 47 airlines shut down operations within 30 years —Joji tells Reps Jacob Segun OlatunjiAbuja

T

HE Secretary General of Aircraft Operators Association of Nigeria (AOAN), Capt Mohammed Joji on Wednesday disclosed that 47 airlines operating in the country folded up within the last 30 years due to bad policy formulation by successive administrations.

Joji disclosed this in Abuja yesterday before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation public hearing on ‘The Need To Rescue The Airlines From Imminent Collapse,’ which kicked off on Monday.

According to Joji, the affected airlines were closed down in succession due to “policy formulation-policy deviation and policy contradiction from the part of the executive.”

He also attributed the closure of the airlines to “high operation cost leading to unstable operating environment such as NAMA charging dollars for domestic operators flying within the Nigerian airspace.

“It was for that reason the Presidential Task Force set-up by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo submitted its report in March 2006. The published white paper approved among other things the following: Government accepted the recommendation to grant zero tariff and VAT on the aircraft, aircraft spare parts and ground

equipment; Government also approved the removal of the five per cent VAT on the ticket sales and cargo charges.

“The Task Force also noted that VAT is never charged on transportation in any part of the world because transportation is a basic service which drives the economy.

“The Task Force recom-

IN a bid to survive recession, boost Internally Generated Revenue and tackle multiple taxation, the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Finance has begun the process of harmonising taxes being collected by the state and local governments.

There has been complaint by the public of alleged double taxation from Lagos State Government and local governments.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on taxation and revenue generation in Lagos, Commissioner for Finance, Dr Mustapha Akinkunmi, said the essence of the meeting is to bring together the local government and state government personnel that are in charge of collecting revenue for the state government to seek ways of modernising and harmonising taxes for easier collection.

He explained that after identifying the issues that gave rise to what people

punitive measure devoid of any economic sense to the airline.

“FAAN charges the most expensive land rate in the world at N60,000/Sq.Meter that is more expensive than choice lands in Victoria Island, Lagos and Asokoro in Abuja.”

Joji, however, submitted the 90-page report of the

Presidential Task Force which he claimed was not implemented.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of Medview Airline, Mr Olanrewaju Lukman, said “if anything meaningful must be achieved in the proposed plan to rescue the aviation sector, then transparency must be the watch word.”

From left, Group Executive, Consumer Banking, Patrick Akinwuntan; Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ayeyemi, both of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated; Division President, Sub Saharan African, Mr Daniel Monehin and Area Business Head, West Africa, Omokehinde Adebajo, both of MasterCard, at a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Ecobank and Mastercard, held at Ecobank Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

NIMASA owed $420.5m in 12 years by maritime operators Tola Adenubi- Lagos

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has stated that debts owed the agency by some operators in the maritime industry from

Recession: Lagos set to rejig tax laws, harmonise revenue collection Chima Nwokoji - Lagos

mendation can be collaborated by the VAT Decree N0.102 of 1993.”

Joji also told the committee that “the approval of multiple destinations to foreign airlines has denied local operators earnings and this has to be stopped.

“NCAA policy of levying operators flying on schedule flight out of Nigeria is a

call multiple taxation, the ministry will come up with aggregate methodology and the technology solutions that will enable citizens of the state to pay harmonised taxes with ease. He added that if need arises for amendment of any aspect of the law, it will be considered.

2004 till date amount to about $420.5 million.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lami Tumaka on Wednesday, the clarification was made by the Director General of the agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside during an engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration in Abuja on Tuesday.

Refuting the claim that the agency was owed monies in excess of $10 billion, Dr Peterside said it was not correct given that the freight element of shipping trade in the last four years is not up to $10 billion.

According to him, “the entire freight element of shipping trade in Nigeria in the last four years is less than $10 billion.”

In response to a petition received by the committee purporting that the agency had engaged a consultant to assist in recovering its money without following due process, the DG told the committee that due process was followed in selecting the consultant as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had also issued a Certificate of No Objection for the purpose.

The DG who noted that the agency has been making concerted efforts to recover these monies with little suc-

Spanish companies to boost trade relations with Nigeria Sanya Adejokun- Abuja

THE Government of Spain has indicated intention to bring in Spanish companies to explore economic potentials and build business relations in a further effort to improve trade relations with Nigeria.

The trip which is billed for May 2017 will see the delegation having discussions with government agencies and familiarising itself with the business environment in Abuja between May 8 and 9, and meeting with private sector operators in Lagos on May 10, before leaving for

their home country.

Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alfonso Barnuevo Sebastian De Erico, who dropped the hint while on a visit to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, in Abuja, said Nigeria and Spain have enjoyed long lasting political and economic relations, and his home country would like to deepen the relationship with further investments in some sectors of the Nigerian economy, a statement from the ministry indicated.

Acknowledging that the

balance of trade between the two countries has been lopsided, De Erico said it was time the two countries looked into the future to find more ways of being mutually beneficial to each other, particularly now that the country has a government that is sold to good governance principles.

“We appreciate the effort of Nigeria in the area of transparency and fighting corruption. We appreciate also its economic policies, and these will take the country forward. We are very supportive of Nigeria and its policies,” he added.

cess also said that this necessitated the management, utilising international best practices, to employ the services of a consultant to assist in recovering these funds.

It will be recalled that the agency had engaged the services of Messrs Snecou Financial Services Company Limited to assist in recovering debts owed NIMASA which are put at $420.5 million with the aim of channeling these funds into developing critical infrastructure as well as knowledgeable manpower for the maritime industry.

Nigerian Tribune

MTN partners Air France-KLM Offers 25% airfare discount, free calls

By Seyi Sokoya

LEADING telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria has joined hands with premium airline company, Air France – KLM, to package an unbeatable offer of up to 25 per cent discount on business class tickets to London.

The partnership between MTN Nigeria and Air France KLM will offer this discount from October to December 2016. In addition, customers will enjoy free incoming calls on the MTN network while outside the country.

Commenting on the partnership, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge said “The partnership was conceived towards rewarding our current Platinum customers at this time.

This is one of MTN’s ways of supporting its loyal customers as they engage in their regular travel for different purposes.”

Iweanoge added that “The goal of our partnership with Air France KLM is to add value to our customers. Air France KLM and MTN are two companies that place a high premium on customers and with the Yuletide drawing near, there is no better deal for business travelers, tourists and holiday seekers than this offer.”

Speaking on the partnership, Commercial Director, Air France KLM, Nigeria and Ghana, Arthur Dieffenthaler said, “We share a bank of loyal customers who frequently use both our products not only in Nigeria but also abroad.

Roaming outside Nigeria, they need to know that we care, that is why we decided to create an unbeatable offer for the end consumer.”

Bakers’ World set to create entrepreneurs BAKERS’ World Ltd, a confectionery and catering company that specialises in cakes and foods for all occasions, is set to create skilful entrepreneurs that will take on the growing consumption of confectioneries and evolving celebration culture in Nigeria.

According to the General Manager of the company, Miss Adekumi Okanlawon, “For over 32 years, Bakers’ World has scaled through the tides of the country’s economy, and it is still waxing strong. The company is reinvigorating to bring its rich experience to the fore through its school, thereby creating jobs.”

She said that Bakers’ World brand does not just

stand for the manufacturing of confectioneries and food, it also stands for the making of entrepreneurs in the cakes and foods industry.

Adding that the company has produced bakers who are doing well, she pointed that the school has classes for beginners, advanced and professional classes.

“The company has been here for ages and has also been training trainees for ages, we have it all at our finger tips and our experience is very rich. For those who will be training from Bakers’ World School, there is an assurance that they will be learning from a wide range of successful methods that have been gathered over the years.”

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editorial

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Purging the judiciary

AST week, many eminent Nigerians from all walks of life rose in defence of the judiciary following the invasion of the homes of some senior judges and their arrest by members of the State Security Service (SSS). While not disputing the pervasiveness of corruption in the judiciary, they pointed out that the due process of the law must be followed in punishing errant judges. Some of the affected judges have since stated their own sides of the story.

But Nigerians are understandably still worried by the goingson in the judiciary.

Happily, contrary to expectations of the usual slap on the wrist, the National Judicial Council (NJC) pleasantly surprised many critical observers when it recommended the sacking of two judges who were found wanting in the discharge of their duties and ordered the arrest and prosecution of another. Hitherto, corrupt judges were just asked to go on mere retirement whenever they were found to have dipped their fingers in the jar of sleaze, enjoying their ill-gotten wealth during retirement. Under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, the NJC suspended from office with immediate effect, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya; Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I.A Umezulike and Justice Kabiru .M. Auta of the High Court of Justice, Kano State. According to a statement issued by its Acting Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye, Auta was to be handed over to the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 1, Kano, for prosecution.

The NJC took the landmark decision at its 78th meeting on September 29 after due consideration of the petitions against the three judges before it. It found that Justice Tsamiya met with the petitioner who did him in on three occasions in his residence in Sokoto, Abuja and Owerri. On each occasion, he demanded the sum of N200 million to influence the Court of Appeal panel in Owerri or risk losing the case. In the case of Justice Umezulike, he delivered judgement in a suit on March 9, 2015, about 126 days after addresses were adopted, contrary to the constitutional provision of 90 days.

Justice Umezulike also reportedly ordered the arrest of one Mr. Peter Eze after the matter involving him was amicably resolved and judgement entered on the terms of settlement.

Again, in a speech delivered to the Eastern Bar Forum on March 4, 2016, Justice Umezulike made uncomplimentary remarks about the petitioner, using vulgar language. He also received a N10 million donation from one Prince Arthur Eze at a book launch, during the pendency of two cases in his court in which he (Eze) had vested interest.

The case of Justice Auta was unbelievable. According to the NJC, he received bribe of N125 million through his Personal Assistant, Abdullahi Bello, ostensibly to assist a newly appointed CJN to secure accommodation, while the petitioner would in turn be rewarded with contracts by the said CJN. He then facilitated a meeting between the petitioner and a lady who introduced herself as the purported CJN in a Prado Jeep, escorted by an armed police officer in a hotel in Kaduna, later making part payments of $11, 000 and N16 million to the petitioner and undertaking to pay the balance before the commencement of the Fact Finding Committee set up by the NJC. Any society is as functional as its criminal justice system.

The system has evidently gone to seed in Nigeria for quite a while. We recall with indignation how the revered late Justice of the Supreme Court, Kayode Eso, was strident about the fact that billionaire judges had polluted the temple of justice. The investigations conducted by the NJC have lent credence to the horrid and ignoble development. The conduct of the indicted judges has without doubt stripped them of the honour and dignity which once belonged to their respected profession and statuses, dumping them in the pit of reproach and shame along with criminals and outlaws. The NJC should have been doing this consistently to rid the judiciary of the unwholesome and undeserving elements who contributed to the sorry pass that the country has unfortunately come to.

It is also instructive that although corruption in the judiciary is pervasively evil in all matters, the particular type that has arguably yielded immense wealth to corrupt judges has been the endorsement of electoral fraud at election tribunals. This puts unworthy people in public office in the country, thus jeopardizing the political destiny of the country and robbing the people of their future. These are grave, criminal acts for which those convicted in saner climes languish in jail for very long durations.

If the self cleansing exercise embarked upon by the NJC is commendable, its starting so late has been regrettable. We are sadly reminded of those controversial cases in the past for which nobody was eventually sanctioned and we urge the NJC to revisit them and bring the erring judges to book. In any event, the NJC having found its voice now must do more to redeem the sullied image of the judiciary.

To be sure, there are still judges in the judiciary who have not sold their souls to the devil. But it is a case of one bad apple spoiling the barrel. Nigeria needs a dignified and credible judiciary in the bid to emerge as a safe and wholesome society.

That is why the battle must begin in earnest.

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•Kings of the road! PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Govt should focus on education

W

H E N EVER a

politician w a n t s to give back to members of his constituency, he would buy motorcycles, grinding machines, stoves, among others.

Most of our politicians are so uninnovative. They should look at policies that will empower the people for years to come.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy is a good example. Politicians should make lasting impression in the lives of the people, and this can only happen through education.

I am happy that Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari is someone who knows the value of education. He should focus on developing our educational system, as this is the solution to our challenges.

A well-educated person will be able to think for himself, and will not be easily manipulated by politicians.

I believe if successive governments had focused on education, we will not be having the Boko Haram challenge we are having in the North East at the moment.

As a result of this, I want to charge the Federal Government to focus more on education. However,

such education should encompass vocational skills, which will make our youths to be self-employed, in-

stead of them relying on non-existent jobs.

Again, it will make more sense if owners of our pri-

the rise. An unemployed psychology graduate for instance will be good in fraud. If we don’t utilise the brains they have, then they will use them negatively against the society.

If we look well, educated people will also be behind

ment in the country, particularly among the youth.

Sesan Ajibola, 08055164562

Let’s tackle corruption like Ebola, Lassa fever I can remember how the Nigerian government tackled the deadly Ebola virus and Lassa fever, and now, I am comparing Nigeria’s corruption situation with these two deadly diseases.

However, if we can tackle corruption as we tackled Ebola and Lassa, then our country will develop.

We may not see corruption killing us physically like Ebola did, but the lack of quality health facilities, good roads, among others,

which kill innocent people, can also be likened to the Ebola scourge.

Today, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s topmost priority is to combat corruption at all levels of government. To achieve this, I want to strongly advise Mr President that we should deal with corruption as we dealt with Ebola. Everyone was on guard to ensure we overcame the virus.

As a result, I hope the

Towards creating employment opportunities for youths ONE of the biggest problems facing this country today is the lack of employment opportunities for youths. It is so unfortunate that youths will graduate and find themselves unemployed. This is the reason crime is on

vate tertiary institutions establish businesses to be run by their graduates.

This will also go a long way in reducing unemploy-

the numerous baby factories in the South East, and the kidnapping business in the South South.

Do we ever wonder that unemployed Chemistry graduates are behind the illegal refineries that dot the South South? It

is, therefore, important that government of President Muhammadu Buhari should focus on getting unemployed youths off the streets, and put them into jobs.

Sanmi Adekunle, 08191143941.

other organs of government, the legislative and judiciary, as well as all Nigerians, should tackle the issue of corruption once and for all.

All Nigerians should be

whistle-blowers; we must all abhor corruption, and it is only when this happens that we can truly develop.

•Tumini George, 09095687489

Appeal to education minister, UNILAG VC I am appealing to the Minister of Education and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos on behalf of my daughter, Ojo Deborah, with JAMB No. 66143078HH for admission into the University of Lagos. She had a problem uploading her result during the 2016/2017 Post UTME exercise of the university, but she performed excellently well in her examinations, thereby meaning she could be pitied,

and admitted. Her JAMB score is 237, while in her WAEC, (registration no.

4251502367) she made: Mathematics, A1, Chemistry A1, Physics A1, Biology A1, Further Maths A1, Civic Education A1, Garment Making A1 and English language B2. I just want to appeal to the Minister of Education, and UNILAG VC to take pity on her and admit her.

•Ojo Taiwo, 08085271240

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opinion

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Chibok girls: A release that renews hope

By Abiodun Israel

I

F any Nigerian or member of the international community had doubts about the sincerity and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the rescue of our precious daughters abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Secondary School, Chibok on April 14, 2014, the rescue of all other abducted Nigerians and very importantly, his sincerity in working towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency, such doubts must by now be laid to rest.

— Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State THIS comment by the Borno State governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has captured the electrified mood of celebrations in Nigeria and the international community over the release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls captured by Boko-Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014. Based on painstaking negotiations anchored by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government, these girls were released by their captors in the town of Banki, on the fringes of Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.

In Nigeria’s history, the nation has never lived with prolonged emotional trauma, which glued both friends and foes like the incident of the abduction of the 276 school girls in Chibok imposed on the nation. It triggered local and international outrage. World leaders took turns to renounce the act of the terrorists as barbaric and uncivilised.

The helplessness of the Federal Government under the then President Goodluck Jonathan, which showed more interest in his re-election campaigns exacerbated the tension.

The birth of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) campaigners, led

by Mrs. Obi Ezekwesili, ignited fresh trouble for the government, which was scolded daily for its refusal to initiate action for their release.

Centrally, there were other issues, but Muhammedu Buhari, as presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections, premised his campaigns on two main cardinal issues. He spoke vibrantly and angrily about ending the Boko Haram insurgency, ensuring the release of the abducted Chibok girls, and ridding Nigeria of her pervasive and debilitating corruption.

Nigerians trusted him and overwhelmingly voted him into power. In power, President Buhari has made no pretensions

about the issue of defeating Boko Haram and securing the release of the Chibok girls, and the launch of a deafening antigraft war.

Thus, Buhari started with the re-organisation of the Nigerian military, procurement of the arms and ammunitions, prompt payment of allowances of troops in the battle front to boost their morale and reaching out to the international community to plead for their assistance to battle terrorism.

The coming on board of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Tukur Buratai, among other Service Chiefs, renewed fresh songs on ending the Boko Haram insurgency. Specifically, Buratai promised to end the insurgency in the North East by December 2015. Nigerians waited doubtfully because other Service Chiefs had similarly bragged in the past, but it came to naught.

But the new face of leadership of the Nigerian military had proven to be different. By the December 2015 deadline the COAS promised, tales of Boko Haram’s raids on villages, communities and bombing of cities in the North turned into the narratives of terrorists fleeing, killed in combat, captured or surrendering to Nigerian military. Reclaimed territories from the insurgents began to experience normalcy and deserted communities breathed fresh air.

President Buhari announced to the congregation of the last United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that Nigeria had substantially decimated Boko Haram. The President further disclosed that their capacity to freely launch unbridled attacks on targeted locations had been diminished to occasional attacks on soft targets.

It gladdens the heart that President Buhari has kept faith with this campaign covenant with Nigerians by defeating the

Boko Haram insurgency. His cake has been iced with the gradual release of the Chibok girls from the claws of the terrorists. It has raised a strong hope that the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity are nearer liberation too, as hinted by Buhari in Germany thus: “In getting these 21 out, we hope we will get enough intelligence to go about securing the rest of them.”

What is indispensable in the release of the Chibok girls and the over 20, 000 Boko Haram abductees the Nigerian military has secured freedom at intervals is testimony of a hard working Nigerian military. It has worked in conjunction with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the complementary roles of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to deflate the once enigmatic and agile terrorists from their safe enclaves in the Northeast.

However, it must be borne in mind that a blood thirsty beast, who is armed to the teeth, would not just voluntarily quit his trade for the fun of it, or because he has become a saint; repented upon his sudden discovery of God Almighty and His love. He relapses because of knowledge of his constant haunting by a superior power, potent enough to extinguish him and his generation.

The Nigerian Army, under General Buratai, has been very instrumental to instilling this psychology fear into the remnants of terrorists, which accounts for their discovery of the futility in the continued caging of the abductees. Other arms of the military also performed wonderful roles.

But soldiers consistently and exceptionally bore the brunt.

They chased terrorists on foot, combat motorbikes and vehicles. They implanted themselves in communities for surveillance, had their command barracks attacked, detonated terrorists bombs, spent nights and days in forests and on roads at checkpoints, braved sun and rain as well as sacrificed their dear lives in the battle against insurgency.

Accordingly, Nigerian soldiers and other arms of the military deserve unrestrained respect and encouragement to keep the spirit alive. However, families of the Chibok girls still held in detention should be consoled by President Buhari’s assurances that the return of the 21 girls would definitely lead to the return of the rest still in captivity.

•Israel writes from the University of Ibadan.

Avoiding disaster in assets sale

By Lawson Omokhodion

ABOUT this time in 1985, a huge debate was ranging all across Nigeria. It was the great IMF debate: to take or not to take the famous IMF loan. The military government under President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida was grappling with a short term liquidity crisis at the time. Fast forward to 2016, about 31 years later and under a democratically elected government, another bout of recession envelops import-dependent Nigeria and the debate is whether to sell our national assets, the nation’s crown jewels to resolve a short term liquidity crisis whose origin is well known.

Apart from the collapse of crude oil prices in the past 18 months, the reasons for the recession are clear and it is simplistic to off-handedly suggest the sale of Federal Government investment in the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas company (NLNG) and all of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a solution to the short term liquidity crisis.

The argument has been made. The National Economic Ccouncil (NEC), comprising of state governors and a motley of other public servants, want the assets sold. Many state governors are ever eager to get easy money from Abuja and never propose solutions that will task their imagination. The Senate also took the subject serious and held a full plenary session on tackling the recession and came out with a set of watery prescriptions, the most important of which is to sell Federal oil and gas assets. The labour movement is against the asset sale proposal. The history of privatisation in Nigeria is woeful. No one wants to use the word privatisation. It is expected by the CBN governor that asset sale would quickly bring in some $15 billion to the Federal Government.

In 2006, it was these assets that produced the $12.4 billion that was applied to pay off the negotiated balance of the Nigerian foreign loans.

At present, the most sought after asset for sale is the NLNG;

the most profitable and efficiently managed Federal Government investment in Nigeria, and one that brings in billions of dollars in dividends and taxes to the Federal Government annually. Till date, there is no worry about the quality of management of the NLNG. Then why sell the NLNG? It is not broken, then why fix it?

The next set of assets for sale are those held by the NNPC. Yes, the Federal Government’s holding in joint venture (JVs) operations through the NNPC can be reduced to aid efficiency and profitability in the JVs. In this way, the cash call palaver would end. But this is not the first time that the Federal asset sale is being proposed.

In the first quarter of 2015, this argument was canvassed in London for these assets to be sold. The reason was unknown then and there was no recession. Apparently, some interested parties definitely want these assets sold to them.

Today, we have enough problems with the Avengers over the oil assets in the Niger Delta; where land and territory were acquired by the Federal Government for overriding national interest. Now, these resources are to be sold to outsiders and I wonder if Nigerians truly believe the militants in the Niger Delta will accept this situation.

In discussing the sale of Federal Government oil assets under NNPC, it would have made better sense if the Senate zeroed in on the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB),

which has been in the National Assembly for nearly seven years. The best contribution the Senate can make now to the economic health of this country is to have an understanding with the House of Representatives and quickly and urgently pass the PIB. The NNPC needs to be reformed. Pass the PIB and let the component parts be managed professionally. Pass the PIB and within the context of a reformed NNPC, the Federal Government may undertake a systematic asset disposal programme.

The concern shown by the Senate in proposing measures to address the present recession is commendable but the senators ought to tell Nigerians how to stop 21 senators currently receiving pensions from government as ex-governors and ex-deputy governors and are also receiving their emoluments as senators. Even the salaries and allowances of the National Assembly members are shrouded in secrecy, mainly because they are indefensible and totally preposterous. If the proceeds from Federal assets sale are used to maintain the present life style of senators and state governors, the asset disposal exercise would be a fiasco.

If we do not reform the nation’s present expenditure and consumption pattern, proceeds from the sale of Federal assets will be definitely be wasted.

Nations in financial difficulties sell non-core assets and borrow. Nigeria has a well-staffed Debt Management Office (DMO) and can borrow. The ratio of Nigeria’s debt to its GDP is still not much higher than 15 per cent. Let the Federal Government borrow to fund its forex needs. Proceeds of asset sale and borrowed funds must be judiciously applied to facilitate recovery and eventual loan repayment. No nation sells its crown jewels. No nation sells its strategic assets.

However, these assets can be leased out and upfront lease payments to cover five years or more can be structured.

•Chief Omokhodion is a former bank managing director.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

maka nd’igbo

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Enugu CP commissions police stations in three communities Jude Ossai - Enugu

Cross section of Ndi-ichie in Obosi community, Anambra State, during Obiora/Iwa-ij festival.

Obosi community hosts Obiora/Iwa-ij festival, honours cleric, others Suzy Oruya - Onitsha

T

HE Obosi community in Idemili North Local government Area of Anambra State celebrated this year's Obiora/ iwa- ij festival, issued official title to cleric, others.

Speaking during the festival, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, aka (Eze OBOSI), said in his welcome address that Obiora festival was synonymous with the celebration of the new yam harvest and this marked his five years of reign in the throne of his ancestors.

Igwe Iweka explained that the festival symbolised peace and that was the reason it was forbidden to fight or quarrel during Obiora week from time immemorial, adding that to defaulters, it made sure it attracted huge penalties.

He said that despite the harsh economic condition in Nigerian, God had been too merciful to His people this season in human resource. He prayed in the spirit of Obiora for peace to prevail in Obosi Kingdom, Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

Eze Iweka encouraged everyone to work harder in order to survive in this current economic condition until the storm was over and for youths to abstain from hard drugs and seek a better way of making money.

Meanwhile, one prominent son of Obosi kingdom, a gynecologist, who was bestowed with " Ugwumba Obosi" title, Dr Nnamdi Onuekwusi, said that Obiora celebration was about loving one another as it was built

out of love.

About his title, Onuekwusi maintained that nothing could add to his value in terms of life fulfillment except having grandchildren and others, and that title given was an honor, an ordinary award that didn’t confer any authority except the fact that he could wear a red cap now.

He expressed joy over the honour and said that no one

could reject an honour. He thanked Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

Also, an Anglican Arch deacon of Obosi Arch- deaconry, Venerable Dr Oswald Ezekwelu, who was bestowed with the title, "Onwa natieti of Obosi community" by Chidubem Iweka, said his title signified LIGHT as when light appears, darkness disappears.

Reverend Ezekwelu said he

had been expected to go into the nooks and crannies of Obosi community and bring souls for God as Jesus did and explained that Jesus Christ was born into the culture as a Jew, grown through culture, ate with sinners, adding that although he was divine and did not come to abolish the culture, there was no way he could get to the people without associating with them.

Jubilation as Ugwuanyi flags off 35 projects in Enugu communities Jude Ossai - Enugu DETERMINED to extend the frontiers of development to the rural areas, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, at the weekend, flagged off a number of infrastructural projects across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The flag off ceremonies for the projects, which comprise of 25 roads, water schemes, electricity, hospitals, buildings, among others, according to the governor, who was represented at the various sites by members of the State Executive Council, was in keeping with his administration’s promise to drive development to every corner of the state with the aim of creating more urban centres to boost economic growth and improve the lives of the people.

Ugwuanyi noted that the events not only represented a concrete step towards the implementation of the projects, but also “stand as another practical demonstration and capacity to fulfill our promises to the people of Enugu State, despite the severe economic constraints facing the country today”.

The governor said that in line

with his administration’s grassroots development initiatives, the state government had earlier commenced the construction of eight major roads across the state, adding that its commitment to execute development projects in each of the 17 local government areas of the state for the year remained sacrosanct.

According to him, “each of these projects was identified and specified by stakeholders in the respective local government areas where they will be executed,” noting that two projects would be executed in each of the council areas in the

first phase.

In each of the council areas, it was a joyous mood as the people who turned out en masse to witness the ceremony applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his vision and steadfastness in extending development to the rural areas.

At Udi Local Government Area, where the Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, represented the governor, the people of the area said the event was a welcome development that would create access to their farmlands and boost the local economy.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi being received at Enugu-East Local Government Area, during the flag-off.

REPRIEVE came the way of the people of Neke-Uno, Ogbeke and Amokpo communities in EnuguEast Local Government Area of Enugu State at the weekend as the State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, commissioned police stations in the area.

Ojukwu maintained that the project was to further strengthen the existing relationship between communities and the state command and to ensure that communities were safe and secure in line with the tenets of community partnership and relations.

Commissioning the police stations and post, Ojukwu said: "Taking police to the communities for effective partnership and service delivery is paramount as you cannot separate communities from their police" He enjoined communities involved to rally round their police to ensure that there was improved safety and security in their communities especially along Ugwuogo/Opi Nsukka road in order to attract development to the communities.

NIPOST moves to improve services in Igboland Jude Ossai - Enugu THE Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) has said that it has introduced new services in Igbo land as well as other parts of the country with a view to encouraging people to improve on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in service delivery.

This development is expected to offer services in electronic money transfer, EMS/Speed Post Services, logistics services, agency banking, trace and track mails sent through PMB and P.O Box and many more.

This was disclosed during the celebration set aside to commemorate the establishment of Universal Postal Union(UPU) at the weekend by Enugu Area Manager, Agahiu Joseph Opaluwa Agahiu described this year's celebration as "a great gesture by the postal service to improve and contribute meaningfully to social economic communities of member countries and the development of the world.

The theme of this year's celebration is "serving a new society, delivering beyond your door step to show the extent of commitment of postal service in delivering their duties”, Agahiu said.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

Top scholars for Efuru@50 six-city celebration

A

HEAD of the November 29th commencement date of the ‘Efuru@50’ celebrations, the Dr. Wale Okediran-led National Organising Committee (NOC) is pressing solidly ahead with preparations to ensure a hitch-free event in the six selected cities.

The golden jubilee of the novel, written in 1966 by the late Flora Nwapa, and published by Heinemann, would be loudly celebrated in Lagos, Maiduguri, Abuja, Enugu, Owerri and Oguta from November 29 to December 11, under the theme, ‘Efuru@50: A Celebration of Flora Nwapa and African Women Literature.’

As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free celebration, local organising committees (LOCs), under the supervision of eminent scholars, have been constituted to aid the work of the NOC Scholar and poet, Professor Hope Eghagha of the Department of English, University of Lagos, is head of the LOC in Lagos, while Dr. Razinat Mohammed is overseeing preparations at the University of Maiduguri.

Professor Vicky Sylvester of the English Department, University of Abuja is head of the local organising committee in the FCT, Prince Paschal Mebuge heads that of Enugu and Mr. Camilus Ukah is chair of the committee in Owerri.

Also, keynote speakers, including Professor Bolanle Awe (Lagos), Prof. David Ker (Abuja), Prof. Zaynab Alkali (Maiduguri) and Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo (Enugu) have been contacted.

Not willing to leave anything to chance, members of the NOC, including Dr. Okediran, Prince Pascal Mebuge, Barrister Uzoma Nwakuche (Nwapa’s first son), Chinyere Obi-Obasi, Salamatu Sule, Akintayo Abodunrin, Isaac Ogezi and Ikeogu Oke have also paid courtesy visits to key stakeholders. The NOC, has amongst others, visited the managements of UNILAG, UNIABUJA, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Abuja, UNIMAID and IMT Enugu, among other places.

Personalities and organisations, including the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha; NTA Enugu, Radio Nigeria Enugu, Ford Foundation Lagos, Nigerian Breweries Lagos, Goethe Institute Lagos, British Council Lagos and Chief Victor Umeh in Enugu, have also been visited to seek their cooperation.

Happily, the authorities of UNILAG, UNIABUJA, UNIMAID, IMT Enugu, NTA

•Professor Bolanle Awe Abuja (for the use of NTA Arena for the Children’s Carnival), NTA Enugu, Radio Nigeria Enugu, Ford Foundation and Nigerian Breweries have since confirmed their support.

Similarly, eminent Nigerians, including the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, ex-military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), Gen T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd), Bishop Mathew Kukah, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senate Leader, Mohammed Ndume and Ministers of Education, Information and Culture, Mines, Women Affairs, Transport and Communications among others have been contacted for support.

Disclosing what else needed to be done before the conference opens on November 29, Dr Okediran said schools participating in the literary competition would soon be confirmed, while copies of ‘Efuru’ would be distributed to them.

He urged other individuals and corporate Nigeria to come on board and join in the celebration of both ‘Efuru’ and its writer, Nwapa, an assistant registrar at the University of Lagos between 1962 and 1964, a visiting Professor at the University of Maiduguri and three-time commissioner in the East Central State.

The ‘Efuru@50’ celebration will feature discourse and paper presentations, symposia, children’s carnival, writing competitions and drama sketches from the novel. The grand finale has been scheduled for Oguta, Imo State the birthplace of the author on Saturday December 10 2016 with a cultural festival.

•Professor Akachi Ezeigbo However, in continuation of his tour to cities that will be hosting the literary celebration, Dr Okediran was in Enugu State, and the first port of call was the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu where the team paid a courtesy call on the Acting HOD of the Department of Language Studies, Pastor Henry Aniugbo, who is also the Chairman of the LOC already set up by the Department to work with the Efuru’s LOC. After a warm welcome, Pastor Henry led the team to the Director of the Institute of Management and Technology, Dr Mrs Ojel Anidi.

In her welcome remarks, Dr Anidi, who is also an author, expressed her delight at the opportunity given to IMT to host the Efuru@50 event. She confirmed the news that the Institute’s Rector had already given his approval for the use of the institution’s ultra modern auditorium for the event.

She, thereafter, led the team made up of Dr Okediran (Chairman) Barrister Uzoma Nwakucha (Chair of the Flora Nwapa Foundation) Prince Paschal Mebuge (LOC Chairman Enugu) Mr Camilius Ukah (National Vice President ANA) Mr Ndubuisi Eneh (Chairman ANA Enugu) and Mr Ikeogu Oke to the Rector’s Office.

The Rector, Prof Austin Nweze, also expressed the determination of the IMT to host a very successful event. He confirmed his decision to empower the Department of Language Studies in giving the event a robust reception in the Institution.

The team was later taken on tour of the institution’s magnificent Conference Centre where the event is scheduled to take place.

ANA releases shortlist for 2016 literary prizes THE judges of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Literary Prizes have released the shortlist for the 2016 ANA Prizes.

Competing for the ANA Prose Fiction Prize are: Avenger of Blood by Franklin Finecountry; On the Bank of the River by Ifeoluwapo Adeniyi; Prodigals in Paradise

by Henry Akubuiro and Odufa: A Lovers’ Tale by Othuke Ominiabohs.

For the ANA Drama Prize, the contestants are: Kosoko King of Eko by Fela Omoyele; Sacking the Porter by Olatunde Bolaji and Fated Rift by R.C. Ofodile.

For the ANA Poetry Prize, Thunder Protocol by Obari Gomba; Kontradiction by Saddiq Dzukogi and The Birth of Illusion by

Jumoke Verissimo will battle it out.

The ANA/Abubakar Gimba Prize for Short Stories has River People and Other Stories

by Peter Ukwa; Midnight Cry by Paul Ugah and From Sin to Splendour by R. C. Ofodile as contestants.

The ANA / Ngozi Chuma Udeh Prize for Children’s Literature has The Quest for the Gem of Arubia by Augusta Mmakamba Okon; Sunny and the Arodan by Ozimede Sunny Ekhaalume and Water-Carrier Millionaire by Philip Begho as contestants.

For the ANA/Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism, the “The Film Script, Nollywood and Cultural Diplomacy: Criticism of Artist’s Knowledge of the Film Story.” by

Nwagbo Pat Obi, will be for honorable mention only.

To make the final decision are the panel of judges — Professor Nelson Fashina of the University of Ibadan, Mallam Salihu Mohammed Bappa of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ismaila Bala Garba of the Bayero University, Kano, Dr Owojecho Omoha of the University of Abuja and Mrs Joan Oji of the Educational Resource Centre, Abuja.

Winners of the various prizes will be announced at the awards dinner of the 35th Anniversary International Convention of the association coming on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in Abuja.

Also visited was the institution’s guest house.

In the evening of the same day, Dr Okediran visited the state governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his office, where he briefed him about the preparations for the Efuru@50 event. Governor Ugwuanyi, a former Member of the House Of Representatives, Abuja, assured his guest and former colleague of the readiness of the Enugu State government to support the forthcoming historic event.

The team also visited Governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House, Owerri.

The visibly elated governor, who welcomed the team to Flora Nwapa’s home state, took some time to go through Efuru, the book to be celebrated in Owerri on Friday Dec 9 2016.

Governor Okorocha, thereafter, promised the full backing of the Imo State government towards the success of the 6 City National event.

POEM

Undying flower

I have never seen a woman who flap due process fan When the fog form she never deform Bold as a lion gentle as a dove from zion Dressed in royal beeds and fervently engaging the weeds Bunch of amazon dominating every zone Up are so many thumbs because she is not scared of tombs High-pitched soprano judge yet no element of grudge The sun Knows am ain’t joking and the moon knows am ain’t poking Far from disvirgined justice and gallantly drinking democracy juice Never hesitate to remove the wheat from the chaff then she must be a righteous staff I will pay a piper for a melodious tune Groove there and wear the golden vest where guarantee is given for eternal rest.

Ozovehe Aroke pasquare24@gmail.com

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arts&review

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

LACIFF announces jury for indigenous film festival THE Lakecity Film Festival (LACIFF) has made a call for entries. The first edition of the three-day festival, which is to take place from December 16th to 18th in the beautiful town of Oguta, Imo State has been accepting films that will be in competition as well as screen to the public since September 24. Entries will close in November. Interested filmmakers can find details at the festival’s website.

LACIFF holds this year’s event under the theme: ‘The reel is yours, show your story’.

Ekine Stronghold, the chief executive of Nollyflames Studios Ltd., and founder of LACIFF, said the festival focuses on films with themes around arts, culture, tourism and history.

“This festival welcomes films from all over the globe that celebrate indigenous film irrespective of genre. LACIFF creates an environment necessary for the global cross-pollination of cultures, boosts cultural awareness and exchange in a bid

to encourage filmmakers to look more inwardly and tell their individual stories through their own lenses. Hence the pay off line, ‘the reel is yours, show your story’,” he explained.

Meanwhile, LACIFF has also announced a stellar jury of five. They are creator of the popular TV drama TINSEL and former Vice-president of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Yinka Ogun; Former president of Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and present Chairman of Audio Visual rights Society (AVRS), Bond Emeruwa; Veteran Writer, actor and producer Tari West Johnson; and Assistant professor of Film Studies at the prestigious Montana State University, kathy kasic. The Board is ably presided by Elite filmmaker of note, popularly known as the sultan of filmmaking, Alhaji Sani Muazu.

Explaining the reason for the choice of members of the jury, Stronghold said “the uniqueness of LACIFF requires a competent jury with a broad base of filmmaking

knowledge, experience and a well balanced ethnic coloration due to the diversification of culture”.

The festival Advisory Board is composed of seasoned individuals in the motion picture industry, festival management and other businesses. Members include Ace Producer and entrepreneur, Rogers Ofime; Former president of SWGN and Executive secretary of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Tony Anih; Veteran actor, Jide Kosoko; Journalist per-excellence and jury extra-ordinaire, Shaibu Hussein. The board is chaired by festival guru and Chief Executive Officer of Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Ms. Chioma Ude. The festival will be resident in the beautiful town of Oguta popularly known for its beautiful lake and tourism potentials but will also pursue an all year round travel festival programme. The Lakecity Oguta Ameshi, is home to worldclass stars like legal icon Hon. Justice Chukwudifu

Oputa, foremost African female literati Flora Nwapa, International Musician Dr. Alban, Revered showman Charly Boy, Nollywood veteran Camellia Mberekpe, Screen Adonis Clems Ohameze, fast rising screen sweetheart Chioma Igwe, veteran filmmaker Nevile Ossai and a host of others.

Stronghold is a content creator, writer and entertainment consultant with a passion for building credible relationships whose synergy can create innovative ideas that better the society and add value to the individuals themselves. Currently the national Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SWGN, he has written several movies and sitcoms and is one of the writers on the popular sitcom The Johnsons.

He has had a robust working experience with several media firms as program’s manager, web content manager and operations executive. He is married to Nneka and they live in the south-eastern part of Nigeria with their two children.

Poet’s Blazing Moon depicts an ‘orderly dangerous’ world A review of Nwachukwu Egbunike’s poem, Blazing Moon by Uchenna Ekweremadu.

IN a world where very few are increasingly being looked upon to set the pace for the rest to follow, Blazing Moon jumps onto the stage with the intention of doing the very opposite. From the moment the curtains part and light comes up on stage, we are ushered into a strange world altogether. In this surreal world, imagination is unfettered. Nothing is impossible.

One could rightly guess that the poet deliberately placed MY WORLD as the first poem in this collection in order to clear any misconception that the reader might be tempted to entertain. And as such, one only has oneself to blame if one comes out of Blazing Moon feel-

ing disappointed in any way. The first two lines make that point as clear as day: “Let me take you to my world/ my own creation.” It is important to get one thing clear from the very beginning. At best it is paradisiacal, at worse it is fantastical. But either way, Blazing Moon is worth the time.

A discerning mind wouldn’t miss the politeness in the first line, a politeness which is by no means patronizing nor persuasive. Suffice it to say that this first poem, MY WORLD, is the border at which the reader must pause and decide whether or not he or she really wishes to take that dive into the poet’s world:

“Where the sea washes the streets And little ones swim in the sands Where mothers wash on sand banks and fathers till the seas…”

Moreover, the warning comes early enough as the poet reminds us it is his “own creation”. Perhaps sensing that a few would still be disappointed with this book in one way or another, the poet forewarns us to not expect something of the extraordinary. Simply put, this world of his is one where: “… so much is unknown, unsaid where there are no mysteries no boring into the skies no flight into the earth.”

And to buttress that fact, the poem, PAINT YOURS, reminds us that the creator is at liberty to use paint on his canvas

More recognition for Ebedi writers residency •As Saraki’s wife commends Okediran THE wife of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Mrs Toyin Saraki has commended the initiative behind the establishment of the first writers residency in Nigeria, the Ebedi Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Mrs Saraki gave this observation when the founder of the residency, Dr Wale Okediran recently presented her with the second edition of the residency’s publication, the Ebedi Review. The presentation took place in Abuja after the inauguration ceremony of Dr Okediran and other members of the Board of Directors of the West African Academy of Public Health on September 29, 2016 by Mrs Saraki.

A well known philanthropist and mentor, Mrs Toyin Saraki is the Grand Patron of the White Ribbon Alliance, as well as the President and Founder of Wellbeing Foundation, Africa. With this background, her appreciation of an initiative for the use of writers from all over Africa such as the Ebedi Writers Residency is understandable.

It is also on record that the mother of the late political icon, Dr Olusola Saraki, who is Mrs Saraki’s father-in-law was a native of Iseyin.

The Ebedi Writers Residency, which has hosted about 70 writers from six African

•Mrs Toyin Saraki (left) with Dr Wale Okediran.

countries since its inception six years ago, currently enjoys collaborations with the Wole Soyinka Foundation, as well as the

Belgium based Arts Moves Africa, among other international and local organisations.

according to his discretion. If you are dissatisfied with the end product, instead of “staring and moping” and loving neither “the brush nor canvas”, there is only one thing you can do: “Paint yours” (pp 14).

MY WEAPON is a plot to do mischief; a deliberate scheme to undo certain persons by simply drowning them in their vanities.

THIS poem reminds one of Decius, one of the murderers of Julius Caesar. At the peak of their plot, the schemers begin to fear that their target might not show up at the Capitol on the ‘D’ day. Decius steps in claiming to know just how to lure Caesar to the Capitol, assuring his colleagues that he can “… o’ersway him; for he loves to hear That unicorns may be betray’d with trees, And bears with glasses, elephants with holes; But when I tell him he hates flatterers, He says he does, being the most flattered.

Let me work; For I can give his humour the true bent, And I will bring him to the Capitol…”

The schemer in MY WEAPON is as much a gamesman as Decius. He will “make them think: They do better They say better They are the best I’ll make them: Want their way Seek their way Get their way…

Argue when they’re wrong Argue when they’re right Argue when they’re neither right nor wrong…”

He intends to fly them too close to the sun until their wings of wax melts and send them crashing down on hard rocks after which he will “…make news of their failure I’ll be the megaphone of their defects…

I’ll enslave them with my lies.” (pp 41) SMOTHERED TO ASHES is a requiem specifically for Baga but also for all the other war ravaged towns that don’t make it to the news. The poem shines light on human (and media) hypocrisy of treating “third world” tragedies differently from that of the “first world”.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

education

Editor: Laolu Harolds 08111845016 tribune.education@yahoo.com

FG begins Nigeria’s first 10MW solar power plant at UI • Pledges to power 40 federal universities

By Tunde Ogunesan

M

INISTER of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, last Thursday performed the ground-breaking ceremony of a 10 megawatt solar power plant project at the University of Ibadan.

The project, first of its kind in the country,

is a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the German government.

Mallam Adamu Adamu, who also doubles as the representative of President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, was himself represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah.

The Minister of Health, who was the imme-

diate past vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Isaac Adewole, was also present at the occasion.

Professor Anwukah described the occasion as “a historic occasion in the life of the university and our nation,” saying the Federal Government has concluded plans to launch an Energizing Education Programme Initiative (EEPI) in all federal universities in the

From left, Chancellor, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, presenting an award to the best graduating student, Rasheedat Olowookere, while the VC, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (middle) assists.

Amosun offers 28 first class graduates automatic employment • As Crescent University graduates first set of PG students

By Laolu Harolds

A total of 28 graduates of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, were at the weekend offered automatic employment by the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The governor announced the offer on Saturday while delivering his address at the 8th Convocation ceremony of the university.

Also at the event, the university graduated its first set of eight postgraduate students, while the first sets of state-funded scholarship students from Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara also graduated.

The founder and proprietor of the university, Judge Bola Ajibola, who was visibly excited at the progress the university has made over the years, reiterated the fact that Crescent University prides itself in academic and moral excellence.

“Our degree is not cheap,” he said. “The results left, right and centre are excessively becoming obvious. We now have a name that we have worked hard to achieve over 11 years now.

“Our social contract in this endeavour is to make sure that our graduates will continue to be noted for exemplary character, excellent academics, sound morality and the fear of God.” He spoke of the academic and moral ex-

ploits of graduates of the institution in foreign universities, adding enthusiastically: “Crescent University’s First Class is truly world class.”

The vice chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, in his address disclosed that all the university’s inception degree courses in Accounting, Economics, Mass Communication, Computer Science, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology have all received full accreditation of the National Universities Commission.

He also said that the university is currently working on securing some linkage and collaborative projects with some foreign universities, for which reason he said he recent-

ly visited some South African universities.

Gbajabiamila also announced, among others, that the Islam Channel, one of the fastest growing television broadcast studios in Europe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with Crescent University’s Mass Communication Department in training and programme production.

A total of 363 graduates bagged their Bachelor degrees, 28 of them with First Class; 272, Second Class, and 62 Third Class honours.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was installed as the Chancellor of the university; while former Head of State, General AbdulSalami Abubakar; and Oba Adeyemi both were conferred with the Doctor of Science, DSc. (Honoris Causa), Public Administration.

country.

Anwukah said, “The Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, recently launched the Energizing Education Programme Initiative (EEPI), a collaborative effort of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, to ensure self-sufficiency in power supply to all the 40 federal universities in the country.

“It is envisaged that this should be achieved through the utilisation of off-grid Independent Power Plants (IPPs), which falls under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. The EEPI is aimed at providing reliable power supply which, in turn, will promote economic growth and sustainable development in our universities.”

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Bernard Schlagheck, described the project as the first step in the part of implementation of a pact with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Schlagheck said: “This project testifies to the vitality and feasibility of the Nigerian government’s energy partnership. The German/ Nigerian Bilateral Commission last Monday in Abuja once again confirmed the role of energy cooperation for the whole of our bilateral relation.

“To me, it does not come as a surprise that, of all places, University of Ibadan proceeds to be the first place. University of Ibadan is not only one of the most renowned universities in Nigeria; some tend to believe that it is even the most important.”

The vice chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka, said the solar power project would go a long way in helping to reduce the financial burden of the institution, considering the level of electricity consumption in the university environment.

The representative of Nigeria-Germany Energy Partnership, Dr Jeremy Gaines, in an interview gave the assurance that the solar panel would last for 25 years, with special panel fittings each generating 260 watts.

The governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, commended the management of the university for their focus and doggedness in solving problems confronting the institution.

Ajimobi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Ismail Ali, said “What we’re witnessing today is the commitment, dedication and astuteness of the management. This ceremony consolidates the trip of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Germany.”

Ebonyi Varsity ASUU begins indefinite strike Clement Nnachi-Abakaliki

ACADEMIC activities on the three campuses of the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, have been paralysed as the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced an indefinite strike on Monday.

The industrial action followed the expiration of the ultimatum given to the management of the institution to address the union’s eight-point demand.

Among the demands include the gazzeting

of the staff of the university, 2014/2015 promotion, non-payment of pension arrears, and the issue of the 2011 income tax.

When Tribune Education visited the campuses, students were seen discussing in groups over the development.

The chairman of the state chapter of ASUU, Professor Ndubuisi Idin, said that the union embarked on the strike following the failure of the management to address their demands.

“The management has not made any arrangements for the contributory pension

scheme of staff. The government has not demonstrated enough political will in gazzeting the staff of the institution and other relevant laws governing the institution,” he said.

In a related development, Governor David Umahi has accused zonal and area school inspectors and education secretaries of extortion and sexual harassment in the state school system.

He warned that if the alleged acts remain unabated, he would not hesitate to sack the culprits.

20

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

UNILORIN inaugurates N1.6b projects to mark 32nd convocation Biola Azeez - Ilorin

N

O fewer than 19 newly completed projects done at the cost of N1.6 billion have been slated for commissioning by the University of Ilorin as part of activities marking the institution’s 32nd Convocation Ceremonies.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday as part of activities for the convocation ceremony, the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, said the projects were realised through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Needs Assessment fund.

The vice chancellor said that the projects to be commissioned include the 6.5 kilometre Main Campus – College of Health Sciences Link Road, the new Senate Chamber, the new Office Block for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the new Block of Laboratories for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Complex, Sabo Oke, Ilorin.

He also said that others include the 500-Capacity Lecture Theatre for the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, the 500-Capacity Lecture Theatre for the Faculty of Science, and the Perimeter Fence around the Senate Building as well as the Drivers/Visitors’ Waiting Room near the Senate

Building.

Also slated for commissioning are the new Animal House for the Central

Research Laboratories, several Private Hostels, Parking Lots for the Dental Clinic, the Performing

Arts Department, Statistics Department, Agric and Bio-Systems Engineering Department, the Works

Department, COMSIT Unit, and two new sit-outs for students of the Faculties of Arts and Education.

Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Professor Michael Ajisafe flanked by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Yekeen Lawal (left) and a member of the institution’s Board of Trustees, Professor Israel Orubuloye, at a press conference to announce the 4th convocation ceremonies of ABUAD, recently. PHOTO: SAM NWAOKO

ABUAD lists achievements, set for 4th convocation Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) has announced programmes for its fourth convocation ceremonies, highlighting its achievements in the past six years of its existence.

Addressing a press conference at the Owolabi Hall of the university, the vice chancellor, Professor Michael Ajisafe, said “Six years down the line, we can boldly and happily say that we have come of age… We have clearly overshot our expectations.”

Listing the university’s achievements, Professor Ajisafe said of ABUAD: “The first university to take off at its permanent site; the first university to secure full accreditation for Medicine within five years; the first university to secure full accreditation in Nursing within five years; the first university to secure 100 per cent success in its Nursing examination.”

He added that ABUAD is “the first university in West Africa to run Mechatronics as a degree course” and that the university had “received

100 per cent accreditation in all its 37 academic programmes.”

The vice chancellor noted that ABUAD came about as a result of the vision of its founder, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), after a seven-year experience as a pro-chancellor and chairman of council of the University of Lagos, to “entrench functional and quality education in this clime by providing and leading others in quality education, service, industry and character as well as discipline.”

Six years down the line,

Ajisafe said that ABUAD had been declared “a benchmark” by the National Universities Commission, and that the “Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) described ABUAD’s Engineering programme as ‘the template for Engineering education in Nigeria” and “it’s Law programme as ‘the best in West Africa’.”

ABUAD will be graduating 912 students, 61 of who made First Class in Engineering, Social and Management Sciences; Medicine and Health Sciences; Engineering and Law.

Ambrose Alli University graduates 9,186 Banji Aluko - Benin City THE Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo State, will this weekend confer academic degrees on 9,186 graduands of the institution in the ongoing 20th Convocation Ceremony of the Edo State-owned tertiary institution.

A breakdown of the degrees showed that 8,340 graduands will bag first degrees, 354 will go home with diploma degrees, while 492 will be conferred with postgraduate degrees, all covering the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ignatius Onimawu, at a press briefing on Monday, said a convocation lecture to be delivered by Dr Robson Momoh, was held on Wednesday, 19 October.

Professor Onimawu also disclosed that only one

person, the Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV, John Momoh, will be honoured with a doctorate degree of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) of AAU, praising the communication guru for accepting the honorary degree.

He said that the convocation, which started last Friday with a Jumat Service and an interdenominational Church Service on Sunday, will end on Saturday

with the award of the higher and honorary degrees, an event that is expected to be graced by eminent personalities including Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole; Chancellor of the university, HRH (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe; and the Edo State governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

The vice chancellor, who took over the helm of affairs of the university on 12 May,

2016, said his government has recorded achievements in the areas of increasing the institution’s IGR to complement monthly subventions from government, reduction in social ills such as cultism, examination malpractices and sexual harassment, e-administration and e-learning and collaboration with Canadian universities for academic and cultural exchange.

On courses de-accredited

this year, the vice chancellor noted that efforts were being made to remedy the shortfalls that brought about the de-accreditation, disclosing that six out of 32 courses offered by the university were de-accredited.

He listed some of the ongoing projects in the university as Faculty of Laboratory Science, the Administrative Building, Faculty of Social Science and student hostels.

Nasarawa govt threatens principals over extortion Godwin Agwam - Lafia NASARAWA State government has warned principals of secondary schools across the state who indulge in collecting school fees from students despite the state’s free education policy to desist from the act of face sanctions.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and

Technology, Hajiya Ramatu Ajuji-Abubakar, gave the warning on Tuesday while speaking to newsmen in Lafia, the state capital.

She noted that the free education policy implemented by the state government is still on course, and that all principals should abide by it in totality.

“Students are not supposed to pay any money and any principal caught extorting money from students in the name of school fees will be sanctioned.

“Students in all public boarding schools across the state are also not supposed to pay money or give any food item, as the government has taken full charge of their feeding,”

she said.

She also disclosed that five principals in the state secondary schools have been removed for indulging in sharp practices.

The commissioner also warned the leadership of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in the state not to charge students any money without permission from the ministry.

Professor Ambali, who said that a total of 67 graduates made first class grade out of 6,069 first degree graduates for the 2016 graduation year, added that 1,505 made second class upper Division grade.

He also said that the university graduated a total number of 8,038 students, which he added comprised 1,903 postgraduate, 6,069 undergraduate of first degree and 66 diploma graduates in various academic disciplines across 12 faculties and the institute of Education.

NIP decries poor performance in SSCE Physics As Winners emerge in National Physics Competition Naza Okoli - Lagos THE National Institute of Physics (NIP), last week, described the performance of students in Physics at the senior school certificate level as “abysmal”.

This was part of the observations made by participants at the 39th Annual Conference of the Institute held at Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State.

In his remarks, the President of the Institute, Professor David Iliya Malgwi, said it was troubling that in spite of the importance of Physics in society, adequate attention had not been given to the teaching and learning of the subject at the secondary school level.

“I want to emphasise once again that without a good knowledge of Physics, we cannot have engineers, technologists, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, surveyors, geoscientists\oil and gas workers, archeologists, astronauts, pilots, air traffic controllers, among others. The earth we occupy and the entire universe run according to the laws and theories of Physics.

“In spite of this stark reality, our young school leavers continue to perform abysmally in their SSCE results in Physics from both WAEC and NECO. This is indeed a very serious problem in our hands and if we do not tackle it now, our satellite launchings and nuclear energy projects may run into very serious difficulties in future due to the imminent dearth of knowledgeable physicists, other scientists and engineers.”

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education

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

External forces causing crises on our campus —Kogi poly rector

Students of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, recently embarked on a peaceful demonstration over some demands.

The rector of the institution, Alhaji Isa Mohammed, in this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, clears the air on some of the reasons for the agitation of the students.

constructing more. On insensitivity of management to their plight, this is the aspect that touches me most. As a rector, I still teach. I don’t just wait in my office for them to come and tell me about their problems.

Are you saying that the demonstration was sponsored by people from outside the campus?

Yes, because we have instances to believe that. For instance, on the day of the demonstration, after the students had agreed to return to their hostels a boy who was formerly the Students Union Government President came into the campus from town and insisted that I could not go in the school premises. But other students disagreed and asked him why he wanted to prevent me from entering the campus. They wanted to descend on him, but I aksed them not to take law into their hands. When I saw that there was going to be serious problem, I returned to my house instead of going in. But what surprised me was that the boy was saying that why should an Ebira man be a rector? That it is the turn of Lokoja. I contested for the post. I was interviewed. I was not picked. I went through the rigour, and God blessed my candidature and I came out first. When pressure was mounted on the former governor about my appointment, he said no; merit must prevail. Since then, we have been hearing that some people said they will make the school ungovernable. That is why I have faced the two important areas that can easily generate crisis, water and electricity.

W

HAT is the latest development on the protest embarked upon by the students of the polytechnic?

It is not appropriate that students were protesting to demand for the removal of the rector; the protest was a peaceful one which saw the students carrying placards to highlight their problems, which include water, electricity, toilet and the clinic not giving them drugs. It was incorrect to say that the rector and members of management were chased out of the school. The demonstration started early in the morning around 6am. The rector wouldn’t have come to the office that time, neither the management team. On the issues raised by the students, I am a pioneering staff of the school; so, I know the problems. But it is the same problems that are facing other institutions of higher learning.

not patient, what would have happened if we have recorded serious casualty as a result of falling of trees?

What are those problems and how are you solving them?

The major problems are electricity and water. When I came on board last year, I started working on water issue.

We dug borehole and mounted a very big surface thank, and the water flows without any hitch. We have another overhead tank where we pump water to and discharge to hostels and at times we complement it with tankers; so, water has not been our problem since I assumed office as the rector.

I discovered that students sometimes can be nonchalant in the use of school’s facilities. Each time they go to the tap, they would remove the head and water would be gushing out and we keep on replacing them. On the issue of electricity, we have never had power supply disconnected by the electricity company. What happened was that there was a storm that felled a very big tree and which affected just a section of the hostel. I directed that other trees that were close to the buildings be pulled down to avoid future occurrence. This took us just three days and on the fourth day, they embarked on the demonstration. The students were

What then do you think could have been responsible for the protest by the students?

The protest was masterminded from outside. Immediately they started the protest, I invited the manager of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and asked him in the presence of students if we were owing them; and he confirmed that we have never been indebted to them. I now directed that since they cannot wait until we cut down the remaining trees, they should go ahead and restore the light, it was not the Abuja Distribution Company that restored the light, it was an internal arrangement because it was a very minor problem. On the issue of hostels, we have cleaners who are supposed to be responsible for the cleaning of the hostels, but students are nonchalant in the use of hostel facilities. Last year, the female students complained that they didn’t want to use the normal water system; that they wanted the squatting type, and we changed all of them. Another problem is that they would go and defecate somewhere and then throw the substance into the toilet, blocking the flow.

We have more than enough lecture rooms and we are still

Alhaji Isa Mohammed

Apart from the area of amenities, what are you doing to enrich the academic profile of the polytechnic?

Our major mandates are teaching, learning and research. The rector is to provide the enabling environment. Capacity building is one of our priority areas, because in an organisation, the human element is very important. So, my lecturers are being encouraged to go for further studies both within and outside the country, in addition to attending conferences and seminars. In this area, I want to pay tribute to TETfund. They have been so wonderful. Unless a member of staff is lazy, there is abundant opportunity for anyone to develop. In the area of infrastructural facilities, apart from the intervention of TETfund, we have constructed hostels from our little IGR, especially in our School of Engineering, Itakpe. More classrooms are being built. Our workshops and laboratories have state-of-the-art facilities there. The last time that the Needs Assessment committee set up by the federal government came to our school, they testified that Kogi State Polytechnic does not need more equipment because what we have in stock is more than what is obtainable in some universities.

Ogwashi-Uku Poly gets approval for more HND programmes Alphonsus Agborh Asaba APPROVAL has been given by the Delta State Government for the take off of more Higher National Diploma Programmes at the state polytechnic, Delta State polytechnic, OgwashiUku. The programmes included Ceramics, Graphics, Electrical Electronics, Computer Engineering, Agric-Engineering, Mur../ Foundry and sculpture.

Others were Marketing, Banking and Finance, Library and information technology, among others.

Rector of the institution, Dr Edna Mogekwa who disclosed this to newsmen in her office said the polytechnic presently has 34 National and Higher National Diploma programmes, adding that the new courses would further stimulate academic excellence of the school.

The rector paid tribute to the interventionist agency,

the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND for the infrastructural development of the polytechnic.

Projects so far executed include international conference center, ICT center with Solar system, female and male hostels, procurement of two luxury buses, two water tankers for the hostels, 550KVA generator.

According to her, the projects were of high qualities even as officials of the fund have inspected them to ensure that the amount released equaled the structures on ground.

Dr Mogekwu said to improve the internal generated revenue of the institution, management created new departments to include poly farm, poly block industry, skill development center, confessionary and fashion.

She informed that the institution set up a mini banking hall, management consulting hall, business

resource centre and a radio station amongst others where students are practically engaged for excellence.

On discipline, the rector said rustication has helped students to be better and

more serious in their academic pursuit after serving the punishment, stressing that the poly has zero tolerance to examination fraud.

She further said that cult related activities have dras-

tically reduced in the school.

“The cultists confront us but we don’t answer them.

Most students are now from Christian homes so they are losing interest in cultism because they have seen the

fingers of their friends brutalised.

“We also hold solemn assembly where students are encouraged through counseling they prayers to shun all kinds of vices”.

International society boosts education in South-East Celestine Ihejirika Umuahia IN its efforts to uphold its mission of sustaining an honoured community of diverse educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership and service, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international society in education, Nigeria chapter last Friday, donated educational materials to Central School, Umunko Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Speaking during the ceremony, the KDP Nigeria President, Professor Uche Grace Emetarom said “the

organisation will continue to strive to improve the condition of teachers and pupils in our schools”.

She said the organisation which has its headquarters in Indianapolis, U.S.A, was founded by William Bagley, Truman Kelly and Thomas Edgar Musselman in 1911 at the University of Illinois, to recognise and promote excellence in education, promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching, provide a reasoned voice for significant issues and link learning communities of educators.

Emetarom said through its programmes, services

and strategic partnerships, KDP supports the professional growth and teaching practices of educators throughout all phases and levels of their careers, expressing optimism that the school items donated to the school will be helpful in advancing teaching and learning in Central School, Umunko.

Speaking also, the KDP national treasurer and chairperson Abia State, Professor OkpeteKanu said the event was a clear indication that KDP is really out to help humanity wherever they are located. She said, “we inconvenient ourselves in order to

help others. Coming this far shows that we are really out to render selfless services to the society.

“You can see the mileage we have covered to come to this place. I have never been here before. We are here at the expense of our own comfort.

“But I thank God for using us to put smiles on the faces of these pupils, their teachers and the education community”.

She advised the school to use the materials solely for the purpose they were given, which is to build effective and efficient teaching and learning activities.

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education

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Knowledge not applied is not knowledge – UI don • Says Nigeria’s education not really moving forward

By Laolu Harolds

A

professor of guidance and counseling at the University of Ibadan, Professor Jonathan Osiki, says Nigeria is producing First Class (honours) degree holders every year from its Ivory Towers, but is not really educating its citizens.

For as long as products of Nigeria’s education are not able to apply the knowledge they acquire to provide effective home-grown solutions to the nation’s multifarious challenges, they have not really received education, he argued.

Professor Osiki delivered the 2nd Eminent Personality in Academics lecture organised last week by the College of Applied Education and Vocational Technology, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State.

The Dean of the college, Professor Kayode OluIjaduola, in his welcome address, commended the vice chancellor, Professor Oluyemisi Obilade, for the “good works” she is doing in the university.

He disclosed that all formalities to carve out a new college from COAEVOT have been completed, and that the new college will soon move to its location.

Delivering his lecture entitled ‘Education on the Move: Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development’, Osiki asked: “Is Nigeria really making progress in education?”

He said a situation in which overcrowded classrooms still persist in schools; where there is still a proliferation of un-

qualified and untrained teachers (especially in private schools); where hundreds and thousands

of children still scramble to sit on the floor in many states – such movement could not be described as

From left, Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal; winner of Physical Bravery 2016 Indomie Independence Day Heroes Award, Miss Favour Uwene; former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Joseph Sanusi; and Chief Executive, StanbicIBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni, during the presentation of awards to winners of the competition, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

THE Nigerian Postal Services [NIPOST], Area Postal Manager, Zamfara Territory, Abubakar Ibrahim, has spoken of plans by the agency to collaborate with the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board [ZSUBEB] to revive letter writing skills and use of standard English among students of primary and junior secondary schools.

While speaking at the 2016 World Post Day/Cus-

graduates with First Class honours degree every year does not mean the country is making positive progress in its educational development.

Proper education, he maintained, must produce noticeable change.

Nigeria will be deemed to have moved forward educationally when products of the system are able to translate the knowledge acquired to provide homegrown solutions to the needs and challenges of the society.

Osiki said: “Before we begin to talk about our success (in education), there are some questions we must ask: ‘How are we educated? What type of education have we acquired? Is it the one that you memorise every bit of

Medical personnel carry out dentistry checks on the students of Ijebu Anglican Diocesan College (IADC), Igan-Ipabi, as one of the activities marking the 20th anniversary of the school. Inset: Dr Akinboro Ebunoluwa, the convener and an alumnus of IADC. Photo: Modupe George

Plateau government to transform education sector Isaac Shobayo - Jos PLATEAU State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mal-

lam Muhammadu Nazif, has stated that the state is poised to transform the education sector, and that in the past one year, virtually

NIPOST partners Zamfara UBEC to promote English Language in schools Muhammed Sabiu - Kaduna

positive.

According to him, the fact that Nigerian universities keep turning out

tomers Forum in Gusau, Ibrahim said the move was necessary in view of the declining letter writing skills among children owing to the emergence of new phones.

He lamented that children now depend on the use of text messages instead of the traditional letter writing, saying that the use of electronic messages has adversely affected the way the young children use the English language.

“You will be amazed,

especially if you happen to see abbreviations that have no meaning in some text messages from these children and some adults alike.

“We will continue to educate the people on the need to imbibe the use of standard English. Recently, an attempt was made to collaborate with the State Universal Basic Education Board in that regard, and I personally think we need to revisit this collaboration for better result,” he said.

all segments of education has been touched.

He stated this during the monthly ministerial briefing in Jos, the state capital.

Mallam Nazif said: “You could recall that our efforts in the sector began at the state-owned university in Bokkos, where sanity was substantially restored to enable us maximize the institution’s huge potential,” he said.

“Government’s commitment to educational development is also noticeable in the College of Agriculture, Garkawa, as the governor recently approved the release of N125 million for the provision of critical facilities required for the accreditation of programmes in the college.

“Also, our governor has given approval for the re-engagement of 21 aca-

demic staff to enhance staff strength and quality of training. Some physical structures and equipment have also been improved upon. This is to facilitate and intermaccreditation of a number of courses. College of Health, Zwan, also got over 17 million naira to equip and install an ultramodern e-Library, and is now in use having been commissioned by the governor.

“Under primary and secondary education, Governor Lalong has approved the release of funds for effective administration of the sector.”

He also disclosed that the state government has approved the promotion of over 2000 teachers across the state with the aim of enhancing their performance.

your notes and when you get to the examination, you put it down?’”

He called for more researches to be conducted, but stressed that “they must be researches that have capacity to transform the environment.”

Professor Osiki, who said it was the first time he had visited the TASUED campus, was later presented with a gift at the event. The event was then rounded off with a cultural display by students of the university.

EKSU begins paperless Senate THE Senate of Ekiti State University has taken steps to join the digital global community as it gradually jettisons the manual paper senate to become a paperless Senate which activities are conducted using the computers and other Information Communication Technology.

The vice chancellor, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor (Academics), Professor Bolanle Ajayi, at the occasion, said he was happy to have taken the giant steps in his desire to transform the university to an ICT-driven institution.

He added that the University Senate would benefit a lot from the ICTdriven senate meeting to reduce time allotted and enhance speed.

The chairman of the Paperless Senate Committee, Professor Felix Aderibigbe, was on hand to put members through and ensure they fully understand the workings of the new order.

Two members of Senate, Dr. Tijani Adekiledun, HOD Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, and Dr. Pat Oyeniyi, HOD Human Kinetic, Faculty of Education, both expressed optimum that the paperless Senate would reduce use of bulky papers, accelerate decision making efforts and improve the ICT knowledge of members.

Beginning from this month (October, 2016) the Ekiti State University Senate will be conducted electronically.

23

Thursday, 20 October, 2016 Editor:

health

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

Why working the night shift endangers your health Several modern day adults do not work the typical 9 to 5 jobs in today’s world.

VERA ONANA write about the host of health problems that could be faced by such employees especially those working in the night shift.

I

N May 2016, a study targeted at identifying the health problems and social implications of night shift duties among nurses in a general hospital in Uyo, Nigeria, advocated that health education on good sleep hygiene and introduction of naps during duty hours may be useful in reducing the negative impact of night shift duties. That conclusion was reached based on the findings of the research as published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports.

Ofonime Johnson and Daniel Okeke, both from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital discovered while carrying out research for the study that the top five problems reported by the night shift workers were fatigue, headache, body pains, reduced family time and falling asleep on duty.

However, night shifts are not synonymous with only nurses in the world today.

We live in a 24/7 world. From around-theclock patient care in hospitals to overnight services in hotels and restaurants, the publishing and production in media houses as well as the security agencies and outfits.

There is work to be done from sundown to sunrise and for more employees, that means working shifts.

Shift work, may have become a social and economic necessity, but, according to researchers, it may not necessarily be a benign one, most especially the night shift.

In today’s hustle and bustle, some adult workers have come to see sleep as an indulgence in the face of many bills to pay.

But according to sleep experts, sleep is as essential as breathing and eating. It is that time when the brain processes what it has done during the day and lay down memories. It is also the time when the body carries out some basic maintenance.

“Though night shift workers may claim to get plenty of sleep, it may be at the wrong time,” said Adebunmi Akiniyi.

It is always being assumed that the human body clock would adapt to the demands of working at night, but one of Britain’s leading sleep experts, Professor Russell Foster, from Oxford University, said “the really extraordinary finding across a whole range of different studies, is that you don’t adapt”.

Research on the effects of shift work on health goes back for decades,” said Dr Ron Saunders, a senior scientist at the Institute

for Work and Health (IWH).

According to researchers, a shift worker, particularly one who works nights, functions on a schedule that is not “natural” and the effects of constantly changing schedules can upset one’s circadian rhythm (the 24-hour body cycle), cause sleep deprivation and disorders of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, make existing disorders worse and disrupt family and social life.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that shift work that involves circadian disruption should be considered a Group 2A carcinogen and probably carcinogenic to humans.

Group 2A means that its conclusion was based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.

IARC based their conclusion on studies on long-term night workers who have

SEX, SEXUALITY&YOUR HEALTH

shown a higher risk of breast cancer than women who do not work at night.

Aside from the risk of cancer, night shift jobs that disrupt the normal 24-hour cycle of the human body have been discovered by researchers to be responsible for a range of other health problems while increasing the risk of some.

Researchers say that gastrointestinal and digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn, stomachache and loss of appetite are more common among rotating shift workers and night workers than among day workers. It is less clear if more serious conditions such as peptic ulcers are more common in shift workers. The irregular work, sleep and eating schedules are not helpful for the proper care of ulcers.

“Given the irregularity in type and timing of meals, it is not surprising that the night worker is more likely to have a poorer diet.

At night, the loss of appetite often leads to increased snacking on “junk” food rather than eating a full, well-balanced meal.

Feelings of fatigue may encourage the consumption of beverages with caffeine (coffee, cola) to help the worker stay awake.”

Asides from that, in another study in the journal SLEEP, a team of researchers found out that though shift work may not absolutely be associated with cardiovascular disease, the heart rate and blood pressure have been shown to follow the circadian rhythm.

Therefore, any life-style that affects the cycle may directly affect an individual’s cardiovascular health.

Working the night shift could also provoke negative metabolic changes. It could lead to lower levels of leptin, the hormone known to play a role in regulating weight, as well as affect blood sugar and insulin levels, Health.com, reported.

The findings of a research published in 2009 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that these changes could lead to a higher risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

NATURAL HEALTH

Why sex hurts after child birth Page 26

Watermelon rind does your prostate lots of good —Study

Page 26

24

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

Would you like to be the ‘Jesus’ in his life?

H

“

OW do people see?” Augustine asked members of the audience on the occasion of the World Sight Day a few years ago. He was 14 years then but now 18 years and preparing to enter the University to study Mass Communication. Augustine was born a normal child, but developed retinoblastoma in both eyes at the age of two, necessitating the removal of his eyes at the age of four. Retinoblastoma is a rapidly growing cancer that develops from the immature cells of the light-detecting tissue of the eye called retina. It is the commonest malignant tumor of the eye in children.

It isn’t easy for any parent to accept the only treatment option available at the time which was the removal of the eyes. If not attended to in good time, the growth breaks through the coats of the eye and spreads into the adjoining tissues of the orbit and sometimes to distant sites.

Locally, it becomes really “angry” that it has been ignored and develops into a massive and unsightly mass. At this stage, parents are ready to accept any treatment option because the child’s suffering becomes unbearable to them. At this stage, death is often a question of time.

Thanks be to God, Augustine survived despite the long delay caused by the parents’ refusal to have the eyes removed. Today, he is their pride. Augustine attends a normal government secondary school in Lagos and

speaks confidently, in perfect Queens’ English. “Do you know I travel regularly from Ijanikin, Lagos to Ibadan on my own? I came yesterday and slept at our house in Eleiyele.

This morning, I have come unaccompanied to your clinic,” he said, smiling and very happy with himself.

That was six months ago. I remember he sent shivers through my spine as he spoke, because I couldn’t imagine how he made it.

I was too scared to see him off. I know blind people don’t want to be pitied. All they want is assistance to live a normal life. Writing this piece from Chicago, reminded me of a story of a blind girl in this same town. It is reproduced verbatim.

“A few years ago, a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago.

They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and brief-

There are about 7 billion people alive in the world today, millions must have lived before me.

your mental

cases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearlymissed boarding. All but one! He got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.

He told his colleagues to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.

The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

“The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organise her display.

As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mis-

health you &

ter....” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?” He stopped in mid-stride, went back and said, “No, I am nothing like Jesus - He is good, kind, caring, loving, and would never have bumped into your display in the first place.

“The girl gently nodded: “I only asked because I prayed for Jesus to help me gather the apples. He sent you to help me, so you are like Him, only He knows who will do His will.

Thank you for hearing His call, Mister.” Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: “Are you Jesus?”

Augustine’s father, an Okada driver, and mother, a petty trader, have managed so far (with very little help) to send him to school.

Now, they need your help for his Mass Communication major in the university. With three other children to feed, clothe and send to school, they are beyond the limit. Would you like to help him and his family?

Not too long ago, I wrote a piece on Augustine on this column. No one stopped to help ‘gather’ his apples! There was not a single response! On request, I will send you Augustine’s telephone number. He can answer calls when he is not in class, read text messages and respond. He can even come to your office to show himself to you to confirm that he has no eyes, yet able to do what normal people do. Would you like to be the “Jesus” in his life?

With: Jibril Abdulmalik (Consultant Psychiatrist) jabdulmalik@gmail.com

Can our thoughts, emotions affect our wellbeing?

THE Management of an oil company has decided to motivate junior staff by sponsoring the two most hardworking and pleasant staff on an all-expenses paid vacation to New York in the United States. Ade and Emeka are selected and after due arrangements, board a flight and are on their way. They are very excited and chat excitedly as it will be their first time travelling outside Nigeria.

During the flight, Ade expresses some worries that he did an internet search about the area where they will be accommodated and it appears that crime rate is very high in that neighbourhood, but Emeka dismisses such worries. They arrive without incident and check into the flat reserved for them and then retire for the night.

At about 2am in the night, they both hear some strange and loud noises in their separate rooms. Emeka immediately remembers Ade’s comments about high crime rate in the area and thinks that perhaps armed robbers or a gang are trying to break into their flat.

He becomes paralysed by fear, anxiety and worries. He breaks out in cold sweat and starts praying silently.

He also decides to squeeze under the bed and lie on the cold floor so that if the robbers enter his room, they will think nobody was there. He spends the whole night on the floor, with his heart beating very fast, while praying all through. Thus, he is unable to sleep again until he became sure that it was

morning. He then crawls out from under the bed but feels very tired, has a headache and has body aches and pains all over.

On the other hand, Ade also heard the noise from his bedroom, but assumes that the noise is perhaps due to neighbourhood dogs playing with the dustbin outside the flat. He is therefore not worried and turns in his bed, wraps his blanket properly around his body and promptly goes back to sleep. He enjoys a good night sleep and wakes up in the morning excited, well rested and refreshed.

Now, let’s not forget that NEITHER Emeka nor Ade knew for sure, what was causing the strange noise which THEY BOTH HEARD. Because none of them went to investigate or confirm what was responsible for the noise.

So, they both had different thoughts, based on their assumptions or interpretations; which led to their experiencing different emotions; which in turn led to different behaviours; and by morning, they both had dif-

ferent outcomes. This scenario is simply to establish that our thoughts affect our emotions which can affect our behavior and our mental wellbeing, as well as our functioning.

Stimulus thoughts e m o tions behaviour outcome Emeka:Hears a loud and Strange Noise Maybe armed robbers and gangs are here Terrified, Anxious,Worried , Hides under the bed Prays till day break Unable to sleep By morning, he crawls out very tired, has headache, and body pains.

Ade: Hears a loud and Strange Noise Maybe it is dogs playing with the dust-bin Calm and not worried Sleeps very well Rested and cheerful Table 1: How our thoughts affect our emotions, behaviour and our functioning The recognition of this connection is the principle upon which most psychological

therapies are based. Itis essentially to identify negative patterns of thinking, which are leading to negative emotions and negative behaviours, which ultimately result in negative consequences for the individual. Thus, working with such individuals, the aim will be to try and challenge and then change some of the negative thoughts into positive ones.

And then subsequently encourage positive thoughts, which induce positive emotions and then ultimately lead to positive consequences. Once the individual tries it and succeeds, it then becomes a very satisfying experience and they become very enthusiastic about continuing the pattern. But it is initially very tough in the beginning, and a lot of hardwork.

Keep a date with us, as we continue this journey, towards learning how to take control of our negative emotions and transforming them into positive energy that improves the quality of our wellbeing.

healthnews Nigeria houses the largest number of VVF cases —Expert

25

By Sade Oguntola

P

RESIDENT elect, International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede has decried Nigeria having the largest burden of obstetric fistula cases globally, indicating that the association’s 6th international conference was holding in Nigeria to proffer a solution to it.

Ojengbede, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Ibadan, who described obstetric fistula as a huge problem, declared the majority of the 2.5million women living with obstetric fistula globally reside in Nigeria.

According to the expert, the high burden of obstetric fistula in Nigeria was an indicator of the nation’s healthcare services that did not provide a wide spread equitably distributed quality obstetric care for women, particularly during labour and child delivery.

He declared: “we expect that someone who is skilled attend to a pregnant woman in labour. But in Nigeria, only about a third of women ever get attended to by someone who is skilled.”

The medical expert, who remarked that the quality of care within the health sector has really gone down, declared, “this conference is trying to see how we can increase skills of surgeons, thus improve care of women who already are living with the condition, especially those with really complicated cases.”

He declared that though incidence of obstetric fistula

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

is more in the northern part of Nigeria, it was becoming increasingly common also in the southern parts of the country.

“Majority of obstetric fistula in the northern part of Nigeria are direct effect of child birth due to obstructed deliveries but then in Southern Nigeria, it is from poor obstetric services, especially in women who undergo surgery for other conditions like fibroid, prolapse and other gynaecological conditions as well as caesarean section.”

According to him, challenges faced in repairing women with obstetric fistula was far more than closing the hole through which they are leaking urine and or faeces.

He added, “they expect to be able to have sexual relationships with their partners and even become pregnant and have their babies delivered safely if they so desire as well as properly resettled into their families.”

Ojengbede said all over the world, there are no enough health workers, nurses inclusive, to help ensure women with obstetric fistula access proper surgical treatment.

According to him, the dearth of doctors and nurses with expertise in obstetric fistula repair was because “the surgery is time consuming, delicate and difficult.

And of course, there is no money in it.”

In achieving a fistula-free generation, he stressed the need for increased male involvement in issues that affect the health of their wives as well as in ensuring a good and functional health system.

He stated that men have to understand that they need to care more than they are doing now for women in preg-

Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), is implemented in every state across the country.

The communique read in part “ that there is need to maintain and improve on the momentum already gained in the pursuit of the MDGs, in achieving the SDGs. “There is dire need of greater political will on the part of government in the formulation and implementation of policies to enhance maternal and newborn health.

“SOGON has commenced the Volunteer Obstetrician Scheme (VOS) that will ensure sustained commitment to its implementation nationwide as part of its contribution to improving maternal health.

“SOGON remain committed to ensuring that the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), an initiative of SOGON is implemented in every state in the country” The practitioners stated that “The government of Nigeria should ensure every graduating medi-

cal officer is placed in the housemanship programme without much delay.

“The conference condemns the practice of Gender-based Violence and the medicalisation of the practice of FGM and called on government and its members to help in eliminating these practices at every level.

“SOGON, mindful of the unabatingly high maternal and perinatal mortality indices in Nigeria solicit partnership with the Federal Government, and also with all the state governments on their implementation of the Sav-

nancy, particularly during labour and childbirth as well as support them in case they sustain complications like

obstetric fistula from childbirth.

On the part of the government, he called for increased

Research Officer, Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Adeola Olakunle, addressing participants at the Global Female Condom Day organised by the association for beauticians and hairdressers at Mapo, Ibadan, recently.

‘Contraceptives does not lower libido, cause cancer’

By Yemisi Aofolaju and Sade Oguntola RELIGIOUS leaders and the media have been called upon to champion the course of family planning in Nigeria just as they were told that an increase in its uptake was pivotal to attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Dr Adenike Jagun gave the call at a stakeholders awareness meeting organised by Pathfinder International in conjunction with Advocacy Network Nigeria in Ibadan.

The project officer, Pathfinder International, stated that an increasing Nigeria’s contraceptive prevalence rate was important to the

reduction of maternal and infant mortality, thus the development of productive society.

She described Nigeria’s high maternal and infant mortality as embarrassing, urging that religious leaders, media and other stakeholders stop ignoring Nigeria’s failing health care system.

According to her, “we need to step up to see how more women can access it and government should ensure that it is affordable and accessible. If lesser women are dying, we will have more women contributing to the economy.”

The medical expert decried myths and misconceptions in the society and described

them as barriers to modern contraceptive use.

According to her, such sayings that contraceptive can cause serious side effects; permanent infertility, harm the womb or reduce sex or cancer are not true.

“A lot of women say that contraceptive cause serious side effects. The truth is, some can experience side effects like weight gain and irregular periods, but when women are properly counselled about them, they are better prepared to deal with them.

“Also, the only contraceptive that cause permanent infertility are the permanent methods such as vasectomy.

Similarly, contraceptives are

Gynecologists hinge success of sustainable Development Goals on MDGs Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

MEDICAL practitioners under the auspices of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) have stressed the need to improve and maintain the drive already gained in the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

This was contained in a communique issued by members of SOGON at the end of its five-day conference in Akure, Ondo state capital, which said there is dire need for greater political will on the part of government to formulate and implement the policies to enhance maternal and newborn health.

In the communique which was jointly signed by the President and the Secretary General of SOGON, Professor Brian Adinma and Dr. Chris Agboghoroma respectively, after its 50th General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the practitioners expressed readiness in ensuring that the Maternal and

strengthening of the nation’s primary health care centres, saying that this was core to obstetric fistula eradication.

ing One Million Lives (SOML) programme, which can also be seeded to its Volunteer Obstetrician Scheme (VOS) and MPDSR initiatives.

“SOGON solicit for the nationwide implementation of the National Health Act of 2014 which ensures universal health coverage for Nigeria citizens, albeit in a graded manner (on account of poor finances), commencing with most vulnerable: the mother and the child. SOGON therefore request free antenatal care and delivery for every mother.

“In view of the place of

family planning in maternal mortality reduction and also in human development in every nation, SOGON request the federal, states and local governments, non-governmental organisations and CSOs to put in place necessary machinery to ensure the access of all Nigerians to free and informed family planning services, which will enable the achievement of the Federal Government commitment to the attainment of Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) currently at 14 per cent, to 36 per cent by 2018.”

not designed to cause any damage to the womb.

“Meanwhile, multiple studies have shown an inconsistent increase in the risk for breast, cervical and liver cancers, but reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. However, most people that come down with cancer also have other factors predisposing them to cancer aside contraceptive.

“Likewise, no study has shown a link between contraceptive and increased risky sexual behaviour and promiscuity. If fear of God will not stop promiscuity, nothing will.”

Family Planning Coordinator, Oyo state Ministry of health, Mrs Adeola Awakan said that although Oyo State embraced family planning, availability of consumables for use in family planning services was a major challenge.

Awakan said contraceptive prevalence rate in Oyo state had improved but there is still room for improvement given the state’s unmet contraceptive rate put at 13 per cent.

Shaikh Salahuddeen Busairi, Chairman ANN, in his welcome address described family planning was a catalyst for blissful living, adding that the concept was much more than limiting the number of children or pregnancy.

2016 Medic West Africa: Data-driven radiology technologies

can impact disease intervention Newton-Ray Ukwuoma-Lagos

THE Chief Executive Officer, Philips West Africa, Ime Umo, has said that investments in data-driven radiology technologies will “impact significantly” on prompt disease intervention and service delivery in the health sector.

Umo made the statement during the recently concluded Medic West Africa 2016

exhibition in Lagos.

He said that “By integrating advanced diagnostic imaging technologies with specialised informatics, radiology has the power to significantly impact the way care is delivered, as it plays a critical role in the majority of healthcare decisions including helping to enhance the diagnostic process, facilitate

seamless collaboration and improve workflow efficiencies – all for the enhancement of patient care.”

He also said that advanced data driven digital health technology will reduce long term cost in health care services as time between diagnosis and treatment of diseases that relate to cardiology, oncology and wom-

en’s health.

Other stakeholders in the health sector, who spoke during the healthcare trade show in West Africa in Lagos, articulated a wide range of issues disenabling quick response to service delivery in the health sector.

Stakeholders also expressed gratitude for the turnout despite the recession.

26

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Watermelon rind does your prostate lots of good —Study

By Sade Oguntola

M

EN entering midlife frequently experience an enlarged prostate, which can hamper the flow of urine from the bladder and lead to such problems as frequent urination, urine leakage and urinary tract infections.

There’s no definitive evidence that good nutrition can prevent prostate problems, but experts have found that eating a healthy balanced diet, including vegetables and fruits like watermelon may help ensure a healthy prostate.

Despite popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, watermelon is actually considered a nutrient dense food, a food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

Although, the most common way watermelon is eaten, is the consumption of the pink or yellow flesh, eaten raw, the way it was grown, scientists found that every aspect of the watermelon, including its rind and seeds have nutritional and health benefits.

Researchers at the University of Ibadan examined the rind and juice extracts of watermelon and found them to help reduce an enlarged prostate and ameliorate some of the effect of the enlargement on the organ.

According to the researchers, the ameliora-

tive effect of the rind and juice of watermelon in animals under laboratory conditions suggests that they could be probable treatment both for the prevention and management of prostate enlargement.

Dr Oluwafisayo Olorunisola, a researcher at the department of anatomy, University of Ibadan, during a poster presentation at the 5th Unibadan Conference of Biomedical Research, stated that findings of the study suggested that watermelon may be of medicinal relevance in the prevention of beign enlarged prostate(BPH).

Previously, experts have said that not only does watermelon rind contain plenty of health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll, but the rind actually contains more of the amino acid, citrulline than the pink

natural

health

flesh.

Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidneys, and not only is this amino acid important for heart health and maintaining ther immune system, but it has been researched to have potential therapeutic value in over 100 health conditions.

Much research also suggested that eating foods rich in lycopene —is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, making watermelon’s high lycopene levels — about 15 to 20 milligrams per 2-cup serving, also beneficial for prostate health.

Lycopene is a phytonutrient, which is a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables that reacts with the human body to trigger healthy reactions.

It is also the red pigment that gives watermelons, tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas their colour. It’s also a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

In a 2009 report on the relationship between diet and prostate cancer risk, the researchers reported that “there is accumulating evidence to support the consumption of lycopene … as protective factors against prostate cancer.”

In addition, an earlier study found “evidence that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods might reduce the occurrence or progression of prostate cancer.

Here are natural remedies for men to treat an enlarged prostate: • Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral that is essential to the health

of the prostate. Men with either BPH or prostate cancer have lower levels of zinc in their bodies, sometimes up to 75 per cent lower than those with healthy prostates.

• Soy foods. Soy-based foods contain phytoestrogens, which are thought to help reduce testosterone production, which is believed to aggravate prostate cancer growth.

Many studies suggested that soybean isoflavones reduce symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. For instance, a more recent one suggests that soy only decreases cancerous cell growth in prostates.

•Avocados. Avocados are rich in betasitosterol, a plant sterol thought to reduce symptoms associated with BPH. Some men taking beta-sitosterol supplements say they have better urinary flow and less residual urine volume.

•Cornsilk tea. For more than a century, cornsilk has been a remedy for urinary conditions such as inflamed bladders and painful urination. It was also used to treat the prostate. Some of those uses have continued into modern times; cornsilk is a contemporary remedy for all conditions of the urinary passage.

•Pumpkin seeds. It contains protective compounds called phytosterols, which may be responsible for shrinking the prostate.

They also contain chemicals that may be beneficial for prostate health.

•Vegetables. Eating more vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables can help lower risk of BPH because they are rich in antioxidants. People who eat onion and garlic regularly may also benefit from a lower risk of BPH.

sex,sexuality

&your health Why sex hurts after child birth IT is generally believed that a woman should be able to have sex six weeks after childbirth. This, however, does not mean she wants sex; it just means that the woman’s body will not explode if you have sex at that time. Sincerely, sex after childbirth could be a big task. This is because she still looks and feels pregnant. But sex can actually be painful.

There are certain reasons sex hurts after childbirth; these are: Extra stitches. If you had a vaginal birth and tore naturally or the doctor cut the perineum; the space between the vagina and the anus and you were stitched up, especially the last stitch. This is an extra, unnecessary stitch at the perineum that is supposed to make your vaginal opening smaller. Sometimes women ask for this, most of the time they don’t. This can cause pain with sex. It is not that the stitch does not heal correctly; it is that your vagina is smaller.

Required stitches. If you needed stitches because you had a tear, these stitches will heal well. But sometimes they can leave you with scar tissue at the perineum. This can be really problematic with sex because scar tissue makes everything tighter and more sensitive. It can make your muscles in your vagina way too tense when they are supposed to be relaxing.

Natural tearing. This is the same thing as the second point. Even with natural tearing you are going to have some scar tissue. If you don’t work through this scar tissue and massage it and knead it, then it can create painful sex.

Breastfeeding, dryness and low libido. Breastfeeding can lower your natu-

With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

ral hormone levels inside and outside the vagina making sex dry and lowering your sex drive. But if you don’t have sex drive, your vagina will not get wet. When your vagina doesn’t get wet enough, there is friction and this feels like sandpaper and tearing. You must make use of lubricant.

The most gentle lubricants for painful sex

are coconut oil and olive oil or something water-based ones.

Sex and worrying about the baby waking or being in the room. The pelvic floor, the support muscles in the pelvis that keep up all your organs and span from all around your vagina and clitoris to all around your anus and from one hip to the other, basically responds to what we’re thinking. They are mind readers. When you are scared, nervous, anxious or uncomfortable, your pelvic floor muscles will automatically respond and tense up.

This makes your vagina and your anus smaller that moment. It is a really primitive response. It is the body’s old-fashioned way of trying to protect your reproductive. You really should have sex when the timing is right for your mind. When your brain is more relaxed, your vagina is more relaxed.

Cesarean -section. Just like the stitch scenario, cesarean-sections leave scars. If you don’t work this scar, the scar tissue will grow down into the layers beneath it and really create problems. This can cause bladder problems, bowel problems and of course painful sex.

Attempted vaginal delivery and a c-section. You might have perineal tearing and a cesarean-section scar. You have got a lot of reasons why sex could hurt, so work the scars in both places to minimise and eliminate the problem.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

Dana Air wins best customer service airline awar Stories by Shola Adekola

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or its consistent efforts at improving customer experience, onboard hospitality, and innovative online products, Dana Air has bagged the Best Customer Service Airline Award, for the third time since 2014.

With the recent award, the airline has reaffirmed its position; as a leading customer friendly airline in Nigeria, and has also shown commitment to its vision, which is to be recognised and respected and Nigeria’s most reliable and customer – friendly airline.

The Nigeria Customer Service Awards is the prestigious annual awards that celebrate service excellence in Nigeria, by recognizing companies that deliver effective and exceptionalcustomer services. It also aims to raise the standard of customer service and encourage companies to go beyond paying lips service to customer service.

Commenting on the award, the Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr

Obi Mbanuzuo, said ‘our teeming guests recognize and appreciate our exceptional customer – oriented services, both on ground and in-flight; and we are committed to providing

excellent passenger-experience, whenever we have the slightest opportunity.

“Winning the award for the 3rd time consecutively is a testament to the fact that our customer recovery

methodology is second to none, and we treat feedbacks from our customers with utmost attention. We thank our guests for keeping faith with us by nominating us yearly.’’

The Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, receiving the certificate of IATA membership from the Area Manager, South/West Africa of the international airlines’clearing house, Dr Samson Fatokun, in Lagos.

Ethiopian wins ‘The Rising Star Carrier of the Year Award’ Ethiopian Airlines has won the Rising Star Carrier of the Year Award, for the second year in a row, at the 5th Payload Asia Awards 2016 held in Hong Kong on 29th September 2016.

Payload Asia 2016 honors the very best in the Air Cargo Industry; confronting and overcoming the manifold challenges in the air cargo sector by creating innovative products and

MTN/Air France KLM partnership offers 25% airfare discount, free calls Leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria has joined hands with Air France – KLM, to package an unbeatable offer of up to 25 per cent discount on Business class tickets to London.

The partnership between MTN Nigeria and Air France KLM will offer this amazing discount from October to December 2016 while in addition, customers will enjoy free incoming calls on the MTN network while outside the country.

Speaking on the partnership, Commercial Director, Air France KLM, Nigeria and Ghana, Arthur Dieffenthaler said: “We share a bank of loyal customers who frequently use both our products not only in Nigeria but also abroad.

Roaming outside Nigeria, they need to know that we care, that is why we decided to create an unbeat-

crucial moment

able offer for the end consumer.”

On how the loyalty offering will run, Dieffenthaler went on to reveal that the customers who intend to take up this offer will receive a special code from MTN as a unique identifier and send travel plans to a dedicated Air France KLM

email addressquoting the unique code, amongst other information.

Air France will then send a confirmation response to the customer, advising on travel itinerary and giving details of the discounted price. Once payment is effected, an e-ticket is issued to the customer.

services and delivering real value to customers.

Ethiopian has pulled off a repeat performance by winning the Industry Choice Awards, where 90 nominees competed with over 31, 500 online votes cast in 20 award categories.

Commenting, Ethiopian CEO, Tewolde Group GebreMariam, remarked: “We are proud that Payload Asia has once again recognized our Cargo Services.

Ethiopian Cargo is one of the seven strategic business units of the Ethiopian Group, established to progress as an independent profit center as per our fifteen years growth map, Vision 2025.

Bi-Courtney honours another honest cleaner at MMA2 Determined to promote the culture of honesty, dignity and hard work in the work place, the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), has honoured an honest cleaner with Spakleen Professional, the concessionaire in charge of MMA2 upkeep.

The gesture, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BASL, Captain Jari

Olubunmi Williams, was designed to promote the culture of truthfulness and uprightness in the work place.

The cleaner, Oluwole Abayomi, while at his duty post on Saturday, July 30, this year, saw a passenger’s bag containing cash, two cheque books, one international passport, two iPhone five handsets, and a Toyota Car particulars, among other items, and handed the bag over to security officials at the ter-

minal.

The items were later transferred to the owner, who was full of praises for Oluwole’s honest conduct.

While eulogising Oluwole, the CEO said, “what the young man has done, without being prompted, is a reflection of what Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) instils in its staff and service providers that honesty, service delivery and good customers relation pay off.”

0803 365 4818

With Shola Adekola

Medview: A Nigerian airline flying well

It is no longer news that all is not well with the domestic airline business in the country following obvious reasons ranging from bad policies on the part of government such as: multiple taxation, expensive aviation fuel, lopsided Bilateral Air service Agreements (BASA) which gives foreign carriers undue advantages over the indigenous airlines and above all, the refusal of the airline owners themselves to play the game according to the international rules of doing airline business.

Many of the few airlines still existing today are struggling to survive based on their inability to really understand the secret of running airline business successfully through a well thought out networking.

The insistence of the airlines to continue to do things in the same old way by refusing to key into the wind of change blowing by embracing partnership such as code sharing and merger for stronger impact has been their Achilles heel.

However, the good news is that despite the situation, Nigeria can still boast of one or two airlines getting things right by following the footsteps of the mega carriers of this world.

One of such Nigerian carriers is Medview Airline, an airline which is presently flying the flag of Nigeria high around the designated routes it flies into.

Presently, the airline which flies to London, Ghana, Jeddah and has concluded plans to spread its wings to Dubai, Liberia and Liberia before the year runs out, is making preparations to commence flight into the United States next year all things been equal.

It is on record that the entrance of the Nigerian carrier on the Lagos/London route about a year ago is a testimony to the fact that Nigerian airlines can do well if they come out of their shell as many Nigerians have attested to the valuable services the airline render on the route which has jolted the two British carriers on the route.

Even the professionalism displayed by the airline during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia has made it a favourite of the Saudi authorities with the latest commendation letter issued by the authorities to the airline for excellent performance.

Therefore, it was not a surprise to many stakeholders in the sector when early during week the airline was announced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to have secured a place on its registry.

The purpose of IOSA is to improve airline operational safety through the industry’s first globally accepted audit programme using internationally harmonized standards.

The airline was able to record this achievement after two years of resilient audit of its documentation by the IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), an internationally recognized and required evaluation system designed to monitor and assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.

Following the certificate of membership issued the Nigerian airline by IATA’s Area Manager for South/West Africa. Dr Samson Fatokun, Medview now has the credibility of doing business with foreign airlines across the world as guaranteed by IATA which is the clearing house for serious airlines around the world.

According to Fatokun: “If you check IATA registry, you will now find Medview Airlines there. They worked for it. It is good to be there and it is more difficult to maintain it.”

The airline has already began to explore the benefit of the IOSA benefits as it has almost concluded discussions with Etihad Airways on having interlining agreement.

With Medview becoming an IATA certified member, it now has the same right with the mega carriers of this world on the IATA’s registry while any IATA foreign airline across the world can now do business with the Nigerian carrier without any credibility problem.

28

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

Sack: Pressure mounts on Customs CG to discard further probe

•Allegations on pressure on CG not true —NCS Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

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ollowing the sack of 17 junior officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for various offenses in the ongoing purge and reform of the service by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Alli (Rtd), findings have revealed that pressure is mounting on the retired Colonel to discard further ;robe of wrong doings by officers in the senior category.

According to an impeccable source in one of the Service seaport commands who declined not to have his name in print, “the recent sack of 17 officers was supposed to have included the senior officers that were also affected in the probe but that was shelved due to pressure from higher quarters on the CG not to go ahead with the sack.

“That was why when the sack list came out; it was only junior officers that were affected. Although the service said result of investigations into the probe of some senior officers will be out soon, what we learnt was that the announcement of the sack of the senior officers was shelved for another day due to immense pressure from distant quarters, particularly first class traditional rulers from the Northern part of the country, on the Customs CG. “Some of these senior officers who are being investigated are sons and friends of powerful traditional rulers who at one time or the other were highly placed politically in the affairs of this country. So many of

these highly placed Nigerians have approached the CG for the shelving of the ongoing probe, but the CG in his usual character, is not yielding to this pressure.

“Many of them have been found to be involved

mainly in drug addiction and certificate forgery. The know themselves and have been running from pillar to post to save their jobs.

“We even learnt the CG has stopped picking some particular phone calls to avoid sounding rude to

Wale Adeniyi denied that the CGC is currently under any form of pressure from any quarters. In his words, “allegations of pressure from any quarters absolutely not true.”

It will be recalled that 17 Junior Officers of the Nige-

ria Customs Service were recently dismissed from the Service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from January to September 2016.

The appointment of two other officers was also terminated for absence from duty while one officer was retired for drug addiction.

Trade facilitation:

Nigeria will maximise coastline benefits —NIMASA

Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside, welcoming the President of Ghana, Mr John Mahama at the signing of the African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development held in Lome, Togo recently.

Railway workers petition Presidency over NRC staff quarters Workers of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) under the aegis of the National Union of Railway (NUR) workers and the Senior Staff Association (SSA), NRC branch have petitioned the Presidency over the refusal of the management of the corporation to accede to a court judgement on the monetization of staff quarters.

According to the petition with reference number NUR-SSA/225/Vol.I/77 dated 14th of October, 2016

and signed by the Secretary General of the NUR, Comrade Segun Esan and the Secretary General of the SSA, Comrade Romanus Emezie over the weekend; the railway workers accused the management of the NRC of deliberately flouting the court judgement obtained by the union on the corporations properties.

According to the petition which was headlined: Monetisation of staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation:

Amaechi seeks better reportage of Nigeria’s maritime industry Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has tasked maritime journalists to be more committed to the reportage of events in the Nigerian maritime industry, even as he commended the quality or coverage that the industry currently enjoys.

The Minister gave the charge recently in Abuja when he received a team

some highly regarded traditional rulers in the country. Whether the expected list of sacked senior officers will be made public or not will determine if the CG has stood his ground.”

When contacted via text, the Spokesman of the NCS,

from African Maritime Journalists Association (AMJA) led by its President; Mr Sesan Onileimo, at the Ministry’s office.

He expressed delight at the richness of the media reportage and assured that the Ministry would continue to partner the media in the efforts to communicate with all Nigerians, in line with the

policy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The AMJA President, who was at the Ministry to intimate the transport minister of plans for the inauguration of the continental body’s executive committee, seized the opportunity to personally invite the Minister to the inauguration as Special Guest of Honour.

Federal Government policy left unimplemented, the workers stated that, “We are constrained to bring to the attention of your Excellency the injustice and silence of the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation as concerned the full and unreserved implementation of the federal government’s subsisting policy on Monetization of fringe benefits of public servants and political office holders which came up in June 2003 and became effective from 1st July, 2005.

“The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation lost the political will to implement the aspect of staff quarter monetization but gladly and hurriedly implemented the monetisation of furniture allowance, leave grants, meal subsidy, motor vehicle loans, and indeed the aspect of consolidated salary structure which, in conformity with the monetisation policy, was to be the last level

of implementation of the policy.

“The monetization of staff quarters was left un-implemented by the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation from 2005 effective date until we went to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in 2011 to challenge the injustice. The case was adjudicated over for five years and on Wednesday, 6th January, 2016 the Nigerian Railway workers were vindicated: the case ended in favour of the Union and its members.

“Your Excellency, as a responsible Union with flair for due diligence and respect for the rule of law, we waited patiently to the logical end of the case for five years. We are, however, held in thrall that, almost a year after the case has been decided, the management of Nigerian Railway still could not implement the policy as concerned the staff quarters.”

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside has highlighted the importance of maximizing the benefits of Nigeria’s vast coastline to facilitate trade in the West African sub region.

Dr. Peterside made this known when the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee of the Nigeria/ Niger Joint Commission for Co-operation and Transportation led by the Chairman Mr. Peter Utsu paid a courtesy visit to the agency’s Headquarters recently in Lagos.

The DG who stated that Nigeria has a coastline of 853km and about 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone also emphasised the need for Nigeria to cooperate with other countries including its landlocked neighbours like Niger Republic with the objective of facilitating trade.

According to him, “to maximize the benefits of our coastline is to use it to facilitate trade between and among our landlocked neighbours and this can only be done by co-operating with our neighbours.

This cooperation is in our own interest politically, socially and economically”.

Dr. Peterside also said that “although NIMASA is set up as a regulatory agency, we see ourselves as facilitators of trade using the maritime sector as the common denominator”.

29 politicsnews

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Ondo poll: Akure stands still as Jegede receives PDP flag Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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HE national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ondo State, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, on Wednesday, presented the candidate of the party for the November 26, Eyitayo Jegede, with the party’s flag.

The chairman, who was represented by the national publicity secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, maintained that the party had no other candidate for the election.

Speaking during the rally held at the Democracy Park, in Akure, the state capital, Adeyeye who said Jegede was the sole candidate of the party in the election, described any other person parading himself as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming election as a jester who is only day dreaming.”

He Jegede fulfilled all legal and political processes, noting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of Security Service (DSS), Police and observers witnessed the party’s primary that produced him as PDP candidate.

Adeyeye stated the primary was conducted by the governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, who was the representative of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party, as against a parallel primary election that was conducted in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, without the presence of relevant government’s agencies.

The party’s Publicity Secretary said it was not the duty of court of law to foist candidate on the party and called for support from the people of the state in order to continue to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

Speaking on the occasion, the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko asserted that Jegede was the only recognised governorship candidate of PDP in the state, stressing that, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, who challenged Jegede’s candidature, was not a member of the Ondo PDP and had the right to challenge Jegede’s candidature.

Mimiko who said his government had been able to turn around the state positively in the last eight years, appealed to the people to allow continuity of his laudable programmes by voting for PDP and Jegede He urged the people to be vigilant before, during and after the election, just as he asked them to resist rigging and ensure that their votes

counted.

Mimiko said: “We should not be allowed to go back to Egypt. Somebody went to Ibadan for his governorship primary and wants to get the ticket of our party through the back door. Tell

them, it is not possible.

“Our primary was done in Akure, Police, INEC and other security agencies were there. Eyitayo is the one that emerged from that election.

He is the one that will not steal your money; he will

not use your fund to build houses abroad. He will not tell lie against you.”

Mimiko assured the people that Jegede would continue with the building of more mega markets, schools, hospitals and roads

saying all the developments witnessed during his tenure would be a child play if Jegede assumes office as the governor of the state.

Also speaking, Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, urged the people to resist

From left, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN; Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Ondo State counterpart, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, at the commencement of the party’s governorship campaign rally, in Akure, on Wednesday.

rigging through all means, expressing concern on the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a credible election.

According to him, “We are in a country, where the opposition party is contesting against the electoral umpire. The November 26 governorship election in Ondo State is not a contest between PDP and APC. It is a contest between the PDP and INEC. “That is why every member of the PDP in the state must resist all attempts by both INEC and APC to rig the election as they did in Edo State.”

“The PDP is battle ready for the next election in Ondo State and we will do everything to prevent a repeat of what happened in Edo State. We are not going to allow INEC to destroy our democracy in this country.

There is the need for every individual in Ondo to rise and defend their votes in the next election,” Fayose stated.

I have moved on from politics —Kogi gov Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

KOGI State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, said he had moved away from politics and now concentrate on developing the state.

He said he was more concerned about delivering democracy dividends to the people of the state, calling on his opponents to sheath their sword and join hands with him for the development of the state.

Bello, who spoke through his Director General of media and publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, while receiving some All Progressives Congress (APC) interest groups in his office in Lokoja, said every APC member should support the success of the ‘New Direction Blueprint’ in order to make the party popular throughout the state.

He said, “Since the day he was sworn in as the governor of the state, Bello has

shed the toga of a politician and has put on the garment of a statesman. He holds no bad blood against anyone over the post-election limitations. To the governor, those things are part of the process.

“Governor Bello expects all Kogites of goodwill and with genuine interest in the progress of the state to join hands with him to take the state to a new level of development.

“It is assumed that all those who aspired to be governor of the state did so with the sole aim of empowering the people of the state.

“It is time to prove their patriotism through effective contribution to the rebuilding of the state after years of unimpressive leadership.

“Let me also reiterate that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry instituted by the governor is not targeted at anyone. It was instituted to unravel how we have used our resources in the past 13 years.

“Transparent people do not fear probe. The governor has challenged his successor to probe him. Probity must become a culture in our dear state,” he said.

Reacting to allegation of

petitions of financial impropriety against the government, Fanwo said such allegations were, “frivolous, flippant and not worthy of attention,” adding that Kogi was the first state to publish its bailout account.

“Some months ago, we published the bailout account of the state. We published what we have paid to who and when. We also published our balances and their accounts where they are kept for the purpose of accountability. If those petitions actually exist, they are politically motivated and illfated,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Moses Adebayo, pledged the support of the interest groups to the New Direction Agenda of the Governor Bello-led administration, assuring the governor of the readiness of the groups to collaborate with the administration in ensuring development in the state.

He commended the information machinery of the governor for ensuring that the people are properly informed about the activities of government and thus generating participatory governance.

mittee when he repeatedly called for scrapping of the Senate.

The nominee, who is to represent the North East zone, surprised the lawmakers with his calls for the Senate to be scrapped.

He had led protests in the

North-East to advocate the scrapping of the Senate and maintain a unicameral legislature.

When he was confronted with photographs of him leading organised protests against the Senate,especially at the gate of the National Assembly, an unrepentant Abubakar affirmed the pictures.

He said that he had no regret for leading the protests to call for scrapping of the Senate, adding that he was convinced that Senate was an avenue for wastage of scarce economic resources.

Also in an interview with newsmen, Abubaka insisted that the Senate should be scrapped.

He said: “It is not true that I told members of the committee that the Senate should be scrapped. They

asked me whether I was part of the group that agitated for the scrapping of the Senate and I said yes because of so many things involved in the Senate and their budget.

“They asked me to state the reasons why we were agitating for the scrapping of the Senate, I said it is because of their huge budget; they consume a lot of resources from the government; they put it in their own budget.

Also, they have transport allowance and, yet, they budget a lot of money to acquire vehicles.”

He also confirmed that the panelists brought out several photographs of him leading the Occupy National Assembly protests, including protests at the premises of the National Assembly as well as in Bauchi adding that he did not deny the pictures.

Drama as nominee calls for scrapping of Senate Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

A presidential nominee to the board of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Alhaji Aliyu Saidu Abubakar, surprised senators at the screening by the Communications Com-

Ekweremadu advocates public hearing on Appropriation bills Taiwo Adisa -Abuja DEPUTY Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said on Wednesday that the passage of national budgets should henceforth be subjected to public hearings.

Ekweremadu, who stated this in a statement by his Media Adviser, Uche Anichukwu, said that Appropriation bills should be subjected to public hearing to promote transparency and enable Nigerians

and experts to make inputs.

He also said the National Assembly was cautious not to pass any law that would muzzle the civil society in view of the need to strengthen the synergy between the legislature and the civil society groups in the appropriation process.

Ekweremadu, who stated this in Abuja at a national conference on the Role of the Legislature in the Fight Against Corruption in Ni-

geria, said that the legislature and the civil society must work together.

Ekweremadu, who chaired the session on “The Legislature and the Civil Society: Making the Feedback Process Count,” said the Appropriation Bill was about the most important bill in a democracy, shaping patterns of development, and deployment of resources, and as such needed to be subjected to public scrutiny.

30 politicsnews

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Stop influencing Buhari negatively, southern leaders tell North Call for release of Kanu, others Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

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meeting of Elders and Management Committee of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has ended in Umuahia, Abia State capital, with a call on northern elders to desist from infusing the present administration with the “we versus them” mentality.

They noted that such mentality was responsible for the division and suspicion in the polity, urging the government to consciously ensure equitable distribution of appointments and projects.

These were the positions of the body contained in an 11-point communiqué issued at the end of its meeting at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

They equally called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately release of the leader of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kalu and others, whom the leaders described as prisoners of conscience currently in detention.

The Assembly called on the Federal Government to negotiate with the Niger Delta agitators, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and the agitators for Biafra to find a peaceful resolution of their grievances, opposing the use of force.

The SNPA, however, declared the Assembly’s resolve to support the administration of President Buhari in his effort to move Nigeria forward, especially in his anti-corruption efforts, war on the insurgency and his effort to revive the country’s ailing economy.

In the communiqué signed by Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, who was the chairman of session; Chief Edwin K. Clark, CON, cochair/leader of the SouthSouth and Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, co-chair/

leader of the South-West, who was represented by Senator Femi Okurounmu, the group frowned at the continued detention of agitators.

“The elders, leaders and management of SNPA deliberated on the continuous herdsmen’s attacks

on Southern Nigeria, the controversial grazing bill before the National Assembly, the call for restructuring Nigeria, the activities of the NDA and the military presence in the Niger Delta Region. Other issues discussed included the economy and options for national

of conscience after courts of competent jurisdictions have granted them judicial bails shows a gross disregard for due process, disrespect for the judiciary and abuse of their fundamental rights,” adding that the herdsmen attack in Southern Nigeria had become a

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ghali Umar Na’Abba (left), former member of the House, Honourable Femi Kehinde (middle) and reviewer of the book, Of Rusts and Gold, Dr Festus Adedayo, at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday.

recurring feature despite repeated calls to the Federal Government to deal with the issue decisively.

“The rampaging attacks, raping, wanton destructions of lives and properties of innocent Nigerians have continued unabated, particularly the recent killings in Enugu and Benue states, which share borders with Cross River State does not make for peaceful coexistence and stability of the country.”

The Southern leaders advised Buhari to respect the rule of law and ruling of courts of competent jurisdiction by ensuring the immediate release of Kalu and all other prisoners of conscience, which various courts have granted bail and who have subsequently met their bail conditions.

“The principle of separation of power must be applied to advance our democracy and strict adherence to acceptable dignified tenets of investigation, arrest and prosecution be applied,” the communique said.

Nigeria’s democracy heading for doom, if...—Na’aba

By Tunde Ogunesan Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Ghali Umar Na’aba, has warned that the absence of internal democracy in the political parties in the country poses a big threat to the survival of democracy.

Noting that the destruction of internal democratic ideals in the parties is a pointer that Nigeria’s democracy is still fragile and is heading for the doom.

Na’aba spoke at the launch of a book entitled: “Of Rust and Gold (Snippets of History)”, written by a former member of the House of Representatives, Femi Kehinde, held at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday.

He said: “It will be a curse for me if I leave this venue without addressing the issue of internal democracy

within our political parties.

I have been speaking on this everywhere I have the opportunity to do so, because this is an issue that affects not only politicians but all Nigerians.

“The time has come for us to recognise the importance of participating in the politics of the country. This is because if we must all accept democracy as a way of life, we must be familiar with what is going on. Noting that the essence of democracy is to have good leaders and good governance for the economic, social and political development of our

on jobs and empowerment.

At a media briefing after his election, Obaseki said he would not have a large State Executive Council (Exco) but find other means to empower political supporters.

During his campaigns, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate promised to create 200,000 jobs.

Explaining how he would create jobs, Obaseki said: “Take, for instance, agriculture, the registered farm-

country, the former Speaker maintained that the obliteration of internal democracy within the political parties has caused so much damage to the polity.

“Let me assure you that unless all of us confront this serious infraction on our democracy, our nation will continue to suffer.

It does not matter if we as individuals are rich or not, but as long as members of our communities and societies are not allowed to become what they want to be through their God given endowments, this country is doomed.”

Expressing the importance of participatory governance, Na’aba affirmed that it would be dangerous for competent Nigerians to be passive towards the nation’s politics. Such attitude, he warned, would lead to a situation whereby they would be ruled by ‘fools’ in the society.

The chief launcher on the occasion, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, reiterated the importance of history, commending the author of the book, saying: “We must recognise history if we want to be remembered in the future.”

Dignitaries that attended

the book launch included the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Senator Lekan Balogun; former Nigerian Ambassador to Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi; a retired Archbishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Ayo Ladigbolu; former Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, who reviewed the book; former deputy governor of Ogun State, Mr. Segun Adesegun and Justice Ladiran Akintola, among others.

Edo poll: PDP, Ize-Iyamu submit case to tribunal Banji Aluko -Benin City THE candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 28 Edo State governorship election,

Obaseki begins work on 2017 budget AHEAD of his inauguration on November 12, Edo State governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, has raised a committee to prepare next year’s budget for the state.

This, according to sources, will enable him to hit the ground running and ensure that lawmakers get the budget this year.

A member of the transition committee said Obaseki emphasised that 2017 budget estimates should focus

economic cooperation and diversification by Southern states and the anti-corruption war of the President Buhari-led government,” the SNPA said.

The communiqué maintained that the “continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and other prisoners

ers in Edo State and in the 18 local government areas outnumbered 35,000 small holding farmers. This statistics is according to records at the Ministry of Agriculture.

“This record also shows that each of these 35,000 farmers occupies at least, two to five hectares. This means 115,000 hectares with a labour requirement of three workers per hectare of production,” he said.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and his party have asked the Edo State Election Tribunal to nullify the victory handed Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declare him winner of the election.

Ize-Iyamu, who submitted his case file to the Registrar of the tribunal at the Edo State High Court in Benin on Wednesday, said his decision to challenge the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was based on the promise made to the Edo people during electioneering that he would defend their votes, adding that his lawyers will prove beyond doubt that the election was rigged in favour of the APC candidate.

Ize-Iyamu, who stormed the tribunal at about 4:20 pm in company with his running mate, John Yakubu; the state PDP chairman, Dan Orbih and the lawmaker representing Edo South, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, noted that one of his prayers is to be declared winner of the governorship election.

He said: “We just filed our case. We are asking the tribunal to declare us the rightful winner of the election. Edo people know who won the election.

“Our people have been robbed of having who they want to rule over them and we must defend their mandate. That is why I, in consultation with my party, has approached the court.

“By the time sittings start, Edo people will be amazed by what went on in a desperate bid to win an election at all costs.

“We have been able to put together all that is needed to put together. We are optimistic that we will get justice and be declared winner of the election.”

Also speaking, Orbih said by filing the case, a process that would put smiles on the faces of the people and redress the injustice done on September 28 had commenced.

With the filing of the case and Thursday being the deadline for submission of cases over the conduct of the election, the tribunal is expected to commence sitting any moment from now.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

HONOUR FOR GENERAL ABDUSALAMI ABUBAKAR AT THE 8TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF CRESCENT UNIVERSITY, ABEOKUTA

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (left) and Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the 8th convocation ceremony of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

From left, Justice Fati Abubakar, Prince Bola Ajibola, General Abdulsalami, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Funso.

From left, foudner, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Bola Ajibola, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

From left, former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Justice Fati Abubakar and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (left) and former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Olowu of Owu, Oba (Dr) Adegboyega Dosumu (left) and Oba Halidu Laloko.

From left, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, VC, Crescent University, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, best graduating student, Rasheedat Modupeola Olowookere, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

From left, former Kwara State governor, Senator Shaaba Lafiaji, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and MD/CEO, Quick Link International Network, Mr Dele Agekameh.

Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu (left) and Alhaja Amat Ajibola (wife of the founder, Crescent University, Abeokuta).

From leftt, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, Oyo State deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo and Niger State deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ketso.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Guardian Editor to deliver UNILAG Mass Comm Alumni lecture

THE Editor-in-Chief, Gaurdian Newspaper, Mr Debo Adesina, will today deliver the second distinguished lecture series of the University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association.

The lecture entitled: “Building a new generation of media professionals in a changing world order”, comes up at the main auditorium, University of Lagos at 11:00am, and will be chaired by the Chairman Toyota Holdings, Mr Biodun Shobanjo.

Also, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Rahman Ade Bello and the the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr Oloruntola Sunday, will be the chief host and host, respectively.

Book launch to honour KSA at 70 A book titled “Melodies of Wisdom” will on Thursday, October 27, 2016 be launched in honour of King Sunny Ade who is celebrating his 70 birthday.

The book launch which takes place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Redemption Camp, KLM 46, Lagos Ibadan expressway, Mowe, Ogun State, will have Aare Afe Babalola and Chief Felix O. Fagbohungbe as the Chief Launcher and Chairman on the occasion, respectively.

The event takes place at 12:00 noon.

Fidau/burial of Pa Sadiku GbadamosiFakolujo THE final burial ceremony of Pa Sadiku GbadamosiFakolujo, who died on October 20, 2015 and buried according to Islamic rites,on October 21,2015 holds tomorrow, October 21.

The fidau holds at his residence, AX 18, Surulere Street, Isokun, Ilesa, Osun State, at 9:30 a.m. prompt.

Entertainment of guests comes up on Saturday, October 22, at the African Church Grammar School, Osogbo Road, Ilesa, at 12:00 p.m.

Pa Sadiku, a prominent transporter and community leader, died at the age of 88 and was survived by wives, children, groundchildren and great grandchildren, including Mr Jimoh Oluwole Gbadamosi-Fakolujo, Amusa Sadiku Gbadamosi, Biodun Sadiku Gbadamosi, Muritala Sadiku Gbadamosi, among others.

Sadiku Gbadamosi

Ambode sacks 3 commissioners, as Amosun reshuffles cabinet Bola Badmus And Olayinka Olukoya

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AGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, effected a reshuffle of his cabinet, sacking three of his commissioners, including those of Tourism, Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Finance, Dr Mustapha Akinkunmi and Transportation, Dr Ekundayo Mobereola.

This development came exactly one year after he constituted his Executive Council, precisely on Octo-

ber 19, 2015.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.

He said the governor also directed the Special Adviser, Arts and Culture to take over as the acting Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Special Adviser on Transportation will act as Commissioner for Transportation, while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance takes over as the acting Commissioner

for Finance, pending the appointment of new commissioners in the respective ministries.

The statement added that Governor Ambode expressed his appreciation to the former commissioners for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.

In a related development, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has reshuffled the state executive council.

The exercise involved four Commissioners and four Special Advisers to the Gov-

ernor.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, in Abeokuta, by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the affected Commissioners include Mrs Ronke Sokefun who was the Commissioner for Agriculture before now, who had been redeployed to the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning, while Bashorun Adebola Adeife, former Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning had been moved to the Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Dokpesi’s trial: Witness recounts how DAAR was paid N500m Sunday Ejike-Abuja

THE trial of the former Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, over the N2.1 billion he allegedly collected from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd), has commenced on Wednesday, before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting for the Federal Government called its first witness, Mukados Aliyu Mohammed, who narrated to the court how billions of naira was spent from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Led in evidence by the

prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, the witness, a manager in the payment section of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the former NSA and the Director, Finance of the Office of the National Security Adviser, S.A. Salisu, who were the signatories of ONSA account, ordered the payment of N500 million into the account of DAAR Investment and Holding Company via a payment schedule/mandate dated January 21, 2015.

Aliyu, who is the first witness of the prosecution, said the former NSA also ordered another payment of N500 million on February 2, 2015 and another N620 million into the account of DAAR Investment and Holding Company as payment for “media campaign.”

EFCC quizzes Jigawa PDP guber candidate, others Adamu Amadu-Dutse

THE Jigawa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the last general election, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, is under probe

by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for over N550 million arms money.

Also among those invited by the anti graft agency were the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Mahmuda and Alhaji Rabiu Taura, the secretary of the PDP governorship campaign team.

Reports from the state indicated that the gubernatorial candidate was being grilled on the amount he had received and for what purpose during the campaign.

When contacted on her mobile phone, the media officer in the EFCC in Kano, Fatima Abubakar, said she was not in the office.

“I’m not in the office right now, I don’t have the details, I will confirm from those handling the case,”

Abubakar emphasised.

When contacted, the gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Ringim, said, “why are you only calling us on things other than positive?

Why are you only contacting me on issues like this?

What is your interest?”

He maintained further that “It is over, if you like to ask me come and ask me physically,” cuts the call.

On his part, Alhaji Mamuda confirmed that they were invited to EFCC and they had reported.

According to him, “Yes of course, we were invited

by EFCC on the campaign funds from the national headquarters during the campaign of the 2015 general election.”

He added that “This is not a new thing; it is a long issue, on which we have been reporting to EFCC for about three months.”

He noted that “We are not the only state involved; there are so many states that have been invited and reporting on the same matter. It is a campaign fund issue, not any other matter.”

The witness also told the court that there was another mandate from ONSA to pay Dokpesi’s company another N500 million on March 19, 2015 for the same media campaign.

According to the witness, his office, which verified the payment schedule/ mandate, confirmed that due process was followed

by Office of the NSA before the monies were paid into the account of DAAR Investment and Holding Company (1st defendant), belonging to the first defendant.

Under cross examination by Dokpesi’s defence

counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, the witness told the court that all due procedures were followed before the ONSA account, which is being funded by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, was opened with the CBN. The witness told the court that all the payments as stated in the schedules/ mandates of the ONSA were effected by the CBN because due process was followed.

After the testimony of the first prosecution witness, the trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, adjourned till November 18, for continuation of trial.

Also affected is the erstwhile Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Leke Adewolu who now superintends the Ministry of Special Duties.

The statement also indicated that one of the newly sworn-in-commissioners, Mrs Abiola Kufile-Okonji, is to take charge of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, while a Consultant to the Governor, Mrs Ronke Onadeko, would now oversee the Ministry of Agriculture, pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner for the Ministry.

According to the release, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mr Bayo Adeyemi, has been moved to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Mr Yinka Odufuwa, hitherto of the Ministry of Agriculture,had been moved to the Ministry of Forestry while Mr Akinola Lawson, formerly of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is now Special Adviser on Special Duties.

It added that Mr Segun Adesanya of the Ministry of Special Duties is now Special Adviser on Youth and Sports while Mr Gbenga Opesanwo is now in charge of Transport.

The reshuffle takes immediate effect.

33 communitynews Sagamu Day to hold on Oct 27 and 29 by tunde adegbola

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r o f e s s o r Tunde Ogunsanwo, President of Sagamu Development Association (SDA), the umbrella body of all social clubs of Sagamu community in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, has said that this year’s Sagamu Day will hold between October 27 and 29.

Addressing a press conference at the Sagamu Development Association Civic Centre, Sagamu, Professor Ogunsanwo said this year’s anniversary would be dedicated to sons and daughters of Sagamu in the Diaspora and to honour the Late Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, who joined his ancestors recently.

Ogunsanwo said that Sagamites in the United Kingdom would be led to the ceremony by a distinguished personality, Dr Layi Soile, who is also the chairman of the grand rally, adding that Sagamites in the United States of America would present signposts at the six points leading to Sagamu town to welcome our people and visitors for the celebrations.

While highlighting the programme of event, Professor Ogunsanwo said: “This year’s anniversary will commence with an interfaith service at the Akarigbo’s palace, where Christians, Muslims and traditionalists would assemble to pray for peace in the town.

“The second day will feature cultural display by various cultural groups in the town, at the Akarigbo’s palace.

The groups include Ogun, Agemo, Asa, Balufon and cultural groups from Igbo and Hausa communities in the town.

Prof. Tunde Ogunsanwo

“There will also be visit to the Orisagamu Ewa Grove and later in the day, we will have Ebiripo night, where sons and daughters of Sagamu would be treated to delicious Ebiripo feast, among others.”

Speaking on the achievements recorded by the association, Professor Ogunsanwo said: “In 1988, we equipped a big ward at the present Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), AgoIwoye, when the hospital was to be upgraded.

In 1998, we constructed and equipped the Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo Pharmacy Complex in the Faculty of Pharmacy at OOU. Also, we have

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adebayo Oluwabukola now MRS OLAIYA OLUWABUKOLA OMOLADE. All former documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akanji Damilola Motunrola now AKANJI ABOSEDE OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunmola Olamide Kemi now MRS ADEDEJI OLAMIDE KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

awarded scholarship to students who are indigenes of Sagamu and we have equally organised skill acquisition programmes for our youths and to the glory of God, most of them are selfreliant today.

The president, however, called on the Federal Government to establish a university in Remoland, saying Sagamu is a big division of Remo where the co-education programme started in West Africa.

He added that if the co-education programme that started at Remo Secondary School had failed, girls might not have been opportune to be educated in Nigeria.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alli Zainab Oluwatosin now MRS. RUFAI ZAINAB OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Agbo Gloria Ugwuanyi am the same person bearing Agbo Gloria Osondu, Agbo Gloria Osondu Ugwuanyi,Gloria Ugwuanyi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as AGBO GLORIA OSONDU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Jongbo Oluwabukola Aina Betty now MRS ADEBAYO AINA BETTY. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps and general public take note.

Thursday, 20 October, 2015

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Any policeman checking vehicle particulars on illegal duty —AIG Bature

By Tunde Ogunesan with agency report

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R Dan Bature, an Assistant InspectorGeneral (AIG) of Police in Charge of Zone 11, comprising Oyo, Osun and Ondo states, has said any policeman checking vehicle particulars on the highways is on illegal duty.

Bature said this on Wednesday, in Ibadan, during a two-day familiarisation visit to Oyo State.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the AIG said that the duty of the police was not to check vehicle particulars but to ensure safer roads.

Bature warned police-

men against blocking highways, saying police patrol vehicles were not supposed to be toll gates.

He said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was committed to changing the negative image of the police and supporting the anticorruption war of the Federal Government.

Bature advised officers unable to key into the laudable initiatives of the IGP to resign from the force.

He said that a lot was expected by the public from the police, adding that that informed the monitoring of officers.

“The Inspector General of Police is determined to improve on your welfare and pursue the increment of your salary.

“But this can only be achieved when the people have good perception about the police, “Bature said.

Earlier, Sam Adegbuyi, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, said that the officers were dedicated and patriotic.

Adegbuyi said that in view of the population of Oyo State, the command needed to create three more Area Commands in addition to the existing four commands.

He commended the AIG, Oyo government and the Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) for the successes recorded so far in the fight against crime.

Meanwhile, AIG Bature warned police officers not

to turn patrol vehicles into toll gate.

While addressing members of the command to be of good behaviour and agents of change, the AIG said, “The Federal Government is poised to change the face of Nigeria in relation to corruption. Unfortunately, the Police have also been accused of corruption. The Inspector General of Police is determined to purge police of corruption.

“We will soon launch the escort to change all facets of Nigerian Police that has something to do with corruption. Members should be ready to change for members of the public to have confidence in us. You can’t change the people if

From left, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr Samuel Adegbuyi; state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Mr Dan Bature; and Commissioner of Police in charge of Medicals, Mr Wilson Akhuwu, during a courtesy visit by senior police officers to the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Wednesday. PHOTO: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE.

EFCC investigates ex-Enugu gov, Chime, 3 others Jude Ossai-Enugu

EX-GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State and three other principal officers were last week arrested and released by the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) over N450,000,000 Presidential campaign fund of 2015, the Southeast Zonal Head of the anti-graft agency, Johnson Babalola, has said.

Briefing newsmen in Enugu, on Wednesday, Babalola said that former governor Chime and the three others were still under investigation concerning the over N400 million campaign funds, pointing out that two serving commissioners were invited recently and detained by the commission.

Babalola said that fight against corruption, which was the main obsession of the Federal Government, was yielding dividend in the South East, as the EFCC had recovered over N244,574,587.20

from those that looted government treasury and other sources.

The Commission also recovered $130,750 USD from assets forfeited by the looters, which sum had been paid into government coffers.

Also recovered included $955,465 USD; €10,000 Euro as well as 3,588 Chinese RMB. On the achievements of the Commission so far, the EFCC Zonal Head said that apart from the money recovered, EFCC was on the trails of serving and former governors in the zone with the aim of bringing them to book.

Babalola, who said that the cases involving the governors were under intense investigation, had this to say: “The zone is equally closing in on some politically exposed persons in cases involving former governors and companies linked to serving governors.”

Fielding questions from journalists, the Zonal Head

said that he had not received any corruption case against Senator Theodore Orji, former governor of Abia State and challenged anybody that has a case against him to petition the Commission for investigation.

“I don’t have petitions against him, Senator Theo-

dore Orji,”, he added.

He disclosed that the Commission had received in recent time, five hundred and twenty two cases out of which thirty six have been concluded and charged to various courts in the zone for prosecution while it has secured (14) convictions.

you’ve not changed yourself.

“Gentlemen, don’t allow any of us to be used as scapegoats. Patrol vehicles

Money laundering: Absence of judge stalls Fani-Kayode, Usman’s trial Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin-Lagos

THE proposed trial of two former ministers, Femi Fani Kayode and Nenadi Usman and one Danjuma Yusuf, which was slated for Wednesday, could not go on, due to the absence of the Judge.

Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, who was also former Director of Media and Publicity, campaign committee of ex President Goodluck Jonathan, was charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, and Danjuma Yusuf.

Also charged was a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd. They were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

They each pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail.

The trial of the accused could not proceed due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Sule Hassan, who was said to be away on official assignment.

The trial of the accused was however, slated for October 21 for continuation.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act

Money laundering: NDLEA intercepts 325,640 euros, $30,000 at Lagos airport Shola Adekola-Lagos

OFFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted €325,640 as well as 30,000, about 175 million naira being smuggled from Greece and Austria.

The suspected laundered money concealed inside envelopes and shoes were seized at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos during the inward screening of passengers on a Turkish airline flight. Two suspects have been arrested in con-

nection with the smuggled currencies.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, said that the money was found during routine search of passengers saying: “During the inward screening of passengers on a Turkish flight, we discovered €325,640 euros and 30,000 dollars. Two suspected passengers, Edos Nicholas found in possession of 279,190 euros and Hallowell Prince Lovely, found in possession of €46,450 euros and 30,000 dollars were also appre-

are not supposed to be toll gate; we will monitor patrol team activities at the national level, zonal, command and division level.”

hended.”

Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.), has directed the director of Assets and Financial Investigation of the Agency, Mrs Victoria Egbase, to take over the investigation.

According to Abdallah, “This is a suspected case of money laundering. Criminal groups seek to conceal the origin of illegally obtained money. It is pertinent therefore for us to trace the origin of the money and prevent the introduction of criminal funds into the economy.”

of stealing and corruption.

In counts eight to 14, the accused were alleged to have unlawfully used over N970 million, which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

In counts 15 to 17, FaniKayode and one Olubode Oke, who is said to be at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million, in excess of the amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis St., Lagos, in excess of amounts allowed by law.

Diezanigate: Judge’s absence stalls trial of Omokore, others Sunday Ejike-Abuja

THE trial of an associate of a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani AlisonMaduekwe, before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High court, sitting in Abuja, was Wednesday, stalled following the absence of the trial judge.

The associate to the former minister, Olajide Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd, Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere and David Mbanefo, were arraigned on a nine-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

All the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the anti-graft agency and their counsel prayed the court to grant them bail on self recognisance or on liberal terms.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, did not oppose the applications, but however, told the Judge to give them conditions that would make them appear in court for trial.

Justice Binta Nyako, who had listened to the bail application argued by their respective counsel, granted them bail in the sum of N50 million.

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Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Ogun govt, workers set for showdown over strike Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

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GUN State government and the organised labour are set for showdown over the planned strike by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), which commenced today.

The labour unions had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government which expired Wednesday night, over unpaid deductions, bank loans, gratuities, among others.

The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at a town hall meeting on the 2017 budget, held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, was apparently not happy with the industrial action called by the organised labour unions.

The governor, who made reference to the strike while answering questions from the audience, said government would not allow some

elements in the labour unions to hold the state into ransom.

Amosun insisted that no group or individual could be higher than the state, hence the need for the labour unions to reason with government, in the face of the economic challenges facing the country.

The governor maintained that his government could not give what it does not have.

“It is important to note that no group or individual can be more important than the state that binds us to-

gether.

“The era of playing politics under the guise of labour movements and agitation for improved welfare and condition of service is over and gone for good in the state.”

Governor Amosun said that the strike had political undertone and therefore advised any civil or public servant interested in politics to resign.

Meanwhile, the state government had vowed to invoke the “no work, no pay” rule on any worker who absent himself or herself from

work.

It described the strike as illegal and further said that government had not in anyway defaulted in payment of salaries.

“In view of this, the Ogun State government therefore declares the proposed strike action as illegal, unreasonable and totally uncalled for while urging the generality of its workforce not to heed the call of a few misguided elements whose motive is clearly political.”

Similarly, traditional rulers in the state also supported the position of the

government that the strike was politically motivated.

The traditional rulers at a press conference addressed by the chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, supported by the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Kayode Adetona and the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, stated clearly that they were not in support of any call by the organised labour to ask workers to embark on strike.

We didn’t shut down Access Bank branch —Ekiti govt EKITI State government has dispelled the rumours that it has shut down the Ado-Ekiti branch of the Access Bank Plc following last Monday’s attempt by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest Mrs Precious Chikwendu FaniKayode, the wife of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in the bank premises.

In a statement in AdoEkiti, on Wednesday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the government said it had nothing against the bank and no reason whatsoever to shut down the financial institution.

“The attention of the state government has been drawn to rumours making the round, especially on social media that Ekiti State government has shut down a branch of Access Bank in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

This is definitely coming from the opposition elements.

“For the sake of clarity, Ekiti State government has no axe to grind with the management of Access Bank.

Also, the state government does not license banks and can’t withdraw same.

“We enjoin the good people of Ekiti State and Nigerians in general to disregard such unfounded rumours,” the CPS stated.

From left, Mrs Funke Dele Giwa, wife of late Dele Giwa; chairman, House Committee on IDPs and chairman on the occasion, Honourable Sani Zorro; representative of Lagos State governor, Mr Fola Adeyemi and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni, at a public lecture to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of renowned journalist, Dele Giwa, at the multi purpose hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Thursday. PHOTO: OVADJE ELLIOT.

Tribune NUJ gets new exco Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE new executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Tribune chapel, has been inaugurated.

The new executive, saddled with the responsibility of running the affairs of the union for the next three years, has Comrade Tunde Busari as chairman, Adewale Oshodi (Secretary), Alolade Ganiyu (Treasurer), Nurudeen Alimi (Auditor) and Yemi Funsho-Oke (Financial Secretary).

The vice-chairman, Oyo NUJ, Comrade Olusegun

Adeyemo, alongside the state secretary of the union, Comrade Rotimi Babalola, supervised the inauguration While speaking on behalf of the state council, they described the new executive members as good ambassadors of the Nigerian Tribune, while urging them to discharge their duties with the fear of God. Chairman, electoral committee, Mr Femi Olukunle, in his remarks, thanked members of the Tribune NUJ for the opportunity given his committee to serve.

In his acceptance speech,

the new chairman, Tunde Busari, said: “I want to use this medium to assure my colleagues that we will not disappoint you. Within the

French forces to assist Nigeria’s military THE General Commanding French Forces in Senegal, Brigadier General Pascal Facon, has expressed the determination of French Forces to train Nigerian Armed Forces in certain areas that would make Nigeria military more responsive to its statutory

Ooni, Ajimobi, Awolowo Dosumu, others to attend Petals FM’s first anniversary Bola Badmus - Lagos THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will lead dignitaries from all walks of life to the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, as Petals FM 102.3 rolls out the drums to celebrate one year of eventful and successful radio broadcasting in Nigeria.

The Ooni, according to a statement made available

on Wednesday, in Lagos, by the chairman of the corporation, Mr Yinka Odumakin, will be the royal father of the day, while the Cochairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc., publisher of the Nigerian Tribune titles, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, will chair the occasion.

The statement said the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, would be

next six months, Tribune NUJ chapel will witness notable transformation. I thank you all for your support.”

the special guest of honour.

It said former Deputy ViceChancellor, University of Ibadan and foremost political scientist, Professor Adigun Agbaje, will be speaking on “The Nigerian media and the search for consensus in diversity: retrospect, precepts and prospects.”

The event will hold at Mauve 21 Events Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Sunday, October 23, 2016.

responsibility.

The French General made this known, according to PRNigeria, when he visited the Defence Headquarters to discuss modalities for the training and other support of the Nigerian military personnel which he assured could commence as soon as possible.

Brigadier General Facon specifically mentioned training on force protection, maritime security, counter improvised explosive device and other relevant areas that would be of immense benefit to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

In his response, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, represented by the Chief of Policy & Plans, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Saidu, thanked the French forces commander for all the assistance the Nigerian military had enjoyed in the past.

Nigerian Tribune

Oyo to increase health budget in 2017

By Sade Oguntola

OYO State government is to increase its health budget in 2017 as part of efforts at ensuring highquality healthcare delivery.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, during an advocacy visit by Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health, a group of civil society organisations in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

He assured that part of the funding would be utilised to ensure increase in the state’s contraceptive prevalence rate.

“I have my action plans for Oyo State Ministry of Health and health care delivery. Primary Health Care (PHC) is pivotal for health care delivery. If PHC is adequate, there will be fewer cases at general hospitals.”

Dr Emmanuel Abanida, Executive Secretary, HEFRON, and leader of Partnership for Advocacy In Child and Family Health, stated that increasing the state’s health sector budget in 2017 would ensure provisions to drive family planning and basic health services.

... Begins certification of building plans Monday

By Tunde Ogunesan

OYO State government has concluded plans to embark on certification of building plans to rid the state of illegal structures.

According to a statement jointly signed by the Special Adviser to the state governor on Physical Planning and Environment, Waheed Gbadamosi and his Senior Special Assistant counterpart of Environment, Mr Tope Obileye, the government urged the general public to have their approved building plans ready for certification.

“Oyo State government has said that it is embarking on a statewide certification exercise of building plans in order to ensure that approved structures were in line with the extant planning laws.

“The government said that a taskforce to rid the state of illegal petrol stations and other structures that contravene the extant planning laws of Oyo State would commence a statewide certification exercise beginning from Monday, October 24, 2016.”

The statement added that structures without approvals would be treated in line with the appropriate sanctions as specified in the statute books.

37

Thursday, 20 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Gov Fayose’s 2nd year in office anniversary

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (right), with the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Elder Idowu Adelusi, during the launch of the book: “Trials, Travails & Triumph of Ayo Fayose,” as part of the activities marking the second year in office of Governor Fayose, in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday.

From left, Governor Ayodele Fayose; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladejugbe Aladesanmi; the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye and the state Commissioner for Works, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun, during the foundation laying of the New Ekiti State High Court, in Ado Ekiti.

Governor Ayodele Fayose acknowledging cheers from the crowd at Efon Alaaye, during the commissioning of traffic light/dual carriage way in Efon Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Fayose, sitting on top of a vehicle, waving at the crowd during the commissioning of the second phase of the dual carriage way in Ikere Ekiti.

Governor Fayose addressing the people during the commissioning of the dual carriage way in Ikole Ekiti.

From left, Governor Fayose; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi and the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, during the foundation laying of the new Governor’s Office, in Ado Ekiti.

Governor Fayose commissioning of the dual carriage way in Omuo Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government Area.

Governor Fayose and his wife, Feyisetan, during the thanksgiving service to mark the second year in office, in Ado-Ekiti.

38

tribunepools

DR. J.K. POOLS –

07039275802 (10X 19) 17 – 22 – 23 – 30 – 36.

This week I am seeing three naked draws, please pick it quietly and NAP through my assistance.

Last week all my enrolled customers enjoyed 19x 39x 41xxx as they all drew again I promised similar winning games. Again number 36xxbk plus two others are your fixed Nap. I am going to create sensation in Pools world for the overall interest of both of both my enrolled & yet to enrolled customers/stakers.

I plead to all stakers to be patience and expect weekly winnings. The enrolment fees still continues.

Payable to EKHOMU JOHN at Zenith Bank no: 2085795936.

Now pick two bankers from 17 – 22 – 23 – 30 – 36 and add to the above bracket games. Goodluck says Dr. J.K. Pools.

LUCKY MAN 08034352685 (45 SUREST 49)

Now on sale 3 sure draws at N40, 000 when you win or send N1000 MTN Card winning is wonderful win now with our 3 sure draws and smile to your Bank on Monday 45 surest X 49.

THE-LILIES

08086944309 WK 14 RESULT= 18XXX 41XXX 48= 3 OVER 3

Winning on pools is assured we have the Jackpot X 5 call now and win big Jackpot on Pools with only N3000 MTN Card the Road to Big Jackpot will be widely open for all our fans you must get win and win well act now.

3XX 2 SIR-BRAKA

3 Napable Draws cost N1,000 Glo Card now and win on Pools.

MOLLY ONE BANKERS GROUP= 08055230300= 11XX 12XXX

NEW SYSTEMS SET FOR WK 15 RED 4. BANKERS COST N25, 000 WITH GOD one Bankers N2000 Wk 15 NO NAP WK 16 NO NAP. MOLLY one Banker N2000 Wk 11 No 34x Wk 15 NO NAP NAP Wk 16 No Nap Wk 17 No Cup. USA One Banker N2000 Wk 15 No nap wk 16 no nap wk 17 no Nap BIG MAN one Banker N2000 Wk 15 No Nap Wk 16 No Nap Wk 17 No Cup. Stakers try to molly one Banker Group. 4 Special draws this cost N25, 000 Wk 12 No 9x 12x 27x 34= 4/4 Wk 13 No 7x 10x 11x 12x= with 17x wk 15 RED No Nap Nap

GODWIN NAP – 08156829811 (08 xx 17)

WIN = 12 X 13 X 14X 42X ROTHERHAM AT HOME 17 AGAIN. And WESTHAM on BAR VS LETTER ‘S’ with visible refrence to week 11 (Red) 10 draws Week 11– 21X 31X 39XXX —09x Week 15 – X X X — 8XX 17X. Congratulations our recent winning success is tailored by our overseas Experts assistance. = N25,000 = Goodluck

ALASE DRAW MANAGER – 09081716580 (17xx 23)

Another fantastic win awaits you at Alase draw management office where stakers are enriched in millions. Call for your week 15 sure win and get connected. Confirmed winners only.

FAITH NAP – 08077887876

WK 15 – 28X 29X 30XX (4X 40) Free, free, free, - to enable you afford our week 16 special release cost N25, 000 after week 15 result call 08077887876 for payment details and for your week 16 sure win. Goodluck.

CARMARK SUPER – 08186673842

19X 21X 36X 37XXX – GOOD WIN.

KEY to the above sure winning line is on Luton vs Mansfield on 39 to Mr. S. B. Idesola at Stambic (IBTC) A/C No. 0001361916. 3 draw cust N8, 500 and the permutation cost N7, 000= Goodluck

SHORT GUN –

08050614477/08168241902 38 MUST 41 If you go by our recent success in recent times the above pair is due for a draw sheff. UTD must Doncaster and other 3 fixed matches as confirmed draw N10, 000.

AUTHORITY NAP – 09030084552 (03XX 05).

Congrats your winning coast is clear to enable you with our unequal week 15 fixed Naps.

Starting of another 3 week Nap. Be a winner, N25, 000.

EDITOR’S PLACE 41 X 42

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585

MOURINHO BACK AT STAMFORD BRIDGE? BRENTFORD – BARNSLEY — BRISTOL. C. – BLACKBURN B –B XX B – B= 12XX 11.

Super bonus on Brentford and Blackburn this weekend as Cocacola Championship is now draws region. We had barren draw in the League one last week to pave way for a cluster draw in the division this week MOURINHO vs MOURINHO= Jose Mourinho the current Manchester United sensational manager is due to be at Stamford bridg to show stuff after he managed a goaless draw at Liverpool on Monday. Infact the large sum spent on Man. Utd most expensive players worth more than E600 m- was justified. while Arsenal is eyeing magnificent seventh straight win.

A nervy home crowd saw Arsenal concede two goals to Swansea, however a Theo Walcott double and a strike from Mesut Ozil saw their side clain 3 points. Pick your draws from Brentford, Bristol R, Huddersfield, sheff, Wed and Wigan, Chesterfield, Coventry, Gillingham, Braadford C. and Swindon are sure. Portsmouth must Stevenage at League two.

Contact De Maxwell draws clinic for your favourable 3 draws this week where draw is discharged after surgery. TOKEN – MANAGER.

DR. NICHOLAS AGAIN – 09066465222.

12X 13X 41XXXX 42= 4/4= 10XXX= 5/5 Another fantastic win at Nicholas pay master on – stoke vs Sunderland Annual win. Week 15 – KEY winning instruction.

CHESTERFILED ON COVENTRY AT HOME 22 MUST 23= and X X X. 3 controlled draws on gazette and the above sure MUST WIN= on 3/3 – and 4/5.

Again fixed draws are always on pools Panel draw designed and only unveiled through their directives.= N50, 000= Chesterfield, Coventry on 2 dates of play= N50, 000= again.

FANTASTIC OBINYAN AGAIN

Obinyan remains African No. 1 compiler with superb weekly performance the Chairman/Managing Director of King & George group of forecast papers, Prince Willy Obinyan the renown and outstanding bookmaker split fire last week at Group of favour wonderful gift was indeed wonderful on 10x12x18xxx NAP = the late news missed a No 19 on 12 x 18 x 19. The Sunshine 5 wizard pairs was fantastic.

Jackboulder – 18x 19x, Longsight 10x12 and Sun – 10x11. The ex-ray in the back page got its promised pairs 8/12x – 38/10x – 6/48x and the correct corner – back page got 2 bankers on 42x 05x, all in the pools Telegraph.

Moreso, the shoot pointer 10 powerful got 19x20x48xxx. Our big ogas on 47/48x/41xxx and the consistence late pair special on 8 and 10x. The Zeters and other group of papers made winning easy for all punters.

For regular winnings he therefore enjoined all stakers to embrace his group of forecast papers, study and keep records for regular winnings.

The papers are – Pool Telegraph, Zeter Pools guild, Shoot Pointer, Murphy Sports, the New Dream and final Result.

FORTUNE DONOR ON THE MOVE WITH 3-31-45- xx 5/36 (08099111828)

Your hardworking was selfless fortune Donor International is happy to continue the winning process this week with a scintillating performance on coupon Nos 3-31-45-5/36 for 4 compulsory super draws. This is to enable all willing punters to purchase the next 2 weeks i.e was 16-17-18 at only N50, 000. 00 a week.

Do not neglect these games harvest in those 3 weeks.

You will surely call payment details on 08099111828. Don’t neglect!

OLA – CITY WEEK 15 RELEASE

WEEK 15 PAIR 11XXX 28XXX PHONE 08140575314, 08085005634 The Compiler of Ola-City International assures stakers all registered members of his 3 fixed draws for this week 15 and week 16 of the current U.K football season cost N10, 000 cash each week which will surely get all correct. Pay your N10, 000 cash to First Bank Plc. Account No 3033318854 and collect the 3 Draws on your phone after confirmation of your payment.

Registration fees for Winnings club member remain N100, 000= cash while N50, 000 deposit all to be paid from your first winnings. It’s time to win. Winners never out, be a winner from this week Happy weekend.

FINANCE SOLUTION= 0814236200= 08103222635= NO 24XX24XX 24XX

4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 05 Brown Charlton 25x 27x 28x 39 4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 09. Brown Charlton 26x 28x 30x 40x 4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 11. Red Charlton 29x 20x 34x 39x 4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 14. Blue Charlton 23f 18x 19x 20= 3/4 4. Special draws= N30, 000 wk 15. Red No Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4= 24xxx 4. Special draws= N40, 000 wk 16. Purple Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4 KEY. Astone V. at home Under the Bank charlton at away to Draws plus 3 others N25, 000 following Wk 16 RED to control 4 Special draws cost N30, 000. Third week 17 FA. Cup to control 4 special draws cost N40, 000 3 Wks operations wk 14, 15, 16. Send MTN Card to 08142362005= 08103222635 or send your money to UBA or First Bank account number.

DR. M.M. PROMISE, THE PAYMASTER

08037174526 HOT 11, 40 WK. 14= 18X, 19X, 20X. PAIR 27F, 28F. For two consecutive weeks now.

The Paymaster and Nigerias foremost Pools Compiler, Dr. M. M. Promise, scored 3/3 Nap correct. The enidite Pools legend is assuring all and sundry that, this week 15 is another must win Nap for all interested stakers. Cost is N30, 000 cash. Weekly one sure banker is still N10, 000 cash, while membership registration is on-going at N500, 000 cash deposit; all payable at UBA, to Dr. Maxwell Promise, accts No. 1003610591.

DAVID SUPER NAP REMIANS STAKERS NO. 1 CHOICE - 07088103080 (11 CONFIRM 12)

ANNUAL 3 WEEKS TO FIRST ROUND CUP.(12 GLUE 11).

As controlled and directed by the P.P.A. the original Book makers with draws directory.

Week 15’ 2013 – 08x 16x 31xxx 10 – 11x.

Week 15’ 2014 – 03x 22x 42xxx 11 – 12x Week 15’ 2015 – 06x 25x 38xxx 10 – 11x Week 15’ 2016 – X X X - 11 – 12.

The above annual week 15 winning statements is culled from 2016/2017 winning directory= Expect another full payment this week as promised last week. Stakers relief pay point – N50, 000= congratulations - 07088103080.

ACHIEVER INTER 08034097902

WEEK 14 RESULT:- 18XX, 30F, 48XX, 2/3 WEEK 15’ NAP – 15XXX 15XX PLUS 3’ OTHERS.

Congratulation to all our members and the general staking public for their patronage to leash out that naked draws in weeks 13 & 14. Result in Wk 13 our released game score 3/3 with nos:- 18xx, 30f, & 48 on system Shesterfid at every no ‘30’, check Advance wk prestow at away the position plus code “11” the answer away team must meet Chesterfied at away no 30xx Q-P-R, at home xx Adition position Q-P-R Plus position Chesterfied your ans to draw making 3/3 draws.

Pair:- Wimbledon on top Bolton with Nos 20xx 8 21f the game play 3/5 congratulation. This Wk ‘15’ Nap 15xx, to dr Plus 3 other with working system cost only N20, 000 cash for non member, registered members to deposit only N100, 000 cash Note:- our current system will be out in week 6 contains ‘5’ original key and ‘2’ F.A. Cup kes cost only N60, 000 cash.. the 3 draws inside booklet in Wk ‘16’. Nap Norwish vs Preston 15xxx plus 3 others working 08034097902 meet me in Lagos state next Wk ‘16’ call for A/C detail – 08034097902 – 08057309501.

Thursday,20 - 26 October, 2016 MODUPE (08033566694) 5/38/41 IBUKUN OLU NAPS

07026839837.FOR WKS 15, 16, 17 PAIR 5XXX 10XXX

The managing director of Ibunkun Olu Naps has promise all readers and stakers to release 3 gazetted draws again from this week 15, 16, 17 because coupon No 14 save Pool promoters last week on Nos 14f 41x 42x. do not miss it, 3 gazetted Draws cost N10, 000. Cash not if not you must win. Call 07026839837.

EMIRATE WELCOME FREE WIN PUT PROMOTERS IN PROBLEM –

08087104491. (22 AND 23) 18X 41X 48XXX – 12X 14F. Congratulations to all stakers that called us last week for the approved 3 direct Naps winning continues at Emirate to the 1st round in week 17 (the bomb shell week) call now for your sure win this week N25, 000 – considered price.

BOLU ONE NAP –

07031916067 (29 MUST 43)

Week 15 in our second week of our scheduled 4 weeks Naps. Don’t be left out of the on going winning spree. Call Bolu Nap and win fantastic money. Goodluck.

WINNER CODE 505

08135637650 (23 NAP 22)

UK SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 13 NO 10X 11X WK 14 NO 19x 20x wk 15 No Nap Nap POWER X POWER N2000 WK 13 NO 14X 15X WK 14 NO 9x 13x WK 15 NAP NAP Wk 16 No Nap Nap Winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 Wk 13 No 3x 8x Wk 14 No 18x 19x Wk 15 Nap Nap. Adesure Nap two Bankers N2000 Wk 13 No 11x 12x Wk 14 No 5x 6f Wk 15 Nap Nap 4 Expert. 4 Special Draws this Wk 15 cost N25, 000 Wk 13 No 10x 14x 15x 17x Wk 14 No 13x 18x 19x 20x= 4/4= 4/4 Cost N25, 000 Wk 14 Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4. Send MTN Card 0813560750. The Game will send to you by text message.

LABAEKA IS BACK – 080533033522(18 MUST 29).

QPR must OXFORD and other 3 fixed matches for your week 15 sure win call for your winning details. Goodluck.

AUSTINE CHUKWU – 08054462577 NAP – 8X 22X 24XX PERM – 31X 9X 14

I am here again on my 2/2 weeks games which I published free in week 13 that cleared all the Nap on 23x 24x 34xxx 3/3.

Note – This is my last free games therefore you are advise to make good use it to enable you buy our week 17 special NAP. Call for details – Goodluck.

DOSA 08072216644 21 PAIR 31

The harvest week has come, every week 15 is week of jackpot for all my fans. This year is another good year if you are not a doubting Thomas. Send to Dosa N5, 000 MTN recharge Card and laugh to your bank on Monday with your winning on Pool staking.

ATM LIVE –

07040478677/08056390550 17 XX 30XX 42XX. NAP – NAP & WIN. The above 3 draws is listed for draw this week 15 to prepare you for our weeks 16, 17, 18 another 3 direct naps payment to Mrs. Modupe Ola Oseji A/c No – 2016981168 at UBA. Play well and win big = N50,000.

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM 09038460009= WK 13 FREE NO 10X 11X WK 14 PAIR 25 NAP 26

ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET OUT N30,000. MEMBERSHIP N50, 000 Wk 15 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4/4 with 26. 25 Two 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 15 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 16 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 17 F. A. CUP NO NAP NAP NAP NAP Two Bankers N3000 Wk 15 RED NO NAP NAP PAIR 25. 26 Two Bankers N3, 000 Wk 16 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Time to win pool this Wk 15 Sunderland system 4 special Draws this Wk 15 will play 4/4 correct hurry up to get your copy today two Bankers cost N3000 4. BANKERS COST N6000 Send MTN Card 09038460009

ALHAJI SADIKU, TALK OF THE TOWN.

08183573342 BET 17, OR 21.

WK. 14= 10X, 12X, 13X= 3/3 Stakers, my key is set again and it is only for Red coupon. Come Rain, come sunshine, my Nap will play 3/3 correct. Red coupon. Cost N10, 000 cash payable at GTbank to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, accts No. 0030411077.

WEEK 13 FINAL POOLS RESULT 4,5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 39, 41, 42, 48. =13 DRAWS.

LOVE BEST TWO BANKERS N4,000 WK 15 WK 16 WK 14 NAP NAP X10X NAP NAP X19X PAIR PAIR PAIR 24 NAP X39X 25 NAP F40F

MOVE FORWARD TWO BANKERS N4,000 WK 05 WK 06 WK 14 NAP NAP X12X NAP NAP X20X PAIR PAIR PAIR NAP NAP X05X NAP NAP F06F

SEND MTN CARD TO 08166222529, 08095602590.

SAMUEL & SOLOMON 3 WEEKS SCHEDULED

NAPS – 09091111800. = 42CBK. CLUSTER! CLUSTER!! CLUSTER!!!

WEEKS – 13, 14 AND 15 FIXED WIN Key – Home & Away Alphabets no 31.

Week 13= S – W= 19 +23= 42X= 32X 33X 34XX 42X Week 14= W – S= 23 + 19= 42x= 18x 19x 20xx 42x Week 15= S – W= 19 + 23= 42x= X X X= 42xxx The formidable combination of 2 reknowned experts assurance 3 week win= Our weeks 13 and 14 winners are expected to pay up their due and all other propective winning desired.

Stakers are welcome with N50, 000 – The duo of S & S. stakers rescue team is IRRESISTABLE – Welcome.

MAGIC – KINGDOM = 08056753098 / 07085060512

38X 39X 40XXX PAIR 36X 42 As my welcome Nap after 3 weeks trips to united kingdom (UK) on a way forward with my overseas (UK) bases experts / compiler Mr. Duke Ranking to make my customers rich to put a stop to our always cut one, one Naps from week 4 to week 13. Thank God we are now back with new key that will make all stakers millionaires.

The above games is sure and to prepare you for our weeks 16, 17 and 18 Naps cost N25, 000 each week. Payment to Balogun Adesina Kamoru.

FCMBank A/C No – 0279550010, Wma Bank A/c No – 020695116 or G.T. Bank No 0115505082 call – 08056753098/ 07085060512 and win.

DR. B4 DR – 08062748396 (42XX 41)

09X 20X 39XXX – 14F. Watch DERBY on Week Number as stated in our last week advert with reference to week 11 & 14.

Week 11 – 09x 20x 39xxx= MONTH= 09XX Week 14 – 09x 20x 39xxx MONTH= 10XX Following week= weeks 12 and 15= Westham on the first Bar, Wolves on 2nd bar, and Wycombe on last bar= W. W. W. Win. Week 12 – X X X - 41x 42 Week 15 – X X X - 41x 42 Dr B4 Dr winning statement confirmed our authentic winning information on current forms. Again all our week 14 lucky winnersshould pay up their due for week 15 additional NAP= only fresh/properctives clients are to pay N50, 000= Goodluck.

JOSEPH IS BACK – 08167278061

COVENTRY 2 WEEKS GAZETTED WIN ON SUNDAY DATE OF PLAY Congratulations we are back for good to enrich both our old and new clients. Tagged (winning is sweet) 2 weeks free from current economic recession to week 17 first round. Information makes success.

Week 15 — X X X – 22 X 23.

Week 16 —X X X – 29 X 30.

The current special key with Coventry on Sunday date of play 2 weeks winning program is to put smiles to all stakers faces. In which you are ONE = Now — N30,000 = week 16 cost N100,000 = Good luck.

ZENITH CONFIRMED HOME OF WINNERS 08146879314 – (21xx42) 5x13x41x42x

ROTHERHAM – AGAIN HOME 17 ASTON V on month of play 2 in one winning directive on fixed matches with reference to week 11 and week 15 Week 11 = 9x 20x 39xxx – 21x (10 draws) Week 15 = X X X - 21x42x (10 draws) Anniversary winning continues on a designed winning programme to appreciate our Esteem Clients patronage worldwide. At Zenith your investment is our strength – N50,000 – Goodluck.

ATTENTION ALL COMPILERS, OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE —MANAGEMENT.

39

tribunepools

JACOBSON NAP – 07065292905 (22X23)

Week 14 success of 5/5 draws now rented the whole atmosphere. No to promoters dialogue, stakers/punters interest is paramount to us.

CHESTERFIELD ON DATE OF PLAY Controls another 3 fixed draws with conventry as a formidable pair – 22xx23. No much story, we only speak winning language with reference. Congratulation once again.

N50,000 – is your winning PASS.

LAST HOPE 2016 =

08142362005 = 19XX 20

4 Special Draws N6, 000 wk 15 BLUE NO 12X 13X 19X 20X Wk 15 RED No Nap Nap Nap Nap with Nap Nap 4 Special Draws Wk 16 No Nap Nap Nap Nap with Nap Nap WK 17 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP WK 15 NAP NAP NAP with XX. Two Bankers N3000 wk 14 No 9x 12x Pair 19x 20x Wk 15 No Nap Nap Nap. Stakers try to get last Hope 2016. 4 special draws this wk 15 RED cost N6000 and two bankers cost N3000 following wk. 16 to control 4. Special draws cost N6, 000 two bankers cost N3000 send MTN. Card 08103222635.

JOHN SUPER TIPS SPECIAL RELEASE (5XXCBK)

Readers/command coupon No 5xxxcbk to play 1-1 score draw on Saturday Plus 2 others making 3 over 3 on my special Release this week 15 my 3 fixed draws cost N10, 000. Cash while 5 fixed draws cost N20, 000, cash.

I promise weeks 15, 16, 17 by our u.k expert, do not Miss this great opportunity call 09050512097.

MADAM EMILIA –

08068523407 (21 or 31)

THE WINNERS CHOICE OF POOLS STAKERS STAR PAIR FOR WEEK 15 RED (21 or 31XXX) congratulation for our week 14 Result winning line!!!

This Key system is still on for week 15, 16 and 17 with gurateed (3) Nap Draws and a pair on sale each week cost N35, 000. 00. Don’t be left out be part of success. For more information call; 08068523407. Best of Luck to you all…

SHADOW

08087670776 (29 PAIR 30)

If you want to win on pool staking this week 15, call me on my hot line above for my 3 fixed draws and I hot pair and send to me N5, 000 MTN recharge card. You are a winner if you can do so. Thanks.

DOUBLE SHUFFLE OFFERS 34/38 (09052942626)

Our free pair on 13xx/23 was really super last week and the trend is bound to continue this week with our pair on 34/38.

Kindly add the pair with our 1 super Banker which cost N1, 500. 00, 2 Draws cost N3, 000. 00, and 3 Draws cost N15, 000. 00 this week unfailingly.

Take this writ up seriously and enhance your winning chances this week. Start calling 09052942626 for details of payment and handsomely!

PETER NAP 34 PAIR 35 08076546261

Congratulation in advance to any wise and serious staker that will get my release this week as the setting that got 18xx, 19xx, 20xx 3/3, throush 18xx was published free from the pair last week, will get it again cost just N25, 000. 00 pay to saving acct No.: 3023114822 First Bank member is N1 million. Part payment is allowed meanwhile bank on 34 or 35 for X and call on 08076546261 for your draws after payment.

VIC DESTINY BLAST 7X BET 14

NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 MUST PLUS 7X 14X call 09099813819 for enquiries.

The above pair plus 3 others to control your unbeatable winning line this Wk 14 cost price is N15, 000 cash. The price of success is hardwork, dedication to the Job at hand, and determination to win.

ALHAJI SADIKU, TALK OF THE TOWN. 08183573342 BET 17, OR 21.

WK. 14= 10X, 12X, 13X= 3/3

Stakers, my key is set again and it is only for Red coupon. Come Rain, come sunshine, my Nap will play 3/3 correct for Wk 15 Red coupon. Cost N10, 000 cash payable at GTbank to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, accts No. 0030411077.

WEEK. 15 STATUS

LKO – 06 AND 16 SUNDAY – 03 AND 07.

ATTENTION PLEASE!

ALL ADVERTS ARE TO BE FULLY PAID

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

M.B.A EXPERT (08104694618) PAIR – 28XX 38

The pair of Peterboro vs AFC Wimbledon and Hartlepool vs Leyton. O. is not without a purpose.

Both Nos. 28x 38 benefit from at least 2 different angles from the week/ Dates of play Pools computation again, punters who Cherish long/short permutations should consider the under listed puzzuled nos mission accomplished.

They are not the usual 1 or 2 but scattered Nos. 10x 26, 28x 45, 28x 11, 27x 29, 38x 47 Now, match each pair accurately to form thyme e.g. – 45x 47 etc.

Some other things can be unusual but there seems to be nothing unusual in pools betting as everything has put in place by the pools regulation body PPA. Why 28 or 38? Call or text – 0810469618. Goodluck.

PARTRICK SURE WIN IS UNSTOPABLE. 08154836338 =(33 MUST 23).

09X 19X 41XX – 12X 18X FREE = 5/5.

Week 12 and 14 – Southed on Walsall ON 3RD BAR WATCH READING ON No 18XXX as stated in our last week advert = Westbrom, Wigan, 12X 18X 41XXX confirmed from weeks 12 and 14 fixed win and our promised 3/3, 5/5 delivered. CONFIRMED WIN AGAIN ON CURRENT DRAWS. COVENTRY and COLCHESTER on SAME DIGIT. Week 5 — 10X 31X 42XXX C.C = 27X 37X Week 15 — X X X C.C = 23X 33X 10 -10 weeks scheduled win is at it again no much story our records say it all. Partick the English man draws management pay centre call & win. Be a beneficiary. Sorry for the slight increase this week N50,000 = winners never quit. Welcome & good luck.

NAZAR MASTER COMMEND STAKERS

The leading pools company in Oyo state and environs Nazar Master Pools company Limited Ibadan continued to receive commendation from stakers and other stakeholders in the pools industry for paying winnings on time without delay.

The pools company made this know in a statement made available to TRINBUNE POOLS during the week.

According to Nazar Master we have been overwhelmed by the words of encouragement we receive daily from stakers and other stakeholders.

We have no choice than continue to maintain the standard and even do more by paying bigger dividends on our Trebble chance odd and pay winning on fixed odd as and when due.

IKECHUKWU & BROS INT. – 08168157259 (11XX 12)

WEEK 14 – LIVERPOOL – MAN UTD= 05X 12X 41XXX 10X Reference to week 27 – 2016= everton, Ipswich and 41. By No= xxx month of play= 4/4.

Following week XXX Pair Barnsley must Blackburn Week 28 – 2016 – 10x 21x 40xxx Blackburn= 16xx Week 15 – 2016/17 – X X X - Barnsley/Blackburn 11 must 12 as twin as other 3 fixed matches.

Contact Ike & Bros. Universal draw scheduled winning programe N25, 000= again. Call for your payment details. Goodluck.

BEST BARGAIN INTERNATIONAL – 08092621480 WK 15 – 41XBK

Coupon No. 44 saved promoters last week as our game played 2/3 with 13xx, 44, 48xx.

However, it was a sign of better things to come as our game will get 3/3 and 4/4 correct.

There is no hiding place for the Promoters again. The Bookmarkers and the Pools panel are now up to the lask.

Membership registration remains N250, 000. Call me on 08092621480 for further details and discussions.

HOPE WITH 3 DRAWS AGAIN

PAIR 12X 27X PHONE 08107128449 Mr. Stephen Gbadebo A. compiler of Hope Naps & co said his 3 direct draws for this week 15 and week 16 cost N20, 000 per each week.

Interested stakers to pay N20, 000 cash to First Bank Plc in the name of Stephen Gbadebo A. Account No. 3088328923 you will receive our 3 Draws when your payment is confirmed. Pair 12x 27x.

WITH CONFIDENCE= 08166222529, 08139714848= 28XX 29XX

Two Bankers= N5000 Wk 15 RED NO RED RED PAIR 28 NAP 29 Two Banker= N5000 Wk 16 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP Two Bankers N5000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP One Bankers= N2500 Wk 11 RED No 29x Pair 20x 21x Wk 12 No 34X PAIR 11F 12X WK 13 No 11x Pair 42x 43 One Bankers= N2500 Wk 08 No 33x Pair 15F 17x Wk 09 No 28x Pair 23x 40x Wk 10 No 34x Pair 6x 14x Wk 11 No 15x 34x Pair 28 29x Wk 12 No 34x Pair 11f 12x Wk 13 No 11x Pair X 13x 42x Wk 14 No 12x Wk 15 No Nap. League Table Two Bankers= N3000 Wk10 No 20x 34x Pair 14x 17x Wk 13 No 32x 33x PAIR 34x 42x Wk 14 No 13x 19x pair 5x 6f Wk 15 RED No Nap Nap Nap Pair XX. Wk 16 No Nap Nap. League Table Two Bankers= N3000 Wk 11 RED NO 20x 39 Pair 29x 30x wk 12 no 31X 41X PAIR 9X 10X. wk 13 No 32x 33x Pair 34x 42x Wk 14 No 13x 19x wk 15 No Nap Nap. One Banker N2000 Wk 07 No 34x Pair29x 34x Wk 08 No 33x Pair 21x Wk 09 No 10x pair 26x 27x Wk 10 No 17x Pair 14x 15f Wk 11 No 34x Pair 29x 30x WK 12 27x Pair 9x 10x wk 13 No Nap 42x Pair 3x 8x. Wk 14 No 39x Pair 5x 6 Stakers try to get with Confidence two Bankers this Wk 15 RED cost N5000 two N2500 League table two Bankers cost N3000 one Bankers cost N2000 we set for 6 Wks operations. Wk 12. 13. 14. 15.

Send MTN Card 08166222529. The game will send to you by text message. 08139714848.

SUPER TRIPLE SPICE-

Last Week was a Super week on our 2 Drs of 10xx – 48xx as we now offer 31/41 (08035324990) We were proud to offer nos 10xx/ 48xx for 2 super dares last week. Fans are urged to stick to the use of Nos 31/41 as the surest pair of the week.

Add the duo to our one sure banker and have your 2/3. Our 1bk cost only N1, 500. 00. 2 Dras sell for N3, 000. 00 and 3 sure Draws sell for N25, 000. 00 on 08035324990. Remain blessed.

ADEOTI SYNDICATE 07051327960

FOR F.A. CUP RD. ONE & A. WEEK AFTER CUP 1.

TRY NOS:- 11X 21X 49X FOR 2 DRAWS (20XX 40) Our next released will be coming up in F.A cup Rd. one and a week after F. A. cup 1 cost you N5, 000 cash. Each week and send it to Ahmed Shafiri A/C Nos:- 2001788431 Zenith Bank Ibadan or MTN Card of N5, 000.

The game will be send to you after confirmation of your payment. Those who like pair can take 20x 40 Join the above three Nap. Watch next week Thursday Tribune for full details.

MADAM FALETI 08038245181 BET 8 OR 10

WK. 14 NAP= 9XX, 19XX, 39XX= 3/3.

Another 3/3 correct Nap awaits all interested stakers in weeks 15 and 16. Cost N10, 000 cash per week. Pay at First Bank to Mrs. Sanmi Faleti Abiodun, A/C No. 3007847537.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH TEXT MESSAGE OF WRITE UP WITHOUT ADVERT IS REGARDED VOID . PLACE YOUR ADVERT FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF YOUR FORECAST. THANKS POOLS EDITOR

Thursday,20 - 26 October, 2016 AKIN MR AKIN –

07067202291 (12 MUST 23)

BRISTOL. C. MUST COVENTRY. WIN – WIN- WIN – Our long awaiting special 2weeks naps to first round cup is correctly approved by the P.P.A board win from week 15 to week 18, a week after cup. The above pair is a must as a case study and other scheduled/fixed draws. Starting fee – N25,000 = doubt fee. Goodluck.

LAWRENCE NAP 08160052969 FOR CUP WK 17

Last week result on our 4 gazetted draws scores 3 over 4 correct on Nos 9x 18x 20x 35f ¾ glory be to God because we are the best on pool forcast in Nigeria. Stay with us and join winners club with one Millionaira.

Another release comes up in week 17, F. A. cup (1) 4 gazetted draws cost N100, 000. Cash. I congratulate all buyer. Call 08160052969.

MAN CITY SYSTEM

08166222529= 09038633666= 25XX 26

RELEASE WINNER MEMBERSHIP ENGLISH 2016 N50, 000 ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET N30, 000 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 15 RED No NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH 25. 26 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 14 NO 19X 20X 39X 41X= 4/4 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 16 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 WK 17 NO CUP CUP CUPCUP Two bankers N3, 000 Wk 14 NO 19X 20X WK 15 NO NAP NAP Two bankers N3, 000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP Stakers try to get MANCITY 4 Stakers draws this Wk 15 cost N3000, two Bankers this Wk 15 cost N3000.

Send MTN Card to 08166222529, 09038633666. Winner membership English 2016, N50, 000 English system booklet N30, 000.

VOLVO NAP 08059580326 28 PAIR 31

WEEK 14 RESULT= 18XX 19XX 20XX (41XX PAIR 42XX) VOLVO Nap is now call pool promoter killer. Last week 14, he scored 5 over 5 correct. Another 3 Nap draws and I hot pair in week 16 cost N25, 000 cash. Call me on my line above for my bank account number for payment. Please don’t miss it. (28x 31).

RIGHT TIME 08054282579 NOS 15X 16X 17X FOR 2 DRAWS.

This is your time win Pools, Good News to all stakers if you can follow Experts to Prepare you for our week 16 release at rate of N30, 000. The above 3, games is for 2 draws No going back promoters on the run, while stakers on the moon call for details. Goodluck.

MAC ANTHONY NAP 15XX 25XX 08069048857

KEY: Norwich & Millwall, Nap XXX= 3 fixed draws at N15, 000 only payable @ UBA to Engr, Michael Akam, acct No. 2029382770.

A trial winning make you a winner.

Weeks 16, 17, 18 wk 19 operation cost price is N20, 000 each week stay connected & keep winning.

SIR MICHAEL NAP (8 PAIR 16) 09091874579

The setting that got 10xx, 11xx, 12xx 3/3 in week 13 wid get it again this week cost just N20, 00.

00 call for acct no or mode of payment. Do not miss it.

MAITO NAP – (19XX 37) 08030785634/09081225091 Sure win at Maito super winning pay point on Grinsby on 37, it controls 3 sure draws and the above pair. Cost N25, 000= Payment to Sule Ishola at Wema Bank No0221601707. Call for your winning

MALLAM BAWA MUSA THE GREAT!!!

08052506287 PAIR 29, OR 49. WK. 14= 39X, 41X, 42X. PAIR 9X, 18X. Hearty congratulations to all who bought my Nap for week 14 that scored 3/3 and 5/5 all correct on 39x, 41x, 42x, pair 9x, 18x.

Please don’t fail to pay your appreciation promptly, no story! No excuse!! Weeks 15, 16 will score 3/3 correct again. Cost N15, 000 cash weekly. Payments at Access Bank, to Mallam Musa Ibrahim Bawa, accts No. 0042075587.

DR. SAM – 08084077244

WIN=08X17X21X42X12X23X Our introductory free win is stated above.

Prepare to win in weeks 16, 17 & 18 with N100, 000.

DR. NICHOLAS NAP – 09066465222.

Week 15 – KEY winning instruction.

CHESTERFILED ON COVENTRY AT HOME 22 MUST 23= and X X X. 3 controlled draws on gazette and the above sure MUST WIN= on 3/3 – and 4/5.

Again fixed draws are always on pools Panel draw designed and only unveiled through their directives.= N50, 000= Chesterfield, Coventry on 2 dates of play= N50, 000= again.

NEW VICTORIOUS VICTOR & ASSOCIATES. 3 WKS NAP 08126994034= SILENT ACHIEVER.

8 – 8 YEARS= 3 WEEKS FIXED NAPS. KEY= Week 13’ 2008 and Week 13’ 2016.

Wk. 13= 2008 — 2x 3x 4xxx NAP. WK 13 2016 — Wk. 14= 2008 — 11x 12x 13xxx NAP WK 14 2016 — 18X 19X 20X Wk 15 = 2008 — 13x 14x 15xx NAP WK 16 2016 — X X X The contact that connected 2008 – Wks. 13 – 15 Naps is due to work in another dimensions again. WK 15, 2016= N50, 000 NEW CLIENT ONLY. HONESTY AND INTEGRITY VENTURES ON 5 WEEKS OPERATION – WKS. 15, 16, 17, 18 AND 19. (35XX 30) (07019154754) Don’t be doubting Thomas week 15 free pair 35/30. Call now for your free draws. Your winning is sure. (Call & Win) 07019154754. (35X 30X)

FINLAND

ONE BANKER WK 14 N2000 X19X

WK 15 RED

TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 14 NO 18X 20X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

DENMARK

ONE BANKER WK 14 N2000 X20X

WK 15 RED

TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 14 NO 12X 13X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

BARNET

ONE BANKER WK 14 N2000 X18X

WK 15 RED

TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 14 NO 39X 41X 4 BANKERS. COST N10,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

CHUBY POOLS INTERNATIONAL WK 15, SOLID GIFT: 11, 12, 14. TEL: 08163631159.

DEAR LOVELY FANS,

I sincerely apologies for last week I am very sorry for making you loose those money. I made a very big mistake for the information I used last week, kindly bear with me and make use of this three games for two draws. You must recover all the money you loose because my error. Our 3 Draws wk 15, will only cost N10, 000 cash. For 29, stakers that brought our game last week, kindly call me with only N5, 000 for direct 3 Draws. Kindly put your self together and call me. Call for account details. C o n t a c t p h o n e : 0 8 1 6 3 6 3 11 5 9 .

PORTUGAL

COROATIA

NAP NAP

NAP NAP

TWO BANKER WK 15 N3,000

WK 16 PURPLE NAP NAP

TURKEY

TWO BANKER WK 15 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 15 N3,000

WK 16 PURPLE

WK 16 PURPLE

NAP NAP

NAP NAP

NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038633666 TONY NAP - 10, 23, 33 PAIR 2 & 24

G.S.M 08067236910

MADAM DE MADAM – 08023329191 (23XX 24)

2010 – 2016 = lets go achieve & WIN Did you aware that Newcastle played their last match with Ipswich since week 40 = date of play = 24th/25th April 2010 – now week 15 = of 22/23rd October 2016 = 2010 – 2016 = 6yrs records always on 11-draws = I mean 11 draws reference to your 2009/2010 = Draws record.

Week 40 – 2010 = 17x 26x 30xxx = 23x 11draws Week 15 – 2016 = X X X = 23xx 24 NB: The two dates of play to form a formidable twin = Sunday date of play? on 11 draws.

Please don’t compromise your winning this week. Call our media manager for your winning details. N50,000 = Goodluck.

MID-WEEK OFFERS 3-36 (08087176217)

Your Juicy Mid-Week is glad to offer all punters coupon Nos 3 to 36 this week. It is bound to produce a good draw, if not the 2. Use the pair maximally by adding them with our 1Bk draw at a cost of only N1, 500. 00.

Our 2 draws sell for N3, 000. 00, 3 sure draws sell for N15, 000. 00 this week on 08087176217. This is your time to win . don’t miss it.

INNOCENT NAP (08095602590) 28 NAP 29

ENGLISH N30, 000 WINNER MEMBERSHIP GROUP A. N50, 000 ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET N30, 000= Wk 15 Blue No Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4 WITH 28 29 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk16 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 17 CUP 1 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP Two Bankers Wk 11 No 20x 34x Pair 14x 15x Wk 12 No 10X 32X PAIR 26F 34X wk13 No 11x 12x Pair 3x 14x Wk 14 No 12X 20X WK 15 No Nap Nap Wk 17 cup cup Stakers try to get Innocent 4 special draw this Wk 15 cost N6, 000 Two Bankers cost N4000.

Send MTN Card 08095602590 the game will be sent to you by text message 08095502590

IKECHUKWU & BROS INT. – 08168157259 (11XX 12)

WEEK 14 – LIVERPOOL – MAN UTD= 05X 12X 41XXX 10X Reference to week 27 – 2016= everton, Ipswich and 41. By No= xxx month of play= 4/4.

Following week XXX Pair Barnsley must Blackburn Week 28 – 2016 – 10x 21x 40xxx Blackburn= 16xx Week 15 – 2016/17 – X X X - Barnsley/Blackburn 11 must 12 as twin as other 3 fixed matches.

Contact Ike & Bros. Universal draw scheduled winning programe N25, 000= again. Call for your payment details. Goodluck.

WINNER CODE 505 08135637650 (23 NAP 22)

UK SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 13 NO 10X 11X WK 14

NO 19x 20x wk 15 No Nap Nap POWER X POWER N2000 WK 13 NO 14X 15X WK 14 NO 9x 13x WK 15 NAP NAP Wk 16 No Nap Nap Winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 Wk 13 No 3x 8x Wk 14 No 18x 19x Wk 15 Nap Nap. Adesure Nap two Bankers N2000 Wk 13 No 11x 12x Wk 14 No 5x 6f Wk 15 Nap Nap 4 Expert. 4 Special Draws this Wk 15 cost N25, 000 Wk 13 No 10x 14x 15x 17x Wk 14 No 13x 18x 19x 20x= 4/4= 4/4 Cost N25, 000 Wk 14 Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4. Send MTN Card 0813560750. The Game will send to you by text message.

WEEK 14 XRAY

What! The credible compilers of your reliable Nigerian Tribune Pools page put promoters into another trouble last week in many states the goaless draws between Liverpool & Chelsea saved promoters finance to half payment on 1 – 12 odd.

No hidden place for promoters again as promised by our compilers to unmasked fixed draws weekly in preparation for the 1st round cup in week 17.

Emirates, Madam Emilia and Fortune Naps had fantasticfree win to readers/ Stakers on 3 sure draws winning spree for free!

Our 2 banker draws Experts added immesurable value to all stakers winning dividends, Triple Spice, Ibunkun Olu. The Lilies and the Real English man Mr Patrick sure win gave good account of their information while our pair Experts are always on track with fulfilled promises, Adeoti Fortune Donor, David super, Peter, Alhaji Sadiku, 4 members, Dr. Sam, Vic Destiny, With Confidence, Godwin, Mallam Bawa-Musa, Victory at last and your consistence Zenith home of winners.

Official secret it is better you join the winning team by partnership with our Pools page compilers.

Please stop requesting for free games it ruins. 3draws cost a large sum and a draw. Please appreciate our compilers to serve you better.

HAPPY WINNING.

SIDELINES

NO 16,615

N150

THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2016

T

HE cost of running government in Nigeria is astronomically high. “ The Senate of Nigeria with 109 members has 54 committees.

The House of Representatives has 360 members and 84 committees. The Senate of the United States of America with 100 members and the House of Representatives with 435 members have only 21 committees each. I consider that there is a need for the government to visit some of the recommendations of the last constitutional conference that “elected members of the legislative arms of all the tiers of government should serve on parttime basis”.

On the 1st October, 2016, Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi delivered a speech on the cost of governance in Nigeria. He stated clearly that if the cost of governance is reduced, Nigeria would easily overcome many of its current economic challenges. He identified the running of state governments in Nigeria as one of the means by which much needed funds are wasted. Giving a summary of the speech, one online publication reported as follows: “Peter Obi said if the huge cost of governance in Nigeria today is reduced, Nigerian governments at various levels will have enough money from the country’s income to execute their projects and programmes.

According to the former governor, many state governments spend on things that could be done away with. He also highlighted that some other spending can be reduced to help the government save and spend more on other sustainable projects.

“Out of the N11.4 trn expenditure expected this year, the states have N5.4 trn. I believe out this N5.4 trn, we can save N1 trn and we won’t borrow that,” Obi said.

The federal government’s 2016 Budget is about N8 trn. According to the FG, the country’s oil and non-oil revenues will only give N6 trn, creating a deficit of N2 trn. The government says it has plans to borrow the rest of the needed money in order to adequately implement the budget.

Peter Obi stated that over N1 trn can be saved from cutting off some excesses in government spending. He said about 12-15 percent of the allocation [estimated N600 – N800 bn] to states is used in

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

An Army Staff Sergeant has been sentenced to three years imprisonment and demoted for tying up a teenager who allegedly stole his money, causing him to lose one of his hands. Lesson: those who fail to manage their anger will often be forced to manage life in prison.

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Peter Obi’s comment on cost of governance: Need for government to act running the Office of the Governor. “If you decide to reduce it to between 3-5 percent, the cost will be between N200 – N300 bn.

Thereby, you [will] save about N450 – N600 bn,” Obi noted.

Based on his experience as a governor, he also stated that competitive procurement by state governments can help them save up to N600 bn in a fiscal year. Obi went on to explain that more money could be saved by doing away with the unconstitutional Office of the First Lady that is been operated in most Nigerian states today. At the same time, he said the number of cars in governors’ convoys can be reduced too. “…

If you look at what I have showed you now, you are going to save over a trillion naira, and I can tell you it is practical,” he said.

Obi’s speech focused on state governments, leaving out the federal government that incur more than 50 percent of the country’s total expenditure.

Notable among many reducible expenses incurred by the FG, the Presidential Air Fleet has not less than 10 aircraft on it and as at August this year, the government had spent over N19 bn on maintenance in the last one year.”

Mr Obi’s statement could not have come at a better time particularly as the Nigerian economy is currently in recession following years of mismanagement and over dependence on oil revenue. That he is a former governor who has witnessed firsthand the wastage in governance in Nigeria makes his comments more profound. Furthermore, his statement mirrors the views which I have canvassed on numerous occasions on the high cost of governance in Nigeria.

Need for urgent change Nigeria at the moment operates a

bicameral legislative system comprising of the Senate and the House of Representatives. At the state level, there are 36 Houses of Assembly and 774 local governments. The executive at the Federal level comprises of the President and a high number of ministers. At all levels, there are special advisers, personal assistants, secretary, orderlies etc. Owing to constitutional requirement that each state be represented on the federal cabinet, some ministries have too ministers assigned to them. Interestingly, the Federal cabinet in the United States of America consists of about 20 persons much less than the number in Nigeria.

The states are also not left out as each state has an equally high number of Commissioners. At the federal level, the judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and National Industrial Court. In addition each State has its own High Court comprising of a Chief Judge and a number of High Court Judges.

The effect of the above is that the cost of running government in Nigeria is astronomically high. It is reported that the Senate of Nigeria with 109 members has 54 committees and that the House of Representatives with 360 members has 84 committees. However, the Senate of the United States of America with 100 members and the House of Representatives with 435 members have only 21 committees each. Yet in Nigeria, each committee receives funding for its activities including salaries and emoluments for the members. It is estimated that it costs about N320 million to maintain a legislator per annum.

According to a former minister, Federal legislators and their support staff at the

National Assembly spend about N150 billion a year.

It is on the basis of the above that I still consider that there is a need for the government to visit some of the recommendations of the past last constitutional conference.

Although the Conference failed to recommend an abolition of the Bicameral System of Government it nevertheless made a very profound recommendation at page 187 of its report wherein it is stated as follows: “Elected members of the legislative arms of all the tiers of government should serve on part-time basis;” In summary, the Conference by the above, recommended a situation in which membership of the legislative arms of government would no longer be considered to be a full time employment.

All persons elected to the legislature would thus be expected to have regular jobs and would only sit in the hallowed chambers of the national assembly on occasions that require legislative business. To describe this as a recommendation of seismic proportions would be an understatement.

It would force many politicians who at the moment view membership of the national assembly as a means of wealth acquisition to have a rethink. It would make membership of the national assembly less attractive for such politicians. Further it would ensure that only persons who are truly interested in public service vie for such offices. It would also reduce the huge cost of governance in Nigeria. Avenues for drain of the public purse such as constituency grants may well become a thing of the past. The earlier this is done the better it will be for Nigeria.

•Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, FCIArb, FNSE

World Cup qualifier: FIFA picks Gassama to officiate Nigeria /Algeria match

Mikel

FOOTBALL’S world ruling body, FIFA, has appointed Gambian official, Bakary Papa Gassama as referee for next month’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria and Algeria, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The matchday 2 encounter between two of the fiercest rivals in African football will see Jean-Claude Birumushahu from Burundi as assistant referee 1, Marwa Range from Kenya as assistant referee 2 and Gassama’s compatriot, Maudo Jallow as fourth official.

FIFA has also appointed Jean-Olivier Mbera from Gabon as referee assessor, Ghanaian Anthony Baffoe as match com-

missioner and Nicholas Chumba Musonye from Kenya as security officer.

Gassama, 37, who has been an international referee since 2008, is one of the most respected referees in Africa. He has already been appointed as referee for this year’s CAF Champions League final second leg clash between Zamalek of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, taking place in Alexandria on Sunday, October 23.

Birumushahu and Range will also be part of the officiating crew for that match, at which Nigeria’s Paul Bassey will serve as General Coordinator.

Group B leaders, Nigeria welcome the Fennecs to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, No-

vember 12 in one of the most anticipated matches of the matchday 2 of the African qualifying race.

2017 TOTAL AFRICA NATIONS CUP DRAW Group A (LIBREVILLE)

Gabon Burkina Faso Cameroon Guinea Bissau Group C (OYEM)

Ivory Coast DR Congo Morocco Togo

Group B (FRANCEVILLE)

Algeria Tunisia Senegal Zimbabwe

Group D (PORT-GENTIL)

Ghana Mali Egypt Uganda

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 20/10/2016.